Guyana Times - Tuesday, August 26, 2025

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, August 26 –03:55h–05:25h and Wednesday, August 27 – 03:55h–05:25h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, August 26 –05:40h–07:10h and Wednesday, August 27 – 06:15h–07:45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers are expected in the morning to early-afternoon hours, followed by sunny skies in the afternoon. Cloudy skies followed by thundery showers are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to South SouthEasterly between 1.79 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 06:13h and 18:26h reaching maximum heights of 2.68 metres and 2.64 metres.

Low Tide: 12:04h reaching a minimum height of 0.59 metre.

President Ali declares $10.1B Buzz Bee

Dam-to-Great Diamond road open …eases

EBD traffic woes; connections to CJIA and interior

Declaring it “a game changer” and “a statement that Guyana is not afraid to dream big,” President Dr Irfaan Ali on Monday commissioned the $10.1 billion Great Diamond to Buzz Bee Dam Highway, hailing it as a transformative piece of infrastructure and a celebration of Guyana moving “forward, faster, stronger.” The commissioning ceremony took place at the Great Diamond to Craig Roundabout, marking the completion of the third phase of the East Bank highway expansion, which began with the Mandela to Eccles and Eccles to Diamond links.

Addressing a large gathering of officials, contractors, residents, and the media, President Ali underscored the symbolic and

for their patience and resilience.

“Progress always involves a period of temporary inconvenience. So I thank every citizen who bore up to the challenges and difficulties during the construction phase of this major road link,” he said. “But this road will bring relief, efficiency, and opportunities. It will increase the value of your property.”

practical value of the new four-lane road. “This is not just a road. It is a statement. A statement that Guyana is not afraid to dream big, not afraid to invest, not afraid to push boundaries, not afraid to lead,” the President said. “Let us celebrate this road as yet another promise fulfilled. Let us celebrate Guyana moving forward, moving faster, moving stronger.”

The President dismissed the skepticism that once surrounded such large-scale infrastructure projects. “Skeptics said Guyana was not ready. They said our capacity as a Government, as a people, was too small for such a grand undertaking,” Ali said.

“But look around you today. Look at what we’ve accomplished. We have proven them wrong, every single time.” He acknowledged the temporary inconveniences faced by residents and commuters during the construction phase, including traffic delays, dust, and disruptions, but thanked citizens

Built by the Housing and Water Ministry, contracts for the highway were awarded for the project in November 2023. The project was divided into 12 lots, including more than 30 concrete bridges, 4.6 kilometres (km) of concrete highway, and two roundabouts to help manage traffic and further enhance connectivity and accessibility for thousands of East Bank residents and businesses. The contractors for the project are GuyAmerica Construction, VALS Construction, China Railway First Group, NABI, and H Nauth and Sons.

“When we sat down to design this road, we knew that if we wanted it done quickly, if we wanted it done well, we would not rely just on one contractor. So we broke the work into several areas. We spread the opportunities, we spread the responsibility and we created competition. The result is more progress, better quality, more accountability,” the President noted.

Editor: Tusika Martin

News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761

Marketing: 231-8064Accounts: 225-6707

Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown

Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Adoption, foster care & reintegration

The well-being of children remains a fundamental pillar of national development, shaping not only the immediate future of the youngest citizens but also the long-term stability and prosperity of the country. Recent statistics released by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security highlight noteworthy progress in the area of child protection, adoption, and reintegration. Since 2020, 166 adoptions have been finalised, 173 children placed in foster care, and 439 reintegrated with their families from State care.

The enactment of the Adoption of Children Bill in 2021 signalled a turning point in the protection of minors, establishing clear safeguards to ensure that children are adopted into families capable of providing stability and love. The legislation reflects a growing recognition that child protection cannot be left to chance but requires structured, transparent, and accountable systems. In parallel, the creation of the Guyana Central Authority (GCA) in 2024, aligned with the 1993 Hague Convention, reopened the path for international adoption under carefully-regulated conditions. This move has strengthened confidence that every child, whether adopted locally or internationally, is placed in an environment that safeguards dignity, security, and opportunity.

Equally important is the approach to family reintegration, guided by the Alternative Care and Reintegration of Children policy. The successful return of 439 children to their families represents the restoration of bonds, the healing of fractured relationships, and the creation of safer domestic environments. Reintegration is inherently complex, requiring sustained monitoring and social work support. Yet, its emphasis on family preservation reflects a broader understanding, that whenever possible, children thrive best within the embrace of their own families, provided that those environments are safe, supportive, and nurturing.

While adoption and foster care remain essential interventions, reintegration represents a preventative strategy against institutionalisation and prolonged separation from family life. This holistic approach recognises that child protection extends beyond immediate care; it must address the root causes of vulnerability, including poverty, abuse, neglect, and systemic inequalities. Policies that focus on empowering families and strengthening communities, therefore, become integral to reducing the number of children entering State care in the first place.

The progress achieved in adoption and reintegration, however, should not obscure the challenges that persist. Adoption processes, though significantly strengthened, must continue to prioritise transparency, timeliness, and rigorous oversight to avoid unnecessary delays or gaps that could compromise the welfare of children. Foster care, though invaluable, requires ongoing investment in training, financial support, and psychosocial assistance for foster families to ensure sustained quality of care. Reintegration, while commendable in its current outcomes, will require long-term follow-up mechanisms to guarantee that children are not returned to environments where risks remain unresolved.

The broader policy framework reflects a practical stance to build a child-centred welfare system. Programmes tailored to children’s needs, whether through alternative care, family preservation, or targeted social interventions, are essential in creating a culture of protection. Yet, sustaining these gains requires both institutional resilience and societal participation. Communities must remain vigilant, and civil society organisations, educators, and healthcare professionals must be integrated partners in creating the network of protection that every child deserves.

Importantly, child protection should be understood as a social service as well as a national responsibility. Investments in children’s welfare are, ultimately, investments in the country’s human capital. Children who grow up in stable, loving environments are more likely to achieve educational success, participate productively in the workforce, and contribute positively to society. Conversely, those who are neglected, abandoned, or left without proper support are at risk of becoming trapped in cycles of poverty, crime, or social exclusion, burdens that weigh heavily on the entire society.

As adoption, foster care, and reintegration systems evolve, there must also be greater emphasis on public awareness. Many prospective foster or adoptive parents remain unaware of the processes, responsibilities, and opportunities available. A transparent, well-communicated system that demystifies adoption and encourages more families to step forward will be key to reducing the number of children in institutional care.

The achievements since 2020 in strengthening adoption and reintegration systems deserve recognition. They reflect both legislative reforms as well as the tireless efforts of social workers, foster families, policymakers, and community advocates who form the backbone of child protection services. Yet, as with all areas of social development, complacency cannot be afforded. The journey towards ensuring that every child has a safe, stable, and loving home is ongoing and demands continuous vigilance, innovation, and collaboration.

A once-respected pandit, former GuySuCo staff exposed himself as with characteristics of Ravana – 10 times over

Dear Editor,

In an article dated August 22, 2025, WIN’s Agriculture spokesperson, Mr Vishnu Panday, reportedly blamed the PPP/C government for the state of the sugar industry. According to the article, Panday stated:

“It was the PPP/C, from 1992 to 2015, that crippled the sugar industry. And I repeat, for 23 years the PPP presided over the industry’s decline. So, when these jackasses claim that APNU closed the industry, let them hear it loud and clear: it was the PPP that shut it down. And let it be known, a man named Panday said so.”

The article continued: Panday recalled that he “walked off the job at Skeldon in 2010 and went to work as a consultant for the Suriname government’s sugar industry, until former President Donald Ramotar begged me to return. I left again in 2021, and once more in 2024.” Panday explained:

“You know why? Because I can’t deal with these crooks and these scamps any longer.” Oh, Really?

Truth be told: Mr Panday’s outbursts hurled at the incumbent PPP/C government, and I dare say unapologetically; constitute what I would describe as an erratic, paradoxically calamitous, seismically comical, inherently ingrained dilemma of moral destitution—amounting to an irony within an irony.

A story has three sides:

His side, their side, and the truth. The other side of the story is that he never walked off any job. I am informed by a former Chairman of GuySuCo that he was fired in 2010. Subsequently, it was the then President of GAWU, Mr. Komal Chand, who is now deceased (God bless his soul) that pleaded with President Ramotar to rehire him, out of compassion, which he did in 2015. Word on the street is that he was [allegedly] fired from a prominent private sector company in the fishing industry where he served as General Manager as well.

In the case of Skeldon, his termination was invoked owing to his failure to deliver; thus incompetence, insubordination, and allegations leveled against him concerning his involvement in questionable transactions, which he denied.

Readers will recall that Dr. Nanda Gopaul, Dr. Randy Persaud, and the undersigned co-authored a detailed report on the Skeldon Sugar Factory, meticulously outlining the sequence of events and naming those directly responsible. At the center of that failure stands Mr. Panday. He was not a bystander; he was the executive with primary responsibility for the Skeldon Modernization Project and, by extension, a central figure in the decline of GuySuCo and the eventual closure of the Enmore Estate.

The record is clear: as General Manager of

Skeldon, Mr. Panday presided over the project from its inception to its inglorious collapse. To suggest otherwise is to rewrite history. And, former President Ramotar had also written an interesting letter that may be of interest as well: https:// guyanatimesgy.com/theplan-was-never-changed/).

The foregoing being established, having been exposed to his narration of the Ramayana at countless religious functions (many years ago), it is deeply perturbing to now witness the devolution of a once highly respected ‘Hindu priest.’ Today, he exhibits himself as one who embodies the characteristics of Ravana—magnified tenfold. And note my choice of words: I say his narration of the sacred texts rather than his spiritual teachings—for narration is all it ever was.

The Vishnu Panday whom I had known—or thought I did—was a man of great eloquence; he still is. He was also, in my regard, a human repository of an expansive vocabulary, combining in his articulation a mastery of complexly oriented, sophisticated literary utility within his linguistically innovative skills.

With that in mind, I am therefore taken aback by his unsophisticatedly and unusually finite vocabulary, as referenced above—especially the term ‘jackass.’ Quite unusual of him. Hence, my ‘devolution’ assertion attributed to him; such that he is perhaps suffering from

the law of diminishing returns within the context of an idiosyncratic personality perplexity syndrome.

The Hindi equivalent of ‘jackass’ is gadha, or in Sanskrit gardhabhah. In the Ramayana’s metaphorical philosophy, a gadha symbolizes ignorance and foolishness. In this vein, it is worth emphasizing that, according to the authoritative teachings of the Ramayana, “a guru who knows the scriptures but acts contrary to them is a hypocrite and unwise. Rama says that such a person is to be grieved for, because he loses both this world (honor and integrity) and the next (spiritual progress), and worse still, drags others into darkness”. This teaching extracted directly from the Ramayana—a sacred text of which Mr. Vishnu Panday is himself a masterful narrator—perfectly aligns with the observably diminishing unique behavioral traits he now displays.

In the final analysis, Mr. Panday’s own words and record speak louder than his outbursts; his attempts to cast blame elsewhere collapse under the weight of history, leaving him not the accuser, but the accused. The tragedy is that a man once cloaked in eloquence and reverence now stands as a cautionary tale of hypocrisy, hubris, and decline.

Yours respectfully, Joel Bhagwandin

A hometown welcome for the son of Leonora soil

Dear Editor, West Coast Demerara once again proved that the West Side is indeed the Best Side last Sunday when, Stewartville was by the thousands, covered, consumed and condensed with a concentration of the now customary crowd of the red tsunami of colleagues, companions and comrades championing the cause to elect the powerful PPP/C Party and the potent Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali as the unstoppable incumbent Government and the patriotic President.

Guyana is now the fastest growing nation in the world. Region 3 is now the fastest growing region in Guyana. Now, the West Side is regarded as the fastest growing region in the world!

This is because of an astute President Ali being a planner with a vision and not allowing things to happen but one who makes things happen.

The frenzied people of Uitvlugt/Stewartville/ Leonora/Anna Catherina/ Cornelia Ida/Hague, Den Amstel and other die hard from other areas, gave their

home boy, Dr. Irfaan Ali, a son of the soil of Leonora, President of Guyana and Leader of the PPP/C Party, a hometown royal welcome, as they danced to the sound of the local Tassa Group. It was a moment to reminisce when the party founder and former President of Guyana, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, used to hold rallies and meetings at the current Leonora market square.

It’s a known fact that the dynamic PPP/C Party under the excellent tutorship of Dr Irfaan Ali has from day one on the 2nd August 2020, hit the ground running. He promised to repair the harm done by the APNU/AFC Party by the visionless leadership of the PNC Leader, Mr. Granger, who wrecked the nation to economic, political and social chaos, during their governance from 2015 to 2020. Guyana now boasts, brags and is booming as the richest nation per capita.

Viewed as the biggest rally so far to catapult the 2025 election campaign, countless thronged the site, marching from different locations with

the President, Vice President and the Prime Minister, to gather at the famous Stewartville SideLine dam to listen to their beloved homegrown childhood friend, school friend, play mate, associate, neighbor, family and comrade, Irfaan, along with his entire entourage.

Despite all the hearsays, the rumors, the propagandas, the “he se an dem se,” the lies some may try to spread with forked and “dutty” tongues, cameras, live videoing and drones do present the true picture of the size of the PPP/C crowd. The sea of red tsunami at Linden, Lethem and Leonora, defeats the false premise that crowds are being hired and transported from one extreme end to the other to make up numbers. On the contrary, the loners fused to cushion the short fall by the other contestants, certainly confirming that comment!

His baraat (people accompanied) included many budding flowers of youthful faces to form the next PPP/C political garden to nourish, nurture and mold the na-

tion. Despite the hot sun, the breezy atmosphere compensated for the time endured to listen to the inspiring, motivating and exciting speeches made by all the speakers. People from all walks of life, all races, all sexes, all religions, all ages and all persuasions, gathered with an open frame of mind at the once old railway embankment, to get a glimpse of the man for all seasons, the man who is taking Guyana by storm and the man who is uniting all Guyanese in a “One Guyana.”

The PPP/C led by the invigorating youthful prowess of a flamboyant Leonora/ Leguan labor of love, has stamped his aura with the authenticity of an amorous ally to all and sundry without any stratum of skepticism. He has: romanced with royal dignitaries; courted with clever diplomats; wooed with international Heads of States; sparkled with global intellectuals; cajoled with his local opponents and stepped out of his league to be the simpleton with the ordinary man in the street. Can

the PNC or AFC or any other ABCD see with Dr. Ali’s eyes or walk in his shoes? Dr. Irfaan Ali has left an indelible footstep in the sand and soil of Guyana that the sea is unable to wash away!

The invincible sight of that mammoth “lionistic” PPP/C crowd is certainly driving terror in the eyes of the WIN’s jaguar/leopard/tiger/ puma, leaving a tiny and timid kitten to wander in a jungle and get lost in a maze. That mob is closing APNU's open palm from an injured hand to recoil in pain, pang and pity and to grasp at any straw in the sea. That swarm of PPP/C enthusiasts is confusing a dejected AFC to misplace their key to free themselves from shackles, shame, sorrow. Sadly, the large flock of PPP/C compatriots is creating a nightmare horror for the remaining two intangibles who remain invisible!

The contesting APNU, AFC, WIN, FGM and ALP as challengers to the champion PPP/C, are akin to empty vessels that make loud noises only, as they offer no substantial evidences to pres-

sure the electorate to place any hope or faith in the dreamlike promises they are making. It’s glaringly clear that the 5 contestants are only trying to play a matching game by imitating and escalating facts and figures provided by the PPP/C. On the other hand, that mass that packed the Stewartville site, is steadfastly gripping the PPP/C everlasting cup which is blessed with “barkat” (filled with an abundance amount). The Cup is continuously the overwhelming and overflowing container, perpetually providing the richness of prosperity, the wealth of good fortune and the safety net of sustainability. It is formatted with a handle to give the firm grasp of strength, health and stealth. As the days dwindle down to that moment of anxiety, the PPP/C cup quickly remains that drum of water to quench any thirst, to quell any disturbance and to extinguish any towering inferno.

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

PPP/C demonstrated capacity, capability of sound financial Govt, respect for democracy, guarding our country’s territorial integrity

Dear Editor,

I have been involved in every election since our country became Independent and even before Independence. Since Independence our country has been served by nine Presidents and President Mohammed Ali is the tenth. I have enjoyed the privilege of working closely with six of our ten Presidents, including, now, President Ali and while I opposed three of them, two because of the ideology they embraced and one because of his policies, I respect them all for their individual dedication and commitment to the development of our country.

Reason suggests to me that this will be the last election in which I am involved but, it is by far, in my experience, the most critical of them all and why do I say that.

I say it because the opportunities for our next government to take our country to a level of prosperity equal and beyond any other country of its size, is immense and, yet, the threat to this realization is stark and dangerous, if, in this election, we make the wrong choice.

First and prominent of these threats is the determination of the Maduro regime to take the Essequibo. It remains an ever-present danger. It is only because the PPP/C government, through the skill of its diplomacy and personal dynamism of President Ali, has been able to rally to its cause and defense the

International Community, that our country has not already been invaded.

As we go to the polls let us remind ourselves that, in spite of the fact that the United Nations Secretary General decided on January 2018 that Venezuela’s claim to the Essequibo be resolved by the International Court of Justice, the Maduro regime has created a map of Venezuela incorporating Essequibo as part of its territory and have held fake elections in Venezuela electing a Governor, eight Deputies and Regional Councilors to govern the Essequibo.

The Maduro regime continues to push the envelope. In March this year, for instance, they sent a naval vessel into Guyana’s exclusive economic zone, directly threatening Exxon’s investments operating lawfully in Guyana’s waters.

Which brings us to the danger from within our country. We are faced with a choice of three parties which matter, the others being of nuisance value, the PPP/C, APNU (really the PNC) and WIN.

APNU offers the choice of a party which attempted to rig the last election and whose acolytes remain before the courts so charged.

A party which, if elected, offers no guarantees that they would not do the same again in office in order to ensure that they remain permanently in government.

WIN, led by Azruddin Mohammed, offers the choice of a party led by a

person sanctioned by the US government accused of gross criminal activity and who is before our own courts charged for further criminal activity. The consequences of electing such a party to govern our country

should be plain to see and really needs no elaboration.

The PPP/C, in contrast, offers a choice of a party which, while not having a perfect record in government, which political party ever does, has demon-

strated the capacity and capability of sound financial government, respect for democracy, the holding of free and fair elections and guarding our country’s territorial integrity.

Seems to me that any intelligent voter, given these choices, should have no difficulty at all in making the right choice.

Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento

00:00 Sign Off 06:00 Cartoons

07:00 Evening News (RB)

08:00 BBC Travel Show

08:30 HGTV

10:00 Stop Suffering

11:00 Food Network

12:00 News Break

12:05 Movie - Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

14:00 Jurassic World S2 E8

14:30 The Fairly Oddparents

15:00 How I Met Your Mother S3 E13

16:00 Indian Soaps

17:00 Stop Suffering

TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2025

16:30 Teaching the Truth in Love

17:30 The Evening News

18:30 CPL 2025 SLK vs GAW

23:00 The Outpost S1 E8

Types of angles

Sometimes, two angles can be defined by their relationship to each other.

Supplementary angles are two angles that form a line. Their sum will be 180o, so if you know the measure of one, you can figure out the other. Note that angles can sometimes be called by one letter, placed near the vertex.

If angle a = 120o, what is the measure of angle b?

Step 1: Think: A straight line = 180o

Step 2: Subtract: 180 – 120 = 60

So angle b = 60o

You can explore how the hygrometer you made on Monday works by using a spray bottle to mist the pinecone with water. Observe what happens when the pinecone is exposed to wet conditions. Think about other ways you could simulate wet, humid, or dry conditions to further test the hygrometer.

Exercises: Identify whether the following angles are supplementary

By John Keats

O soft embalmer of the still midnight! Shutting with careful fingers and benign

Our gloom-pleased eyes, embower’d from the light, Enshaded in forgetfulness divine; O soothest Sleep! if so it please thee, close, In midst of this thine hymn, my willing eyes, Or wait the amen, ere thy poppy throws Around my bed its lulling charities; Then save me, or the passèd day will shine Upon my pillow, breeding many woes; Save me from curious conscience, that still lords Its strength for darkness, burrowing like a mole; Turn the key deftly in the oilèd wards, And seal the hushèd casket of my soul.

Characters in a Crunch

Write a scene or story that includes a character eating cereal.

Disciplined Services record highest turnout since 2018 at 83% – GECOM

…probing minor ballot mix-up

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has reported that 83 per cent of the 10,481 members of the Disciplined Services successfully cast their ballots during Friday’s advance voting exercise, held ahead of the September 1 General and Regional Elections. Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Vishnu Persaud made the disclosure at a press briefing on Monday, noting that 5,729 police officers, 2,575 soldiers, and 397 prison officers exercised their franchise.

The turnout, Persaud said, represents the highest participation rate since the 2018 Local Government Elections, surpassing figures recorded in both the 2020 General and Regional Elections and the 2023 Local Government Elections.

Disciplined Services voting allows members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and Guyana Prison Service (GPS) to cast their ballots ten days before the general population, ensuring that they

The president explained that the newly commissioned link is already being extended to Soesdyke, forming part of the government's broader plan to eventually connect the coastland to the hinterland through a modern, efficient transport network.

“Buzz Bee Dam to Great Diamond is not a destination, it is a stepping stone to Soesdyke, to Linden, to Lethem, to a Guyana that is fully connected, fully mobile, fully modern,” Ali said.

“We will continue to link hinterland to coastland, east to West, village to town citizens to opportunity. Because unless we do, unless we expand our transport infrastructure, we will remain prisoners of inefficiency, and that is something we refuse to accept. So let us celebrate this road as yet another promise fulfilled.”

are available for deployment at polling stations and other key locations on Election Day.

“We view the entire exercise as one which we believe was conducted in compliance with the laws and commission policy that guides the conduct of Discipline voters balloting. We did not receive the reports from the field that we believe could cast grave doubts on the manner in which that activity was conducted. At the end of the day when we would have done our internal work, we were able to conclude that the turnout for Discipline forces balloting was 83 per cent,” the CEO related.

Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) Aneal Giddings commended the high level of participation, describing it as a positive sign of voter confidence and civic responsibility. He also confirmed that voting across 87 balloting stations was conducted smoothly, with ballots securely transported to GECOM’s headquarters following the close of polls. However, CEO Persaud acknowledged that an anomaly was detected during

Also speaking at the event were Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal and Minister within the Ministry, Susan Rodrigues. Both praised the government’s commitment to translating vision into action.

“Today is a day of pride, progress, and promise fulfilled,” said Minister Croal. “Once an idea, now a reality, this highway is more than asphalt. It is a road to opportunity.”

Rodrigues emphasized that the road is evidence of “a vision being implemented by competent people and capable leadership.” She reaffirmed that development is reaching all Guyanese, not just select regions.

Once fully open to vehicular traffic, the highway is expected to dramatically ease congestion on the East Bank,

reduce commute times to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, and support housing, industrial, and agricultural development.

This project complements the India-funded bypass road linking East Bank Demerara to the East Coast via the backlands. Under the previous administration, that project stagnated, but the PPP/C government restructured it into phases to match the US$50 million Indian Line of Credit, with the Ogle to Eccles section already completed.

President Ali reaffirmed his administration’s determination to invest in infrastructure that connects people, facilitates commerce, and elevates quality of life.

“The road ahead for Guyana, like this four-lane highway, is wide, strong, and filled with promise,” he said.

the post-voting ballot sorting process. He explained that District Four registered two additional ballots, while Districts Five and Ten were each short by one ballot.

An internal investigation has since been launched, and Persaud confirmed that a preliminary cause has been identified. A memo, including recommendations and corrective measures, will be presented to the seven-member Commission for review.

“This document will be submitted to the Commission before the end of the day. The commission meets tomorrow at which time I am sure the commission will discuss this and decide whether their approving the recommendations that we have made or

not. It is only at point that we will be able to give you further information on this one,” he explained. Despite the irregularity, Persaud assured that the integrity of the process remains intact, emphasising that all ballots remain sealed and will only be intermixed with the general ballots on Election Day in the presence of political party agents. Now, the attention is placed on Election Day with over 750,000 electors slated to cast their ballots, as the country collectively determine the composition of Guyana’s 13th Parliament, with both national and regional seats up for grabs. Six political parties have had their Candidates Lists approved by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), effectively paving the way for

them to contest the upcoming General and Regional Elections on September 1. Among them is the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C); A Partnership for National Unity (APNU); the Alliance for Change (AFC); and We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), led by United States (US)sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed, which will be contesting in all 10 Administrative Regions of Guyana. The Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP), led by former APNU/AFC Minister Simona Broomes, will be contesting in six regions, and Forward Guyana, led by former APNU parliamentarian Amanza Walton-Desir, will be contesting in seven regions.

Venezuelan national wanted for death of GWI worker

One day after Toralpher Simon Harry, an employee attached to the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) was stabbed to death at Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara (WCD), the police have issued a wanted bulletin for Venezuelan national 40-year-old Johnathan Mahadeo.

The suspect’s last known address was given as Lot 51 New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop, WCD. It was reported that

Man nabbed with gun, ammo during domestic violence probe

Twenty-five-yearold Kyle Small of ‘C’ Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown was on Monday nabbed with an unlicensed 9mm Taurus pistol along with one magazine containing five live 9mm rounds of ammunition in his pants crotch.

Upon the discovery, he was questioned about being a licensed firearm holder but he responded in the negative. Police stated that on the day in question at about 12:30h, ranks from Brickdam Police Station’s anti-crime patrol were on duty in the Sophia area when they received information of a domestic violence report at ‘C’ Field, Sophia.

The ranks proceeded to the location where the suspect was observed walking out of the yard and he was acting in a suspicious manner.

However, he was stopped and searched during which the firearm and ammuni -

tion were found in his pants crotch. As such, he was told of the offences committed and taken to the Turkeyen Police Station where he was placed in custody.

The firearm and ammunition will be sent to the ballistics section to determine if they were used in the commissioning of any crime. Investigations are ongoing.

30-year-old Harry was fatally stabbed during a scuffle with the Venezuelan national in the early hours of Sunday.

It was further reported that the deceased man and a friend were heading home after attending a Car and Bike Show at the Leonora National Stadium, WCD when they reportedly stopped along the Vreeden-Hoop Public Road to purchase hotdogs. It is alleged that an argument broke

out between Harry and the Venezuelan national, which escalated into a scuffle.

During the scuffle, the suspect was reportedly armed with a knife and in retaliation, Harry took off his belt to fend him off. Shortly after, blood was seen pouring from Harry's neck, and he subsequently collapsed to the ground.

He was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The suspect, according to reports had joined a minibus which sped off the scene. During an inspection of the victim’s body, detectives found one stab wound to the left side of the neck area. Police have since launched a manhunt for the suspect, who remains at large.

The police are asking anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspect to contact them at 227-1147, 225-8196, 3333876, 911 or the nearest police station.

Kitty man struck down, killed by drunken, speeding driver

An accident along the Mocha Access Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Sunday has claimed the life of 60-yearold Sookram of Barr Street, Kitty, Georgetown.

The collision involved a motorcar bearing registration number PNN 5140, driven by Shawn Alleyne, and a motorcycle, CP 4540, which was operated by the deceased.

Police stated that on the day in question at about 6:30h, the motorcar which was at the time being driven by 25-year-old Alleyne, was proceeding along main access road at a fast rate, when it collided with the motorcyclist who was proceeding in the same direction. As a result of the col-

lision, Sookram fell onto the roadway where he sustained injuries while the driver fled the scene.

However, the Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) were summoned to the area where the victim was found in an unconscious state. He was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.

Alleyne was later apprehended and taken to the Providence Police Station, where a breathalyzer test confirmed that his blood alcohol level was above the legal limit.

He remains in police custody as investigations continue.

Countdown…

…to “E” Day

In more ways than one, elections are like horseraces. The parties’ pedigrees play a big role even before the starter gun leads to the cry of “Aaaand they’re off!!” Then there’d be their trainers and training regimen and record – and finally, jockeys who’ll be in charge of reading the field even as the race is going on!! So now that we’re on the homestretch of the Sept 1st elections’ final lap, how does your Eyewitness see the race playing out??

Well, two pedigreed parties saddled up – the PPP and the PNC – as they’ve done from the 1950s. The latter’s been trying every which way to hide its pedigree of cheating, beating and burning the place down when it lose a race – and now races as APNU! But it sadly hasn’t been able to overcome its challenges exposed when choosing its jockey for the race – Aubrey Norton. Two of the wannabe jockeys dropped out of the selection process when they claimed that Aubrey had rigged the committee’s membership!! Aubrey insisted on being both the jockey and trainer/strategist for the race – which clearly has made him use the WPA racist rabble-rousing prod that has made his horse falter!!

Parties and horses need infusions of solid nutrients – hay and grains for horses and BIG moolah for parties!!

The PNC-as-APNU has looked like a tired old nag which Aubrey’s done nothing to change in the lead-up to the race!! Could be the lack of money – but that depends on the jockey also, no?? The crowds at the PNC rallies have been nothing like those of yore – one reason being they haven’t been inspired by Aubrey and another the PPP’s outdone them in every regard.

The PPP’s been getting boatloads of political nutrients – and not from State coffers as Aubrey snipes! It’s usual for the business community to hedge their bets by throwing some green at all parties – but in this race, looks like they’ve given up on Aubrey. So his horse is starving while the PPP’s is luxuriating!! And it shows!! The second reason for the PPP outshining the PNC is they got a strategist in VP Jagdeo to guide the jockey Irfaan Ali – who has a whole lotta wins on his record over the last five years!!

The AFC horse could barely mosey over to the starting gates on Nomination Day – and nothing has happened since then to show they regained pedigree or sustenance!! They might at best stumble home!! The wildcard’s been Sanction Man’s WIN copiously funded from his ill-gotten gains!! He’s provided a home for a new demographic dubbed “Scrapeheads”. But since those are mostly from the PNC’s base, he’s only giving Aubrey more headaches!! The others – including Aubrey’s erstwhile challenger –have long faded!!

…on Mad Maduro’s days??

Well, over in Venezuela, Mad Maduro’s invoking the old days in his neck of the world when Spain would roll up on their front door, so to speak, in their flotillas of warships to set local warlords straight! The American warships and troops have now reached Venezuelan waters and we gotta wait to see what will be their next move in their declared objective to remove the Venezuelan drug Cartel de los Soles!!

In the meantime, Mad Maduro – who now has a US$50M bounty on his head – had boasted he’s mobilised 4.5 million Chavista civilian loyalists for the Bolivarian Militia – Chávez’s version of the Chinese People’s Army. While screaming to his citizen-soldiers that “Marines are landing!! Marines are landing” – Maduro’s once again using the occasion to rally disgruntled Venezuelans around the flag!!

It’s quite unlikely the Yanks are gonna put American boots on the ground – and possibly into body-bags – since their drones and Aegis-guided missiles can easily cripple the country!!

…to non-racial politics

As your Eyewitness has been saying as the election nears – looks like the PPP’s overcome the racial jumbie in our politics. One sign was Burnham’s daughter Roxanne and husband Van West-Charles at their Stewartville Rally!! Kumbaya!!

WIN candidate slapped with provoking

"Guyanese Critic", abusive language charges

…"Guyanese Critic" charged for unlawful wounding

We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) candidate Bryan Mackintosh also known as “Bryan Maxx” and social media commentator Mikhail Rodrigues called “Guyanese Critic” appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday to face charges in relation to an altercation between them over the weekend. Mackintosh, represented by Attorney Dawn Cush was charged with using abusive language towards Rodrigues’ colleague OC Rogers and provoking both Rodrigues and Rogers with the intent to insult or annoy them during an incident on August 23 at Laluni Street, Georgetown.

He denied the allegations and was placed on $15,000 bail on each charge.

On the other hand, Rodrigues, represented by Attorney Bernard DaSilva, was charged with the unlawful and malicious wounding of Mackintosh. He pleaded not guilty and was granted $100,000 bail. The matters were adjourned to September 15.

On Saturday Rodrigues was granted $50,000 station bail, while Maxx was released on $25,000 station bail.

Reports are that Maxx went to Rodrigues’ home while he was doing a live broadcast of his morning show and said that he was sent by United States

(US) sanctioned Azruddin Mohamed to collect monies owed to him.

According to the live broadcast by both parties, Maxx entered Rodrigues’ studio then demanded monies on behalf of Mohamed and former People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) member and coalition Government Minister, Simona Broomes who is now the leader for Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP) party.

A confrontation then ensued after Maxx refused to collect some money offered to him in the presence of a guest on the broadcast but instead began hurdling derogatory remarks about sexual acts involving the guest’s mother and also about Rodrigues’ mother. A heated exchange followed that led to a physical altercation.

After their release from custody on Saturday, Maxx then made another video saying that it was no real assault by Rodrigues but rather a “cheap shot” and

that he was laughing it off. He then proceeded to threaten Rodrigues in the video telling him to walk “with eyes behind his head.” He also continued his derogatory remarks against Rodrigues. Only last week, Maxx was caught on camera threatening to kill a sitting Government Minister with a machete in his hand.

In 2024, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) had announced that it sanctioned Nazar Mohamed and his son, Azruddin Mohamed, as well as several of their companies.

According to a statement from OFAC, this is related to the evasion of taxes on gold exports, noting that between 2019 and 2023, Mohamed’s Enterprise omitted more than 10 thousand kilograms (kg) of gold from import and export declarations and avoided paying more than US$50 million in duty taxes to the Government of Guyana.

Polling stations under GECOM’s control, not political parties’ – CEO warns

…after APNU agent disrupts voting on Disciplined Services voting day

Chief Elections Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Vishnu Persaud has emphasised that political stakeholders have no authority to stop the operations of a polling station. He made the comments in response to questions during a press conference on Monday. His remarks come on the heels of party agent of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Carol SmithJoseph, in the presence of Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton, disrupting poll day activities at a polling place on Disciplined Services vot-

ing day on August 22.

“Voting will stop because I will not allow the voting to take place because it is my interest and my party’s interest…,” Joseph can be heard saying in a video uploaded to social media by APNU. Joseph, who is currently facing charges for elections fraud at the 2020 general and regional elections had an issue with the position of the voting compartments, claiming that as a party agent, she was unable to properly observe the voter. One of her concerns was the party agent’s inability to see if a voter is using their cellphones in the vot-

ing compartment.

CEO Persaud contended that, “the operations of polling stations [are] GECOM’s responsibility, not that of any political stakeholder. No stakeholder has any authority to stop the operations of a polling station.”

GECOM had announced a ban on the use of phones in the voting booth. The policy aims to ensure the secrecy of the ballots and prevent potential vote-selling linked to photographing ballots and it was announced following concerns from stakeholders, particularly APNU. GECOM had said notices will be prominently dis-

Guyanese appointed Managing Director of Republic Bank (Guyana)

Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited has announced the appointment of Dr Toussant Boyce as its new Managing Director, effective October 1, 2025.

Dr Boyce, a Guyanese national and Attorney-atLaw will succeed David Robinson, who was serving as the Bank’s interim managing director. Robinson was appointed earlier this year following the departure of the previous office holder.

Dr Boyce brings significant regional and international experience to the position. He has previously served within the Republic Financial Holdings Group in both Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) and has also worked at the Caribbean Development Bank. His areas of expertise include executive lead-

ership, institutional strategy, commercial and financial law, governance, anti-money laundering, countering the financing of terrorism, sanction compliance, and organisational reform.

His professional background includes service as Republic Bank’s first inhouse general counsel in Guyana, a finance attorney in New York, and special counsel to the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago.

Dr Boyce holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in International Finance Law and Regulations from Cambridge University in the United Kingdom (UK) as well as a Master of Laws (LL.M) with a concentration in International Finance from Harvard Law School.

played at the entrance and inside every polling station, warning that cell phones are prohibited and that polling officials will regularly remind voters in the queue to turn off their phones before entering. GECOM had also explained that voting compartments will be arranged to allow officials and accredited party agents to monitor for attempts to photograph ballots, while maintaining voter privacy and that designated desks or tables will be placed next to voting compartments for voters to place their phones before voting.

During the Disciplined

Services voting, photos of ballots were circulating online. The CEO confirmed seeing these photos but noted that “we have not been able to determine how, where, or when that was taken”.

The CEO also explained that GECOM does not have the authority to stop a voter from breaching these rules. Instead, if a violation is observed, polling officials will record the incident and file a report with the police. The CEO noted, however, that the record may only be submitted after the elections.

Nevertheless, he committed to addressing the

issue with the voting compartments by displaying pictorial examples as to how they should be set up at each polling place. CEO Persaud reminded that this is the first time such a measure has been implemented and therefore, it is a “testing ground for us”.

Nevertheless, he said based on the feedback received on the activities on D-Day, GECOM is hoping to improve on election day on September 1. He noted that deputy returning officers would be required to ensure the rules with regards to the use of phones are applied.

Originally from Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara (ECD), Dr Boyce was among the first group of students admitted to President’s College in 1985.

Republic Bank stated that it looks forward to his leadership and wished him success in his new role.

Prison Service Headquarters commissioned at Lusignan …as

trade shops, vocational training school, new kitchen, living quarters also unveiled

The Home Affairs Ministry on Monday officially commissioned the newly constructed Guyana Prison Service (GPS) Headquarters at Lusignan, marking a major step in modernising the country’s correctional services.

The new headquarters, relocated from its long-standing Brickdam office, is situated within the Lusignan Prison compound. It provides expanded administrative space, improved staff coordination and closer integration of security and rehabili -

Training School, at $102.1 million, supported by ancillary works costing $29.2 million, to deliver education and skills development programmes. Operational upgrades were also highlighted. These include a new kitchen, at $54.8 million, for meal preparation; living quarters for female officers, at $60.2 million; and senior officers’ living quarters, at $91.9 million— all aimed at improving staff accommodation.

Delivering the feature address, Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn said the Government’s in -

conditions for both inmates and staff.

“The prison system is a window into our society,” he added. “It reflects our trauma, our brokenness, and our failures, but also our opportunity to heal. We must offer those who fall the opportunity to rise again.”

He urged prison officers to maintain security while treating inmates with dignity. “I do not want prisoners beaten; they must be treated with respect. The aim is to shift the service’s focus from simply incarcerating individuals to active -

tative functions. Officials say the move is intended to strengthen oversight, improve efficiency and support a more balanced focus on safety, rehabilitation and reintegration. As part of the commissioning, plaques were unveiled for several new facilities completed at Lusignan.

These include six newly constructed cell blocks, representing a $2.2 billion investment. The blocks are designed to increase capacity, improve living conditions, and enhance safety and supervision across the facility.

Additional facilities have also been opened to support rehabilitation and inmate services. These include the Trade Shops, valued at $54.3 million, which provide training in practical skills; the Infirmary Annex, at $35.8 million, which expands healthcare provision; and the Vocational

vestment extends beyond infrastructure to the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates. He stressed that correctional facilities must contribute to reducing recidivism.

“This new headquarters and the other facilities we are building here stand as a metaphor for transformation,” Benn stated. “While we are putting in the physical infrastructure, the next big step is performance. We must carefully examine whether there is transformation in the types of crimes and in the individuals committing them and then identify the best results and approaches.”

Reflecting on the state of prisons before 2020, Benn noted that overcrowding and poor conditions had left inmates in dire circumstances. He said significant upgrades at Lusignan, Mazaruni and other prisons have since improved

ly and conscientiously rehabilitating them,” he said.

Director of Prisons (ag) Nicklon Elliot, in his remarks, described the new headquarters as part of a broader national initiative to improve conditions and modernise correctional infrastructure. He said architectural changes are being made to create environments that promote learning, skills development and healthier inmate-staff interactions.

Elliot reaffirmed the Prison Service’s commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration, urging officers to support the Government’s vision of a modern correctional system built on dignity, opportunity and security.

The ceremony was attended by Permanent Secretary Andre Ally, Deputy Director of Prisons (ag) Kevin Pilgrim, and other senior officials.

Sod turned for Terminal 2 at CJIA as Guyana eyes global connectivity, investment

…UK firm awarded contract

The ground has been broken for the construction of a new terminal building at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), which is expected to be completed in about three years. The contract has been awarded to BHM, an international company that forms part of the United Kingdom’s (UK) Mowlem Group. The sod-turning ceremony was held on Monday at Timehri, marking the official start of the project. According to officials, the final design is now being completed, after which construction will com-

phasised that the construction of Terminal 2 is not being undertaken in isolation, but as part of a wider vision to transform Guyana’s airports to international standards capable of attracting foreign investors. “This Sod turning signals that an idea has moved beyond the physical shape…. This is a public declaration of intent, a promise to the people that what has been envisioned will be built and that the future is being planted literally in the soil,” the Head of State declared.

He urged Guyanese to envision the scale of develop-

President Ali painted a picture of the future of the CJIA, stressing that Guyana has the potential to become a

mence. The project carries an 18-month deadline for completion once work gets underway.

The development will also impact the existing terminal, as the new facility will be outfitted to serve as the departure terminal. Authorities say this upgrade will create a much-improved experience for passengers, offering smoother processing and faster journeys. Additionally, upon entering the terminal, travelers will encounter atriums showcasing Guyana’s biodiversity, giving visitors a distinctive first impression personalised to the country.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Dr Irfaan Ali em-

ment that will come with the project, noting that the new terminal will play a key role in positioning the country as a global hub.

“We have to have a terminal that can process thousands of people within 72 hours. Why? Because we’re going to build a world-class arena to host international events here, so we can support our investors who are building the hotels, international concerts, international boxing, MMA, every market we’re going after. Every single market we’re going after. We have to, we must be the home of global sport and entertainment. We’re going to put investments in.”

major hub in the region.

He also pointed to the broader implications of the project, particularly in the context of international trade.

“And with the changes in the international trading platform, stability…and Guyana must offer that stability and predictability for international investors.”

Meanwhile, Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, explained that the construction of the new terminal positions Guyana on an international level because of the advanced equipment that will be incorporated.

“We were not able to accommodate Code D and Code E type aircraft [in the past].

[However] the [aviation] bridges that are now out here can accommodate both Code D and Code E type aircraft… the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of CJIA and I discussed what would happen if KLM with their wide body aircraft and British Airways with their wide, coming at the same time, because of some scheduling issues, what would happen? While we’re talking about expand-

Edghill explained. The Minister said this is precisely why the country is moving ahead with a second terminal, as Guyana is growing. To reinforce his point, he cited the recent historic landing of Qatar Airways at CJIA.

“We sat and stood here and watched the magnificent aircraft with Qatar Airways coming in here. Mr President it could never have happened before if we did not have the

of the software, in terms of the aviation sector, to allow for landing, ensuring predictability, no matter how long a flight is when they get here, whether it’s fog or not, they must be able to land. We have made the investments and it is paying off.” In addition to constructing the new facility, BHM will be partnering with the Manchester Airport Group to design and build the 150,000

ing and putting in Terminal B, because of the rate and the speed and the kind of equipment that is coming to Guyana now, we still have to stay ahead of the games,”

expanded and enlarged runway and the capacity to handle that kind of aircraft. If we did not put in the necessary technology, improving all that had to happen in terms

square-foot arrivals terminal. The company will also undertake the reconfiguration of the existing international terminal as part of the project.

Aviation sector to create 1500 jobs over 3 years

As Guyana’s aviation sector continues to grow rapidly, an estimated 1,500 workers will be needed to fill various vacancies within the next three years, including 300 airport staff. This was highlighted by President Dr Irfaan Ali during the sod-turning ceremony for the second terminal at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Monday.

“In a very conservative way, we'll need at least 1,500 persons in the aviation sector in the next three years. And that's very conservative…we have to be able to train hundreds of pilots here in Guyana in the immediate future…This is not only about Terminal 2. This is about setting up an aviation ecosystem that is global in scale,” President Ali said, whilst explaining the broader initiative of the Governments vision for the Aviation sector.

He further outlined the Government’s plan for developing aviation skills locally.

“Our objective is to have a first-class aviation school in Guyana. Is to have a first-class training pro -

gramme for aviation security in Guyana. That is part of the knowledge economy that we are building. So that we can train human capital in Guyana for the rest of the region. And we are not going halfway there. We are going to the full scale of investment that is required to take us there,” he added. The head of state reflected on the progress of the sector in recent years and reiterated the vision for a people-focused and customer-oriented airport.

“You know, there is so much I can say about the sector in the last couple of years. But when we were discussing the future of this airport, there were a number of things that I said to the stakeholders. I want to repeat some of it. I said that this airport must be people-friendly and customer-oriented,” he emphasised.

On that note, Ali stated that part of the Government’s vision is to create a training facility to assist in the development

of aviation skills for students.

Meanwhile, he highlighted existing staffing needs at CJIA., which currently stands at 300. “We now have vacancy among all of the operators at the airport for more than 300 persons. That is even without Terminal 2… similarly in Ogle…We need about 50 pilots in Guyana now as I speak to you at a minimum. These things are not

accidental. Importantly, we have our instrument landing system. Cutting-edge technology. Not bridge technology, but technology like any other would utilise in today's market…

The world is changing, and if we are truly to position tourism at the centre of our transformation, then your terminal must tell the story,” He highlighted. In June of 2025, he said that the Guyana Government

Elections 2025

has invested in infrastructure works, airport expansion, digitisation of immigration services, and hotel accommodation in order to build a complete ecosystem for the local aviation sector. The Government’s commitment to employment creation and skills development was evident when CJIA hosted a job fair on Sunday, providing opportunities for local workers to enter the sector.

GECOM in receipt of ballots from diplomatic missions

With five days to go before the September 1 General and Regional Elections, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has confirmed that all diplomatic missions’ ballots have safely returned to the country, signaling that preparations remain firmly on track. Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) Aneal Giddings told reporters that a total of 92 ballots were dispatched to 20 Guyanese diplomatic missions abroad to facilitate voting. “All of the missions have returned their packages to us – the last of which was received yesterday [Sunday],” Giddings confirmed. “The ballots were prepared in special envelopes and sealed packages in the presence of political party agents. They were then delivered to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and subsequently to ballot attendants at each overseas mission, who returned them securely to the Chief Election Officer (CEO).”

According to Giddings, the ballots remain sealed and in the custody of CEO Vishnu Persaud. Later this week, they will be sorted by district for intermixing on Election Day, following the same process used for the Disciplined Services ballots.

Local distribution of ballot

papers

Meanwhile, GECOM has begun local distribution of ballot papers to Returning Officers across the 10 administrative regions. Sensitive election materials, including ballot papers, Statements of Poll, and tally sheets, arrived from Canada earlier this month and have since been extracted, packaged and dispatched for overseas, disciplined services and local voters.

In fact, CEO Vishnu Persaud has assured the public that the Commission is on course to deliver a smooth and credi-

ble General and Regional Election on September 1.

Speaking at a press briefing, Persaud revealed that the packaging of ballot boxes for polling day is underway by administrative regions, with political party agents present to observe every step of the process. He stressed that transparency remains central to the Commission’s operations.

“We ensure that all packaging is done in the presence of party agents. If we pause, it is in accordance with schedules given, and recommencement is also done in their presence. This is all with the aim of ensuring stakeholders are adequately informed and involved,” the CEO explained.

Persaud also disclosed that the assignment of polling day staff to stations has been completed, but acknowledged that a number of individuals initially identified for Presiding Officer posts have declined the appointment. GECOM is therefore adjusting person-

nel across polling stations to ensure staffing needs are met.

“Some may assume the assistant presiding officer would automatically step up, but that is not always the case. We are managing our resources carefully to ensure all polling stations are adequately manned,” Persaud said, while expressing confidence that the matter will not disrupt operations.

On the wider logistical front, Persaud noted that all levels of the Commission’s election machinery, from returning officers to their deputies, are in place, with contingency measures activated to address any unforeseen issues.

“I do not foresee any hiccups at this time, and should any issue arise, we are in a position to respond quickly,” he stated, pointing to GECOM’s rapid response to an earlier ballot issue during Disciplined Services voting.

"Do not take your vote lightly" –Jagdeo appeals to 1st-time voters

People's Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo has sounded a strong call to first-time voters, urging them to understand the gravity of the upcoming General and Regional Elections and their role in shaping Guyana's future.

Speaking at a public meeting at Enmore, East Coast of Demerara, on

Monday (August 25, 2025), night, Jagdeo reminded the youth that while they may not have lived through earlier decades of political turmoil, they cannot afford to be indifferent to the risks ahead.

Jagdeo told the gathering that many young people have no lived memory of the "dark days" under the People's National Congress

(PNC), a period often associated with economic hardship, authoritarianism, and electoral manipulation.

He noted that those who will be voting for the first time in 2025 were just 13 years old during the controversial 2020 elections, when the APNU+AFC coalition attempted to cling to power through what international observers described as an

attempt to rig the results. "They may not have fully understood the threat then," Jagdeo said, "But they need to recognise now that what is at stake is not abstract - it is the very leadership and stability of this country."

Addressing younger voters directly, Jagdeo warned that the rise of social media has made political commu-

nication more superficial, and some may be drawn to appearances rather than substance. "Some may be easily be carried away by someone who posts a nice picture or a fancy car," he cautioned, "But the day after elections, you need competent people to governpeople who can manage an economy, create jobs, build homes, and hold this coun-

try together." He urged the first-time voters to be more discerning and not to be easily swayed by online campaigns that may lack depth or accountability.

"Do not allow your future to be determined by gimmicks," he said. "Leadership is about responsibility, not showmanship," he added.

2 new nursery schools worth $175M commissioned in Region 5

Education Minister Priya Manickchand commissioned the No 8 Nursery School and Hopetown Nursery School at Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) on Monday, marking another significant stride toward quality nursery education.

These two facilities represent a combined investment of $175 million and will directly benefit over 120 children and their families by providing safe, purpose-built environments designed to foster early learning and development.

The No.8 Nursery School, built at a cost of $85 million, is now home to 41 children, supported by a team of five fully trained teachers. For years, these pupils and teachers were accommodated under the bottom house of the No.8 Primary School. Today,

they are moving into a modern, child-friendly building equipped with the resources needed to deliver high-quality early childhood education.

The Hopetown Nursery School, which cost $90 million, will serve 80 children with the support of nine trained teachers. This new structure replaces an aging wooden building that had housed nursery classes for decades. With its new design, the school now offers a safer, more spacious, and comfortable environment for teaching and learning.

In her address, Manickchand reflected on the journey to making nursery education more accessible, noting that while nursery schooling in Guyana is not compulsory, enrolment rates have climbed significantly as access has expanded.

“Before this school opened, your children would have been under the bottom house at Number Eight Primary. That was an education, but it wasn’t optimal. It wasn’t a special school, a special space that would allow us to do the kind of work we want to do with your children at this level,” the Minister said.

“Although nursery education is not compulsory in Guyana, we know that parents are hungry and thirsty for their children to start learning early — and to learn from trained teachers so they can get the best. Today, about 93% of children at the nursery age are enrolled, up from about 85% just five years ago. That improvement happened because we built schools. Access has always been the biggest barrier,” she emphasized.

Manickchand further pointed out that many hinterland communities struggled in the past because sending young children to distant schools often meant unsafe travel by river or long walks. She explained that this government’s infrastructure investments are deliberately designed to eliminate those barriers.

The minister reminded attendees that these achievements came despite the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic:

“Over the last three and a half years, we have built 67 nursery schools across Guyana — the highest number ever constructed in such a short period. And I

say three and a half years deliberately because for almost two of those years, the country was under lockdown. Schools were closed, and construction sites could not operate because we were trying to keep people safe from a virus we didn’t fully understand. Despite that, we made this possible,” Manickchand said.

She described the current programme as a historic investment in early childhood education that will have long-term benefits for the nation’s development.

Assistant Chief Education Officer (Nursery), Devendre Persaud, underscored the transformative impact of these investments:

“Nursery education plays a vital role in laying the foundation for lifelong learning and development. During these early years, children develop essential cognitive, social, emotional, and motor skills that shape their future academic success and personal growth. A quality nursery programme fosters curiosity, creativity, and communication while helping children build confidence, independence, and positive relationships,” Persaud said.

He explained that these new schools provide a structured yet nurturing environment, preparing children for a smooth transition into primary school and beyond.

FGM vs GECOM

High Court set to rule quickly on if party can contest regions where no lists were filed

Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh has assured a swift ruling in the constitutional case brought by the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) against the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), with all parties expected to complete their legal arguments before the High Court by the end of the day on Tuesday (today).

Chief Justice (acting) Singh, presiding over the case, emphasised his intention to resolve the matter quickly. “We will finish this matter this week, I assure you,” the judge declared during Monday's hearing, noting his availability at any time to facilitate the proceedings. Justice Singh noted that he would not be imposing time constraints on Tuesday’s presentations, saying, “This case is so narrow, I won’t constrain anyone. I will give everyone a free rein tomorrow.”

Filed by Region Nine resident and FGM candidate Krystal Hadassah Fisher, the challenge is to the exclusion of political parties from ballots in regions where they have not submitted geographical constituency lists. The Fixed Date Application (FDA) contends that this practice violates citizens’ constitutional right to vote for a party of their choice. Under Guyana’s electoral system, the 65 seats in the National Assembly are distributed with 40 filled based on votes from a National Top-Up List and 25 allocated through geographical constituency representation. Political parties must submit both a National Top Up List and

respective Geographical Constituency Lists to contest the elections, however parties only need to submit a minimum of six of the 10 constituencies in order to be approved to contest the elections.

Though the court was prepared to hear arguments on Monday, Fisher's attorney, the United States (US)-based Vivian Williams, requested a one-day adjournment to adequately review filings submitted by GECOM the night before. Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall, who was granted leave to join the proceedings, raised no objections along with GECOM’s lawyers. GECOM is being represented by Attorney Arudranauth Gossai, while AG Anil Nandlall applied and was permitted to be a party to the case. “I had an application to join the proceedings because unfortunately, though I should have been named as Attorney General, I was not named. When you claim constitutional reliefs against the state, the Attorney General by law must be named. They didn't name me, but we made an application to join and neither GECOM nor the applicant objected to the Attorney General formally partaking,” Nandalall explained. The legal challenge, which has drawn national attention, revolves around GECOM’s exclusion of FGM from ballots in Regions Seven, Eight, and Nine, areas where the party did not submit geographical constituency lists. The party, however, met the legal threshold by contesting

in seven of the 10 regions, one more than the minimum of six regions required under the Representation of the People Act (ROPA). Fisher contends that the exclusion of her party in Region Nine has deprived her and others like her of the right to vote for the political party of their choice. GECOM has approved six political parties to contest the September 1 elections: A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), Alliance for Change (AFC), Assembly of Liberty and Prosperity (ALP), Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), and We Invest in Nationhood (WIN).

FGM, headed by former APNU Member of Parliament, Amanza Walton-Desir, is one of two contesting parties that did not submit Geographical Constituency Lists to contest all 10 regions. The ALP party was approved by GECOM but did not field constituency candidates in Regions One and Two, and are not on the ballot for those regions.

Legal interpretation

AG Nandlall, who opted not to file an affidavit of defence, told reporters the case rests entirely on legal interpretation. He said “it’s not a question of evidence” but a question of persuading the court of GECOM’s understanding of the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act (ROPA).

“This case is purely a matter of law. It is what the Constitution lays down, it is what ROPA says, and

it all depends upon how we interpret what is there, having regard for the electoral system,” he said. “In Guyana’s case, there are 10 geographic constituencies in which the election is being contested and you are to feed a list in each of those geographic constituents. There is a minimum number of geographic constituencies that you are required to contest election in in order to qualify to contest the elections, but in addition to that and more fundamentally, the list that you are supporting must be

contesting the election in the geographic constituency in which you are located, or else you will not be able to cast your ballot for that list, is not that you are not able to cast your ballot, you simply are not able to cast your ballot for that list.”

Nandlall had previously posited that no right is absolute. “While you have a right to vote, it’s not an absolute right to vote. Every right has qualifications and restrictions. So, you have a

right to vote but you must be registered. You have a right to vote for a political party of your choice, of course, but that party must be contesting the elections,” he had explained. Meanwhile, Williams is arguing that no provision in the Constitution or ROPA explicitly states that a party failing to contest a geographic constituency must be excluded from the ballots in that region.

AFC struggles to explain proposed mandatory pension fund

Executives of the Alliance For Change (AFC) on Friday last avoided providing specifics on the structure and implementation of a proposed mandatory New National Pension Fund (NNPF), which forms part of the party’s manifesto and would be introduced if it wins the September 1 General and Regional Elections.

Questioned about the NNPF on Friday during the party’s weekly press conference, AFC’s Prime Ministerial candidate Laura George and Executive Cathy Hughes struggled to explain what the fund is about and how it will work.

Hughes suggested that the fund is simply a recommendation, however, on the party’s manifesto’s flyer, the fund is explained as something that will be a “mandatory, contributory fund open to all workers – employed and self-employed”.

According to Hughes, “it

is not a fund that is going to replace our national insurance scheme. It is a totally private fund that we are recommending could be established.”

Hughes went on to try to explain that, “there are hundreds of medium size companies, and smaller companies that are not able to

have their own internal pension fund for their employees, and therefore this is a fund that companies could buy into, and of course pay into that employees from those companies would be required…Could get a pension at the end of their service. As you know NIS is a government contributing

Moraikobai workers educated on rights, safety, co-op development

The Labour Ministry recently conducted a sensitization outreach in Moraikobai Village, Upper Mahaicony River, Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), targeting agricultural and logging workers.

The initiative, led by Labour Officer Hardat Malchan and Regional Cooperatives Development Officer Vikash Boodhoo, focused on child labour, workers’ rights, and cooperative development. It also sought to raise awareness about the Ministry’s functions and the services available through its various departments.

During the visit, the team held informal sessions with cash crop farmers and other workers, addressing key areas such as labour laws, oc-

cupational safety and health guidelines, and workplace hazards. The officers also explained the role and formation of Co-operative and Friendly Societies, including registration processes and legal requirements under Chapters 88:01 and 36:04.

An inspection was carried out at the registered office of the Moraikobai Farmers Association, where Boodhoo reviewed the society’s documentation and compliance with regulations. The Association’s Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer and members participated in discussions on the auditing process, record-keeping practices, management responsibilities, and steps to maintain compliance.

The ministry also ad-

fund so I do want to make it clear there’s no intention to replace that.”

According to the information published by the party, the NNPF, will see a 10% salary contribution being paid into the fund of which 5% will come from the employer and 5% from the employee.

However, the party is extremely vague on the details of how this fund will work alongside Guyana’s existing National Insurance Scheme (NIS), an already mandatory social security programme operationalised through the National Insurance and Social Security Act Chapter 36:01.

Under NIS, a total of 14% of an employees’ wages are paid into the Scheme at a breakdown of 5.6% from the employee and 8.4% being paid by the employer. Contributions are capped at a salary ceiling of $280,000 per month.

All individuals aged 16 to 60 in “insurable employment” are required to contribute to NIS.

Meanwhile, according to the AFC advertisement of the NNPF, “NIS will be audited, digitally transformed and integrated with NNPF”. Asked if Guyanese workers would be required to pay into both NIS and the NNPF should it be implemented, the politicians seemed unsure.

George reiterated Hughes’ sentiments that the fund would not replace NIS, and went further suggesting that the fund would somehow be getting money from Guyana’s oil and gas industry.

“The pension fund is not going to be replacing the NIS, but really reforming to NIS and improving to make sure that pensions for all citizens are there in one place, private and public service workers. But also to ensure

that funding is set aside for all citizens from the royalties that we receive from oil and gas,” George said.

“So, it will be part like NIS but not NIS but a fund that really supports what exists to make sure that all citizens can access their pensions and funding for social services in one place so that is scattered all about…,” she added.

However, in its existing state NIS covers maternity benefits, sickness benefit and medical care, disability, invalidity, and an old age pension benefit, among other claims.

When pressed further for a clearer explanation, Hughes noted that the party’s executive and financial adviser, Jaipaul Sharma, is the only one competent enough to explain how the party expects the fund to work, and he would give a clearer explanation of the initiative at a later date.

vanced its work with three emerging co-operative societies in Moraikobai that are in the process of registering and seeking support from the Small Business Bureau. These are the Moraikobai Blossom View Co-operative Society Ltd., Nature’s Finest Apiary Co-operative Society Ltd, and Moraikobai Nature Touch Hydroponics Cooperative Society Ltd.

According to the ministry, the outreach forms part of its ongoing commitment to support rural and hinterland communities through education, technical guidance and the promotion of cooperative entrepreneurship aimed at sustainable development and improved working conditions.

US orders more ships to southern Caribbean with eye on drug cartels, sources say

Former Mexican drug kingpin pleads guilty to US charges

The United States has ordered additional ships to the southern Caribbean as part of President Donald Trump's effort to address threats from Latin American drug cartels, two sources briefed on the deployment said on Monday.

The USS Lake Erie, a guided missile cruiser, and the USS Newport News, a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, will arrive in the region by early next week, said the sources, who asked to remain anonymous.

The sources declined to detail the specific mission of the deployments, but have said that recent movements are aimed at addressing threats to US national security from specially designat-

US President Donald Trump

ed "narco-terrorist organisations" in the region.

Last week sources told Reuters the United States has ordered an amphibious squadron to the southern Caribbean as part of the same effort.

The USS San Antonio, USS Iwo Jima and USS Fort Lauderdale were to

have arrived off the coast of Venezuela as early as Sunday. The ships are carrying 4500 service members, including 2200 Marines, the sources said.

Trump has made cracking down on drug cartels a central goal of his Administration, part of a wider effort to limit migration and secure the US southern border.

The Trump Administration designated Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel and other drug gangs as well as Venezuelan criminal group Tren de Aragua as global terrorist organisations in February, as Trump stepped up immigration enforcement against alleged gang members.

(Reuters)

Brazil's Bolsonaro and his coalition adrift as trial verdict nears, allies say

As Brazil's Supreme Court prepares for closing arguments next week in the trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro over an alleged coup plot, the former Army Captain and his political coalition show signs of unravelling.

Allies who have visited the far-right firebrand now under house arrest in a gated Brasilia community tell Reuters they saw Bolsonaro battling bouts of sadness, hiccup attacks and a fixation on the Judge he blames for his troubles.

The steadfast ally of US President Donald Trump was hit with fresh turmoil this week when federal Police released a cache of private messages portraying him as a hesitant leader, second-guessing himself and struggling to contain the infighting among his close allies.

"Open your mouth!" evangelical preacher Silas Malafaia wrote to him, as he urged the former President to make political use of hefty

tariffs Trump has imposed on Brazilian goods. "Leaders give direction to the people, people are led by others when leaders fall silent."

The messages were released as part of an investigation into the former President and his son, lawmaker Eduardo Bolsonaro, who is leading a campaign in Washington urging the Trump Administration to intervene on behalf of his fa-

ther.

Last month, Trump imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Brazilian goods in an attempt to stop what he called a "witch-hunt" against the former President. Trump also imposed sanctions on Alexandre de Moraes, the Judge overseeing the case in which Bolsonaro is accused of plotting to overturn his defeat in the 2022 elections.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Jamaica: Electoral office emphasises voter preparedness ahead of September 3 poll

As the September 3 General Election approaches, the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) is urging all registered voters to familiarise themselves with the voting process to ensure a smooth and efficient experience at the more than 7,000 polling stations islandwide.

Director of Elections, Glasspole Brown, told JIS News that ,“upon arrival at the designated polling station, an assigned presiding officer will verify the elector’s identity and

check for ink on their fingers to ensure they have not already voted”.

While eligible voters without a voter identification (ID) card may still cast their ballot, they will be required to complete a form and take an oath affirming their identity as a registered elector.

“Once verified, voters will receive a ballot and proceed to a private booth to mark their preferred candidate. The presiding officer will then provide instructions on how to fold

the ballot to protect the secrecy of the vote. After depositing the ballot into the ballot box, voters will be asked to dip a finger in ink to indicate that they have voted,” Brown stated.

He emphasised that the voting process is designed to be transparent, secure, and accessible to all eligible voters, and encouraged Jamaicans to exercise their democratic right responsibly.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Former Mexican drug kingpin Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada admitted in a US courtroom on Monday to ordering murders and shipping millions of kilograms of cocaine during his decades-long leadership of the violent Sinaloa cartel.

Zambada, 75, faces a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment after pleading guilty in federal court in Brooklyn to charges that he engaged in a racketeering conspiracy and ran a continuing criminal enterprise that Prosecutors said was responsible for flooding the US with cocaine, heroin and fentanyl.

Those charges stemmed from his decades-long role leading the Sinaloa cartel alongside imprisoned drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, who is serving a life sentence in a maximum security prison in Colorado.

"They brutally murdered multiple people and flooded our country with drugs," Attorney General Pam Bondi told reporters. "Their reign of terror is over. He will never walk free again."

Zambada agreed to plead guilty after the Justice Department this month said it would not seek the death penal -

ty for Zambada or Rafael Caro Quintero, another septuagenarian alleged Mexican drug lord facing US charges. Zambada wore a blue prison-issued T-shirt over an orange long-sleeved shirt and walked with a slight limp as he entered US District Judge Brian Cogan's courtroom, which was packed with members of the Drug Enforcement Administration and other US law enforcement agencies.

Sporting grey hair and a full beard, he smiled at his defence lawyers before entering his guilty plea.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Rowley: UNC disrupting years of diplomacy by backing US

Former Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley believes the United National Congress (UNC) has lit a match in the Caribbean by openly supporting the US naval deployment in the southern Caribbean Sea outside of Venezuela's territorial waters.

Rowley said this could have far reaching implications for Trinidad and Tobago and Caricom.

Rowley reposted a Facebook comment from Michael Edmund Dhanny on August 25 which called Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar's statement on the US-Venezuela tensions, "the most reckless foreign policy statement we’ve seen in years".

In that statement, Persad-Bissessar supported the US deployment to combat terrorist drug cartels, said T&T will not engage Caricom on the matter, and promised to allow the US access to T&T territory if Venezuela invades Guyana and the US wants to use T&T territory for military operations to counter such an incursion.

However, she said T&T maintains good relations with Venezuela.

Rowley said, "Compare that with what Caricom did last time the “big guns” (USA, Canada and Europe) gave (Venezuela President Nicolas) Maduro eight days to leave and threatened invasion if he did not comply.

Caricom showed leadership, he continued, "by sticking together and talking with one voice".

He said, "We showed leadership by talking to the UN (United Nations) in New York."

Rowley recalled he accompanied Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley and then St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris to meet with UN

Secretary General Antonio Guterres "to request dialogue instead of war".

"Caricom was in the forefront of a CaricomUruguay summit which resulted in the Montevideo Accord, strongly supported by Mexico, Norway, South Africa and the African Union."

Rowley said, "Finally we gathered in St Vincent where Guyana and Venezuela did the unexpected and unthinkable, both Presidents Maduro and Irfaan Ali were brought face to face by Caricom under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Ralph Gonzalves and Caricom leaders, to sign the Arnos Vale Accord."

He added, "This period of heightened tension was tempered with aggressive, frenetic Caricom leadership which until last week, saw a period of calm and peace."

Rowley said this peace continued "until Washington unilaterally hatched this latest tension under the guise of fighting drugs and crime etc with nuclear submarine, marines and guided missile vessels in 'international

waters.'" He warned. "With this legacy in the face of the intractable issues surrounding us, T&T has now set our decades-old successful foreign policy alight as a beacon to advocates of the Monroe doctrine."

The Monroe doctrine is a US foreign policy position that opposes European colonialism in the Western Hemisphere.

The doctrines states any intervention in the political affairs of the Americas by foreign powers is a potentially hostile act against the US.

The doctrine, first articulated in 1823 by US president James Monroe, was central to America's political and foreign policy strategy in the 20th century.

Rowley said, "Dr Eric Williams, Errol Barrow (former Barbados PM); (John) Compton (former St Lucia PM); (Robert) Bradshaw (former Premier St Kitts and Nevis) and ET (Ebenezer) Joshua (ex-St Vincent politician) must be awakening from their slumber to try and save what they have built."

(Excerpt from Trinidad News Day)

Around the World

OOIL NEWS

Oil eases after rising to 2-week high on RussiaUkraine supply concerns

Israel hits Gaza hospital, killing at least 20 persons, including 5 Journalists

Israel struck Nasser hospital in the south of the Gaza Strip on Monday, killing at least 20 persons, including five Journalists who worked for Reuters, the Associated Press, Al Jazeera and others.

il prices edged down on Tuesday after surging nearly two per cent in the previous session, as traders kept a close watch on developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict for the potential impact on fuel supplies from the region.

Brent crude futures fell 16 cents, or 0.23 per cent, to US$68.64 per barrel at 0005 GMT, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures also lost 16 cents, or 0.25 per cent, to US$64.64.

Both contracts rose to their highest in over two weeks on Monday, with WTI futures climbing above the 100-day moving average.

"The risks for crude oil prices appear tilted toward further gains, particularly if the price sustains a move above the $64–$65 resistance level," IG analysts said in a note.

Oil's rally on Monday was primarily driven by concerns of supply disruptions as Ukraine struck Russian energy infrastructure, and as traders anticipated more US sanctions on Russian oil.

The attacks disrupted Moscow's oil processing and exports, created gasoline shortages in some parts of Russia, and came in response to Moscow's advances on the front lines and its pounding of Ukraine’s gas and power facilities.

Barclays, in a note to clients on Monday, said that oil prices remain in a tight range amid geopolitical volatility and relatively resilient fundamentals.

US President Donald Trump has renewed his threat to impose sanctions on Russia if there is no progress towards a peace deal in the next two weeks.

Traders are also awaiting the latest US inventory data from the American Petroleum Institute (API) later in the day, with expectations pointing to a fall in crude and gasoline stocks but a possible build in distillate inventories. (Reuters)

French Govt risks collapse with budget confidence vote in September

France's minority government looked increasingly likely to be ousted next month after three main Opposition parties said they would not back a confidence vote which Prime Minister Francois Bayrou announced for September 8 over his plans for sweeping budget cuts.

The far-right National Rally, the Greens and later the Socialists, on whose vote Bayrou's fate largely lies, said they did not see how they could back him.

If he loses the confidence vote in the National Assembly, Bayrou's Government will fall.

The uncertainty spooked investors, pushing the risk premium on French bonds over their German equivalents up 5 basis points to their

highest level since mid-June.

The CAC-40 index (.FCHI), opens new tab of leading French shares ended the day down 1.6%.

If the Government falls, President Emmanuel Macron could name a new Prime Minister immediately or ask Bayrou to stay on as head of a caretaker government, or he could call a snap election.

Macron lost his last Prime Minister, Michel Barnier, to a no-confidence vote over the budget in late 2024, after just three months in office following another snap election in July that year. Bayrou acknowledged seeking the confidence of a very fragmented parliament was a risky bet.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Cameraman Hussam al-Masri, a Reuters contractor, was killed near a live broadcasting position operated by Reuters on an upper floor just below the roof of the hospital in Khan Younis in an initial strike, Palestinian health officials said.

Officials at the hospital and witnesses said Israel then struck the site a second time, killing other Journalists as well as rescue workers and medics who had rushed to the scene to help.

The Journalists killed included Mariam Abu Dagga, who freelanced for the

Associated Press and other outlets; Mohammed Salama, who worked for Qatar-based broadcaster Al Jazeera; Moaz Abu Taha, a freelance journalist who worked with several news organisations, including occasionally contributing to Reuters, and Ahmed Abu Aziz.

Photographer Hatem

Khaled, also a Reuters contractor, was wounded.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Israel deeply regretted what he called a "tragic mishap". Israel valued the work of journalists and medical staff, he said, adding that Israel's war was with Hamas.

Israel's military, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), acknowledged striking the area of Nasser hospital and said the chief of the general staff had ordered an inquiry.

The IDF "regrets any harm to uninvolved individuals and does not target journalists as such. The IDF acts to mitigate harm to uninvolved individuals as much as possible while maintaining the safety of IDF troops", it said.

US President Donald Trump expressed his displeasure when asked for a reaction.

"When did this happen?" he asked a reporter in the White House. "I didn't know that. Well, I'm not happy about it. I don't want to see it. At the same time, we have to end that whole nightmare." (Excerpt from Reuters)

Wrongly-deported migrant Abrego detained again, may be sent to Uganda

Kilmar Abrego, the migrant whose wrongful deportation to his native El Salvador made him a symbol of President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, was detained again by US immigration officials in Baltimore on Monday and may be deported a second time, this

time to Uganda. The Trump Administration's push to deport Abrego, 30, to an African country where he has no ties is the latest twist in a saga that began in March, when US authorities mistakenly sent him to El Salvador. Abrego was brought back in June to face

criminal charges of transporting migrants living in the United States illegally and was released on bond on Friday.

He has pleaded not guilty and his lawyers have accused the Administration of vindictive prosecution. He also has denied the Administration's claims that he is a gang member. Abrego, 30, was arrested at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in downtown Baltimore, where he reported for a scheduled interview on Monday morning, and then was sent to a detention facility in Virginia. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Virginia Giuffre memoir to be published months after death

Aposthumous memoir by Virginia Giuffre, who accused the Duke of York and the late disgraced fi -

nancier Jeffrey Epstein of sexual assault, will be published in October.

s Giuffre had finished working on the book, ti -

Indian factories hit hard by

Trump's 50% tariffs

An eerie silence hangs over N Krishnamurthy's garment manufacturing unit in Tiruppur, one of India's largest textile export hubs.

Only a fraction of some 200 industrial sewing machines on the floor are in operation, as workers make the last of the season's children's garment orders for some of the biggest US retailers.

At one end of the room, piles of fabric samples for new designs are gathering dust – casualties of US President Donald Trump's steep 50 per cent tariffs on

India, set to kick in from Wednesday.

India is a major exporter of goods, including garments, shrimp and gems and jewellery, to the US. Trade experts say the high tariffs – including a 25 per cent penalty for buying Russian oil and weapons –are akin to an embargo on Indian goods.

Across Tiruppur – which contributes to a third of India's US$16 billion exports of ready-to-wear garments to brands such as Target, Walmart, Gap and Zara – there's acute anxiety about what the future holds.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

tled Nobody's Girl , before she took her own life in Australia in April, at the age of 41.

Publishing house Alfred A Knopf said Giuffre had made clear weeks before her death that it was her "heartfelt wish" the memoir would still be released in the event of her passing.

Giuffre had alleged that Epstein and his former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, trafficked her to Prince Andrew when she was 17. Prince Andrew has denied all allegations against him.

In 2022, the prince reached an out-of-court settlement with Giuffre. The settlement included a statement in which he expressed regret for his association with Epstein, but contained no admission of liability or apology. The 400-page memoir, written with co-author Amy Wallace, will be the first time Giuffre has spoken publicly about the prince since the settlement.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Consider any limitations you face, and devise a plan that will help you eliminate setbacks. Staying one step ahead of everyone else is your calling and your way forward.

SUDOKU

Don't waste time or energy on something you cannot change. A change may not be wanted, but letting go and moving on will prove beneficial if you look ahead instead of backward.

You'll crave change and excitement. A friendly encounter with someone will lead to a work-related opportunity. Do your research and present what you can contribute in a colorful manner.

Proceed with caution. Taking on too much will cost you. Make home improvements, domestic situations and personal partnerships an intricate part of your plans.

Communication is your key to success. Let your imagination wander and your ideas dazzle those you encounter. Embrace the future with a passionate attitude, and something good will happen.

Consider money management and how you can lower your costs by doing some of the legwork yourself. Indecisiveness or acting in haste will be your downfall. Get the facts and formulate a plan that checks off the necessary boxes.

Emotions will get you in trouble. Overreacting or acting in haste will backfire. Let your creative imagination help you dream and bring about the lifestyle you desire.

Establish what's important to you before you start. Distance yourself from negative people and one-sided partnerships. Treat yourself with respect and expect the same from others.

Declutter your life. Expect someone to criticize you and your lifestyle if you ask for input. Listen, absorb what you hear and work out a plan that fits into your schedule.

Refuse to buy into someone else's dream. You perform best when you commit to your vision. Simplify your life by sticking to the people and pastimes that bring you joy and fulfillment.

Align your budget with your plans and enforce change. How you embrace personal growth will also encourage you to connect with people who can match you every step of the way.

Take a moment to review your schedule, lifestyle and where you see yourself heading. Finding an outlet for anxiety through social events, physical activities or the arts will help you revise how you spend your downtime.

With progress to the next stage in play at a sun-kissed Kia Oval and The Hundred Eliminator next Saturday looming on the horizon, London Spirit completed a brilliant derby demolition by eight wickets.

Spirit needed to win this, their final game, and hope Manchester Originals lose to Northern Superchargers today to avoid progress coming down to net run-rate (NRR). But having romped home with so much to spare, their qualification now looks almost assured.

ambling to 23 off the powerplay before a brace of boundaries by Lanning (19 from 20) from Sarah Glenn and a huge six from Scholfield off Issy Wong got the home side moving.

Charlie Dean then made the breakthrough, having Lanning caught and bowled while conceding just three from her first 10. Scholfield (22 from 21) followed soon after as Spirit took all the pace off the ball. At halfway, Invincibles were an underwhelming 56 for 2.

After one straight six, Alice

Capsey (11 from 9) holed out, and Spirit spinners kept a lid on thing., Marizanne Kapp (32 from 25) was the only batter to break the shackles before her innings was ended by a stunning one-handed catch from Dean, who then bowled the last five to finish with an exceptional 2 for 12 from her 20 balls, the same figures as Eva Gray, as Invincibles ended on 108 for 8.

With a run rate-boosting win in mind, Kira Chathli and Georgia Redmayne came out hard, Chathli in particular taking the attack to her former team with the powerplay bringing a season-high 47 without loss, her own contribution being 35 off 16.

The two continued past Spirit's highest opening partnership of the season – and ended up with the team's highest for any wicket – Chathli going to a 26-ball half-century with a majestic straight six. An

Oval Invincibles all but booked their place in The Hundred Final at Lord's next Sunday, with a crushing victory over London Spirit in a one-side bank holiday clash at the Kia Oval.

Sam Billings' team will be there, barring a run-rate miracle later this week, without the agonies of going through

Spirit await top 3 fate after thumping London Derby win

eight-wicket win came soon after, with 38 balls left unused. Redmayne departed with just three needed, having made an excellent 42 off 30, and Chathli followed one run later for 53 off 29, but it was much too little, much too late for Invincibles.

Talking about her wonder catch, Meerkat Match Hero Charlie Dean said: "I should have been on the ring! But I managed to time my jump and hung on.

"That was an impressive victory. We went out wanting to bounce back and to win by a margin like that… we did not discuss too much about NRR, but the way we went about that, it was fantastic. Kira has been brilliant. At the top of the order, trying to punch first.”

"We have a rest day and hope for the best. We have done everything to put ourselves in the best position to qualify, so it's fingers crossed.”

(ESPNcricinfo)

Oval Invincibles (Women) (100 balls maximum)

Paige Scholfield st †Redmayne b Knott 22

Meg Lanning c & b Dean 19

Alice Capsey c Gibson b Gray 11

Marizanne Kapp c Dean b Wong 32

Lauren Winfield-Hill (c) †

c Coppack b Glenn 3

Amanda-Jade Wellington run out (Dean/†Redmayne) 7

Joanne Gardner c Harris b Gray 2

Phoebe Franklin not out 8

Kalea Moore b Dean 0

Sophia Smale not out 1

Extras (w 3) 3

Total 100 b (RR: 1.08) 108/8

Did not bat: Ellie Anderson

Fall of wickets:1-42 (Meg Lanning, 38b), 2-46 (Paige Scholfield, 44b), 3-65 (Alice Capsey, 57b), 4-70 (Lauren Winfield-Hill, 63b), 5-80 (Amanda-Jade Wellington, 78b), 6-93 (Joanne Gardner, 88b), 7-101 (Marizanne Kapp, 95b), 8-101 (Kalea Moore, 96b)

Bowling B–0s–R–W

Issy Wong 20–6–29–1

Kate Coppack 5–1–8–0

Jacks, Cox lead romp as Oval Invincibles close in on final berth

Saturday's Eliminator, having won the toss and chosen to field against their London rivals.

Saqib Mahmood, Tom Curran, Nathan Sowter

Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Tawanda Muyeye, 6b), 2-69 (Will Jacks, 41b), 3-114 (Sam Curran, 63b), 4-127 (Jordan Cox, 68b)

Bowling B–0s–R–W Luke Wood 19–10–28–0

Richard Gleeson 10–3–21–1

Jamie Overton 15–2–35–1

Liam Dawson 15–6–19–2

Jafer Chohan 10–2–27–0 Ryan Higgins 5–1–8–0

Their day started on the back foot, as Jamie Smith launched into a habitual powerplay onslaught. He sent the first two balls of the match from Jason Berhrendorff to the boundary, but he was then out for 28 from the 20th ball of the innings, having faced 15 of them. The game never looked quite so easy after that, the highlights being

a stunning one-handed catch from Will Jacks to get rid of Surrey teammate Ollie Pope from a Sam Curran slower ball, and rapid cameos from Jamie Overton and Ryan Higgins, who exactly matched Smith's stats despite a slow start. The two put on a tournament-high sixth-wicket stand of 54.

A total of 152 for 7 seemed a little below-par on a decent surface, but a first-baller for Tawanda Muyeye gave the Spirit hope. Then Jacks and Jordan Cox put on 64 in 35 balls, Jacks taking the lead with some clean striking, a 92-metre maximum over extra cover off Overton the standout moment of his 27-ball 45.

Curran joined Cox, so often a profitable partnership this year, and they eased their way towards their target before the Spirit's most successful bowler, Liam Dawson, tempted Curran with a wide one that he skied to point. Cox (47 from 27), the competition's leading run-scorer, hit Overton for six and four before he was castled trying to ramp the

same bowler. But that merely brought in Donovan Ferreira, who again showcased his muscular hitting, ending with 24 off 9 as the Invincibles booked their passage to the final (barring an almost impossible 200+ swing) by six wickets with 22 balls to spare.

Of his catch, Meerkat Match Hero Jacks said: "We were struggling to see the ball today, so I picked

it up late, pure luck!" And of the batting effort: "It felt brilliant with the bat, the wicket only got better as the lights came on and Coxy made it easy for me. We've been looking for that top spot, we know how important it is to get straight to the final and to be able to watch the two teams play the night before. We've still got things to improve on... but we're looking forward to Sunday." (ESPNcricinfo)

Guyana match abandoned on rainy day in Regional U17 tournament

The Windward Islands defeated Jamaica using the DuckworthLewis-Stern (DLS) method on August 24 at the Queen's Park Oval in St Clair, Trinidad and Tobago; they were the only side to have a result in the opening round of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars Men's Under- 7 50-over Championship.

No play was possible in the match at the Inshan Ali Park in Preysal as the encounter between Guyana and hosts Trinidad and Tobago was abandoned without a ball being bowled. At the Queen’s Park Oval, the

successfully

overcame

Young Gajnabi leads Albion

A past Cotton Tree in BCB U-13

Shahid Gajnabi, the younger brother of West Indies Women’s cricketer Shabika Gajnabi, led Albion A to a commanding nine-wicket win against Cotton Tree. This victory secured Albion a spot in the final of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Under-13 tournament.

The young Gajnabi scored an unbeaten 31 and bagged three wickets in a fine allround performance. Playing at Cotton Tree, West Coast Berbice, Albion A restricted Cotton Tree to 72 all out from 27.2 overs.

Tharandete Dhanai topscored with 19, Afraz Ali made 11 and Ricardo Laurie with 10 were the only batsmen to reach double figures for Cotton Tree.

Bowling for Albion A, leg-spinner Gajnabi bagged 3 for 5, left-arm-spinner Aryan Ali with 3 for 19 and off-spinner Deonarine Chattergoon 2 for 7. In reply, the visitors then raced to 74 for 1 in 13.3 overs. Gajnabi returned with the bat to stroke a composed unbeaten 31 for Albion A. This match marks the end of the road for Cotton Tree in the BCB Under-13 tournament. Cotton Tree played spirited cricket to emerge as victors in the West Berbice Zone.

The West Berbice-based team defeated the likes of Achievers and Blairmont to secure their spot against Albion in this semi-final fixture, which eventually ended one-sided.

elected to field first. Ryan Littleton led the way for Jamaica as he top-scored with a well-composed innings of 70 from 76 balls.

Joel Williams supported with 40 as Jamaica reached a total of 217 for 9 in their 50 overs. Tyler Venner was the standout bowler for the Windward Islands, as he had figures of 3 for 47.

Littleton had figures of 4 for 33 as he kept Jamaica in the game. Captain Theo Edwards (36) and Damali Phillips (25) placed the Windward Islands in a great position. After reaching 117 for five at the conclusion of the 23rd over while chasing

a revised total of 159 from 30 overs, umpires Lyndon Rajkumar and Kellman Kowlessar adjourned the match due to poor light. Windward Islands Under17s won the game by four runs according to the DLS method.

Barbados vs Guyana in the upcoming round of fixtures is scheduled for today, Tuesday, August 26 at Inshan Ali Park, Preysal, weather permitting. Leewards will play Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago will battle the Windward Islands. All games are scheduled to bowl off at 09:30h.

GCC crush Eldorado by 274 runs

Coming off an impressive win against Malteenoes Sports Club on Saturday, the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) continued its fine form as it defeated Eldorado Cricket Club by 274 runs in the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) Dave West Indian Inc FirstDivision 50-Over tourney at the Bourda Ground on Sunday, August 24.

Eldorado Cricket Club won the toss and elected to bowl first. This decision, in hindsight, turned out to be a disappointing one, as GCC went on to post a massive total of

339 all out in their batting innings. GCC got off to a steady start as they were 58 for 2 inside 12 overs. A massive 135run partnership between Mavendra Dindyal and Akshaya Persaud placed GCC in a very comfortable position to launch at the back end of the innings. Akeem Williams broke the partnership as he dismissed Akshaya Persaud for 42 with the score at 193 for 3. GCC continued to march on as power hitter Thaddeus Lovell played a blistering innings of 65 from 25 balls (1x4 and 7x6).

Dindyal outshone Lovell

as he made an impressive innings of 121 from 103 balls. His innings included five fours and seven sixes. Joshau Ferrell had figures of 5 for 50 in 8.5 overs for Eldorado Cricket Club. Yeudistir Persaud blitzed the Eldorado Cricket Club batting unit as no batsman applied themselves at the crease. He claimed figures of 4 for 30 in his spell and was well supported by Carlos Larose and Captain Devon Lord, who both claimed two wickets each. Eldorado Cricket Club were bowled out for a mere 65 in 17.5 overs as

Monedderlust and Ann’s Grove United Football Clubs held on for crucial draws on Saturday, while Slingerz FC brushed aside Santos FC when the following evening’s double-header was trimmed down to a solitary game as season seven of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League continued.

Elite League… Slingerz drub Santos; Mainstay a no-show

minute while fresh Slingerz recruit Michale Joseph netted his first league goal in the 88th to cap off Slingerz’s 7-0 victory.

Slingerz now lead the league with 37 points from 13 games while Western Tigers have made the jump to second place with 30 points this week on account of Mainstay Goldstar’s absence. This was confirmed via social media, where the official points standings were publicised.

Fruta Conquerors went ahead first, but not in the traditional way as an own goal off the boots of Denzel Juner gave them the lead in the 32nd minute.

Ann’s Grove’s worked hard to find the equaliser, which came in the 41st minute by way of a Yohance Francis strike. However, regulation time expired with

Slingerz FC met a young Santos FC on the pitch.

Santos held off their opponents for the opening minutes of the game, until Darron Niles managed to slip one past the Santos keeper in the seventh minute to open his team’s account. The former Santos player had no mercy on his boyhood club, going on to register a helmet trick

The action began at the GFF’s National Training Center (NTC) at Providence on Saturday evening with Monedderlust FC holding Den Amstel to a stalemate draw in what should have been a must- win encounter for the West Demerara outfit.

Then, Fruta Conquerors and Ann’s Grove United followed suit, also playing to a draw.

neither side being able to find the game winner.

Then on Sunday, patrons at the NTC had to wait a little longer for the Elite League action to get underway as Lake Mainstay Goldstar FC were reportedly a no-show for their clash with Western Tigers FC.

The final match of the weekend came not too long after, when league leaders

in the 31st, 34th and 38th minutes. A precise Kelsey Benjamin (45th+3) free-kick from just outside the box in stoppage time saw Slingerz extending their tally to 5-0 by half time.

Santos had a much better second half, but could not prevent more goals from flowing. Shamar Dublin committed the cardinal sin of an own goal in the 61st

Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) FC and Guyana Defence Force (GDF) FC have 27 and 22

points respectively while Santos FC have 16 points and will maintain their posi-

4 bronze medals for Badminton’s CAREBACO team

Guyana’s team returned home with four medals following the conclusion of the Caribbean Regional Badminton Confederation (CAREBACO) Junior Championships in Bridgetown, Barbados over the weekend.

In the boys’ Under-11 division, Joel Rambiriche captured a bronze medal, while in the boys’ doubles event in the same age group, Rambiriche teamed up with Liam Brummell for two bronze medals between them.

Over in the Under-19 mixed doubles category, Guyanese Mishka Beharry joined forces with Daniel Forde of Jamaica to secure Guyana’s fourth bronze medal at the regional event.

In all, Guyana were represented by a nine-member team across the team and singles competitions, which ran from August 14 to 23, 2025.

The Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) through its social media platform has extended its gratitude to a long list of supporters whose input assisted in the team’s CAREBACO campaign. Those include the National Sports Commission (NSC); Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS); Squadra; Republic Bank; Meditron Inc; Joe Jagmohan; Ryan Chang; Sol; Dean Hassan; Mings Products and Services; D Boodhan & Daughter; TFR Computer & Services; Ludic Balloons; Dr Carpen; MVP

“Your

DDL unveils latest limited-edition CPL blend

In anticipation of the upcoming Guyana leg of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and its subsequent grand finale on local shores, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), through its El Dorado brand, unveiled its latest limited-edition release, in celebration of the “Biggest Party In Sport”.

A missive from DDL enlightened, “The El Dorado Master Blender 13-Year-Old Rum, celebrating 13 remarkable years as the Official Spirit of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

“This commemorative rum is a unique blend of marques from DDL's heritage

stills – the Uitvlugt French Savalle Still, Diamond Coffey Still, and the Port Mourant Double Wooden Pot Still. Aged for at least 13 years in American oak casks previously used to mature bourbon, the 2025 El Dorado Master Blender's Special Edition Rum is one of notable depth and character. This rum offers an abundance of fruity and honeyed aromas, with a silky-smooth finish and a touch of butterscotch on the palate, making it a true celebration of Caribbean craftsmanship and cricketing spirit.”

DDL Chairman Komal Samaroo noted, "We're proud to celebrate 13 years as the Official Spirit of CPL T20 with the

launch of this special edition rum. This rum not only commemorates our journey with CPL, but it reflects our dedication to heritage, tradition, and the shared joy of cricket. It brings together the finest expressions from our heritage stills and ageing process to honour a partnership rooted in Caribbean pride and crafts manship. We look forward to continuing this spirited journey with CPL and the fans who make it unforgettable year af ter year."

The El Dorado Master Blender's Special Edition 13-Year-Old Rum is now available for sale at local retail outlets countrywide and all duty-free shops.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) will bring the heat to St Lucia today, Tuesday, August 26 when they lock horns with home team St Lucia Kings at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground.

Kings’ last game against Barbados Royals was washed out completely due to the rain across the island. Warriors are the only unbeaten team in the 2025 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League

(CPL) and sit in second. Kings are in fifth with one win, one loss and two no-results. A win against Warriors will be essential for Daren Sammy and his side to get their campaign up and running as defending champions.

A political leader in St Lucia issued a statement via social media, indicating that a tropical wave is expected to hit St Lucia.

“Dear Saint Lucians, please take caution. A tropi-

cal wave is approaching our island and expected to start affecting the Caribbean later tonight (Sunday evening). Your safety is top priority. Secure your homes, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay updated with official advisories. Let us all prepare, protect our families, and look out for one another,” the politician said.

Meanwhile, the Amazon Warriors, who arrived in St Lucia with high confidence, will bank on Imran Tahir

to continue to lead the way. Tahir has seven wickets in two outings, including his career-best bowling figure of 5-20. Dwaine Pretorius has also been among the wickets this season with five scalps.

The ever-classy and consistent Shai Hope is the man with the most runs for Warriors this season. After two games. Hope sits pretty with 138 runs while the likes of Ben McDermott and Shimron Hetmyer already

scored half-centuries early in this tournament.

The defending champions Kings will rely on the veteran Johnson Charles, who is one run shy of 100 runs this season. Test skipper Roston Chase has been good with bat and ball this season, with 73 runs under his belt and three wickets. Kings Captain David Wiese has also claimed three wickets early in the tournament.

At this stage of the tour-

nament, two batsmen have breached the 200-run mark. Karima Gore of Antigua and Barbuda Falcons has 218 runs while Colin Munro has 207 runs. Wrist spinner Waqar Salamkhiel has 10 wickets, with Usman Tariq, Jason Holder and Obed McCoy grabbing eight wickets each. Warriors and Kings are expected to commence battle from 19:00h local time.