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Guyana signs Air Services Agreement with Greece, aviation sustainability pact with DR P5 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 6593

Agriculture Month 2026

THE BEACON OF TRUTH THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026

PRICE $100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

President Ali targets Caribbean food capital status as Guyana ramps up agriculture

No compensation offered to MV Barima victims, families – P14 Attorney General …condemns reckless, malicious claims of financial offers

Cocaine in frozen fish

Pages 3 & 15

…innovation, technology key to food security – Mustapha

Govt moves to curb mass importation of fruits produced locally – Agri Minister

Miner slapped with narcotrafficking charge, remanded P11

Page 7

“Jealousy, possessiveness can never justify violence” – Judge P10

Corentyne fatal chopping

5 in custody as Police probe P5 fisherman’s death

Delegates representing Regions One to Ten take to the stage at the 2026 Miss Amerindian Heritage Pageant at the National Cultural Centre, showcasing Guyana’s Indigenous cultures and traditions (Amerindian Affairs Ministry photo)

6-year-old Chinese boy chopped to death at Parika See story on page 7

Pork-knocker beaten to death by nephew during heated confrontation See story on page 11

Election fraud case

Page 16

Volda Lawrence’s signature match on disputed Region 4 results – handwriting expert tells court

Probe into missing Surinamese men

Burning debris at Vigilance causes traffic delays; P14 Police maintain presence in area

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENING

Agriculture Month 2026

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, October 1 – 07:20h–08:50h and Friday, October 2 – 08:10h–09:40h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny skies are expected to be interrupted by midday thundery showers. Clear skies are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius. Winds: East-North-Easterly to Easterly between 4.02 metres and 5.81 metres.

High Tide: 07:19h and 19:31h reaching maximum heights of 2.52 metres and 2.58 metres. Low Tide: 13:04h reaching a minimum height of 0.77 metre.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2026

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DAILY MILLIONS

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Evening Draw

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9554

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COMMODITIES Indicators Crude Oil

US$ $97.94/barrel

Rough Rice

$290.52/ton

London Sugar

$506.30/ton

Live Spot Gold

Change %

-0.09 -0.19 -0.63 USD Per Ounce

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$4160.90 $4138.50

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Pres Ali targets Caribbean food capital status as Guyana ramps up agriculture

resident Dr Irfaan Ali has outlined a vision for Guyana to become the Caribbean’s food capital, with increased production, processing, exports, technology, and investment expected to drive the transformation of the agriculture sector. In his Agriculture Month 2026 message, Ali said food production is no longer simply about supplying what is placed on the table but is closely linked to national security, economic strength and resilience. He said Guyana’s ability to produce food for itself and contribute to the needs of neighbouring countries has become increasingly important against the backdrop of global uncertainty. “That is why, as we launch and celebrate Agriculture Month 2026, we do so with a vision that reaches far beyond the boundaries of our farms and fishing grounds,” Ali said. He said the Government is pursuing a vision of a Guyana that “produces more, processes more, exports more, creates greater opportunities for our people and helps to strengthen regional food security.” Ali said the transformation of agriculture is already underway through the introduction and expansion of new technologies and production methods, including precision farming, improved genetics, digital extension services, hydroponics, protected agriculture, and modern poultry systems. He also identified planned agro-processing hubs and stronger links between production, logistics and markets as important elements of the emerging agricultural ecosystem. According to Ali, the objective is to create a sector that is innovative, sustainable and competitive, capable of serving the domestic market while competing in regional and global markets. The President said the Government has been increasing its investment in agriculture to support that transformation. He said the national agricultural budget increased from $18.4 billion in 2020 to $113.2 billion in 2026, representing a 515 per cent increase. Ali said the investment is supporting initiatives including large-scale corn and soybean production in the Intermediate Savannahs, drainage and irrigation, farm-to-market roads, agro-processing, storage and logistics, livestock, aquaculture, and research

President Dr Irfaan Ali

and extension services. He also pointed to the soon-to-be-launched Guyana Development Bank, which he said will provide additional access to capital for small-scale food producers and agro-processors. Ali stressed that infrastructure alone will not transform agriculture, saying innovation must remain at the centre of the process. He identified artificial intelligence, precision agriculture, improved genetics and data-driven production systems as areas that will increasingly influence how efficiently and profitably food is produced. The President also said the Government is encouraging partnerships and consortiums involving the private sector, young people

and women to take advantage of opportunities across the agriculture sector. He said Guyana’s agricultural transformation is not only a national undertaking but also a regional responsibility and opportunity. Ali said the country continues to play a role in advancing food and nutrition security within CARICOM while working towards the 25 by 2030 initiative and beyond. He said increased production should contribute to regional food security by reducing excessive dependence on imports, strengthening supply chains and deepening collaboration among Caribbean countries. Ali said Guyana has the land, water, natural re-

sources and skills to play a greater role in meeting the food needs of the region. He also linked agricultural development to employment, wealth creation, foreign exchange earnings and improved livelihoods. Agriculture, he said, remains a foundational pillar of Guyana’s economy despite the country’s rapid economic transformation, with opportunities extending beyond primary production to processing, logistics and other activities along the agricultural value chain. He also called for greater participation by young people and women, saying agriculture should be viewed as a modern, technologically driven and rewarding enterprise.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026

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Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Caribbean’s food capital

uyana’s drive to become the Caribbean’s food capital signifies a significant opportunity to reposition agriculture as a modern, technology-driven, and competitive sector capable of contributing substantially to national development and regional food security. The vision outlined by President Dr Irfaan Ali during Agriculture Month 2026 shows the changing role of agriculture in an increasingly uncertain global environment. Food production can no longer be viewed solely through the narrow lens of supplying domestic consumption. Food security is directly connected to national resilience, economic strength, employment, foreign exchange earnings, and the stability of supply chains. The country possesses extensive agricultural land, water resources, and a growing pool of technical and entrepreneurial capacity. These advantages provide a foundation for expanding production and establishing stronger connections between farming, processing, logistics, markets, and exports. The Government’s stated objective of producing more, processing more, and exporting more deserves attention, not only as an agricultural policy, but as part of a broader economic transformation. The reported increase in the national agricultural budget from $18.4 billion in 2020 to $113.2 billion in 2026 reveals the scale of public investment being directed towards the sector. Such investment, however, must continue to produce measurable improvements in productivity, market access, value addition, and incomes for farmers and other participants throughout the agricultural value chain. Investment in drainage and irrigation, farm-to-market roads, storage, livestock, aquaculture, research, extension services, and agroprocessing provides important building blocks. Large-scale corn and soybean production in the Intermediate Savannahs also points towards greater diversification of domestic agricultural production and reduced dependence on imported inputs and food products. Technology must become an increasingly central component of agricultural development. Precision farming, improved genetics, artificial intelligence, digital extension services, hydroponics, protected agriculture, and modern poultry systems can improve efficiency and productivity while helping producers respond to changing climatic and market conditions. Small and medium-sized farmers require access to financing, training, technical assistance, and appropriate technologies if the benefits of agricultural modernisation are to be distributed broadly across the sector. The Guyana Development Bank could become an important component of the agricultural financing landscape, particularly if it expands access to appropriately structured capital for small-scale producers, young entrepreneurs, and agro-processors. The development of agro-processing is equally important. Producing more agricultural commodities without sufficient capacity to store, process, package, and transport them would limit the economic returns generated by increased production. Greater value addition within Guyana can create additional employment, strengthen domestic enterprises, and expand the range of products available for export. A successful food-production strategy must accordingly extend beyond the farm gate. Partnerships and consortiums involving established businesses, farmers, investors, young people, and women can help mobilise capital, expertise, and innovation. Agriculture must increasingly be recognised as an enterprise offering opportunities across production, technology, research, processing, logistics, marketing, and international trade. The emphasis on youth and women is particularly relevant, as a modern agricultural sector cannot depend solely on traditional approaches or an ageing producer base. Agriculture must be presented as a viable commercial and professional field in which technology, science, entrepreneurship, and innovation have central roles. The Caribbean continues to face significant food-import dependence, making regional cooperation and stronger intra-Caribbean supply chains essential. Increased Guyanese production could contribute to regional food security while creating new markets for local producers and processors. The 25 by 2030 initiative provides an existing regional framework within which Guyana’s expanded agricultural capacity can have wider significance. Greater production, processing and exports can strengthen Guyana’s position in Caricom while supporting efforts to reduce excessive dependence on food imports. The transformation of agriculture will nevertheless require consistency. Policy continuity, efficient implementation, reliable infrastructure, access to finance, research, technology, and strong links between producers and markets will all be necessary to convert national potential into sustained results. The vision of Guyana as the Caribbean’s food capital is best understood as a long-term economic project rather than a single agricultural programme. Its success will depend on when investment translates into higher productivity, greater value addition, stronger businesses, expanded exports, and improved livelihoods.

A performer dressed as a mermaid at Nanjing Underwater World, Nanjing, China (Photograph: China News Service/Getty Images)

How much longer will this be allowed to continue? Dear Editor, The latest delay in the extradition proceedings involving United Statessanctioned and indicted Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, is deeply troubling. The Mohameds and their legal team appear to be exploiting a dangerous soft spot within our Judiciary, using repeated procedural requests to prolong the proceedings, consume valuable judicial time, and frustrate the timely administration of justice. With every adjournment granted, public confidence is further tested, and the perception of preferential treatment becomes more difficult to dismiss.

Media reports show that at Monday’s hearing, the defence requested additional time to examine a copy of the Official Secrets Act. This was the very document requested by the defence at the previous hearing in relation to the testimony of Head of the Special Branch, Senior Superintendent Prem Narine. From all accounts, cross-examination of Narine was expected to continue. Instead, the Defence Attorney argued that the defence required more time to examine the legislation, questioned its applicability in Guyana, and raised concerns about its credibility. It is very interesting

that media reports further suggested that Prosecutor Herbert McKenzie argued that the defence could continue questioning the witness in other areas while reviewing the document. Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman also questioned why the cross-examination could not proceed and reportedly agreed with the prosecutor’s point that Narine did not create the legislation and should not be questioned on the Act itself. Yet another adjournment was granted. How much longer will this be allowed to continue? This extradition case has already travelled

through the Magistrates’ Court, the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Caribbean Court of Justice, while the substantive hearing continues at a painfully slow pace. The delays continue to pile up. The defence is entitled to represent its clients vigorously and pursue every protection available under the law. The court also has a responsibility to manage its proceedings firmly, impose reasonable timelines, and prevent procedural requests from becoming instruments of endless delay. Yours sincerely, Todd A Morgan

Judicial independence must go, hand-in-hand, with accountability Dear Editor, I recently came across a Facebook post by renowned Guyanese cardiologist Dr Mahendra Carpen in response to comments by Justice Courtney Abel about High Court Judge Gino Persaud’s US visa being placed under review. Dr Carpen wrote that Abel “transparently sidestepped the subject of Judicial Accountability and whether judicial officers are beyond reproach or infallible on the bench.” I take his point to be that concern about judicial independence should not prevent us from asking

how Judges are held accountable. The two issues can be discussed together. Independence protects Judges from improper pressure; accountability helps maintain public confidence in the courts. This discussion also brings to mind Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman’s statement during the extradition proceedings involving Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed that her court “will not be controlled by any mortal being” and “will control its own pace.” Is the Magistrate a law unto herself? Is she saying that

her court cannot be held accountable by a higher court? Judicial independence is important, but it should not mean that any judicial officer is beyond accountability or scrutiny. One practical step would be to make it mandatory for all judicial officers to declare their assets and liabilities to the Integrity Commission. My understanding is that there has been some resistance to this from the Judiciary. Why this transparency and accountability measure is being resisted by only one of the three arms

of Government is bewildering. Both the executive and legislative branches of Government are compelled to file declarations – why not the Judiciary? No one is trying to tell Judges and Magistrates how to decide cases. It is about applying clear standards of transparency to public officials and strengthening trust in the justice system. Judicial independence matters, and so does accountability. The time to make the rules clear and consistent is now. Yours sincerely, A concerned citizen

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026

guyanatimesgy.com

News Guyana signs Air Services Agreement with Greece, aviation sustainability pact with DR …opens new opportunities for air connectivity

Deputy Director of the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation, Miguel Amaurys Mejia Capellan, and Public Utilities and Aviation Minister Deodat Indar sign the MoU to strengthen cooperation on sustainable aviation and decarbonisation

Minister Indar and Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic of Greece to Guyana, Theodore N Tsakiris sign the Air Services Agreement between Guyana and Greece at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Wednesday

uyana on Wednesday signed an Air Services Agreement with Greece and a separate Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Dominican Republic (DR), aimed at advancing sustainability and decarbonisation in the aviation sector. The agreements were signed on the side-lines of the joint International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Third Global Regional Safety Oversight Organisations

services, trade and economic activity. Guyana and Greece established diplomatic relations on May 14, 1979.

(RSOO) and Regional Accidents and Incidents Investigation Organization (RAIO) Forum for Aviation Safety at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. Public Utilities and Aviation Minister Deodat Indar signed the agreement with Greece alongside Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic of Greece to Guyana Theodore N Tsakiris. Technical-level negotiations and the initialling of the agreement were completed on December 3, 2019, in Aqaba, Jordan. The agreement establishes a framework govern-

ing air transport between Guyana and Greece, including provisions covering traffic rights, airline designations and authorisations, applicable laws and regulations, commercial opportunities, tariffs, recognition of certificates and licences, aviation safety and security, and user charges. There are currently no direct flights between Guyana and Greece. According to the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, the agreement will facilitate airlines’ access to both markets and support opportunities for air transport

Sustainability agreement

Indar also signed an MoU with Miguel Amaurys Mejia Capellan, Deputy Director of the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation, to establish a framework for cooperation on the sustainability and decarbonisation of civil aviation. The agreement is aligned with ICAO’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International

Aviation (CORSIA), and supports the international goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The areas of cooperation include the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), reduction of carbon emissions, climate finance, technical expertise, and capacity building. The two countries will also cooperate on the development of CORSIAcompliant Eligible Emissions Units (EEUs), with provisions aimed at preventing the double counting of emission reductions under the Paris

Agreement. A Joint Working Group will meet annually to coordinate activities under the MoU, with each country responsible for financing its own activities. The agreement takes immediate effect. The two agreements were signed as Guyana hosted the ICAO/EASA aviation safety forum, which brought together aviation regulators, accident investigators, and industry representatives from nearly 60 countries to discuss aviation safety, oversight, and cooperation.

Corentyne fatal chopping

5 in custody as Police probe fisherman’s death

Dead: Chittesh Sukhai, called “Rohan” or “Marsho”

olice have now taken five persons into custody as investigations continue into the murder of 23-year-old Chittesh Sukhai, called “Rohan” or “Marsho”, of Friendship Village, Corentyne. Sukhai, a fisherman who worked on his father’s boat, was chopped several times during an incident at Friendship on Monday night. Police had initially ar-

rested two men, ages 27 and 23, of Friendship and Limlair villages, respectively, in connection with the incident. Since then, investigators have arrested two additional men, a 19-year-old and a 28-year-old, both also of Friendship Village. A 47-year-old woman has also been taken into custody as Police continue to gather evidence. She is said to be an aunt of the

now dead fisherman. The development comes as investigators continue their probe into the circumstances surrounding Sukhai’s death. Another woman who was initially arrested on suspicion of being an accomplice remains part of the investigation. According to preliminary Police information, Sukhai was involved in an argument with a female relative shortly before several men arrived at the location armed with cutlasses.

Sukhai was chopped several times about his body before fleeing the scene and collapsing in a nearby yard. He was taken to the Port Mourant Public Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment. Police said two cutlasses suspected to have been used in the attack were recovered in the vicinity. Sukhai’s body was subsequently taken to Ramoo’s Funeral Home, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026 00:00 Sign Off 06:00 Islam for Guyana 06:30 TVG Devotional Hour 07:00 Evening News (RB) 08:00 HGTV 10:00 Stop Suffering 11:30 TVG Music Break 12:00 Movie - Making Something Great (2021) 13:30 Movie - Monster Family (2017) 15:00 Cartoons 16:00 Indian Soaps 17:00 The Young & The Restless 18:00 Documentary: Nat Geo Animals 19:00 The Evening News 20:00 Stop Suffering 20:30 Voice of Islam 21:00 Grey’s Anatomy S10 E5 22:00 The Rookie S4 E5 23:00 Modern Family S5 E11 23:30 Modern Family S5 E12

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026

Foundation ◄

Page

guyanatimesgy.com

Enumeration Systematic listing strategies are ways of writing outcomes from an event in an organised way with none of the possibilities missed out or repeated. Writing all possible items in a set is known as enumeration. To do this we need to use a method which makes listing items easier. A good method to use is to fix certain values, making only small changes between each item in the list. For example, A meal deal consists of a drink and a bag of crisps. The drinks available are orange juice or apple juice. The crisp flavours are bacon, cheese or plain. To start listing all the possible combinations, we can begin by shortening the names of each flavour of drink and crisps. Drinks – O and A Crisps – B, C and P Start by fixing the choice of drink to "O" and then change the crisp flavour. O, B O, C O, P

CONT'D

Now change the drink flavour and repeat the crisp flavours in the same order as before. A, B A, C A, P This gives us 6 combinations in total. This can be checked using the product rule for counting. In combinatorics the product rule for counting is a method for finding the total number of ways of selecting items from a set or sets. How to use the product rule for counting: 1. 2. 3.

Identify the number of sets to be selected from. Identify the number of items to select from each set. Multiply the number of items in each set. If selecting two items from a set, calculate n×(n-1)or nx(n-1) if order 2 doesn’t matter.

In the above example, there were 2 flavours of drink and 3 flavours of crisps, so the total number of possible outcomes is 2×3=6.

Erupting moon rocks space science experiment In this fun and easy science experiment, we’re going to make space rocks that use a chemical reaction to fizz and erupt. Materials: Baking soda Black and silver biodegradable glitter Black food colouring Vinegar Squirt bottle Instructions: Add some glitter to two cups of baking soda. Next add a couple drops of black food colouring to ¼ cup of water. Slowly mix in about ¼ cup of water with two cups of baking soda. The measurements do not need to be exact. You are looking to form a doughy consistency. Too much water will dissolve the baking soda so be sure to add the water slowly.

Form the dough into balls and allow to dry overnight. These will be our moon rocks for the purpose of this demonstration. Once the moon rocks have completely dried, squirt them with vinegar and observe what happens. How it works: The baking soda is a base and the vinegar is an acid. When the two combine, an endothermic chemical reaction occurs which releases carbon dioxide. The release of carbon dioxide causes the fizzing and erupting effect. Make this a science project: Try different acids on the moon rocks like lemon juice and observe any noticeable changes. Place a moon rock in a zip-close bag, add vinegar, seal the bag closed and observe what happens. Try adding salt to the moon rock mixture. (sciencefun.org)

By Desireé Bewley Dallagiacomo The dusk sun to our backs, he shepherds me along the spindly footpath we’ve worn through the field behind our one bedroom. The rent is cheap and the soil is rich. The harvest is bigger than we’ve earned. His eyes, the color where fern meets dirt, squint up at me as he crouches at the three sisters, two braids snake down his back. The silks have withered and split for sweet to burst inside the husk. We cup and twist, the way we know from our grandmothers before they were our grandmothers, girls growing tall against allotment’s long shadow, before their father’s hair was stolen and they couldn’t strip our spirits of feathers. I hold a truth and I hold another. I held him last winter, curled in my lap after he drowned a gopher by mistake, crying his father’s name into the dark. This grief we inherited. A lot has died off. Too much has been slaughtered. We know how to love a place like this. There’s a spot in the yard where we buried the rabbit he was forced to kill when the dog caught her neck. On top, a peach tree sags with fruit. (Source: Poetry [September 2026])

Create an acrostic on spinning. WORD SEARCH

7 Govt moves to curb mass importation of fruits produced locally – Agri Minister NEWS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Civic Manifesto, the Ministry of Agriculture will launch its first Farmers’ Regular Weekly Market at Sophia every Wednesday. You are invited to go there, and you will have very cheap produce. And we will have a farmers’ market right across the country every month in various regions. So, this will be a regular feature,” the Minister noted.

Not getting rewards

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha at the Farmers’ Market held on Wednesday at the Sophia Exhibition Centre

n an effort to bring more benefits to local farmers, the Guyana Government has taken a decision to curb the large-scale importation of fruits that are already being produced in the country. This is according to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, who explained to Guyana Times on Wednesday that this position is not a ban but a move to ensure that Guyanese farmers get value and markets for their produce. “I have asked the NPPO (National Plant Protection Organisation) not to issue permits to import fruits in large quantities that we are producing in Guyana, be-

cause it will affect the local farmers in terms of market,” the Agriculture Minister indicated. The NPPO, an agency within the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), is responsible for issuing the mandatory import permits and phytosanitary clearance required to bring fresh fruits and regulated plant products into Guyana. According to Mustapha, this restriction is not applicable to exotic fruits that are not produced in the country. His remarks came on the heels of the launch of Agriculture Month 2026 on

Wednesday. Commencing today, the month-long observance is being held under the theme “Innovate, Nourish, Grow: Building a Strong and Sustainable Guyana.”

Regular farmers’ markets

The packed calendar of activities includes farmers’ markets, the inaugural Farmers’ Conference, the Annual Honey Fest, World Food Day activities and several other events showcasing the achievements and continued development of the sector. Coinciding with the observance is the introduction of regular farmers’ markets

as a means of improving the connection between producers and consumers while also ensuring citizens get access to affordable items directly from the source amidst rising market prices. The first edition of this regular market model was held at the Sophia Exhibition Centre, Greater Georgetown, on Wednesday. Speaking at Wednesday’s Agriculture Month launch, Mustapha said the initiative will become a regular feature during and beyond Agriculture Month. “And I want to say that based on instruction from His Excellency [President Irfaan Ali] and the PPP/

The announcement of the regular farmers’ market comes as the Minister acknowledges a concern at the other end of the agricultural value chain, the returns farmers receive after putting their time and resources into production. “Let me tell you what, we are producing; we are producing a lot of food. Farmers are early in the field and late in the evening; they are still in the field. But sometimes they are not getting the kind of reward that they have to get. And the people who don’t do anything are reaping the reward. We must now allow the farmers to get their benefit and get their reward,” he stated. Meanwhile, as the El Niño conditions loom, Mustapha says farmers must be prepared for the changing weather patterns, noting that food security cannot be separated from the changing climate. These include a possible drier period and higher temperatures both at night and day. According to the Agriculture Minister, farmers are already operating in

an environment of extreme weather, while international supply chains and commodity prices remain vulnerable to global developments. He pointed out that Guyana is not immune to those pressures and is therefore placing greater emphasis on preparedness, water management and production methods that can withstand changing conditions. “The effects of changing weather patterns, including the prospect of drier periods and higher temperatures associated with the current El Niño conditions, remind us of the importance of preparedness, effective water management, and climate-resilient agriculture. However, despite these challenges, Guyana continues to demonstrate the strength and resilience of its agricultural sector and its capacity to safeguard food security,” the Minister stated. Nevertheless, Mustapha said the activities planned for Agriculture Month will provide important platforms for knowledge sharing, strengthening market linkages and showcasing the work of the country’s farmers, fisherfolk, livestock producers, agro-processors and other stakeholders who continue to contribute to Guyana’s agricultural development. The month-long observance will celebrate the progress made across the sector while highlighting the innovation, technology and investments that are helping to build a stronger and more sustainable Guyana.

6-year-old Chinese boy chopped to death at Parika

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud with the child’s family on Wednesday evening

Dead: ZiFeng Cao

six-year-old Chinese child died on Wednesday afternoon after sustaining a chop wound to his neck during

an incident at Parika, East Bank Essequibo. Dead is ZiFeng Cao. Police said initial enquiries revealed that at

about 15:45h, the child sustained the injury during an incident involving a male Chinese national. Cao was taken to the De Kinderen Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The suspect was sub-

sequently arrested and remains in Police custody as investigations continue. Following the incident, Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud visited Cao’s family at the Ezekiel Funeral Home on

Wednesday evening. According to a post by the Human Services and Social Security Ministry, Persaud expressed condolences to the child’s parents and family as they cope with the loss. The Minister also assured the family that the

Ministry stands ready to provide the necessary support and assistance during the difficult period. Persaud was accompanied by Director of the Childcare and Protection Agency, Levine Gouveia.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

What…

…goes around

he Brits seemed to’ve discovered that first-past-the-post (FPTP) can produce Governments whose Parliamentary power vastly exceeds their popular support. Their new Labour PM, Andy Burnham, wants electoral reform for Proportional Representation (PR) in their manifesto so every vote’s gonna count, and every voice is gonna be heard!! Admirable sentiments, innit?? But here in Mudland, the suggestion arrives with a familiar, cynical colonial echo – ‘cause we’ve heard this sermon before and are still suffering for it!! Back in 1964, they prescribed PR for BG, insisting the medicine was for “fairer” representation. The intended patient was Cheddi Jagan, and the desired outcome was his removal after he’d won the 1961 election under the Empire-wide FPTP system, by securing a Parliamentary majority with roughly 43 per cent of the vote. Suddenly, this electoral machinery that served Westminster became unsuitable for Georgetown!! The colonised electorate required a more sophisticated understanding of democracy – particularly when it kept electing the wrong man!! This interpretation isn’t your Eyewitness’s concoction or coming from PPP folklore, or even somebody’s granpa vexing over a rum!! The American diplomatic record is remarkably candid, with a 1963 dispatch describing PR as the “most practical electoral device for replacing Premier Cheddi Jagan”!! Another dispatch recorded Britain’s Colonial Secretary Duncan Sandys’s preference for a Burnham–D’Aguiar Government, to which the Brits would grant independence!! Democracy apparently needed its RESULT decided before its principles could be celebrated! The Cold War supplied the justification, with Jagan’s Marxism and alleged communist threat making his electoral victories inconvenient to Washington and London!! A declassified US memorandum records that Washington successfully urged Britain to impose PR and delay independence while the antiJagan forces were strengthened. So much for letting the natives work things out themselves after their long tutelage!! In December 1964, the PPP increased its vote to approximately 46 per cent and remained the largest party – but the PNC and UF together held a Parliamentary majority, and were handed the Government!! Their combined support exceeded half the vote, so the arithmetic was legitimate!! Never mind the manipulation in engineering the rules and political circumstances to obtain that preferred (imperial) outcome!! Now, PR itself needn’t stand accused – it definitely can represent voters more fairly. The question, however, is why the Brits considered it URGENTLY necessary in a colony while retaining FPTP at home for another six decades!! There’s even a little historical mischief in the names – Britain’s Burnham now advocates reform as a democratic advance, while BG’s Burnham benefited when the Brits deployed it as a Cold War instrument!! Your Eyewitness welcomes Westminster’s conversion – but hopes they spare us the suggestion that the mother country has just invented electoral fairness!! We were the demonstration project, and Cheddi paid the installation charge!! …about Buxton?? As soon as he saw the headlines, your Eyewitness thought, “Here we go again!!” He’s talking, of course, about the contretemps in the Buxton-Vigilance area where law enforcement officials, from SOCU, weren’t only prevented from carrying out their duties, but were attacked by masked residents – a truck was torched and debris piled across a road and set ablaze, stopping all traffic!! Sounds familiar?? The circumstances prompting SOCU’s action were familiarly depressing: kidnapped individuals (here two Surinamese) last seen in a car belonging to an OFACsanctioned resident’s wife, arrested for questioning at their Buxton home when all hell broke loose!! It seems the laws of Guyana shouldn’t be applied to Buxton and its environs – and even the forces of law and order have gotta obtain visas to enter!! But unlike the US’s ICE squads that jump into action AFTER the US border is crossed – the guardians of Buxton’s criminal fraternity pre-emptively have a mandate to ensure THEIR border is sacrosanct against Guyana’s law and order!! …closer moves! A US-based company has evidently stepped up to the plate – your Eyewitness thought it appropriate to use a Yankee analogy!! – to build 10,000 “affordable” homes in our dear Mudland!! “Affordable” to us down here, or them up there??!! The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Jealousy, possessiveness can never justify violence” – Judge …as “Concrete Man” jailed for 21 years for killing Linden teacher

ustice Priscilla Chandra-Hanif has stressed that jealousy, possessiveness, and attempts to control a partner can never justify violence. She made the observation on Wednesday while sentencing 22-year-old labourer Shaka Phillips, known as “Concrete Man” of Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden, to 21 years in prison for the murder of his former girlfriend, teacher Jenel Pollydore. Justice Chandra-Hanif said violent conduct within an intimate relationship, particularly where it culminates in death, requires a sentence that clearly communicates that such behaviour will not be tolerated. “The sentence must be severe enough to reflect the gravity of the taking of life, but must nevertheless be just, individualised and proportionate,” the Judge said in delivering her sentencing remarks at the Demerara High Court. Phillips, who shared a young child with Pollydore, pleaded guilty

Jailed: Shaka Phillips

to murder in August and was sentenced on Wednesday. Pollydore, 26, of Lower Kara Kara, Linden, was fatally shot on July 19, 2025, while attending a wedding reception at the R&R Hotel in Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden. The court heard that Phillips confronted Pollydore at the reception about failing to answer his telephone calls. This escalated into an argument, during which Phillips produced a handgun and shot her. Pollydore attempted to escape by running towards the hotel’s pool area, but Phillips followed her and

fired additional shots before fleeing the scene. Responding Police Officers found her motionless near the pool, with gunshot wounds to the right of her face and the back of her head. Two spent 9mm shells were recovered. She was taken to the Linden Hospital Complex, where she was pronounced dead on arrival. Phillips was arrested the following day and subsequently charged with murder.

Domestic abuse

The court also heard that Pollydore had ended her relationship with Phillips and had previously obtained a protection order against him following incidents of domestic abuse. Despite this, Phillips continued to harass and pursue Pollydore and her family. Pollydore’s stepmother, Madonna Pollydore, told the court that Jenel’s death had affected her tremendously.

Dead: Jenel Pollydore

She described Jenel as her closest friend and said every passing day without her remained painful. She also said the family continued to visit her burial site. Madona further expressed the view that the circumstances might have been different if Police action had been taken against Phillips for violating the protection order. She told the court that he did not deserve to be in society and should remain imprisoned for the rest of his life. Jenel’s father, Glen Pollydore, said his daughter’s death had caused him immense pain. He described her as his first child, a loving person and someone devoted to her family. Glen also spoke of the difficulty of eventually having to explain to Jenel’s son that his father had killed his mother. He pleaded with the court to impose the maximum penalty.

“I am wrong for what I have done"

Phillips, meanwhile, asked the court for mercy and expressed remorse for

what he had done. “I know I am wrong for what I have done. I’m just really sorry for what happened. I just want to ask the court for mercy,” he told the Judge. He also said he had planned to spend the rest of his life with Pollydore. In her sentencing remarks, Justice ChandraHanif said the relationship between the two had been marked by physical abuse and noted that Pollydore had sought the protection of the court. She also pointed to CCTV footage, which she said provided compelling evidence that Phillips continued to pursue Pollydore after shooting her the first time. The Judge said the domestic context, use of a firearm, the pursuit of Pollydore after she attempted to escape, the additional shooting, and Phillips’ subsequent flight from the scene all contributed to the seriousness of the offence. Justice Chandra-Hanif also considered the impact of the murder on Pollydore’s family, stating the victim-impact statements were important evidence of the profound effect of her death. In determining the sentence, Justice ChandraHanif considered Phillips’ personal circumstances, including his age, upbringing, family circumstances, and prospects for rehabilitation. The Judge noted that Phillips had expressed remorse and had pleaded guilty, sparing the family

Justice Priscilla Chandra-Hanif

and witnesses the burden of a contested trial. However, she stressed that his youth and personal circumstances could not diminish the gravity of the murder or the pattern of abusive conduct towards Pollydore. Justice Chandra-Hanif therefore deducted two years for mitigating factors from the 30-year starting point, reducing the sentence to 28 years. She then applied a one-quarter discount for Phillips’ early guilty plea, amounting to a seven-year reduction. The final sentence was therefore 21 years. The Judge ordered that the time Phillips has already spent in custody on remand be deducted from the 21-year sentence. She also ordered him to undergo psychological counselling and participate in academic and vocational programmes to support his rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into society. Phillips was represented by attorney-at-law Tonza Sarrabo, while attorneys Aleria Heywood and Nelissa Peterkin represented the prosecution.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Cocaine in frozen fish

Miner slapped with narcotrafficking charge, remanded make his next court appearance on October 15, 2026. It was reported that on the day in question, Police, acting on intelligence, went to the area where they intercepted a motor vehicle driven by the suspect, who was at that time the sole occupant.

The Police stated that a search of the vehicle produced two bags containing frozen fish in the trunk. Further examination revealed several parcels containing a white powdery substance suspected to be cocaine concealed inside the fish.

The miner was arrested and escorted to CID Headquarters along with the suspected narcotics and motor vehicle. The cocaine was subsequently weighed and amounted to 36 pounds. He was charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

Pork-knocker beaten to death by nephew during heated confrontation

A The cocaine found in a quantity of frozen fish

orty-four-year-old miner Onia Nassy of Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown, who was intercepted while transporting approximately 36 pounds of cocaine concealed in frozen fish on Sunday at Richmondville, Providence, East Bank Demerara, was charged and remanded to prison. Nassy appeared before Magistrate Tomika Clarke at the Diamond Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, and pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him. As such, he was remanded to prison and will

Remanded: Onia Nassy

41-year-old Porkknocker was reportedly beaten to death by his 26-year-old nephew on Tuesday, during an argument at 14 Miles, Arakaka, North West District, Region One. The deceased has been identified as Morvin George of 14 Miles, Arakaka Backdam. Reports are that the now dead man and his nephew were involved in an argument that escalated into a confrontation, during which the suspect armed himself with a piece of wood and dealt George several blows to his body, rendering him motionless.

George was pronounced dead at the scene while the suspect was subsequently apprehended and taken into Police custody. A cutlass and the piece of wood

suspected to have been used in the fatal encounter were recovered at the scene and lodged as evidence. The nephew remains in custody pending charges.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026|GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Probe into missing Surinamese men

Burning debris at Vigilance causes traffic delays; Police maintain presence in area

he situation in Vigilance, East Coast Demerara, continued on Wednesday, a day after a series of incidents in the area saw a sand truck set on fire and access points blocked with burning tyres, wood, and other debris. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) issued a traffic advisory on Wednesday, warning motorists of delays along the East Coast corridor in the vicinity of Vigilance due to the blocked roadway. According to Police, traffic ranks, supported by anti-crime Police, were on the ground working to facilitate the safe movement of motorists and maintain access through the affected area. The latest disruption comes after Police said several incidents occurred in the Vigilance-Buxton area on Tuesday afternoon. At about 16:40h on Tuesday, Police ranks proceeding to a location at Vigilance in connection with an ongoing investigation encountered several persons who had blocked access points with burning tyres,

Debris burning on the roadway at Vigilance, ECD, on Wednesday afternoon

wood, and other debris. The Guyana Fire Service was summoned, but Police said that persons in the area hurled debris at firefighters and continued adding combustible materials to the fires. During the incident, Police received a report that a sand truck along the railway embankment at Buxton had been set on fire. Ranks responded and observed the vehicle with extensive fire

damage to its front cabin. The fire was subsequently extinguished by the Fire Service. Police also said they received information that several loud explosions, suspected to be gunshots, were heard shortly before the truck was observed on fire. CCTV cameras have been identified in the surrounding area, and footage will be reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.

No arrests have been made. On Wednesday, Guyana Times reported that the truck belonging to a road construction crew was set on fire at Vigilance Public Road while a group of per-

sons attempted to prevent Police from executing a search warrant at a home linked to United Statessanctioned Mark “Demon” Cromwell. Guyana Times had reported that the search was

related to investigations into the disappearance of Surinamese nationals Van Dalen Siegiëllo Lorenzo, 28, and Derryl Danillo, 29. Police had previously appealed for information on the whereabouts of the two men, who reportedly left their respective residences on August 28 in a white Toyota Vitz and were believed to be heading towards Nickerie, Suriname. They were last seen on August 29 after reportedly exiting the vehicle at Clarasluis, Nickerie. On Wednesday, Police urged members of the public to avoid the affected area unless travel was necessary. Motorists approaching Vigilance were advised to reduce speed, remain alert to changing road conditions and comply with instructions from Police ranks. Police also urged persons not to stop, gather, or obstruct the roadway or Police operations, while parents and guardians were encouraged to keep children away from the affected area.

No compensation offered to MV Barima victims, families – Attorney General …condemns reckless, malicious claims of financial offers

ttorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall has made it clear that the Government of Guyana has not offered any financial compensation to the survivors or families of the victims from the MV Barima tragedy. “It is important to emphasise that at this stage, no financial offer of compensation has been made to any survivor or family. Statements that a specific sum has already been offered to any person is wholly untrue,” Nandlall declared. He was at the time responding to what he describes as reckless, inaccurate and malicious allegations by persons including United Statessanctioned and indicted Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed that the Government was offering compensation to the victims of the MV Barima tragedy. In rejecting these claims, the AG explained the Government had established the Hope, Empathy, Aid, Resilience and Trust (HEART) initiative as a national multi-sectoral response to the tragedy and to offer support to the survivors and families of the victims. It is made up of professionals offering different services, including ther-

apy, counselling, medical services and legal services, among others. The legal aspects of this initiative are being handled by a team of qualified independent lawyers, led by former AG of Belize and Senior Counsel, Eamon Courtenay. According to Nandlall, it is the lawyers attached to the HEART that have been engaging affected persons but not making any financial offer. Meetings were held in Region Four as well as in Region One at Port Kaituma and Mabaruma, where the majority of the victims are. “I have been informed by the lawyers that much has been achieved in offering different forms of assistance to these persons. In relation to compensation, the persons who have met with the lawyers have been informed in writing, so they each have a letter that their participation is voluntary, that they remain free to obtain independent legal advice; that they have also been advised that the terms and conditions applicable to any eventual payment will be set out in an agreement, should that arise,” the Minister stated. In fact, he pointed out that it was to avoid such allegations of undue influence, coercion or duress that the Government assigned this responsibility

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall

to the team of independent lawyers, who have since labelled the claims of financial offers being made as false. They said such statements only serve to create unnecessary confusion, anxiety, and mistrust among persons who are already attempting to navigate extraordinarily difficult circumstances. Moreover, the attempts to tarnish the work of the lawyers volunteering under the HEART initiative were condemned. “Professionals are sacrificing their time and their energy in this process, guided by different sentiments; no doubt, a national and patriotic compulsion to assist in a national tragedy. And

you have reckless and irresponsible persons maligning the character of these people and spreading false information that this group of distinguished lawyers are going out there and attempting to dupe people,” the AG contended. Nevertheless, AG Nandlall went on to reiterate the malicious motives behind persons creating mischief, cautioning affected persons and relatives to be wary of those looking to take advantage of them. “I've already warned those persons that they are likely to be duped by the lawyers out there who are canvassing for their retainer… So, if the survivors and relatives of the persons af-

fected should be aware of a danger, perhaps that is the direction to which they must look. Because the Government simply wants to assist and, as far as possible, help these people to bring closure to what must be an extraordinarily painful and agonising period in their lives,” he asserted. The MV Barima capsized and sank off the Essequibo Coast on July 18 while en route to Port Kaituma with some 179 persons onboard. At least 76 persons survived, 73 were confirmed dead, and the remaining persons are still unaccounted for. A Commission of Inquiry (CoI) has been set up and is likely to commence hearing early October. The five-member Commission, appointed on July 30, is chaired by Belizean Justice Godfrey Phillip Smith and includes Captain Hamada Fouda of Jamaica, Trinidadian Attorney-at-Law Nyree Dawn Alfonso, Dr Andrzej Jasionowski of Poland and Rear Admiral (Retired) Hayden Pritchard of Trinidad and Tobago. In a public notice issued on Tuesday, the Commission advised persons wishing to participate in the proceedings to contact its Secretary, Javed Shaddick, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre

(ACCC), Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara (ECD). It noted that applications will be considered by the Commission, which may grant standing to persons who meet specified criteria. According to the notice, standing may be granted where an applicant played, or may have played, a direct and significant role in matters being investigated or possesses relevant evidence or information. The Commission will also consider applications from persons with a substantial, personal or direct interest in the subject matter, including witnesses, survivors and family members of victims. Persons who may be subject to significant criticism during the proceedings or in the Commission’s final report may also qualify for standing. Further, the Commission may grant standing where it determines that a person’s participation would assist it in fulfilling its terms of reference. Meanwhile, the Government is currently reviewing three proposals – one international and two local – submitted to salvage the sunken vessel. The successful bidder would have to ensure that the salvaged ferry is kept intact to be used as forensic evidence in the CoI.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Courts to see more asset-freezing, forfeiture applications in crime fight – AG

s part of region-wide efforts to dismantle criminal networks by going after their assets, Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall says that more applications will be made in the local courts to freeze and seize criminal assets in Guyana. Speaking on Tuesday evening during his weekly programme “Issues in the News”, Nandlall pointed out that the local judiciary must be prepared for this shift in combatting criminal networks. “Our Magistrates and Judges have to also be cognisant of this new dimension, because repeated applications will now be made to the various courts across the judicial spectrum for orders such as freezing orders to freeze bank accounts and detention orders to detain properties, as well as forfeiture orders to confiscate properties that are implicated in or are considered proceeds of crime and criminality,” he stated. According to the AG, the necessary legislation is now being crafted to facilitate this new and emerging crime-fighting dimension. In fact, he noted the new Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill currently being drafted plac-

es much emphasis on these remedial and procedural areas, that is, forfeiture of assets and proceeds of crime. Added to this, Nandlall said, would be the preparation of the various stakeholders, including in the investigative field as well as the judiciary. “Prosecutors are being framed in this new endeavour. The legislation…is now being crafted to achieve these new objectives, and therefore, those who are charged with the responsibility of interpreting and applying that legislation must necessarily become part of this machinery. The successful combating of crime requires the participation of many organs and agencies,” the minister contended. He further underscored the importance of having skilled personnel within key agencies such as the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Customs Anti-Narcotics Unity (CANU), Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), among others, that will be actively involved in these efforts. Nandlall said, “They now must have qualified persons to do sophisticated types of analysis, ballistics, forensic

examinations of evidential materials, financial scrutiny and analysis of movements of money and voluminous financial records. The Financial Intelligence Unit must also collaborate with its counterparts across the globe and international agencies with which it has working relationships. These must all coordinate. The prosecutors have to be trained to present these types of evidence, and likewise, the courts have to be attuned to this new dispensation.” “So, all the important players have to be in sync if we are to succeed against a very evolving and sophisticated criminal world, because the criminals are investing heavily in technology and in equipment, and they are exploiting every new innovation available. And unless, on the other side of the law, these multiple agencies respond with commensurate sophistication and efficiency, then the criminals will continue to win the battle,” the AG posited. His remarks come on the heels of the 27th International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) Americas Regional Conference held in Georgetown last week. Over 80 senior law enforcement officials from some 37 countries along with other

regional officials had gathered in Guyana for the twoday event to examine emerging criminal trends, share operational experiences and identify practical solutions to tackle transnational crime affecting communities

launched its first ever transnational operation to combat illegal gold mining back in December 2025 called “Operation Guiana Shield”. Involving Brazil, Guyana, French Guiana, and Suriname, this coordi-

money laundering after discovering unprocessed gold and US$590,000 in cash. INTERPOL had linked these suspects to a major organised crime group with possible connections to a leading Guyanese gold-ex-

throughout the Americas. In fact, senior officials of INTERPOL stated that law enforcement must go beyond seizing drugs and other illegal commodities, focusing instead on following the money and identifying criminal assets. They cited that more criminal syndicates in the Americas are turning to illegal gold mining to move and hide profits generated from the cocaine trade. In recognition of this growing trend, INTERPOL

nated cross-border law enforcement crackdown targeted illegal gold mining, environmental crimes, and associated transnational organised crime. Back in January, INTERPOL reported that the operation saw over 24,500 checks on vehicles and individuals, leading to some 198 arrests. As part of the exercise, Guyanese authorities detained three men on suspicion of gold smuggling and

porting firm. Meanwhile, this unified approach across the Americas augurs well for the fight against crime, not just locally but regionally and internationally. Already, Guyana has deepened its security partnerships with the United States and various Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) neighbours through the USled Shield of the Americas alliance to combat narco-terrorism in this hemisphere.

Agriculture Month 2026

Innovation, technology key to food security – Mustapha

griculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has called for greater use of innovation, technology, and climate-smart practices as Guyana seeks to strengthen food security, increase production and expand its presence in regional and international markets. In his message for Agriculture Month 2026, being observed under the theme “Innovate, Nourish, Grow: Building a Strong and Sustainable Guyana”, Mustapha said the global food security situation, climate change, extreme weather events, and disruptions to international supply chains have highlighted the importance of countries being able to produce more of their own food. He said that strengthening El Niño conditions and

the associated risks of drier periods and higher temperatures underscore the need for climate-resilient agriculture, effective water management and greater preparedness. According to Mustapha, innovation must include increased use of science, technology, research, mechanisation, digital agriculture, and climate-smart production systems. He said the Government is continuing investments in drainage and irrigation, farm-to-market infrastructure, agro-processing, research, training, and technology to improve productivity and competitiveness across the agricultural value chain. The Agriculture Minister pointed to the 11.5 per cent growth recorded by the agriculture, forestry, and fish-

ing sector in 2025, saying the performance demonstrates the sector’s contribution to economic diversification and long-term development. He credited farmers, fisherfolk, agro-processors, and agricultural workers for the sector’s progress. Mustapha said the transformation of agriculture is already being reflected in the use of drone-assisted operations, hydroponic farming, the Farmers Connect App, digital technologies, and tunnel-ventilated poultry systems. Rice production, he noted, increased from approximately 500,000 tonnes in 2020 to 810,299 tonnes in 2025.

Modernise & diversify

The Government is also continuing efforts to mod-

ernise and diversify the sugar industry while expanding aquaculture, livestock, and agro-processing. Mustapha said investments in cold storage, logistics and market infrastructure are intended to reduce post-harvest losses, improve efficiency, and help producers access new markets. He also highlighted the development of the Regional Food Hub and supporting infrastructure, which he said will strengthen Guyana’s capacity to supply agricultural products to regional and international markets. The Minister said agriculture’s importance extends beyond production and economic indicators, pointing to its role in ensuring access to safe, affordable and nutritious food while creating livelihoods and

strengthening communities. He said production across 15 priority commodities increased by 27.9 per cent between 2020 and 2025, strengthening Guyana’s ability to meet domestic demand while contributing to regional food security. Mustapha also referenced Guyana’s contribution to Caricom’s Vision 25 x 2025+5 target, which seeks to reduce the region’s food import bill by 25 per cent by 2030. He said greater opportunities are also being created for women and young people across the agricultural value chain through access to training, technology, financing and productive resources. “The future of agriculture depends on attracting a new generation of innovators, producers, entrepre-

neurs and business leaders,” Mustapha said. Agriculture Month will feature activities across the country, including farmers’ markets, the inaugural Farmers’ Conference and the Annual Honey Fest. Mustapha said the activities will provide opportunities to showcase farmers and agro-processors, strengthen connections between producers and consumers, exchange knowledge and highlight the contribution of agricultural workers to Guyana’s development. He said the Government remains committed to developing an agriculture sector that is innovative, resilient, competitive, and inclusive, while strengthening Guyana’s role in regional food and nutrition security.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Election fraud case

Volda Lawrence’s signature match on disputed Region 4 results, handwriting expert tells court

prosecution handwriting expert gave testimony in court that signatures said to be from former Government Minister Volda Lawrence on passport applications are the same as a signature on a disputed Form 24 election document from Guyana’s March 2020 elections. This evidence is about disputed Region Four declarations, which were important in the argument over numbers that would have put the governing APNU/ AFC coalition ahead of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C). Those numbers did not appear in the results announced by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) after the recount. The final recount results showed the PPP/C received 233,336 votes and APNU+AFC received 217,920 votes, with the PPP/C winning 33 seats and APNU+AFC 31. Lawrence, a Government Minister and former head of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), worked as an APNU+AFC counting agent during the March 2020 elections. She is one of the people accused of wrongdoing related to the disputed election results. Handwriting expert Ameer Mohamed, who was

accepted by the court as an expert, said he analysed signatures purported to be from Lawrence on passport applications from 2010, 2015, and 2020, comparing them with a signature on the disputed Form 24 document. When asked if the signatures matched, Mohamed responded in the affirmative. His findings were questioned during virtual and in-person cross-examination by defence lawyer Nigel Hughes, who enquired about the methods used and asked Mohamed to point out the handwriting features that supported his conclusion. Mohamed said his work examined features such as hooks, loops, peaks, letter drag, how letters connected, and the quality of the line. Under Hughes’ questioning, the expert noted a hook could be seen in the letter “V” in Lawrence’s name. Meanwhile, Mohamed’s work also examined documents with signatures said to be from former Chief Election Officer Keith Lowenfield and accused Carol Smith-Joseph. The prosecution also introduced Nigel Steven, whose testimony covered the chain of custody for the documents that Mohamed examined. Earlier, former Government Minister

Robeson Benn returned to the witness stand for cross-examination. He was asked if he knew about claims that Lowenfield had changed or inflated election numbers. Benn did not answer, and Magistrate McGusty dismissed him from the stand. The magistrate stated that Benn would be called back later to continue his cross-examination.

The trial into the 2020 elections continues at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Those on trial include former Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, former Deputy CEO Myers, former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Minister Volda Lawrence,

and former APNU/AFC Chief Scrutineer Carol Smith-Joseph. The other accused are former GECOM employees Enrique Livan, Sheffern February, Michelle Miller and Denise BobbCummings. All defendants have pleaded not guilty and posted cash bail. The prosecution, led by King’s Counsel Darshan Ramdhani, alleged that the

nine accused conspired to manipulate the tabulation of votes in Region Four and ultimately declare a false result in favour of the APNU/ AFC. It further alleged that the accused inflated the coalition’s votes, reduced those of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and departed from the prescribed process for ascertaining the results.

Ganja trafficking charge dismissed against Timehri man

ryan Howard of Hyde Park, Timehri, was acquitted of a charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking on Tuesday after Magistrate Tameika Clarke dismissed the matter at the Friendship Magistrate’s Court. Howard had been charged under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act in relation to cannabis allegedly found at a farm at Yarrowkabra, SoesdykeLinden Highway, on November 12, 2024. Attorney-at-Law Bernard DaSilva represented Howard. DaSilva’s defence centred on the prosecution’s failure to establish that Howard owned, controlled, or occupied the property where the plants were allegedly found. According to the defence submissions, Howard was not the owner of the property, had no personal belongings at a camp on the premises, and was not

Bryan Howard

found tending the plants. The defence also pointed to evidence that Howard lived in Hyde Park, Timehri, and had told Police that he was at the farm to chase animals away from tomato plants after being offered the job by a man known to him as “Big Mike”. Howard denied knowledge that the plants were cannabis and said he had never farmed. The defence also challenged the handling and chain of custody of the alleged cannabis. DaSilva highlighted discrepancies

in the markings on the evidence bags and argued that the prosecution had not called the analyst to explain the condition and handling of the samples. The defence further submitted that the prosecution had failed to prove the essential elements of possession, knowledge and control, and argued that the evidence, taken as a whole, was insufficient to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt. DaSilva also challenged the particulars of the charge, noting that while the statement of offence alleged possession for the purpose of trafficking, the particulars referred to Howard cultivating cannabis. The defence had initially made a no-case submission on May 28, 2026, which was overruled, prompting Howard to give sworn evidence and the matter to proceed to final submissions. After considering the evidence and submissions, Magistrate Clarke dismissed the charge on Tuesday.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026

guyanatimesgy.com

Regional

Search for dozens of missing Cuba: Viruses run rampant across Havana college students in Mexico leads to human remains, 17 new suspects as water, power fail

ealth authorities in Cuba have warned in recent days of the spread of viruses, including a strain of viral hepatitis, as power and water increasingly fail. And a US health alert earlier this month warned travellers and residents of a “significant increase in diarrhoeal illness across Cuba, associated with the continuing degradation of the water and energy infrastructure.” Since the US imposed a fuel blockade in January, blackouts across Havana now regularly surpass 24 hours, hampering refriger-

ation and further crippling antiquated water infrastructure, of which nearly 90 per cent depends on electric-powered pumps, according to Cuba’s National Institute of Hydraulic Resources. Around 3.5 million persons, or just under half the island’s population, now suffer from water shortages, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has said. Cuban housewife Yuamilka Hechavarria was asleep last Tuesday when water rushed into the cis-

tern of the crumbling tenement where she lives in old Havana. She jumped from bed, scrambling in the darkness of a blackout to top off a bucketful before the tap went dry. It was the first time her building had seen water in two months. Diarrhoea has run rampant throughout her building, she said, as tenants struggle to keep even tiny apartments clean. Officials in both the United States and Cuba have begun to sound the alarm. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Venezuelan man shot by ICE in Texas charged with assault

Venezuelan man shot in the back by a US immigration agent in Texas has been charged with assault, accused of sideswiping the officer with his car as he tried to drive away. Twenty-eight-year-old Wilber Rafael Garces Perez faces one count of assaulting, resisting, and impeding a federal officer. He could face up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted. Garces Perez appeared in court on Tuesday. His lawyers said they only learned of his court appearance afterwards. According to the Justice Department, the traffic stop was initiated by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer after confirming through a database that the blue Toyota sedan was registered to Garces Perez, who had been issued a final or-

welve years after the disappearance of dozens of Mexican students from a rural university, allegedly at the hands of drug traffickers and Police, authorities said on Monday that they had identified 17 new suspects. Thousands of persons attended an annual march on Saturday in Mexico City to demand justice for 43 young men who were studying to be rural teachers in Ayotzinapa, in the violence-hit state of Guerrero. The students were travelling from Guerrero to a protest in Mexico City on September 26, 2014, when Police stopped them in the town of Iguala. The investigation suggests the Police handed the students over to a local cartel. In 2024, an alleged leader of the Guerreros Unidos cartel was arrested in connection with the case. Dozens of arrests have been made, but so far no one has been convicted in an affair that traumatised Mexico and stained the country’s reputation.

Relatives and sympathisers of 43 missing Ayotzinapa university students march with a banner displaying the portraits and names of the students on the ninth anniversary of their disappearance in Mexico City

Only three bodies have been recovered. A total of 168 persons are being prosecuted in the case, 130 of whom were in pretrial detention, said Mauricio Pazaran, the special prosecutor in charge of the investigation. He added that at a funeral home, investigators found an illegally obtained weapon, a bone, unregistered bone fragments and teeth.

In August, a former Governor was arrested for ordering the deletion of security camera footage in Iguala on the night of the disappearances. Last year, authorities arrested a former senior Judge in connection with the case. The state’s former Attorney General was also arrested in 2022 in connection with the case. (Excerpt from CBS News)

Canada opens doors for T&T businesses Images of the traffic stop taken from an officer’s body camera were included in the affidavit

der of removal from the US. According to the court filing, Garces Perez said a law enforcement SUV had “caused a collision” with his car by pulling an abrupt manoeuvre during the traffic stop. But the federal agents said there was “no contact” between their SUVs and Garces Perez’s car when they first pulled him over. He drove away, allegedly striking the officer in the

torso with the driver’s sideview mirror. The short pursuit ended when a federal agent’s SUV struck his car and “caused it to spin around”, says the affidavit. Garces Perez said that after coming to a forced stop, an agent fired his pistol into the back right window of his car. A Judge last week temporarily blocked Garces Perez’s deportation.

anadian businesses are showing growing interest in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), with manufacturers and other local companies being offered greater opportunities to enter the Canadian market largely tariff-free, Canadian High Commissioner Michael Callan says. He was speaking at a meet-and-greet hosted at the Gulf View Community Centre on Tuesday, where he highlighted growing commercial ties between the two countries. Callan said the overwhelming majority of prod-

ucts exported from T&T can currently enter Canada without tariffs under the trade agreement between the two countries. He said the opportunity was being strengthened by growing interest among Canadian companies in importing T&T products, establishing joint manufacturing ventures and investing locally. As part of the High Commission’s efforts to deepen its engagement with businesses in South Trinidad, Callan said he had recently returned from a trade mission to Toronto led by the Minister

of Trade and Investment, Satyakama Maharaj, where a delegation of more than 30 T&T businesses met with Canadian companies. The High Commissioner said the momentum continued at the CanadaCaribbean Investment Summit in Toronto, from which he had returned shortly before Tuesday’s event. He said Canadian companies had demonstrated a strong appetite for investment in the Caribbean, including T&T. (Excerpt from Trinidad and Tobago Guardian)

At least 14 killed in Haiti in A&B: Truck crashes into PM’s clash between GSF, gangs residence; driver taken to hospital

shooting spree in Haiti’s Artibonite Department Monday left at least 14 persons dead, including 11 civilians and three suspected members of the Kokorat San Ras armed gang, who were fatally wounded in Dosni, a locality in Gros-Morne’s third communal section, according to interim Mayor Hubert Cénéac. Four members of the same family were among those killed, Cénéac said in an interview with The Haitian Times. The Mayor said that those four victims were travelling by motorcycle to take a sick woman to hospital

when they were caught in a violent crossfire. They included a grandmother, her son-in-law, and her grandson. Several houses were also set ablaze as violence spread through the area. The killings followed a confrontation between the Kokorat San Ras gang and a Sri Lankan contingent of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) in the nearby Savane Longue communal section, according to Cénéac. He said security forces raided the area to clear a stretch of the national road linking the Northwest and Artibonite departments, where the armed group had set up a checkpoint to extort drivers

and passengers. The United Nations Security Council voted Tuesday to extend the mandate of the GSF in Haiti for another six months, through March 31, 2027 – instead of the previously requested two-year extension – as armed gangs continue to expand their reach beyond the capital. With 12 votes in favour and three abstentions (China, Russia, and Pakistan), the 15-member council maintains the multinational force created last year to combat armed gangs and support Haitian security institutions. (Excerpt from The Haitian Times)

truck driver was taken to the hospital on Wednesday morning after his vehicle crashed into the perimeter wall of Prime Minister (PM) Gaston Browne’s residence. According to ABS, the blue KIA K2700 truck crashed into the wall shortly before 06:00h, with the impact awakening residents in the area. PM Browne was reportedly at home at the time of the crash. Emergency Medical Services and the Fire Service responded, and firefighters had to cut the male driver from the damaged vehicle. He was subsequently transported to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre for treatment. His identity and the extent of his injuries have not yet been released. Police have not yet disclosed what may

The damaged vehicle

have caused the crash. Investigations are expected to continue. (Antigua Newsroom)

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026

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Around the World

UK believes Iran involved in RAF Fairford security incident, PM Burnham says

he United Kingdom Government believes that Iran played a part in the RAF Fairford incident, Prime Minister (PM)

Andy Burnham has said. Five men were arrested on Sunday on suspicion of the preparation of a terrorist act after three

vans were spotted near the Gloucestershire base, which the US military operates. Gloucestershire Constabulary said it had received a call about “three suspicious vehicles” travelling towards the military airbase at 00:45h. Nearly an hour later, a farmer living close to the base called 999 after seeing three vans parked in a “weird formation”. A 400-metre cordon was established and a bomb disposal team was deployed. The head of Counter Terrorism Policing said that no improvised explosive devices were found in the vans, but a “quantity of petrol” was recovered. As 85 homes were evacuated in the middle of the

night, one couple said their child had been left traumatised after witnessing armed police point a gun at their father. On Wednesday, the BBC reported that one of the men who had been arrested had made the first 999 call. It remains unclear why the man called police or what he told them. “There are strong indications that Iran played a part in what happened over the weekend at RAF Fairford,” PM Burnham told the BBC. He did not provide further details. Iran has responded, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi saying the UK leader was “barking up the wrong tree”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Israeli forces overwhelmed during settler attack on Palestinian family

he International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has said Israeli settler violence on the West Bank has made everyday life for Palestinians “untenable”, as a mob attack on Palestinians trying to return home prompted one of Benjamin Netanyahu’s main rivals to warn of a campaign of settler terror. More than 100 mili-

tant settlers overwhelmed Israeli security forces early on Tuesday to attack a Palestinian family as they attempted to reclaim their homes which had been seized by the settlers in the village of Jalud. Three Israeli security officials were injured, and houses were set on fire. The impotence of the Israeli military, the scale of

the assault, and the injuries inflicted on Israeli security officers by settlers prompted unusually harsh condemnation from Israeli politicians and commenters. Israel’s President, Isaac Herzog, condemned the attacks in Jalud as a “moral stain”. Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief and Netanyahu’s leading challenger in the upcoming elec-

tions, called for action to halt a “campaign of terror and violence”. The ICRC said attacks, settlement expansion and severe restrictions on movement were making everyday life untenable for Palestinian civilians, who Israel has a responsibility to protect under international law. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

Flight to Israel makes emergency landing as co-Pilot stabs Pilot, attempts to crash jet

FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Israel was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday after a violent attempt by one of the Pilots to seize control of the aircraft and crash it, passengers and Israeli officials said. An Israeli security official told CBS News authorities were investigating the possibility that the incident could have been an attempted September 11-style terror attack and whether the attacker was working alone. The plane diverted to make an emergency landing in Tabuk, where there is a civilian airport adjacent to a Saudi military base. No

Passengers at Tabuk airport after the aircraft made an emergency landing

passengers were injured in the incident, but the Pilot, who was attacked by his fellow crew member, reportedly sustained stab wounds, and Saudi authorities said two crew members were hospitalised with unspecified injuries. According to Netanyahu, the Pilot who carried out the

stabbing was placed under arrest and was “being questioned by the Saudi authorities.” According to the Foreign Ministry, Machchhar unlocked the cockpit door to allow passengers and crew to enter and intervene. “Together, their extraordi-

nary courage saved 174 lives,” the Foreign Ministry said. This sequence of events occurred within the span of about two to three minutes, according to the official, and the entire episode lasted about 15 minutes. A statement from FlyDubai said only that “an altercation occurred in the flight deck” and that the aircraft “was successfully secured by on-duty FlyDubai crew travelling on the flight, who diverted and landed the aircraft safely” in Saudi Arabia. The plane landed in Tel Aviv shortly before 20:00h local time on Wednesday. (Excerpt from CBS News)

Iran says it received US response to latest proposal as Washington pulls out of Iraq

ran said on Wednesday it had received a US response to its latest proposal to resurrect the collapsed ceasefire in the Gulf, days after President Donald Trump said he had rejected it. Iran’s allies were celebrating on Wednesday after Washington withdrew the last of its forces from neighbouring Iraq, where 4500 US troops died in the biggest US

war of the century. More than 200,000 Iraqi civilians were killed in chaos unleashed after US forces toppled dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003. Tehran views the pullout as a victory for its “axis of resistance” of allied armed groups and a step towards its aim of driving US forces out of the region. With the US-Israeli war against Iran now entering its eighth month, Iran put for-

ward a proposal last week under which the United States would lift its blockade of Iranian ports and Iran would reopen the disrupted Strait of Hormuz within seven days. Trump said on Sunday he had rejected the proposal, although Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran had not received a formal rejection. In a post on X on Wednesday, an Iranian

Government spokesperson said Araqchi had conveyed a US response to the Iranian Government. US and Iraqi officials announced the withdrawal of the last American troops from bases in Iraq on Wednesday, fulfilling a plan agreed in 2024 under President Joe Biden and carried out by the Trump administration while it waxes war with Iran next door. (Excerpt from Reuters)

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil prices rise by about US$1/bbl on stalled US-Iran talks, tight fuel markets

il prices rose by about US$1 a barrel on Wednesday and logged steep monthly gains on stalled US-Iran peace talks and tightening US fuel markets. The Brent November futures contract, which expires on Wednesday, settled up 91 cents, or 0.9 per cent, at US$103.50 a barrel. The more active December contract was up US$1.87, or 1.9 per cent, at US$98.03. US West Texas Intermediate crude settled at US$90.42, up US$1.04, or 1.2 per cent. Brent recorded a monthly gain of around 14 per cent, the biggest since July, while WTI increased by about 5 per cent in the month. Qatar said on Tuesday it hopes that shuttle diplomacy between Tehran and Washington can lead to a breakthrough. However, US President Donald Trump denied reports by Axios and CNN that cited US officials as saying he was willing to ⁠give Iran sanctions relief and release frozen Iranian funds in return for “concrete” steps by Tehran on its nuclear programme. Goldman Sachs estimates Gulf oil exports have recovered to 23.3 million barrels per day over the last week, in line with their 2025 average, as exports doubled in September, it said in a note on Tuesday. Over the past five days, the 10-day average for total oil exports has held at 20.5 million bpd, or 89 per cent of 2025 levels, JPMorgan estimated. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Gas pipeline explodes in Syria, knocking 3 power plants offline

The Syrian civil war has significantly reduced the country’s power production

gas pipeline has exploded in Syria, knocking three power plants offline and sparking a large fire, according to state-run news agency SANA. The Syrian Electricity Company said on Wednesday that the Deir Ali, al-Nasiriyah and Tishreen power plants were out of service because of inadequate gas supplies following the blast in Eastern Ghouta, an area in the Damascus countryside. The fire is ongoing, and authorities are yet to identify the cause of the explosion. The Syrian Electricity Company said specialised teams were working to resolve the situation. It warned that the shutdown of the three power plants would increase pow-

er rationing hours due to dwindling electricity supplies. Prior to Wednesday’s blast, Syria’s gas network had already been hit by two explosions in the past six weeks. The Syrian Petroleum Company said that both incidents were a result of sabotage. No one has claimed responsibility for any of the explosions. Syrians have complained about rising energy costs in recent months, with protests breaking out across the country two weeks ago as a result. The Government increased diesel prices by as much as 40 per cent and petrol prices by 28 per cent. It said the increases were temporary and caused by a sharp rise in global energy costs. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026

ARCHIE

DAILY HOROSCOPES Choose your words wisely to spare yourself grief. It’s important to take into consideration how your decisions will affect others. Partnerships will be strained if you use pressure tactics.

(March 21-April 19) Take a little "me" time to figure out what you want or can do without hassle. Having a stubborn attitude or taking on more than you can handle will backfire. Focus on love.

PICKLES

(April 20-May 20) Incorporate something fresh into your routine. You’ll have a positive experience at a place you frequent or with a fitness group that encourages you to be and do your best.

(May 21-June 20)

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Neglecting your needs will not help you get things done. Improve yourself, help others and focus on getting along instead of letting criticism take over. Choose to invest in yourself. Be open to learning. If you apply discipline and incorporate what you learn and master into your work, you’ll boost your earning power. Don’t let domestic problems erupt.

(July 23-Aug. 22) Pay attention to information you receive, and when in doubt, ask questions. Being well-informed will help you save time, and practice will help you avoid mistakes and additional expense.

CALVIN AND HOBBES (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Add structure to your routine, press forward and complete your mission. It’s what you finish that matters as well as how you present and promote the accomplishments that will drive you

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Pick up the pace. What you achieve will make an impression on others. Refuse to let bickering disrupt your plans and your ability to take care of business. Use your compassion when dealing with loved ones. Sort through what you want to keep and discard what’s left. Free up valuable space that can be put to better use. Set goals, and let your willpower carry you forward. Proceed with caution. Communication will leave you with mixed emotions and a lack of understanding. Get what you want in writing to avoid any misinformation that would leave you in a vulnerable position. Finding your comfort zone will bring you peace and help you gain the confidence to push forward with the activities, people and vocations that free your spirit and soothe your soul.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Go over legal and financial matters carefully. Talk to an expert to avoid penalties or costly mistakes. Take time to relax and consider your options. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026

CCU blocks Guyana’s plan to field exclusively male team at Caribbean Championships

Guyana’s plans to field an extended male team at the upcoming Caribbean Elite and Under-23 Road Cycling Championships have been halted

uyana’s plans to field an extended male team at the upcoming Caribbean Elite and Under-23 Road Cycling Championships have been halted after the Caribbean Cycling Union (CCU) confirmed that the country cannot use all 10 allocated spots for male riders. It is understood that the CCU allocation provides five places for male cyclists and five for females. With no Guyanese female riders selected for the championships, the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) had hoped to use the vacant female spots to increase its male contingent to 10. However, according to a source within the GCF, the CCU informed the Federation on Wednesday afternoon that the unused female places cannot be

transferred to the men’s categories. The ruling means the GCF will now have to reduce its proposed nine-member male team to five cyclists for the championships, which will be held in the Dominican Republic from October 9 to 12. The Federation had initially finalised a squad comprising five Elite riders and four Under-23 cyclists. National road race champion Briton John was named alongside Alex Mendes, Andre Greene, Segun Hubbard, and Devendra Sahadeo in the Elite division, while national Under-23 champion Ajani Cutting, Aaron Newton, Sidwell Sandy, and Mark Lewis were selected in the U23 category. The GCF council is now expected to meet to deter-

mine which five cyclists will ultimately represent Guyana at the regional championships. Guyana had been preparing to enter the event with several riders carrying strong national and regional credentials. Newton was the country’s standout performer at the 2025 Caribbean Championships in Belize City, securing a silver medal in the Men’s Under-23 Individual Time Trial. John also produced two top-10 finishes at the same championships, placing eighth in the Elite Individual Time Trial before finishing 10th in the 164.4-kilometre road race. The 2026 championships will feature the Individual Time Trial on October 10, followed by the Individual Road Race on October 11.

Million-dollar hole-in-1 prize up for grabs Ronaldo leaves Portugal at Westside Golf Course this weekend camp after Coach denies rift

Golfers will have another chance to win a $1 million hole-in-one prize when the Umami $1,000,000 Cash Golf Challenge returns this weekend

olfers will have another chance to win a $1 million hole-inone prize when the Umami $1,000,000 Cash Golf Challenge returns to the Westside Golf Course this weekend. The challenge is among several activities expected to attract golfers, families, and newcomers to the Region Three facility, which is expanding its golf competitions, fun tournaments, and family entertainment. Guyana Golf Association (GGA) President and

Westside developer Aleem Hussain said the aim is to make golf accessible to more Guyanese, particularly families and individuals who have never had an opportunity to try the sport. Through a free initial lesson, equipment provided for beginners and easyto-follow coaching, the facility seeks to reduce the barriers that can discourage people from taking up golf. Children, young people, and adults can learn in a relaxed environment before moving on to larger, more traditional courses as

their skills develop. Westside’s growing programme extends beyond the golf course. Recently, TelcoSigns and Advertising partnered in hosting an “Under the Stars DriveIn Movie Night”, attracting hundreds of guests for a free evening of family entertainment. That event forms part of the facility’s wider development into a community entertainment and recreation centre for Region Three, with activities designed to appeal to people of different ages and abilities.

ristiano Ronaldo says he has left Portugal’s international camp and will explain the reasons why “in time”. It comes after Head Coach Jorge Jesus earlier said there was no rift with the Captain, following claims the five-time Ballon d’Or winner had refused to train. Ronaldo has said he considered retiring from international football after the World Cup in the summer, but opted to continue as he chases down 1000 career goals. He was included in Jesus’ 25-man squad for the current international break and started the opening Nations League game against Wales. However, the Al-Nassr forward did not feature in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway in Oslo on Sunday and did not join his teammates in going over to the visiting fans at the final whistle. Instead, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United player headed to the changing rooms - prompting reports he was unhappy with the manager. Speaking to media before Portugal’s Nations League match against Denmark on Thursday, Jesus said, “There was no incident whatsoever. Any player – and I was a player myself – when you spend 20 or 30 minutes warming up and then don’t get on, no-one is happy about that.”

Jorge Jesus coached Cristiano Ronaldo at Saudi club Al-Nassr

Jesus said he had told Ronaldo before the match he would not be starting, but might be brought on later in the game. “Afterwards, as Coach, I decided not to bring him on. It’s nothing to make a fuss about,” he added. Former Benfica manager Jesus also dismissed suggestions Ronaldo had refused to train on Tuesday, saying the 41-year-old instead had to do individual exercises for “mobility” and “strengthening” but would train as normal on Wednesday. However, Ronaldo did not join his teammates on the pitch in Denmark, with Portuguese media sharing a video of him leaving Parken Stadium alongside two members of the backroom staff. And the player later took to Instagram to announce his departure. “After the press conference of the national team and following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football

Federation, I have decided to leave the national team training camp,” he wrote. “In time, I will tell all the Portuguese the truth about the reasons that motivated me to leave.” He added he wished his teammates good luck in their forthcoming games. Goncalo Ramos scored the winner against Norway, and Jesus had said the AC Milan striker would again be preferred to Ronaldo against Denmark. “If I need [Ronaldo], he’ll come on. If I don’t need him, he won’t.” The Portuguese Football Federation later confirmed Ronaldo’s departure in a statement which added, “Preparation for the two matches against Denmark and Norway continues as planned with the 24 remaining squad members. “The entire delegation remains totally focussed on the national team’s next fixtures and on achieving the established objectives.” (BBC Sport)

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026

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Lotto/Let’sBet T10…

International umpire Bassarath joins panel as TV reviews introduced for Anna Regina showpiece

International umpire Zahid Bassarath

nternational umpire Zahid Bassarath will join the officiating panel for the National Finals of the Lotto/Let’sBet One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast on Sunday, October 11, at the Anna Regina National

Stadium. The 43-year-old Trinidadian, who has stood in two One-Day International matches, 28 T20 Internationals (T20Is), and 138 T20 matches, along with extensive regional ex-

perience, has donated his services for the showpiece event. He will be supported by seasoned Guyanese umpires Chandraban Rajnarine and Javed Persaud, along with Yogeshwar Lall. Organised by FL Sport,

Guyanese cycling contingent heads to Barbados for 4th “Tour de Bim”

The KARCC contingent: Quincy Ridley, Alex Mendes, Richard Lewis (mechanic), Tandeia Noel, Andre Greene, Kwame Fortune, Tyrone Hamilton (team manager), and Ajani Cutting

14-member Guyanese cycling contingent departed for Barbados on Wednesday to compete at the fourth edition of “Tour de Bim”, scheduled for October 1–4. The travelling party comprises 12 cyclists, team manager Tyrone Hamilton, and mechanic Richard Lewis, with riders drawn from several clubs set to contest the international event. National road race champion Briton John of We Stand United and national Under-23 champion Ajani Cutting of Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycle Club (KARCC) are among the Guyanese competitors. KARCC has six cyclists in the contingent: Cutting, Alex Mendes, Andre Greene, Kwame Fortune, Tandeia Noel, and Quincy Ridley. Hamilton and Lewis will provide management and me-

the final phase will feature TV reviews for line decisions, including run-outs and stumpings. Tournament Director John Ramsingh welcomed Bassarath’s involvement, highlighting the competition’s growing regional stature in its fifth year. “Having an umpire of Zahid’s quality adds tremendous value to the tournament as we conclude our fourth year,” Ramsingh said. “He and many mainstream cricket aficionados have been following the tournament’s growing popularity across the region and wanted to come on board to support its development.” Bassarath expressed his enthusiasm for contributing to the grassroots game in the region. “I am delighted to support grassroots crick-

chanical support during the trip. Evolution Cycling Club will be represented by Mark Spencer, Christopher Griffith, and Segun Hubbard, while Alexander Leung will compete for Continental Cycling Club. Aaron Newton is listed as representing Foundation. Tour de Bim is an annual international cycling event

that brings Barbadian and overseas riders together for competition across the island. Three stages are slated for the 2026 edition. The programme includes a male professional and elite category, along with Division Two categories for men, masters, juniors, and women. The Guyanese contingent is scheduled to return home on October 6.

crowned on October 4. Following an exhibition match, the grand finale will bowl off at 19:30h. At stake is a top prize of GY$2 million for the national champions, while the runners-up will pocket GY$1 million, and the losing semi-finalists take home GY$500,000 each, adding to the GY$500,000 already collected by the zone winners. Individual accolades sponsored by Regal Super Centre include a brand-new motorbike and GY$150,000 for the Most Valuable Player, GY$100,000 plus a television each for the top run-scorer and leading wicket-taker, GY$75,000 for the Player of the Final, and GY$50,000 each for the tournament’s Super Strike Rate and Best Economy Rate awards.

Windies Women “showed character” in ODI series decider – Alleyne

Aaliyah Alleyne ended with a series high of seven wickets

L-R: Christopher Griffith, Mark Spencer, and Segun Hubbard will represent Evolution Cycling Club

et development in Guyana and contribute to a tournament that is doing so much to give a spotlight to talent,” Bassarath said. On Monday, October 12, Bassarath will hold an interactive session with active and aspiring umpires in Essequibo, aligning with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport’s foundational push to revive the national school cricket programme. The blockbuster October 11 finals day in Essequibo begins at 14:30h local time with the first semi-final between GrillMaster Sip N Play All-Stars and Mahdia (Movements Family), followed by the second semi-final at 16:30h featuring Lusignan Bulls DTP II against the Georgetown/ East Coast Demerara zone champion, who will be

arbados’ Aaliyah Alleyne has expressed pride in the way that the West Indies Women rebounded from a loss on Wednesday to seal a 2-1 OneDay International (ODI) series victory against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club. Sent in to bat first, the Windies Women posted 271-5 before routing their opponents for 180. Reflecting on the second ODI, in which they were skittled out for 139 before Zimbabwe chased it comfortably, Alleyne highlighted that they needed to “come back harder”. “I think when we played the second ODI, we were a bit disappointed. We went and had a few meetings and discussed where we went wrong and where we could’ve gotten better, and I think today just shows when we give ourselves a chance, the sky is the lim-

it,” she shared in a post-match briefing on Wednesday. Alleyne clarified, “As I said, we were a bit disappointed because when we came here, we talked about collecting all six points... A bit disappointed, but that’s how cricket goes; we just reflect, and we came back harder, and I think that just shows the character of this team, and I think we are just looking to move on from here; looking at Pakistan, where we’ll be playing next, and grab all six points.” And that they did, Captain Hayley Matthews hit another century before Shemaine Campbelle almost got to the milestone in a strong showing with the bat. Alleyne reflected on Wednesday’s series decider, “And I think the Captain leading from the front, scoring that century, and Shemaine Campbelle as well, having

that partnership, it shows what partnerships can do. And then you had Glasgow and Claxton coming on at the end and having that wonderful partnership. Then, to top it off, bowling out Zimbabwe.” Quizzed on whether or not the West Indies were shocked by Zimbabwe’s strong challenge, Alleyne responded in the negative. The Windies bowler admitted, “I don’t think that nothing surprised me, I should say. I watch a lot of women’s cricket, and I’ve been following them as well. I think it just shows how cricket is on the up and up for the women; the girls actually played to their strengths.” “I was very impressed with a couple of players; they bowled wicket to wicket and their fielding as well. It just shows that women’s cricket is up and up.” With the T20 International (T20I) series on the horizon, not only is Alleyne hoping the younger players in the squad can draw some inspiration from their experienced counterparts, but she is also hoping they can grasp available opportunities. Alleyne shared, “It’s good confidence for the youngsters too as well, to show that once you give yourself a chance, there’s always going to be opportunities, always going to be runs out there, with Shemaine Campbelle being experience.” “Yeah, the goal is to win every game we go out there and play, and I think it’s going to be a good challenge for us. Hayley Matthews not going to play this T20 series, so I think it’s an opportunity for youngsters and myself to have that opportunity to go out there and express ourselves,” she further opined. The first of the threematch T20I series is set for the Takashinga Sports Club in Harare, bowling off at

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026

Hayley Matthews brought up her second century of the series

first 10 overs. Her opening partner Realeanna Grimmond’s struggles soon came to an end when left-arm seamer Nomvelo Sibanda bowled her for three off 27 balls. That was the only bit of cheer for Zimbabwe, before Matthews and Campbelle added 160 for the second wicket off 168 balls. Matthews scored at a brisk rate from the start, getting to 50 off 55 balls before galloping to a century off just 98 deliveries. That allowed Campbelle to pace her innings. Matthews, who had missed out on a double century in the first ODI, miscued Vusimuzi Sibanda to fall for 118 off 113 balls in the 39th over. Campbelle, meanwhile, patiently got to 50 in 70 balls but sped up to score her next 46 runs in 49 deliveries before her dismissal. She looked to whip

West Indies’ Women sealed a 2-1 series win

an aerial flick, much to left-arm spinner Zaida James’ surprise. Only Captain Josephine Nkomo offered some resistance for Zimbabwe. She scored her sixth ODI 50 and finished 74 not out – just two shy of her highest ODI score – as she ran out of partners. But what left West Indies concerned despite the

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Matthews was named Player of the Series for her 326 runs across three games

Josephine Nkomo finished with an unbeaten half-century

ayley Matthews scored her second century in three matches, while Shemaine Campbelle missed what would’ve been her second One-Day International (ODI) hundred by a whisker, as the West Indies took home the threematch series against Zimbabwe 2-1. West Indies posted 271 for five after being asked to bat, before bowling out the hosts for 180. West Indies began cautiously in the series decider, but Matthews scored 34 of the 38 made in the

leg-spinner Beloved Biza through midwicket, but Kelis Ndhlovu took a diving catch to dismiss her. Jannillea Glasgow and Jahzara Claxton found some boundaries towards the end to propel West Indies to a big total. In their response, Zimbabwe were never in the chase. They lost their openers in the first 14 balls, with Modester Mupachikwa falling to Grimmond’s efforts at deep midwicket. She ran diagonally from the rope and then dived to pouch

SCOREBOARD

West Indies Women (50 ovs maximum) Hayley Matthews (c) c Chipare b Sibanda 118 Realeanna Grimmond b Sibanda 3 Shemaine Campbelle †c Ndhlovu b Biza 96 Chinelle Henry c Mavunga b Gwanzura 5 Stafanie Taylor c Sibanda b Biza 8 Jannillea Glasgow not out 26 Jahzara Claxton not out 11 Extras (lb 1, w 3) 4 Total 50 Ov (RR: 5.42) 271/5 Did not bat: Aaliyah Alleyne, Zaida James, Afy Fletcher, Ashmini Munisar Fall of wickets: 1-38 (Realeanna Grimmond, 10.2 ov), 2-198 (Hayley Matthews, 38.2 ov), 3-210 (Chinelle Henry, 39.2 ov), 4-224 (Stafanie Taylor, 43.2 ov), 5-243 (Shemaine Campbelle, 47.4 ov) Bowling Nomvelo Sibanda Michelle Mavunga Nyasha Gwanzura Francisca Chipare Olinder Chare Beloved Biza

Shemaine Campbelle almost had a ton

comfortable 91-run win is Campbelle’s fitness. In the eighth over of the chase, she held her chest and went down, and had to be stretchered out. With Matthews missing the T20I leg of the tour for personal reasons, Campbelle would have been a candidate to lead West Indies in the three-match series. (ESPNcricinfo)

O-M-R-W 7-2-42-2 4-0-42-0 10-3-36-1 10-0-52-0 10-0-52-0 9-0-46-2

Zimbabwe Women (T: 272 runs from 50 ovs) Modester Mupachikwa †c Grimmond b Zaida James

Kelis Ndhlovu c †Campbelle b Glasgow 2 Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano c Matthews b Fletcher 25 Beloved Biza c Glasgow b Munisar 7 Josephine Nkomo (c) not out 74 Sharne Mayers c Henry b Munisar 13 Nyasha Gwanzura b Alleyne 13 Michelle Mavunga b Alleyne 13 Nomvelo Sibanda run out (sub [K Ramharack]) 12 Francisca Chipare run out (Alleyne/ sub [†M Mangru]) 2 Olinder Chare c Alleyne b Glasgow 2 Extras (b 6, lb 3, nb 1, w 3) 13 Total 47.3 Ov (RR: 3.78) 180 Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Kelis Ndhlovu, 1.5 ov), 2-9 (Modester Mupachikwa, 2.2 ov), 3-31 (Beloved Biza, 8.5 ov), 4-56 (Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, 13.2 ov), 5-85 (Sharne Mayers, 24.1 ov), 6-107 (Nyasha Gwanzura, 28.4 ov), 7-131 (Michelle Mavunga, 36.2 ov), 8-148 (Nomvelo Sibanda, 40.5 ov), 9-169 (Francisca Chipare, 44.3 ov), 10-180 (Olinder Chare, 47.3 ov) Bowling Zaida James Jannillea Glasgow Ashmini Munisar Afy Fletcher Aaliyah Alleyne Hayley Matthews

O-M-R-W 3-0-15-1 8.3-0-37-2 10-2-32-2 10-0-32-1 10-0-39-2 6-0-16-0

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Shubman Gill’s 117-ball double-hundred was the fastest in ODI history

t seemed only a cramp or a painful neck could stop him. Shubman Gill scored the quickest double-century and the highest score in an One-Day International (ODI) chase as India absolutely strolled to only the second successful chase of over 400 in ODI cricket in just 43.3 overs. His partner during India’s biggest partnership in the 255 chase was Rohit Sharma, the only other man to have scored multiple double-centuries in ODIs. Gill’s was every bit the innings to headline the first match in ODI history to feature five centuries, four of them among the five quickest in IndiaWest Indies ODI cricket. The conditions in Guwahati offered the bowlers nothing: little swing, little seam, negligible turn, hardly any variable bounce or loss of pace in the surface, and no reverse swing. The outfield was lightning quick, with many a defensive push hurtling across for four. It still needed skill, discipline, intent, appetite, and fitness from batters to do what was done. And at

which made him the second-quickest Indian to 200 ODI wickets, and Naman

al for a golden duck, Keemo Paul hit Kuldeep straight to long-on, and Nabi strung together three tight overs at the end. West Indies had reinforced their attack with the addition of Shamar Joseph and the left-arm spin of Vitel Lawes. Jayden Seales even made a good start to the defence with a testing first over during which Gill nearly played him on. However, from the moment Alzarri Joseph opened the tap in the second over with ordinary lines and length, the deluge never stopped. For a long time Gill and Rohit kept matching each other’s shots for shot. If Rohit was quick to get out of the blocks and reached 35 off 27, Gill welcomed S Joseph to the crease with a four and a six to get to 36 off 21. Paul then provided Rohit with a second free hit of the night to see him to a 32-ball 50. By the time Paul came back in the 15th over, Gill was beginning to move into another gear where he was hitting even good balls away. Charging the quicks,

Shai Hope had a muted celebration after bringing up his 20th ODI century

by Rutherford. The night, though, belonged to Gill, who has shown repeatedly that

him. He hit 34 of India’s 56 boundaries and celebrated with his helmet on top of the bat handle, a little like

Rohit Sharma had an unorthodox celebration after reaching his century

Dhir’s part-time off-spin that went for just 38 in 6.1 overs before he got injured. India also had debutant Auqib Nabi’s comeback to thank for, after they lost Prasidh Krishna to injury after he had bowled five overs. The last 11 overs produced 82 for five, which eventually might have been the difference between an easy chase and what might have tested India.

John Campbell brought up a 65-ball century

the age of 27, with 11 hundreds and 31 scores of over 50 in just 69 matches, Gill, who ended up with the highest score for a Captain, might just have the most of all those qualities in ODI cricket today. It should put in perspective Kuldeep Yadav’s analysis of 10-0-65-2,

started against the old ball and still went as quickly as Campbell in his 114 off 77. From the time Campbell took apart the seventh over of the afternoon, bowled by Krishna, a stunned full house in Guwahati watched in profound silence as the West Indies raked up 50 boundaries. The first sign that this was going to be a hopeless day for the bowlers was when Hope found his first boundaries through gentle pushes down the ground. It took Kuldeep coming on in the 12th over for there to be an over without a boundary. The quiet didn’t

India needed every bit of resourcefulness they could muster in the face of injuries to their bowlers and remarkable batting from John Campbell, who scored West Indies’ fifth-quickest century in 65 balls; Shai Hope, who went past Brian Lara’s tally of 19 hundreds; and Amir Jangoo, who

last long, as Campbell drove him over extra cover for six in his second over, after just having had treatment from swinging hard in the heat and humidity. Campbell’s work was done in just 18.1 overs, having registered West Indies’ joint-quickest half-century against India and scoring 101 out of 147 runs while he was at the wicket. West Indies had had a similar start in the last match but fell away after they lost Campbell. Here, though, Hope and Jangoo made sure India had to work harder. When a partnership puts together 182 runs at nearly nine an over, you expect some brutal hitting, but what Hope and Jangoo did was anything but. Even when Jangoo accelerated to take 55 off the last 23 balls he faced, he hardly played a shot in anger. If there could be criticism of a batting unit that scored 405 runs, it was that all three centurions fell to what can be termed soft shots. After Campbell pulled a regulation short ball from Gurnoor Brar to deep square leg, Hope repeated his last dismissal by going against the turn of a Kuldeep googly, and Jangoo cut Ravindra Jadeja straight to point to give him his first wicket in 46.3 overs since he got Temba Bavuma out last December. Sherfane Rutherford repeated Campbell’s dismiss-

Shamar Joseph’s celebration was quiet after removing Virat Kohli

then pulling the consequent short balls, and having his way with the part-time offspin of Roston Chase, Gill quickly overtook Rohit, never to look back. At 62 balls, it was Gill’s quickest century and the quickest of the night. By the time Rohit got to his century in 72 balls and high-stepped the 100th run in celebration, Gill had raced away to 142 off 82 balls. It included taking 18 off an over from West Indies’ best bowler, Seales, who went on to get Rohit out for 101 with the one ball that happened to seam in appreciably off the surface. There weren’t enough runs left there for Virat Kohli to be able to score another hundred, but he scored an entertaining 29 off 19 before being brilliantly caught on the fence

there needs to be something extraordinary on the surface or the bowling to test

aaa

Chris Gayle, who was often evoked on a day of special batting. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

West Indies (50 ovs maximum) John Campbell c Naman Dhir b Gurnoor Brar 101 Keacy Carty c Naman Dhir b Prasidh Krishna 9 Shai Hope (c)† c Auqib Nabi b Kuldeep Yadav 104 Amir Jangoo c Gaikwad b Jadeja 114 Sherfane Rutherford c sub (YBK Jaiswal) b Gurnoor Brar 0 Roston Chase not out 29 Keemo Paul c Kohli b Kuldeep Yadav 3 Alzarri Joseph c Sharma b Jadeja 8 Shamar Joseph not out 14 Extras (b 1, lb 1, nb 1, w 20) 23 Total 50 Ov (RR: 8.10) 405/7 Did not bat: Jayden Seales, Vitel Lawes Fall of wickets: 1-37 (Keacy Carty, 4.6 ov), 2-147 (John Campbell, 18.1 ov), 3-329 (Shai Hope, 39.6 ov), 4-330 (Sherfane Rutherford, 40.2 ov), 5-348 (Amir Jangoo, 42.2 ov), 6-369 (Keemo Paul, 45.1 ov), 7-385 (Alzarri Joseph, 47.3 ov) Bowling Prasidh Krishna

O-M-R-W 5-0-45-1

Auqib Nabi Gurnoor Brar Naman Dhir Ravindra Jadeja Kuldeep Yadav

8.5-0-84-0 10-0-96-2 6.1-0-38-0 10-0-75-2 10-0-65-2

India (T: 406 runs from 50 ovs) Rohit Sharma lbw b Seales 101 Shubman Gill (c) not out 223 Virat Kohli c Rutherford b S Joseph 29 Ruturaj Gaikwad not out 31 Extras (lb 2, nb 3, w 17) 22 Total 43.3 Ov (RR: 9.33) 406/2 Did not bat: Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul †, Naman Dhir, Auqib Nabi, Kuldeep Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Prasidh Krishna Fall of wickets: 1-255 (Rohit Sharma, 26.2 ov), 2-320 (Virat Kohli, 32.1 ov) Bowling Jayden Seales Alzarri Joseph Shamar Joseph Keemo Paul Roston Chase Vitel Lawes

O-M-R-W 8-0-78-1 8-0-89-0 6-0-52-1 3-0-49-0 8.3-0-63-0 10-0-73-0

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026

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

Matthews 118, Campbelle 96 power West Indies to 2-1 win over Zimbabwe Page 22

Gill 223* sets up record CCU blocks Guyana’s chase plan to field exclusively for male team at Caribbean India Championships Page 23

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