Guyana Times - Thursday, July 16, 2026

Judiciary has never been more resourced – PM …as

new Magistrates, Commissioners

of Title appointed

Prime Minister (PM)

Mark Phillips on Wednesday administered the Oath of Office to five Commissioners of Title and six Magistrates appointed by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

During the ceremony, which took place at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), the PM underscored the significance of the appointments, stating that the judiciary has never been better resourced than it has been since the PPP/C administration took office in 2020.

In fact, he underscored the importance of an independent judicial system to any democracy, reaffirming his Government’s commitment to ensuring that Guyana’s judiciary remains fully resourced.

“The executive that I represent here today is largely responsible for providing those resources, and there is no time in

the history of independent Guyana that the judiciary of Guyana has been more resourced than the period 2020 to 2026,” the PM remarked.

“In terms of physical infrastructure, more court houses have been built and have been rehabilitated from 2020 to now than in any other period during independent Guyana. In

terms of system support, the executive has provided the financial resources for the judiciary to procure the most updated e-litigation system available in the Commonwealth,” he outlined.

With regards to human resources, he noted that the executive has worked with the judiciary over the years to ensure the appointments

of key judicial officers.

“For example, in February 2024, nine Magistrates were appointed. In April 2024, three Commissioners of Title were appointed. In June 2024, 10 puisne Judges were appointed. In May 2025, seven Justices of Appeal were appointed. No one can seriously accuse the executive, that is the

Government that I represent here today, of not resourcing the judiciary in Guyana,” PM Phillips asserted.

He also emphasised that the Government does not exercise control over the judiciary, emphasising the importance of judicial decisions being made strictly in accordance with the law.

“It is obvious that we do not control the judiciary; we do not determine whom we appoint, we do not determine how they function. The judiciary must remain functionally independent… All the executive asks on behalf of the people of Guyana, whom we are elected to represent, is that the judiciary functions independently, fairly, and makes decisions in accordance with the law. Investors, both local and international, are severely influenced by the state of this crucial arm of Government.

After all, the safety of their investments lies with a competent, independent and reliable judiciary,” the PM expressed.

Commissioners of Title

The JSC on Tuesday announced the selection of five legal professionals for appointment as Commissioners of Title to serve in the Land Court. They are Alicia Lowenfield, Annette Singh, Alisha George, Utieka John and Shivani Lalaram. They took their oaths of office before PM Phillips on Wednesday.

Lowenfield previously served as Deputy Registrar of the Supreme Court. She obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Guyana (UG) in 2004 and a Legal Education Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School in 2006.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily. Thursday, July 16 –05:15h–06:45h and Friday, July 17 – 06:00h–07:30h

WEATHER TODAY

Morning thundery showers are expected to clear to sunny skies by late afternoon, with clear skies at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East-North-Easterly to Easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 05:46h and 18:16h reaching maximum heights of 2.73 metres and 2.60 metres.

Low Tide: 11:49h reaching a minimum height of 0.49 metre.

Guyana’s

unemployment rate drops by half since 2020

– Finance Minister

…tells young people “this is your time”, to take up all opportunities

Since assuming office in 2020, the Dr Irfaan Ali-led People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has reduced the unemployment rate in Guyana by half, including among young people.

This is according to the senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, while delivering the feature address at the Labour and Manpower Planning Ministry’s National Youth Skills Forum held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC). The Forum was held in observance of World Youth Skills Day on Wednesday.

According to the Minister, the unemployment rate in the country was 12.8 per cent in 2020, but by 2024, that rate was reduced by half to 6.8 per cent. He also pointed out further that the youth unemployment rate in 2020 was 30.2 per cent, and by 2024, this rate was reduced by more than a half, moving to 12.1 per cent in just four years.

“And we did that by creating, in the first five years of being in Government, more than 104,000 new jobs. Now, in a population such as ours, 104,000 is a really staggering number, and jobs have continued to be created,” Minister Singh explained. He, however, noted that in Guyana’s rapidly growing economy, one of the biggest challenges faced is the challenge found in the labour market.

“It doesn’t require me to think for more than a few nanoseconds because the reality is that jobs are being created more rapidly than we are able to produce people with the skills required to take up those jobs,” the Minister emphasised.

have or will be acquiring the skills that are needed in the labour market of today and, even more so, of tomorrow.

You are the sellers in this labour market, and the opportunities are there for you to convert,” Dr Singh added.

Addressing those young people who are still unsure as to their career paths, Singh encouraged that they make a start at something.

“While you are figur-

behalf of Government that no matter where each young person lives, lasting success and real prosperity cannot be built without three things.

“Education – and by education, I don’t mean only formal education, education and skills training, employment – meaning jobs and getting jobs and working in jobs – and entrepreneurship, business activity,” he

To this end, Dr Singh urged young people to take up all the opportunities being provided in Guyana as he highlighted the PPP/C Government’s unwavering commitment to the development of the country’s youth.

He noted that under the leadership of President Ali, the Government is not just talking about the future but is actively building it by expanding free technical training and creating an unprecedented environment for employment and entrepreneurship.

The senior Minister therefore encouraged youths to ensure that they seek out and capitalise on the opportunities in the various expanding sectors of the country.

“Ask yourself, “Where do I see an opportunity in here for me? And what do I need to do to take advantage of that opportunity?” he urged the young people in attendance at the forum as he noted that with the demand for labour far exceeding supply and with more demand for skilled workers, this period in the country provides a huge opportunity for them all.

“You are the people who are going to be filling those jobs and starting those small businesses. With that background in mind, I want to say to you that in this labour market, you are the sellers. You are the people with the skills. You’re the people who

ing out what you want to do, get up and do something. Get up and do something. Make a start. Sign up for a training course; do the training course. Apply for a job; get the job and start the work. You can still be thinking about what you want to do. That’s okay. But make a start and do something,” he urged further.

Take advantage

The Minister also implored that young people take advantage of entrepreneurial opportunities while also advising them that there is no longer gender-assigned jobs.

On this note, Singh concluded by recommitting on

said, adding, “Young people of Guyana, tomorrow’s Guyana is yours. This is your time!”

Also addressing the forum and delivering remarks as they outlined the Government’s various programmes and policies beneficial to the young people while also encouraging them to take up all of the opportunities being presented countrywide were Minister in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs; Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith; Chairman of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), Kathy Smith; and Chief Executive Officer of BIT, Richard Maughn.

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Bridging social services gap, training, opportunity

The true measure of national progress can be reflected in the strength of communities, the protection of vulnerable citizens and the availability of essential services to every region of the country. Against this backdrop, the launch of the Certificate in Paraprofessional Social Services (CPSS) programme in Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), is a significant investment in Guyana’s social development.

For years, hinterland communities have faced challenges associated with limited access to specialised social services, largely due to shortages of trained personnel. The introduction of a structured, accredited training programme aimed at developing social service professionals within these communities is therefore a strategic response to a longstanding national need.

The CPSS programme, launched by the Human Services and Social Security Ministry in partnership with the Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers and accredited by the University of Guyana, is a practical approach to addressing service gaps. By bringing training opportunities directly into the hinterland, the initiative removes barriers that often prevent residents from accessing professional development opportunities available in urban centres.

This approach is particularly important for Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine, where communities are often geographically isolated and require social services that are responsive to their unique circumstances. Developing a pool of trained paraprofessionals from within these communities ensures that assistance can be delivered by individuals who understand the local environment, cultural dynamics and specific challenges faced by residents.

Social workers’ responsibilities extend far beyond providing assistance during times of crisis. They are essential partners in child protection, family support, mental health initiatives, domestic violence prevention, genderbased violence response and community development. Strengthening this sector is therefore directly linked to building safer, healthier and more resilient communities.

The CPSS programme also highlights the importance of creating meaningful employment pathways through education and skills development. Training residents for careers in social services allows communities to benefit from increased employment opportunities while simultaneously strengthening the national support system. Graduates will have opportunities to contribute to institutions such as the Childcare and Protection Agency, the Social Services Department and the Survivor Advocate Programme, among other areas requiring qualified personnel.

As new opportunities emerge across sectors, social challenges must not be overlooked. Economic growth must be accompanied by strong institutions and a skilled workforce capable of addressing the needs of citizens. The expansion of professional social services is an essential component of ensuring that development benefits all segments of society.

The emphasis placed on ethical conduct, accountability, proper documentation and adherence to professional procedures within the programme is also noteworthy. Social workers frequently operate at the intersection of vulnerable individuals, government services and the justice system. Their decisions and interventions can have lasting consequences for families and communities. Ensuring that those entering the profession are equipped with the necessary knowledge and ethical foundation is critical.

The introduction of the CPSS programme indicates a recognition that social protection requires trained individuals who are present in communities, understand local realities and can provide effective support. Sustainable social development depends on building capacity at the grassroots level.

As Guyana continues its development journey, investments in people must remain at the centre of national planning. Roads, schools and economic projects are important pillars of progress, but so too are the systems that protect and uplift citizens.

Expanding such initiatives across the country will be essential to ensuring that no community is left behind and that every region has access to the professional support required to thrive.

Young minds explore science at NCERD STEAM Camp

Students from Grades Six to Nine participate in hands-on experiments and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) challenges during the camp, where they engage in scientific investigations, teamwork and discoverybased learning activities led by the Science Unit of the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) (Education Ministry photos)

Do not attempt to play politics with our young people

Dear Editor,

I am deeply disappointed by the statement made by Shadow Minister of Human Services and Social Security Natasha Singh regarding my community, St Cuthbert’s Mission.

Please do not come into our community on a single visit and attempt to play politics with our young people. It is unfair to draw sweeping conclusions based on one visit while ignoring the work that has already been done.

The public deserves a complete and accurate account of the progress that has taken place.

Our community has also seen significant development. We recently welcomed a brand-new paved road leading to our village landing, fulfilling a commitment made by the Government.

Residents have benefited from GOAL scholarships, allowing many to pursue studies at CPCE and the University of Guyana. Our primary school is currently under construction.

Our playfield has been renovated, providing a safe and improved space where our young athletes play cricket and other sports, with matches taking place regularly on weekends.

New water pipelines have been installed in various sections of the village, and new electricity poles have been erected through efforts led by Deputy Toshao Leroy Gonputh.

Our Village Council continues to work for the benefit of our people. Councillor Luke Simon and Councillor Orinn Dundas are actively involved with community farming, drainage and irrigation and poultry projects through the CSOs.

Toshao Simon continues to represent the interests of our village, alongside Councillors Christella, Denise, Miranda, Stallone, Beverley, Debbie Rickford, Neil, Emmanuel and others who dedicate their time and effort to serving this community. These are facts, not opinions.

As for Azruddin Mohamed, who is under federal indictment, I respectfully remind you that if you intend to visit St Cuthbert’s Mission for political purposes, write to the village council first. It was disrespectful that the council was not informed of your visit. I only learned about it through social media. Every Government agency and private organisation follows this process. That process exists for a reason and should be respected by everyone.

Mental health is not a political slogan for me. In the past year, my family has lost three loved ones to suicide, including my cousin, Christiano Simon. Like many families in our village, we live with that pain every day.

That is why I know the claim that nothing has been done is simply false.

Mental health services have already been introduced, including monthly visits by a therapist. Just last week, Dr Timothy Morgan, Dr Mark Constantine, and a Ministry of Health team visited St Cuthbert’s Mission to engage residents and committed to returning with a programme to train teachers, nurses, Village Council members, and other community leaders. There is still much more to do, and I will continue advocating for expanded services. But do not erase the work that has already been done for the sake of political headlines. Our community deserves better than that.

Yours sincerely, Tristan Henry Councillor St Cuthbert’s Mission Village Council

Ganja, guns, ammo in barrels at GT wharf Surge in high-potency ganja entering Guyana from North America – CANU Head warns

Ajoint operation between the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on Tuesday intercepted some $71 million in imported cannabis along with the guns and ammunition.

The discovery was made at the Muneshwers Wharf in Georgetown inside of two barrels that originated from the United States of America (USA).

Based on reports, CANU and GRA agents, acting on information received, searched the two incoming barrels, during which they found 71 transparent parcels containing foreign cannabis weighing 37.2 kilograms with a street value of $71 million. Additionally, three pistols and 18 rounds of 9mm ammunition were also found in the barrels.

Speaking with reporters on Wednesday morning about the discovery, Director of CANU, James Singh, explained that there has been an increase in marijuana laced with higher tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) coming from North America as well as other countries in the region.

“This is not something new. We would’ve spoken about it before where marijuana with what we call a higher THC, coming from other regions – with-

in South America as well as North America. We’ve seen cases with it being imported through the airport and in barrels. In this instance, we’ve seen it come with several high-powered weapons – rifles and pistols,” he stated.

Already, several persons have been arrested and are assisting with the joint investigation being carried out by CANU and GRA along with the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) – the white-collar

arm of the Guyana Police Force – and other agencies that are working to prevent the entry of illicit drugs concealed in cargo and other shipments.

According to Singh, CANU has been observing the smuggling of marijuana from North America for some time now.

“It’s been [happening] for a while… In some cases, the marijuana is labelled as medicinal marijuana. So, we’ve seen it come from North America into Guyana – [it] has a higher THC. Some of it is consumed here, and others are transhipped out of Guyana,” the CANU Head noted.

Nevertheless, the law enforcement agencies have reiterated their commitment to strengthening security measures and ensuring that Guyana’s borders remain protected against

Judiciary has never been more...

She was admitted to the Bar of Guyana in 2006 and later to the Bar of Trinidad and Tobago in 2009. Her legal career began as a State Counsel in the Chambers of the Attorney General (AG) of Guyana. She subsequently worked as a Registered Associate Attorney in The Bahamas and later served as a Judicial Research Counsel in the Judiciary of Trinidad and Tobago before returning to Guyana in 2016 to assume her current position.

George earned her Bachelor of Laws degree from UG in 2007, followed by a Legal Education Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School in 2009. She also completed a Master’s degree in natural resources management in 2025. Before joining the judiciary, George served as Head of the Regulatory Department at Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) and as a State Counsel in the Chambers of the AG. She was appointed a Magistrate in 2014.

Singh obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree from UG in 2006 and a Legal Education Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School in 2009. She began her legal career as a State Counsel in the Chambers of the AG before

being promoted to Senior Legal Adviser.

Lalaram obtained a Bachelor of Laws Degree from UG in 2016 and Legal Education Certificate from Hugh Wooding in 2018. She was in private practice before being appointed to serve in the Magistracy in February 2024. where she has presided in courts in Georgetown and Berbice. She played an integral role in the establishment of a Mental Health Court in Guyana and presided in the Drug Treatment Court.

John obtained a Bachelor of Laws Degree from UG in 2014 and a Legal Education Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School in 2016. She obtained a Master of Laws Degree in Corporate and Commercial Law in 2024. She began her legal career at the Chambers of the AG in 2016, where she served as State Counsel until 2019. She was then employed at the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, first as legal adviser and then in 2021 as Corporate Secretary/Legal Counsel.

Magistrates

Moreover, the JSC on Tuesday also announced the selection of five persons for appointment to the post of Magistrate. They are

Ocelisa Marks, Nikkisha Logan, Jimelle Joseph, Shareefah Parks, Taneisha Saygon and Caressa Henry, who also took their oaths of office before PM Phillips on Wednesday.

Marks obtained a Bachelor of Laws Degree from UG in 2017 and a Legal Education Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School in 2019.

Logan obtained a Bachelor of Laws Degree from UG in 2017 and a Legal Education Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School in 2019. She further earned a Master of Laws Degree in corporate and commercial law in 2023.

Joseph obtained a Bachelor of Laws Degree from UG in 2018 and a Legal Education Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School in 2020.

Parks obtained an Associate Degree in Communications in 2013, a Bachelor of Laws Degree from UG in 2018 and a Legal Education Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School in 2020. She later obtained a postgraduate diploma in criminology and victimology. She is presently pursuing a Master of Laws Degree in Law and Dispute Resolution at the Robert Gordon University,

drug trafficking.

Cocaine seized coming through Venezuela, requests unanswered

But despite the increase in the smuggling of this specific grade of marijuana from North America into Guyana, the CANU Director pointed out, however, that the majority of the drugs, especially cocaine, that are seized here come from neighbouring Venezuela.

FROM PAGE 2

Scotland.

Saygon obtained a Bachelor of Laws Degree from UG in 2018 and a Legal Education Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School in 2020.

Henry obtained a Bachelor of Laws Degree from UG in 2019 and a Legal Education Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School in 2021. She also obtained a certificate in anticorruption and asset recovery in 2025.

Chief Magistrate

Meanwhile, the JSC also announced on Tuesday that Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman has been appointed Chief Magistrate, with effect from January 7.

Latchman obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree from UG in 2002 and a Legal Education Certificate from Hugh Wooding Law School in 2004. She was admitted to the Bar of Guyana in October 2004. Her professional journey commenced as a State Counsel in the Chambers of the DPP in 2004, and she was later promoted to serve as a Senior State Counsel in those Chambers in 2008. Latchman joined the magistracy in 2009 and was later elevated to the post of Principal Magistrate in 2017.

“Most of narcotics we found are persons from Venezuela. The evidence shows that it would have come through Venezuela. Where it would’ve originated from, we have no idea, but the last place before it entered Guyana was Venezuela, and sever-

al persons arrested were Venezuelan nationals… I would say 90 per cent of drugs that we have seized –cocaine, has been originated from Venezuela,” he indicated.

According to the CANU Head, his agency has been reaching out to counterparts in Venezuela to curb this illicit trade but to no avail.

“There are persons in Venezuela who we would’ve reached out to for information. Unfortunately, that information has not been forthcoming. So, all we can do in the meantime is work with the local counterparts – the Police, the Guyana Defence Force, and other agencies – to strengthen our current systems,” Singh posited.

Page Foundation

Mean, Median, Mode

The mean, median and mode are averages. Averages are measures of central tendency, they are values that can be used to represent a set of data.

Mean

To calculate the mean we find the total of the values and divide the total by the number of values

The “number of values” is sometimes referred to as the “number of numbers”.

Example

Find the mean of this set of numbers

5 8 10 11 13

The mean is 9.4.

Median

The median is a type of average found by arranging the values in numerical order, from the smallest value to the highest value and finding the middle value.

When there is an odd number of values, finding the middle value can be relatively straightforward.

Example 5 8 10 11 13

The median is 10, the middle value. We can also use this formula to find the median:

So when n = 5 in the example above

Animals need food for energy and growth. To use the food they eat, they must change it into a form that the body can use. This process is called digestion. The different organs, or body parts, that are involved in this process make up the digestive system.

In humans the different parts of the digestive system make up what is called the digestive tract. The main organs of the digestive system are the mouth, the pharynx, the oesophagus, the stomach, and the small and large intestines.

Digestion begins in the mouth, where the teeth chew the food. Glands in the mouth produce a digestive juice called saliva. The tongue mixes the food particles with the saliva. The saliva

moistens and softens the food so that it can be swallowed easily. When a person swallows food, it passes through the pharynx, or throat, into the oesophagus. The oesophagus is a tube through which food passes from the pharynx to the stomach. In a process called peristalsis, the walls of the oesophagus move in waves to push the food down the tube to the stomach.

In the walls of the stomach, millions of glands produce digestive juices. The juices contain substances called enzymes and hydrochloric acid. They help to break down the food particles. The stomach churns the food into a thick liquid called chyme over a period of time as different kinds of food are digested at different rates.

The 3rd value given is 10.

However, when there is an even number of values, we get a middle pair. Here, to find the median we need to find the midpoint of the middle pair of values.

Mode

The mode (or modal) is the most common number.

To find the mode we need to find the most frequently occurring item in the data set.

Example 1 3 4 5 6 6 7

The most frequently occurring item is 6

The mode (or modal number) is 6.

The mode is the only average where there can be two different values. When this happens we say the data is bimodal

From the stomach, peristalsis pushes the chyme into the small intestine. Food remains in the small intestine for several hours. Two large glands, the liver and the pancreas, are connected to the small intestine by ducts, or tubes. The glands send digestive juices to the small intestine through these ducts. All these fluids break down most of the remains of the food into simple chemicals. Some substances, like plant fibres, cannot be broken down. These substances pass from the small intestine into the large intestine, or colon. The first section of the colon absorbs fluids and salts. The second section removes more water. This process turns the waste material from a liquid to a solid. The last section of the colon is a holding area

for waste. From there the waste passes out of the body through the anus.

(Adapted from Britannica Kids)

I heard them only once. Climbing in the mountains, I stopped to rest a moment on a ledge and listen to the river distantly below— when suddenly they began to call each other back and forth from trees across the valley, invisible in pinetops but bright and clear like the ring of crystal against crystal. I didn’t move but lay there wondering what they were like, amazed that folklore had made their cry the omen of betrayal. So now, reading how the Chinese took their call to mean pu ju kuei, pu ju kuei— Come home again, you must come home again— I understand at last what they were telling me not then, back in that high, green valley, but here this evening in the memory of it returned by these birds that I have never seen.

(Source: Poetry [October 1983])

Write a story about light returning to a place that has been deprived of it for a long time, literally or figuratively.

Guyana’s candidate takes UNSG campaign to France

Guyana’s candidate for the United Nations Secretary General (UNSG) post, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, has taken her campaign to France, where she had a series of high-level engagements to present her candidacy.

On Wednesday, Ambassador RodriguesBirkett had the honour of meeting with the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, His Excellency Jean-Noël

Barrot. They had a productive discussion and exchanged views on multilateralism and the UN reforms. Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett also took the opportunity to share her vision for the United Nations, including plans to make it more agile, efficient and effective while being responsive and fit for purpose.

Also on Wednesday, the Guyanese diplomat engaged a group of bright young leaders, diplomats,

journalists, and members of civil society at La Maison de l’Amérique latine in Paris.

Hosted by the Association Française pour les Nations unies (AFNU) and La Maison de l’Amérique latine, the meeting offered an opportunity to share her vision for the United Nations and to listen to students and practitioners who are actively advancing multilateralism and defending human rights.

She expressed her gratitude to Ambassador Pierre Guignard, Secretary General of AFNU, Ambassador Jean-Marc Laforêt, President of La Maison de l’Amérique latine, for the invitation and to all those who attended and contributed to the discussion.

According to a brief statement from the Permanent Mission of Guyana to the United Nations, Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett was left inspired by the commitment, ideas, and energy of those working to strengthen multilateralism and to uphold the purposes and principles of our United Nations.

Recognised as a public utility since 1922, AFNU works to promote the UN and multilateralism and to raise public awareness about international issues such as peace and security, development, human rights, and other

global challenges such as climate and biodiversity, among other areas.

La Maison de l’Amérique latine was founded in 1946 and serves as an important space for cultural exchanges between the peoples of Latin America and France.

In a June 12 announcement, President Dr Irfaan Ali disclosed that Guyana would be seeking the UN Secretary-General seat and nominated former Foreign Affairs Minister and current Permanent Representative of Guyana to the UN, Ambassador Carolyn RodriguesBirkett, for the position. The tenure of the current UN SecretaryGeneral, Antonio Guterres, will end on December 31, 2026.

Since her nomination, Ambassador RodriguesBirkett has embarked on a global campaign to push her candidacy among ma-

jor leaders and organisations. In fact, just last week, she appeared before regional leaders at the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in St Lucia to present her candidacy for the top UN post.

Regional Heads of Government have strongly welcomed Guyana’s nomination and expressed full endorsement for Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett’s candidacy. Ambassador Rodrigues is vying for

the UN SG post alongside former President of Chile and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet; former President of the UN General Assembly Maria Fernanda Espinosa of Ecuador; Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi of Argentina; SecretaryGeneral of UN Trade and Development Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica; and former President of Senegal Macky Sall.

Lethem women fined, jailed on assault-related charges

Two women who pleaded guilty to the offences of unlawful wounding and assault causing actual bodily harm were on Tuesday sentenced to three months’ imprisonment and fined $30,000 each.

Terizita Parks, 19, of Bonfim, Brazil, and Tabatinga, Lethem, Central Rupununi, and Camille James, 26, of Tabatinga, Lethem, appeared before Magistrate Omadatt Chandan at the Lethem

Sentenced: Camille James

Sentenced: Terizita Parks

Magistrate’s Court, where the charges were read to them separately.

However, they both pleaded guilty and were each fined $30,000, with three months’ imprisonment in default of payment for assault causing actual bodily harm.

In addition, they were each sentenced to three months’ imprisonment on the unlawful wounding charge.

Undercutting…

…our digital future

If irony generated electricity, Berbice wouldn’t need a second gas pipeline. Only months after helping to broker an MoU between our Government under Pressie’s leadership and Cerebras Systems for a proposed 300MW artificial intelligence (AI) data centre in Berbice, Ernst & Young (EY) is now organising another data centre initiative – this time in Kamla’s Trinidad and Tobago. Talk about hedging your bets!!

The juxtaposition is difficult to ignore. One moment, Berbice is being boosted as the future home of cutting-edge AI infrastructure for our region. Next, EY is helping position Trinidad to fill the same role!! Now, there’s nothing intrinsically wrong about that; EY’s a global consultancy firm – not Guyana’s economic development agency. Its job is to create business opportunities – and make money for themselves!! – wherever they exist. But Guyana’s policymakers should be asking whether the Guyanese fella heading up EY’s AI forays ain’t playing both sides against the middle!!

Data centres are among the world’s most energy-intensive facilities. They demand abundant, reliable and competitively priced electricity – not to mention water for cooling. That’s precisely why the proposed Cerebras project was strategically important. It offered a potential anchor customer to justify Exxon landing that second gas-to-shore pipeline for industrial-scale power generation in Berbice!! But if Trinidad snags the regional data centre ecosystem instead, we’ll be left in the lurch!! Pipelines follow demand. Investors follow customers. They don’t follow press releases!!

The uncomfortable truth is that an MoU ain’t no investment decision!! It’s just an agreement to explore “possibilities”!! Have we tied down the “possibilities” into “probabilities” since the signing?? Your Eyewitness certainly hopes so!! ‘Cause Berbice needs that jump start that a GTS-initiated industrialisation project would provide!! Meanwhile, Trinidad, under Kamla, desperately trying to regain its mojo, continues to leverage its industrial infrastructure, established utilities and decades of experience servicing multinational energy companies. They may not have our breakneck economic growth, but they’ve got experience with gas-fired power plants!! 750 MW of it – which would soon be fed from the new Dragon Mouth field the Yanks are arranging via Venezuela!! So until construction of the Cerebras project begins, we gotta resist the temptation to confuse ambition with achievement.

Now, there’s a certain poetic symmetry in EY facilitating both “possibilities”. Consultants, after all – especially if Guyanese are involved – don’t owe no loyalty to geography; their loyalty is to make a buck! Even more than countries, consultants got no eternal friends – just eternal interests in making money!! The question is whether we’re creating enough real opportunities to keep Berbice ahead in the race with the electricity demand that was supposed to justify that second gas pipeline.

Because in the digital economy, nobody remembers who signed the first memorandum. They’ll remember who opened the first data centre!!

…sovereignty

Your Eyewitness saw a very disturbing news item about a band of armed Chinese in military gear deployed in Suriname’s interior!! Some were in the country legally and some not!! They were arrested, and hopefully we’ll get some more details as to what they were doing there!! Like us, Suriname has gold deposits, and your Eyewitness suspects these armed Chinese were members of a “Triad” – a Chinese gang – protecting some Chinese operator from the Surinamese version of the Venezuelan Sindicatos extorting blood gold!!

Now this seizure of armed Chinese should be a warning to us. Over here, in addition to Chinese mining our bauxite and manganese, they’ve taken over the supermarket and home improvement market!! Periodically, we read about bandits attacking members of the latter businesses – and we shouldn’t be surprised if Chinese triads start operations here!! Meanwhile, the Chinese Govt defines the Chinese diaspora as part of its citizenry – and recently passed laws to control their activities. What say they about the Triads??

…PNC’s credibility

Fried Chicken Man – PNC’s parliamentary leader – has called for changes in the Integrity Commission’s legal wherewithal to permit the release of details of the assets of stipulated “declarants”. Shouldn’t he declare his assets as an exemplar of probity??

Almost 1000 contracts awarded for citywide drainage & desilting works

…citizens urged to report poor-quality operations

The Public Works Ministry has awarded almost 1000 contracts to improve drainage in the capital city, with the subject Minister, Juan Edghill, urging citizens to report instances of poor-quality works.

In a live broadcast on Wednesday, Minister Edghill said, “A number of persons have been calling me and complaining about the quality of work that is being done

by those contractors and expressing dissatisfaction.”

He is encouraging citizens to file complaints via a hotline – 624-2964.

“When you call the hotline or you send a text message to the hotline, all you need to do is to pin the location so that I can have the engineers who are overseeing this project go there and inspect and ensure that the work is being done properly,” the Minister

explained.

He emphasised that contractors will not be paid if the job is not done in accordance with the

terms and provisions of their contracts, noting that “we are stepping up monitoring and we want to ensure value for mon-

ey.”

During the live broadcast, Edghill used the opportunity to help citizens understand the scope of works the contractors are required to undertake so they would be aware when shoddy operations are being conducted.

“Provide for desilting of the drains by removing, whether it’s manual or by machine – manual means the use of buckets; mechanical means

the use of an excavator – all existing silt, slush and debris and vegetation, inclusive of clearing on the bridges and cleaning of culverts as directed by the engineer,” the Minister outlined.

“Let me make it clear: these contracts are not for people just to come and weed the road edge, dip a couple buckets of slush and move on. This is not going to be a fast and nasty operation,” he added.

Police issue wanted bulletin for suspect in fatal Vigilance shooting

Days after 38-year-old Shawn Edwards of South Vigilance, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was shot and killed, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has issued a wanted bulletin for 30-year-old Tyrese Chester.

Edwards was reportedly found lying on the roadway at Vigilance, ECD, with a gunshot injury to his abdomen on Monday.

It was reported that Edwards was discovered at about 16:30h and was rushed to the Enmore

Regional Hospital, where he was treated and transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Following the incident, an investigation was launched, and based on CCTV footage collected and reviewed from the area, Chester was identified as the prime suspect. Guyana Times understands that the shooting might be gang-related.

Police are asking anyone with informa-

tion that can lead to the arrest of Chester to con-

tact the nearest Police Station or call 911.

This shooting comes a day after 22-year-old Cordel August, a wash bay attendant from Strathspey, ECD, and 35-year-old shop owner Aeon Headley from Vigilance, South, were shot and killed during a drive-by shooting.

It was reported that the duo was among a group gathered at a shop owned by Headley at about 22:00h when two men dressed in black arrived on a motorcycle and allegedly opened fire in their direction.

Both victims sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to the Enmore Regional Hospital by public-spirited citizens, where they were pronounced dead on arrival. No arrests were made for that fatal attack.

Karasabai farmer jailed for 3 years for ganja cultivation

Thirty-two-yearold Kim Pablo, a farmer from Karasabai Village, South Pakaraimas, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo), was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for planting a prohibited plant (ganja).

Pablo appeared before Magistrate Omadatt Chandan at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where he pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

Sentenced:

As such, he was fined $30,000 and sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.

Almost 1000 contracts...

Additionally, he explained that all the alleyways and drains need to be cleaned in their lot, and all the existing slush, debris and vegetation, when it is removed from the drains, must be placed in a truck and carted away. It can’t be, taking it out the drain and putting it on the shoulder. The contract stipulates it must be carted away, trucked away and dumped.”

“On the road shoulders, they are to grub and clean off all the parapets as directed by the engineer, inclusive of removing all the vegetation, overburden, material and what we have been seeing. People are doing some amount of extension or improvements to their homes to buy a whole truckload of sand, but they only need a quarter. So, the sand is

remaining there, grass is growing in it and water can’t flow to the drains, and the road is being damaged. We have to clear away all those materials that have been there, all encroachments and accumulated garbage on the road shoulder. So, these contractors that have gone out there also have to remove all the accumulated garbage. It doesn’t mean that householders can’t come out now, and when you see the truck, bring out garbage to put in there,” he added.

When these works are completed, Edghill said it will have a “huge impact” in Georgetown.

“Within another couple of weeks, Georgetown should look different, and should we have rain, what we saw earlier in the year should not occur,” he posited.

Body of missing Berbice teen found along Corriverton foreshore

The body of 14-yearold Devanand Ritesh Balram, also called “Whiteboy”, who went missing on Sunday while swimming in the Corentyne River, was discovered on Wednesday in the vicinity of the Dukestown Foreshore, Corriverton, Berbice.

Police stated that after two days of searches in and around the Springlands Foreshore, family members resumed searching at about 06:00h on Wednesday, which led to the discovery of the body.

The teen was found lying face down in a crouched position between several rocks, clad in boxer shorts.

The body was in an advanced state of decomposition. Police stated that the body was examined, but no detectable marks of violence were observed. A post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted on the teen’s remains.

It was reported that Balram, a former student of Tagore Memorial High School, disappeared into the murky water in the Corentyne River during an outing with friends on

Police find over 1kg of ganja in separate operations in Mahdia

Police in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) have discovered 1.10 kilograms (kg) of ganja during separate operations on Monday and Tuesday, respectively.

In the first instance, Police were conducting an operation at Mahdia Arcade where ranks found one black plastic bag containing five transparent plastic bags with 207 transparent Ziploc bags of cannabis hiding under a black water tank in an abandoned area.

The cannabis later weighed and amounted to 200 grams (g).

In the second incident, Police were on patrol in the 111 Miles, Mahdia,

Sunday.

Based on reports received, the teen, who could not swim, allegedly went to the foreshore with three other friends. However, while there, he reportedly went into the water, but due to the current, he was pulled further into the river.

He reportedly shouted for assistance while holding onto a piece of lumber. As his friends went for help, the youth disappeared.

The teen lived with his father after his par-

ents separated. Gayatree Rambhajan, the teenager’s mother, had stated that after learning of

her son’s disappearance, relatives established a search party and combed the area on Monday eve-

ning, but her son was not found.

She, however, noted that the search had to be suspended because the family couldn’t afford to hire a boat. After reporting the matter to the Police, they joined the search, along with members of the public.

The grieving mother related that she last spoke with her son on July 2 and described him as a caring and thoughtful young man and confirmed that he did not know how to swim.

area, during which they found one white plastic bag containing cannabis in an alley across from the Mahdia Arcade.

The ganja was taken to the Mahdia Police Station, where it was weighed and amounted to 960g. No arrests were made as investigations continue into both discoveries.

“Paper Shorts” murder Opposition Leader’s personal mechanic wanted by Police surrenders

Hours after Police issued a wanted bulletin for Satrohan Rajkumar, the personal mechanic of United States-sanctioned and indicted Opposition Leader, Azruddin Mohamed, for questioning the murder of Ricardo “Paper Shorts” Fagundes, he turned up at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters.

Rajkumar, also called “Depoo”, was accompanied by his lawyer, Damian Da Silva. This was confirmed

by a source close to the investigations.

On Tuesday, Mark Richmond and Udoh Kanu, both former security guards of Mohamed, along with Amarnauth Ramsook, a car dealer, who were in custody and questioned about the murder of Fagundes, were released on $1 million bail each.

Richmond and Kanu were arrested last Thursday, but the Guyana Police Force had applied for an extension to further detain the men for another 72

hours after the detention period had expired.

That application was granted on Saturday and ended on Tuesday. With respect to Ramsook, detectives stated that he had reportedly sold the car used in the execution of the former miner.

He was released after his 72-hour detention period ended. Richmond was also represented by Attorney-at-Law Damien Da Silva.

Dead: Ricardo “Paper Shorts” Fagundes

The latest development marks another significant step in the high-profile probe into the killing of Fagundes, who was gunned down outside a popular night spot on Main Street, Georgetown, on March 21, 2021.

Reports indicate that the man was partying with a group of friends when his phone rang, and he exited the nightspot to take the call. However, short-

ly thereafter, several gunshots were heard.

The now-deceased man’s friends rushed out to enquire but found Fagundes lying motionlessly in a pool of blood near his motor car. The case remained unsolved for more than five years.

Nevertheless, in an effort to solve the murder, the Guyanese Government engaged the Regional Security System (RSS) for assistance.

The RSS, during its investigation, did not find any evidence of corrupt practices or an attempt to cover up the probe into the 2021 murder of Fagundes.

It stated that the bribery allegations made by Sergeant Dion Bascom in several social media posts against Detective Supt Caesar and Inspector Stephens, the RSS found no evidence of such.

Govt targeting criminal wealth in heightened asset seizure push – AG

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC

The Guyana Government will be ramping up efforts to go after assets obtained from criminal activities or through illegal means.

This was revealed by Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister SC Anil Nandlall on Wednesday as he spoke about the successes local law enforcement agencies have had in going after the assets of criminals.

“In recent times, we have reaped tremendous successes through a collaboration be-

tween DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions), AG Chambers, SOCU (Special Organised Crime Unit), members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), CANU (Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit) and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). You would read about how many accounts we have frozen recently; how many large quantities of gold and precious metals that we have detained, through court orders, using the legislation,” he posited.

In the same breath, however, Nandlall told reporters that the Government is now shifting its focus on the seizure of proceeds from crimes.

“The emphasis now going forward is on forfeiture, to seize proceeds of crime,” the AG declared.

When an individual is convicted for drug trafficking, they are usually sentenced to a period of imprisonment along with a fine. In the past, persons who only served the jail time without having to pay the fine. But now, the State would be going after that fine.

Derelicts, encumbrances on roadways 50 persons already charged as Govt intensifies removal campaign

Some 50 persons have already been hauled before the courts as the Government intensifies its campaign to remove derelicts and other encumbrances from roadways countrywide.

This is according to Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, who noted in a live broadcast on Wednesday that while the Ministry has been aggressive in its efforts, it is also overwhelmed by the volume of cases, including those of repeat offenders.

“So far, 50 persons have been charged and placed before the courts…150, thereabout, have been warned, and they have voluntarily removed the encumbrances,” Minister Edghill disclosed, noting that officials will continue with their campaign countrywide, with support from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and local democratic organs.

“I’m making it very clear: any thoroughfare that has been cleared of derelicts, and after it’s been cleared, persons choose to dump or to store

derelict vehicles there again, in conjunction with the Guyana Police Force, we will investigate this, and you will be charged. We are moving now to charges. We are stepping up charges,” he assured.

Repeat offender

Edghill referred to the case from earlier this year when a businessman paid over $4 million to retrieve trucks seized by the Government in its derelict-removal drive. He lamented that the businessman continues to defy the law and noted that charges will be instituted against him.

“When we did the clearance of the area behind the gas station from David Street going down to Middleton Street, the owner of that establishment paid $4.2 million, I repeat, $4.2 million, to get back the trucks and so on that we have to remove. Now, if a man pays $4.2 million and then goes ahead to continue it, it means that the fines that he has to pay and the costs that he has

Surge in high-potency...

In fact, he pointed to Tuesday’s discovery by CANU and GRA agents as an example of these enhanced collaborative efforts working.

“The marijuana discovered at the wharf… was an example of shipment coming into Guyana. So, the fact that we were able to detect it is an indication that law enforcement is doing what they’re supposed to do at the necessary ports of entry,” he stated.

Meanwhile, CANU’s increased successes in drug seizures have put Singh in the limelight, with several threats being made against him by suspected criminal groups from Venezuela. According to James, they continue to work with overseas counterparts to identify the source of these threats.

“We’re still working with our international counterparts because this threat originated outside of Guyana. Based on the information that we got, it’s a Spanish group, we suspect, out of Venezuela, so we’re work-

to pay didn’t really bother him. So, we’re going to remove it, and we’re going to also press charges,” Edghill announced.

It had been reported in February 2026 that a removal exercise was conducted along the Old Railway Embankment behind the GuyOil Gas Station, where the road was blocked by abandoned vehicles owned by Global Spare Parts and Auto Sales. At that location, the owner of the auto sales

FROM PAGE 5

ing with our counterparts. Unfortunately, we don’t have that sort of communication we’d want with Venezuela as we have with other countries, but we’re sharing some information with counterparts here and in the region, and we’re doing our best to at least get to the bottom of it or dissuade them from trying,” Singh told reporters on Wednesday. Only last week, Caribbean leaders, following the 51st Caricom Head of Governance Conference, had called on the Venezuelan government to arrest and prosecute those individuals in the neighbouring country who have been attacking Guyanese military, as well as civilians, traversing along the Cuyuni River, which borders the two South American nations.

Back in May, at least two GDF officers were shot and injured in separate incidents after coming under hostile fire from the Venezuelan side while performing duties in the waterways.

had contracted two trucks to act as a barricade to the officials attempting to remove the derelict vehicles. Those trucks were also towed by the Government during its exercise. The businessman subsequently paid the fines to retrieve the vehicles but has resorted to the same actions.

“It is disrespectful and downright obnoxious, having done that four times, to go in that thoroughfare again and to see derelict vehicles being dumped

there. I’m announcing publicly and giving notice: if you dump derelict vehicles, we will investigate who did it and who the owners are, and you will face the courts, because the Ministry of Public Works, in conjunction with the Guyana Police Force, is stepping up this operation,” Edghill assured.

The Public Works Minister also encouraged Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) to act within their communities, expressing that “the NDCs must act. What is happening in the smaller streets that are under the control of the NDCs? They must act.” He noted that the Ministry remains available to offer support if needed.

“This dumping of derelicts and the wanton abuse and misuse of main access roads and highways must come to an end,” Minister Edghill contended.

400 clamps

Meanwhile, the Minister also announced that the Government has procured 400 clamps,

which have arrived in the country and will be handed over to the GPF to help enforce the weight limit for trucks. The legal weight limit for heavy-duty trucks is strictly enforced at 15 tonnes per axle.

“Trucks that are carrying more than the 15 tonnes per axle, in keeping with the regulations that have been made, you’ll be clamped and detained, and we will be moving to charges,” Edghill said.

“Trailers and heavy-duty equipment that are being parked on road shoulders and in roadways pose great risk to motorists, both in the day and in the night. You won’t be able to get back those vehicles because we will clamp them, we will press charges, and where we need to remove, we will remove them. And in keeping with the Roads Act, you will only be able to get it back when you pay every dollar of what it costs us to move it and to transport it, and when you honour your obligation to the State, then you will get it back,” he added.

Sod turned for new $388M Buxton Market

The Government on Wednesday signalled the construction of a new $388.1 million Buxton Market, with Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand saying the project will provide vendors and residents with a modern facility after decades of deterioration.

Manickchand turned the sod for the two-storey market, which is expected to be completed within eight months and will replace the existing structure that she said had not been properly operational for more than 30 years.

She said the decision to host the sod-turning ceremony inside the current market was deliberate, as it allowed officials and residents to see the conditions vendors currently operate under.

“This is the market. Why should we go and hold it on a tarmac where it smells nice and it looks different and we don’t see what it is the three vendors have to use?”

Manickchand said.

The Minister said she first visited the facility in September 2025 and observed vendors operating outside the market while trying to earn a living and

support their families.

She said the new facility is part of the Government’s wider effort to improve communities by ensuring residents have access to better services and infrastructure.

“Community by community, neighbourhood by neighbourhood, NDC by NDC, we’re trying to build out a place where all your services are excellent and accessible,” she said.

The new market will accommodate 136 stalls, compared to the current situation where three vendors operate inside the existing building and

19 roadside vendors conduct business outside. Seven to nine additional persons have also submitted applications for vending spaces.

The facility will include dedicated sections for meat and fish, fresh produce, retail shops, salons, barber services and other small businesses. It will also feature modern sanitation facilities, CCTV security, organised vendor allocation, an integrated waste management system and improved drainage.

Manickchand said the project was developed after consultations with

vendors, the Buxton/ Foulis Neighbourhood Democratic Council and other stakeholders to determine the type of spaces required.

She explained that the contract was awarded through a competitive public procurement process, with construction being undertaken by R&P Engineering and General Construction.

The project was designed by Skylines Architecture Inc. and carries a contract value of $388,147,745.

Manickchand urged residents to monitor the progress of the works,

noting that the contractor is expected to complete construction within the agreed eight-month period.

Regional Chairman Clemsford Belgrave said the project is an important step in advancing Buxton’s economic development, while Buxton/ Foulis NDC Chairman said the council remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure the market is successfully completed.

The ceremony was attended by Government officials, regional representatives, contractors, vendors and residents.

Govt targeting criminal wealth in heightened...

“We’re now going to pursue the fines, and we’re going to seize, using the law, properties that evidence suggests are the proceeds of crime or acquired through criminal means and criminal proceeds. And that is the new direction Guyana is going along with the Caribbean and the world,” Nandlall contended.

The AG made these remarks during an interview with reporters on the sidelines of the Asset Recovery InterAgency Network for the Caribbean (ARINCARIB) Annual General Meeting being held in Georgetown.

ARIN-CARIB is a network of Caribbean law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and judicial practitioners who spe-

cialise in the recovery of proceeds of crime in the region.

The two-day event features presentations, interactive sessions, and reports on respective countries’ successes in the fight against proceeds of crime.

Strengthening

Delivering the feature address at Wednesday’s opening ceremony, AG Nandlall disclosed that over the years, Guyana has been working on strengthening its AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework. These efforts have extended beyond legislative reform to include institutional strengthening, enhanced oper-

ational coordination, expanded international cooperation, and increased capacity building among competent authorities.

According to the Legal Affairs Minister, these efforts have resulted in partnerships, both local and international, geared towards ensuring financial investigations are pursued comprehensively and that the proceeds of crime are identified, restrained, confiscated, and ultimately recovered in accordance with law.

In fact, he pointed out that technical support over the years from the Regional Security System (RSS) has helped Guyana to develop model legislative provisions on asset recovery and confiscation. However,

he recognised that the work is far from over, revealing plans to further update the local AML/ CFT regime to support asset recovery efforts.

“The Government of Guyana is presently undertaking comprehensive revisions to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act. These amendments are intended to further strengthen our confiscation framework, modernise our asset recovery provisions, improve investigative powers where appropriate, and ensure continued alignment with evolving Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards as we prepare for the fifth round of mutual evaluations.”

“Asset recovery re-

mains one of the clearest indicators of an effective AML/CFT regime, and we remain committed to ensuring that our legislative framework continues to evolve to meet international best practices,” AG Nandlall stated.

He went on to add that another milestone that was recently achieved is the approval of staffing for the Guyana Compliance Commission – another show of efforts to strengthen Guyana’s supervisory framework for designated non-financial businesses and professionals.

According to Nandlall, as the Commission continues to expand its operational capacity, it will play an increasingly import-

ant role in protecting the integrity of Guyana’s financial system through effective supervision, enhanced compliance, monitoring and stronger engagement with reporting entities.

“It will also support our continuing efforts to develop robust risk-based oversight of non-profit organisations (NGOs) and to establish an appropriate supervisory framework for virtual assets and virtual asset service providers, as our legislative reforms continue to progress in accordance with international standards. These remain important areas for future development as we continue strengthening Guyana’s AML/CFT architecture,” the Legal Affairs Minister stated. FROM PAGE 14

Cuba's national electric grid collapses for 3rd time in July

Cuba's national power grid collapsed on Tuesday, the Energy Ministry said, marking the third major blackout in nine days on the islanD.

"There has been a total disconnection of the electrical system," the Ministry said on social media.

The frequent outages come as a US-imposed oil blockade has crippled the island's already ageing energy infrastructure. US President Donald Trump imposed an oil blockade on the Caribbean island after Washington deposed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on January 3.

Venezuela was Cuba's primary fuel supplier, and subsequent US pressure also led Mexico to halt oil shipments to the island.

In the capital, Havana, traffic lights were out, and the hum of generators echoed through the streets. Many residents,

A man walks down stairs to fetch water during a nationwide blackout after Cuba's national power grid collapsed, marking the third major outage in nine days

accustomed to blackouts, expressed frustration at their ever-increasing frequency and duration.

"My mother is bedridden with dementia, and because of these blackouts, I've had to throw away meat and fish from the refrigerator because it all spoilt," said Julia Valdes, 70.

"This is already the third collapse of the national electricity system

this week. How much longer is this going to last? We can't go on living like this anymore."

The chronic power failures have fuelled frustration with the Government and prompted small nightly pot-banging protests, as well as anger over the USimposed oil blockade.

"It's unfair that we're having to go through this situation," said Valdes.

(Reuters)

Court voids appointment of St

Lucian

lead Judge in vaccine case

High Court

Judge Raulston Glasgow has quashed the appointment of Eddy Ventose, a St Lucian academic and jurist, as a Justice of Appeal of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) with effect from January 8, 2024.

This means the ECSC decided that the lead Judge who reversed the original decision in the COVID-19 vaccine mandate case in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) was not a justice of appeal at the time of the February 2025 ruling.

Justice Ventose wrote the 2-1 majority decision announced on February 12, 2025, which overturned the March 2023 ruling by then-High Court Judge Esco Henry, who is now an appeal Judge. Judge Henry had found the mandate unconstitutional and void.

Justice Glasgow, in

Eddy Ventose (Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court)

a written Judgement issued last week, said the appointment was unconstitutional, null and void because Justice Ventose did not meet the requirement of 15 years of legal practice.

The vaccine mandate case is awaiting a final decision from the Privy Council in London, the highest court for St Vincent and the Grenadines.

James Bristol KC brought the case, arguing that the Judicial and Legal Services

DR rules out troop deployment to Haiti’s anti-gang forces

Dominican President Luis Abinader said the Dominican Republic (DR) will not deploy troops to Haiti as part of the UN-backed Gang Suppression Force (GSF), drawing a clear line between humanitarian and logistical support and any direct military involvement in Haiti’s security crisis.

“We do not have direct participation. What we have is logistical participation,” Abinader said. “We provide support, medical humanitarian assistance, and coordination.”

The announcement, made during a July 12 interview, addresses one of the most politically sensitive questions surrounding the international security mission. While several countries have committed personnel, many Haitians have long opposed any direct Dominican military or police presence because of the

neighbouring countries' troubled history and ongoing disputes over migration and border policy.

Haiti and the DR share the island of Hispaniola but have a history marked by violent conflicts, including Haiti’s 22year occupation of the neighbouring territory in the early 19th century; the 1937 Parsley Massacre, in which thousands of Haitians were killed under Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo; and decades of disputes over migration, citizenship and border security.

Those tensions have intensified in recent years as the Dominican Government expanded deportations of Haitian migrants, strengthened border controls and built sections of a border wall while repeatedly warning that Haiti’s insecurity threatens Dominican national security.

(Excerpt from The Haitian Times)

India, Antigua and Barbuda review

bilateral cooperation ahead of CHOGM

India and Antigua and Barbuda (A&B) have held discussions on a range of bilateral issues, including preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), sports cooperation and educational exchanges.

According to the High Commission of India in Guyana, Acting High Commissioner Manoj Kumar met with several Government officials during his visit to A&B for the observance of the 12th International Day of Yoga.

Commission acted unlawfully because Justice Ventose had not “so practised” as an advocate for the required 15 years when he was promoted to the appellate bench.

The court reviewed Justice Ventose’s career and found he fell short of the required 15 years. Even with a broad definition of litigation work, Justice Glasgow counted only 12 years and 9 months, including his time as a High Court Judge and master.

Justice Glasgow said there was no sign the JLSC acted in bad faith or unfairly. He explained that the mistake was due to an honest but incorrect reading of the law. He also praised Justice Ventose’s “widely recognised legal accomplishments” and made it clear the ruling was not about his skills or knowledge.

(Excerpt from St Lucia Times)

The officials included the Minister of Education, the Commissioner of Sports and the Director General in the Ministry

of Foreign Affairs. The discussions focused on pending matters of bilateral cooperation, including preparatory arrangements for CHOGM, the selection of teams for the Girmitiya Games in India, the use of Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) training opportunities, scholarship programmes and other areas of mutual interest.

The meeting forms part of ongoing engagement between the two countries to strengthen cooperation in education, sports, capacity building and diplomatic relations. (Antigua Newsroom)

T&T PM declines to comment on US push against ICC as Govt hosts American delegation

Prime Minister (PM) Kamla PersadBissessar yesterday declined to comment on the US’s recent campaign to dismantle the International Criminal Court (ICC), even as she met with a high-level American delegation to discuss strengthening bilateral ties.

Asked by Guardian Media for her reaction to reports that the US intends to pressure countries to withdraw support for the ICC, the PM responded by stating, “Not now.”

Her brief response came as the Government hosted a senior US delegation led by Deputy Assistant Secretary for Caribbean Affairs and Haiti Barbara Feinstein, Chargé d’Affaires Philip Kern and Chief Policy Officer of the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Caroline Vik.

According to international reports,

the US also plans to pressure countries to reject the ICC’s authority, with possible consequences for those that refuse, including sanctions, visa restrictions and heightened scrutiny.

The development carries particular significance for Trinidad and Tobago, which is widely recognised as the “grandfather” of the International Criminal Court.

The country’s late former prime Minister and president ANR Robinson spearheaded the global initiative in 1989 that revived efforts to establish a permanent international criminal court.

Guardian Media is awaiting responses from former ICC Judges, including former president Anthony Carmona, on the development. (Excerpt from Trinidad and Tobago Guardian)

Around the World

OIL NEWS

Oil prices make small gains on smaller US inventory draw

Oil prices rose slightly on Wednesday, reacting to stronger-than-expected inventory and largely shrugging off a new wave of US attacks against Iranian military installations that aimed to limit Tehran's ability to strike shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Brent futures settled at US$84.95 a barrel, up 22 cents, or 0.26 per cent. West Texas Intermediate futures finished at US$79.60 a barrel, up 26 cents, or 0.33 per cent.

The US Energy Information Administration reported a 1.7-million-barrel drop in US crude inventory last week, less than a forecast draw of 2.6 million barrels.

"There seems to be a sense that we've seen this movie before," said Phil Flynn, senior analyst with Price Futures Group, referring to hostilities in the Middle East.

"There's a sense in that EIA report that the supplies instead of evaporating are stabilising," he added.

The EIA also reported a build in distillates of 4.6 million barrels last week compared to a forecast increase of 100,000 barrels.

Washington had earlier reimposed a naval blockade of Iranian ports and launched overnight strikes, prompting Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to threaten to close "all other export corridors that benefit the US and its allies". (Excerpt from Reuters)

White House weighs releasing controversial intel on China,

The White House is considering releasing sensitive intelligence related to China and its ability to interfere in US elections that some Trump officials worry could be misleading, according to four people with knowledge of the deliberations.

Trump may disclose the intelligence, which was collected and analysed during his first term, in a speech that he is due to deliver on Thursday night, when he is expected to outline information about alleged vulnerabilities in the voting infrastructure that could allow for foreign interference in US elections, the sources said.

Reuters could not determine the details of the intelligence, but sources said it is classified

US elections

and related to whether China had the intention or ability to disrupt US elections in 2020. The sources, who were granted anonymity to discuss classified material, said the intelligence did not show Beijing had manipulated or changed votes.

Trump has continued to repeat the debunked claim that the 2020 election was rigged, suggesting a foreign actor was involved in flipping votes despite legal rulings that Democrat Joe Biden won.

His speech on Thursday may reveal new information about a year-long effort by the Trump administration to collect and review material on what the White House says are vulnerabilities in the nation’s voting infrastructure. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Iran threatens to block more trade routes as US launches fresh strikes

Iran has threatened to block further trading routes in the region as the US launched new strikes on military targets.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the Strait of Hormuz would remain shut until the US ended its "acts of aggression". It also threatened to close off other regional oil and gas export channels.

It came as the US military's Central Command (Centcom) said it had struck Iran on Wednesday morning, following another operation overnight. It also said its forces had redirected two vessels attempting to pass its new-

ly reinstated blockade of Iranian ports.

Ongoing US-Iran hostilities have underscored the strategic importance of the Strait to the global economy.

The renewed attacks have also triggered a

sharp rise in oil prices, as tanker traffic through the vital shipping route has virtually stalled.

Wednesday morning's strikes "further degraded Iran's ability to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz",

Centcom said in a statement.

A 90-minute wave was used to target Iran's coastal defences and cruise missile storage and launch sites on Greater Tunb Island, the Centcom officials added.

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump vowed to strike Iran's bridges and power plants next week if the country did not return to talks.

"I'll save the energy targets for last, but ultimately we'll hit energy targets," Trump said in an interview on Special Report with Bret Baier that aired on Tuesday night. (Excerpt from BBC News)

US House votes to end Israel aid, dividing Democrats, with 103 voting to cut off funding

House Democrats were sharply divided on whether to cut off aid to Israel during a floor vote on the issue Wednesday, marking the latest flashpoint in the party's rift over support for the US ally.

The amendment – which was introduced by GOP Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who has consistently opposed foreign aid – would have eliminated $3.3 billion in assistance to Israel. Massie submitted the amendment to the annual State Department appropriations bill that the House passed later Wednesday.

The amendment failed in a 104-

314-10 vote, with 103 Democrats voting in favour, 98 voting against and 10 voting present. Massie was the sole Republican to support it.

The issue also split Democratic leaders, who are usually in lockstep.

In a letter to House Democrats on Tuesday, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said he opposed Massie's measure, calling it "overly broad in that it prohibits or would limit the use of funds for longstanding initiatives related to humanitarian aid, refugee resettlement, peace-building and US embassy operations." He said it would also restrict the United

States' ability to confront Hamas and Hezbollah.

On Wednesday, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark of Massachusetts announced she would vote to strip aid from Israel, arguing "the status quo is not tenable".

The vote comes as Democratic candidates' stances on Israel have been a key test in the party's primaries. In recent weeks, several incumbent Democrats, who have been supportive of Israel, lost their primaries to progressive challengers who have been highly critical of the US ally.

(Excerpt from CBS News)

New US Ebola patient arrives in Germany for treatment

AUSnational who contracted Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has arrived in Germany for treatment, the health Ministry in Berlin said on Monday, weeks after another American infected with Ebola in the DRC was treated in Berlin.

Meanwhile, the Trump Administration on Monday said it was blocking American citizens in the DRC from travelling to the US on commercial flights, Reuters reported, citing a White House official.

The new American patient landed in Frankfurt overnight and was transferred to the city’s uni-

versity hospital, according to the German Health Ministry.

The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said the man was a “humanitarian worker” who had been in Bunia, the capital of the north-eastern Ituri province of the DRC.

Ituri is the centre of an Ebola outbreak that the DRC declared in mid-May – its 17th.

The WHO had provided the infected man with “clinical care and close monitoring". The WHO Director General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said on X.

“The patient has been safely transferred to Germany for contin-

ued follow-up care,” he added.

An official working for the Christian aid group Samaritan’s Purse confirmed to Reuters that the patient, in his 60s, was a fulltime employee of the organisation working as a warehouse manager in the DRC.

The DRC’s ongoing outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus – for which there are no vaccines or cures.

There have been more than 1,900 confirmed cases in the outbreak and more than 700 confirmed deaths, according to the WHO. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

DAILY HOROSCOPES

(March 21-April 19)

(May 21-June 20) (April 20-May 20)

Weigh the pros and cons and do what must be done to reach your destination of choice. It’s up to you to control the outcome using a unique strategy that keeps anyone trying to outmaneuver you at a disadvantage. Don’t share information about your personal life and beliefs. Walk away from unstable people and scammers.

Distance yourself from trouble. Look inward, and do what puts your mind at ease. You can’t control what others do or say, but you can control how you react and protect yourself from any fallout that comes your way. Participate in an activity that you enjoy, take time out to pamper yourself or update your appearance.

You can check things out without making a commitment. Time is on your side, and exploring possibilities will give you a sense of what you can afford as well as what you do and don’t need in your life. It’s out with the old and in with the new. Protect your position, reputation and health.

(June 21-July 22) (July 23-Aug. 22)

Speak up, and formulate your plan. Do the legwork and proceed to the finish line. Complete whatever you’ve left undone so you can put your time and effort into something new and exciting you want to pursue. Don’t settle for less when there is so much more to discover. Put a solid plan in place to avoid setbacks.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Set boundaries and a budget if temptation comes your way. You can bypass regret and have fun if you maintain levelheadedness. Implement restraint and abide by the rules in situations that can put you in a vulnerable position. Don’t be fooled by ads claiming to fix the impossible. If it’s too good to be true, it’s probably false.

Pay attention to detail, facts and figures. Helping others may make you feel good, but be careful not to let anyone take advantage of your generosity. Offer conversation, suggestions and kindness, but don’t pay for someone else’s mistakes. You can’t buy friends or lovers and expect to gain respect. You’re perfect just the way you are. Put yourself first.

Join forces with those who share your agenda and can also contribute suggestions that encourage greater success. Be open to change, learning and investing in a lifestyle that suits your needs. Be true to yourself, your beliefs and pursue what offers peace of mind and a healthy attitude. Dismiss those who don’t see things your way. Verify information before passing it along. Someone will offer an inflated assessment of a situation that can cost you or cause regret. Be precise, look out for your interests and be bold, brave and protective when it comes to your reputation. Do the best job possible and say no to excess.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Take a critical look at your surroundings and consider what you can do to add to your comfort and how you can utilize your space to make your life more efficient. Set financial guidelines that help you save and protect you from overpaying for services or subscriptions. A change to your routine or lifestyle will come with benefits. Stop worrying about what to do next, and head in the direction that offers personal growth, selfimprovement or investment opportunities. Don’t rely on others to give you the lowdown. Do the research, verify facts and proceed with confidence. Avoid arguments or pushing yourself past your physical capabilities. A healthy lifestyle will help you outperform any competition you encounter. Pay attention to your personal finances and investments. How you handle your cash will determine the lifestyle you can afford and sustain. Job opportunities show potential and will lead to opportunities beyond your expectations. Don’t shy away from or underestimate those who love you. Listen to sound advice, but do what makes you feel comfortable.

Clear your schedule, and make plans to do something special. Networking, socializing and mixing business with pleasure will pay off if you are a good listener, but when it comes to sharing personal information, keep your secrets to yourself. What appears to be a romantic opportunity may be deceiving. A change of heart is apparent.

RHTY&SC Summer Programmes

2026…

Bakewell Academy, Republic Bank Summer Camp bowl off to successful start

The Area H Ground in Rose Hall Town was a buzz of activities on Monday last with the start of the Bakewell Cricket Academy and the 18th edition of the Republic Bank Grade Six Summer Camp. The two activities are both organised by the cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) and cater for youths in the Lower Corentyne area.

The Cricket Academy will run until July 24, and its main objective is to offer dozens of youths ample preparation to play cricket at the highest level. Over 80 youths between the ages of eight and 19 years turned up

for the opening ceremony. The young cricketers will be engaged in numerous coaching sessions with a battery of coaches headed by level three coach Winston Smith. The entire first session on Monday was focused on the art of batting, including batting stance, hand grip and movement, among others.

Dozens of students also turned up for the opening session of the Republic Bank Grade Six Summer Camp. The objective of the camp is to assist the youths in preparing themselves for a successful transition from the primary level to secondary. The stu-

dents will be taught four subjects: Mathematics, English, Science, and Social Studies, along with special sessions in basic Spanish. Students of both the cricket academy and Grade Six summer camp will also be involved in lectures on a wide range

of topics of interest to them, including peer pressure, personal hygiene, importance of discipline, career choices, and importance of education. Each child attending the two programmes will receive an educational package worth seven thousand dollars, includ-

ing a school bag, hardcover exercise books, pens, pencils, rulers, and sharpeners, among others.

A total of $3M worth of prizes/gifts is also expected to be distributed to outstanding students of both programmes under the Basil Butcher Trust Fund. The top student from each programme will each receive over $500,000 worth of prizes, including an electric bike, laptop computer, electronic tablet, Comfort Sleep mattress, kitchen utensils, household appliances, cycle, designer clothing, designer watch, cosmetics hamper, and food hampers, among others. They

Youths shine at successful National Youth 18m Championships 2026

Archery Guyana

successful -

ly concluded its National Youth 18-Metre Championships 2026 on Sunday last at the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Sports Club

Ground, Eve Leary, bringing the curtains down on an exciting weekend of competition that showcased the country’s emerging generation of archers.

Following Saturday’s

Championship Results

Recurve Under-15 Men/Women Combined

Gold – Brandon Cummings

Silver – Fatima Gani

Bronze – Aalim Kahn

Barebow Under-15 Women

Gold – Neepa Chaturgum

Silver – Victoria Kum

Bronze – Kaia Singh

Barebow Under-18 Men

Gold – Samuel George

Silver – Christopher Cooblall

Bronze – Fiaaz Karim

qualification rounds, the championship culminated Sunday with the highly-anticipated elimination and medal matches, where 31 young athletes representing school and private clubs demonstrated exceptional skill, discipline, determination, and sportsmanship.

President of Archery Guyana, Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, delivered the closing remarks during the medal presentation ceremony, congratulating every athlete for their dedication and courage while encouraging them to continue striving for excellence both on and off the shooting line.

In her remarks, Persaud-McKinnon com-

mended not only the medallists but every participant, emphasising that every competition provides an opportunity to learn, improve, and grow. She also expressed sincere appreciation to the various affiliated clubs, coaches, parents, volunteers, technical officials, sponsors, and partners whose unwavering commitment continues to strengthen the development of youth archery throughout Guyana.

will also carry home a financial prize, while the best cricketer will also receive a gold medallion from King’s Jewellery World.

The Club sought to express gratitude to all the sponsors who came on board to support the two programmes, especially Bakewell, Republic Bank, King’s Jewellery World, Comfort Sleep, Star Rental Party, Len's Craft, NAMILCO, Ricks and Sari Ltd, Zaman Hussain, MP; Faizal Jaffarally; Beepat's; Roger Harper; GUYBIZ; Banks DIH Ltd; DDL; ANSA McAl; Donna Todd; The Gift Centre; John Lewis Styles; and Delmur Inc.

gratulations to all medal winners and every athlete who competed over the two-day championship. Their performances reflect the continued growth of the sport and the increasing standard of youth archery in Guyana.

Archery Guyana extended its heartfelt con-

As the curtains fall on another successful National Youth Championship, Archery Guyana noted that they remain committed to cre-

ating opportunities for young people across the country to participate, develop, and excel in the sport. The Federation expressed in a missive that they look forward to building on the momentum generated over the weekend as they continue to expand grassroots programmes and prepare athletes for future national, regional, and international competition.

Kuru Kururu FC crowned East Bank U13 Youth Ensemble Programme Champions

Kuru Kururu Football Club (FC) capped off a remarkable campaign over the July 11–12 weekend, defeating Timehri United FC to be crowned champions of the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Under-13 Youth Ensemble Programme.

The victory marks a significant milestone for the club, which just one year ago endured a difficult 2025 campaign in the EBFA U13 and U15 Leagues, failing to register a win in either category. This season, however, Kuru Kururu FC has demonstrated tremendous growth, maintaining an impressive winning streak in both age categories and securing the U13 championship.

EBFA Coordinator Hodiah Garraway commended the team's determination and commitment to development throughout the competition.

"I have seen strength and great development in the players. They came out and did their best, won all their games and stayed on top," Garraway said.

The 2026 EBFA U13 Youth Ensemble League, which kicked off on May 16, featured four clubs: Kuru Kururu FC, Herstelling Raiders FC, Timehri United FC and Circuit Ville Jaguars FC.

Over the course of nine matches, more than 100 young footballers showcased their talent, discipline and sportsmanship, producing exciting contests and impressive individual performances.

Individual Award Winners and Top Performers: Top Goalscorers

Immanuel Reid (Kuru Kururu FC)

– 8 goals

Jeremiah Straut (Timehri United FC) – 8 goals

Most Valuable Player: Okel Morrison (Kuru Kururu FC) –5 goals

Raheem Alexander (Timehri United FC) – 4 goals

Leandre Benjamine (Kuru Kururu FC) – 2 goals

Xavi Griffith (Kuru Kururu FC) –2 goals

Micaicah French (Herstelling Raiders FC) – 2 goals

Best Goalkeeper: Dokari Robertson (Kuru Kururu FC)

With the conclusion of the East Bank Football Association U13 Youth Ensemble League, both champions Kuru Kururu FC and runners-up Timehri United FC have secured quali fication for the National Championship, scheduled to be held between July and August 2026.

Meanwhile, the EBFA U15 Youth Ensemble competition continues to de liver exciting football ahead of its an ticipated conclusion in late July or ear ly August.

Herstelling Raiders FC recorded a convincing 5-2 victory over Friendship Allstars FC, while Circuit Ville Jaguars FC secured a dominant 7-2 win against Pakuri FC.

Goals for Herstelling Raiders FC came from Tyler Abrams, Robinho Abrams, Wayshawn Forde and Isiyah Williams, while Anthony Thomas and Kemo Depecizer found the net for Friendship Allstars FC.

In the other under-15 fixture, Circuit Ville Jaguars FC's goals were scored by Anton Sampson, Vickash John, Kennvio Bagot and Elon John. Pakuri FC's scorers were Zeron Andrews and Xian Simon.

According to the Federation, the Youth Ensemble Programme, a firstof-its-kind initiative, continues to provide young players across the country

with meaningful competitive opportunities, supporting their technical development while fostering teamwork, discipline and passion for football. With the U15 competition still underway, the programme remains committed to identifying and nurturing the next generation of football talent in Guyana.

AC Marriott Carlton Wheelers road race set for July 26

The AC Marriott Carlton Wheelers Cycling Club will host its 2026 road race on Sunday, July 26, with cyclists competing for a total prize purse of GY$376,000 across six categories.

The event is scheduled to begin at 07:30h outside the AC Marriott Hotel and will feature competition in the Open, Masters Over-40, Masters Over50, Category Four, Juniors/Juveniles and Ladies divisions.

Cyclists will start at the hotel and proceed north before turning at the Ogle Airport stoplight. They will then travel south to the U-turn along the Ogle to East Bank Bypass Road before returning to the starting point.

The Open, Masters Over-40, Category Four and Juniors/Juveniles

riders will each complete eight laps.

The Masters Over-50 competitors will race over four laps, while the ladies' division will cover two laps. The Open category carries the

largest share of the prize money, with GY$40,000 going to the winner.

The second-place finisher will receive GY$35,000, while third through sixth will earn GY$30,000, GY$25,000,

GY$20,000 and GY$15,000, respectively.

The Masters Over-40 and Category Four divisions will each offer GY$20,000 for first place, GY$15,000 for second and GY$10,000 for third.

The winner of Masters The Over-50 category will collect GY$15,000, with GY$12,000 and GY$10,000 awarded to the second- and third-place finishers.

The top three juniors/juveniles will receive GY$20,000, GY$15,000 and GY$10,000, respectively. In the Ladies category, the winner will earn GY$10,000, while the runner-up will receive GY$8000.

An additional GY$21,000 will be available through six sprint prizes valued at GY$3500 each.

Jumbo Jet brings VIP brunch experience to Guyana Cup

The 18th running of the Guyana Cup will be an iconic horse racing event. Rising Sun Turf Club will be transformed into a spectacle on Sunday, August 23, when top horses, jockeys, stables, and trainers assemble to battle for the crown.

With more than GY$66 million in cash and prizes up for grabs, this year’s Guyana Cup will ensure fans witness and remember the Guyana Cup as the most exciting sporting event in the country.

Fans will have more comfort, more visuals, a new and exciting entrance, and a lot of giveaways, including a brand new SinoTruk pick-up.

For this year’s Guyana Cup, special emphasis will be placed on community engagements through gift vouchers for kids, and a specially designed kids' fun zone will also be at the venue.

There will also be a new and exciting entrance for easy access equipped with product sampling and a redesigned infield to accommodate an all-new VVIP elevated zone.

Screens will be strategically erected around the venue with maximum visibility, bringing instant replays and all information on jockeys and horses.

More than 700 feet of additional covered bleachers will be added to the home stretch so fans can feel the ground shake as their favourite horses reach the finish line.

A specially designed VIP brunch experience will also be at the venue for the first time in Guyana Cup history. Sponsored cabanas will be available, with each being distinct and representing a brand that is beloved.

With the absence of a mega concert, there will be a special choreographed presentation along the home stretch with performances from Guyana’s most talent-

ed artists and dancers.

Organised by the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred racing committee, this Guyana Cup is expected to attract all the top horses and jockeys from across the region.

A total of 14 races will be running at this year’s Guyana Cup.

The feature race, which will be the Banks Guyana Cup, will fetch a total purse of GY$22 million.

National Junior Chess Championships… Pitamber, Couchman remain perfect after 5 rounds

Candidate Master (CM)

Sachin Pitamber and defending champion Kyle Couchman maintained their perfect records with victories in the fifth round of the National Junior Chess Championship on Wednesday morning at Olympic House, Liliendaal.

Pitamber defeated Aiden Tinnie, while Couchman overcame Jeremy Cole to move to

five points from as many matches. Pitamber remains at the top of the standings on a tiebreak, with Couchman in second place.

Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Aditi Joshi rebounded from her fourth-round loss to Pitamber by defeating Javier Davenand. The result moved Joshi to four points and kept her in third place.

Alexander Zhang also re-

Additionally, one lucky patron will drive away with a brand new SinoTruk pick-up on Guyana Cup race day.

The races for the Guyana Cup 2026 are as follow:

Banks Guyana Cup (One Mile) – Total purse

GY$22,500,000

Peter Lewis Guyana Cup Sprint (5 ½ Furlongs) –Total purse

GY$7,500,000

Forrester’s Imported Derby (One Mile) – Total purse: GY$7,500,000

Mohamed’s Excavating Sir Balaji Derby (One Mile)

– Total purse GY $5,625,000

J’s Imported Juvenile Fillies Sprint (5 ½ Furlongs) –Total purse

GY$3,750,000

BM Soat Locally Bred Dash (5 ½ Furlongs) – Total purse GY$2,812,500 P Jagdeo E-Class (One Mile) – Total purse

GY$2,812,500

Jagmohan F-Class (One Mile) – Total purse:

GY$1,875,000

ARONCO H-Class (One Mile) – Total purse

GY$1,875,000

CI H3 NW3 (One Mile) – Total purse GY$1,875,000

Avinash Local Maidens (One Mile) – Total purse:

GY$2,812,500

Big G’s J-Class (One Mile) – Total purse:

GY$1,875,000

Garen Pro K-Class (One Mile) – Total purse:

GY$1,875,000

Sawh L Class Sprint (One Mile) – Total purse

GY$1,875,000

corded a victory in the fifth round, defeating Matthew Singh to improve to 3.5 points. He remains fourth in the standings.

Kataleya Sam claimed her first victory of the championship by getting past Nicholas Zhang. Sam moved to two points and is fifth on tiebreak, ahead of Cole, who also has two points.

Nicholas and Singh are seventh and eighth, respectively, with 1.5 points each. Davenand is ninth with half of a point, while Tinnie remains without a point after five rounds.

Pitamber entered Wednesday’s play level with Couchman after both players recorded victories in rounds three and four on Tuesday.

Pitamber defeated Sam in

the third round before overcoming the previously unbeaten Joshi in the afternoon session. Couchman continued his title defence by defeating Singh and Nicholas during Tuesday’s two rounds.

Joshi had beaten Alexander in the third round before losing to Pitamber, while Alexander recovered by defeating Tinnie in round four.

Cole defeated Tinnie in round three and drew with Singh in the fourth round. Nicholas earned his only victory against Davenand before losing to Couchman, while Sam drew with Davenand after her loss to Pitamber.

The nine-round championship continues at Olympic House, with four rounds remaining.

Taylor's 2nd straight ton seals 3-0 sweep for West Indies

Stafanie Taylor's second successive ODI hundred, backed by a disciplined bowling performance led by Afy Fletcher, powered West Indies to a 64run win over Ireland in Bready and a 3-0 series sweep.

Chasing 258, Ireland were bowled out for 193,

with Fletcher picking up three wickets. Captain Gaby Lewis' half-century had briefly raised hopes of an Ireland fightback, but they were eventually bowled out with almost seven overs to spare.

Earlier, Taylor struck her ninth ODI hundred to rescue West Indies from 48 for four.

They had lost Hayley Matthews, Realeanna Grimmond, Shemaine Campbelle and Jannillea Glasgow inside the first 13 overs, but Taylor's 105 revived them. She rebuilt first with Deandra Dottin and then Jahzara Claxton before accelerating at the death. After adding 34 with

Guyana Cycling Federation names junior team

The Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) has selected four junior cyclists to represent the country at the upcoming Junior Caribbean Cycling Championships while identifying a preliminary pool of Elite and Under-23 riders for possible national Alexander Leung, Alex Newton, Kevin Stephen and female cyclist Tandeia Noel have been confirmed as members of the junior national

Dottin, she shared a 73run stand off 78 balls with Claxton and then put on 50 runs off 49 for the seventh wicket with Aaliyah Alleyne.

Beginning the 49th over on 90, Taylor struck Georgina Dempsey for consecutive fours before

tum despite a promising stand between Lewis and Amy Hunter. Lewis made a brisk 50 off 59 balls, and Hunter contributed 30 as the pair added 71 off 81 balls for the second wicket, but Fletcher removed both in the 18th over to derail the chase. Matthews then dismissed Orla Prendergast, while Rebecca Stokell was run out as Ireland slipped

further behind the asking rate.

Leah Paul tried to rebuild, but West Indies' bowlers controlled the game throughout. When Paul fell for 32 in the 36th over to Fletcher, Ireland were 158 for 6 and were all but out of the contest. Eventually, they were bowled out in the 44th over, losing their last four wickets for 35 runs. (ESPNcricinfo)

The Federation said the cyclists were selected after the executive monitored their performances and development during the National Championships and other major races staged in the first half

Meanwhile,

the Elite and Under-23 list is only a preliminary pool, from which the final national team will be selected.

The Elite riders under consideration are Briton John, Marcus Keiler, Andre Greene, Alex Mendes, Quincy Ridley, Geron Williams, Seagun Hubbard, Christopher Griffith, and Paul DeNobrega.

Ajani Cutting, Sidwell Sandy, Aaron Newton and Mark Lewis are the Under-23 riders included in the pool.

The preliminary selection gives the Federation an opportunity to continue monitoring the cyclists before deciding which riders will represent Guyana at upcoming regional and international events.

The Junior Caribbean Cycling Championships is expected to provide the young riders with an opportunity to compete against the region’s leading junior cyclists and gain further international experience.

ISammy keen on regaining lead in ODI series

maining in their first outing, the hosts were reduced to 138 in 36 overs in the following clash, allowing New Zealand to level the series.

As the teams prepare for one last dance before they jet off to Barbados for the final two matches in the five-match ODI series, Head Coach Daren Sammy is hoping his troops can leave Guyana on a positive note.

During a pre-match inter view, Sammy admitted that his batters needed to be more aware of the game situation on Monday.

conditions are challenging, but if we stick with the process of how we want to go about doing things, we give ourselves a better chance of executing our batting plans".

have to become a team that could set totals and also defend them, and we’re working on that. We just need to apply that same mindset we have in the chase, whether it be a turning wicket, which is what we’re faced with now in Guyana, but it’s something we really have to get better

t was a disaster of an outing with the bat for West Indies men when they came up against New Zealand on Monday at the Guyana National Stadium, at Providence.

After chasing 267 with seven wickets and seven balls re-

“I think we all know what the big difference was be tween game one and two; you know, we didn’t bat as well as we should have, in conditions we’re quite familiar with,” the West Indies Head Coach shared. “So, it’s important for us as a batting group to be a little bit more aware of the sit uation and assess a little fast er as to what is required on the surface and what is a good to tal on that surface. Yes, the

“One of the better players of spin” was the description utilised by the gaffer, as he appreciated Shimron Hetmyer’s inclusion in the

The Coach opined, “Shimron is a unique case, you know; he’s from Guyana, one of our better players of spin in the team, so it’s good to

have him available to us, especially at home. We all know how he plays in these conditions. So, hopefully he can come and have an impact on the game and on winning for us; it’s good to have him back in the squad.”

As the Coach eyes a series win, he is eager to return to winning ways today.

“The message is still to stay in the moment; all the things we discuss, all the plans we have in place for the opposition, it’s all about execution. Trusting the process is something that we’ve been preaching, and one of the areas we really wanted to improve is our home success. I think, apart from the Sri Lanka series that was rain-affected, we’ve had a good record at home, so we want to keep that record, and we’ll do that, trying to go into Barbados one up,” Sammy shared.

The West Indies and New Zealand will be engaged in battle from 14:30h today at the National Stadium.

Argentina stun England with late rally to reach World Cup final

Argentina sealed a dramatic semi-final fightback against England at Mercedes-Benz Stadium with two goals in the closing minutes to clinch a 2-1 win and book a World Cup final clash with Spain on Sunday.

The reigning world champions, who won their third title in Qatar four years ago, looked set to be eliminated with England leading well into the dying stages following a second-half goal from Anthony Gordon.

But as so often in this tournament, Argentina responded, and Enzo Fernández levelled the scores with a stunning shot from 20 yards in the 85th minute.

Lionel Messi, who assisted the first goal, again played supplier for the second. His cross to the far post was met by substitute Lautaro Martínez, who headed the winning goal into the net from close range in the second minute of stoppage time.

"This is incredible; it's truly incredible," Martínez said. "I dreamt it, I swear. I told Alexis [Mac Allister] I was going to score a goal; I told Facu Medina that I was going to come on and win the match.

"We stretched the team and went

all in. We got the goals in the end, and after three-and-a-half years, we're back in a World Cup final."

Messi now has 10 assists in the World Cup knockout stage, at least six more than any other player in at least the last 60 years. And the 39-year-

old has recorded a goal or assist in 11 straight World Cup games dating back to 2022, extending the longest such streak since at least 1966.

England's failure to hold onto their lead means the 1966 World Champions' wait for a second World Cup final appearance goes on.

"We're disappointed; we were so close, but we got too passive after we scored and conceded a lot of chances," England Coach Thomas Tuchel told the BBC.

"We could not turn the ball possession around and then conceded so many crosses, chances and shots. We were close, but couldn't keep the level up after we scored."

The game resumed one of the biggest rivalries in international football, and there was a raucous atmosphere in the stadium even before kick-off as both sets of fans tried to drown out the other team's national anthem. (ESPN)