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Farmers’ Markets to expand nationwide – Agri Minister P14

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

Issue No. 6600

THE BEACON OF TRUTH THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

PRICE $100 VAT INCLUDED

EU urged to ease travel burden for …as Pres Ali raps Guyanese Schengen visa woes

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Unpaid workers picket Port P15 Mourant NDC

Page 3

SOTIC 2026

“We have to go bigger” – Pres Ali urges Caribbean to pursue luxury tourism

Local forensic P2 toxicology capacity expanded to speed up criminal probes

Pages 5&7

Woman nabbed with ganja hidden in package for P10 prisoner

Guyana joins global parliamentary talks in Tanzania P16

...communities, small businesses must benefit from tourism development – regional officials Overloading outlets, ExxonMobil to undertake overcharging Page pipeline 11 devices can Page maintenance cause fires 11 – fire officer warns ahead of GtE start-up MV Barima tragedy

No assumptions about responsibility before examining evidence – Commissioner

…says budget available to cover transportation, accommodation for witnesses …salvage of vessel could begin this month See stories on pages 8 & 10

Colombian delegation explores investment opportunities P16 in Guyana

“Whatever you choose, do it well” – Finance Minister tells JC Chandisingh P15 graduates

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Local forensic toxicology capacity expanded to speed up criminal probes

Participants taking part in a four-week training programme being conducted in collaboration with the National Forensic Sciences University of India

uyana is strengthening its capacity to conduct forensic toxicology testing locally as Police and forensic laboratory personnel undergo specialised training aimed at improving the scientific support available to criminal investigations. According to Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond, in a social media post, nine participants,

three from the Guyana Police Force and six from the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory, are taking part in a four-week training programme being conducted in collaboration with the National Forensic Sciences University of India. The programme builds on toxicology testing already being conducted in Guyana and is intended to

expand the range of testing that can be done locally. According to Minister Walrond, the initiative will also reduce the need to send samples overseas and shorten the time investigators have to wait for test results. Forensic toxicology, she said, can assist investigators in determining whether drugs, alcohol, poisons or other substances are

linked to a crime or death. Timely results can help investigators establish what occurred, identify relevant evidence and advance cases. Walrond said strengthening local expertise is important to the delivery of justice, particularly in cases where families and victims are awaiting answers. “Behind every forensic result is an investigation,

and often a victim or family waiting for answers. The longer investigators wait for critical evidence, the longer a case can take to move forward,” she said. “We are building the expertise here in Guyana so that more testing can be done locally and results can be available sooner. That means stronger investigations, better evidence before the courts and a justice

system better equipped to deliver timely outcomes.” The training is also bringing Police investigators and laboratory personnel together to strengthen the handling of evidence throughout the investigative process. This includes the collection and preservation of evidence, as well as its analysis and application during investigations.

NEWS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENING

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, October 8 – 15:00h–16:30h and Friday, October 9 – 15:35h–17:05h.

EU urged to ease travel burden for Guyanese …as President Ali raps Schengen visa woes

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Cloudy skies are expected to clear to late-afternoon sunshine, followed by clear skies at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East-North-Easterly to Easterly between 3.12 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 15:08h reaching a maximum height of 2.58 metres. Low Tide: 08:42h and 21:02h reaching minimum heights of 0.67 metre and 0.60 metre.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2026

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COMMODITIES Indicators Crude Oil

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Bid/Ask

President Dr Irfaan Ali

t a time when more and more countries around the world are seeking closer ties with Guyana, including making access more efficient, President Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday rapped the European Union (EU), saying that it needed to modernise its visa application process to make the process easier for Guyanese travellers. Speaking at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2026, being held in Georgetown, the Head of State lamented the continued troubles Guyanese are forced to endure in order to travel to European countries, especially the Schengen region. “We can’t build partnerships and friendships like that, where people have to spend four days to get a visa before they travel to your country. And you want to host international conferences, so you invite us to all of the beautiful conferences that we want to attend, but we have to invest four days before we get the visa to attend… The modern world can’t be that complicated,” President Ali declared. For years, Guyana has been pushing for visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen area, thus allowing for seamless travel across 29 European countries – 25 of which are Member States of the EU. Currently, Schengen visas are being processed at the French Embassy in Georgetown but only for travellers heading to France. Guyanese travelling to other Schengen countries have to go to Suriname to obtain a visa – something which President Ali believes should no longer be the case. “We have to travel to Trinidad and Suriname to get biometrics to do [the visa]. In a day of digitisation and AI, we have the EU that is operating from a Stone Age kind of operation, and they’re our friends, we can tell them frankly… You can get the biometrics of anybody and know if they’re a criminal or if they’re a good person in a couple of seconds,” he asserted. At the time, the Guyanese Head of State was outlining to Caribbean stakeholders the importance of easy access to travel between coun-

tries, noting that other regions around the world have already moved in this direction. “You can move to Greece, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, China, and the Philippines, then within the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) – Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE (United Arab Emirates). That entire circuit [has] flights almost every hour, between one hour and two and a half, three hours. That is how connected, and they have built the infrastructure to create that ecosystem.” “The same thing is happening in Latin America: an ecosystem through infrastructure is being created with connectivity. It’s the same thing with the European Union, the ecosystem that is being created. [But] the Middle East is ahead of them because you have the electronic visas that are easy to get. Here, the European Union is still backward in this region,” the Guyanese leader posited. Just last week, Guyana’s Foreign Affairs and

International Cooperation Ministry announced that Guyanese passport holders travelling to Saudi Arabia will now benefit from a visa on arrival or an electronic visa (e-visa). Previously, Guyanese were required to go through an embassy or agent to obtain a visa before travelling to the Middle Eastern country or have a valid United States (US), United Kingdom (UK) or Schengen visa in order to qualify for a visa on arrival or electronic visa (e-visa). But through intensified bilateral relations between Guyana and the Kingdom of

Schengen region, but no further progress on this has been reported. However, the opening of the French Embassy in Georgetown in September last year has resulted in the number of Schengen visas issued being doubled, moving from about 150 to more than 350. In May, French Ambassador to Guyana, Olivier Plançon, had assured that his office is working to enhance the visa application and issuance process here, which he says comes with a lot of diplomatic complexity. “Please also be mindful of the fact that the Schengen

Saudi Arabia, Guyanese will no longer need to obtain the visa beforehand. This is one of a series of countries around the world that have lifted visa requirements for Guyanese passport holders in recent years. Back in November 2022, the United Kingdom lifted the visa requirement for Guyanese travellers. At the time, President Ali had disclosed that at least five European countries have agreed to support Guyana’s bid for visa-free travel to the

visa is a gateway to no less than 27 countries, and our visa policy has to be coordinated with all of them actually. That being said, we are constantly striving to streamline the visa issuance process, and we are well aware that improvements are needed and expected,” Ambassador Plançon noted. Previously, the French diplomat had explained that the long-term goal is visa-free travel between the two countries and the wider European Union.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

guyanatimesgy.com

Views Scenes at State House on Tuesday evening, during a welcome reception hosted by President Dr Irfaan Ali and First Lady Arya Ali, for delegates attending the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) in Guyana, which is being attended by nearly 300 delegates (President Dr Irfaan Ali/Facebook) Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Caribbean tourism, natural beauty & bigger vision

he Caribbean has long enjoyed an enviable advantage in the global tourism industry. Its beaches, tropical climate, biodiversity, culture, and distinctive communities have made the region a sought-after destination for travellers from around the world. But as competition intensifies and the expectations of travellers change, those natural advantages can no longer be treated as sufficient in themselves. This is the central message from President Dr Irfaan Ali at the opening of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO)’S State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2026 in Georgetown. Themed “Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable, and Inclusive”, the conference has brought together Governments, investors, tourism businesses and other stakeholders to examine the direction of an industry that remains critical to the Caribbean economy. President Ali’s call for the region to “scale up” its thinking deserves serious consideration. The issue is about developing tourism products that respond to where the international market is heading while ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach wider sections of Caribbean societies. The global tourism market is changing, and travellers are increasingly seeking distinctive experiences, high-quality hospitality, entertainment, sporting events, wellness facilities, cultural encounters and nature-based attractions. Countries and regions that recognise these changes and invest accordingly will be better positioned to capture a greater share of international tourism spending. Countries in the Middle East have invested in luxury hospitality, major sporting events, entertainment and supporting infrastructure to establish themselves as global tourism destinations. The Caribbean may not possess the financial resources to replicate those investments individually, but that should not prevent the region from adopting the underlying principle, think bigger, plan strategically and invest in products that can compete internationally. This is where regional cooperation becomes particularly important. The Caribbean consists of small individual markets, many of which face limitations in land, capital, transportation and infrastructure. Collectively, however, the region possesses a remarkably diverse tourism offering. Greater cooperation could allow Caribbean countries to market multiple destinations as part of a broader tourism experience while jointly pursuing major international events. President Ali’s suggestion that the region could identify a number of major events to pursue collectively by 2035 provides one example of the type of strategic thinking required. Such an approach would demand investment in airports, roads, ports, hotels, entertainment facilities and other infrastructure. It would also require coordination among Governments and the Private Sector. Connectivity must be at the heart of the region’s tourism strategy, as it is of little benefit to promote a diverse Caribbean tourism experience if moving efficiently between destinations remains difficult or expensive. A stronger regional tourism product requires easier movement of visitors, better air and sea links and more integrated travel arrangements. Important also is the need to encourage investment in experiences beyond the traditional hotel-and-beach model. Guyana is particularly well positioned to explore this approach as its rainforest, rivers, biodiversity, wildlife, and Indigenous communities provide the foundations for tourism products that can distinguish the country from more established Caribbean destinations. President Ali’s proposal for a world-class tropical forest night safari is precisely the kind of concept that demonstrates how natural assets can be transformed into innovative commercial experiences rather than simply admired as attractions. This does not mean sacrificing sustainability for development. On the contrary, the future of Caribbean tourism depends on protecting the very resources that make the region attractive. The conference’s emphasis on smart, sustainable and inclusive tourism recognises that development and conservation must advance together. Natural beauty is an asset, but an asset must be developed, promoted and continually enhanced to maintain its value. Other destinations are investing heavily in infrastructure, technology and new experiences. Standing still, therefore, amounts to falling behind. The Private Sector has an important role to play in this transformation. Governments can provide policy, land, infrastructure and incentives, but sustainable tourism development requires investors prepared to identify opportunities and take calculated risks. The region must create an environment in which innovative tourism concepts can attract serious capital. SOTIC 2026 comes at an appropriate time and should use the conference as a platform for establishing measurable regional priorities towards 2035. Research, market intelligence, investment, connectivity, technology, and sustainability must translate into defined programmes with deadlines and accountability. President Ali’s fundamental point is straightforward; the Caribbean cannot depend indefinitely on what nature has already provided. It must build upon those advantages.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

guyanatimesgy.com

News

SOTIC 2026

Communities, small businesses must benefit from tourism development – regional officials …Guyana receives Green Destinations Country Baseline Assessment Award

s regional leaders and stakeholders gathered in Georgetown to examine the opportunities and challenges confronting the future of Caribbean tourism, emphasis has been placed on ensuring that the people, communities and businesses that shape the region reap the benefits of the industry. Guyana is hosting the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s (CTO) State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2026 this week. The five-day conference, which runs from October 5 to 9 under the theme “Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive”, has brought together 336 delegates from across the Caribbean and beyond. Reflecting on the theme, outgoing Chairman of CTO Ian Gooding-Edghill called for technology to be leveraged to enhance the competitiveness of the region’s tourism industry and for the assets that make the Caribbean unique to be protected. Gooding-Edghill – who currently serves as the Minister of Tourism and International Transport in Barbados – went on to underscore, however, that an inclusive tourism future must ensure that the benefits of the industry continue to reach the people. “Tourism should create opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses. It should provide meaningful careers for our young people. It should elevate our culture, creativity and heritage. And it should ensure that the communities that make our destinations special have a voice and a stake in tourism’s success. Because ultimately, our strongest measure of our progress is not simply how many visitors arrive on our shores; it is how tourism improves the lives of the people who call the Caribbean home,” the CTO Chair posited during the SOTIC 2026 opening ceremony. Similar sentiments were echoed by Guyana’s Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues in her remarks. She too believes that being “smart, sustainable, and inclusive” are interconnected and must shape the next generation of Caribbean tourism. “The future of tourism cannot simply be about getting more people to more places. It has to be about being smarter in how we

plan, use technology, and understand our visitors. More sustainable in how we develop destinations and protect our environment, and more inclusive in ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism reach the people and communities who are the foundation of the visitor experience,” Rodrigues stated. In fact, the Minister noted that the future of tourism cannot be discussed without talking about communities and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. She stressed that there must be an ecosystem that ensures benefits are redounded to communities and its small businesses. “A visitor travelling into the Rupununi, staying at a community lodge, purchasing a locally made craft, eating food sourced from local producers, or engaging a local guide should create value that remains within that community. The tourism ecosystem must therefore be designed so that the growth of one part of the industry creates opportunities for another,” she noted. The Minister pointed out that while the Government is responsible for building infrastructure, policy, and standards, the real strength of tourism comes when communities, entrepreneurs, investors, and larger businesses are connected to that ecosystem. According to Minister Rodrigues, Guyana is already moving in this direction by ensuring that communities and small businesses in the local tourism sector have easy access to financing. To this end, she noted that the newly launched Guyana Development Bank is relevant to the tourism conversation, as it gives tourism businesses and SMEs access to zero-interest collateral-free loans of up to GY$3 million to start or grow their businesses. “Tourism is constantly championed by people with ideas, products, and experiences who need access to capital to take them to the next level. The Guyana Development Bank is our response to that challenge and provides support that can help turn viable ideas into sustainable businesses. If we are serious about inclusive tourism, then we must ensure that entrepreneurs have a genuine opportunity to participate in the industry,” Rodrigues declared.

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues receiving the Green Destinations Country Baseline Assessment Award alongside President Dr Irfaan Ali and GTA Director Kamrul Baksh

The Minister also went onto reiterate Guyana’s commitment to sustainable tourism, noting that it is not just a marketing strategy but a key factor in how the country develops and measures the quality of its destination. Over the years,

Guyana’s eco-tourism product has received increasing international recognition through major publications such as Bloomberg, Time Magazine, and the New York Times, as well as multiple sustainable tourism accolades that validate the work of local tourism

businesses, communities, and conservation partners. In fact, Rodrigues pointed out that collaborations with partners such as Green Destinations and the Good Travel Seal Program help to strengthen the sustainability standards across Guyana’s

tourism sector. This was demonstrated when the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) was presented with the Green Destinations Country Baseline Assessment Award in recognition of its compliance with the applicable criteria of the Green Destinations Standards. The award follows a country baseline assessment conducted by the Good Travel Institute of Green Destinations International. Director of the Good Travel Institute, D’Arcy Dornan, presented the award to Minister Rodrigues alongside President Dr Irfaan Ali and GTA Director, Kamrul Baksh, during the SOTIC opening ceremony on Wednesday at the Atlantic Suites by Hyatt in Georgetown. Wednesday’s opening ceremony was marked by a symbolic coconut-breaking ceremony that saw the participation of tourism officials across the region, CTO officials, funding partners and other stakeholders.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026 00:00 Sign Off 06:00 Islam for Guyana 06:30 TVG Devotional Hour 07:00 Evening News (RB) 08:00 HGTV 10:00 Stop Suffering 11:30 Movie - Temple Grandin (2010) 13:30 Movie - The Pagemaster (1994) 15:00 Cartoons 16:00 Indian Soaps 17:00 The Young & The Restless 18:00 Documentary: Nat Geo Animals 19:00 The Evening News 20:00 Stop Suffering 20:30 Voice of Islam 21:00 Grey’s Anatomy S10 E6 22:00 The Rookie S4 E6 23:00 Modern Family S5 E13 23:30 Modern Family S5 E14

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

Foundation ◄

Page

guyanatimesgy.com

Probability Tree Diagrams CONT'D

By Mabel Simpson

In order to use a tree diagram to find probability: 1. Fill in the probabilities on the branches. 2. Consider which outcomes are required to answer the question. 3. Find the probability of those outcomes by multiplying along the branches. 4. Use the probability/probabilities you have calculated to answer the question. Example: 2 independent events A spinner is spun twice. It can land on red, or it can land on blue. Complete the tree diagram. Work out the probability that both spins will land on blue.

This flower is 3. Find the probability of those outcomes by multiplying along the branches. We need to use the probabilities on the branches and multiply them together to find the required probability.

Left free to taste Upon no stem, Her earthly bliss. Not moored against A sullen stone, But drifting . . . drifting,

1. Fill in the probabilities on the branches. We have been given the probability of the spinner landing on red. We can work out the probability of the spinner landing on blue by using the fact that the probabilities on each set of branches add up to 1. 4 P(blue)=1-P(red)=1- 1 5= 5 Since the two spins are independent we can use the same probabilities for the second set of branches. 2. Consider which outcomes are required to answer the question. The question asks about two blues so we will need to look for the path which shows two blues.

Blown and blown. The probability of the spinner landing on blue twice is P(blue and blue)=P(blue)×P(blue) 4 4 P(blue and blue)= 5 × 5 P(blue and blue)= 16 25 4. Use the probability/probabilities you have calculated to answer the question. The probability that both spins will land on blue is 16 25 .

Design your own firework • • • • • • • • •

Materials

Cardboard Black cardstock Ruler Scissors Different colours of ribbon Coloured metallic card Glitter star foam stickers Tinsel pipe cleaners Star-shaped acrylic jewels

Instructions

1. Measure, cut, and cover the cardboard tube with a 10cm by 14cm rectangle of black card.

Using the template and coloured metallic card, cut out the top of the firework.

2. Fold around the point of the firework and glue in place, once this is dry glue it to the top of the black tube. 3. Cut short lengths of coloured ribbon and tinsel pipe cleaners to glue into the bottom of the firework. 4. Finally, decorate the firework with glitter foam and gem star stickers! (Adapted from bakerross.co.uk)

Revealed against The waters with The subtle substance Of a myth, A myth not fully Known to men, She floats, she glides, she lives again! (Source: Poetry [November 1927])

Set your story on a day when everything feels slightly wrong.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SOTIC 2026

“We have to go bigger” – Pres Ali urges Caribbean to pursue luxury tourism …says region needs to work together to attract major int’l events

President Dr Irfaan Ali ith luxury tourism fast becoming a preferred attraction, Caribbean nations are being encouraged to leverage resources to create luxury resorts and unique hospitality products to tap into this niche market. The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is hosting its State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) in Georgetown this week. Under the theme

“scale up” their thinking and make bold investments on the tourism products being demanded around the world. One such area he pointed out that is attracting growing interest is luxury tourism – something in which the Middle East is already leading. “They’re concentrating on luxury resorts and hospitality. Luxury resorts and hospitality, and luxury resorts and hospitali-

President Ali declared the CTO’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2026 open on Wednesday at the Atlantic Suites by Hyatt in Georgetown

in the Middle East. So, they are bringing that natural branding with the star power to their shores… They’re going after every single major concert and festival. And I’m saying this because you must understand this is all part of our market also –

countries come together. “We can’t individually go for some of these events, but collectively we can decide that by 2035, there are 10 events that we want to bring to the region, and how do we create the infrastructure to bring those events… And

Guyana is already leading the charge with its Global Biodiversity Alliance (GBA) initiative. Launched in June 2025, this alliance crafted by President Ali seeks to accelerate biodiversity conservation and expanding financing. The second GBA summit will be held in Georgetown at the end of this month, bringing together world leaders and stakeholders. Another area in which Guyana is demonstrating such bold thinking and leadership, according to the Head of State, is its ambitious bid to secure the hosting rights of the 35th United Nations annual Climate Change meeting, Conference of the Parties (COP35), in 2030 – something which the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is already backing.

Complacency

Regional stakeholders and officials at the opening ceremony of SOTIC 2026, being held in Georgetown this week

“Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable, and Inclusive”, the event brings together Caribbean Governments, investors, and tourism businesses to examine the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the region’s tourism. Delivering the featured address at the opening ceremony on Wednesday at Atlantic Suites by Hyatt in Kingston, Georgetown, President Dr Irfaan Ali emphasised the need for Caribbean countries to

ty that are not overpriced,” the President stated, adding that the Middle East is also grabbing all the major international events such as sports and entertainment. “Almost all the global events the Middle East is going for and winning those events… luxury entertainment and high-class sporting events. Today, most of the world’s best sporting rehab centres are in the Middle East. Most of the global athletes are establishing their home or footprint

concerts, festivals, sports.”

Scale our thinking

The Guyanese leader acknowledged, however, that Caribbean nations do not have the resources, as the Middle East does, to invest at such a scale. Citing that countries like Mexico, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic are already making the move to build out the infrastructure to capitalise on the luxury tourism market, Ali believes that the Caribbean do the same if

that is why I like the idea of Barbados also, of bringing a development with the marina – an upscale, highend luxury resort. That is the thinking. We have to go bigger. We have to scale the thinking because that is where the market is going to be, because that is the only way we can go there and bring in the luxury type of shopping and other things that the market segmentation is demanding,” Ali contended. In fact, he noted that

According to President Ali, there are many more such opportunities Guyana is ready and willing to go after but needs the financial backing of investors and support of organisations like the CTO to push them. However, he pointed out that the region, including investors, has become complacent with the natural resources within the Caribbean; hence, they do not think about capitalising on the vast opportunities out there. “Maybe in Guyana, for example, [we can have] the first night safari, tropical forest night safari. The country is willing to put together the land and the scale to have

the first world-class night safari, and this is where investors are missing. This is where our investors are too laid-back. They are complacent. They are satisfied with the product that nature has given them, but the future is going to be completely different,” the Guyanese leader emphasised. To this end, President Ali challenged the CTO and stakeholders at SOTIC to look at the trends in other regions around the world and where the market is and come up with a strategic plan that would ensure the long-term viability and competitiveness of tourism in the Caribbean. However, this, he pointed out, must be done within a set timeframe. “We need this conference to deliver to the people of the region a vision to 2035, in which CTO places itself central to that vision, connecting to new partnerships and new markets, and integrating into those new partnerships and markets. That is what is important in this critical period of our tourism transformation… And the only way we can succeed is if we challenge ourselves with a time frame and work backwards in putting the systems in place to meet that time frame, because culturally we like to be pressed by time. That’s just reality... We have to be realistic. We are a people in this region; we have a different approach to life, and unless we can find an approach that pushes our traditional approach to life, we will not be able to make the changes,” the Head of State noted.

8 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MV Barima CoI

No assumptions about responsibility before examining evidence Holding… – Commissioner …still …says budget available to cover transportation, accommodation for witnesses

overnment Ministers responsible for the maritime sector could be called to testify before the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the July 18 capsizing and sinking of the MV Barima if their evidence is considered necessary. Commission Chairman Justice Godfrey Smith made the position clear on Wednesday during the inquiry’s preliminary public hearing, while stressing that commissioners would first have to assess the evidence before determining who should be called. Asked whether Ministers would be required to testify, Smith said, “And if it becomes clear that we require the evidence of a Minister, they will be asked to come before the Commission.” Smith said the commission would not make assumptions about responsibility before examining the available evidence. The inquiry is expected to examine the roles of the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and the Transport and Harbours Department, including vessel inspection, certification, maintenance, supervision and regulatory enforcement. It will also consider whether the country’s maritime safety framework was adequate and whether existing requirements were properly implemented.

Charged crew members

The commission also intends to hear from three crew members, including the vessel’s Captain, who are facing murder charges in connection with the tragedy. Asked whether the commission intended to obtain their testimony, Smith said, “We definitely will want to hear from them.” However, he acknowledged that the ongoing criminal proceedings could affect their ability or willingness to provide evidence. “If their lawyers advise them, you cannot speak, or you should not speak on pain of incriminating yourself, and they choose to act on that, it is beyond the powers of this commission of enquiry to do anything about that

ommendations could also be submitted to the President if commissioners identify measures requiring urgent attention. However, he clarified that the commission’s recommendations would not be legally binding and that it does not have the authority to award compensation to survivors or relatives of those who died.

Visit communities

Commission Chairman, Justice Godfrey Smith

particular situation,” Smith explained. He said the commission must respect the legal rights of persons appearing before it, including protections against self-incrimination. Nevertheless, Smith said the inquiry could continue its work through documentary evidence, technical assessments and testimony from other witnesses. The commission will examine the qualifications, training and experience of the Captain, officers and crew, as well as their conduct before and during the voyage. Investigators will seek to establish what information was available to the crew, what decisions were taken and whether alternative actions were available when the emergency developed. Smith also reminded the public that the commission is a fact-finding body and not a criminal court. It will not determine criminal guilt or civil liability but will identify the causes, contributing factors and possible failures within its mandate.

Six-month timeframe

Meanwhile, the commission is targeting approximately six months to complete its work, despite an earlier two-month timeframe having been mentioned publicly. Smith said the commission’s terms of reference were extensive and complex and that commissioners did

not want to compromise the investigation by attempting to meet an unrealistic deadline. The inquiry will examine six broad areas: the vessel’s seaworthiness and safety; passenger and cargo operations; crew qualifications and conduct; search, rescue and recovery efforts; regulatory and institutional oversight; and human factors and emergency decision-making. The response following the sinking will also come under scrutiny, including the actions of public authorities, emergency services and maritime agencies. The commission will examine available resources, communications received and transmitted, and decisions taken during rescue and recovery operations. Smith said more than 100 potential witnesses had been referred to during the proceedings, although the commission has not confirmed a final number. He also stressed the commission’s independence, noting that although it was appointed by President Dr Irfaan Ali and will submit its report to him, it is not an arm of the Government or any other institution. The commission could recommend legislative amendments, stronger regulatory enforcement, improved training and certification requirements and better emergency response arrangements. Smith said interim rec-

As part of its investigation, the commission is scheduled to visit the Kingston Goods Wharf, MARAD, the Transport and Harbours Department and dry dock facilities on Thursday and Friday. Commissioners are also expected to travel to Mabaruma and Port Kaituma on Monday and Tuesday next week. Smith identified the two communities as among those severely affected by the sinking. The visits are expected to assist commissioners in understanding the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and engaging persons affected by it. Substantive hearings, during which witnesses will give oral evidence, are expected to begin following the visits. The commission is also considering arrangements to facilitate survivors and relatives of victims who may have to travel to Georgetown to testify. Smith said the commission’s secretariat has a budget for transportation, accommodation and other expenses. Commissioner Nairi Alphonso said the visits to affected communities would also help the commission and its secretariat determine the logistical arrangements needed to facilitate witnesses. Meanwhile, Smith disclosed that a website intended to provide public access to the commission’s proceedings, hearing schedules, evidence and other documents was not yet operational. He said efforts were being made to have it available as soon as possible.

our Eyewitness lives and learns!! Two hundred years ago, a Frenchman pointed a camera out of his window and changed the world!! Nicéphore Niépce’s “View from the Window at Le Gras” – dated to 1826 – is the oldest surviving camera photograph. It shows buildings and rooftops – rather than anything particularly exciting. Humanity’s great photographic adventure began, reassuringly, with somebody photographing the view from home!! Think about this – before photography, having your likeness preserved usually required an artist, money, and a heck of a lotta patience!! Posterity favoured folks who could afford to sit around looking important – so photography opened the family album to the rest of us!! Ordinary shmoes acquired something once reserved for the privileged – a face that could outlive them!! And what faces they left! Those stiff family portraits – with everyone looking as though smiling might spoil the photograph – became household treasures!! In Guyanese homes, a framed wedding picture or a fading portrait could preside over the front room for decades!! Generations grew up beneath the gaze of an ancestor who clearly disapproved of the world!! But photography gave our migration a human face, too, didn’t it?? A picture arriving from “outside” showed the baby had grown, the son had married, or the daughter was standing beside SNOW!! Relatives inspected the background almost as carefully as the person – was that REALLY his house? And who was the woman next to him?!! The camera also enlarged our world by making places most folks would never visit become visible!! Photographs also gave history details that official accounts often overlooked – an old street photograph preserves Georgetown’s shop signs, the clothes, the transport, and the people passing through an ordinary afternoon!! The photographer may’ve intended to capture Big Market – a century later, we’re peering at the fellow standing in front!! Then came the domestic suspense of the film camera. You took your pictures, handed over the roll, and waited to discover whether you had recorded a holiday or 24 variations of your thumb!! Now, the smartphone’s made almost everyone a photographer – while demanding that everything’s gotta be documented. At a birthday party, the cake waits, the candles burn down and somebody shouts, “One more!” – as especially our meals have become models!! Yet beneath all this cheerful excess lies photography’s extraordinary gift – it lets us return to a face, a place, a moment, making a blurred snapshot of someone we loved more valued than the finest picture in a gallery! The camera can’t keep people with us – but it can preserve the way they stood in a doorway, held a child, or laughed before anyone told us to pose!! Two hundred years on, that remains a small miracle!! …development banner For many ordinary Guyanese, starting a business has meant confronting a familiar puzzle – to borrow the money needed to get ahead, you’ve gotta first prove you’re already comfortably ahead!! Bring collateral, bring financial statements, and bring this document, and that document!! And by the time you finish bringing things, the business idea might qualify for a pension!! So, the Government deserves kudos for opening a more promising door through the Guyana Development Bank – which offers eligible small and medium-sized businesses loans of up to GY$3 million, without interest or collateral, across all 10 Regions!! We’ve got no shortage of folks with “growable” business opportunities – there’s the black-pudding vendor whose orders have outgrown her kitchen; the mechanic who needs equipment to establish his own workshop; the farmer who could earn more by processing what he grows; and the young graduate with a clever business idea but no property to pledge!! Now the interest-free loans up to $3M and business coaching can put them to work and spread the wealth!! … black assets From our own history, we know about CIA agents being funded to work undercover. But your Eyewitness didn’t realise the scale of the funding. One agent admits stealing US$200M – including $40M in gold bars found in home!! 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

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MV Barima salvage could begin this month – CoI Commissioner …as BK International awarded contract to recover sunken vessel

alvage operations to recover the sunken MV Barima could commence before the end of October, nearly three months after the vessel capsized and sank on July 18, killing about 100 persons. The development was disclosed on Wednesday by forensic naval architect Dr Andrzej Jastrzenowski, a member of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) investigating the maritime tragedy, during the commission’s preliminary public hearing. BK International has been confirmed as the company that was awarded the contract to salvage the vessel, although the company has not indicated when the operation will begin. Jastrzenowski said he met with the preferred salvage team on Tuesday to discuss the recovery operation and the preservation of evidence. “I was made to understand that it is a matter of days that this will be concluded and that the salvage operations will commence possibly this month,” he told the commission. He said the commission would be kept informed of developments and that commissioners could witness the recovery operation. The issue of salvage has been significant to the inquiry, particularly as questions were raised about whether investigators could

The MV Barima capsized on July 18 while en route to Region One

adequately examine the circumstances surrounding the sinking while the vessel remained underwater. Jastrzenowski, who has more than 30 years of experience in forensic naval architecture, said the passage of several months should not significantly diminish the vessel’s forensic value. “Regarding the forensic value of salvage, notwithstanding the few months, two, three months that has passed, will be, if I may use quantification, near 100 per cent,” he explained. He pointed to the vessel’s steel construction and the likelihood that much of its cargo remained inside as factors that could assist investigators. However, retired Rear Admiral Hayden Pritchard, another commissioner, said

that the inquiry was not dependent entirely on the successful recovery of the vessel. “Please do not believe that all of our work is hinged on whether this vessel is retrieved or not. That is not correct,” Pritchard stressed.

Cameras

Meanwhile, surveillance footage from seven cameras at the wharf could help the commission determine how many persons boarded the MV Barima before its final voyage. The issue arose during questioning about discrepancies in passenger numbers and concerns over whether the vessel’s manifest accurately reflected the persons aboard. Jastrzenowski said the

cameras could provide investigators with detailed evidence. “From the wharf, there is seven separate cameras at the wharf, which will allow a very detailed examination of the persons that went on board,” he disclosed. He indicated that the footage was understood to be available or would be made available, but did not say that the commission had already examined it. The footage could assist investigators in establishing the number of passengers aboard the vessel, the circumstances surrounding their boarding and the events leading up to its departure. Commission Chairman Godfrey Smith, Senior Counsel and a former Judge of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, declined to say whether the commission had determined if the passenger manifest was complete. “We are not prepared to comment on incomplete or complete at this time,” he said. Pritchard said the commission was still building a picture of what occurred. “The issue is that we are building a picture. So, it is a bit premature to know how that picture will unfold,” he

Forensic naval architect, Dr Andrzej Jastrzenowski

stated. The commission is also expected to examine the quantity and placement of cargo, loading procedures, vessel stability, the carriage of potentially hazardous materials and the availability of lifesaving equipment. Two Guyanese companies and a Netherlandsbased firm had submitted bids to salvage the MV Barima. According to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), the companies that submitted bids are Industrial Fabrication Inc, BK International Inc, and KMS BV. Industrial Fabrication

Inc, also known as InFab, was founded in 2003 by Jerry Max Goveia and Dyland Fields, according to its website. The company proposes to salvage the ferry at a cost of $1,895,000,000. BK International Inc, founded by Brian Tiwarie, operates across several sectors, including sea defence, civil and commercial construction, marine transportation, and aviation. The company proposes to salvage the ferry at a cost of $1,034,000,000. KMS BV is a registered commercial shipowner and manager based in Vijfhuizen, Netherlands, which is proposing to salvage the MV Barima at a cost of $2,035,100,000.

Woman nabbed with ganja hidden in package for prisoner the narcotics. Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot warned that attempting to smuggle contraband into a correctional facility is a felony that can carry serious consequences. Elliot urged members of the public to recognise the risks associated with at-

The cannabis that was found by prison officers on Wednesday

Sophia, Georgetown, woman is in Police custody after prison officers found a quantity of cannabis concealed in a box she intended to send to a prisoner at the Mazaruni location. Tachanna Henry, a resident of C Field, Sophia, Georgetown, was arrested around 10:15h on Wednesday during a visit to the Georgetown Prison. According to the Guyana Prison Service, Henry was subjected to a search upon arrival at the facility. During the search, prison

officers found several plastic bags containing leaves, seeds and stems hidden inside a box intended for a prisoner, who is stationed at Mazaruni. Henry was informed of the discovery and subsequently arrested. She was taken to the Alberttown Police Station along with

tempting to introduce illegal items into prisons, noting that such activities can pose risks to civilians, inmates and prison officers. He also commended the prison officers for their vigilance and prompt action in detecting the suspected smuggling attempt.

11 ExxonMobil to undertake pipeline maintenance ahead of GtE start-up E NEWS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

xxonMobil Guyana is set to begin maintenance work on a near-shore section of its pipeline offshore of Crane, West Coast Demerara, as part of efforts to ensure the infrastructure is ready for the planned start-up of the Gas-to-Energy operations. The maintenance activities are scheduled to begin on October 14 and are expected to continue until around December 1, 2026. According to ExxonMobil Guyana, the work will address a finding on the nearshore section of the pipeline that was identified during inspection activities earlier this year. The company said the maintenance is being undertaken to maintain the safety, integrity, and reliability of the pipeline, and is being conducted in accordance with international standards. On Wednesday, ExxonMobil said the pipeline is currently pressurised with inert nitrogen gas and is not yet in operation. As

a result, the company said the pipeline does not pose a risk to the public or the environment. The company said it intends to complete the maintenance before the start-up of Gas-to-Energy operations to minimise the potential for maintenance interruptions after operations begin. “ExxonMobil Guyana is coordinating with relevant stakeholders regarding the activities,” the company said in a press release. The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) is also expected to issue a marine notice providing information to mariners operating in the area. ExxonMobil said it remains committed to conducting its operations safely and in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. In July, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) rejected claims that the pipeline being used for Guyana’s Gas-to-Energy

(GtE) Project had ruptured offshore of the West Coast of Demerara. The agencies said the 250-kilometre subsea and onshore pipeline, installed by ExxonMobil Guyana in 2024, was not in operation and had been filled with nitrogen and sealed pending the start-up of the GtE Project. The EPA and MARAD confirmed, however, that an anomaly had been detected during a scheduled safety inspection of the pipeline that began in May. They said the matter was investigated and determined to be a slight anomaly, with additional inspections undertaken as a precaution to verify the pipeline’s integrity. The pipeline is designed to transport natural gas from the Stabroek Block offshore to the GtE facilities at Wales, West Bank, and Demerara. Phase One of the project includes a 300-megawatt power plant and a natural gas liquids facility.

File photo: One of the five vessels being used by ExxonMobil during the ongoing safety inspection of the subsea pipeline

Overloading outlets, overcharging devices can cause fires – fire officer warns

he Guyana Fire Service (GFS) is urging members of the public to practise safe charging of electronic devices as Guyana observes its 52nd Fire Prevention Month, with electrical fires remaining a concern. Fire Prevention Officer Sheldon Sauns, in a message marking Fire Prevention Month 2026, said the theme, “Charged into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower,” highlights the shared responsibility of the Fire Service and the public in preventing fires. Sauns said the advancement of technology has created new fire hazards, requiring people to pay greater attention to how they charge and use electronic devices.

He pointed to cellular phones, laptops, power

cuits and unsafe charging practices. He also identified electricity theft as another concern, noting that the Fire Service is strongly opposed to the practice because of the associated risks. Sauns said fire prevention should not be viewed solely as the responsibility of the GFS but as a collective responsibility involving households, workplaces and

Fire Prevention Officer, Sheldon Sauns

banks, e-scooters, and electric vehicles as some of the devices that require proper

charging practices. “As we’re seeing the advancement of technology, especially in our country, it then tells us that we need to advance in the way we approach fire and fire safety,” Sauns said. He cautioned that overloading electrical outlets and overcharging devices can create serious fire hazards. “It is our responsibility not to overload our outlets; it is our responsibility not to overcharge our devices, because if we do, of course, it can lead to serious fires,” he said. According to Sauns, electrical fires have been prevalent in Guyana in recent years, with some linked to overloaded electrical cir-

communities. He said members of the public can contribute to fire prevention by charging devices safely and educating others about fire safety. “Not all heroes wear capes. You and I can become heroes,” Sauns said, encouraging the public to make fire prevention and safe charging part of their daily practices. The Fire Prevention

Officer called on the public to work with the GFS to reduce the risk of fires and safeguard lives and property. “As we celebrate our 52nd fire prevention anniversary in Guyana, the Guyana Fire Service will be urging members of the general public to come on board with us. Let us practise fire safety and fire prevention together,” Sauns said.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

14 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Farmers’ Markets to expand nationwide – Agri Minister A

griculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Wednesday visited the Farmers’ Market at the Sophia Exhibition Centre, where he interacted with farmers, vendors, and shoppers as activities continued for Agriculture Month 2026. The Farmers’ Market, an initiative of President Dr Irfaan Ali, was established to create a direct link between farmers and consumers by providing producers

with market opportunities while allowing consumers to purchase locally produced food at farm-gate prices. Since its introduction, it has provided farmers and agro-processors with an additional avenue to market their produce and products directly to consumers. The direct-to-consumer model reduces the involvement of intermediaries, allowing farmers to secure better returns while consumers benefit from competitive pric-

es.

During Wednesday’s market, Mustapha engaged vendors and shoppers and received feedback on the initiative. He also viewed a range of commodities on sale, including fresh fruits and vegetables, ground provisions, meats, agro-processed products, and other locally produced items. Farmers’ markets are being held at several locations across the country as part of Agriculture Month 2026, providing

more producers with opportunities to market their goods directly to consumers. The Government is also planning to make the initiative a regular feature, with farmers’ markets expected to be held monthly across several regions. The planned expansion is intended to provide producers with more consistent market opportunities while increasing consumers’ access to fresh, locally produced food at affordable prices.

NEWS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Whatever you choose, do it well” – Finance Minister tells JC Chandisingh graduates

A section of the graduating class

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

enior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, has urged graduates of JC Chandisingh Secondary School to help them pursue their chosen careers with excellence, while reminding them that their journey does not end with graduation. Singh delivered the feature address at the school’s annual graduation ceremony on Wednesday, where he congratulated the graduates, teachers, parents, Board of Governors, and the Regional Education Department of Region Six on the school’s performance at this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations. He noted that JC Chandisingh had surpassed

the national average in its pass rates and had expanded its subject offerings to include areas such as theatre arts and religious education. “Whatever you choose to do, I implore you, and I appeal to you, do it well. Do it excellently. And the rest will take care of itself,” Singh told the graduates. He encouraged students to pursue careers based on their interests, whether in agriculture, medicine, engineering, data science or nursing. “If you want to be a farmer, be a farmer. If you want to be a doctor, be a doctor. If you want to be an engineer, you want to be a data scientist. Be a data scientist. If you want to be a nurse, be a nurse,” he said. Singh also congratulated the parents and students,

stressing that the school’s achievements were not only institutional and regional successes but also individual accomplishments. He said the Government is working to ensure that students can receive a high standard of education regardless of where they live, rather than having to attend a small number of traditional top-performing schools in Georgetown. “We want you to be able to attend high school in Berbice, in Essequibo, in Linden... in Region Nine, in Region One, in Region Seven or Region Eight,” Singh said. According to the Minister, the Government’s education programmes are aimed at ensuring secondary schools have adequate spaces and facilities to accommodate students while expanding opportunities in areas including the natural sciences, technical and vocational education, information and communications technology, sports, and oth-

Students reciting a piece during the graduation ceremony

er extracurricular activities.

Larger number of students

Headmistress Sabereena Supaul, in her remarks, highlighted the school’s CSEC performance, noting that the number of students writing the examinations had almost doubled this year. She said the school re-

corded 100 per cent passes in several subjects. The school’s top graduate, Sufia Mohamed, secured 12 Grade Ones, six Grade Twos, and one Grade Three. She was followed by Saria Yunas, who wrote 13 subjects and secured 12 Grade Ones and one Grade Three. Singh also used the occasion to congratulate Region

Six on producing Guyana’s top CSEC student for 2026. Narine, of Tagore Memorial Secondary School, secured 26 Grade Ones and one Grade Two after writing 27 subjects. Regional Education Officer Satesh Udit also attended the graduation ceremony and delivered remarks.

Unpaid workers picket Port Mourant NDC W

orkers attached to the Johns/ Port Mourant Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) staged a picketing exercise outside the NDC office on Tuesday, demanding the removal of the overseer, as they complained that their September salaries remain unpaid and that late payments have become a recurring problem. The workers, drawn from the Community Infrastructure Improvement Project (CIIP), the Government Pathway programme and the NDC’s garbage-collection operations, said delays in receiving their salaries have persisted for months. Government Pathway worker Denny Dwarker said he repeatedly sought answers about his outstanding salary but was unable to get a satisfactory response. “Me need to get me money. Me want me money; me work hard for me money,” Dwarker said. CIIP worker Latchman Shivkumar said workers have on occasions had to wait well into the following

month to be paid and are sometimes told, when they enquire, that the relevant cheque has not been signed. Meanwhile, garbage collector Chandrapaul Seecharran, who has worked with the NDC for three years, said workers previously received their salaries during the first part of the following month, but more recently have had to wait until around the third week. He was still awaiting his September salary on Tuesday. For 65-year-old garbage collector Parsram Lalbeharry, receiving his salary on time is particularly important because household expenses do not wait. “Light bill got to pay. Got to pay phone bill; got to pay water bill,” he said. Another CIIP worker, Bheem Singh, 56, said the delays have persisted for months. “When you supposed to get paid today, you get until next week, sometime then two weeks or three weeks after,” Singh said. Surijdeo Surijpaul, another CIIP worker, was also among those protesting over

The unpaid Port Mourant NDC workers who staged the protest on Tuesday

the salary issue. The workers said the recurring delays have caused them to lose confidence in the overseer and prompted Tuesday’s demand for her removal. This newspaper was told

that the NDC Overseer proceeded on leave on August 25, while a cheque covering payments to the workers was signed on August 27. For the payment in question, the cheque covering the workers’ salaries was

made payable to the overseer, who was required to cash it before the individual workers could be paid. The overseer returned from leave on September 11, but the workers, however, were not paid until September 21.

The workers are now awaiting their September salaries. Efforts by Guyana Times to contact the overseer for a response to the workers’ claims and the issues raised were futile.

16 NEWS Guyana joins global parliamentary talks in Tanzania A THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyanese parliamentary delegation, led by Speaker of the National Assembly and Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Governing Council Member Manzoor Nadir, is participating in the 153rd IPU Assembly and related meetings in Arusha, Tanzania. The Assembly is being held from October 5 to 9, 2026, at the Arusha International Conference Centre under the theme, “Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all.” The delegation also includes Minister of Human Services and Social Security Vindhya Persaud, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Kwame McCoy, and Parliamentary Executive Officer Dr Carlleta Charles, who is serving as Secretary to the

delegation. Persaud is a member of the Bureau of Women Parliamentarians of the IPU, while McCoy is a member of the Bureau of Democracy and Human Rights. The Assembly is expected to conclude with the adoption of an outcome document on the theme of the General Debate. It is also expected to adopt a resolution titled “Inclusive social development for all: Parliamentary strategies to promote the rights and empowerment of persons with disabilities.” The resolution is being piloted by the Committee on Democracy and Human Rights, on which McCoy serves as a Bureau member. The week-long programme includes meetings of the IPU’s parliamentary bodies, including the Standing Committee on Democracy and Human

Rights and the Bureau and Forum of Women Parliamentarians. The Guyanese delegation will also participate in meetings of the Group of Latin America and Caribbean Parliaments, workshops and side events focusing on the empowerment of persons with disabilities, and other parliamentary activities. A new IPU President is also expected to be elected during the Assembly, while the Governing Council will elect members to various IPU offices and consider matters related to the organisation’s operations. The IPU, which was established more than 135 years ago, comprises 184 national parliaments and 15 regional parliamentary bodies. It provides a platform for parliamentarians to promote parliamentary democracy, peace and cooperation and to build relationships among legislators.

Guyana’s delegation to the 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Arusha, Tanzania, led by Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir. The delegation includes Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud; Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy and Parliamentary Executive Officer, Dr Carlleta Charles

Colombian delegation explores investment opportunities in Guyana

delegation from the GuyanaColombian Chamber of Commerce discussed potential investment opportunities and strategic collaboration in Guyana’s growing construction, recycling, and infrastructure sectors during a courtesy call with Public Works Minister Juan Edghill. During the engagement, chamber representatives outlined their members’ key areas of interest and technical capabilities. In response, Edghill outlined Guyana’s public procurement framework and explained the tendering procedures required for international companies seek-

ing to participate in national development projects. He stressed that the Government of Guyana remains open to integrating additional reliable suppliers and contractors into the local market. He said expanding the pool of vendors is essential to maintaining strict quality standards and delivering maximum value on public infrastructure projects executed for the Guyanese people. The Minister also reminded the delegation that participation in public works projects must strictly adhere to local statutory requirements. He highlighted the highly competitive nature of public works bid-

The delegation from the Guyana-Colombian Chamber of Commerce during a courtesy call on Public Works Minister Juan Edghill

ding in Guyana and pointed to the Procurement Act of 2003, which provides the framework for Government procurement and promotes transparency, fairness and accountability.

Edghill also encouraged the delegation to closely monitor Guyana’s upcoming development plans and procurement opportunities. “You are now in Guyana at a good time. We

[Government] are finalising the budget for 2027. Follow along closely and from there, you will have a clear idea of how to best invest and play a meaningful role in Guyana’s de-

velopment. Many delegations visit, but it is critical to move from conversations to formal proposals to determine how your expertise aligns with what Guyana needs,” he said.

Timehri roundabout works to begin; motorists urged to slow down

onstruction of a new roundabout in the vicinity of the Timehri Police Station is set to commence shortly, the Public Works Ministry has announced. The Ministry said on Wednesday the works will

affect motorists, businesses, residents, and commuters using the Timehri Junction, with traffic management measures put in place to minimise disruptions and maintain safety during construction. Ahead of the project, the

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, along with representatives of the Ministry, meets with stakeholders during consultations ahead of the construction of the new roundabout near the Timehri Police Station

Ministry conducted a public consultation involving 44 stakeholders within the project area. These included seven major institutions, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Laparkan, the Guyana Prison Service, the Guyana Fire Service, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Marriott and Phoenix LTB.

The consultation also included 15 small businesses, two schools and 20 residents. Construction will initially focus on the roadside drain at the north-eastern section of the junction, adjacent to the Timehri Police Station. During this phase, one lane will be temporari-

ly closed. As work progresses to the main roundabout structure, two-way traffic will be maintained along the western carriageway. According to the Ministry, a dedicated emergency access lane will also be maintained at the entrance to the Timehri Police Station to allow emergency vehicles to enter and exit without interruption, under the guidance of police officers. Traffic cones, barriers, high-visibility warning devices and directional signs will be placed throughout the work zone. Officers from the Guyana Police Force Traffic Department will also be deployed to assist with traffic management. Motorists travelling through the Timehri Junction are being urged to exercise caution, reduce their speed to 30 km/h, and comply with all traffic signs and directions from police officers. The Ministry said the measures are intended to minimise inconvenience to road users while the infrastructure works are underway.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

guyanatimesgy.com

Regional

Venezuela’s Maduro to face T&T age limit for drug, alcohol new US charges over alleged consumption bill passes 15-12; torture of Americans Govt gets no outside support

usted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores are expected to face new criminal charges in the United States over allegations that Americans detained in Venezuela were tortured, a US official said on Wednesday. The new charges could come as soon as Thursday, according to the official, who was briefed on the investigation. Maduro, who led Venezuela for 13 years, and Flores were captured by the US military from their home in Caracas on January 3 and brought to New York to face drug trafficking charges. They have pleaded not guilty and are scheduled to go on trial starting June 1, 2027. A spokesperson for the Manhattan US Attorney’s office, which brought the charges, declined to comment. Lawyers for Maduro and Flores did not immediately

Supporters of Venezuela’s Government rally to demand the release of ousted President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores

respond to requests for comment. The possibility of new charges was first reported by CNN on Wednesday. Details of the new charges, including the identities of the alleged torture victims, were not immediately available. Maduro’s tenure was marked by tensions with the United States. Washington accused his Government of detaining Americans as lever-

age to extract concessions such as relief from financial sanctions. Americans whom the US classified as wrongfully detained during Maduro’s tenure included five oil executives arrested on graft charges. They were freed in 2022 in exchange for two of Flores’ nephews who had been convicted in the US of drug trafficking. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Thousands march in Rio against Bolsonaro

Student protesters light flares and hold up an image of far-right candidate, Flavio Bolsonaro depicted as Adolf Hitler during their march

housands of persons have taken to the streets of Rio de Janeiro in a student-led protest against presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro and the growing influence of Brazil’s far right. The march happened on Wednesday, just days after far-right Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, earned the most votes in the first round of the country’s

presidential race. Bolsonaro won 47 per cent, ahead of his closest rival, incumbent left-wing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who gained 45 per cent support. Since neither candidate surpassed the 50 per cent threshold, they will face each other in a run-off on October 25. The results have triggered fears that Brazil could become the latest Latin

American country to see its presidency switch from left to right. Protesters marched through downtown Rio carrying signs reading “Never again Bolsonaro” and “No to the father, no to the son”. Others held banners reading “Dictatorship never again” and “Get out Bolsonaro”. Jair Bolsonaro, the former President, led the country from 2019 to 2023. But his single-term tenure was marked by a series of controversies related to his farright policies. Currently, the former President is serving a 27year sentence after being convicted of plotting to overturn his 2022 election defeat. After Lula’s inauguration in 2023, Bolsonaro’s supporters stormed Government buildings in the capital, reportedly hoping to trigger a military uprising. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

he Senate has passed legislation raising the legal age for drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) to 21 and for gambling and cannabis use to 25, but the Government failed to attract a single “yes” vote from either the Opposition or Independent benches. The Miscellaneous Provisions (Alcohol, Cannabis, Dangerous Drugs, Gambling and Tobacco) Bill, 2026, was approved early Wednesday morning, with 15 Senators voting in favour, 12 against and three abstaining.

ing another man during an incident on April 29, 2025. The allegations are that Campbell intervened in a dispute between his sister and her neighbour over the flow of water between their adjoining properties. During the argument, Kyron confronted Campbell. Kyron was later joined by a friend who attempted to take a photograph of the license plate of

Campbell’s nearby car. The prosecution alleges that Campbell became infuriated, pulled his firearm and shot Kyron. He then allegedly turned the firearm on the other man and shot him. However, it was revealed in court that Campbell had given a written statement shortly after the incident in which he claimed that the two men had attacked him.

who is legally an adult and can vote, marry, enter contracts and join the protective services, should no longer be considered old enough to legally purchase alcohol. Jeremie pointed to evidence presented earlier in the debate by Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe and said the Government also intended to use public education and media campaigns to reduce the accessibility and use of alcohol. The bill will now be sent to President Christine Kangaloo for assent, after which it will become law. (Excerpt from T&T Guardian)

Gas station protest leaves motorists in miles-long lines across Antigua

otorists across Antigua faced lengthy waits for gasoline Wednesday evening after major service stations stopped selling fuel in a renewed push for higher dealer margins. Hundreds of vehicles lined up for miles as drivers searched for operating pumps. The shutdown marks the second protest in recent weeks by station operators seeking a larger share of revenue from fuel sales. Demand shifted to West Indies Oil Company stations, creating heavy congestion around outlets that continued serving customers.

Vehicles lined up for miles during the shutdown in search of operating pumps

By Wednesday evening, WIOC’s Friars Hill station was reportedly the company’s only outlet still dispensing gasoline. Other WIOC locations were said to have exhausted their supplies as motorists crowded the remaining stations. Some residents approached stations on foot

with fuel containers, avoiding roads clogged with waiting vehicles. The renewed shutdown has left drivers facing another round of disruption, with no clear indication of when closed stations will reopen or normal service will return. (Antigua Newsroom)

Colombia’s President pledges support for suspects of Moïse’s killing, calling them “heroes”

olombian President Abelardo De La Espriella said Tuesday that his Government will provide legal assistance to the 17 former soldiers – members of the Colombian comman-

Jamaica: Police Constable offered $1M bail on murder, shooting charges

police Constable was on Wednesday offered bail on murder and shooting charges in the St James Parish Circuit Court arising from a 2025 incident in which one man was fatally shot and another injured. Constable Randy Campbell, 37, is accused of shooting a man known only as Kyron, who later succumbed to his injuries, and then shoot-

All 15 votes in favour came from Government Senators. Attorney General John Jeremie had made a direct appeal to the independent benches during his wind-up, urging Senators to support the objective of the legislation even if they did not consider it perfect. His appeal followed several hours of debate in which independent Senators questioned both the Government’s justification for the new age limits and some of the penalties contained in the legislation. Among the issues raised was why an 18-year-old,

The court also heard that the incident occurred inside the yard of Campbell’s sister. Campbell is represented by King’s Counsel Peter Champagnie. He was offered bail in the sum of $1 million with strict reporting conditions and is scheduled to return to the Circuit Court on April 29, 2027. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

do – accused of involvement in the 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, calling the men “heroes” and offering financial support to them and to their families. “Innocent people should not pay for the guilty,” De La Espriella posted on X, pledging legal assistance for his countrymen. “I am not the kind of President who abandons his heroes in difficult times.” The announcement comes less than three weeks after the Colombian veterans and Joseph Félix Badio – a former Haitian Government official – were extradited from Haiti to the United States to face federal proceedings in the long-running assassination case. The 18 defendants first appeared before a federal court in Miami on

September 21. De La Espriella, a Colombian lawyer and businessman turned farright politician who took office on August 7 after defeating Gustavo Petro on June 21, said he instructed Colombia’s defence and justice Ministers to ensure former soldiers have access to legal representation. He said the Government wants the facts surrounding the killing established and each person’s responsibility determined through the judicial process. His decision marks a sharp shift in tone from Colombia’s previous Government, which apologised to Haiti for the involvement of Colombian nationals in the assassination. (Excerpt from The Haitian Times)

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

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Around the World Newly-obtained footage shows Iranian attack on major US post in Kuwait

A screenshot of the footage showing smoke rising beyond the horizon amid Iranian strikes

ew videos obtained exclusively by CBS News show Iranian attacks on a major US military base in Kuwait as the war with Iran kicked off seven months ago. American

forces faced ballistic missiles, drones and what witnesses described as Iranian F-5 fighter jets. The footage obtained by CBS News captures the moments of impact and their ex-

plosive aftermath. Damage to buildings and military equipment can also be seen in the videos. The attacks on Camp Buehring offer a window into the strain Iranian attacks placed on American forces during the opening days of the war. CBS News has learned that soldiers defending the base ran critically low on. 50-calibre ammunition as some soldiers were repositioned into the Udari Desert in Kuwait. Two soldiers were injured by lightning there in late April, according to US officials with knowledge of the matter. Contacted by CBS News, US Central Command, the primary unit which oversees American military operations

across the Middle East, declined to comment. Camp Buehring, or CBKU, sits about 25 miles from the Iraqi border and has for more than two decades served as a major staging ground for American forces deploying across the Middle East. No one was killed by enemy fire at Camp Buehring or at the FOBs, but several were injured, including two soldiers who were struck by lightning in desert sandstorms. One soldier suffered burns after the direct strike, while the other suffered a ruptured eardrum, according to US officials with knowledge of the matter. (Excerpt from CBS News)

volve the plague. Russia acknowledged on Sunday that a 28-year-old woman employed at a plague research institute in Siberia’s Irkutsk died after she was diagnosed with a “pneumonia of unknown aetiology”, prompting global concern over a suspected plague case. The United States, the European Union and the WHO have all called on Russia to be transparent about the situation.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged Russia to clarify “media reports of a second employee with pneumonia of undetermined cause” at the Irkutsk institute. “We have received information from two media outlets; one of them is Russian,” Tedros said in a briefing on Wednesday, adding, “We asked Russia to respond to that.” (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Russia dismisses reports of 2nd plague case as “false information”

ussia has dismissed media reports of a second suspected case of pneumonic plague in Siberia, as the World Health Organization (WHO) urged Moscow to formally respond to its inquiry regarding the reports. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday that “the vast majority of what the media is reporting regarding this situation is false information”, in

response to a question about reports of a second case. Peskov said that information on the suspected cases should be derived from official statements by Russia’s health watchdog Rospotrebnadzor. Russia’s health regulator said there were no infections detected among staff after a plague institute worker died from pneumonia. The origin of the illness remains unknown, prompting international concern that the case could in-

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil prices settle down as IEA agrees to accelerate oil stock release

il prices settled lower on Wednesday following a choppy session after the International Energy Agency agreed to speed up a release of oil stocks and prioritise diesel in a bid to curb record-high fuel prices as the Iran war squeezes global supplies. Brent crude futures settled down 38 cents, or 0.38 per cent, at US$100.20 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures settled down US$1.16, or 1.3 per cent, to US$88.28. The IEA said completing previously announced releases as quickly as possible could bring around 100 million barrels to market, although analysts and some governments said the figure did not necessarily represent a fresh intervention of that size. France will release 10 million barrels of diesel from its strategic stocks, Franceinfo radio reported on Wednesday, citing unnamed sources. “Europe is ground zero for this whole supply crunch ... and the releases address that and (take) some ⁠of the heat off the need for WTI to a degree. This should reduce some of the pressure on US supplies,” said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital. Meanwhile, US crude stocks and distillate inventories fell while gasoline stocks rose last week, the Energy Information Administration said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Hedgehog among 4 chosen animals to feature on new English banknotes

Satellite images show attack jets at Chinese military facility in Laos

atellite images show attack jets stationed at a new Chinese military facility in Laos, which opened last week and gives Beijing’s air force its first foothold in mainland southeast Asia. Images provided by the commercial satellite provider Vantor show eight light attack aircraft positioned at Ban Keun airport along-

side what appear to be more than a dozen military vehicles lined up in rows. The planes’ shape matches that of the Chinese-made Hongdu JL-8 jet, a twoseat trainer that can be deployed in combat to carry bombs. Laos is reported to have four such aircraft, according to the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies.

In a rare example of Beijing’s overseas military expansion, China opened what it said was a joint “support and training centre” at Ban Keun on September 29. The airport, about 50 kilometres north of Vientiane, the capital of Laos, has been significantly expanded over the past year. Satellite images taken months ago show farmland and dirt paths

where there are now new buildings and a paved runway. Aside from its island bases in the South China Sea, Beijing does not have a significant network of military outposts in other countries, and the Laos airbase would be its first facility in another country capable of handling fighter jets. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

Spanish woman whose eviction ignited housing protests dies at 87

aricarmen Abascal, the 87-year-old Spanish woman whose dramatic eviction last month sparked mass housing protests that led to an early election, has died, the Madrid tenants’ union said on Wednesday, as thousands demonstrated over her death. Abascal had been in hospital for severe anxiety and exhaustion since her eviction on September 23 from her home of more than 70 years, when Police and social workers removed her by stretcher from the Madrid home where she had lived for more than seven decades, after the apartment was acquired by an investment fund. Her case ignited protests over a mounting housing cri-

Maricarmen Abascal, 87, is transported on a stretcher to an ambulance after she was evicted

sis, including a shortage of homes and surging rents. Activists camped out in a major Madrid square. Following news of Abascal’s death on Wednesday, thousands marched from the square,

Puerta del Sol, towards Parliament, chanting, “This is not a death. It’s a murder!” A cause of death was not announced. “This was a completely avoidable death that symbolises the drama that is the

housing crisis in Spain,” said 36-year-old marcher Dario Gomez in Madrid. Demonstrators also held protests in Barcelona. Trade unions on Wednesday announced a nationwide general strike over housing issues on November 11. The protests, along with Parliament’s rejection last week of decrees aimed at curbing evictions and limiting rent pressures, prompted Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to call an early election for November 29. Sanchez lamented Abascal’s death in an X post. “A hug as well to all of us who feel this loss as our own today,” he wrote. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Mock-ups of the new Bank of England banknotes featuring all four winners

anknotes are getting a nature makeover – and the Bank of England has revealed the four creatures that will feature on our money. The Atlantic puffin, barn owl, buff-tailed bumblebee and European hedgehog will appear on the redesigned notes in years to come – although no decision has been made about which animal will be shown on which banknote. The owl, bumblebee and hedgehog topped a public vote in their specific categories, and the puffin was included to celebrate marine life and the coastline and bring variety to the notes, the Bank said. Wildlife is replacing notable figures from history, such as Sir Winston Churchill, on our cash in a decision that angered a number of leading politicians. A panel of wildlife ex-

perts drew up a shortlist of 18 mammals, birds, amphibians, insects and fish which were put forward to public nominations. Respondents were invited to select up to six. More than 2.5 million votes were cast by 478,531 persons, ranging from wildlife enthusiasts to primary school classes. The buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) was a clear winner, receiving 360,399 votes, nearly 90,000 more than the barn owl (Tyto alba). The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) was most popular in the mammals category. The Bank said its inclusion added variety to the series, made the denominations easier to distinguish, and gave an opportunity to celebrate the British coastline. (Excerpt from BBC News)

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

ARCHIE

DAILY HOROSCOPES

(March 21-April 19)

PICKLES

(April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

(June 21-July 22)

Think twice before you agree to attend an event. You will gain access to better ideas and solutions through gestures and talks with individuals rather than sitting in a crowded room listening to one person pontificate. Wise decisions will transpire if you are thorough, fact-check, take notes and you do your due diligence every step of the way.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Put your energy where it counts. Arguing is a waste of time, but putting in the effort and taking care of unfinished business will be gratifying. Focus on relieving stress, not adding to it. Domestic issues will be blown out of proportion, affecting meaningful relationships if you are too critical. Anxiety will dissipate if you keep busy.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Speak from the heart and resolve issues. A kind gesture will help restore a misunderstanding. You don’t need to change; you need to adjust to allow everyone in your life the same freedom you want for yourself. Criticism breeds contempt; a kind word restores faith. If you need to vent, focus on fitness and finishing what you start.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Refuse to let laziness take over when action is necessary if you plan to excel. Inspiration will manifest if you surround yourself with people from different backgrounds. Whether it’s people or places you visit, the visuals and the comments you receive will pique your imagination, giving rise to something engaging. Change and desire will bring out the best in you.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

Agree only to what’s possible. Getting caught in someone else’s dream can set you back. Look inward and consider how to improve your profile and your image. Find the peace you desire. Refuse to buy into temptation or overindulgence when what you require are the simple things in life that offer peace of mind. Romance is favored. Pick up the pace, and rise and shine. It’s a new day, and your actions, dedication and curiosity will help you achieve whatever you set out to do. Home improvements won’t please everyone, but they will help you exercise your rights to a space you can call your own. Think carefully, but don’t share your thoughts or create controversy.

PEANUTS

SUDOKU

Set your sights on your goal, and don’t look back. How you approach what you want to achieve will set the stage for how much you accomplish. Push for the maximum return, and you’ll feel the satisfaction you get when everything is done. What you accomplish will lead to greater opportunities, but also cause jealous peers to retaliate.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Play by the rules, and give your best performance. Rely on your attributes, intelligence and the ability to outmaneuver the competition fairly. That’s how you win and why others respect you. Lending a helping hand will open doors and opportunities that put you in the driver’s seat. Be the expert who brings everyone together, not the lone wolf. Get comfortable where you are. Home is where the heart is, and spending more time there will give you a sense of belonging. You may feel like parading off on another adventure, but that’s likely to cost you more than you want to pay emotionally, physically or financially. Do-it-yourself home improvements will give you a boost. Refuse to let outsiders upset you or lead you astray. Be willing to walk away from people and situations that compromise integrity or accelerate your stress. Pay attention to investments, joint dealings or shared expenses. Protect your assets, and set boundaries when necessary. Make reputation and proficiency your responsibilities. Personal improvements, love and romance are in the stars. Take a back seat and observe. Gathering information will position you for advancement. Set yourself up for financial freedom by having high standards. A partnership opportunity is apparent if you put the time and effort into nurturing and building a relationship based on honesty. Take your time and be yourself, and you’ll attract someone who is a good fit. Pay attention to your spending habits, investments and how well you take care of yourself. It’s important to get your finances and lifestyle in order if you want to get ahead mentally and physically. Being honest with yourself will help you portray an accurate vision of your expectations to those interested in getting to know you better.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

“Grateful, proud and at peace”– emotional Messi plays final Argentina game L

Lionel Messi ended his Argentina career with 126 goals in 208 appearances

ionel Messi says he is “grateful, proud, and at peace” after his glittering Argentina career ended with a goal against Benin on an emotional night in Buenos Aires. The 39-year-old, playing his 208th and final international game, converted a second-half penalty and registered two assists in a comfortable 3-0 friendly win. Messi, who announced his international retirement in August, was playing his first game for Argentina since the death of his father, Jorge, aged 68 following a long illness. After the match he addressed the crowd with a speech spanning nearly 10 minutes, with some of his team-mates – including Manchester City’s Enzo Fernandez – in tears as

Linden Masters champions of Isun Health Conscious O40 Football

Masters eventually prevailed 10-9 in sudden death kicks. GDF Masters, however, redeemed themselves in the third-place playoff, winning 4-2 on penalties to grab the $60,000 third-place prize. The encounter had also ended in a stalemate. Additionally, Riddim Squad were rewarded with $40,000 for finishing fourth. In the grand finale, Linden Masters held firm for a 3-1 victory over Beacon Masters. Andrew Edwards netted a brace for Linden alongside a solitary strike from Carlos Grant while Abrams had accounted for Beacon’s consolation. The Linden side, therefore, walked away with the $200,000 grand prize, while Beacon had to settle for the $100,000 second prize.

est goal-scorer in World Cup history, with 21, behind France’s Kylian Mbappe (22), and second for goals in all internationals (126), behind his great contemporary and rival, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (146). “I have nothing left to do but thank this shirt,” continued Messi. “For 20 years, even through the worst moments, I never stopped fighting, pushing forward, giving everything I had and wanting to be here. “Not coming here anymore and no longer being with the Argentina national team is going to hurt a lot. If it were up to me, I would love to be here for my entire life, because playing for Argentina is the most beautiful thing there is. I think I’m talking more than ever today because I simply don’t want this moment to end.” “But I think the time has come for me to retire. The last World Cup took a lot out of us after everything we went through. We arrived in the final with just enough left in us, but we fought until the very end, like we always did. “We came very close to winning it again, and despite everything that was said about us, nothing strange happened. The match against England took a lot out of us because we gave absolutely everything. “In 2022, we had the dream of fulfilling not only my dream but also the dream

of an entire country: becoming world champions again. And we did it.” Messi’s career will continue at club level with Major League Soccer team Inter Miami, with whom he has a contract that runs to the end of the 2028 season. On a night of celebrations from start to finish in the Argentine capital, Messi was often seen to be visibly moved by the occasion. The former Barcelona and Paris St-Germain forward was filmed wiping away tears on the coach journey to the ground and again appeared overcome by emotion during a rousing rendition of the country’s national anthem. Before kick-off, a spectacular firework display welcomed the players on to the pitch, while a giant Argentina shirt – bearing Messi’s iconic number 10 and the word “gracias” (thank you) - was – sprawled across the field. Ten minutes into the game, play was then brought to a halt for yet more fireworks, another standing ovation for Messi and handshakes from every Benin player. Once the fanfare subsided, Messi was typically at the heart of everything going forward for Argentina, seeing two free-kicks well saved, twice missing glorious chances from inside the six-yard box and then hitting the post in the closing stages. (BBC Sport)

Gaffur century propels Cotton Tree to victory

Linden Masters celebrate their victory

he Linden Masters football team were the last men standing over the weekend as they outplayed every opposition they faced, en route to a championship win in the Isun Health Conscious-sponsored “One Love” Over-40 Football. In the first semi-finals, Beacon Football Club (FC) Masters pulled off a 2-0 victory against Riddim Squad FC Masters. Sherwin Rose and Anthony “Awo” Abrams found the back of the net for Beacon Masters. Then, in the second semi-final, Linden Masters set up a date with the Georgetown side after defeating Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Masters. Following a stalemate after regulation time, the contest was plunged into penalties, where Linden

Messi admitted he did not want to leave the field. “There are so many emotions going through me right now,” he said. “I’m surely forgetting many things I would like to say because this is a very difficult moment for me. The first person who comes to my mind is my dad. “I leave grateful, proud and at peace. Thank you for everything.” Messi played the full 90 minutes before the 85,000-strong sell-out crowd inside the Monumental was treated to a laser light show, live music and presentations. When he made his announcement in August, Messi said the decision to retire “hurt” but that “the time has come”. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said he had written his retirement message on July 21, two days after Argentina lost to Spain in this summer’s World Cup final. Messi made his debut for Argentina in 2005 as a 63rd-minute substitute in a 2-1 friendly win over Hungary. However, he was shown a straight red card less than a minute later, after he swung his arm and his elbow connected with fullback Vilmos Vanczak. Despite his tough start on the international stage, Messi went on to become one of the all-time greats, winning the World Cup and two Copa America titles with Argentina. He is the second-high-

Linden Masters’ Garfield Shepard was recognised as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), while GDF Masters’ Delroy Fraser was the highest goal scorer. Linden Masters carted off the Best Midfielder, Best Defender, and Best Goalkeeper prizes in Travis Waterton, Julian Davidson, and Linden Dennis, respectively. The Best Coach, Randy King, came from the GDF. Tournament organiser Junior Forrester extended gratitude to the tournament’s sponsor Isun-Health Conscious. Thanks were also extended to the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association and Ministry of Health, who provided free prostate cancer tests and eye test vouchers.

Rashaad Gaffur scored a fine century

kipper Rashaad Gaffur was large and in charge at the Bush Lot United Sports Club Ground when he led his side, Cotton Tree, to a comfortable win in Die Hard.

Gaffur struck a fine unbeaten 120 as Cotton Tree secured a 55-run win in the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) intermediate 40-overs tournament. Earlier, Cotton Tree won

the toss and opted to bat first, scoring 272-7 in their allotted 40 overs. Gaffur’s 120 stood out, supported by Suraj Bissoondyal, who made 27, and Arif Khan, who made 20. Bowling for Bush Lot United, Altaf Ali had two for 35 from eight overs. Akash Ramdewar went for 11 runs per over, claiming two for 77 from seven overs. Bush Lot replied with 217 all out. Justin Doobay offered great resistance with a brave unbeaten knock of 86. Altaf Ali scored 32, while Lakeraj Hemraj made 23. Bowling for Cotton Tree, Fawaz Gaffoor had three for 31 from eight overs, while Gaffur returned two for 40 from eight overs. Hamchan Ragbeer chipped in with two for 41 from 6.3 overs as Cotton Tree now advances to the next round.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Bartica, Three Miles girls’ clash moved to Friday in ExxonMobil U18 tournament

The tournament has already started in Region Seven, where Three Miles Secondary defeated Bartica Secondary 4-0 in the opening boys’ match

he female match between Three Miles Secondary and

Bartica Secondary in the inaugural ExxonMobil Under-18 Schools Football

Tournament has been moved to Friday at 14:00h, organisers have confirmed.

The encounter, which was originally scheduled for Wednesday, will still be played at the Bartica Community Centre Ground. According to the organisers, the change was made to align the fixture with the Ministry of Education’s policy of having school sports activities played on Fridays. The tournament, organised by the Vurlon Mills Football Academy (VMFA), has already started in Region Seven, where Three Miles Secondary defeated Bartica Secondary 4-0 in the opening boys’ match. All other fixtures remain unchanged, with several other regional zones also scheduled to begin action on Friday. On the East Bank of

Demerara (EBD), Dora Secondary will face Covent Garden Secondary in a boys’ match at Providence from 15:00h. The East Coast Demerara (ECD) zone will also get underway on Friday at Plaisance. Bladen Hall Secondary will meet Annandale Secondary in the female competition at 14:00h, before Plaisance Secondary and Beterverwagting Secondary clash in the boys’ division at 15:30h. Region Six will begin its programme with New Amsterdam Secondary facing Tutorial Academy in a female fixture at All Saints from 14:00h. Georgetown-North and Georgetown-South are also set to start their respective campaigns on Friday. In Georgetown-North,

Queen’s College will meet Tutorial High in both the female and male competitions, while Campbellville Secondary will face North Georgetown Secondary in a female encounter. In Georgetown-South, East Ruimveldt Secondary and Lodge Secondary will meet in both divisions at West Ruimveldt, while Tucville Secondary will host Charlestown Secondary in female and male matches. The Region Three zone is scheduled to begin on October 10 at Friendship Park with four boys’ matches, while Region One’s Mabaruma zone will start on October 15. The Moruca zone and Region 10 are due to begin on October 16, followed by Region Five on October 17 and Region Two on October 23.

GHB Junior Indoor Championship Westside names 8-member team for Suriname bullies off with 29 teams …record turnout noted across 3 categories

The CASH will witness the best of Guyana’s junior hockey players over the next three days

he Guyana Hockey Board’s National Junior Indoor Championship commenced on Wednesday, October 7, and will run until Saturday, October 10, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH), Homestretch Avenue. According to the Board, games are set to begin at 17:00h on weekdays and 14:00h on Saturday. “Last year, 20 teams took part in this tournament; this year, we have 29 teams across three categories,” a GHB member said. This is no surprise, according to the member, as clubs have worked with limited resources to grow the sport in their communities and schools. The field includes nine Under-13 mixed teams, 12 Under-17 teams, and eight Under-21 teams. The

Under-17 and Under-21 divisions are evenly split between boys’ and girls’ teams, which is unusual, as boys’ teams typically outnumber girls. The balance points to growing participation by girls in sport. Given the number of entries, teams have been placed in groups for round-robin play, with the semi-finals and finals set for Saturday. The Under-13 is the only category with a third-place playoff. The Under-21 boys’ competition promises plenty of excitement. As several former national Under-21 players age out of the category, new faces have stepped up to lead their teams. Michael Payne of Hikers, Grant Fernandes of GCC, and Deon Hope of Old Fort will take on stalwart and marksman Jabari

Lovell and his Saints Hockey Club side. The girls’ competition will be just as fierce. Makayla Poole of Saints, named Most Valuable Player; Trinity Greaves of Hikers, the top goal scorer; and Jazlyn Smith of Old Fort, the best goalkeeper, will all look to repeat their success from the recent Magnolia’s Indoor Hockey 5s held in Trinidad and Tobago. The Under-13 mixed category is wide open, with young players eager to compete and make a name for themselves. All Under-13 games will be played on Saturday, giving them a full day of hockey. Hockey fans are encouraged to show their usual support, bring their energy, and let us cheer on the juniors as they compete for top prizes.

golf championship

Westside Golf Course will send an eight-member team to represent Guyana at the 2026 DSB Suriname Invitational Golf Championship

estside Golf Course will send an eight-member team to represent Guyana at the 2026 DSB Suriname Invitational Golf Championship, set for October 17–18 at Golf Club Paramaribo. The team will compete in the men’s A-Category against golfers from Suriname, Guyana, French Guiana, and other regional territories, with hopes of challenging for the leading positions. Guyana Golf Association (GGA) President Aleem Hussain will lead the squad alongside Vice Presidents Monnaf Arjune and Philip Haynes. They will be joined by leading national player Lakeram “Panko” Ramsundar and GuyaneseAmerican/Canadian golfers Roy Dhori, Anwar Shaffie, Dustin Spivey,

and Sabi Dhori. Hussain said Westside was proud to represent Guyana again in Suriname and viewed the championship as an opportunity to develop both players and ties between the countries’ golfing communities. “We see these regional exchanges as an important part of building stronger players and stronger relationships between our golfing communities,” he said. The trip will also continue the GGA’s work with Golf Club Paramaribo and local partners to support junior golfers and beginners. That partnership includes a Junior and Beginners Drive and Chip & Putt competition, which has brought young Guyanese and Surinamese golfers together since 2023. Hussain said the relationship between the

two organisations had grown beyond tournament participation, with junior development becoming an important part of their collaboration. He also thanked Suriname Captain Sarah Chehin and the Golf Club Paramaribo Executive Committee for the invitation.

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

All-rounder Taylor powers West Indies’ clean sweep over Zimbabwe

West Indies’ women completed a 3-0 T20I series sweep (file photo)

tafanie Taylor became only the fourth woman to score 3000 runs and take 100 wickets in T20 Internationals (T20Is), as she helped the West Indies crush Zimbabwe for a clean sweep in Harare. Electing to bat, Zimbabwe posted 142 for six with opener Kelis Ndhlovu scoring her fifth half-century in T20Is. She scored 63 off just 48 balls with six fours and three sixes. Zimbabwe made 40 for one in the power play before Taylor came into the attack. She struck with her second ball to have Chipo MugeriTiripano stumped for her 100th T20I wicket before returning later to trap Chiedza Dhururu lbw. Despite the brief stutter in the middle overs, Zimbabwe could post a fighting total after they took 41 for one in the last four overs. Ndhlovu and Christine Mutasa added 40 off just 27 balls for

Kelis Ndhlovu scored her fifth T20I 50

Stafanie Taylor took two for eight in her four overs and then followed up with a half-century

the fifth to give the hosts a boost. Taylor’s two for eight from four overs and

Jahzara Claxton’s two for 35 meant Zimbabwe couldn’t run away with the

bat. Claxton then led West Indies’ strong response

aaa

SCOREBOARD

Zimbabwe Women (20 ovs maximum) Kelis Ndhlovu c Hector b Claxton 63 Beloved Biza c Henry b Hector 21 Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano st †Mangru b Taylor 7 Chiedza Dhururu † lbw b Taylor 9 Nyasha Gwanzura c Claxton b Henry 3 Christine Mutasa not out 24 Michelle Mavunga b Claxton 6 Loryn Phiri not out 1 Extras (b 2, nb 3, w 3) 8 Total 20 Ov (RR: 7.10) 142/6 Did not bat: Tendai Makusha, Kudzai Chigora, Nomvelo Sibanda (c) Fall of wickets: 1-27 (Beloved Biza, 3.4 ov), 2-40 (Chipo MugeriTiripano, 6.4 ov), 3-79 (Chiedza Dhururu, 13.1 ov), 4-90 (Nyasha Gwanzura, 14.4 ov), 5-130 (Kelis Ndhlovu, 18.4 ov), 6-136 (Michelle Mavunga, 18.6 ov)

Jahzara Claxton and Taylor added 71 together

with the bat. She made 38 off 37 but, importantly, was involved in a 71-run second-wicket stand with Taylor to ensure the tourists faced no hiccups in a comfortable chase. Taylor finished 64 not out from 39 balls, hitting 11 fours, and saw West Indies through with 18 balls and eight wickets to spare. The major difference between the teams was the middle overs (seven to 16), where Zimbabwe made only 61 for three while West Indies scored 85 for the loss of Claxton, who was bowled by Beloved Biza. (ESPNcricinfo)

Bowling Chinelle Henry Shawnisha Hector Jahzara Claxton Karishma Ramharack

O-M-R-W 3-0-26-1 3-0-20-1 4-0-35-2 4-0-36-0

Stafanie Taylor 4-1-8-2 Afy Fletcher 2-0-15-0 West Indies Women (T: 143 runs from 20 ovs) Realeanna Grimmond b Mutasa 17 Jahzara Claxton b Biza 38 Stafanie Taylor not out 64 Jannillea Glasgow not out 15 Extras (lb 1, nb 2, w 6) 9 Total 17 Ov (RR: 8.41) 143/2 Did not bat: Chinelle Henry (c), Aaliyah Alleyne, Zaida James, Mandy Mangru †, Afy Fletcher, Shawnisha Hector, Karishma Ramharack Fall of wickets: 1-19 (Realeanna Grimmond, 2.4 ov), 2-90 (Jahzara Claxton, 11.6 ov) Bowling Christine Mutasa Tendai Makusha Nyasha Gwanzura Loryn Phiri Kudzai Chigora Beloved Biza Nomvelo Sibanda Michelle Mavunga

O-M-R-W 3-0-19-1 2-0-16-0 2-0-15-0 1-0-11-0 2-0-18-0 4-0-28-1 2-0-21-0 1-0-14-0

Claxton finished as the Player of the Series

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“Didn’t bat as well as we could’ve” – Hope

West Indies will be looking to rebound in the second T20I tomorrow Shai Hope rued his team’s batting collapse in the first T20I

est Indies whiteball Captain Shai Hope has identified his team’s shortcomings with the bat as a major factor in their eight-wicket loss to India, noting that they allowed the opposition to “get back in the game”. On the back of Shreyas Iyer’s maiden T20 International (T20I) century, India quickly cut down a chase of 172 against the West Indies in 14.4 overs to take game one in the fivematch T20I series. In spite of a half-century off the bats of Hope and

Sherfane Rutherford, West Indies’ 171 was not quite enough after the visitors lost five wickets for 28 runs in the middle overs. In the aftermath, Captain Hope was blunt in admitting that his side just did not bat well enough on Tuesday. “Certainly not up to scratch,” Hope admitted. He continued, “When you come to India and play in their own home conditions, you have to play your best cricket, you know; they’re a very tough team to beat. So, you have to make sure you have more rights than

wrongs, something that we didn’t do well today, but the thing is, I know a lot of guys who played here, whether it’s in the IPL or previous tours. So, we just need to use those experiences, find ways to get better and come back for the next game. “I would say, in comparison to the second innings, yes. I thought the ball actually came on a bit more; even when we bowled our slow balls and cutters, it actually slid on to the pitch a bit more rather than held. Mayan got his cutters to grip a bit more. So, maybe those little mar-

gins, yes, but we just didn’t bat as well as we could’ve, honestly. We just got to be honest.” The skipper did have high words of praise for Rutherford, though, who pulled the West Indies from 107-4 to 171. Hope expressed, “Shreyas, he played a wonderful innings. Again, when you don’t put a big score on the board when you’re batting first in Indian conditions, it’s always going to be tough for you as a bowling group. Rutherford, he’s been playing really well in this format; he’s been playing some magnificent in-

nings for us, giving us opportunities to defend. Great to see him back in the runs; he didn’t get many in the ODI series. So, it’s nice to see him ticking those boxes here in the T20 series.” As Hope identified areas where the Caribbean side could improve ahead of their next outing, the topic of their batting came up once again. “I think it was a bit of both. I felt like we allowed them to get back into the game a bit more,” the West Indies Captain shared. “We started okay in the powerplay, then Rutherford and I built a nice partnership going into the 10-11 overs, so

we were setting a nice platform, but I got out at a crucial stage as well, and then wickets just continued to fall. Whenever you can’t build partnerships, or wickets fall back-to-back, you never give yourself the chance of going deep and getting a big score.” He added, “So, those are the little things that we need to pay attention to for the next game, make sure we don’t lose wickets in clusters and then give ourselves a better chance to get a big target.” The second contest in the five-match T20I series is scheduled for Friday, October 9, at 09:30h local

Up to 300 races on cards for Berbice drag meet …new timing system introduced for Sunday’s showdown

GMR&SC President Mohamad Shairaz Roshandin

otor racing fans could be treated to as many as 300 races when the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) stages its latest drag-racing event at the East Canje, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) airstrip in Region Six on Sunday. The October 11 event is expected to feature both cars and motorcycles battling over the quarter mile, with organisers also introducing a new timing-based system to determine the classes in which competitors will race. GMR&SC President Mohamad Shairaz Roshandin said more than 100 competitors registered for last year’s event, and the elimination format means the number of

races could increase significantly as the competition progresses. “The last time we had over 100 competitors registered, so it’s two cars going down together. So just for all of them to have at least one race, you’re looking at 50,” Roshandin explained. “And for elimination purposes, that will multiply tremendously. It will reach maybe 200 to 300 races.” One of the major changes for this year’s event is the method being used to classify competitors. Last year, cars were grouped according to the cubic capacity of their engines. This time, Roshandin said, a timing system will classify

competitors according to how quickly they complete the quarter mile. “The last time we did what we did, we were just classing cars according to the cubic capacity of the engine. This time around we’re working with a timing system which classes you depending on how fast you can finish a quarter mile,” he explained. The system will allow cars to be grouped into classes ranging from 16 seconds down to 11 seconds, with organisers also considering a 10-second class. Motorcycles, meanwhile, will compete in 600cc and 1000cc classes. Roshandin noted, however, that the surface at the East Canje airstrip will place some limitations on the type of high-powered cars that can compete. “The surface down here is not asphalt; it’s concrete. It’s a bit rough, so the higher-power cars can’t really drive on it,” the GMR&SC boss explained. Nevertheless, he said organisers intend to have the highest-powered machines that are suitable for the surface participate in Sunday’s event. The GMR&SC is hoping to build on the success of last year’s staging and establish the Berbice drag meet as an annual event.

A look at the Canje airstrip that will be ignited this Sunday

Roshandin said apart from providing entertainment for motor-racing enthusiasts in Berbice, the event has the potential to contribute to the county’s tourism sector and wider economy by attracting patrons and competitors from other parts of Guyana and neighbouring Suriname. “We want to bring the entertainment and excitement for the people of Berbice and also let that help with the tourism sector and also help with the economy in Berbice, where people will come from Georgetown; those will come across from Suriname, and, you know, it will add to the economy in Berbice,” he noted. Organisers are also seeking to improve arrangements for patrons after assessing the

system used during last year’s event. Roshandin explained that vehicles were previously parked along the road, with shuttle buses transporting patrons into the venue. This time, designated parking areas are being identified, and signs will be erected to guide motorists. Shuttle buses will again be used to transport patrons from the parking areas to the airstrip. “We’re trying to improve on that,” Roshandin shared. “We’re going to put up parking signs... so you know that area you can go park, and there will be a shuttle bus there or two to just shuttle you all the way in.” He described last year’s arrangements as a “trial”, noting that organisers are

seeking to improve the system this time around. Safety and security arrangements are also being put in place. The East Canje airstrip has dams on both sides, with a canal alongside the racing area. According to Roshandin, spectators will be positioned beyond fencing on the dams, providing separation between them and the racing strip. Police will also be on hand to direct and control activities in the area, while private security personnel are expected to assist with ensuring the smooth movement of vehicles. Tickets for Sunday’s event will be sold at the gate. The gates are scheduled to open at 07:00h, while qualifying and racing will get underway at 10:00h. (G-4)

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

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

“Didn’t bat as well as Up to 300 races on cards for Berbice we could’ve” drag meet – Hope …new timing system introduced for Sunday’s showdown

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Shai Hope rued his team’s batting collapse in the first T20I

GMR&SC President Mohamad Shairaz Roshandin

Jahzara Claxton and Stafanie Taylor added 71 together

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