Guyana Times - Thursday, July 30, 2026

BRIDGE OPENING

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, July 30 –17:05h–18:35h and Friday, July 31 – 05:15h–06:45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers are expected during the day, with conditions becoming mostly sunny by late afternoon, followed by clear skies at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East-North-Easterly to East-SouthEasterly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 17:19h reaching a maximum height of 2.49 metres.

Low Tide: 10:54h and 23:06h reaching minimum heights of 0.64 metre and 0.70 metre.

CCJ rejects US-sanctioned Mohameds’ bid to block extradition proceedings

…clears path for committal hearing to resume in Magistrate’s Court …says no bias by Home Affairs Minister in issuing ATP

nited Statessanctioned and indicted Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, have lost their latest bid to fight off their extradition to the US to face an 11-count criminal indictment after

ATP, contending that the Minister’s role at this stage is administrative and not adjudicative. He rejected the suggestion that the timing of the decision indicated bias, stating instead that any delay could have equally been criticised as a failure to act.

“On the facts and circumstances of the present case, the second appellant [Azruddin Mohamed] does not have clean hands. He provoked verbal attacks against him by his own early attacks against Government officials or his own willing participation in a general brawl of political calumny,” Judges ruled.

Court of Justice (CCJ) on Wednesday dismissed an appeal filed by them.

Back in March, the Mohameds approached the CCJ, seeking special leave to appeal the decisions of the High Court and Appeal Court of Guyana – both of which had previously dismissed legal proceedings to halt their extradition to the US, where they are indicted on charges of mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.

The appeal sought to challenge aspects of the extradition process initiated against the father and son. The CCJ had decided to hear the application for special leave and the substantive appeal at the same time during the April 21 session.

During that hearing, the Mohameds had told the CCJ that they are not opposed to the extradition itself, but are asking the court to overturn the “Authority to Proceed” (ATP) issued under Guyana’s Fugitive Offenders Act by Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond, arguing that the Minister’s decision was legally flawed and politically biased.

The defence had noted that the speed at which the ATP was issued, shortly after the request was received, created an appearance of predetermined approval and raised questions about fairness at the earliest stage of the process.

But Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes, representing Guyana’s Government, defended the issuance of the

No bias

In a ruling delivered virtually on Wednesday, the CCJ unanimously decided to dismiss the appeal being sought by the Mohameds.

In the lead judgement de-

livered on behalf of himself and CCJ President Justice Winston Anderson, Justice Denys Barrow ruled that the Minister’s decision to issue the ATP was in fact merely an administrative step to initiate the extradition process and does not determine guilt or the extradition itself. They further found that the applicants had failed to establish that the issuance of the ATP was tainted by bias.

“There was no requirement for the Minister issuing the ATP to be free from political bias. What was required was for the Minister to engage in a process that allowed for consideration of the factors contemplated

by the Act. Their Honours found that the applicants had not challenged the process that led to the issuance of the ATP, save for the allegation that the Minister was politically biased… While the Attorney General, as Chief Legal Advisor to the Government, must necessarily be circumspect in any comment on extradition requests, upon which his advice may be sought, the decision to issue the ATP was statutorily vested in and was, as a matter of fact, exercised by the Minister, with very minimal advice from the Attorney General,” the court ruled.

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Road safety begins with education

Road safety is often discussed in the aftermath of tragedy, when collisions claim lives, leave families grieving and communities searching for answers. Yet the most effective road safety strategies are those implemented long before an accident occurs. Prevention remains the strongest safeguard against needless loss, making education one of the most valuable investments in building a safer transport environment.

The Guyana Police Force’s continued expansion of road safety education across communities, workplaces, and regional organisations deserves recognition for placing emphasis where it matters most – equipping road users with the knowledge and practical skills needed to make sound decisions behind the wheel. While enforcement remains an important pillar of traffic management, education strengthens compliance by helping motorists understand not only what the law requires but also why those rules exist.

Teaching the rules of the road is far more than preparing individuals to obtain a driver’s licence. It creates a culture of discipline and predictability that benefits every road user. Roads function safely when motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and passengers share a common understanding of traffic laws, right-of-way principles, speed limits, and road markings. Every driver who correctly interprets a road sign or responds appropriately at an intersection contributes to reducing confusion and preventing collisions.

Important also is the emphasis being placed on defensive driving as modern road networks present countless variables, from changing weather conditions and mechanical failures to the unpredictable actions of other motorists. Defensive driving encourages anticipation rather than reaction. It teaches drivers to remain alert, maintain safe following distances, scan for potential hazards and prepare for the unexpected. These habits reduce risk not only for the individual driver but for everyone sharing the roadway.

The inclusion of a curb drill in these educational programmes also highlights the need to cultivate safe behaviour from an early stage. Learning to stop, observe traffic carefully and cross roads safely remains one of the most fundamental life skills. As Guyana continues to experience increased urbanisation and expanding traffic volumes, reinforcing these basic safety principles among children and adults alike becomes even more critical.

The continued promotion of the Five Cs of safe driving represents another practical approach to developing responsible motorists. Safe driving is not determined by technical ability alone. It requires constant awareness, sound judgement, patience and consistency. These principles encourage drivers to remain focused, anticipate changing conditions and exercise caution at all times. Developing these habits transforms driving from a routine activity into one that demands continuous attention and responsibility.

One of the greatest challenges facing road safety worldwide is distracted driving. Mobile devices have become indispensable tools of daily life, but their misuse behind the wheel carries enormous risks. Even a brief glance away from the road can have devastating consequences when travelling at highway speeds. Restricting mobile phone use while driving is therefore not an inconvenience but a necessity. Drivers cannot safely divide attention between operating a vehicle and engaging with electronic devices. Public education on this issue is essential as technology becomes increasingly integrated into everyday routines.

Understanding road signs and pavement markings is another area that deserves sustained attention. These visual guides communicate vital information instantly, directing traffic flow, warning of hazards and promoting orderly movement. Failure to recognise or obey them creates unnecessary danger for motorists and pedestrians alike. Continuous public education ensures that both new and experienced drivers remain familiar with evolving traffic systems and infrastructure.

No discussion on road safety would be complete without addressing impaired driving. Alcohol significantly reduces judgement, slows reaction time and affects coordination, all of which are essential for safe vehicle operation. The consequences extend well beyond the impaired driver, placing passengers, pedestrians and other motorists at unacceptable risk. Public awareness campaigns that consistently reinforce the dangers and legal consequences of driving under the influence remain indispensable components of any national road safety strategy.

The decision to extend these educational programmes into workplaces, rural communities and regional organisations reflects an understanding that road safety is a shared responsibility. Training that reaches professional drivers is particularly valuable, as they spend considerable time on the nation’s roadways and often transport passengers, goods and essential services.

Individuals who participate in these programmes frequently become advocates within their own families, workplaces and communities. Conversations about seat belt use, speeding, distracted driving and responsible road behaviour help reinforce positive habits.

on July 28, 1936 and died July 17, 2026 (

Wildfires are raging – and the world has junked 45 climate pledges. Disaster looms, and little wonder

…Five years ago, I wrote an open letter asking climate scientists to speak out against fossil fuels. Now Governments are in retreat, it is surely time to act

By Bill McGuire

Such is the astonishing scale of the wildfires burning at the gates of Bordeaux and Madrid, that if they had happened 20 –even 10 – years back, they may well have shocked the world into taking action on the climate crisis. But like the proverbial frog in a pot of slowly-heating water, we have become inured; not only to the ever-more devastating impacts of climate breakdown, but increasingly to the actions needed to bring global heating to heel.

Even as more than 35,000 wildfires rage across the surface of our world, and as we continue to rewind our planet’s climate so it resembles hotter episodes from its distant past, Governments and trading blocs are very deliberately turning away from climate action.

The latest evidence that we are not only doing too little but actually doing less as time goes by is provided by the climate action media platform, We Don’t Have Time. It reported last week that the 12 months to July this year saw the reversal across the world of 45 climate policies. The retreat on climate action is global, but Europe – previously seen as a leader in emissions reductions – is in the vanguard, weakening measures across the board, including in the areas of carbon pric-

ing, methane emissions, and the phasing out of petrol and diesel vehicles.

This isn’t yet an apocalyptic reversal of the majority of climate commitments, as the continuity of countless other climate policies testifies. We are, however, at an especially-critical period: if we don’t want backsliding on climate action to continue, we have to act now.

We Don’t Have Time lays the blame squarely at the foot of lobbying by the fossil fuel sector, and other industries antagonistic to climate action, making the point that as long as the usual suspects continue to make the most noise in the meetings where decisions are made, they will get what they want. What we have to do, then, is to make even more noise – on the streets, via the ballot box and in the media – putting pressure on politicians and Governments so that they don’t cave in to vested business interests.

We must force those in power to join the dots between the fires raging across Europe and the El Niño building in the Pacific, and the activities of the fossil fuel corporations and others who choose not to do so.

But we need our own lobbyists too – those qualified and in positions to speak truth to power about the dire straits we are already in, who can add credence to the noisy debate.

Cue the world’s climate scientists. At this critical moment, the science has a duty to out-shout and out-shine corporate weasel words and Government irresponsibility. The problem is that even now, at a time when the rate of global heating has doubled, this is just not happening.

Sure, there are climate scientists out there telling it like it is, making a lot of noise and often putting their livelihoods and career prospects on the line, but they remain the exception rather than the rule. Far too many individuals, for one reason or another, still keep silent, heads below the parapet, fears and frets internalised.

In 2021, I wrote an open letter to all climate scientists, reminding them that they had a duty to speak out, to come down off the fence and to force those who need to know to listen to the truth. Sadly, five years on, little has changed. For far too many, fears about funding, academic advancement, prestige, and the contempt or ridicule of colleagues, still trump speaking out.

As the heat continues to ratchet up, this cannot go on. If we want to have any possibility of drowning out the bogus claptrap of those determined to prevent serious climate action, then climate scientists – all scientists for that matter – need to wake up now and make

themselves heard. Climate science is a vast tent that incorporates aspects of geology, chemistry, physics, oceanography, meteorology, economics, social science, and many other fields, so that one source putting the number of climate scientists at 18,000 worldwide is almost certainly an underestimate. When it comes to scientists of every ilk, the global figure comes out at not far short of 10 million. Just imagine how much racket the scientific community could make if it spoke with the same voice – demanding the reinstatement of climate-friendly policies, arguing for more rapid emissions cuts, and at the same time overwhelming the perfidious calls for inertia from those lobbying for business as usual. This may well be our last chance to turn things around; to help politicians grow the backbones they need to stand up to vested interests. At this crucial time, every scientist needs to examine their conscience, take on board the reality that there will be no research grants on a dead planet – and act accordingly.

(The Guardian) Bill McGuire is professor emeritus of geophysical and climate hazards at University College London and author of The Fate of the World: a History and Future of the Climate Crisis

Grief must never become a political prop

Dear Editor,

The MV Barima tragedy has left Guyana mourning. Families continue to endure unimaginable anguish, many still waiting for answers while hoping against hope that their loved ones may yet be found. In moments such as these, the nation’s foremost obligation should be compassion, dignity, and unity.

It is against that backdrop that I find it deeply troubling that images of those who perished were displayed in Parliament as part of a political demonstration. While every Member of Parliament has not only the right but also the constitutional duty to hold the Government accountable, accountability must never come at the expense of the dignity of the deceased or the emotional well-being of grieving families.

The photographs of those who lost their lives are not political symbols. They are cherished sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, relatives, and friends whose absence has left an immeasurable void in the lives of those who loved them. Before employing such images in political protest, one ought to ask whether the affected families would have welcomed their loved ones’ final imag-

es becoming instruments in a parliamentary confrontation.

Public representatives must be especially mindful that grief belongs first to the families. It should never be appropriated in a manner that may unintentionally deepen their pain.

No one should mistake this position as an argument against accountability. On the contrary, accountability is precisely what the nation deserves. The President has already publicly committed to the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry into the MV Barima tragedy.

Commissioners have already been identified and entrusted with a mandate to establish the facts surrounding this national disaster. The focus now must be on ensuring that the Commission is allowed to conduct its work independently, professionally, objectively, transparently and fairly, free from political interference or preconceived conclusions.

Equally, the Commission must not become an exercise in finding convenient scapegoats. The Guyanese people deserve a process that follows the evidence wherever it leads. Responsibility must not be shifted solely onto the “small man” while those responsible for policy, regulation, over-

sight, enforcement, operational management or executive decision-making escape scrutiny. If failures occurred at any level, then accountability must extend to every individual whose actions or omissions contributed to this tragedy, regardless of rank, office or influence. Justice commands public confidence only when it is impartial and applied equally.

Equally concerning was the manner in which the parliamentary protest unfolded. Loud desk-banging, shouting at the top of one’s voice and prolonged disorder may generate headlines, but history has repeatedly demonstrated that such tactics rarely alter a Government’s legislative agenda.

Having served as a Member of Parliament myself, I learned that Parliament offers something far more valuable than political theatre. It provides representatives with an opportunity to permanently place on the parliamentary record their ideas, criticisms, recommendations and alternative policies. Those contributions become part of the nation’s democratic history and frequently influence future policy discussions long after the day’s political drama has faded.

Regrettably, by choosing disruption over debate, the Opposition missed several significant opportunities to advance the interests of the very people they were elected to represent.

They forfeited the opportunity to make substantive contributions to the National Development Bank Bill, a transformative initiative that has the potential to expand access to affordable financing, encourage entrepreneurship, stimulate small and medium-sized enterprises, strengthen agriculture, empower young people and create genuine economic opportunities for thousands of Guyanese.

They also missed the opportunity to rigorously examine the Supplementary Budget by asking probing questions, challenging expenditures where necessary, demanding explanations from ministers and proposing improvements where deficiencies were identified. That is one of Parliament’s most important constitutional responsibilities: ensuring that every dollar of public expenditure is subjected to meaningful scrutiny on behalf of the taxpayers.

These were not merely missed political opportunities; they were missed opportunities to represent the

people’s interests in one of the highest decision-making forums of our democracy.

The Opposition’s constitutional responsibility is not simply to oppose. It is to persuade, to scrutinise, to legislate, to propose alternatives and to strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions.

There are more dignified and potentially more effective ways to place pressure on any Government while honouring those affected by tragedy. These include presenting substantive motions, proposing legislative reforms to strengthen maritime safety, demanding regular ministerial reports, utilising parliamentary committees to examine witnesses and evidence, engaging victims’ families and technical experts in consultations, and ensuring that every recommendation arising from the Commission of Inquiry is debated and monitored through Parliament.

Outside Parliament, Members can organise respectful vigils, memorial services, public consultations and national forums where affected families, should they so choose, can have their voices heard with dignity and respect. Such approaches honour the victims while strengthening the national demand for justice and reform.

Strong opposition is indispensable to democracy. But strength should never be measured by the volume of one’s voice or the force with which one strikes a desk. It should be measured by the quality of one’s arguments, the seriousness of one’s proposals, the effectiveness of one’s oversight and the lasting value of one’s contribution to the nation.

The families affected by the MV Barima tragedy deserve justice. They deserve truth. They deserve transparency. They deserve accountability at every level. Above all, they deserve the assurance that even amid political disagreement, the memory of their loved ones will always be treated with dignity, compassion and humanity.

In moments of profound national grief, Parliament must rise above spectacle and reflect the very highest ideals of public service. Let the memory of those we lost inspire not political theatre but principled leadership, institutional reform, genuine accountability and a renewed commitment to ensuring that such a tragedy never occurs again.

Yours respectfully, Jermaine Figueira Former Member of Parliament

THURSDAY,

Page Foundation

Laws of Indices

Laws of indices provide us with rules for simplifying calculations or expressions involving powers of the same base. This means that the larger number or letter must be the same.

Example 1

25 × 23 = 28

Example 2

x10 ÷ x4 = x6

We cannot use laws of indices to simplify calculations when the bases are different

Example 1

25 × 33

Example 2 x10 ÷ y4

We can, however, evaluate these calculations. Powers and roots are used in the five laws of indices. These are:

•Multiplying indices

Dividing indices

•Brackets with indices

•Negative indices

Fractional indices

Multiplying indices

When multiplying indices with the same base, add the powers.

am × an = am+n

Dividing indices

When dividing indices with the same base, subtract the powers.

am ÷ an = am-n

Brackets with indices

When there is a power outside the bracket multiply the powers.

Negative indices

When the index is negative, put it over 1 and flip (write its reciprocal) to make it positive.

Fractional indices

When the index is a fraction, the denominator is the root of the number or letter, then raise the answer to the power of the numerator.

Exploring the Universe: The Solar System

The solar system consists of the Sun and everything that orbits, or travels around, the Sun. This includes the eight planets and their moons, dwarf planets, and countless asteroids, comets, and other small, icy objects. However, even with all these things, most of the solar system is empty space.

The solar system itself is only a small part of a huge system of stars and other objects called the Milky Way galaxy. The solar system orbits around the centre of the galaxy about once every 225 million years. The Milky Way galaxy is just one of billions of galaxies that in turn make up the universe.

The solar system was formed about 4.7 billion years ago. It probably started as a loose cloud of gas and dust. Scientists think that a force called gravity pulled parts of the cloud together into clumps. The largest clump was squeezed together so tightly that it got very hot. This clump eventually became the Sun. Over millions of years the other clumps became the planets. The Sun’s strong gravity eventually pulled the planets into their orbits. Over time some of the leftover clumps became asteroids, comets, and other small, icy objects.

The solar system is also known as a planetary system. Since the 1990s scientists have found many planetary systems beyond our solar system. In these systems, one or more planets orbit a star—just as the eight planets in our solar system orbit the Sun. These planets are called extrasolar planets. Finding other planetary systems is not easy, however, because extrasolar planets appear much dimmer than the stars they orbit. As space probes travel farther away from Earth, they are likely to discover more extrasolar planets. (Britannica Kids)

By JAMES TATE

The blue-black plumes of the fountain parched my yearning, and a tuft of cellophane clings fondly to my foot like a diadem. Down that street an uproar is dwindling, a small word had been magnified and was once again shrinking back to its reasonable size, and Joe Blow drifts down to the riverbank searching for relics, a man of sorrows. Then a new turmoil infects another flock, it’s a good corner on which to sell balloons. A seer bobs along, oblivious or beguiled. I look for my reflection in a window: Goodnight Joe, Goodnight Joe, Goodnight.

(Source: Poetry [July 1989])

Write a story that includes the line "No one will believe you."

Impressive efforts on the ground – PAHO praises Govt’s MV Barima tragedy response

…as Guyana inks agreement to strengthen capacity to respond to health threats

The Guyana Government has been commended for its interventions as part of the emergency response following the MV Barima

ter the vessel capsized and sank nearly two weeks ago.

Country Representative of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in Guyana, Dr

observed the work being done on the ground. She emphasised the importance of coordination among the various State agencies during such national emer-

tragedy, which saw 76 persons being rescued, 73 bodies recovered and 30 others still unaccounted for af-

Kim Eva Dickson, made these remarks following a recent visit to Region One (Barima-Waini), where she

gencies.

“We were really impressed with the efforts on the ground… The Ministry

of Health is doing so much on the ground in Region One. They have the [Ministry of] Human Services and Social Security there, Education [Ministry] there. But when you’re on the ground, it is visible… This is not coming out to the population [and] we need to get it out… The [Health] Ministry is ready and doing its utmost to support emergencies as they emerge,” the PAHO representative stated.

MV Barima was en route to Port Kaituma, Region One, when the horrific accident occurred on July 18. Since a majority of the victims as well as survivors hail from that Barima region, the Government

has established help centres for grieving families of those still missing. Medical and counselling services are also being offered to both survivors and other impacting relatives, as well as other support and assistance from the state. The Government has already covered the funeral expenses for dozens of victims of the ferry accident.

Moreover, President Dr Irfaan Ali this week continued his one-on-one engagements with those affected by the MV Barima tragedy. In keeping with an earlier commitment, the Head of State said the Government will remain closely engaged with every family impact-

ed by this tragedy, ensuring they receive the care, support, and assistance they need – not only in the immediate aftermath, but throughout their journey toward healing and recovery.

Emergency response capabilities

Dr Dickson’s praise for the Government’s response came on Wednesday during the signing of an agreement between the Health Ministry and PAHO/WHO to build technical capacity across Guyana as part of the country’s efforts to strengthen its response systems to public health threats.

Alberttown man dies in 2-vehicle collision

hours of Wednesday has left a 28-year-old man

The deceased man

has been identified as Emmanuel Paul, also called “Manie Suru”, from Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown.

Based on reports received, Paul was driving along the Goedverwaghting Access Road when he allegedly failed to stop at the approach to the Railway Embankment Road and ended up in the path of a truck that was, at the time, being driven by a 40-yearold Corentyne, Berbice, resident.

As a result of the collision, Paul was pinned in the wreckage and had to be recovered by members of the Guyana Fire Service, who were summoned to the scene.

He was pronounced dead at the scene, while the truck driver, who had traces of alcohol in his system, was arrested. Investigations are ongoing.

Guyanese convicted of cocaine smuggling arrested by ICE in New York

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of Guyanese national William Narine outside his residence in Schenectady, New York, during a targeted immigration enforcement operation.

ICE stated that his arrest stemmed from his conviction for conspiring to smuggle cocaine into the United States. Narine, along with his wife, Savitree; brother, David Narine; and sister-in-law, Susan, were all charged in 2003 with conspiracy to traffic in narcotics. William was sentenced to time served, and his wife was given a similar sentence in 2005.

Back in 2025, several Guyanese nationals were arrested in connection with a range of criminal convictions following the launch of a “Worst of the Worst” webpage, which displays information on criminal illegal immigrants arrested during the Trump Administration’s enforcement campaign.

Those arrested were Kwesi Menezes for aggravated assault on a Police Officer; Dwayne Waithe, convicted of illegal re-entry

into the United States, possession of an illegal weapon, drug trafficking, and possession of marijuana with intent to sell; Mohamed Yusuf, convicted on charges related to prostitution and commercial sex activities; Rakesh Persaud, for kidnapping, robbery, and cruelty toward a child; Ronald Doodnauth, for assault involving a family member, assault, burglary, and cruelty toward a child; Harinarine Ramkissoon, convicted of homicide and driving un-

der the influence of alcohol; Deon Watson, convicted of a sex offence involving a minor; and Vickram Moses, convicted of assault.

The page allows users to search for hundreds of thousands of criminal illegal immigrants who have been arrested across all 50 states. Many have criminal histories that include homicide, assault, rape, drug trafficking, child molestation, cruelty toward a child, battery, and armed robbery, among other crimes.

Seeking…

…justice for Barima victims

The PPP Govt just can’t win, can it?? Not even earn a draw!! It gotta be ground into the dust!! Your Eyewitness is referring to the charges for murder that have been filed against the Captain and two other officers of the sunken ferry!! Now it was made clear that these charges were recommended by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) – which was deliberately constitutionally made an independent office so as to prevent interference from any source, including (or maybe particularly after the Burnham excesses!) the Executive!!

But here it is – accusations are flying fast and furious from the Opposition and their camp followers that the Government is creating a diversion to take away from their alleged culpability in causing the ship to go down!! Maybe if the President and his entire Cabinet had been air-dropped as the ship went down to go down with it, you think the accusations would’ve been lessened? Naaah!! Your Eyewitness doesn’t think so. They woulda been blamed for adding to the weight!!

Now two legal worthies from the Opposition camp – Mr “34 is less than 32” Man and a younger one who is straining mightily to get some recognition – have immediately weighed in to declare UNEQUIVOCALLY that the charge is fatally flawed!! Why?? Well, according to them, a charge of murder demands that there must be a PREMEDITATED INTENT to kill – which they assert is absent with the Barima sinking!! Now in normal circumstances, your Eyewitness would’ve figured they knew what they were talking about. But then he thought, “Whoa!!” This isn’t the DPP’s first rodeo – she’s been around the (murder) block and some!! So he hit his search button on his trusted browser! And found that there is a murder charge based on “extreme indifference to human life” – that is, to knowingly engage in conduct so extraordinarily dangerous that the law treats it as equivalent to intentional murder!! Applying that standard to the MV Barima disaster, prosecutors gonna have to prove something like: the Captain knew the vessel was dangerously overloaded or otherwise fatally unsafe; he appreciated that death was highly likely rather than merely possible; and despite that knowledge, he deliberately proceeded!! By his own words after he was arrested, it’s clear he knowingly sailed an unseaworthy vessel, intentionally ignored flooding, and even became high on ganja!! The DPP’s role is simply to determine whether there’s sufficient evidence to prosecute – NOT whether guilt has been established beyond reasonable doubt!! Whether the murder charges ultimately survive committal proceedings – or result in convictions – will depend on whether the prosecution can prove more than incompetence, negligence, or even gross recklessness!!

Gotta be conduct amounting to an extreme or depraved indifference to human life!!

…exoneration

In the wake of the Trinis and Frenchies – who’d generously volunteered to dive and reconnoitre the state of the MV Barima under the Atlantic – saying conditions were too “dangerous” for further operations – the Government said they were canvassing relatives of the dead on whether they wanted the ship to be raised or left where it is – as a monument to the deceased. They’ve received “SEVERAL” proposals for the raising.

But then up stepped Sanction Man to announce – in front of the cameras, of course! – that he’d be willing to fund the salvage of the vessel!! He’d already been in touch with his “international partners”, who said the job could be done!!! Well, with all the experience OFAC says he’s got with smuggling gold out of Guyana, your Eyewitness is pretty sure Sanction Man does have the marine connections!!

Anyhow, if the decision were up to your Eyewitness, he’d call Sanction Man’s bluff!! It’s pretty clear he figures the Government wants to blank him!!

…that orange jumpsuit

Sanction Man’s thought he got a reprieve when the CCJ paused his extradition hearing in the Magistrate’s Court. Sadly, for him, it merely stretched out – his swinging in the wind as he contemplates life in an orange jumpsuit!!

“You will see changes” – Manickchand moves to tackle garbage woes in Yarrow, Sideline Dams

Residents of Yarrow Dam and Sideline Dam, Georgetown, are expected to get some relief from mounting garbage and other environmental problems after Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand visited the communities on Tuesday and promised immediate intervention.

Minister Manickchand walked through both areas, speaking with residents and examining conditions as concerns were raised about garbage collection, drainage and streetlights.

area. In response to the garbage backlog, Manickchand said arrangements would be made for a canter to provide interim collection before the end of the week.

“You will see changes... That’s changing before this week is out,” she told residents.

The immediate intervention will come ahead of the government’s “Big Lift” exercise, scheduled to begin in Yarrow Dam and Sideline Dam on Monday, August 3.

The exercise allows residents to dispose of bulky

Garbage was among the most visible problems, with waste, discarded household items and appliances accumulated in sections of the communities.

Minister Manickchand said the situation was linked to a disruption in the regular garbage collection service by City Hall.

“One of which is that there is no garbage collection because the private garbage collector paid by the city council has stopped, and it appears that the city council didn’t put something to replace that,” she said.

Residents also raised concerns about severe drainage problems, particularly during heavy rainfall, and streetlights that were no longer functioning. Improper waste disposal was also identified as contributing to drainage problems in the

household waste, including old furniture, appliances, mattresses, tyres and other oversized items, free of cost.

“Big Lift will happen in Yarrow Dam and Sideline Dam beginning Monday next week. You will see a schedule about when you can put out your garbage. Please do that for us,” Manickchand said.

During the walkthrough, the minister also spoke about the consequences of allowing bulky waste to remain in the communities.

“This is bulky waste in the community that harbours a lot of rodents and vectors and just makes people’s lives miserable,” she said.

Minister Manickchand, however, stressed that addressing the problem would also require residents and businesses to be more mind-

ful of how waste is disposed of.

“So we got to do better as residents and as business

people in these communities. We have to be more responsible,” she said. Residents are expected to

receive a schedule indicating when their waste should be placed out for collection during the Big Lift exercise,

end of this week.

Effective policing cannot be achieved in isolation – Top Cop

…calls for stronger partnerships to improve public safety

Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken has emphasised the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies, public institutions, civil society and communities in addressing security challenges, stating that effective policing cannot be achieved in isolation.

Speaking on the theme of effective policing through partnership, Hicken said integrity, professionalism and strong partnerships are essential to building public trust and improving public safety.

The Commissioner made the remarks while delivering the feature address at the graduation and closing ceremony for the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Academy’s Junior Officers’ Course No. 1/2026, held on Wednesday at the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe.

The programme saw 31 participants successfully complete the course, achieving a 100 per cent pass rate.

Hicken told the graduates that the knowledge and skills acquired during the course must be applied in the execution of their duties, noting that the true measure of the programme’s success would be reflected in their leadership and professional conduct.

Quoting leadership expert John C Maxwell, the Commissioner stated, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way,” while encouraging the officers to lead with integrity and commitment.

The Junior Officers’ Course, which has been conducted over the past three years, is part of the GPF’s efforts to develop competent leaders within the organisation and the wider security sector.

The graduating co-

hort comprised officers from the GPF, Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Prison Service, Guyana Fire Service, Customs AntiNarcotic Unit (CANU), Guyana Revenue Authority, as well as regional law enforcement agencies from Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The course was designed to strengthen leadership, supervisory and management competencies through academic and practical training aimed at improving decision-making and operational capabilities.

The ceremony was chaired by the Commandant of the GPF Academy, Georgetown Campus, Superintendent Jeanette Prince. Course coordinator Superintendent Delon Fraser provided an overview of the programme, highlighting its objectives, training components and participants’ performance, while Director of the GPF Academy, Senior Superintendent Sonia Herbert, also delivered remarks.

Following the ceremony, certificates were presented to the graduates.

Awards were presented to Woman Inspector Ester Cal of Belize, who was named valedictorian; Assistant Superintendent Lawrence Smith of the Bahamas, who placed second; and Inspector Tyree Gardiner of the Turks and Caicos Islands, who placed third.

The Best Academic Paper award was shared by Woman Inspector Ester Cal and Assistant Superintendent Doodnauth Chaitram of the GPF.

MV Barima tragedy

“They have exploited

people’s grief” – AG condemns Opposition’s conduct

Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall has accused the parliamentary Opposition of exploiting the MV Barima tragedy for political gain, saying its members appear more concerned with blaming the Government than supporting those affected by the incident.

“They have exploited people’s anger, they have exploited people’s trauma, they have exploited people’s pain, they have exploited people’s grief, they have exploited people’s anguish in prosecuting and prostituting their narrow political agenda,” Nandlall contended during his programme “Issues in the News” on Tuesday.

In fact, Nandlall referred to their conduct in the National Assembly on Monday, arguing that the session should have been marked by solemnity in light of the tragedy.

“Tell me whether that group that you saw there was concerned about the loss of life, about the grief that people were going through, or whether they were there to prosecute their own political agenda. Some of them were laughing and whining and gyrating and singing and beating a rhythm so they could dance in the National Assembly,” the AG highlighted.

“You would have expected that in the National Assembly, there would have been an aura of sobriety, an aura that reflects a country that is mourning, that is in grief, a country that has never suffered such a disaster in its young independent history. The National Assembly was [on Monday] supposed to be a solemn and sober place [but] it

was converted into an indecent vulgar melee with the Opposition mocking at those who are grieving and using their placards and their photographs in the most vulgar display of political vendetta,” he further posited.

According to AG Nandlall, the Opposition appears to be more concerned with attacking the Government than supporting the victims of the MV Barima tragedy.

“They see this as ‘the Government must be held responsible’, and they take great joy in trying to push the blame on the Government; that is all that they are concerned about,” the Attorney General contended.

Moreover, Nandlall condemned the Opposition’s refusal to offer remarks on the tragedy during the Parliamentary session.

During the sitting, Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir offered Opposition representatives an opportunity to speak on the tragedy and address the grieving families, but they declined. Leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) and Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, who has been sanctioned by the United States (US) and indicted, was allocated five minutes to express his views on the tragedy, while Leader of the Opposition Parliamentary group, the Peoples National Congress-led A Partnership for National Unity (PNC-led APNU), Terrence Campbell, was allocated two minutes. However, both declined to use the allotted speaking time to say anything. Instead, the Opposition members pressed on with their protest proceedings in the House.

According to Nandlall,

“The PNC has a long history of this type of conduct, and the WIN party is not much different; most of them are from the PNC anyhow.”

Responsibility

To date, 73 persons have been confirmed dead following the ferry’s capsizing, 30 remain unaccounted for, and 76 have survived.

On Monday, three workers attached to the Transport and Harbours Department –the captain, a crew member and the superintendent who was in charge of loading the vessel – were slapped with 72 counts of murder.

Some Opposition members have criticised the decision, but Nandlall maintained that those responsible must be held accountable. He also accused the Opposition of hypocrisy, saying it cannot demand justice while simultaneously condemning the authorities’ actions to ensure accountability.

“They want responsible and accountable actions to be taken. The first set of people whom you have to hold accountable are those who are primarily in charge. If a minibus…crashed and all the passengers are dead,

who first are you going to go for if not the driver and the conductor if they survive? You’re going behind somebody else when they had actual conduct, control and possession of the vehicle?” Nandlall reasoned.

“Not on a single occasion, in my recollection, has the PNC ever taken a position on the side of the law enforcement agencies. Even now, 100 persons are believed to be dead, and whose side do they take? Not the victims,” he added.

“If the families of the victims and those who survived and their relatives are in doubt on which side of the divide the Opposition stands, well they shouldn’t be in doubt anymore, because they have chosen a side and that’s why I’m saying [in Parliament], what you saw was political grandstanding, it had nothing to do with the pain and anguish that people are people,” Nandlall further posited.

Charged are 40-year-old Kevin Price, also called “KP”, the boat Captain of Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara (ECD); Rondell Dwayne Roberts, 42, Chief Mate of Grove Public Road,

East Bank Demerara (EBD); and Delon Granderson, 33, Goods superintendent of Fellowship, West Coast Demerara (WBD).

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) has since explained that its decision to institute murder charges based upon careful consideration of the evidence presented, the relevant principles of law involved, case law authorities from the United Kingdom, Commonwealth jurisdictions, the European Court of Human Rights, and public policy considerations.

CoI

Moreover, the DPP noted that the impending Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the tragedy will not affect the prosecution of the charge, as both proceedings can occur simultaneously.

President Dr Irfaan Ali has announced a five-member international CoI into the circumstances surrounding the capsizing of the MV Barima. Nandlall said no Guyanese was appointed to the panel in order to avoid any perception of bias.

“Not a single Guyanese was selected, and that was deliberately done so that unnecessary allegations of bias and compromise cannot reasonably be made. Of course, attempts are being made to tarnish the good character and sterling reputation of these persons, but those attempts are in vain,” Nandlall asserted.

The five-member CoI will be headed by former Belizean Justice of Appeal and distinguished legal expert Godfrey Phillip Smith, who currently serves as the CARICOM High-Level Representative for Law and Criminal Justice and is the Ad Hoc Justice of Appeal

at the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal. It also includes Captain Hamada Fouda, an internationally respected maritime safety specialist with more than 35 years of experience in marine regulation and casualty investigations; Trinidad and Tobago Senior Attorney-atLaw, Nyree Dawn Alfonso, who has represented clients in complex ship arrests, maritime disputes, salvage operations, collisions, marine casualty claims, marine insurance matters and arbitrations; Dr Andrzej Jasionowski, a forensic naval architecture and marine engineering expert, out of Poland, who has specialised since 1995 in the application of advanced numerical techniques for stability, hydrodynamics, oil film lubrication, thermodynamics of liquefied natural gas (LNG) mixtures, ship flooding simulations, probabilistic assessments of time to sink and capsize, holistic risk quantification, and shaft alignment; and decorated Trinidad and Tobago Rear Admiral (RADM) Hayden A Pritchard, who has over 38 years of experience in security and maritime operations, policy development, change management and public and security sector reform.

Local private sector organisations have welcomed the team assembled by President Ali, expressing confidence that its composition inspires trust in the inquiry’s ability to be thorough, independent and credible.

The MV Barima was en route to Port Kaituma, Region One (Barima-Waini) on July 18 with 179 persons onboard, when it capsized and sank off the Essequibo Coast in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

UNSG campaign

“No alternative to the UN” – Guyana’s Ambassador pledges reform, development focus

Guyana’s Ambassador Carolyn RodriguesBirkett, a candidate for the position of United Nations Secretary General (SG), has pledged that, if selected for the organisation’s top post, she will prioritise the critical reforms needed to ensure the UN remains effective, relevant, and equipped to meet the challenges of the present and the future.

She made the remarks during an interview with CGTN’s Elaine Reyes, host of UN Insider, where they discussed UN80, multilateralism, and the prospect of the UN electing its first female SG.

“The UN has stood the test of time. And it’s 80 years now. And I think in any organisation, there comes a time when you have to look at what you have done well, what you can do better. And I think we’re at that time right now. And as you know, reform is in the air. Work has started on that. But I truly believe that there is no alternative to the UN. And we can make it better,” Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett expressed.

“Even in the situation that the world is in right now, I think that all roads always lead back to the UN,” she added.

According to the UNSG candidate, if selected for the role, among her top priorities would be ensuring she is surrounded by a team that is balanced with the requisite skills needed for the organisation to succeed.

The second priority, she said, would be looking at ‘moving the needle’ on some of the global conflicts.

“There’s also a large humanitarian challenge. The humanitarian needs are ballooning, and the resources are shrinking. But we’re talking here about the lives of people, of men and women

and children. And work has been done already on a pact, on a humanitarian pact. And I would like to see how we can accelerate that kind of assistance,” Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett explained.

“And thirdly, on the development side, where there is development, there is peace. Where there is peace, there is development. So, we need to accelerate work with the international financial institutions and how we can make access to finance easier, especially for the developing world,” she added.

Fit for purpose

The Guyanese Ambassador has been meeting with various member states, as she has been outlining her vision for implementing reforms if elected to the next UNSG.

Commenting on these engagements, Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett related that “I’ve heard from member states that they believe in the UN, that we need the UN.”

“But also, I’ve heard from member states is that we need to better the UN and a commitment to do that. So, I think that’s the first, if I may call it, the first hurdle, in the sense that when you listen to people talking about the UN not being fit for purpose, being useless, things like that, I think it’s because they don’t have a perspective on the entire UN. The UN is about peace and security, but the UN is also about development. And the UN has been able to do quite a lot on the ground. And I’ve visited several countries during my time on the Security Council, but even before that, and in my own country, and I’ve seen how the UN functions. And I also see where we can make improvements. And this is why I’m running for

Secretary General, because I want to be part of making the UN effective, making the UN efficient, making the UN ready for now and for the future,” she said.

Reforms

According to Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett, there are three aspects to the current UN reform.

“One is the improvement in the Secretariat, more effective, more efficient, as I mentioned. The second part is how we deal with the mandates of member states. The Secretary General and the Secretariat are responsible for implementing those mandates. And that work has been done by member states in how we treat with new mandates. For example, we ensure that the cost that is associated when a mandate is created is known before we create those mandates or before member states create those mandates. And so that work is done, that resolution has been passed, and it’s for the Secretary General to implement that. As Secretary General, if I’m appointed, I would ensure that member states are provided with the

CCJ rejects US-sanctioned...

In separate opinions, however, Justices Maureen Rajnauth-Lee, Peter Jamadar, and Arif Bulkan, though agreeing that the case should be dismissed, found that there was a possibility of bias displayed by the Attorney General. But the Judges ruled that this did not influence the Home Affairs Minister’s decision.

The CCJ Judges “…concluded that there is no appearance of bias established against the Minister as the decision-maker or by reason of the larger ecosystem in which the Minister operated. However, in relation to the Attorney General, they concluded that there was a real possibility that the Attorney General was biased. Despite this, they were of the view that the Attorney General’s apparent bias had not so contaminated the process as to raise a real possibility that the de-

cision of the Minister to issue the ATP was initiated by bias.”

No “clean hands”

But even as the regional court found some biasness on the part of other senior Government officials and underscored the importance of judicial independence while cautioning against public comments by public officials on pending judicial proceedings, it noted, however, that the appellants, particularly Azruddin Mohamed, was not without fault or with “clean hands”.

FROM PAGE 3

Justices Chantal Ononaiwu and Chile EboeOsuji, in their separate opinions, also agreed that the appeal should be dismissed, stressing that allegations of bias must be assessed from the perspective of a fair-minded and informed observer who considers all the surrounding circumstances.

“On the facts and circumstances of the present case, the second appellant [Azruddin Mohamed] does not have clean hands. He provoked verbal attacks against him by his own early attacks against Government officials or his own willing participation in a general brawl of political calumny,” the Judges ruled.

Committal hearing

The interim stay of the extradition proceedings that was imposed by the Court back in March was lifted. This now paved the way for the committal proceedings in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to resume before Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman.

Prior to the CCJ stay, the extradition proceedings had already faced extensive delays due to constitutional

information whenever those mandates are being created so that they make the decisions based on the information that’s provided to them,” the Guyanese diplomat noted.

The third aspect of reform, she added, would have the deepest impact because it deals with structural alignment of the UN and its agencies.

“And that work is going on at the moment. And should I be appointed, again, the work in the structural alignment would ensure that we deliver better, but it could only do that if what is approved by member states is geared at that delivery. Now, I believe that reform is an ongoing process; it’s not an event. And so, we have to continue to maybe call it adjustments, make adjustments as we go along, always bearing in mind the needs of member states on the ground,” she explained.

Multilateralism

During the interview, Ambassador RodriguesBirkett also spoke about the importance of multilateralism, noting that “multilat-

eralism is where we set the norms of the world, is how we set the norms of the world that we all agree to live by.”

“And I haven’t heard any member states say, ‘We are walking away from that.’ “

No one is leaving the UN. No one is leaving the Security Council. And to me, that tells me that that’s a commitment by all of us that multilateralism remains extremely important. And diplomacy is what we have to expand… Because wars don’t end by themselves. They end with diplomacy. And I, as Secretary General, should I be appointed, would ensure that diplomacy is always the first option, mindful of the geopolitical situation that we find ourselves in, but you would see that even when decisions are made outside of the UN, they come back to the UN for validation. We’ve seen that with Haiti. We’ve seen that also with the resolution that was passed in the Security Council on Gaza. The negotiations happened outside of the UN, but it was validated in the UN,” she posited.

“And we have to look at all methods of bringing peace. And so, some may start in the UN, some may start elsewhere, but I believe there’s no alternative to the UN as a validator and as a legitimiser,” she added.

First female UNSG

The Guyanese diplomat also shared her thoughts on the prospect of becoming the first female UNSG.

“The fact of the matter is the UN has never had a woman Secretary General. So, I think that would send to the world, especially to young women out there, that ceilings can be broken, but it would also send a message to the world that men are with women on this. Because if you

look at the United Nations of the 193 member states, less than 25 per cent of the permanent representatives are women. And given the process for the appointment of the Secretary General requires a recommendation from the Security Council, where we have a minority of women, and it goes to the General Assembly, where we have a minority of women as well. If that is approved, it would say that men are with women on this,” she noted.

Selection

The other candidates are María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, nominated by Antigua and Barbuda; Rafael Mariano Grossi, nominated by Argentina; Rebeca Grynspan Mayufis, nominated by Costa Rica; and former Senegalese President Macky Sall, nominated by Burundi. The SG is appointed by the 193-member United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on the recommendation of the Security Council. While the Council, particularly its five permanent members with veto power, plays a decisive role in recommending a candidate, the final appointment is made by the General Assembly. If elected, Rodrigues-Birkett would become the first woman to serve as UNSG since the organisation was established in 1945, as well as the first Caribbean national to hold the post.

Rodrigues-Birkett has served as Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN since 2020. She previously served as Director of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Liaison Office in Geneva from 2017 to 2020, Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2008 to 2015, and Minister of Amerindian Affairs from 2001 to 2008.

and legal challenges, health claims and lateness from parties involved. In fact, the last hearing on March 24 had to be adjourned after Azruddin Mohamed did not show up and the Magistrate’s Court was told that he had suffered from dengue. His diagnosis and lab-

oratory results were submitted to the court, and his doctor was called to give evidence on his condition.

Back in October 2025, the US Government had requested the extradition of the Mohameds to face charges regarding the alleged smug-

gling of more than 10,000 kilograms of gold through the United States and evading over US$50 million in taxes. The father-and-son duo have been out on $150,000 bail each, pending the outcome of the extradition committal proceedings.

President Dr Irfaan Ali continued one-on-one engagements with survivors and families affected by the MV Barima tragedy, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to providing continued care, support, and assistance as they navigate the recovery process (President Dr Irfaan Ali/Facebook)

Guyana Development Bank Opportunities must not remain among those who already have assets, networks – Ally

…urges Guyanese to form consortiums to benefit from cluster loans

As the Government prepares for the official launch of the Guyana Development Bank, Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, Zulfikar Ally, is encouraging Guyanese with viable business ideas to form consortiums so they can access cluster loans and accelerate the growth and development of their ventures.

“For example, a group of 10 individuals can come together with a consistent and worthwhile business model and benefit from up to $30 million in loans,” Minister Ally highlighted during an interview with the Guyana Times

“One can easily imagine a scenario where five Guyanese form a consortium, apply for a loan through the Development Bank, and benefit from a loan of $15 million to set up eco-lodges in the Rupununi or the Pakaraimas to cater to our rapidly increasing eco-tourism sector,” he further suggested.

Opportunities

According to the Public Service Minister, as the country’s economy continues to expand, “we must be in-

tentional about making sure that growth is inclusive, productive, and broad-based.”

He posited that growth cannot be concentrated among a small number of firms, sectors, or individuals.

“We are committed to building an economy where opportunity is broad-based, where citizens can become entrepreneurs, and where citizens of every region and community can participate in national development. We aim to ensure that opportunity does not remain concentrated among those who already have assets, networks, and collateral. But rather, that opportunity is available to each and every Guyanese,” Minister Ally emphasised.

Enterprise growth

Through the Guyana Development Bank, eligible applicants will be able to access zero-interest, zero-collateral loans of up to $3 million to start or expand their businesses. Additionally, the Government has secured agreements with commercial banks to leverage those funds, allowing small business owners an additional $7 million in financing, at subsidised interest rates as

low as 3.5 per cent.

Minister Ally underscored the importance of this initiative, highlighting that the greatest barrier to enterprise development in Guyana is not the absence of ideas or ambition, but the lack of affordable financing options.

“Across Guyana, there are thousands of people with innovative business concepts, practical skills, market knowledge, and entrepreneurial drive. They know how to farm, manufacture, provide services, develop

software, create products, and solve problems. Yet many remain unable to expand and capitalise on their ideas because they cannot access the capital necessary to move from concept to commercial success,” he outlined.

In fact, the Minister revealed that between, 2020 and 2025, 137,713 businesses were registered – an encouraging reality. He further disclosed that between 2020 and 2025, the Deeds and Commercial Registry saw 7842 companies filed.

“These metrics demonstrate that the landscape of business in Guyana today is vastly different from what it was just five to six years ago. This further exemplifies the need for additional and accommodating financing options,” the Public Service Minister posited.

Moreover, he highlighted that in 2025, Private Sector credit expanded significantly, reaching more than $531 billion. This growth, he said, was not confined to a single industry; rather, it occurred across several productive sectors of the economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, mining and quarrying, and services.

“The expansion of credit in agriculture indicates growing confidence in food production, value-added agriculture, and related activities. Increased lending within manufacturing suggests that businesses are investing in production capacity, processing facilities, and industrial activities. Growth in services reflects the expansion of commercial activity across a broad range of enterprises,” he noted.

“These trends are encouraging because they demonstrate that businesses are willing to invest and financial institutions are willing to lend. However, they also reveal an important policy challenge. While larger and more established businesses may be benefiting from existing financing mechanisms, many smaller enterprises continue to face barriers. This SME Development Bank is designed to address precisely this gap,” the Minister explained.

He further noted that while traditional financial institutions have played a critical role in supporting business development in Guyana, their lending models are often designed around risk management, which can make it difficult for first-time entrepreneurs to qualify for loans.

He added that there are other considerations that often present significant challenges for those at the beginning stages of their entrepreneurial journey, such

as requirements for collateral, credit history, and onerously high interest rates.

“The consequence is that many potentially productive businesses remain undercapitalised. They operate below their potential. They employ fewer people than they could, and they invest less than they would like. In some cases, they never move beyond the informal sector. But worse of all, some never get off the ground,” he lamented.

This situation represents a loss for the entrepreneur as well as the economy, the Minister said, expressing that “unrealised business growth means unrealised employment, unrealised production, and unrealised tax revenues.”

Support

The Minister said what positions the Guyana Development Bank model for success is that it not only provides accessible financing options but also incorporates mechanisms to support and guide entrepreneurs through every stage of their journey.

“This is a very important point, because finance alone does not guarantee success. Many entrepreneurs have strong ideas and real potential, but they may lack access to formal business training, accounting systems, marketing knowledge, digital tools, or operational guidance. In other words, they may know how to produce or sell, but not always how to structure a business for long-term sustainability. The inclusion of financial literacy training, mentorship, and technical guidance reflects a deeper understanding of what small business growth actually requires. A business cannot grow sustainably if the owner does not know how to manage cash flow, separate personal and business finances, prepare basic records, price products appropriately, or plan for growth. By providing this kind of support, the Bank helps to close the gap between access to money and the ability to use that money effectively,” he explained.

Minister Ally added that the entrepreneur’s journey to success is also supported by the Government’s larger investments in the economy.

“We are building stronger links with Brazil. We are strengthening trade and commercial relationships with Suriname. We continue to benefit from access to CARICOM markets. We are improving linkages across our own Administrative Regions. We are creating opportunities for Guyanese businesses to serve markets

that extend far beyond our borders and to expand inter-regional trade,” he highlighted.

For instance, the Minister pointed out that the farmer who starts a small agro-processing juice company is not necessarily producing only for a village, a town, or even a region.

“Through modern transportation networks, digital commerce, regional integration and expanding international connections, that entrepreneur can potentially serve customers across the Caribbean and beyond,” he remarked.

He also pointed to the Gas-to-Energy project, which, once operationalised, will cut electricity costs by 50 per cent, noting that lower energy costs will further support entrepreneurship.

“When energy costs are reduced, businesses become more competitive, production becomes more affordable, and investment becomes more attractive,” the Minister explained.

“The reality is that access to finance alone cannot transform an economy. Access to finance must be combined with affordable energy, reliable infrastructure, improved logistics, digital connectivity and access to markets. This Government is delivering on all of these fronts simultaneously,” he emphasised.

Sectors

Moreover, Minister Ally explained that the Bank will be targeting business ideas in sectors that support the development of key industries in Guyana.

These sectors include agriculture and agro-processing to ensure the country continues to strengthen food security, reduce import dependence, and build value-added production around what is grown locally.

He said another sector is tourism and hospitality in light of the country’s unprecedented level of visitor arrivals. The creative and digital industries are other priority areas, according to Minister Ally, who noted that “this is an untapped market for Guyana and Guyanese to excel in”.

The Guyana Development Bank Bill was on Monday passed in the National Assembly, paving the way for the establishment of the state-backed financial institution. The Government is in the process of establishing regional offices and recruiting the necessary personnel who can support prospective borrowers at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey.

El Niño conditions

Take early measures to safeguard crops, livestock, water resources – Agri Ministry

The Agriculture Ministry has urged farmers to take early measures to protect crops, livestock and water supplies,

as meteorological forecasts indicate that El Niño conditions are expected to develop in the coming weeks. In a video advisory issued

on its social media platforms, the Ministry warned that the anticipated weather pattern could result in prolonged dry spells, extreme heat, reduced

GEA launches Energy Champions Awards for businesses driving sustainability

The Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) has launched its inaugural Energy Champions Awards, opening nominations to businesses of all sizes across Guyana in recognition of efforts to promote sustainable energy and environmental practices.

The initiative seeks to recognise businesses that are making measurable progress through the adoption of renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency measures, responsible water conservation, waste management, and green building practices.

According to Nominations, they are open until Monday, August 31, 2026, with businesses encouraged to submit projects that demonstrate tangible environmental and operational benefits.

According to the GEA, the awards support the objectives of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 by highlighting businesses that are contributing to the country’s low-carbon transition while improving productivity and operational efficiency.

rainfall, isolated thunderstorms and increased pressure on water resources.

The Ministry reminded farmers of the impact of the 2023-2024 El Niño episode, which affected crop production, livestock and water availability in several farming communities across Guyana.

Farmers have been advised to clear on-farm drains and irrigation channels, secure water storage systems, maintain shade and adequate water supplies for livestock, and engage with extension officers to implement drought preparedness measures.

The Ministry said that while the Government continues to focus on drainage management during the

current rainy season, attention is also being placed on maintaining irrigation infrastructure to support farmers during the anticipated dry period.

“Prepare now, protect your investments, safeguard your livelihood,” the Ministry stated, while encouraging farmers to work towards building a resilient and sustainable agriculture sector.

The advisory comes days after the Guyana Fire Service issued a warning about the increased risk of fires during the approaching El Niño dry season.

On July 27, 2026, the Fire Service advised members of the public to adopt fire safety measures, as hotter temperatures and drier condi-

Impressive efforts

tions could contribute to the spread of wildfires.

The agency cautioned that a single spark could quickly develop into a dangerous fire, threatening homes, farms, businesses and lives. Citizens were advised not to leave fires unattended, avoid burning rubbish or dry vegetation during hot and windy conditions, and properly dispose of cigarettes.

Residents were also encouraged to clear dry grass and other combustible materials from their surroundings and to report fires immediately through the emergency hotline 912.

The Fire Service stressed that preventing fires during the dry season requires the cooperation of the public.

on the...

Minister Anthony said.

Greater resilience

The awards will recognise achievements across four focus areas: energy, water, waste, and green building.

The Energy category focuses on businesses that have implemented renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency innovations to reduce energy consumption while improving performance. The Water category recognises responsible water conservation and resource management practices.

The Waste category highlights initiatives that promote waste reduction through measures such as reducing, reusing, and recycling materials, while the Green Building category recognises environmentally responsible building design, construction, operation, and maintenance practices.

Businesses will compete in three categories based on the size of their workforce: small business -

The agency said the programme also aims to acknowledge organisations that are reducing their environmental footprint through sustainable business models and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility within their workplaces and communities.

es with one to 25 employees, medium-sized businesses employing 26 to 100 persons, and largescale businesses with 101 or more employees.

To qualify, applicants must be registered and operating in Guyana for at least two years and possess the necessary authorisations.

Applicants are required to submit a completed application form along with a project brief detailing their sustainability initiatives. Submissions must also include supporting information such as descriptions, data, photographs, and other evidence demonstrating the impact of the energy and sustainability measures implemented.

Application forms, project brief templates, and submission guidelines are available on the GEA’s website, at the agency’s office located at 295 Quamina Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown, or by scanning the QR code on the official promotional flyer.

Completed applications can be submitted by email or delivered in person to the GEA’s office on or before the August 31 deadline.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, which had highlighted how ill-equipped countries are to response to health emergencies, the Guyana Government launched a One Health Project aimed at strengthening national capacity to prevent, detect and respond to public health threats by upgrading laboratories, expanding surveillance systems, improving emergency preparedness, and reinforcing coordination across human, animal and environmental health sectors.

This initiative also seeks to strengthen Guyana’s International Health Regulations (IHR) core capacities while enhancing resilience against zoonotic and emerging diseases.

Through this new pact, the Health Ministry will be working with PAHO to deliver targeted technical activities, including laboratory strengthening, disease surveillance and emergency response, workforce training, and multisectoral One Health coordination.

According to Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony, many local health professionals will be trained under this initiative.

“With this component that PAHO is going to help us implement, there is a lot of training… We will train and hire new people under this project because, to achieve what we intend to do, we currently do not have all the human resources that are required. This project will provide us with the opportunity to recruit and build that capacity,”

While the PAHO Representative lauded the Region One response as progress Guyana has made in strengthening its systems, the Health Minister said more needs to be done to transform existing systems and build even greater resilience. In fact, he said this partnership with PAHO will build on the foundation works that the Ministry has already started post the COVID pandemic to strengthen its public health system.

“You don’t have to wait until there is a problem to build a system. You have to build systems in anticipation of problems. So, whenever these problems occur, we’re able to fix it… That’s what we’re trying to do here… This technical component that we will be working on with PAHO is extremely important, and I hope that the staff and all of our partner agencies will take this very seriously,” Dr Anthony stressed.

Guyana One Health Project

The Guyana One Health Project is being financed by a US$15 million grant from the Pandemic Fund and a US$7 million loan through an International Development Association (IDA) Credit by the World Bank. Of that US$22 million, some US$1.78 million is being used to finance this component of the initiative that will be executed through the partnership with PAHO.

Country Officer at the

World Bank’s office in Guyana, Hubert Forrester, says this new partnership with PAHO will support the technical and implementation work needed to help translate the project’s ambitions into concrete results.

“Through this engagement, we expect stronger institutional coordination, improved technical support to implementation, and enhanced technical capacity to advance the One Health agenda in a way that is practical, measurable and responsive to Guyana’s needs. Ultimately, the success of the project will be measured not only by the systems strengthened or the plans prepared but by the benefits delivered to the people of Guyana,” the World Bank official stated. On its second attempt, Guyana successfully received approval in January 2024 for financing from the Pandemic Fund – a global financing mechanism dedicated to strengthen country’s critical pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response efforts – for its national action plan for health security, that is, the Guyana One Health Project.

Introduced by the World Health Organization (WHO), the “One Health” concept is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimise the health of people, animals and ecosystems. It recognises that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and their shared environment.

Haitians with TPS on edge as confusion clouds US work status

As part of its immigration crackdown, the Trump Administration terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for about one million persons from more than a dozen countries, including 350,000 Haitians who have been living and working legally in the US since 2010.

The termination, which exposed them to deportation, was challenged in district courts. On June 25, the Supreme Court sided with the Government, allowing TPS to end.

The cases went back

to the lower courts, which generally take 32 days to announce their decisions following the Supreme Court’s recommendations. In the meantime, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) extended the Haitians’ work permits. The agency usually acted on the same day that the permits expired and offered extensions of only a few days, creating confusion and desperation among employers and the Haitian community.

Then on Monday, the work permits were not ex-

tended, and fear mounted – not only due to the loss of jobs but also because of the potential for arrest and deportation to Haiti, a country the US has deemed unsafe for Americans to travel to.

Almost 1.5 million have been displaced because of gang violence in Haiti, where more than half of the country’s nearly 12 million inhabitants need humanitarian aid. More than 2300 persons have been killed and more than 1100 injured since January, according to the United Nations. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

Peru’s new President says military will lead crime operations in emergencies

Keiko Fujimori has been sworn in as Peru’s first female elected President – the latest conservative leader to come to power in Latin America.

At Tuesday’s ceremony in Lima, the 51-yearold said the military would temporarily lead security operations in crime-ridden areas during emergencies until order was restored.

More than 100 protesters gathered in the capital against Fujimori’s inauguration.

Many were relatives of state violence victims, including some from during the presidency of her father, Alberto Fujimori, who was jailed for corruption and human rights abuses during his campaign against a left-wing guerrilla insurgency in the 1990s.

A number of foreign

dignitaries were present at her inauguration in Lima –among them the right-wing Presidents of Argentina, Ecuador and Chile.

In June, she defeated her left-wing rival Roberto Sánchez in a razor-thin Presidential run-off in her fourth attempt to win the job.

In her first address as President, Fujimori said she had received Peru in a catastrophic condition

– but the country had infinite potential.

Her hard-line campaign against insecurity featured heavily, as she announced that the military would at times take charge of maintaining order in areas with high crime.

“During states of emergency, the armed forces will temporarily take the lead in security operations,” she said. (Excerpt from BBC News)

T&T Energy Ministers meet US envoy to strengthen bilateral ties

Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, Dr Roodal Moonilal and the Minister in the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, Ernesto Kesar held talks with a delegation led by United States Chargé d’Affaires Philip Kern at the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries’ International Waterfront Complex headquarters in Port of Spain on Monday.

According to the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, the discussions reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral relationship between Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) and the US, with a focus on politi-

cal cooperation, energy and economic security, as well as trade and investment opportunities.

Kern said the current relationship between the two countries represents a unique moment in their shared history, highlighting several areas of mutual benefit and significant opportunities for expanded collaboration.

Moonilal reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to maintaining an open and constructive partnership with the United States through continued dialogue, cooperation and the exchange of ideas.

He said this approach reflects the Government’s

broader commitment to international engagement under the leadership of Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar.

The meeting also examined recently signed Memoranda of Understanding for the proposed development of data centres and a steel plant in T&T.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to maintaining regular dialogue and working together to advance shared objectives in energy security, trade, investment and broader economic development.

(Excerpt from Trinidad and Tobago Guardian)

Guatemalan deportee, wife found dead in sugarcane field; baby alive beside them

AGuatemalan man deported from the US and his wife were found dead in a sugarcane field in southwestern Guatemala, authorities said on Tuesday. Their one-year-old daughter was discovered alive beside them.

Nixon Giovanni Perez, 43, and Glendy Marisol Gonzalez, who was in her 20s, were found with their hands tied behind their backs in a field outside the city of Retalhuleu, about 180 kilometres west of the capital, Guatemala City, photos reviewed by Reuters showed.

Guatemala’s Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement that the infant girl and the couple’s two other children were placed in the care of extended family members. The pair was reported missing last week, according to local news reports.

Police said Perez was found with a possible gunshot wound to his neck, and

Gonzalez had a wound to her head. Shell casings and a pink and white Champion shoe were found nearby. They had no personal belongings. A red-striped motorbike was seized at the scene.

Their deaths underscore the dangers and hardships that can await immigrants deported from the United States amid a mass deportation drive by President Donald Trump’s

Administration.

Perez, who had fled violence and poverty in Guatemala, was deported last year. Gonzalez self-deported to Guatemala in recent weeks to join her husband.

Representatives for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Overland Police did not immediately respond to requests for comment. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Jamaica to host Ghanaian President, South African Minister for Emancipation and Independence holidays

Jamaica will welcome the President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, and South Africa’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, as special guests during this year’s Emancipation and Independence celebrations.

President Mahama will make an official visit to Jamaica from August 2 to 5, 2026, while Deputy Minister Botes will visit from August 4 to 7, 2026, representing South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the country’s Independence celebrations.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) said Mahama’s visit builds on a series of high-level engagements that have strengthened ties between Jamaica and Ghana.

During his stay, President Mahama will pay a courtesy call on the Governor General, hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister (PM) Andrew Holness and other senior Government officials, participate in a joint sitting of the Houses of Parliament, meet with members of the private sector and visit Seville Heritage Park.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Botes’ visit follows discussions between PM Holness and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on the margins of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg last November, where Holness extended an invitation for the South African leader to attend Jamaica’s national celebrations. In addition to meetings with Government officials, Deputy Minister Botes is also expected to engage with members of the Private Sector, and participate in cultural activities during his visit. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Ecuador: 7 charred bodies found in house; gang-related messages painted on walls

Seven charred bodies have been found in a house in southern Ecuador, authorities said, an area of the country under a state of emergency due to rising violence.

Ecuador has gone from being one of South America’s safest countries to a cocaine trafficking hub in a few short years, plagued by gangs with ties to Mexican and Colombian cartels.

Police said the bodies were found Tuesday inside a house in a rural area of the Canar province town of La

Troncal.

Two of the bodies were tied up with wire, a Police report said. There was also a burnt-out car outside the residence.

The victims were between 21 and 30 years old, the report added, noting that the violence may be linked to a gang-related turf war.

Messages including “land of wolves” and “the wolves are active” had been painted on the walls of the house where the bodies were found.

Los Lobos – meaning “The Wolves” – is one of

Ecuador’s main drug trafficking and extortion gangs, with ties to international cartels. Last September, Los Lobos was designated a terrorist organisation by the United States.

Last month, eight bodies were found in plastic bags in a southwestern narco-trafficking hotspot, and Ecuadorian officials said a note found at the scene suggested the victims were targeted by Los Lobos as part of its war with the rival Los Choneros gang. (Excerpt from CBS News)

Around the World

OIL NEWS

Oil jumps 7% on escalating Middle East airstrikes

Oil prices climbed about seven per cent on Wednesday as airstrikes resumed in the Middle East, adding to worries about dwindling supply as US Government data showed domestic crude inventories fell to a multi-year low.

Brent futures settled US$6.65, or 7.91 per cent, higher to US$90.74 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude gained US$5.20, or 6.56 per cent, to US$84.46 a barrel.

The US and Saudi Arabia launched strikes on Iran-backed groups in Iraq on Wednesday, blaming them for drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities.

The strikes came hours after the US military said it had averted a surprise Iranian attack on US troops in the region. Iran said it had fired on ships in the Strait of Hormuz and at US bases in Jordan.

In Egypt, explosions hit a natural gas loading port on the Mediterranean Sea, and British maritime security company Ambrey said a US-owned floating storage tanker there had been hit by a drone.

“The market is rapidly pricing in the enhanced risk to supplies in the region once again,” said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital.

Prices surged even higher after President Donald Trump, in an interview with Fox News, promised further strikes against Iran.

The US issued another round of Iran-related sanctions, taking aim at Tehran’s efforts to “monetise the Strait of Hormuz” with designations of 10 entities and eight more tankers, the US Treasury Department said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Japanese rescue teams “race against time” as

earthquake death toll rises

Emergency workers are continuing their search for survivors in southern Japan after Tuesday’s powerful earthquake left widespread devastation, with buildings collapsed, roads severely damaged and emergency teams digging through rubble.

At least 13 persons have been killed, and many are reported missing after the earthquake struck the Kumamoto area on the southern main island of Kyushu with a magnitude of 7.1, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The US Geological Survey measured it at magnitude 6.8.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said rescue workers faced a “race against time” to reach more people still trapped in rubble. “We will go all out to find and rescue as many people as we can,” she said.

Eight persons were pulled from the rubble of a partially collapsed Aeon

Iran pushes back against US as regional attacks heat up

Iran has continued to push back against the United States and other rival interests in the region, as a new round of attacks fuels fears of a wider conflict.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Wednesday released footage of overnight strikes on a US military base in Jordan, in what it said came in response to “aggressive actions”.

Jordan said all five bal-

listic missiles were intercepted, but US President Donald Trump threatened that his country’s forces would hit Iran hard in response to the strikes in Jordan.

“They’re going to get a beating,” he told Fox News, adding that his Administration was weighing additional actions against Iran-aligned groups in the region, including Iraq.

Inside Iran, authorities on Wednesday after-

noon reported that a missile struck a border area in the West Azerbaijan province, but there were no fatalities. Shortly after, Israel said a drone launched by the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah targeted an Israeli military vehicle in occupied southern Lebanon.

The Tehran-aligned Houthis in Yemen have this week launched major attacks against Saudi Arabian oil facilities and Saudi-linked vessels in the

Bab al-Mandeb Strait, while the US and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday launched joint strikes on Iran-aligned forces in Iraq, killing at least 20 fighters.

Late on Tuesday, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, outlined Iran’s position on the Strait of Hormuz, saying a proposal by Oman for a 50-50 management split was unacceptable. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Norwegian teen found guilty of UK murder plot for Swedish organised crime group with links to Iran

Nineteen-year-old Norwegian Johannes Natland

A19-year-old

Norwegian has been found guilty of travelling to England to kill someone on behalf of a Swedish crime group that is under US and UK sanctions for its links to Iran.

Johannes Kongsnes Natland was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder after an investigation by British counterterrorism officers and a two-week trial, London’s Metropolitan

Police said in a statement. Natland had already admitted to two offences related to gun and ammunition possession, Police said.

He was arrested at a hotel in Huddersfield, in the north of England. A semi-automatic pistol and a revolver were found in a plastic bag under his bed, along with rounds of live ammunition, Police said.

Natland had flown into Manchester Airport on an

emergency passport from Stavanger, his hometown, on March 17, 2025, two days before the hit was planned, according to the Crown Prosecution Service.

In bodycam footage released by Police from the early hours of March 19, 2025, Natland emerges topless from his room and mimes a shooting gesture at

a firearms officer before being slammed against a wall.

The target of the assassination remains unknown, but Police say “a significant amount of evidence” showed “Natland was fully aware he was being asked to kill someone.”

The investigation is ongoing. (Excerpt from CBS News)

3 Greek firefighters killed as wildfires strike further east in Europe

shopping centre near the city of Kumamoto following an apparent explosion that occurred around an hour after the earthquake, according to reports. Aeon said four workers at the shopping centre remained unaccounted for.

Seven persons are also still missing at the Nippon Paper Industries factory, where a chimney collapsed onto the site. Japan’s Mainichi newspaper reported that four were rescued from the rubble at the paper mill, including two who were seriously injured.

Nearly 37,000 homes were still without electricity, 9500 homes were without gas, and communication networks were not working in some areas, Chief Government spokesperson Minoru Kihara told reporters.

More than 9000 people left their homes to stay in more than 500 shelters, Kihara added. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

4 women accuse Jared Leto of criminal sexual conduct

Four women have accused Oscar-winning actor and Thirty Seconds to Mars frontman Jared Leto of criminal sexual conduct, with the alleged offences having taken place when they were teenagers.

One of the women says she was sexually assaulted in a motel bathroom when she was 17. Another says the Hollywood star threatened her with sexual assault when she was 19 and had been unexpectedly left alone with him in a hotel room.

A third describes how she had underage intercourse with the star in California when she was 17 – which would be classified as statutory rape.

The fourth woman describes being groomed by Leto, saying he abused his celebrity status by making repeated sexually explicit phone calls to her when she was 16. On at least one oc-

casion, she says he suggested intercourse.

She was subsequently sent a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to prevent her from talking about her relationship with Leto, which the BBC has seen. She refused to sign.

Four further women also say they received strange and often very sexual phone calls from Leto when they were younger.

Another woman says that when she was 14, he instructed a security guard to take her backstage at a music festival after having made a lewd comment about her chest during an autograph-signing. The girl’s mother confronted Leto, but he repeated the comment, it is alleged.

All the women say they encountered Leto between 2002 and 2016, when he was in his 30s and 40s. He is now 54. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Three Greek firefighters died battling blazes during high winds on the island of Crete and the mainland as wildfires spread across Europe on Wednesday after days of devastating fires in Spain and France.

Two firefighters became trapped in the Crete blaze near the village of Krya Vrysi while they were driving between fire fronts. Another died in a separate fire in the Peloponnese region, a fire department spokesperson told Reuters.

Residents and tourists were evacuated from Krya Vrysi and other nearby villages, locals told Reuters by phone, as high winds pushed the fire out of control near popular holiday spots.

“The wind is unbelievable – you can’t stand it sometimes. The flames were

huge; it was really scary,” said resident Chrissa Gioukaki.

The flames headed southeast towards the coastal town of Agia Galini, where hotels line a hill above a small harbour. Tourists were evacuated on buses and in cars on Wednesday afternoon, said Charalampos Sevvas, owner of the Galini Mare hotel.

Earlier on Wednesday, the head of the EU’s emergency response centre said that Greece and Italy were set to face a heightened wildfire risk in the coming weeks.

Europe, the world’s fastest-warming continent, has endured record-breaking heatwaves this year, as human-driven climate change is intensifying the heat and drought that allow wildfires to spread faster. (Excerpt from Reuters)

More action and less talk will make the best statement and receive the most accolades. Pay attention to detail, and broaden your interests and your audience.

Keep your eye on your target, not on what others say or do. Trying to appease everyone will be your downfall. Put lack of restraint aside and focus on efficiency.

Avoid arguments and situations that are counterproductive. You have so much to gain if you focus on what’s important to you and distance yourself from those trying to bother you.

Stick to your principles and the lifestyle that puts your mind at ease. Refuse to be a follower or to think someone knows what you need better than you know yourself. Trust your instincts.

The experiences you encounter will help you decide what you want to pursue next. An interesting partnership will develop if you participate in a movement that has an impact on something that’s meaningful to you.

Chill. If you focus on the people, conversations and the chaos going on around you, you’ll be disappointed in what you accomplish. Put more time and effort into doing something that makes you feel good about yourself.

Letting others observe who you are and what you can accomplish will lead to positive options and lifestyle changes that allow you to do more of what you enjoy while making a profit.

Slow down and observe what others are doing. Distance yourself from people and situations that stifle your ability to advance. Let your thoughts and actions guide you.

Don’t get angry; moving is what will get you back on track. Take pride in how you look and present yourself to others. Pay attention to details, costs and what will boost your confidence.

Do what’s best for you. Stop letting others pressure you into doing things that infringe on your time and goals. It’s OK to say no and to take the journey that is conducive to people and pastimes that bring you joy.

You have no time for negativity. Move forward with a positive frame of mind and the intent to look, feel and do your best. Take advantage of opportunities.

The time you spend with someone you find uplifting will provide motivation to do what pleases you. Refuse to get caught up in someone else’s drama or to try to fix everyone else’s problems.

GFF Youth Ensemble…

Paradise Football Club (FC) capped off a remarkable campaign by capturing both the Under-13 and Under-15 titles in the Berbice Football Association (BFA) leg of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF)’s Youth Ensemble Programme, securing qualification for the National Championship in both divisions.

Playing at the Paradise Ground on Sunday, Paradise FC defeated Cougars FC 2-0 in the Under-15 final to complete an impressive tournament run. The victory came after the club had al-

ready claimed the Under-13 crown with a convincing 3-1 win over Cougars FC, underlining the strength of its youth development programme.

The Berbice competition featured three matches in the Under-13 division and 10 matches in the Under-15 division. Across both competitions, players produced exciting attacking football, with 13 goals scored in the Under-13 category and an impressive 73 goals netted in the Under-15 tournament.

Paradise FC finished atop the Under-13 standin-

Paradise FC claim Berbice U13, U15 titles

gs ahead of Monedderlust FC before sealing the championship with their victory over Cougars FC. Their success in both age groups now earns the club the opportunity to compete against the country’s top youth teams at the upcoming GFF National Championship.

Individual Awards Under-13

Highest Goal Scorer: Jaden Sampson (Cougars FC) – Seven goals

Best Goalkeeper: Kedel Fordyce (Paradise FC) –Conceded six goals throughout the competition

Wazim and Sons backs Rose Hall Cricket Club

The Rose Hall Community Centre Cricket Club

(RHCCCC) has secured a boost ahead of the upcoming white-ball cricket season following the donation of 30 playing uniforms from Wazim and Sons Infrastructure.

In a social media post published on the club’s official Facebook page, the club expressed gratitude to the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Wazim Yashwardeo, for sponsoring what it described as ”30 top-quality uniforms from CricZoneUSA”.

According to the post, Yashwardeo said he was pleased with the club’s ongoing development and youth programmes. As a resident of the East Canje area, he reportedly reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the club and pledged to continue doing so in the future.

The club also highlight-

ed its contribution to youth cricket in Berbice, noting that it has been a dominant force in the region over the past five years while producing a number of male and female cricketers who have gone on to represent Guyana at the national level.

The social media post further stated that it was

encouraging to see more companies recognising and investing in community-based sports programmes, particularly those focused on youth development.

The club concluded by extending its appreciation to Yashwardeo on behalf of its executive and members, thanking him for his continued support.

Under-15

Highest Goal Scorer:

Szeplaki

FC) – Four goals

Best

– Conceded eight goals throughout the competition

According to the GFF, the Berbice Football Association’s Youth Ensemble Programme once again showcased the region’s emerging football talent while providing young players with meaningful competitive opportunities. With Paradise FC advancing as champions in both the Under-13 and Under-15 divisions, the club now turns its attention to the National Championship leg, where it will aim to continue its impressive form against the best youth teams from across Guyana, as the GFF Youth Ensemble Programme continues.

triumphs as National Top Flight Golf League Tour #2 intensifies

The National Top Flight Golf League (NTFGL) continued its exciting second tour with Round Four on Sunday, July 26, at the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC), East Coast Demerara (ECD), where 20 golfers competed in another closely contested outing under warm, sunny skies. As the league progresses, players continue to battle for valuable points in pursuit of the Tour #2 title.

Although the rainy season has brought persistent rainfall in recent weeks, the Lusignan Golf Club course was presented in exceptional condition thanks to the tireless efforts of Grounds Superintendent Brian Hackett and the dedicated maintenance staff. Their commitment ensured the fairways and greens were restored to pristine playing condition, allowing competitors to enjoy a highly competitive and exciting round of golf.

Round Four of the NTFGL was contested through the LGC’s weekly club competition, with players’ performances in the club tournament determining the allocation of league points. As a result, competitors were not only vying for the day’s club honours but also for valuable points toward the overall Tour #2 standings.

The day’s action produced impressive performances throughout the field. Maxim ”Danny” Mangra set the pace on the front nine

with an outstanding net 34 to earn two league points, while Brian Hackett delivered the best back-nine performance with a superb net 32, also collecting two valuable points.

Following an intense contest, Joseph Szeplaki emerged as the overall winner with a net score of 72.

He secured first place on a tiebreak to earn the maximum eight league points.

Mike Mangal finished a close second with a net 73, while the remainder of the field continued to accumulate valuable points in the race for the overall standings.

Special prize winners also showcased their individual talents, with Maxim ”Danny” Mangra claiming the Nearest-to-the-Pin award and Anand Persaud

capturing the Longest Drive prize.

The latest standings reflect just how competitive Tour #2 has become. Anand Persaud leads the league with 18 points, closely followed by Maxim ”Danny” Mangra on 17 points. Joseph Szeplaki’s victory has propelled him into third place with 11 points, tightening the race as the competition enters its next phase. With momentum continuing to build, the National Top Flight Golf League now turns its attention to Round Five. Another exciting day of competitive golf is anticipated, and supporters of the sport are encouraged to come out and witness the action as players continue their quest for Tour #2 honours.

Competition will be fierce for Guyana Cup – Pierce

Master Z and Jumbo Jet trainer Robert Pierce is confident about the top trio from his stables ahead of the Guyana Cup.

Dataman and Anthem King are the favourite horses for many fans, but Stat reminded everyone how good he is at the CARICOM Cup, defeating Dataman and Olympic Kremlin.

The Barbadian, Pierce, signalled his warning early about Stat, and he delivered, but come August 23 at the Guyana Cup, the com-

petition will be on a different level.

“They have to watch Stat. Anthem King and Dataman are going very well. They are doing exceptionally well, and they are all special in their own right.”

“Dataman is preparing very well going into the Guyana Cup. I am pleased with how he is riding. The competition in Guyana Cup will be more competitive for Dataman, but the other horses have to come good,” Pierce said.

They will have their horses and new jockeys under Guyana’s recently enacted horse racing legislation.

A total of 14 races will be running at this year’s Guyana Cup, and more than GY$66 million in cash and prizes will be paid out.

The feature race, which will be the Banks Guyana Cup, will fetch a purse of GY$22 million. Logistical plans are already in place for a plethora of new horses and jockeys to showcase their skills at Guyana Cup.

The races for Guyana Cup 2026

Banks Guyana Cup (One Mile)

Peter Lewis Guyana Cup Sprint (5 ½ Furlongs)

Forrester’s Imported Derby (One Mile)

are:

Total purse: GY$22,500,000

Total purse: GY$7,500,000

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)

BM Soat Locally Bred Dash (5 ½ Furlongs)

purse: GY$3,750,000

purse: GY$2,812,500

P Jagdeo E-Class (One Mile) Total purse: GY$2,812,500 Jagmohan F-Class (One Mile)

purse: GY$1,875,000 ARONCO H-Class (One Mile)

H3 NW3 (One Mile)

GY$1,875,000

Amsterdam leads BEI to Beharry Schools’

U19 T20 Zone 8 Title

The Berbice Educational Institute (BEI) was crowned Zone Eight champions of the 2026 Beharry Under-19 Secondary Schools’ T20 tournament after completing a convincing 50-run victory over Lower Corentyne Secondary at Albion on Tuesday.

Luke Amsterdam continued his impressive form with an unbeaten 60 from

55 balls, guiding BEI to 148 for four from their allotted 20 overs. Ryan McPherson supported with 25, while Lemeul Dejonge contributed 23.

Lower Corentyne were then dismissed for 98 as Gilbert Griffith and Brandon Grimmond combined to dismantle the batting order. Griffith claimed four wickets for 24 runs, while Grimmond collected two for 20.

Nicholas Madramootoo offered resistance with 37, but his effort was not enough to prevent BEI from securing the Zone Eight crown.

Meanwhile, Golden Grove Secondary advanced in the Zone Six East Coast competition after defeating Lancaster Secondary by 42 runs at the Queen’s College Ground. Golden Grove were bowled out for 76 despite

FIFA scheme strengthens Guyana’s youth football pathway

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is building a more structured pathway for the country’s promising young players through the FIFA Talent Development Scheme, which combines year-round training, national scouting and specialised coaching.

The programme, launched in April, brings together leading boys and girls from across Guyana for regular high-performance sessions under the supervision of the GFF’s National Coaches Pool.

Players receive between six and eight hours of training each week, with attention placed on technical skills, tactical understanding, physical conditioning and personal development.

The scheme currently has a core group of approximately 24 players, while the wider training pool consists of about 30 footballers.

Although most of the participants come from coastal communities, the programme also provides opportunities for players from the hinterland and other parts of Guyana to be identified and added to the national development system.

The initiative forms part of FIFA’s wider global strategy to ensure talented players have access to

organised and sustainable development programmes.

FIFA provides technical guidance, funding, resources and continued monitoring to assist member associations.

Eight youth coaches make up the GFF’s National Coaches Pool and are responsible for delivering a consistent development curriculum to the players.

Their work is supported by the GFF Youth Ensemble Programme, which has expanded scouting and talent identification across the

country’s regional associations.

The progress made since the programme began will be tested when Guyana compete in the Caribbean Football Union Under-14 Challenge Series in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, next month.

Guyana will play in Tier II, Group C and will begin its campaign against Montserrat on August 16. The national side will then face Anguilla on August 17 and The Bahamas on

August 19.

The tournament will provide the young players with international exposure while allowing the coaching staff to assess their development against regional opposition.

According to the Federation, the lessons gained from the competition will be used to further improve the Talent Development Scheme and prepare future national players for regional and international football.

BEI were crowned Zone Eight champions of the 2026 Beharry Under-19 Secondary Schools’ T20 tournament

a patient-40 from Alvin Ramotar. Gavin Adams claimed four for 11, and Simon Dass took three for 29 to give Lancaster a strong chance of victory. However, Lancaster

struggled badly in reply and was restricted to 34 for eight. Ramotar completed a strong all-round performance by taking three wickets for three runs, while Parmesh Roopnarine captured two for four and Nathan Seebalak finished with two for 14.

In Zone Five, Queen’s College defeated Christ Church Secondary by 21 runs at the same venue.

Gilbert Griffith claimed 4/24 Luke Amsterdam continued his impressive form with an unbeaten 60 from 55 balls, guiding BEI to 148 for four from their allotted 20 overs

Queen’s College posted 103 for seven from 20 overs, led by Sachin James’ 36, which included two fours and three sixes. Nathan Gurrachan made 20, and Nathaniel Sukhnandan added 19. Darrius Haynes claimed three for 13, and Hemraj Bhowan took two for 11 for Christ Church, who were later limited to 82 for five. Saurav Persaud scored 21 and Trevor Burnett made 16 during the unsuccessful chase.

Clarke, Horatio, narrowly miss Commonwealth 200m semi-finals

Guyanese sprinters Jackson Clarke and Shamar Horatio narrowly-missed places in the men’s 200 metres semi-finals at the Commonwealth Games after producing second-place finishes in their respective opening-round heats.

Clarke recorded the faster of the two times, clocking 20.80 seconds from lane eight in heat six. However, he fell just one-hundredth of a second short of advancing, with 20.79s being the slowest qualifying time.

Jamaica’s Roshawn Clarke won the heat in

20.56s to secure the automatic qualifying position. Jackson Clarke finished comfortably ahead of Togo’s Kossi Medard Nayo, who placed third in 21.00s.

Clarke registered a reaction time of 0.158 seconds, while the race was contested with a legal following wind of 1.0 metres per second.

Horatio crossed the line second in Heat Five in 20.83 seconds but was initially disqualified for a lane infringement. Officials later reinstated the Guyanese athlete’s result, although his time was not fast

enough to carry him into the next round.

Nigeria’s Udodi Chudi Onwuzurike won the heat in 20.31s and claimed the automatic semi-final place.

Malta’s Graham Pellegrini was third in the 2020s.

Horatio recorded a reaction time of 0.181 seconds in a race aided by a following wind of 2.4 metres per second.

Although neither Guyanese athlete advanced, the pair were separated by only three-hundredths of a second, and both finished second in their heats.

Guyana’s Anthony Drayton and Taffin Khan recorded one victory and two draws during a challenging 15-round men’s blitz chess competition at the 2026 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on Tuesday.

The Guyanese pair collected five board points and four match points after finishing with one win, two draws, and 12 defeats against the other 15 participating nations.

Guyana made a promising start by defeating Nicaragua 1½-½ in the opening round before earning consecutive 1-1 draws against the Dominican Republic and Panama.

However, the national team was unable to maintain that momentum and suffered a 2-0 defeat against Venezuela in the fourth round. Puerto Rico then defeated Guyana 1½-½ before

Barbados secured a 2-0 victory in round six.

Guyana also went down 2-0 against Guatemala and Jamaica in rounds seven and eight. Drayton and Khan managed another half-point in a 1½-½ defeat to Costa Rica in round nine.

The Guyanese suffered further 2-0 losses against

Berbice in focus as Lotto/Let’s Bet One Guyana T10 Tapeball

Blast bowls off on August 8

High-octane tapeball action is set to sweep through Guyana once again as the fourth season of the Lotto/ Let’s Bet One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast officially gets underway on August 8, with the cricket-steeped region of Berbice taking centre stage for the opening weekend.

Opening-day matches will be staged across four premier venues in the Ancient County, bringing grassroots cricket to the No. 69 Ground, the Port Mourant Community Centre Ground, the Welfare Ground in Canje, and the Albion Sports Complex.

The Berbice leg will reach its climax on August 9, with the zonal finals hosted under the floodlights at Albion to crown the tournament’s first regional winner.

Admission to all venues is free.

Trinidad and Tobago, Mexico, El Salvador, Cuba and Colombia from rounds 10 to 14.

Guyana closed the competition with a 1½-½ defeat against Haiti, bringing an end to a demanding day in which all 15 rounds were played within approximately three and a half hours.

“Berbice has always been a powerhouse of passion and talent in Guyanese cricket, so beginning the tournament here sets the perfect tone for Season Four,” said Tournament Director John Ramsingh.

“There is an incredible buzz on the ground, and we are eager to get play underway and see our very first zonal champion crowned under the lights at Albion.

Preparations are well advanced, and everything is lining up for an explosive opening weekend.”

In a complete departure from traditional knockout formats where early exits yield no financial return, the 2026 edition guarantees cash rewards for teams making deep runs into the zonal stages.

Teams knocked out at the zonal quarter-final stage will earn GY$25,000, while losing zonal semi-finalists will pocket GY$50,000.

The stakes escalate progressively, with losing zonal finalists receiving GY$200,000, culminating in a handsome GY$500,000 purse for the respective zonal champions before they even transition into the national bracket.

The crescendo of the tournament will see the stakes reach their peak during the national playoffs.

The crowned national champions will walk away with a massive GY$2,000,000 first-prize purse, while the runners-up will secure GY$1,000,000.

The two losing national semi-finalists will also be rewarded for their efforts, with each earning GY$500,000.

With the lucrative prize structure locked in, organ-

isers have issued an urgent directive to regional teams to secure their spots before the July 31 registration deadline.

Teams are cautioned against delaying registration to tinker with squad selection, as remaining slots are expected to fill rapidly. Registration forms can be accessed via the tournament’s official social media handles or by contacting the organisers directly on WhatsApp at +592 6352235.

Following the Berbice curtain-raiser, the tournament caravan moves swiftly to the East Bank/West Demerara leg on August 15–16, followed by the Essequibo Zone on August 22–23.

The competition will then take a brief hiatus to accommodate the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) before resuming with the powerhouse Georgetown/East Coast Demerara leg across two weekends on September 26–27 and October 3–4.

In a historic first for the competition, the national grand finale on October 11, 2026, will head to the Anna Regina National Stadium in Region Two, bringing the ultimate showdown of Guyanese tapeball cricket directly to Essequibo.

Stow, Hassan fire Unicorns into GSL qualifier

Callum Stow produced a four-wicket spell before Captain Hassan Khan struck an unbeaten half-century to guide the San Francisco Unicorns to a commanding seven-wicket victory over

the Lahore Qalanders in the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence on Wednesday. The result secured the Unicorns a place in Friday’s qualifier against the Desert

SCOREBOARD

Callum Stow 4-0-25-4 Karima Gore 1-0-8-0

San Francisco Unicorns (T: 153 runs from 20 ovs) Tim Robinson c Mohammad Imran b Shahab Khan 21 Connor Esterhuizen † c Mohammad Imran b Bracewell 29 Hassan Khan (c) not out 53 Oliver Peake b Shamim Hossain 27 Hammad Azam not out 18

Extras (b 6, lb 2, w 2) 10

Total 20 Ov (RR: 7.60) 152/6

Did not bat: Mohammad Imran, Shahab Khan, Mohammad Basit Fall of wickets: 1-74 (Shamyl Hussain, 11.3 ov), 2-108 (Mohammad Naeem, 15.3 ov), 3-128 (Parvez Hossain Emon, 16.4 ov), 4-142 (Michael Bracewell, 18.2 ov), 5-145 (Shayan Jahangir, 18.6 ov), 6-151 (Farhan Yousaf, 19.4 ov)

Bowling O-M-R-W Hassan Khan 4-0-24-0

Peter Siddle 3-0-22-1 Fabian Allen 4-0-38-1

Anirudh Immanuel 4-0-27-0

Extras (b 4, lb 1, w 3) 8 Total 15.2 Ov (RR: 10.17) 156/3

Did not bat: Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Fabian Allen, Anirudh Immanuel, Callum Stow, Peter Siddle, Karima Gore Fall of wickets: 1-45 (Tim Robinson, 4.1 ov), 2-67 (Connor Esterhuizen, 7.4 ov), 3-116 (Oliver Peake, 11.6 ov)

Bowling O-M-R-W Mohammad Imran 2-0-23-0 Mohammad Basit 2-0-20-0 Shahab Khan 3.2-0-23-1 Michael Bracewell 3-0-33-1

Usama Mir 4-0-39-0 Shamim Hossain 1-0-13-1

Vipers, starting at 19:00h. The winner will meet the Guyana Amazon Warriors in Saturday’s final at the same time.

Chasing 153 for victory, the Unicorns raced to 156 for three in 15.2 overs. Hassan led the pursuit with an unbeaten 53 from 33 balls, hitting five sixes and two fours at a strike rate of 160.61.

Hammad Azam supported him with 18 not out from 11 balls as the pair completed the chase with 28 deliveries remaining.

The Unicorns made a positive start through

Tim Robinson and Connor Esterhuizen, who added 45 runs for the opening wicket in 4.1 overs. Robinson struck two sixes and one four in his 21 from 15 balls before he was dismissed by Shahab Khan.

Esterhuizen maintained the momentum with 29 from 18 balls, including two fours and two sixes, but fell to Michael Bracewell with the score on 67.

Oliver Peake then joined Hassan in a match-defining 49-run partnership from 26 balls. Peake scored a rapid 27 from 15 deliveries before

he was bowled by Shamim Hossain at 116 for three in the 12th over.

Hassan and Hammad ensured there was no late setback, with the Unicorns scoring freely against a Lahore attack that struggled to contain the chase.

Bracewell, Shahab and Shamim claimed one wicket each.

Earlier, Lahore reached 152 for six after winning the toss and choosing to bat. Shayan Jahangir anchored the innings with 61 from 50 balls, hitting four sixes and two fours.

Jahangir shared a 74-run opening partnership with Shamyl Hussain, who made 36 from 36 balls. However,

Barbados and Lord’s unite in farewell to Sir Garfield Sobers

Sir Clive Lloyd recalled the first time, as a young player in Guyana, he saw the graceful walk to the crease that personified Sir Garfield Sobers. “His shirt unbuttoned, leaning forward, walking with elegance and confidence. It was inspiring.”

Lloyd was addressing Sobers’s state funeral at Kensington Oval in Barbados, which was streamed live in the Long Room at Lord’s where the sun beat down on a cloudless afternoon – just like a day of Test cricket in Bridgetown.

Marylebone Cricket Club placed a portrait of Sobers next to the double doors through which Sobers walked out to produce some of the deeds that made him the greatest all-rounder, a man who was

eulogised by PMs from across the Caribbean, bishops, former team-mates, those he encouraged and nurtured such as Brian Lara and Sobers’s two sons, Matthew and Daniel. Rihanna, the only other Bajan who can claim more global fame than Sobers, was also at Kensington Oval. She sat next to Mia Mottley, the island’s Prime Minister (PM), who gave a rousing speech about how Sobers’s cricketing achievements fired the pride of a nation that declared independence in 1966, the year he dominated a tour of England and averaged 99 with the bat and 24 with the ball.

She also paid tribute to the West Indies team that beat Pakistan in a Test match on

Tuesday by 90 runs on what would have been Sobers’s 90th birthday, finishing the game in four days so they could be at the funeral. Mottley said she had told Captain Roston Chase, another Bajan, to “keep trucking on, keep winning,” in Sobers’s honour.

The High Commission of Barbados organised the streaming of the funeral in the Long Room, fittingly so, because Lord’s was a special place for Sobers. He averaged 95 from five Tests. In 1966 he scored 163, saving his team from 95 for five by putting on 274 with his cousin David Holford. He rounded it off with 150 in his final Lord’s Test – the last of his 26 Test centuries – in 1973, an innings that was composed through bloodshot eyes and a monumental hangover after a night drinking with an old teammate in London. No curfews in those days or camera phones to catch out sports stars. Sobers had to retire hurt on 131 because he felt so ill, much to the amusement of his team-mates on the balcony.

“The only thing that’ll help me now is a port and brandy mixed,” he told them. He downed it in one, and Rohan Kanhai, the captain, ordered another and added, “Make it a big one this time.” Sobers went out again to reach his 150, and the West Indies won by an innings.

Lord’s is decked out in London Spirit livery for the Hundred and it is hard to think of a cricketer who would have commanded higher franchise

fees in this era than Sobers with his ability to do it all: bowl orthodox and wrist spin or pace, catch flies close in or in the outfield, and bat with grace and power. Perhaps matches lasting 100 balls would have been too easy for such a genius, and the challenge of Test cricket alone could bring out those magical feats. He played only a singular one-day international and made a duck, caught behind off Chris Old.

Lara, who described him as his “mentor and dad”, recalled when he scored 277 in Sydney, he was chastised by Sobers for giving it away, for not going on to break his then Test record of 365. He listened and did so 13 months later in Antigua, Lara recalling the “unique walk” as Sobers strode out to the middle to shake his hand when he broke his record.

Lloyd remembered a humble man who would “give you his last dollar’ and loved the joys of life. Sobers introduced

him to whisky as a young player and he recalled how when they batted together to win a Test against India in double-quick time, Sobers was delighted because by finishing early he could go and “watch the 1000 Guineas” race. “That shows you how confident he was about winning.”

The personal touch came from the sons touching on how their father would beat them at sport, whether on the golf course, holing out from the fairway aged 87, or at table tennis. Matthew paid tribute to his life advice, how his father told him he had “two ears, one mouth; use them in that proportion”. Listen to others.

Both Lara and Lloyd called on administrators to use Sobers’s legacy as a way to revive West Indies cricket. That will be a tall task. There was a sense that Sobers’s funeral was the closing of a chapter for West Indies cricket greatness. (The Telegraph)

the Qalanders were unable to build sustained momentum after the opening stand. Stow triggered the slowdown by dismissing Hussain before accounting for Mohammad Naeem, Bracewell and Jahangir. The seamer finished with four for 25 from four overs and was named Player of the Match.

Naeem scored 18 from 15 balls, while Bracewell made 10 from six. Fabian Allen and Peter Siddle took one wicket each as Lahore lost six wickets for 77 runs after their strong opening partnership.

“Warrior Nation” rallies behind franchise on their way to ExxonMobil GSL final

Guyana Amazon Warriors fans were treated to another thrilling match-up at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence on Wednesday night as the local franchise closed out the preliminary stage of the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League.

In these Jemima Holmes photos, emotions ran rampant, but fans rallied behind the local franchise who will be defending their title in Saturday’s final

Back-to-back gold, CAC Games record for Noel

Raekwon Noel was a force to be reckoned with in the pools at the Centro Olímpico Juan Pablo Duarte in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on Tuesday and Wednesday evening, even going on to smash a Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games record.

On Tuesday, Noel made a dominant start to his campaign in the Men’s 200m Individual Medley with a victory in heat one of the event.

The 20-year-old stopped the clock at two minutes, 01.73 seconds for the win, followed by Puerto Rico’s Xavier Ruiz in two minutes, 02.38 seconds, and Colombia’s Simon Bermudez in 2 minutes, 02.65 seconds.

Later that evening, in the final, Noel was rampant, clocking one minute, 59.35 seconds for the Gold medal win. Not only did he rewrite the Guyanese national record, but he also smashed the CAC Games record.

Noel also became the first

Guyanese man to swim under two minutes in that event.

He bested Mexico’s Humberto Najera, who clocked two minutes, 0.07 seconds, and Guatemala’s Erick Gordillo, in two minutes, 1.29 seconds, who settled for Silver and Bronze, respectively.

Noel later reacted to the victory, expressing his intention to be a role model for up- and-coming athletes.

“I’d just like to say thank you to everyone back in Guyana for your support. I mean, I’m not on any social media right now, but I know the comments are flooding with love, and I’m really thankful to be a part of the entire story Guyana has to offer,” Noel shared.

He added, “We have so much potential; you know we have great athletes in the future too, and I just want to be a role model for as many Guyanese as possible to see that this is something that anyone can achieve and you can do it any day.”

On Wednesday, Noel followed up his win with another victory in

the 200m Butterfly. That morning, he clocked one minute, 59.52 seconds to become the fastest qualifier across three heats. The Guyanese was followed by Puerto Rico’s Andres Brooks in two minutes and 0.54 seconds, and El Salvador’s Rodrigo Ventura in two minutes and 0.98 seconds.

Replicating his dominance from the evening prior, Noel touched the board at one minute, 56.82 seconds for his second Gold medal at the games. The Guyanese was just split seconds away from reaching or breaking his national record of 1:56.62, set last month at the TYR Pro Swim Series. Venezuela’s Manuel Diaz clocked 1.58.07 for the Silver, while Mexico’s Rafael Rizpe completed the podium with a Bronze medal swim in one minute, 58.77 seconds. Puerto Rico’s Andres Brooks equalled Rizpe’s 1:58.77 for a joint Bronze medal. Noel is expected to take on the men’s 100m butterfly next, which is scheduled for tomorrow.

GAW move on to Saturday’s final despite Scorchers win

Brody Couch hit a blistering 43

he Perth Scorchers

TXI saved their best performance for last, ending the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ (GAW) threegame winning streak at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence to end their ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) 2026 campaign on a high.

The hosts won the toss and opted to field first, allowing the Scorchers to allocate 135 runs in 20 overs that eventually turned out to be too big a score to chase.

Loosening the noose

Again, Matthew Forde started on a sordid note in the field, running back from deep mid-off in an attempt to catch a ballooning shot from Sam Fanning in the first over. Adding insult to injury, not only did Forde spill the opportunity, but the ball cruised down to the boundary for the first of the innings.

Boundaries would become few and far between as Fanning’s soft dismissal in the following over, served up by Forde, triggered the Scorchers’ collapse.

Fanning, attempting a drive, could only get the ball off the outside edge, just chipping it back to Forde to depart for nine from seven balls.

Forde continued his redemption by removing Andre Fletcher not too long after, leaving the Scorchers at 25-2. If that situation wasn’t bad enough, a spectacular piece of wicketkeeping by Mohammad Haris became Joel Curtis’ undoing. Gunning for the quick

single after getting the ball down to fine leg, Haris was quick on his feet to gather and subsequently hit the stumps directly, to find Curtis just inches short of his ground for three runs.

The “Warrior Nation” erupted into cheers again when Gudakesh Motie,

However, it was short lived, as Captain Imran Tahir opted to heighten the spin attack with Mohammad Nabi. The Afghanistan all-rounder delivered a piece short, low and on the middle stump for a convincing lbw decision. The following ball, he beat Ashton Agar all ends up, rocking back his stumps for a duck.

The attacking mindset prevailed as Nabi employed two slips to face up to the incoming Akeal Hosein. Cognisant of the trap, Hosein turned the ball into the off side for a valuable two. Nabi triumphed in the very next ball though, mangling Hosein’s stumps for his third strike of the night. Hosein admired Nabi’s handiwork, nodding in appreciation as he walked back to the pavilion for a run-a-ball two.

Rahmanullah

Mohammad Nabi had a brilliant spell of 3-12 from 4 overs

in just his third ball, offered a flighted delivery to Scorchers Captain Ashton Turner, which he missed completely; going on to disturb his leg stump.

Guyanese crowd, or at least those who were not supporting the local franchise.

Dwaine Pretorius eventually cleaned up the Scorchers’ tail in the 20th over but at 135 all out, GAW gave away too many in what should have been an extremely low score.

Quick out the blocks

For the third game running, Rahmanullah Gurbaz got the Amazon Warriors off to a lightning-fast start. The Afghan wicketkeeper dispatched Hosein’s opening for 13 runs, then smashed the second over from Ashton Agar for 23. Hosein had a better second over, containing Gurbaz, and by the fourth, Dian Forrester struck gold to remove Gurbaz for 42 from 16 balls, littered by two fours and five sixes; a wicket that completely turned the tide of the contest.

spectator at the other end.

Hit-man

Quizzed about his performances in the Warriors’ last three matches, Shimron Hetmyer shared that he would not be dwelling too much on his non-performance in the GSL.

The left-hander had only managed to string together eight against the Lahore Qalandars, a duck against the Desert Vipers and six against the San Francisco Unicorns.

Tahir, headed out to the middle, Hetmyer was thinking of solutions with 17 still to get from 26 balls.

Hetmyer navigated the final two balls of Turner’s over well, ensuring he would be on strike for the next over. But, as though he contracted the poor-batting fever that passed around in the Warriors’ dressing room, the Berbician went for a big shot, chopping Agar’s ball onto his stumps to see the hosts bowled out for 121 in 16.1 overs.

For the Scorchers, Captain Turner picked up 3-20 from his four overs, while Agar and Sufyan Moqim accounted for two scalps each.

At 41-5, the Perth Scorchers were, for the umpteenth time in this tournament, in hot water.

Countering the ferocious attack of the Amazon Warriors, Dian Forrester and D’Arcy put on a 35-run (36-ball) defence to bring some normalcy back to their innings.

Forrester found a better partner for the resistance in Brody Couch, the two piling on a 54-run partnership (40 balls) to frustrate the Warriors’ bowling. Tahir chopped and changed his bowlers at will, even attempting himself, but nothing could stop what was an uncharacteristically brutal onslaught from Couch. The Australian bowler smashed four fours and three sixes in his 43 off 30 to entertain the

Quentin Sampson never looked like he was in the game, only accumulating three runs before meeting his demise. Johnson Charles found the boundary on two occasions but he too suffered in what was his first knock of the tournament, only producing 11 from 15.

From that juncture, the wickets fell quickly, no partnerships were built and Shimron Hetmyer was a

But, cometh the hour, cometh the man; just when GAW needed him most, the Berbice native managed to turn around his recent shoddy form. Hetmyer dug deep for a gritty 31 from 28, only featuring two fours and one six. At the other end, disaster was unfolding; Hetmyer watched Nabi, Motie, Shepherd, Pretorius, and Forde all fall cheaply as the Warriors shifted into a difficult position.

By the time the 11th man, Captain

The Amazon Warriors will now be looking to regroup as they await the winner of Friday’s playoff between the Desert Vipers and San Francisco Unicorns for Saturday’s final.