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

Issue No. 6556

THE BEACON OF TRUTH TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026

PRICE $100 VAT INCLUDED

Youman Nabi

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Pres Ali underscores importance of “justice without vengeance, truth without hatred”

Tristar Port’s P21 focus on training Guyanese workers applauded …as US Ambassador hails facility as Guyana’s new gateway for energy, trade

Page 3

Police intensify crackdown on vehicles with illegal LED lights

P15

Linden gets P14 additional 1.5MW of power as Govt tackles shortfall

Small fire aboard Liza Unity Rehabilitation works have commenced on the Wanaina-Wauna Swamp Road in Mabaruma, Region One (Barima-Waini), aimed at improving road access and connectivity for residents and communities in the area (Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo/Facebook)

APNU-WIN meeting yields no agreement on key Opposition issues See story on page 7

ASL aircraft overruns Baramita airstrip; passengers, pilot unharmed

Page 25

MV Canawaima suspension

Guyana, Suriname Page 8 asked for answers on repair time, disruption, replacement vessel

Govt committed to prioritising safety of workers – MNR

3-step approval process outlined for local hospitals seeking to do P18 kidney transplants

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENING

Youman Nabi

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, August 25 – 15:00h–16:30h and Wednesday, August 26 – 15:30h–17:00h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery showers are expected during the day, followed by cloudy skies at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East-North-Easterly to East-SouthEasterly between 1.34 metres and 3.12 metres. High Tide: 15:08h reaching a maximum height of 2.26 metres. Low Tide: 08:38h and 20:55h reaching minimum heights of 0.91 metres and 0.94 metres.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2026

LOTTERY NUMBERS B

11 13 14

FREE TICKET MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2026

17 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

11 17 25

LUCKY 3

Afternoon Draw

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

10 16 19

SUPER

PAY DAY

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2026

10 14 15 1

10 11 13 15 20

9 Afternoon Draw

3X Afternoon Draw

9 Evening Draw

2X Evening Draw

9554

DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

COMMODITIES Indicators Crude Oil

US$ $92.19/barrel

Change % +0.02

Rough Rice

$270.72/ton

+0.13

London Sugar

$535.90/ton

-2.85

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Low/High

$4674.00 $4594.10

$4675.80 $4697.50

Change

+23.30

+0.50%

Bid/Ask

Pres Ali underscores importance of “justice without vengeance, truth without hatred” P

resident Dr Irfaan Ali has underscored the importance of “justice without vengeance and truth without hatred” in his message to the nation in observance of Youman Nabi. According to President Ali, the words of the Holy Prophet Muhammad resonate deeply with the country in the wake of the MV Barima tragedy. Some 100 persons lost their lives when the cargo and passenger ferry sank off the coast of Guyana on July 18. “The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, taught that a community must never become indifferent to the suffering of another. He taught examples of mutual love, compassion, and sympathy. He taught that the body is one; when any limb of it aches, the whole body aches. Those words are of particular resonance for Guyana at a time when our nation has been touched recently by profound tragedy. In the hush of sorrow, let our differences fade like mist before the sun; let our compassion rise like a tide; let our shared humanity become our shelter and our strength,” President Ali expressed in his message to the nation on the occasion of this day. He highlighted that Youman Nabi is a time when Muslims remember the birth and life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, and according to President Ali, “it is the occasion when we reflect upon the profound legacy of a man whose life not only transformed Islam but also the nature of human civilisation.” President Ali noted that

Muslims do not celebrate not merely his birth, but the values he brought into the world, including faith and humility; mercy and compassion; forgiveness and patience; truth and justice; and unity and peace. “The Prophet’s life also teaches us that, while we may grieve deeply, grief must not become despair, sorrow must not become hatred, and tragedy must never become a chisel of division, nor a spark for suspicion, nor a seed for strife. This is the Prophet’s timeless way: seek truth, but without fury; pursue justice, but without malice; correct what is broken, but without vengeance; and not engage in the reckless assignment of blame before the facts are known,” the Head of State said. His message comes as authorities seek to investigate what went wrong in the deadly ferry accident, ensure those responsible are held accountable, support those affected, and put systems in place to prevent future incidents. “On this Youman Nabi, let us therefore draw from the example of the Holy Prophet. Peace and blessings be upon him. The courage to seek truth, the wisdom to pursue justice, and the humanity to embrace those who suffer. Let us mourn together, comfort one another, and stand together. Let neighbour not turn against neighbour, nor grief against grief. Let tragedy be-

President Dr Irfaan Ali

come not a wedge that separates us but a bridge that brings us closer,” President Ali said. “May the spirit of Youman Nabi illuminate Guyana with faith and compassion, justice without vengeance, truth without hatred, and togetherness beyond our differences. May God Almighty bless Guyana and its people, comfort every grieving heart, and guide our nation towards greater compassion, justice, peace, and unity,” he added. Already, a five-member international Commission of Inquiry (CoI) has been established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the MV Barima tragedy, and groundworks are expected to begin next month. Additionally, three members of the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) have been charged

with 72 counts of murder and have been remanded to prison. Moreover, President Ali has established a safety and compliance audit team to undertake a comprehensive review of the safety and compliance standards governing marine vessels operating in Guyana. The team will examine compliance with applicable maritime safety requirements and make recommendations to strengthen oversight, improve enforcement and ensure that vessels, operators and regulatory systems meet the highest practicable standards of safety and accountability. Those impacted by the tragedy continue to receive various forms of support from the Government under the HEART Initiative launched by the Guyanese leader.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 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

Youman Nabi’s message of compassion & justice

ouman Nabi arrives this year at a particularly solemn moment for Guyana. The observance, which commemorates the birth and life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, carries a message of faith, humility, mercy, justice, forgiveness, patience, unity and peace. Those values have particular relevance as the nation continues to grieve the loss of life in the MV Barima tragedy. More than 100 persons lost their lives when the cargo and passenger ferry sank off the coast of Guyana on July 18. The scale of the tragedy has left families grieving, communities mourning and a nation confronting difficult questions about maritime safety, oversight and accountability. President Dr Irfaan Ali, in his Youman Nabi message, has appropriately placed the principles of “justice without vengeance, truth without hatred” at the centre of the national response. The message deserves careful consideration, particularly at a time when grief can easily give way to anger and calls for immediate blame. The pursuit of justice must not be confused with vengeance. Accountability is necessary when lives have been lost, but accountability must be based on evidence, due process and a clear understanding of the circumstances that led to the tragedy. Justice is strongest when it is guided by facts rather than emotion. That principle is especially important as investigations continue. The legal proceedings and Commission of Inquiry must be allowed to perform their respective functions without political pressure, public speculation or premature conclusions. The families of those who perished deserve answers, but those answers must be credible, properly established and capable of standing up to scrutiny. At the same time, the tragedy must produce meaningful improvements in maritime safety, as the establishment of a Safety and Compliance Audit Team by President Ali is therefore significant. A comprehensive review of the safety and compliance standards governing marine vessels operating in Guyana should identify weaknesses in regulation, enforcement, inspection and operational practices. The tragedy also demonstrates the importance of compassion beyond the immediate period of mourning. Families affected by the loss continue to require emotional, social and financial support. Government assistance through the HEART initiative represents an important component of that response. Continued attention to the needs of affected families will be necessary as the investigation and recovery process progresses. Youman Nabi’s emphasis on shared humanity is therefore timely. The Prophet Muhammad’s teachings on compassion and sympathy offer a reminder that tragedy should not deepen divisions within society. Grief must be acknowledged, but grief should not become a source of hatred or hostility. Guyana’s diversity has long required a commitment to mutual respect and understanding. Moments of national difficulty test that commitment. The appropriate response to a tragedy of this magnitude is neither silence nor division, but a collective demand for truth, justice, accountability and reform. The national conversation surrounding the MV Barima tragedy should therefore remain focused on those principles. Youman Nabi provides an opportunity to reflect on these responsibilities. “Justice without vengeance, truth without hatred” is more than a message suited to a religious observance; it is a useful framework for confronting national tragedy with maturity and purpose. The loss of life cannot be reversed, but what can be achieved is a thorough accounting of what happened, appropriate accountability where wrongdoing is established, stronger systems to prevent a recurrence, and continued support for those left behind. In that sense, the most meaningful tribute to those who died aboard the MV Barima would be a national commitment to compassion alongside justice, truth alongside restraint, and reform alongside accountability. Such an approach can help ensure that tragedy becomes a catalyst for greater safety, stronger institutions and a more united Guyana.

An aerial view of Lake Mainstay, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), on Sunday during the 2026 Regatta (President Dr Irfaan Ali/Facebook)

Use opportunity to strengthen bonds of friendship – PPP in Youman Nabi greetings

he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) extends warmest greetings and best wishes to Muslims across Guyana on the occasion of Youman Nabi, which commemorates the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). Youman Nabi provides an opportunity to reflect on the life and exam-

ple of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the enduring values of compassion, humility, charity, patience, respect for others and service to humanity. As we commemorate this special day, we urge all citizens to reflect on these values, which are the foundation of a harmonious society. Let us

use this opportunity to strengthen the bonds of friendship and solidarity in our diverse nation, fostering an environment of tolerance and inclusivity for all. The People’s Progressive Party wishes the Muslim community and all Guyanese a peaceful and meaningful observance of Youman Nabi. Youman Nabi Mubarak!

Celebrating a legacy of mercy, justice and compassion

he Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) extends warm and sincere greetings to our Muslim brothers and sisters, and to all Guyanese on the sacred observance of Youmun-Nabi, the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him (PBUH). Youmun-Nabi invites reflection on the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), whose message of mercy, justice, humility, and compassion has guided generations, and whose teachings speak as clearly to the enduring question of human dignity as they do to the ordinary courtesies between neighbours. Among the most enduring of those teachings is the recognition of a common human dignity. In his Farewell Sermon, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is reported to have reminded those gathered that an Arab holds no superior-

ity over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab over an Arab, except through piety and good conduct. Spoken in the seventh century, that principle remains profoundly relevant to a society such as ours, enriched by the many peoples, cultures and traditions that call Guyana home. The teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) turn, with equal care, to how we treat those closest to us. Believers are reminded that a neighbour must be safe from harm and are enjoined to generosity, fairness and care for those who are vulnerable. For Guyana, these values speak directly to the work of strengthening relationships between our communities. According to the Holy Prophet (PBUH), “The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion and sympathy are just like one body. When one

of the limbs suffers, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever.” Though the teaching speaks to the community of the faithful, its imagery offers a powerful reflection for Guyana. Our ethnic groupings, with their distinct histories, traditions and identities, are like different limbs of one national body. When one is weakened or suffers, the whole body is affected, and when one is uplifted, the whole benefits. Harmony, therefore, is about recognising our interconnectedness and supporting each other through kindness, empathy and care. As we observe Youmun-Nabi, the ERC encourages every Guyanese to carry these values into our homes, our schools, our workplaces and our communities. Happy Youmun-Nabi to all

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026

You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate, Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana’s profit oil share has always been 50%

Dear Editor, The Ministry of Natural Resources writes in response to an article published on August 21, 2026, “Solomon calls on President to release figures behind 39.8% profit-oil claim.” The article rests on a material misunderstanding of how Guyana’s share of petroleum revenue is calculated. Given the public importance of this matter, the Ministry sets out below, in plain terms, the correct figures and the reasoning behind them. First, Guyana’s share of oil profit has never been 39.8 per cent. It is 50 per cent. It was 50 per cent in 2016, 50 per cent in 2019, and it is 50 per cent today. That has never changed. So where does 39.8 per cent come from? That number is not our share of the profit. It is our share of every single barrel produced, before costs are even taken out. It is a different number measuring a different thing,

and mixing the two up is what caused the confusion. Here is the simple math behind it. Out of every 100 barrels produced, about 20 go to the oil companies to pay back what they spent finding and developing the oil. That leaves about 80 barrels as profit. Guyana gets half of that profit, and half of 80 is 39.8. That is the entire calculation. No Minister decides it. It comes straight out of the agreement signed in 2016, and anyone with a calculator can check it in seconds. Next, the audit numbers the article raised are good news for Guyana, not bad news. It pointed to large sums under audit, about US$214 million, US$65 million, and US$19.6 billion, as if they were a problem. They are the opposite of a problem. When our auditors strike out a cost the oil companies tried to claim, that money does not disappear. It simply stops being “cost oil” and becomes

“profit oil” instead, and profit oil is split 50-50. So every dollar an audit disallows puts extra money in Guyana’s pocket, not less. Take the two audit cases already settled: US$279.5 million. If every cent of that had been thrown out, Guyana would gain about US$140 million from it, not lose a cent. It also matters that three different words mean three different things. “Under review” simply means the auditors are still checking the expense. It is not an accusation of wrongdoing. The US$19.6 billion figure is about 36 per cent of all money invested so far, which is a measure of how thorough our audit is, not a measure of theft. “Disputed” means the auditors have questioned an expense and it has not yet been settled. “Disallowed” means it has been struck out for good, and as shown above, that outcome helps Guyana. Put together, the two mat-

ters actually resolved so far amount to about half of one per cent of the US$55 billion recovered by the companies. That is the true size of the issue, worth chasing to the last dollar, but nowhere near large enough to threaten our 39.8 per cent share. Two myths deserve to be retired here as well. The first is that the 75 per cent cost-recovery cap meant the companies got 75 per cent of the oil. That is wrong. The cap only limits how fast they can be repaid. It never let them recover one dollar more than they actually spent. The second is that finishing cost recovery two years early was bad for Guyana. The opposite is true. It happened because production and prices were strong, and it means we reached the high-earning 39.8 per cent stage of the deal sooner rather than later. The 12.5 per cent share people criticised for years and the 39.8 per cent we

get now come from the very same clause; the low number was simply what you get while costs are still being repaid quickly. What does this look like in real barrels and real dollars? The Stabroek Block is producing roughly 900,000 barrels a day. Guyana’s own cargoes have grown from about three million barrels a month to ten or twelve million barrels a month. On top of our share of profit oil, we also collect a two per cent royalty on every barrel sold, profit or no profit, and that alone brought in US$306 million in just the first six months of 2026. And because Guyana’s 50 per cent belongs to one owner, the State, while the companies must split their 50 per cent three ways, Guyana actually lifts more oil from these waters than any single oil company does. We will keep publishing, every month, the production figures, the cargoes lifted, the

royalty collected, and exactly how the entitlement percentage was calculated, so any citizen can check our arithmetic for themselves. On live audits still in progress, we will not negotiate in public. Announcing our position while a dispute is still open would only weaken our own hand and could cost the country money. Outcomes will be reported once they are final; that silence protects your interests, it does not hide anything from you. The oil belongs to the people of Guyana. On that point, everyone agrees. What the people also deserve is an honest explanation of how their share is worked out, and a division sum is not evidence of a scandal. We welcome every question. We simply ask that the questions start from the right numbers. Yours sincerely, Ministry of Natural Resources

This is not controversial; it is common sense Dear Editor, There is understandable public concern about the cost of living. This is not a new topic but has been a hot one in every country since 2020. In developed and developing countries, Governments are battling with this issue. In Guyana, our Government has been very proactive in tackling this problem through demand-side and supply-side policies. Indeed, almost every conceivable policy option available has been deployed by the Government to address the cost-of-living issue. By now, we should all be aware that the Government removed taxes on essential items, supplies, and equipment used by farmers, as well as fuel, a key input in every sector, including agriculture. You will also recall that independent agencies such as the IDB and IMF commended the Government for implementing these tax-reduction measures, which were deployed alongside a raft of other measures to boost disposable income. However, not everyone is totally pleased with the outcome of the policies. This is evident from the continuous public outcry. As a responsible leader, President Ali and his Government have not only expanded the policy toolkit but have also signalled their intention to implement other innovative measures to address this issue. His actions suggest that the President is continuously working and not pretending that the ‘cost of living problem’ has been resolved to the satisfaction of every citizen. His proposal to establish farmers’ markets across Guyana is especially important. When implemented, we

should see a dramatic reduction in food prices, especially for foods grown at home. This is because the middlemen in the value chain add a significant markup to the farm-gate prices they pay farmers for their produce. While allowing farmers to receive better prices, this solution will also provide significant ease for consumers. From his public pronouncements, it is also evident that President Ali intends to go beyond retail markets. President Ali has consistently encouraged farmers to scale up their activities so they can improve efficiency and lower prices for locally grown food. His Government is also helping farmers increase output by providing equipment, technical support, and other interventions (e.g., fertiliser, shade houses, etc). In the near future, the SME Development Bank will also provide farmers with affordable financing so they can form clusters that allow them to benefit from economies of scale and lower production costs. These initiatives will certainly translate into lower food prices in the medium and long term. While these solutions will not provide immediate benefits, they will deliver a food production system that makes food more affordable and accessible. In the medium to long term, they will also address the underlying causes of high food prices. In the meantime, it is reasonable for citizens to consider how their own spending choices affect their household budgets. The Government has a duty to create the conditions under which the Private Sector can produce affordable food. Consumers, however, also

retain some control over where and how they spend. If they make rational decisions, they can enjoy significant relief in the short term. Thus, where a household can choose between a highpriced imported product and a comparable locally produced alternative, choosing the lower-cost option may stretch that household budget. Similarly, where fresh produce is available at a tra-

ditional market or farmers’ market at a lower price than in a supermarket, it is sensible to compare prices and choose the cheaper option. Likewise, preparing meals at home can be more economical than regularly purchasing restaurant or takeaway food. This is not an argument that every household has unlimited choices or that Government should not re-

spond decisively to cost of living issues. But the advice from the President for households to spend prudently is not an insult to the public; it is practical and common-sensical advice that every household is expected to understand when managing limited resources. The public debate, therefore, should be less about manufactured outrage and more about practical solu-

tions. While Government must continue to curb the cost of living through various fiscal and monetary policies, citizens, where possible, should compare prices, support local produce, and make choices that maximise value for their money. This is not controversial. It is common sense. Kind regards, Kevin Persaud

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 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 11:00 Documentary: Nat Geo Animals 12:00 Movie - Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers (2024) 13:30 Movie - The Cases of Mystery Lane: Death Is Listening (2024 15:00 Cartoons 16:00 Indian Soaps 17:00 The Young & The Restless 18:00 TVG Music Break 18:30 Teaching the Truth in Love 19:00 CNN 20:00 Stop Suffering 20:30 GIT Perspectives 21:30 TVG Music Break 22:00 Movie - Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026

Foundation ◄

Page

guyanatimesgy.com

Geometry Irregular polygons

An irregular polygon is a polygon that does not have all its sides equal. It also has unequal angle measurements. For example,

How to classify an irregular polygon

In order to classify an irregular polygon: 1. Check to see that the polygon has different size angles or sides. 2. Count the number of sides of the polygon. 3. Name the polygon based on the number of sides. This table gives examples of irregular polygons:

Keep in mind that an irregular polygon can have some equal sides and angles! For example,

This irregular hexagon does have some equal sides and angles, but they are not ALL equal, so it is irregular.

Atoms and Elements Atoms The tiny particles called atoms are the basic building blocks of all matter. Atoms can be combined with other atoms to form molecules, but they cannot be divided into smaller parts by ordinary means. Each individual atom is made up of smaller particles – electrons, protons, and neutrons. These are called subatomic particles. At the centre of an atom is a nucleus. The nucleus consists of protons and neutrons. Protons carry a positive electrical charge, while neutrons carry no electrical charge. Together, protons and neutrons are called nucleons. Surrounding the nucleus is a cloud of negatively charged electrons. Scientists believe that subatomic particles are themselves made up of smaller substances. The substances are called quarks and leptons. The single most important thing to know about an atom is how many protons it has in its nucleus. This is known as its atomic number. The atomic number determines what kind of atom it is. Every atom is associated with a specific chemical element. An atom is the smallest unit of an element, and each chemical element has a unique atomic number. Two other related properties of atoms are the mass number and the atomic weight. The mass number is equal to the total

number of protons and neutrons in an atom. The atomic weight the average mass of an element's atoms compared to 1/12th the mass of a carbon-12 atom. The mass number and atomic weight are very similar. Atoms that have the same atomic number but different mass numbers are called isotopes.

By Marvin Bell

If you love me, say so. Snow piles; bridges burn behind me; I imagine that I am alone and have not turned toward you so before. I forget openings I had not thought of turning toward, to tell you, and to tell you to tell me. The surroundings affect us; it is a cause for love that you call it something logical, taking pleasure in our finding ourselves here. Tell me landscapes are frames of mind. I believe words have meaning. No gift will do. Tell me what it means to you. (Source: Poetry [December 1963])

Write a story in which grief shows itself in an unexpected way, or becomes a tangible object. (Britannica Kids)

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

APNU-WIN meeting yields no agreement on key opposition issues

ormal talks between opposition parties – the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) – ended on Monday without agreement on key issues such as opposition representation of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the Local Government Commission (LGC). The meeting was held at the Brandsville Hotel in Georgetown and included representatives of WIN, led by United States (US)sanctioned and indicted Oppositon Leader Azruddin Mohamed and members of APNU, led by chairman, Aubrey Norton. WIN, the main parliamentary opposition party, had invited APNU to the meeting to discuss nominees for the LGC, the status of the three opposition-nominated GECOM Commissioners, the scrutineers involved in the registration process at GECOM and the election of the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) However, the meeting ended with no agreement on these important matters. Both Mohamed and Norton provided little details concerning the discussions, telling reporters following the more than one-hour long meeting that a joint statement will be issued. In the joint statement was not issued up to press time on Monday.

GECOM Commissioners

Notwithstanding the APNU losing its position as the main parliamentary opposition in the 2025 elections,

including the composition of GECOM, the method of appointing its chairman and members and its jurisdiction over national registration and the electoral process.

GECOM scrutineers

APNU’s Aubrey Norton along with Ganesh Mahipaul and David Hinds speaking with the media after the meeting

the party has shut down any considerations of removing any of the current APNU– appointed commissioners at GECOM to make way for new Commissioners to be appointed by the new main parliamentary opposition WIN. Upon the receipt of legal advice, US-indicted Mohamed had written President Dr Irfaan Ali on June 30, seeking the appointment of his three nominees as GECOM Commissioners. Mohamed nominated lawyers Roysdale Forde, Siand Dhurjon and Damien Da Silva to replace APNU-backed GECOM commissioners Desmond Trotman, Vincent Alexander and Charles Corbin. GECOM has since explained that “it has no locus standi in relation to the nomination by the Leader of the Opposition of persons for appointment as Members of the Guyana Elections Commission.” GECOM explained that the nomination and appointment of commissioners are matters governed by Article 161(3)(b) of the Constitution.

“GECOM is not the authority vested with responsibility for determining the validity of such nominations or appointments. Accordingly, the Commission cannot properly intervene in, adjudicate upon, or resolve any impasse concerning persons nominated by the Leader of the Opposition for appointment as Commissioners,” GECOM’’s statement further reads. GECOM’s seven-member commission comprises the Chairman, three Government appointed Commissioners and three opposition Commissioners. The appointments are governed by the Constitution (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2000. A new set of commissioners can be appointed when the Government changes. However, many times the same Commissioners simply switch sides from being Opposition nominated to becoming a Government nominated. With no fixed terms being stipulated in the Constitution for their ap-

Small fire aboard Liza Unity

Govt committed to prioritising safety of workers – MNR …says it will continue engaging regulatory agencies

he Natural Resources Ministry on Monday said it will continue engaging ExxonMobil and relevant regulatory agencies following a small fire that was detected onboard the Liza Unit Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel. Operations on the FPSO were suspended on Sunday following a small fire onboard in the laundry room. In a statement on Monday, the Ministry noted that ExxonMobil said that the appropriate response procedures were immediately initiated and that all personnel

aboard the vessel are safe and accounted for. “The Ministry of Natural Resources wishes to note that the relevant regulatory authorities will conduct the necessary follow-up to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Ministry remains committed to prioritising the safety and well-being of workers and ensuring the highest standards of safety across offshore operations,” the statement noted. According to ExxonMobil, heat detectors aboard the Liza Unity FPSO were activated in the laundry room of the living quarters, indicating a small

fire, which was quickly extinguished. Operations were suspended as part of the established safety response and will resume following completion of the necessary checks. Up to press time, ExxonMobil had not responded to media queries about the resumption of operations or the extent of the damages. The Liza Unity, built by Dutch shipbuilder SBM Offshore for the Liza Phase Two Project, is one of four FPSOs currently being operated by ExxonMobil in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana. With an installed capacity to produce approximately 220,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd), Liza Unity was the second FPSO built for the Stabroek Block development and started production in February 2022. The US oil giant is preparing to fire up its fifth FPSO offshore in Guyana – the Errea Wittu, which only arrived in Guyana last week for the US$12.7 billion Uaru development.

pointment, Commissioners usually serve until they resign or otherwise become unable to serve. Alexander has been one of the Commissioners since the early 2000s, outlasting Government changes across the 2011, 2015, and 2020 elections. Corbin was also appointed in the early 2000s. Trotman was appointed in 2017 to replace a commissioner who passed away that year. This impasse is expected to be addressed by the ongoing constitutional reform process launched by the Government. The Constitution Reform Commission (CRC) has already formally invited public written proposals for constitutional changes, with submissions open until December 31, 2026. Among other things, the Commission said it will consider proposals relating to electoral reform,

Mohamed has also raised concerns over the absence of representatives from WIN or the other opposition party, the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), among the 69 opposition scrutineers being paid by GECOM. Mohamed complained that, despite WIN’s efforts to engage the other opposition party on appointing scrutineers representative of all parties, all of the scrutineers are APNU-backed. According to GECOM, while the Leader of the Opposition submitted correspondence dated June 3, together with supporting documentation relating to the consultation undertaken and the proposed appointments, the CEO subsequently received correspondence from APNU formally objecting to the proposal.

LGC

Mohamed had hosted consultations with the other parliamentary opposition parties before submitting recommendations for the LGC, following a request from Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira. Mohamed then submitted the names of three persons to sit on the LGC. They are Leola Narine and Leslyn Lowe of

his WIN party and Nicholas Chesney from FGM – a move which excluded representatives of APNU. APNU nominees Joan Romascindo and Ronald Daniels were not selected.

RDC

During the inaugural council meeting on October 10, 2025, WIN candidate Mark Goring and rival candidate Dominique Blair of APNU tied 9–9 after a single round of voting. The stalemate exists to date, prompting WIN to file legal actions against Regional Executive Officer (REO) and Clerk of Council, Dr Gregory Harris. Region Ten remains the only administrative region operating without an elected regional chairman and vice chairman following last year’s elections.

Next meeting

No date has been fixed for follow-up talks between WIN and APNU. At Monday’s dialogue, WIN’s delegation included the Opposition Leader, Opposition Chief Whip Tabitha SaraboHalley; Odessa Primus, Natasha Singh, Vishnu Panday and Duarte Hetsberger. APNU was represented by Norton along with Ganesh Mahipaul, Dexter Todd, Coretta McDonald, David Hinds, General Secretary Sherwin Benjamin, Attorney-at-Law Ronald Daniels and Regional Councillor Shanika Haynes.

8 NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MV Canawaima suspension

Guyana, Suriname asked for answers on repair time, disruption, replacement vessel

Whatever happened…

A The MV Canawaima

he SurinameGuyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) is calling for greater clarity from authorities in both countries over the suspension of the MV Canawaima ferry service while urging immediate support for stranded passengers and transport operators and answers on when a replacement vessel will be deployed. The Chamber, in a statement issued Monday, said the disruption is affecting passengers, businesses, transport operators and the movement of goods between Guyana and Suriname and has renewed concerns about the reliability of the critical cross-border link. At the same time, the SGCC made it clear that the safety of passengers and crew must take precedence over efforts to restore the service but called for greater clarity amid differing positions over how urgently identified issues with the vessel must be addressed. The Chamber noted a clarification by Guyana’s Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill, that recent technical inspections involving maritime experts from Guyana and Suriname concluded that the Canawaima could remain in operation pending dry-docking within the next three months. However, the Maritime Authority Suriname (MAS) has determined that certain outstanding matters should instead be addressed immediately.

Vessel operational

The SGCC also cited a report by Suriname Nieuws Centrale on an August 21 assessment conducted by Marine Consulting & Survey. According to the Chamber, that assessment identified significant corrosion requiring further examination and remedial works but found no leakage and determined that the vessel could remain in operation for three months pending dry-docking. The assessment also reportedly identified outstanding documentation and certification requirements, while further thickness measurements and repair works were scheduled

to begin from Monday. Against that background, the Chamber said the authorities should provide the travelling public and business community with a clearer picture of the vessel’s condition and what is required before operations can safely resume. “Given the importance of maintaining public confidence in the safety and integrity of the service, SGCC encourages the relevant authorities to provide greater clarity on the outstanding requirements identified by MAS, the findings of the subsequent technical evaluations, and the works now considered necessary for the vessel’s safe return to operation,” the Chamber said. It added that greater transparency would allow passengers and businesses to better understand both the reason for the suspension and the pathway towards resumption of the service.

Plight of passengers/operators

The Chamber also placed considerable emphasis on the plight of passengers and transport operators left stranded by the disruption. Passengers encountered at the Moleson Creek terminal over the weekend included persons attempting to return to French Guiana through neighbouring Suriname. Some had begun their journeys with the expectation that they would be able to cross the Corentyne River using the ferry service, only to find themselves unable to continue as planned. The SGCC said attention should now be focused on providing guidance and assistance to persons caught on either side of the river. “Many travelled with the reasonable expectation that the service was operational and now face unplanned expenditure for accommodation, transportation, fuel and other necessities, with no certainty as to how long the disruption may continue,” it said. The Chamber urged the responsible authorities and operators to give priority to those passengers by clearly communicating what immediate assistance or alterna-

tive arrangements could be provided, particularly for persons without the financial resources to sustain an extended and unexpected delay.

Restoring service

SGCC is also pressing the authorities in Guyana and Suriname for a coordinated plan for restoring the service. It wants the two countries to provide an anticipated timeframe for the required works and return of the Canawaima to service and to say whether the present intervention will affect or accelerate the vessel’s planned dry-docking and maintenance. The Chamber also wants to know what safe interim arrangements are being considered to maintain cross-border connectivity while the vessel remains unavailable. “In this regard, SGCC respectfully requests clarification on when a replacement vessel will be deployed,” the statement said. The Chamber argued that the latest disruption further demonstrates the need for a dedicated and appropriately inspected secondary vessel to provide redundancy when the

Canawaima is unavailable. Ultimately, it said, investment in a new vessel is needed for such a critical bilateral transportation link. The current disruption follows weeks of concerns surrounding the condition of the vessel. Earlier this month, MAS raised several deficiencies following inspections of the Canawaima and indicated that the vessel could face restrictions if safety requirements were not addressed. Following further work and a reinspection on August 13, the vessel was permitted to continue operating, with technical follow-up expected to continue. The ferry service was subsequently suspended again on Saturday, leaving travellers uncertain about when regular crossings would resume. The management arrangement for the ferry also divides responsibilities between the two countries. While acknowledging ongoing engagement between authorities in the two countries, the SGCC said cooperation must address not only the current suspension but also the recurring vulnerability of the cross-border connection.

…to Hakeem?

meeting between Congressman Hakeem Jeffries and Trump’s son-in-law (talk about sleeping with the enemy!!) crossed your Eyewitness’ feed, and triggered questions as to what Hakeem had been up to the last few years!! After all, there was a time – not so very long ago – when we appeared to’ve snagged our very own US member of Congress!! Not literally, of course, since Hakeem has Crown Heights in Brooklyn to represent!! But during the PNC-provoked post-2020 political convulsions, he seemed to’ve been remarkably well briefed about the happenings in a country 2600 miles away!! Evidently his (extremely!!) close association with Rickford Burke of the Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy had also ensnared him in Guyanese politics!! He even denounced what he described as American “interference” in Guyana’s elections!! A new Benedict Arnold?? By 2022, he was warning – from a Guyanese-American Opposition gathering – that Washington wouldn’t tolerate racism in Guyana!! His role as understudying House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, plus his prominence in the Congressional Black Caucus, gave oomph to our opposition worthies’ – like the race-fixated Black Pudding man – narrative! Then came the curious part – the Congressman suddenly became rather less audible and visible!! By September 2023, he was meeting President Irfaan Ali and other Guyanese officials in Washington!! More intriguingly, despite all the earlier sturm and drang about “discrimination”, the meeting produced no raising of the concerns that had previously dominated his Guyana interventions!! And thus began what might be called “The Great Jeffries Disappearance” – or the “Whatever happened to Jeffries?” mystery!! There was no press conference announcing it, no congressional resolution declaring that the Congressman had finally discovered Brooklyn again, and no helicopter seen carrying him out of Guyanese politics!! To your Eyewitness here in Mudland, he simply became impossible to find!! With Nancy having been sent out to pasture, was Hakeem preparing for pressing matters – such as the House Speakership – if the Democrats win the upcoming midterms?? Maybe his staff finally told him, “Congressman, Guyana has oil now, and they can afford their own political arguments!!” But the present silence contrast is rather amusing, innit?? Five or six years ago, Guyanese opposition politicians could summon a senior American politician who Pres Trump had called a “thug with a low IQ” and was the reason for dubbing Democrats “Dumocrats” – and now the sound of silence!! That gotta have unsettled the Opposition!! After all, if THE Black American Congressman is willing to listen to both sides, what becomes of the so-called Opposition’s trump card of playing their race card!! The truth of the matter is Hakeem hasn’t disappeared at all – he’s looking at Pressie’s One Guyana!! We’ve progressed to a point where a Black US leader has discovered there are actually two sides to our politics!! …to Opposition Coalition?? To anyone with even a cursory acquaintance with our politics, the secret to the Opposition getting into office – without rigging, of course!! – was never a secret!! It could be summed up in one word – COALITION!! That’s right – and like The Sound of Music, we can start at the very beginning – here about politics, of course!! After his PPP-Burnham was embarrassingly trounced by PPP-Jagan in the 1957 elections and as PNC by the PPP in 1961, Burnham was eased into power in 1964 by a coalition with D’Aguiar’s UF!! And having kicked out D’Aguiar, PNC had to rig all the way up to 1985!! And following a 23-year-old famine, it only returned in a coalition with the AFC in 2015!! And after Granger kicked the latter to the kerb, they’ve been out in the cold again!! Your Eyewitness is writing this piece before any info about the Opposition’s Sanction Man-Norton meeting has been released. If either of the two had any sense, they’d have discussed a coalition!! …to the naysayers? Your Eyewitness doesn’t want to jinx his Warriors or anything like that, but he gotta admit it’s hard not to sound smug when he notes their third straight win – three out of three!! But he ain’t SPECULATING further!! 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

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HEART sees more than $75M in support to MV Barima affected families

ore than $75 million in financial and material assistance has been provided to families affected by the MV Barima tragedy as the Government continues its recovery and support efforts through the Hope, Empathy, Aid, Resilience and Trust (HEART) Initiative. Since its official launch in July, the initiative has coordinated assistance for more than 750 affected persons across Regions One through Ten. According to the HEART Secretariat, the assistance has included support for funeral, memorial and wake-related expenses, as well as educational, housing, legal and psychosocial services. Educational assistance, including backpacks and school supplies, has been provided, while food ham-

pers continue to be distributed to affected households. Housing assistance is also being advanced, with the Ministry of Housing approving 20 families for land and turn-key homes. Targeted relocation plans are also being developed for households displaced by the tragedy. The initiative is also assisting families with replacing important documents lost in the tragedy. Fast-track arrangements are being coordinated with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Guyana Police Force (GPF) and Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) for the replacement of national identification cards, passports and driver’s licences. As part of its continued coordination of support, the HEART Secretariat is scheduled to meet with

representatives of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Wednesday, August 26, to finalise additional support frameworks. The initiative’s legal team will also shortly meet with affected families and their representatives in Region Four to provide guidance on legal matters arising from the tragedy. The HEART Initiative, led by Lead Coordinator Lieutenant Colonel Dominic Shepherd, was established to provide sustained support to survivors, bereaved families and affected communities beyond the immediate aftermath of the MV Barima tragedy.

14 NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Linden gets additional 1.5MW of power as Govt tackles shortfall

1.5 MW of power installed and operational in Linden, Region Ten

n additional 1.5 megawatts (MW) of power has been installed and is now operational in Linden, Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice), as part of the Government’s

efforts to address electricity shortfalls in the town. The development fulfils part of the Government’s commitment to add 3MW of generation capacity to Linden. The first 1.5MW was installed at the Bosai Minerals Group (Guyana) Inc facility and came online on Monday morning, increasing available generation capacity from 14MW to 15.5MW – above the town’s current peak demand of 15.1MW. According to the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation, work is continuing to bring the remaining 1.5MW into operation. Once completed, Bosai’s total output to the Linden and Wismar communities is expected to increase to approximately 17MW. The Ministry said it will continue to work with all partners, including Bosai, the Hinterland Electrification Company Inc (HECI), and other suppliers, to ensure that adequate and reliable electricity is delivered to Linden. Last week, Subject Minister Deodat Indar, had disclosed that HECI’s Head Horace Williams met with BOSAI’s general management during which an agreement was reached to add 3MW of power to the facility’s grid. Indar had also disclosed that the Government held discussions with Guyana Manganese Inc (GMI), which can supply 5MW of power. “They have five megawatts of engine that they are not using. Each one of them carry one megawatt, there’s five engines. So, we are in the process right now as we speak to transport those engines, three of them, to Linden. Those have to be set on a base so that it doesn’t vibrate and cause damage. We have to construct that base and place those engines in Linden. So, there will be another three megawatts coming from Port Kaituma,” the Minister noted. The Minister also noted that there were some interests from Boa Vista to provide additional power.

“Some of the players in the power sector there have said to us that they have about another three megawatts of engine, but these engines require a transformer. So, they are currently sourcing that transformer and they will let us know when they get that and those engines will be available for us here in Guyana,” he explained. Amid the power shortfall in Linden, the Government had met with sawmillers for them to operate during offpeak hours. Indar explained that peak demand occurs twice daily, from 13:00h to 15:00h and again from 19:00h to 21:00h. During the period from August through November, when temperatures are expected to remain high and power supply is constrained, sawmillers have been advised to operate between 22:00h to 11:00h the following day. This provides them with a 13-hour operating window, from which they can determine how many hours they require. Similar interventions have been made to stabilise power generation in other regions amid increased usage during El Niño. The Guyana Hydrometeorological Service advised the public to prepare for strengthened El Niño conditions from August through October 2026, that will bring hotter-than-normal temperatures and prolonged dry spells. In fact, the Government noted the current El Niño conditions, coupled with a growing customer base, have driven up electricity demand across Guyana. As such, it has rolled out a series of conservation interventions ahead of the hottest months. One is to ensure unused power is shut off outside of office hours at Government Ministries and agencies. Additionally, community sport grounds across the country will be monitored to ensure that floodlights are off when activities are not being held.

NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ramsammy’s Police intensify crackdown on Ruminations vehicles with illegal LED lights

Reprehensible twisting of President’s lifestyle comments designed for division

ne thing is crystal clear. When sections of the formal media and some social media commentators chose to deliberately misrepresent and completely twist President Irfaan Ali’s comments on lifestyle changes in Guyana, they were knowingly being public mischief-makers, creating public distrust and sowing division. Many of the social media commentators did not even listen to what President Ali said. They merely regurgitated what they read either from other Dr Leslie Ramsammy social media activists or from what a section of the formal media reported. Worst yet, some of these commentators relied solely on a blazing newspaper headline; they did not even bother to read the actual story. Some time ago, around 2005, when I was Minister of Health, addressing a workshop dealing with risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and other chronic diseases, I urged that Guyanese reduce intake of salty, sugary, ultra-processed imported food. The next day, the Kaieteur News’ blazing headline was that the Minister of Health said that Guyanese ate too much. The story itself, hidden somewhere in the paper, by-andlarge, adequately explained what was actually said, but commentators and opposition politicians, nevertheless, seized on the false headline. The headline was deliberately concocted because at the time the VAT bill was passed in Parliament, and the headline was designed to misinform people that VAT was crafted for people to eat less. It was skilful linking of two separate news items to spread a false narrative. The story itself acknowledged that sugary, salty, ultra-processed food was universally regarded as a social determinant of diseases, completely different from the mischievous headline. But the blazing headline is what registered in people’s heads. The intention clearly was to present the Government in a bad light by misinforming people with wicked misrepresentation. It is in this context that I highlight the controversy that has arisen out of President Irfaan Ali’s media conference held on August 18. Responding to a question on rising cost-of-living, President Ali explained that the cost-ofliving problem is one that every country in the world is facing today. There were common, propelling, interconnected economic, geopolitical and environmental factors. Geopolitical conflicts, including the wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and Iran, and the violent conflicts in Sudan and other places, have led to rising fuel and fertiliser costs, important factors in food production, transportation and the economies of countries, which have played a major role in increasing costs. There has been significant disruption of the global supply chain, with lengthy delays across the Panama Canal, that have affected prices of goods in the Americas. There have been increasing climate-related disasters that have contributed to rising costs. I was disappointed, but not shocked, that the formal media and social media commentaries from those who are anti-Government reinterpreted and misrepresented much of what President Ali said at the press conference. In fact, the reports and commentaries on the press conference ignored much of the contents and sought to politicise a statement of fact that the President made relating to changes in lifestyles that have consequences for how families and the Government prioritise spending in Guyana. In addressing the rising cost-of-living problems that Guyana faces, the President never blamed the Guyanese people. The President asserted that rising cost-of-living expenses are a consequence of a complicated set of factors, including international geopolitics, much of which is out of the control of Guyana itself. The President conceded that, although various actions by the Government have contributed to containing the rise, the various interventions have not been enough to completely contain the rise. He promised that the Government will continue to expand interventions, with actions and policies taking cognisance of changes in people’s lifestyles, examining ways to contain the rise in cost of living while accommodating changes in people’s lifestyles. It is a fact, an incontrovertible one, that Guyanese eating out more, increasing the contribution of imported sugary and salty food in our diet, changing shopping habits, including preferences for supermarket purchases, and other activities are increasingly becoming part of the lifestyle of citizens. This phenomenon of preferring restaurant food, relying more and more on imported food, and shopping in supermarkets which offer wider choices in products is not new but has significantly increased over the last few years. Home cooking is becoming less prominent in a family’s daily life. There are many reasons for these changes. Families have greater liquidity, more people are working, the transformation of the traditional lifestyle of women being at home has changed, etc. We see in every community, more and more restaurants cropping up. It is not just a Guyanese phenomenon; it is intensifying across the Caribbean and the world. It is the reason why CARICOM imports more than US$6 billion in food. At no point did the President in his remarks characterise this phenomenon of changing lifestyles as good or bad. He was simply acknowledging changing lifestyles among our people, and, therefore, the Government’s actions and policies must also address cost-of-living challenges, not only by examining what more can be done to address the global issues but also with policies and actions which can accommodate the changing lifestyles of Guyanese. Yet the headlines and the reports of what President Ali stated were framed as the President blaming citizens for the rising cost of living. At no point did the President blame citizens; at no point did the President seek to frame the problem as the Government doing all it could and that it was now up to the citizens; at no point did the President prescribe that citizens eat less, stay home, boycott restaurants and supermarkets, etc. Those who are pushing this false narrative are being barefaced, dishonest, and mischievous. Twisting President Ali’s words is despicable, wicked misinformation, underlining the deficit in honesty among sections of the formal media and social media commentators. Such shameless, mischievous misinformation erodes public trust, pervert free speech, and sow division. The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance

Some of the vehicles that were stopped by Police during the “White Light Exercise” in Region Three on Saturday

he Guyana Police Force (GPF) is stepping up enforcement against unsafe vehicle lighting and other traffic violations, with authorities signalling action against vehicle owners, importers, sellers and certifying officers. In a social media post on Monday, the

GPF said a “White Light Exercise” was conducted on Saturday along the Leonora Public Road, West Coast Demerara (WCD), Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) as part of its ongoing efforts to improve road safety and ensure compliance with traffic laws. The ex-

ercise was led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Roberts, together with other ranks from Regional Division Three. Police conducted checks on motor vehicles and drivers and detected 29 offences. These included 23 breaches of conditions of prescribed fitness, five cas-

es involving obscured identification marks and one uncertified motor vehicle. The certificates of fitness for 23 vehicles were revoked, with the affected drivers given later dates for re-examination. The exercise comes as the Police Traffic Department prepares for a more extensive crackdown on vehicle lights that do not comply with established requirements. According to a report published by News Room on Monday, Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh said the department intends to take unsafe lights off the streets and will target not only vehicle owners but also importers, sellers and certifying officers. Singh said authorities are moving to address the availability and use of lights capable of producing multiple colours, including LED lights that are being installed on vehicles. TURN TO PAGE 25

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Police to receive specialised training to tackle noise nuisance P olice Officers in all 12 policing divisions will commence intense training aimed at garnering the necessary skills to respond to noise-related complaints in a consistent and professional manner. This was one issue that was addressed during an engagement between the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to tackle noise nuisance across the country. The engagement on Monday formed part of ongoing efforts under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two agencies, with a focus on improving the Police Force’s capacity to effectively respond to complaints involving excessive noise. As part of the collaboration, police ranks will receive specialised training in the handling of noise nuisance complaints, including the proper use of

the country. The EPA continues to strengthen its enforcement of noise pollution regulations through a closer collaboration with the GPF – a move that will allow the Police to officially charge individuals under the agency’s regulations. The GEA had explained that this collaboration is part of a wider effort to ensure better compliance and accountability in addressing noise nuisance cases, which remain a persistent concern, particularly in urban

Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken along with the top brass of the GPF engaging with representatives from the GEA

equipment to measure and assess noise levels. The initiative will also ensure that the equipment is properly

calibrated and that ranks responsible for its use are adequately trained. The collaboration between the

GPF and EPA is expected to promote greater compliance with regulations governing noise levels across

and residential areas. The fines attached to noise pollution offences are substantial – ranging from $300,000 to $750,000 depending on the severity of the violation. Meanwhile, the EPA urged citizens, especially business owners and vehicle operators, to adhere to the Environmental Protection (Noise Management) Regulations, emphasising that enforcement will intensify once the new arrangements with the Police Force are finalised.

3-step approval process outlined for local hospitals seeking to do kidney transplants

Participants at the stakeholder’s engagement on transplant centre certification

he Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Agency (HOATTA) has announced a three-step certification process for hospitals seeking to conduct kidney transplants. The announcement was made during a sensitisation session with representatives of private and public hospitals and specialists involved in kidney transplantation to strengthen understanding of the regulatory requirements governing organ and tissue transplantation in Guyana. The session brought together representatives from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), St Joseph Mercy Hospital and Woodlands Hospital Inc, as well as specialist clinicians, including intensive care physicians, nephrologists and transplant surgeons. The session formed part of HOATTA’s ongoing work to support the implementation of the Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Act No. 1 of 2022 and to promote safe, ethical and quality-assured organ donation and transplantation services in Guyana. HOATTA’s Chairperson, Dr Shanti Singh-Anthony, explained that health facilities seeking certification as a transplant centre will first be required to submit an application. Secondly, upon receipt and review of the application, HOATTA will appoint a Health Facility

Certification Assessment Team to conduct an assessment of the facility against the established certification framework and standards. Third, where the outcome of the assessment is a recommendation for certification, HOATTA will make a formal recommendation to the Minister of Health for the designation of the health facility as a Transplant Centre, in accordance with Act No. 1 of 2022. Dr SinghAnthony encouraged participating hospitals to begin reviewing the certification document and to engage with HOATTA as they assess their current capacities and identify areas requiring further development. Moreover, during the session, Dr Singh-Anthony also provided an overview of the Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Act, the establishment and role of HOATTA, and the Agency’s statutory mandate. Particular attention was given to the provisions of the Act relating to the Designated Officer and Designated Hospital, and their importance within the regulatory framework for organ and tissue transplantation. Dr Singh-Anthony noted that, “in accordance with Act No. 1 of 2022 and the related regulations and policies, HOATTA is mandated to establish the framework and standards for certification. TURN TO PAGE 25

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Banks DIH distribute 5-year CAR Guyana Motors launches GWM in Guyana bursaries to NGSA top performers – eyes Renault & KGM expansion

CAR Guyana Motors Inc team

AR Guyana Motors Inc has officially been launched as the authorised dealer for GWM (Great Wall Motor) in Guyana, with plans to expand its brand offering to include Renault and

thusiasm from the business community at both our launch and test-drive event, and we look forward to bringing even more choices to Guyanese drivers as we grow,” a representative of the company stated.

Attendees at the launch

KGM in the near future. The launch event was followed by an open-house day, giving members of the public and the local business community the opportunity to experience the GWM range firsthand, including the brand’s SUV, truck and hybrid vehicle offerings. ”Car Guyana Motors Inc is here to change the mobility sector in Guyana, through exceptional customer service and a growing range of vehicles to match every driver’s needs. We were encouraged by the strong turnout and en-

In addition, those in attendance had the chance to get behind the wheel of GWM vehicles and speak directly with the Car Guyana Motors team about features, warranty coverage and after-sales support. Car Guyana Motors Inc is the authorised dealer for GWM in Guyana, with Renault and KGM to follow shortly. Meanwhile, the company is committed to offering Guyanese drivers a wider range of reliable, efficient, and modern vehicles including hybrid and electric opti-

One of the Great Wall Motor SUVs on display

ons backed by a regional parts warehouse, trained technicians and dedicated customer service.

ome 20 students were recently rewarded by Banks DIH Holdings Inc/Banks DIH Limited for their outstanding performances at the 2026 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA). The 20 students now join eighty others currently being supported through this Bursary programme. The top performers were selected from results submitted by employees and shareholders following the NGSA. Delivering the keynote address was the Finance Director of Banks DIH Limited, Deonarain Seepaul, who encouraged the scholars to stay curious, balanced and moving forward. ”Take this award today as a token of our belief in you, go to your new schools with your heads held high and make your

Officials from Banks DIH Holdings Inc/Banks DIH Limited along with the awardees

parents proud, make us proud, but most importantly, make yourselves proud,” he stated. This year’s awardees were Gabriella Phillips, Demitri Chase, Nikesha Makila Williams, Angel Amarah Stewart, Matthew Kendall, Ashanti Olivea Williams, Rebecca Stuffle, Richard Junior Stephens, Roshanie Mahadeo, Jasmin Benjamin, Romesh Khemlall, Kristian Daryl

Gomes, Makani Theron George, Seth Elliott Vasconcellos, Gabriella Allegra Siebs, Sanaa Afiya Adams, Nkechi Oprah Forrester, Ezekiel Anthony Singh, Bhudev Hafeez Persaud, and Shavnarine Deolall. The company, in statement to the media, stated that it is committed to supporting the students for the next five years as they aim to be all they can be.

20 NEWS 59 EBD residents benefit from cancer screening, health education TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Staff of The Lotus Cancer Initiative Inc, the Ministry of Health, and Oxford Medical Centre pose for a group photograph during the recently concluded cancer screening and diagnostic outreach at the Diamond Regional Hospital

he Lotus Cancer Initiative Inc, in collaboration with the Health Ministry and Oxford Medical recently provided 59 individuals from Diamond along the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) and surrounding communities with access to cancer screening, diagnostic services and health education. The outreach brought a range of specialist cancer-related services closer to residents, with a strong emphasis on prevention and early detection. A major component of the initiative was cervical cancer prevention and early detection. Women were provided with cervical cancer screening, including Pap smears and human papillomavirus (HPV) testing. Colposcopy and cervical biopsies were also available for women requiring

further evaluation. These services are critical in identifying cervical abnormalities early, allowing for appropriate investigation and treatment before they progress to cancer. The outreach also addressed breast cancer awareness and screening. Women received clinical breast examinations, along with information on breast health, breast awareness and the warning signs that should prompt medical attention. Where further assessment was indicated, women were referred for additional investigations, including mammography. Men were also engaged through prostate cancer screening and education, promoting greater awareness of prostate health and encouraging men to seek appropriate screening and medical evaluation. In addition

to the clinical services, participants benefited from health education sessions addressing cancer prevention, risk factors, warning signs, screening and the importance of seeking medical attention at the earliest opportunity. For Lotus, the outreach does not end when the last patient leaves. An important part of the organisation’s approach is patient follow-up and navigation after screening. Results are reviewed and communicated directly to patients, who are provided with an explanation of their findings and guidance on the appropriate next steps. Depending on the results, this may include routine screening, repeat testing, colposcopy, biopsy, imaging, specialist consultation or treatment. This patient-navigation approach seeks to add-

ress one of the critical challenges in cancer care: loss to follow-up after screening. Completing a screening test is only the first step. If an abnormal result is not communicated, understood or acted upon, an important opportunity for early diagnosis and treatment can be lost. Lotus therefore works to help patients navigate the healthcare system, understand their results and remain connected to the next stage of their care. “When I founded Lotus, I wanted us to look beyond the numbers. Every person we meet is someone’s mother, father, sister, brother, daughter or friend. Our responsibility is not only to bring screening to communities, but to make sure that people feel supported, informed and valued throughout. If we can help one person find a cancer earlier, prevent a cancer from developing, or give someone the confidence to seek care, then the work we are doing matters,” Founder and Chairperson of The Lotus Cancer Initiative Inc., Dr Shivani Samlall related. Through this approach, Lotus is working to strengthen a continuum of cancer care, from prevention and screening to diagnosis, treatment, follow-up and survivorship. The initiative also

A resident of the East Bank Corridor being registered to undergo cancer screening during the outreach

highlights the value of collaboration among Government, healthcare providers, community organisations and civil society in expanding access to cancer services. Lotus expressed its appreciation to all those who contributed to the outreach, including the Ministry of Health, the Oxford Medical Team, the Diamond Regional Hospital team, including members of the hospital’s Board of Directors, as well as Lotus members and volunteers. As Lotus continues to ex-

pand its community outreach programme across Guyana, its goal is not simply to screen more people, but to ensure that individuals who are screened receive their results, understand what those results mean and know what steps to take next. “Cancer care should not end with a screening test. We don’t just screen patients, we stay connected to their care. Screening saves lives. Early diagnosis matters. And access to cancer care should not depend on where someone lives,” Dr Samlall further added.

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Tristar Port’s focus on training Guyanese workers applauded …as US Ambassador hails facility as Guyana’s new gateway for energy, trade

nited States (US) Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot has highlighted the role of American engineering expertise in the development of Tristar Port on the West Bank of the Demerara (WBD) River, describing the facility as a major American investment supporting Guyana’s growing energy and trade sectors. Theriot made the remarks after visiting the facility on August 21. In a post shared by the US Embassy Guyana on Monday, she said engineering support from a Louisiana-based firm was helping to bring the project to fruition. “Phase One is already operational, delivering modern port infrastructure to Guyana,” Theriot said. She identified Tristar as a planned multipurpose hub that will support Guyana’s energy sector and regional trade, with future phases expected to increase container-handling capacity and logistics space. The Ambassador also welcomed

United States Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot during a tour of Tristar Port, West Bank of the Demerara River on Friday last

Tristar’s focus on training and developing Guyanese workers, noting that it was significant to see expertise from Louisiana being applied to the project. Tristar Port is being developed about 1.5 kilometres (km) from the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara Harbour Bridge and is intended to support the coun-

try’s offshore oil and gas industry, as well as wider cargo movement. According to an article published by OilNOW on July 8, the facility is designed to provide faster cargo handling, reduce congestion and improve the movement of cargo to key transport routes. Its location provides direct access to the Demerara

Harbour Bridge and Heroes Highway. The port is being developed in phases, with the first phase comprising 25 acres. A further 20 acres was expected to be stabilised by the end of the third quarter, while the full 65-acre facility is projected to be developed by early 2027. Tristar Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Cristobal

Schlaubitz previously said the facility was designed by Louisiana-based Case Engineering, which specialises in construction in swampy environments. The port’s infrastructure includes 90-foot concrete piles and a concrete platform designed to support heavy-duty operations. The facility has a 500-metre berth, along with another 100 metres on an eastwest berth, with plans for additional berthing capacity. Tristar also plans to deepen the port from about seven metres at low water to nine metres. Schlaubitz said the overall investment across the

project’s phases is expected to reach about US$250 million. The company currently employs about 60 Guyanese workers and has indicated that it intends to localise most positions as the facility expands. OilNOW reported that Tristar is also planning to invest more than US$20 million in shore-based mobile harbour cranes as cargo volumes increase. The port is expected to support cargo handling for offshore operators while providing an alternative logistics route to more congested areas around Georgetown and the East Bank.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FROM MECCA TO GUYANA THE EVER-LIVING PRAISE OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD

s Muslims in Guyana gather to celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, it is impossible to ignore the magnitude of his presence in human history. His name has travelled far beyond the cities of Mecca and Medina, beyond the Arabic tongue and well beyond the countries with Muslim majorities. Love and reverence for the Prophet have entered the languages, imaginations, poetry and even music of peoples who may not have fully understood him, but could not ignore the magnitude and impact of his message nor the loyalty, discipline and love his followers have for him.

masterpiece that seamlessly blends Arabic, Persian, Hindi, and Urdu in a single poem in praise of Prophet Muhammad.

At the climax of these gatherings in Guyana, there will be the “Grand Salam,” when the entire congregation stands to send greetings of peace and blessings to the last and noble Prophet who “was sent as a mercy to all of mankind.” It is with poetry that Muslims are constantly reminded that God’s Prophet is the “Leader of all creation” - humans and jinns, Arabs and non-Arabs of his status as the “Ultimate intercessor,” on the Day of Judgement, the “Embodiment of divine light”, an “Unmatched paragon of virtue”, and a “Healing In 1811, the great German composer Ludwig van Beethoven and solace for the soul.” set to music a chorus in praise of the Prophet Muhammad as The Burda of Imam Al-Büşīrī, written in the 13th century, part of his score for a play. Although his age was burdened by political prejudices born out of hostilities between the Ottoman is regarded as the most famous poem in honour and praise of Empire and Europe, Beethoven’s “Chorus of the Dervishes” is Prophet Muhammad. Translated from its original Arabic into dozens of languages, including English, it evokes scenes and regarded as a celebration of Prophet Muhammad. images of the Prophetic biography that increase yearning for The chorus invoked the Ka’bah in Mecca, which Muslims his blessed company. Upon his birth, the formidable balconies of the palaces of circumambulate when visiting the “House of Allah,” as it is described in the Quran. It included the miracle of the splitting the Persian King crumbled, and the fire of the Magians was of the moon by Prophet Muhammad, and “Buraq,” the majestic extinguished after burning for more than 1000 years. animal that God’s Messenger rode on his Night Journey from Mecca to Jerusalem. There, the chorus states, the Prophets of Būşīrī brings to life the scene of the Prophet and his comthe Old and New Testaments greeted him as a “Great Prophet.” panion taking refuge in a cave from his enemies during their In 1774, at the age of 23, the outstanding European poet migration from Mecca to Madina. The assassins on their heels Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote an ode to the Prophet would have looked into the cave had it not been for the miracle called “Muhammad Gesang.” His poem presents the Arabian of a spider’s web covering its entrance. In some of the most cinematic language, Būşīrī reminds Prophet as a spring that grew into a mighty river which gained its strength by uniting people of diverse cultures and ethnic- readers of the time when the Prophet called a tree, and it upities. Goethe’s portrayal of Prophet Muhammad bears testi- rooted itself and came to him, and of the grief of a palm trunk mony to the fact that many of Europe’s literary class saw the after he stopped using it to brace himself during his sermons Prophet as a powerful, life-giving and transformative leader to his community during the Friday congregational prayers. whose mission changed the course of history. Poetry in praise The celebration of Youman Nabi in Guyana is more than a of the Prophet Muhammad has long served as a lifeline of spiritual attachment to him; a devotional remembrance of the ex- remembrance of his noble birth in seventh- century Arabia. It alted esteem God accords him in revelation, and of the bless- is a renewal of an inheritance of faith carried across deserts, ed, humane and civilising power of his noble teachings. languages and oceans; through, first and foremost, the Arabic revelation of the Quran, Persian and Urdu verse, European Guyana is no exception. Poetry in praise of Prophet poetry and music, and the humble gatherings of Muslims setMuhammad has always been a cornerstone of Muslim re- tled in communities along our country’s coastline. ligious life. If one were to attend a gathering at their local In the hearts that send blessings upon Prophet Muhammad, masjid today, they’d likely hear poems in praise of Prophet Muhammad taken from a collection written more than a hun- his presence is not confined to history. His name continues to dred years ago, known as the Milad Al-Akbar of Khawaja gather people, soften hearts and call humanity to a state of Mohamad Abkar Warsi Meeruthi. mercy, justice, humility and love. More than fourteen and a half centuries after his birth, and Another collection by Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Brelvi, known nearly two centuries after the first Muslims arrived on these as Hadaiq-e-Bakhshish, contains gems such as “Mustafa Jaan- shores, Guyana’s Muslims continue to proclaim the enduring e-Rehmat Pe Laakhon Salaam “, a 171-couplet salutation to truth of that devotion: peace and blessings upon Muhammad the Prophet that is recited globally in congregational gather- - the one whom the Quran describes as “a mercy to all of manings, and “Lam Yaati Nazeeru Kafi Nazarin,” a multilingual kind.”

24 NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GPL continues crackdown on electricity theft country as part of efforts to curb electricity theft and improve the safety, reliability and efficiency of the electricity network.

GPL’s Loss Reduction Department disconnecting illegal connections on Monday

uyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) has stepped up efforts to remove illegal electricity connections from its network, with exercises conducted on Monday in four

communities. Through its Loss Reduction Department, GPL carried out operations in Stanleytown and Princess Elizabeth in New Amsterdam, Budhan

Scheme in West Canje, and Swan on the East Bank Demerara. The exercises were aimed at identifying and removing illegal connections, which GPL said can overload transformers and feeders, damage network infrastructure, and contribute to equipment fail-

ures and power disruptions. The company also warned that illegal connections pose serious safety risks, including electrocution and electrical fires. GPL reminded the public that electricity theft is a criminal offence and said persons found stealing electricity will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The utility company said it will continue conducting loss-reduction exercises in communities across the

Members of the public can report suspected electricity theft by calling 2262600, toll-free at 0475, or via WhatsApp at 699-4882.

25 Police intensify ASL aircraft overruns Baramita airstrip; passengers, pilot unharmed crackdown... NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FROM PAGE 15

The ASL plane after it skidded off the runway at Baramita on Monday (Demerara Waves Photo)

he Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has launched an investigation into an aircraft accident at the Baramita Airstrip, North West District (NWD) on Monday. This was confirmed by the Director General of the GCAA, Colonel Egbert Field, who stated that the single-engine Cessna Caravan, attached to Air Services Limited (ASL) with registration number 8R-GZR, overran the runway and ended up being stuck in the mud. He noted that while he remains informed by a team that was deployed to the area, he could safely say that the aircraft, which departed the Eugene F. Correira International Airport at

Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD), did not suffer any major damage. In addition, he added that the police and several passengers on board were also unharmed. “After the aircraft overran the runway, it slid off the runway and ended up in the mud, which played a major part in bringing the plane to a halt. The pilot and passengers were quickly evacuated from the aircraft, but based on initial reports, no injuries were reported,” Field told the Guyana Times. Furthermore, he stated that a preliminary investigation will determine what caused the aircraft to overrun the runway. On April 10, 2026, a single-engine Cessna aircraft, bearing registration

number 8R-YAC, crashed shortly after taking off from Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), leading to the death of the pilot, Nicaraguan national Captain Ryder Castello. It was reported that the aircraft departed Mahdia at approximately 08:10h on a cargo shuttle flight bound for Imbaimadai, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), with an expected arrival time of 08:40h. However, it failed to report its arrival, prompting a flight progress check at 08:44h. At the time, weather conditions in the area were reportedly poor, with heavy rainfall and reduced visibility. The GCAA swiftly responded to the incident, initiating protocols for a missing aircraft in-

volving a Cessna 208 operating along the MahdiaImbaimadai route. Search efforts led to the visual identification of the suspected crash site by two Trans Guyana Airways Cessna Caravans and a Britten-Norman Islander. Subsequently, a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) rescue team, comprising special forces and medical personnel, was deployed to the location. After a day of rescue and recovery missions, Captain Ryder Castello was found and transported to Georgetown. Three months after the incident, investigators were wrapping up their final phase of the probe. To date, the findings of the crash are yet to be released.

He said the issue will be addressed countrywide, stressing that such products should not be readily available for motorists to purchase and install. The Traffic Chief also said action will be taken against LED lights that replace the required yellow-coloured lights on vehicles. The enforcement effort will also cover the vehicle certification process. Singh said certifying officers were briefed last Thursday and are expected to properly examine vehicles before issuing certificates of fitness. He said officers would not be allowed to rely on claims that non-compliant lights were installed after certification. Singh, according to the News Room report, disclosed that one certifying officer has already been served with a disciplinary

notice over a direct order, indicating that the department intends to hold officers accountable for breaches. The Traffic Department is also expected to meet with importers and sellers, with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expected to participate in the discussions. Singh said businesses must be properly registered, imported products must be cleared through the appropriate channels and items being sold must meet the required standards. He warned that enforcement could result in businesses being shut down, operators being charged and non-compliant items being seized.

3-step approval process outlined for local hospitals seeking... At the same time, recognizing the local context and the challenges that hospitals may face in meeting certain mandatory certification requirements, HOATTA stands ready to work collaboratively with hospitals to identify gaps and support the strengthening of capacity in the areas where support is needed.”

Certification & protecting patients

Meanwhile, HOATTA Secretariat’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Sondia Gordon, emphasised that certification is central to protecting patients and upholding the integrity of Guyana’s transplant programme under the Act. She emphasised that “Certification is not about creating barriers. It is about setting the standard...A standard that is our assurance to the public that any institution performing living kidney donation and transplantation in Guyana has the capacity, the team, the systems, and the safeguards to do so safely, ethically, and transparently.” The core of the session was a detailed review of the Transplant Center Certification Manual, presented by Dr. David Samaroo, Member of HOATTA and focal point for the certifica-

tion process. The Manual outlines the requirements and process for attaining institutional certification as a Transplant Center. Dr. Samaroo guided participants through the key requirements, including technical human resources, infrastructure and equipment, clinical protocols, standard operating procedures, guidelines, and other essential institutional requirements. He encouraged the hospital leadership to prioritise the mandatory requirements and put in place the necessary measures to ensure compliance. In addition to the other mandatory requirements, the certification framework places particular emphasis on the establishment of a multidisciplinary kidney transplant team, comprising of qualified transplant and/or vascular surgeons, nephrologists, transplant nurses, and other related professionals. The team brings together the necessary clinical and technical expertise to support the evaluation of donors and recipients, transplantation, post-transplant care, and the management of potential complications. He further explained that, during the assessment process, the Health Facility Certification Assessment Team will categorise each requirement as fully met, par-

tially met, or not met. Based on the findings, recommendations will be provided to address identified gaps and strengthen the facility’s readiness for certification. Dr. Samaroo emphasised that HOATTA, together with the Health Facility Certification Assessment Team, stands ready to work collaboratively with hospitals to provide guidance and support in addressing identified gaps and building the capacity required to meet the certification requirements. “Certification is not simply about meeting a set of requirements; it is about ensuring that every transplant centre has the people, systems, infrastructure and processes in place to provide safe and quality transplant services. While the requirements are mandatory, our approach is collaborative. HOATTA is committed to working with hospitals to identify gaps, strengthen capacity and support them on the pathway to certification,” Dr. Samaroo said. Meanwhile, Dr Rita Gobin, Chair of the Institutional Review Board of the Health Ministry, underscored the importance of strong certification processes. She noted that, “Living kidney transplantation can save and transform lives, but it must always protect the au-

tonomy, safety, and dignity of both donor and recipient. Donation must be voluntary, based on fully informed consent, and free from coercion or financial inducement.” Dr. Gobin further shared that “ HOATTA’s certification process provides essential assurance that hospitals have the expertise, systems, and ethical safeguards required to deliver transplant services safely, transparently, and responsibly, while maintaining public trust.” Chief Executive Officer of the St Joseph Mercy Hospital, Enoch Gaskin , emphasized that, “Certification will provide an opportunity for the St Joseph Mercy Hospital to directly contribute to a better quality of life for persons suffering from chronic kidney disease.” Chief Executive Officer of the Woodlands Hospital, Dr Vilas Gobin welcomed the process. “Woodlands Hospital welcomes the publication of the Manual on Certification of Transplant Centres. It provides a clear framework for healthcare institutions to strengthen clinical governance, patient safety, and quality standards while supporting the development of safe, ethical, and internationally aligned transplant services in Guyana. We look forward to working closely with HOATTA as we

develop the hospital’s Kidney Transplant Programme.”

Structured national framework

According to a statement from the Health Ministry, the sensitisation session represents another step in the development of a structured national framework for organ and tissue transplantation in Guyana and reflects HOATTA’s commitment to ensuring that transplantation services are delivered within a system that prioritises patient safety, donor protection, ethical practice, quality of care and accountability. HOATTA is the national regulatory body in Guyana responsible for overseeing, regulating, and strengthening living and deceased organ donation and transplantation programs. It is established under the Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Act of 2021, and operates under the oversight of the Ministry of Health. In June, the Health Ministry announced that it is collaborating with the European Union (EU) through its Global Gateway initiative, to establish a sustainable organ donation and transplantation system in Guyana. The project, titled “Building a Sustainable Organ Donation and

FROM PAGE 18

Transplantation Programme in Guyana,” is being implemented under the Guyana HealthNext: Training, Research and Development Programme, which is coordinated by Expertise France. The programme will run through to October 2028, and is expected to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive and internationally aligned organ donation and transplantation framework in Guyana. It is designed to address the growing burden of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease in Guyana, conditions that currently leave many patients dependent on dialysis with limited access to transplantation. Over the course of the programme, activities will focus on establishing a fully operational national HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) laboratory, strengthening nephrology and transplant referral pathways, building institutional capacity for deceased organ donation, and supporting the development of a national governance framework aligned with international standards. The project is expected to position the country as a potential regional reference model for organ donation and transplantation in the Caribbean.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World US military says strike on alleged OILNEWS OIL NEWS drug-smuggling boat kills 2

Oil drops more than $2 despite new US sanctions on Iran

il prices slipped more than US$2 a barrel on Monday as investors took profits after recent gains and shrugged off new US sanctions on Iran. Brent crude futures settled down US$2.22, or ‌2.35 per cent, to US$92.17, while US West Texas Intermediate crude fell US$2.05 a barrel, down 2.35 per cent at US$85.01. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday announced an expansion of secondary sanctions it can impose on entities and countries that maintain business ties with Iran around the world as Washington significantly ratchets up economic pressure on Tehran with the war nearing its 6-month mark. This followed Trump’s threats of “economic warfare and isolation on an unprecedented scale” against Tehran last week. “There is not much new that came out of Bessent’s commentary, beyond what was telegraphed in advance,” said Raymond James Investment Strategy Analyst Pavel Molchanov. The oil market, having rallied quite a bit last week, saw profit taking today, he added. Both contracts posted a second consecutive weekly gain last week, rising more than 5 per cent. Iran had condemned US plans to announce new sanctions, and President Masoud Pezeshkian had called ‌for a diplomatic solution. Pakistan’s army chief was visiting Tehran on Monday for mediation talks, ahead of the US announcement. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Ebola cases in DRC hit 5515 as Pope Leo urges global action to save lives

he United States military said it struck a suspected drug-trafficking boat in the Pacific Ocean, killing two people. In a Monday post on X, US Southern Command (SouthCom) said Sunday’s strike targeted a vessel operating along established narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific. “This operation is a clear and decisive reminder that SouthCom is taking the fight directly to the cartels.”

Grainy, black-and-white video accompanying the post appeared to show a boat moving through the water immediately before a large explosion. The post stated that under the direction of SouthCom Commander General Francis L Donovan, the Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere executed a lethal kinetic strike on the low-profile vessel. The US military launched Operation

Southern Spear in early September, with President Donald Trump arguing that Washington is effectively at war with Latin American drug cartels. Since then, more than 200 people have been killed in strikes across the Eastern Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, according to a tally by the AFP news agency. However, the Trump Administration has not provided definitive evidence

that the targeted vessels were involved in drug trafficking. Legal experts and rights groups warn that the attacks could amount to extrajudicial killings. The Pentagon’s inspector general said in May that it would review whether the military followed standard targeting procedures, though the evaluation will not examine the legal authority behind the strikes. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Barbados PM arrives in Venezuela for talks with Acting President

arbados Prime Minister (PM) Mia Mottley arrived in Venezuela on Monday for talks with acting President Delcy Rodríguez as the two countries seek to deepen their bilateral relations. In a statement, PM Mottley said that “from the outset our focus was on our people and the possibilities we can create for them. She said that both countries have already seen the human value of this friendship, noting that when the twin earthquakes struck the South American country in June, killing thousands of people, “Barbados answered with rescue workers, medical teams, humanitarian sup-

Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez welcoming Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley with military honours at the Palacio de Miraflores in Caracas

plies and a field hospital in Guaraná. “ Mottley said, “Agreements such as these must be felt

at home in the choices our young people have, the markets our producers can reach and the greater security of ev-

ery Barbadian family. “That is how we build a stronger Barbados and remain the kind of neighbour that shows up when it matters,” she added. Rodriquez had, in April, paid a two-day visit to Barbados, holding talks with Mottley to build regional cooperation in food security and energy. The visit marked Rodríguez’s first trip to Barbados since her swearing-in on January 5 and her second international visit overall, following a trip to Grenada in early April as part of a strategic cooperation agenda. (Excerpt from Trinidad and Tobago Guardian)

New gang attack in Haiti’s Kenscoff kills at least 30

A Aid workers retrieve a body from a house in Mongbwalu, in the DRC’s Ituri province

he Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reached 5515 confirmed cases of infection and killed 2642 persons, with 51 new cases detected in Ituri and North Kivu provinces, according to the latest Government figures. The update on Sunday came as Pope Leo called for international action to help contain the epidemic, which is now the deadliest Ebola outbreak in the DRC’s history. Declared in mid-May, it is the DRC’s 17th Ebola epidemic and was designated a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization (WHO). The outbreak is now on track to surpass the deadliest Ebola epidemic on record, which was the 2014–

2016 outbreak in West Africa that killed more than 11,000. At the Vatican on Sunday, Pope Leo offered prayers for the DRC, “in light of the spread of the Ebola epidemic, which is sadly claiming many lives.” According to Government figures, the case fatality rate in the DRC has climbed from about 20 per cent in early June to nearly 48 per cent now, meaning almost one in two infected people are dying. Contact tracing, however, has improved sharply, from 30 per cent in June to more than 85 per cent. The disease has also proved deadly for those fighting it. About 160 health workers have been infected, and about 45 have died, according to the WHO. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

t least 30 persons were killed in a gang attack in Kenscoff on Sunday night, according to Mayor Massillon Jean, as members of the Viv Ansanm coalition attacked several areas of the mountainous community, less than 10 miles southeast of Port-au-Prince – the capital city. The bloodbath began around 10:30h on Sunday and continued into Monday, Jean said. Armed men moved through several areas, including the town centre, Vilier Street near the municipal building, Viard 1, Madeleine, Fermathe 52 and Thomassin 48. Jean initially said municipal authorities had not established an official death toll or determined the full extent of the destruction. Residents

Police Officers patrol the area near the Saint-Helene orphanage in Kenscoff

fleeing the violence reported seeing dozens of bodies along the roads. By Monday, Jean said that at least 30 people had been killed. The final toll could rise as authorities and residents gain access to areas affected

by the attack. Residents also reported homes burnt, people abducted and others missing. The attackers targeted a church where displaced families had sought refuge, residents and local officials said.

The National Network for the Defence of Human Rights estimated 30 to 40 persons had been killed, ⁠and 15 to 20 wounded in the overnight raid, but warned it was still difficult to assess a complete tally. A prominent physician and leading public health expert in Haiti was among those whose property was targeted, according to local media reports. The latest attack is part of a prolonged campaign of violence in Kenscoff. The commune has faced repeated incursions by Viv Ansanm since January 2025, with residents repeatedly forced from their homes as armed groups have sought to expand their influence in the area. (Excerpt from The Haitian Times)

Iran-linked hackers blamed for taking down UK power plant

ranian-affiliated hackers successfully but temporarily took a power plant offline in the United Kingdom, according to multiple British media outlets. The Telegraph and Financial Times reported the attack, which they say happened in July but is only now being reported, is believed to be the first time Iranian-

linked hackers managed to shut down such a facility in the country. In both attacks, computers called “programmable logic controllers” were targeted, according to US officials and people familiar with the matter in the UK. Also known as PLCs, these are the brains of automated industrial systems found around the world

that in large part span energy, water and manufacturing. But they are also used ubiquitously in hospitals to help supply power in blackouts, in chemical plants to control temperature and pressure to avoid explosions and in elevators and trains to control speed. PLCs are also employed to control prison security gates, in the timing of

traffic light systems and in the activation of fire suppression systems. For years, the UK has warned of Iranian-linked cyber activity. But the warnings sharply intensified early this year, triggered by the USIsrael war against Iran and the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. (Excerpt from BBC News)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026

ARCHIE

DAILY HOROSCOPES

(March 21-April 19)

Concentrate on your relationships with others. Participate in events or projects that resolve issues that concern you. Expand your interests, circle of friends and desire to look, feel and do your best. If you challenge yourself, it will lead to positive change and earning potential. Happiness is following your dreams, maintaining your standards and feeling proud of what you accomplish. Taking on too much and overreacting will cost you. Source out information before you make a move. Listen carefully, but refrain from divulging your thoughts or plans. Time is on your side, and planning is crucial. Being a spectator will lead to more options. Having discipline will curb temptation and help you gain respect.

PICKLES

(April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

Take time to rearrange your space to suit your needs. If you start something new without proper preparation, you’ll end up wasting valuable time. By learning from experience, you’ll fulfill an emotional need. Being open and honest and following through with your promises will help command the attention, support and help necessary to gain momentum and to reach your goal. Be honest with yourself before you start making changes that are detrimental to your reputation, work or concerns. Invest more time and money in your future and better health. How you live, the eating habits you adopt and the energy you put into looking and feeling good will determine how well you do. Don’t be a follower; lead the way. Share your thoughts with the ones you love. The tone you set will have an impact. Positive change begins with a positive attitude and the willingness to compromise when necessary. Share the limelight, and be the one to lift others up. Personal and physical improvements will lead to self-love and better relationships with others. Stretch your mind. Engage in activities that make you think, and adopt a routine or lifestyle that encourages you to save, pay attention to detail and take better care of your health. Focus on the things and the people who make you feel good about yourself. An attitude filled with gratitude will serve you well. A commitment to yourself or someone close to you will pay off. Denying something or trying to avoid situations will set you back. Don’t run and hide when you should embrace, deal with and correct anything that’s run amok. It’s up to you to orchestrate possibilities and to follow through. A lifestyle change will enhance your existence.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Distance yourself from situations you cannot change. Set your course on a learning expedition that can help you enhance your earning capacity, but don’t overpay for something you don’t need. Honing skills through practice and displaying what you accomplish will set you apart from any competition you encounter. Work toward your goals in secrecy to take everyone by surprise.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Refrain from sharing too much information. Someone will be eager to use your news against you if given the opportunity. Focus on home, and make your place one of comfort. Use your imagination to find a way to stay within your budget and achieve your goals. An opportunity to improve your profits looks promising. Dig in and get your paperwork in order. What you discover will save you money and put your mind at ease. Refuse to let an outsider tell you what to do. Call the shots and reap the rewards. Protect against crooks and pressure tactics that you encounter. Don’t share personal information or let anyone goad you into a fight.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Choose kind gestures and a positive attitude. The people you encounter will impact your life and encourage you to follow your heart and to strive for the goals you want to achieve. Change begins with you, so follow through and make things happen. If you use your creative imagination, you’ll discover a way to increase your earning potential. You’ll be drawn into conversations that cause confusion. Trust your instincts over what others propose. Being true to yourself will lead to activities and people who enrich your life. Now is not the time to be a follower or to take on someone else’s purpose. Find your own way and follow through, and you’ll feel good about yourself.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026

India dictate terms after Jurel’s unbeaten century

Dhruv Jurel reached his second Test hundred

h r u v Jurel struck a 177-ball 115 as India piled on the runs on a rain-truncated second day’s play in Colombo to take total control of proceedings. Having declared at 503 for nine, India had already picked up two Sri Lankan scalps when play was called off for the day due to bad light. At the crease was Kamil Mishara on debut, as he watched helplessly from the non-striker’s end as his opening partner Lahiru Udara and then night-watcher Prabath Jayasuriya fell under fading light. Both batters walked off openly aggrieved, having repeatedly complained to the umpires about the light conditions, but India won’t mind that one bit. Sri Lanka had begun their response with a little

under an hour’s play missal brought back Pant, left in the day but had and it was here that India to go off the field after took control of proceedings. two deliveries when Sri Lanka had done well it started drizzling. till that point to chip away The dark clouds at what was a pretty placoverhead suggest- id pitch – albeit one that ed that something was beginning to take more heavier was com- turn. But any hopes they had ing, but it never transpired. Play of running through the then resumed at Indian lower order were 17:35h local time, where quickly extinguished as only three overs were possi- Pant and Jurel took charge. ble before umpires stopped The former struck a customarily brisk 63 off 89 during a play for bad light. In that time, there were stand of 112 off just 152 deconsistent complaints from liveries. In fact, as Pant walked the Sri Lankans about the light, but to no avail. Not out to the middle, everyone that that would have been knew what the plan would an excuse for the two dis- be – barrage him with some missals. short stuff. And for a while The first was one that it seemed that Pant would bounced sharply and remain circumspect, perstraightened down the haps waiting out the now line of the off stump from customary short spells from Prasidh Krishna, as Udara the fast bowlers. A wise move – practical, seemed to close the face a touch early, looking to de- even. fend it into the onside. The ball flew off the leading edge as Yashasvi Jaiswal at gully took an outstanding catch, diving to his right. Jayasuriya, meanwhile, survived a Manav Suthar arm ball once in the over, rapped on the back foot but set to miss leg stump, but was done in by another a few balls later – this one striking the bat via the front pad. Sri Lanka reviewed, but the umpire’s call on the wickets hitting confirmed the bad news. The umpires brought play to a close straight after. If Sri Lanka feels hard done by the conditions, India will be absoAsitha Fernando ended the lutely chuffed at having innings with four wickets made the most of what are likely to be the best of the batting conditions, as Jurel, with contributions from a wounded Rishabh Pant and Suthar, potentially batted Sri Lanka out of the contest. Jurel started the day off with Saransh Jain for company, but the debutant wouldn’t last long, failing to successfully fend off an Asitha Oh, Fernando bumper to a what’s diving second slip. It that? It’s was Asitha’s fourth on the roof? Yup. That’s of the innings, but he would be unable to not Pant’s get what would have game. A short been a first-ever fiveball from around for on Sri Lankan the wicket, a ball soil. not all that dissimilar Saransh’s disto the one that injured

India made early inroads

Pant the previous day, and there he was getting inside the line to hook and landing it on the SSC roof. The ball was replaced, and Pant did not look back. At the other end Jurel was the picture of calm, just gliding along with singles and the odd boundary. There were no shots in anger and no risk, but yet the scoreboard kept moving along. Sri Lanka’s spinners in the meantime began to find grip and turn, but so set were the pair that they quickly moved past any that beat the bat and carried on unflustered. The wicket, like so many in this Indian innings, came against the run of play as Pant found long off first ball after lunch. His exit brought about a more attritional session as Suthar and Jurel put together a 39-run stand off of 76 deliveries, but worryingly for Sri Lanka, the score kept going. It took another batter error to bring the breakthrough as Suthar edged a pretty standard wide delivery from Jayasuriya. With Mohammed Siraj out in the middle, Jurel finally began farming the strike, but even so, the score moved along. The only excitement at this point came about as a result of the rain, which stopped the post-lunch session early and delayed the start of the final session. When play resumed, Jurel had a nervy moment getting to his century. With 21 deliveries having gone by after reaching 99, Jurel was biding his time patiently for that crucial

single. Sri Lanka, for their part, played on the psychology of the situation, bringing

necessary as the ball missed the stumps. Following this, India

The rain came down a short while before tea

in the field. In the end the pressure told as Jurel stole a quick single to mid-off, one where a direct hit would have seen him dismissed. As it was, his full-length dive was un-

aaa

looked to up the scoring rate and quickly passed the 500 mark before promptly declaring. Then with the ball they put Sri Lanka well and truly on the ropes. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

India 1st Innings Yashasvi Jaiswal b Fernando 45 KL Rahul c †Dickwella b Kumara 18 Devdutt Padikkal b Nuwantha 117 Shubman Gill (c) c †Dickwella b Fernando 50 Rishabh Pant † c Udara b Nuwantha 63 Ravindra Jadeja b Fernando 43 Dhruv Jurel not out 115 Saransh Jain c Mishara b Fernando 6 Manav Suthar c †Dickwella b Jayasuriya 18 Mohammed Siraj lbw b Jayasuriy 3 Prasidh Krishna not out 4 Extras (b 8, lb 3, nb 3, w 7) 21 Total 138 Ov (RR: 3.64) 503/9d Fall of wickets: 1-37 (KL Rahul, 10.4 ov), 2-66 (Yashasvi Jaiswal, 16.6 ov), 3-186 (Shubman Gill, 51.5 ov), 3-207* (Rishabh Pant, retired not out), 4-281 (Devdutt Padikkal, 76.2 ov), 5-296 (Ravindra Jadeja, 84.1 ov), 6-307 (Saransh Jain, 86.5 ov), 7-419 (Rishabh Pant, 112.1 ov), 8-458 (Manav Suthar, 124.4 ov), 9-489 (Mohammed Siraj, 136.1 ov) Bowling O-M-R-W Asitha Fernando 29-5-106-4

Lahiru Kumara Prabath Jayasuriya Keshara Nuwantha Sonal Dinusha Dhananjaya de Silva Kamil Mishara

20-4-68-1 42-7-132-2 38-3-154-2 3-0-8-0 2-0-8-0 4-0-16-0

Sri Lanka 1st Innings Lahiru Udara c Jaiswal b Prasidh Krishna 1 Kamil Mishara not out 5 Prabath Jayasuriya lbw b Suthar 2 Extras 0 Total 3 Ov (RR: 2.66) 8/2 Yet to bat: Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella †, Keshara Nuwantha, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Lahiru Udara, 1.2 ov), 2-8 (Prabath Jayasuriya, 2.6 ov) Bowling O-M-R-W Mohammed Siraj 1-0-1-0 Prasidh Krishna 1-0-1-1 Manav Suthar 1-0-6-1

29 Last-minute buy, tough competition – Guyana Cup declared a success TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ebutant Sand Pipes ran the mile of its life at the Rising Sun Turf Club, West Coast Berbice (WCB), on Sunday evening to grab the $12M grand prize in the Banks Beer Guyana Cup. The premier race of Sunday’s packed, 14-race event, Sand Pipes beat out the experienced veterans like former champion Dataman, Olympic Kremlin, and Stat, in addition to similar newcomers. Overcome by emotions following the comprehensive victory on Sunday, Jumbo Jet Racing Stables owner Nasrudeen Mohamed Jr told the story of Sand Pipes’ entry into the Guyana Cup, which was a last-minute decision. “It was a last-minute

Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr declared Sunday’s event a success (NCN Photo)

purchase,” Mohamed Jr told media operatives. “We were running out of time,

The winners at the Guyana Cup 2026 included the following: Heartland (Jonathan Cheefoon) Daring Move (JS Racing Stables) GT Boss (Perreira Racing Stable) Bourbon Blitz (Dhanessar Rampersaud) Republican II (Elcock Racing Stable) Three D Movie (JS Racing Stables) Theory of Colours (Jagdeo Racing Stable) Barbara (Jumbo Jet Racing Stable)

Brilliant Bride (Brunson Cheeffoon) Calypso Queen (Slingerz Racing Stable) Torpedo Jet (Jumbo Jet Racing Stable) Prototype (Jagdeo Racing Stable) Sir London (Dave Chattergoon, Dillon Sooklall, Lenio Roberto Alves Viera) Sand Pipes (Jumbo Jet Racing Stable)

and we had to get a horse to back the team up, and the horses came up in a hurry, and we just got it right on time. The horse only arrived last week, and we were just hoping for the best.” “I just want to thank everyone: all the supporters, the sponsors, the fans,” the Jumbo Jet owner added. Meanwhile, following a day of exciting races on the turf, Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr declared this year’s 18th running of the Guyana Cup a success. The Sport Minister related, “This is evidence of

another successful event, and you’ve seen how horse racing has grown over the last four years, and it’s significant. This is turning into one of the marquee events for the entire calendar, and the Government is making that commitment, that forming that partnership.” “We want to congratulate Junior and his entire team and his dad, who started this many, many years ago.” Referencing the Guyana Horse Racing Act, which was passed in 2025, and the subsequent installation of the Horse Racing

Authority, the Sport Minister envisioned that the event will only grow from here on out. “We’re really pleased to see that the event has turned into a huge success over the last four years, and now that we have the new Horse Racing Authority Act in place, horse racing is just going to grow from strength to strength, and it’s just going to become one of the big industries in Guyana,” Ramson Jr opined. “This event has always had a big crowd, a big turnout. We’ve seen that here for the first time when there were a lot of persons who jammed up the road. Luckily, you’ve seen how we’ve learned from that, and luckily that didn’t happen in any of the events coming out from that.” New Guyana Cup champion The Sport Minister Sand Pipes was a lastcontinued, “But the minute buy from the Jumbo Jet Racing Stables fact that people come here from so early and stay and are so excited that they just want to importantly, we’re be part of this event rehappy to see that ally shows that there’s a the industry itself is getlove for horse racing that ting the kind of recogniis undefeatable. So, we’re tion and development that very pleased to see that is needed.” it’s growing, but it’s more

Sherwin Williams 2nd Division T20 Cup…

GPF complete easy win; Bel Air Rubis down Diplomats T

Captain Ameer Mohamed

he Guyana Police Force (GPF) Cricket Team produced a dominant performance when the Sherwin Williams Second Division T20 Cup resumed over the weekend, cruising to a nine-wicket victory over Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) at the Queen’s College Ground. After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Police restricted DCC to 86 for three from their allotted 20 overs. Kishawn Silas top-scored with 24 from 53 deliveries, while Jermaine

Grovesnor contributed 23 from 31 balls and Alphius Bookie made 17. The GPF bowlers maintained a disciplined approach throughout the innings, with Titus Webster taking one for 21 from three overs and captain Ameer Mohamed claiming one for 24 from his four overs. Chasing 87 for victory, GPF made light work of the target, reaching 89 for one in just 9.2 overs. Pernell London led the charge with an attacking 42 from 28 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes. He shared a productive opening partnership with Lennox Andrews before falling with the score at 77.

Andrews continued the assault, finishing unbeaten on 37 from 26 deliveries, with three fours and two sixes. Mohamed then joined him and quickly sealed the victory, remaining unbeaten on seven from two balls as Police completed the emphatic win with 64 balls to spare. Meanwhile, at the Transport Sports Club ground, Bel Air Rubis secured an 18-run victory over Diplomats. Bel Air Rubis, having won the toss and elected to bat, posted 116 for five from their 20 overs. Ajay Gainda top-scored with 37 from 40 balls, including five fours and a six, while Arun Gainda added 27 from 33 deliver-

ies. Diplomat A s h t o n Collins was the pick of the bowlers with two for 11 from four overs. In reply, diplomats were bowled out for 98 in 18.1 overs. Rayson Gill led the scoring with 36 from 32 balls, but the innings failed to gather sufficient momentum. Travis Persaud was the chief destroyer with three for 10, while Arun Gainda and Aravinda Gainda claimed two wickets apiece to complete the victory for Bel Air Rubis.

Lennox Andrews

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026

BEI, Annandale to vie for Beharry U19 T20 honours today

Beharry Restaurants Marketing Manager Kristy-Ann Ramsamooj

he Enterprise Community Centre Ground on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) will be the perfect backdrop for a monumental clash today, Tuesday, August 25, as the curtains come down on the inaugural Beharry Group Under-19 Secondary Schools’ T20 Cricket tournament. After weeks of competition across the country, only two teams remain; Berbice Educational Institute (BEI) and Annandale Secondary. The finalists met a few weeks prior in the tournament’s Top Eight playoffs, where BEI had the upper

hand with a 35-run victory, but Annadale has since put together a string of clinical victories and will be looking for revenge. During a face-off at the title sponsors’ Charlotte Street, Georgetown, office on Monday, the Captains shared their expectations for tomorrow’s game. Annandale Secondary’s Joshua Bollers shared, “As any final, when you’re approaching it, there will be some nerves, but we think once we come out [and] we play fearless cricket, there shouldn’t be any factor that should stop us from winning.”

BEI Coach Naeem Khan

BEI’s Gilbert Griffith went on to state, “We just have to play the best game tomorrow, and we got this. Just play our best game and we’ll carry it home to Berbice.” While expectations also came from the finalists’ coaches, those individuals also spoke to the value of the competition. Annandale’s Coach, Parmanand Dindyal, expressed, “Thanks to the organisers, the sponsors; it is a very good thing they’ve done for this country for cricket presently. After so many years school cricket hasn’t [been] played.”

Annandale Secondary Coach Parmanand Dindyal

“We prepared, Berbice prepared… the best team may hop to one,” Dindyal added. On the other hand, BEI’s Coach Naeem Khan divulged, “The Manager and I, we have been working with the players; we’ve had a few practice sessions, we’re working, and we’re ready for Annandale. I know for sure, on the day, as long as we put in the performances, we will come out on top.” “I’d like to thank Beharry Group of Companies for sponsoring such a tournament. It may look as just a tourna-

ment, but in the long run, it’s not just that. What’s it all about? It’s about laying a platform for development for youths in Guyana. I’d like to thank them for realising this,” Khan further noted. In a word from the sponsors, Beharry Restaurants Marketing Manager KristyAnn Ramsamooj reiterated their commitment to the tournament. “Through cricket, we aim to create opportunities that will foster a positive environment for youth development by combining sport training

with mentorship, character building with education and community engagement. We do hope to empower our young people and our communities at large,” Ramsamooj told the gathering. The Beharry Restaurants Marketing Manager added, “Looking forward to tomorrow’s game.” The Beharry U19 T20 final is set to get underway at 13:00h on Tuesday. That final will be preceded by a novelty match, pitting the sponsors against the Ministry of Education, set for 10:00h.

Maradona’s “Hand of Essequibo, Berbice secure God” ball sells for £2.5M U13 Inter-County wins

Julian Singh

he Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Under-13 Inter-County Super 50 competition continued on Monday with Essequibo and Berbice recording victories in their respective matches. At the Lusignan Community Centre Ground, East Coast Demerara (ECD), Essequibo produced a convincing six-wicket victory over GCB Select XI. The Select XI won the toss and elected to bat but struggled against an impressive Essequibo bowling attack, being dismissed for 117 in 35.3 overs. Astin Peters top-scored with 17 from 25 balls, while Isaac Hussain contributed 16 from 34 deliveries. Saif Hussain was the outstanding bowler for Essequibo, claiming five wickets for just 12 runs. Essequibo made light work

of the chase, reaching 118 for four in 22.1 overs. Julian Singh anchored the innings with a composed 47 from 47 balls, while Ugesh Ramnarine added 16. Kishan Bhikhan was the best of the Select XI bowlers, with two for 28. Meanwhile, at the LBI ground, Berbice defeated

Demerara by 24 runs in another keenly contested encounter. Berbice, batting first after winning the toss, posted 146 all out in 38.1 overs. Deonarine Chattergoon led the batting with 23, while Alden Hope made 20 and Jayden Garner contributed 14. Caleb Bastian was the pick of the Demerara bowlers, taking four for 29 from eight overs, while Huzaifah Shadir claimed two for 20. Demerara’s reply ended at 122 all out in 34.5 overs. Rakeeb Latif top-scored with an unbeaten 30, while Bastian added a quick 29 from 21 balls. Aiyan Persaud chipped in with 20. Justin Southwell spearheaded the Berbice bowling effort with three for 15 from seven overs, while Lamar Lafleur took two for 15 and Deonarine Chattergoon claimed one for 18. Berbice held their nerve to secure the 24-run victory, with Bastian named Man of the Match for his all-round contribution.

The “Hand of God” football was previously sold in 2022

he football with which Diego Maradona scored his famous “Hand of God” goal at the 1986 World Cup has sold at auction for £2.5 million. Maradona famously

Shilton. Though it sold for $3.3 million (£2.5 million) at Heritage Auctions in the United States on Saturday, the ball had been expected to fetch nearer $10 million (£7.3 million).

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Saif Hussain

used during the match, which has also been confirmed by further independent authentication. Bin Nasser sold the ball in 2022 for $2.37 million (£1.74 million). Its new owner again put it up for auction in 2023, though it did not sell as bids did not meet the minimum value set. The shirt worn by Maradona during the same match sold for £7.1 million at auction in 2022. (BBC Sport)

punched the ball past goalkeeper Peter Shilton in Argentina’s 2-1 quarter-final win over England. After the game, he told reporters it had been scored “a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God”. Maradona later scored what became known as the “goal of the century” in the same game, dribbling past five England outfield players before slotting the ball past

Speaking to Reuters before the auction, Mike Provenzale, a specialist auctioneer at Heritage, said: “It’s a true one-of-one item. Arguably the most significant soccer item that exists.” Tunisian Ali Bin Nasser, who refereed the match in 1986, collected the Adidas Azteca ball at full time and kept it for more than three decades. In 2023, he signed a letter to confirm it was the only ball

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Mile High Travels launches special charter flights for CPL fans

Mile High Travels has launched a series of special charter flights connecting cricket fans across the region for the Republic Bank CPL

ile High Travels has launched a series of special charter flights connecting cricket fans across the region to Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League

(CPL) 2026 matches, with services linking Antigua, St Kitts, Trinidad, Guyana, and Barbados throughout the tournament. The flight programme runs from August 24

through 12, September 2026, offering fans the opportunity to follow the tournament’s biggest matches in person as CPL moves between host territories. Multiple flights are sched-

uled each week across the network, giving supporters flexibility to plan their CPL journey around the fixtures that matter most to them. While these flights are available for fans coming to CPL games, they are also a convenient way to move around the region at affordable prices. Passengers travelling with Mile High Travels may also find themselves sharing a cabin with the players and franchises they support, as teams move between territories on the same charter network throughout the group stage. The initiative reflects CPL’s growing global appeal and its commitment to making the tournament, often billed as the “Biggest Party in Sport”, as accessible as possible to fans across the Caribbean and beyond. Regional travel has long been part of the CPL experience, with supporters following their teams from island to island for an atmosphere unmatched in

franchise cricket. Seats on Mile High Travels’ CPL charter flights are available now and are expected to move

quickly given the tournament’s growing following. Fans are encouraged to book early to guarantee their place on board.

Mile High Travels CPL 2026 Flight Programme ANU – Antigua, SKB – St Kitts, POS – Trinidad, GEO – Guyana, BGI – Barbados DATE FROM Aug-24-26 Aug-24-26 Aug-27-26 Aug-28-26 Aug-29-26 Aug-29-26 Aug-30-26 Aug-30-26 Aug-31-26 Sep-01-26 Sep-01-26 Sep-02-26 Sep-02-26 Sep-03-26 Sep-05-26 Sep-06-26 Sep-07-26 Sep-07-26 Sep-09-26 Sep-09-26 Sep-10-26 Sep-10-26 Sep-12-26

DEP (LOCAL) ANU 13:00h POS 15:00h POS 13:00h SKB 13:00h POS 13:00h SKB 15:00h POS 13:00h GEO 15:00h SKB 13:00h POS 13:00h GEO 15:00h SKB 13:00h BGI 15:00h GEO 11:40h GEO 13:00h BGI 13:00h GEO 11:00h BGI 14:00h GEO 13:00h BGI 15:00h GEO 13:00h BGI 15:00h GEO 13:00h

TO POS ANU SKB POS SKB POS GEO SKB POS GEO SKB BGI POS SKB BGI GEO BGI GEO BGI GEO BGI GEO BGI

ARR (LOCAL) 14:05h 16:05h 14:05h 14:05h 14:05h 16:05h 14:00h 16:00h 14:05h 14:00h 16:00h 14:00h 15:40h 12:40h 14:15h 14:15h 12:15h 15:15h 14:15h 16:15h 14:15h 16:15h 14:15h

Lotto/Let’sBet T10 Tapeball…

Looknauth, Hubbard power Bulls DTP II to Essequibo Zone title T h r e e z o n e champions have now been crowned in the fourth instalment of the Lotto/Let’sBet One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast as t h e

Vincent 25) rethem to five. The chase was a for-

(one for stricted 83 for

mality as Essequibo County batter Malcom H u b b a r d launched a swashbuckling attack, smashing an unbeaten 43 off just 15 balls Lusignan as the Bulls raced to 88 B u l l s franchise, for one in 5.3 overs. through their The title victory earned Bulls DTP II DTP II team, $500,000 courtesy of charged to Shawn’s Mini Mart, the Essequibo Zone title at the while runners-up Anna Regina Royals collected Stadium on $200,000 sponsored Sunday eveby Jaigobin Hotel. ning. The final’s dominance followed The Bulls Richie Looknauth hammered a a breath-taking produced a stupendous 107 not clinical dissemi-final exhibiout off only 27 balls play in the tion earlier in the final to day, where Bulls skipper Richie dismantle Team Looknauth batRoyals. ted Adventure After Renegades out Royals of the tournao p t ed to ment. bat, a disciLooknauth hammered a plined stupendous b o w l ing perfor107 not out mance led off only 27 balls – laced by Essequibo national youth with three player Bruce boundar-

ies and 13 massive sixes – joining forces with Hubbard (39* off 14) in an explosive 123-run partnership across 5.2 overs to propel the Bulls to a mammoth 198 for three in 10 overs. Renegades managed 89 for three in response, anchored by Mark Gonsalves’ unbeaten 49 off 33, as Dequan Bamfield picked up two for 21. In the second semi-final, Team Royals defended 110 for four – built on captain Alex Collins’ unbeaten 52 off 30 balls – by holding Queenstown/Ariel XI to 96 for four. Rajiv Nauth (three for 11) and Bomesh Ramdahin (two for 26) applied the brakes to stymie the run chase. Both losing semi-finalists pocketed $50,000 each from Jaigobin Hotel, while Saturday’s losing quarter-finalists took home $25,000 courtesy of Scoop Ride Inc. Meanwhile, in the exhibition match, Trophy Stall Eagles defeated Trophy Stall Jaguars by nine wickets, led by Shazzif Mohamed with 41* off 13, with support from Ravid Fredricks (24 off 12) as they chased 88 in 4.5 overs. Trophy Stall Eagles had posted 87-1 in six overs, led by Jathaniel Nurse with 40* off 16 balls. Lusignan Bulls DTP II now await the winner of the Georgetown/East Coast Zone, which runs through the round of 32 on

September 26, the round of 16 on September 27, the quarter-finals on October 3 at Lusignan Community Centre Ground, and the zonal final on October 4 at Enmore.

Meanwhile, Grillmaster Sip N Play All-Stars (Berbice Zone) will lock horns with Mahdia-Movements Family (East Bank/West Demerara Zone) in the national semi-finals.

Everything culminates on October 11 at the Anna Regina National Stadium for the national finals, where teams will battle for top prizes of $2 million, $1 million, and $500,000.

NTFC walk-through conducted as CARIFTA prep begins

s Guyana prepares to host the 54th edition of the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) Track and Field Championships in 2027, Government officials and regional stakeholders had a walk-through of one of Guyana’s track and field facilities, the National Track and Field Centre (NTFC), West Coast Demerara (WCD), on Monday. Sport Minister Charles

Ramson Jr, alongside Minister within the

Ministry Steven Jacobs, Director of Sport (DoS) Steve Ninvalle, National Sports Commission (NSC) Vice Chairman Christy Campbell, Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) President Sheryl Hermonstine, and AAG General Secretary James Cole, was joined by CARIFTA Games officials Michael Sands and JohnPaul Clarke, having a thorough look at the facility. According to a social media post, the visit formed part of preparations for Guyana’s hosting of the CARIFTA Games, which are scheduled for March 27–29, 2027.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026

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

BEI’s Gilbert Griffith (L) and Annandale’s Joshua Bollers face off with the championship trophy

Pg 30

Mile High Travels launches special charter flights for CPL fans Pg 31

BEI, Annandale to vie for Beharry U19 T20 honours today

Lotto/Let’sBet T10 Tapeball…

Looknauth, Hubbard power Bulls DTP II to Essequibo Zone title Pg 31

Lusignan Bulls franchise, through their DTP II team, charged to the Essequibo Zone title at the Anna Regina Stadium on Sunday evening

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