Duo jailed, fined over $19M for cocaine trafficking
Stay hydrated, conserve water, avoid intense outdoor activities – Hydromet warns
Murder accused admits to manslaughter in "Whyte Eye" killing …to
Local author’s leadership book added to National Library’s collection "The Voice" website launched to fasttrack citizens’ ideas, complaints, solutions
Guyana’s candidate for the post of United Nations Secretary General (UNSG), Ambassador Carolyn RodriguesBirkett, has pledged to provide practical and principled leadership if she is selected to the organisation's highest office. She made the remarks during a Regional Dialogue convened by Uruguay in its capacity as Pro Tempore Presidency of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), where she joined other candidates in the running for the UNSG position from the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region in a dialogue on the future leadership of the global body. According to
Ambassador RodriguesBirkett, there have been clear calls for a Secretary General (SG) who can increase confidence in the UN, manage geopolitical divisions, lead credible reforms and ensure that there is greater impact on the ground. “I would certainly ensure that we have continuous reform so that the secretariat is not only effective and ef-
ficient, but that it is also closer to member states.
And on the bigger reforms, the structural reforms, if this is completed by January when the new Secretary General takes office, and if that Secretary General is me, then it would be just a matter of implementation of those reforms,” she explained.
In this regard, the
Guyanese diplomat noted, “and so I would have the role of providing to member states the information that they need, the objective information that they need, so that they will make informed decisions on the structural reform. This is very important because the United Nations could look very different to what it is now. And in making those decisions,
the information provided should be very objective.”
“I intend to also provide leadership that is practical, that is inclusive and that is pragmatic, but that is always principled,” she added.
During the session, Rodrigues-Birkett also explained why she believes this is the right moment for the LAC to lead the UN. “It is our turn and we have largely upheld this rotation…we do not lack the competence or the leadership skills, five of us have been nominated,” she posited. She added that, “Latin America and the Caribbean faces a number of challenges that require global decisions to
address them.”
The UNSG candidate explained that these include the threats to peace and security, including transnational organised crime and climate change.
“Many of the frontline countries facing the difficult impacts of climate change in our region. And this is why we have to ensure that multilateralism works because it is multilateralism that will enable us all to address these global challenges. As Secretary-General, this is what I will do… work to strengthen multilateralism, to bridge divides and to ensure that the United Nations has the confidence the world wants to see,” she further posited.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily. Tuesday, August 4 –07:45h–09:15h and Wednesday, August 5 – 08:35h–10:05h.
Sunny skies are expected during the day, followed by clear skies at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East-North-Easterly to East-SouthEasterly between 2.68 metres and 4.92 metres.
High Tide: 08:11h and 20:30h reaching maximum heights of 2.56 metres and 2.55 metres.
Low Tide: 14:03h reaching a minimum height of 0.71 metre.
“We’re here
President Dr Irfaan Ali on Monday launched a Model Village initiative aimed at transforming communities countrywide into modern, economically vibrant and socially connected spaces where citizens can live, work, and thrive. The initiative was launched with consultation sessions across several communities in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), where the President and his team unveiled renderings of how each village will be transformed under this new venture. The
Building a sense of community is equally important for this initiative to be successful, President Ali indicated, expressing that “you can build beautiful roads and excellent buildings and still have a poor community.” In this regard, he emphasised the importance of cultivating a culture where there is neighbourliness. “…where neighbours know each other, where people look after the elderly, where children are protected, where young people are engaged, where families in distress can receive assistance, where people volun-
first engagement was held at Leonora on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD), where President Ali explained that the initiative will “eventually touch every single village in our country”. He added that it is more than the infrastructural improvements. According to President Ali, the Model Village initiative will be centred on four key pillars: connectivity, community, commerce and care.
On connectivity, he explained that “it means proper roads, bridges and culverts, reliable drainage, street lighting, pedestrian crossings, appropriate parking, designated areas for heavy-duty machinery.” “It means areas to utilise and essential services. But connectivity also means connecting the village to the wider economy. Our people should be able to move efficiently from their homes to schools, workplaces, markets and services,” President Ali added.
lages cannot thrive if people have to seek economic opportunities elsewhere.
teer, where community organisations flourish, where religious organisations contribute, where elders are respected, where people gather for recreation and celebration, and where people come together in times of difficulty,” President Ali noted. “We must restore the understanding that my neighbour's well-being is also my concern. A village should never become a place where people live beside each other and lives, and live as strangers,” he added. To support this movement, President Ali said the Government will invest in physical spaces where neighbours can connect, such as community centres, playground, play fields, parks, recreational facilities, youth facilities and facilities for senior citizens.
“Because if we want people to interact, we must give them places in which to interact,” he posited.
Commerce & care On commerce, the President noted that vil-
“We need to make our villages economically alive. This means creating space for agriculture, markets, shops, small businesses, workshops, artisans, services, light manufacturing, digital business, and other forms of entrepreneurship,” he outlined. In this regard, he emphasised the importance of zoning. “Residential areas should be protected. Economic activity should be zoned and planned. Commercial areas should be properly located. Agricultural land should be protected. Heavy equipment should have designated areas,” he noted.
“The objective is to create a village that is economically productive, while remaining a good
place to live,” the President further emphasised. On care, the Guyanese leader posited that it must encompass care for the community and its people. “Care about the person who we see becoming an alcoholic, but all of us sit back and watch them destroy themselves. Care about the persons we see sliding away, but we all look back, watch sit back in our homes, and watch them slide away without offering a hand of support, or a kind word, or a comforting word. Care about children who we see slipping away out of control, but we sit back and allow that to happen,” he explained. President Ali noted that care also extends to supporting persons with disabilities within communities.
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As Guyana continues its economic transformation, there is growing recognition that the true test of national progress lies in whether prosperity reaches the communities where citizens live their daily lives and creates opportunities that are both meaningful and enduring.
It is against this backdrop that the Government's Model Communities Programme deserves commendation. By placing villages at the centre of the country's development agenda, the initiative signals an understanding that sustainable national growth begins at the community level and that every citizen should be able to experience the benefits of the country's unprecedented expansion.
The decision to commence the programme through extensive public consultations is particularly noteworthy. Development planning is most effective when it reflects the realities, priorities and aspirations of the people who will ultimately benefit from the investments. Communities possess unique characteristics, challenges and opportunities that cannot be fully appreciated through technical assessments alone. Listening to residents before finalising development plans is, therefore, not just simply good governance, it is a practical approach to ensuring that public resources are invested where they can generate the greatest impact.
Equally important is the recognition that there can be no "one-sizefits-all" model for community development. Guyana's villages differ in their history, geography, economic activities and cultural identity. Preserving those unique characteristics while introducing modern infrastructure and amenities allows development to enhance communities without diminishing the qualities that make them distinctive.
The programme's emphasis on connectivity, community, commerce and care signifies a comprehensive vision for national development. Modern roads, drainage networks, street lighting and reliable public utilities remain fundamental to improving the quality of life and supporting economic activity. Such investments not only enhance mobility and public safety, but also create conditions that encourage private investment and business expansion.
Recreational facilities, parks, community centres and other public spaces play a vital role in strengthening social cohesion and improving the overall quality of life. These are the spaces where neighbours interact, families gather, young people participate in positive activities and communities cultivate a stronger sense of identity and belonging.
Perhaps the greatest long-term value of the initiative lies in its economic dimension. Organised commercial spaces, modern markets and support for small businesses, farmers and entrepreneurs have the potential to create vibrant local economies capable of generating employment and reducing the need for residents to travel long distances in search of opportunities. As Guyana's economy continues to diversify, empowering communities to become centres of enterprise will help ensure that economic growth is more inclusive and geographically balanced.
This is particularly significant given the rapid pace of development taking place across several regions. Expanding housing schemes and growing populations will inevitably increase demand for commercial services, transportation, health care, education and recreational facilities. Planning for these realities today is considerably more prudent than attempting to address them after communities have already outgrown existing infrastructure.
The programme also appropriately recognises that Government investment alone cannot build successful communities. Public infrastructure provides the foundation, but the long-term success of any development strategy depends upon responsible citizenship, active community participation and shared ownership of public assets. Clean surroundings, well-maintained facilities, respect for neighbours and support for local initiatives all contribute to creating communities that are attractive, safe and resilient.
Equally commendable is the emphasis on inclusivity as development should improve the lives of every citizen, including children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups. Accessible public spaces, improved environmental management, expanded educational opportunities and stronger community support systems all contribute to building communities where opportunity is genuinely shared.
The transformation of villages into modern, connected and economicallyvibrant communities is an investment in people.
Villagers wearing headlamps row in buckets to harvest water caltrops in Taizhou, Jiangsu province, China (Photograph: Xue Jinlong/VCG/Getty Images)
Dear Editor, I watched carefully how a partisan group of demonstrators, few in number, held a candlelight vigil, right outside the residence of Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, in South Ruimveldt Gardens, Georgetown. The smattering of people was demanding that Juan Edghill resign, since the MV Barima tragedy occurred with his being the subject Minister who has the ultimate voice in this domain. I was incensed and with valid reasons.
First, grief and empathy for the bereaving community must take precedence. In fact, it should be natural too. In any crises where human lives are lost, a Head of State and his Ministers must (not should) prioritize ‘empathy for victims’ since human lives always take top priority over technical, logistical, or political investigations. A true leader
(or leaders as a whole) is divinely mandated to cater for the emotional and immediate needs of citizens, and these leaders actually have limited, but enough legal authority required to lead a nation through a crisis, with the caveat of not tampering or compromising with that which may be legally and forensically vital to the imminent investigation.
For example, when the 1927 Mississippi River Flood (1927) struck, the US, President Incumbent at the time, Calvin Coolidge ‘bypassed initial reluctance for federal intervention, and instantly deployed Herbert Hoover to coordinate rescue, shelter, and medical care for hundreds of thousands of displaced and drowned-out citizens along the overflowing river.
Editor, in this situation where President Ali and Minister
Edghill are responding legally, morally and ethically in a most appropriate manner, it is a clear manifestation where their hearts are. They are in fact recognizing and acknowledging human suffering, showing that their government values its citizens' lives far above bureaucracy or infrastructure.’ Thus, there was the mobilisation to provide immediate and necessary comfort, and offer vital emotional support to the traumatized families and survivors.
During the crisis, and amidst valiant rescue operation, all that I was hearing from the opposition was whom to fire, who is responsible, and let me be the hero etc. Ridiculous and shameful indeed!
I recall in a climate and infrastructure crises, the severe northern flooding/ water emergencies in Canada, leaders like Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Prime
Minister Mark Carney routinely resisted calls from opposition parties or Indigenous leadership to fire sitting natural resource or indigenous services ministers, opting instead for internal administrative reviews when the crisis came to an end.
Readers, just think of the chaos that will ensue should there be any disruption resulting from any immediate firing of any key person. And in fact, a Head of State may decide not to fire any minister after a water vessel traced, or any other one for several strategic, legal, and operational reasons.
For one, the government wants the preservation of Operational Continuity and the maintaining of the crisis response. I think it would be most irresponsible and far too hasty to fire a minister during this active emergency response.
Dear Editor,
The right to peaceful protest is one of the cornerstones of every democratic society. It is a constitutional right that must always be respected, protected and exercised responsibly. Those who choose to demonstrate peacefully are entitled to do so, and their voices deserve to be heard with dignity.
Equally, democracy provides another avenue through which citizens can pursue solutions: direct engagement with those entrusted with governing.
As the people of Region Ten prepare for two significant events on the same day a peaceful demonstration and the Government's Region Ten Public Day we should ask ourselves a question that rises
above politics: Which course of action is more likely to produce tangible benefits for the people of Linden today? Every citizen will answer that question differently, and I respect that. My own view is that whenever national leaders come directly into our community to listen, answer questions, and engage with residents, Linden should seize that opportunity. Communities advance not only by expressing dissatisfaction, but also by placing their concerns directly before those with the authority to make decisions.
Throughout my own political life, I have never hesitated to criticize where criticism was warranted. Neither have I hesitated to support initiatives that I
believe serve the public interest. My political decisions have never been about personalities; they have been about what I believe best advances the welfare of our people. That remains true today.
Supporting constructive engagement with the Government does not require abandoning one's principles. Likewise, attending a peaceful protest does not automatically make someone an enemy of progress.
Democracy is mature enough to accommodate both. The question is not whether citizens have the right to protest. They unquestionably do. The more important question is whether we, as a community, use every available opportunity to secure meaningful outcomes for Linden.
Region Ten continues to face challenges in employment, infrastructure, healthcare, housing, education, youth development, investment, access to land and capital and economic diversification. These are issues that require decisions, policies and resources. They cannot be resolved by slogans alone, nor by demonstrations alone. They require dialogue, advocacy, persistence and partnership.
As someone who lives in Linden, works among its people and remains deeply committed to its development, I have no interest in deepening political divisions within our community. My responsibility is to encourage whatever course of action that is most likely to improve the lives of
This this will just hemorrhage the chain of command when what is needed is stable leadership Replacing a minister immediately in all likelihood may result in the loss of person best equipped with the background knowledge required to manage this ongoing crisis. I think we all agree that mass leadership changes can cause a ministry staff to stall decision-making out of fear for their own job security.
Editor, it stands to good reason that all Guyana must await the announced independent investigations. Good and mature leadership dictates that no minister should be fired, as this must be contingent upon judicial inquiries, and that alone must determine actual culpability. Too many times it was
proved that ministers do set high-level policies, whereas actual tragedies are usually caused by localized operational errors, mechanical failures, or sudden weather. We must at this time avoid premature blaming, as this can prejudice legal proceedings or create a scapegoat before the true systemic failures are understood.
Secondly, the man behind it all, Azruddin Mohamed is not qualified for the calling of heads. His murky illegal past has been subject to heavy scrutiny regarding alleged links to violent incidents and severe international offenses. I am talking about financial crimes, public allegations, and ongoing police investigations connected to a high-profile murder. Mohamed’s current legal position is most ten-
uous as this involves a massive 11-count U.S. federal criminal indictment in Florida. The charges focus on wire fraud, mail fraud, customs violations, and laundering money through his family's gold exporting firm.
I close by reminding readers and especially the protestors that “Under Guyana's legal framework, specifically the Public Order Act, holding public processions, marches, or utilizing certain noisy instru-
ments at public meetings, generally requires advance notification or written permission from the police or designated authorities to maintain public safety and good order.” The political opposition, as far as I know, did not obtain a formal permit to host the street vigil directly in front of Public Works Minister Juan Edghill’s home, so the cops were quite in order to intervene.
Yours truly, Hargesh B Singh
our citizens.
If the Vice President and members of Cabinet are coming to Region Ten to hear directly from residents, then I believe we should use that opportunity wisely. Let our voices be firm, respectful and evidence-based. Let us present our concerns and needs clearly, let us demand accountability where necessary, and advocate for more investments that will improve the lives of our people and community.
Real leadership is measured not by how loudly we oppose one another, but by how effectively we secure results for the communities we represent.
Will this help move Linden and Region Ten forward?
If the answer is yes, then we should support it regardless of which political party proposes it.
Our loyalty must always be to the people of Region Ten before it is to any political organization, any political leader or any political dispute. That is not a rejection of democracy. It is democracy at its very best.
Yours respectfully, Jermaine Figueira Former Member of Parliament
Linden has always been a proud, resilient and politically conscious community. That identity should never change. But our political consciousness should also remind us that every decision ought to be guided by one overriding question:
Power of 0
What is raising a value to the power of 0?
Any non-zero value raised to the power of 0 is equal to 1.
Fractional Indices
What are fractional indices?
Fractional indices are powers of a term that are fractions. Both parts of the fractional power have a meaning.
wrapped
Create this simple woolwrapped watermelon wreath! This vibrant and eye-catching craft combines soft wool in lush green and juicy red hues, accented with playful black seeds, to perfectly capture the refreshing spirit of summer.
cardboard circle (wreath form). At this stage you can also loop red ribbon through the hole in the wreath.
Step 2: Wrap light green wool at the bottom half of the wreath, then wrap white wool around where the red and green wool meet.
My father would sleep all day before a night shift & leave just when the dark would singe the edges of our town. He’d measure his life in lengths of unfiltered cigarettes while parting the dense, iced air with his coarse woollen coat.
The stairs to his office were unsteady & below him, corroded trains halted & men with hands gloved in iron dust fixed them & twisted spanners around heart-sized bolts as their lungs filtered diesel fumes & flux smoke.
The whirring of locomotives & the clangor of hammers reshaping rusted wheels got inside my father’s head & stayed. He used to say that he’d become a beast who couldn’t think & that he couldn’t tell if he’d lost the meaning of the words he had to write in neat rows after each shift.
The denominator of the fraction (b) is the root of the number or letter.
The numerator of the fraction (a) is the power to raise the answer to.
(√x)a a b x b
What you'll need Coloured wool
Self-adhesive pom poms Coloured Satin Ribbon Glue
Cardboard circle for wreath form Scissors
How to make
Step 1: Wrap red wool around the top half of the
Step 3: Next, wrap dark green wool on top of the light green section to create stripes.
Step 4: To finish, stick black pom poms to the red section of the wreath.
Top tip
Wrap 2 or 3 strands of yarn around the wreath at the same to make the process quicker. (Adapted from bakerross.co.uk)
Plainclothes militiamen followed him, so when he did his rounds, he took the darkest path among trains freighting the cement & soil of cemeteries, though he could still hear them crunching the hard snow behind him. & when he turned, he saw them watching him as though they knew what could break him.
(Source: Poetry [July/August 2026])
Start or end a story with a scream.
Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mahendra Singh has condemned a fraudulent SMS circulating in Guyana that falsely claims to be from the Guyana Police Force's Traffic Department and requests payment for an alleged speeding violation. The fraudulent message claims to be from the Guyana Police Force's (GPF) Traffic Department and tells recipients that their vehicle has been recorded committing a speeding violation. It includes a purported report number and directs recipients to a website where they are instructed to view photographic evidence, submit an ap-
peal, or pay the alleged fine online. According to the Singh, who is the Traffic Chief, the GPF has already issued two public advisories on the matter- one about three weeks ago and another immediately after the fraudulent messages began circulating. He explained that the advisories carefully inform the public about the official process for receiving a speeding ticket in Guyana and the approved method of payment. He further outlined the procedure.
"In our country, a speeding ticket is only paid via MMG. But the messages that you or others would have received, or that were forwarded to you, di-
rect persons to a site where they are asked to pay using a bank card. Right away you know that is not in keeping with our laws, and it is fraudulent. All of the public advisories to keep the public
informed commenced from the time the SRIS (Safe Road Intelligent System) was put in place because we wanted people to know how they would receive the notice, how they would receive the SMS, and how they should pay."
Singh also reminded members of the public that legitimate speeding notices are issued only through official GPF channels.
"Right away, when you look at the link, you can see it is not in keeping with what you know. My encouragement to the public is to utilise the option to find your ticket on the official Guyana Police Force website. That way, if you are unsure
“We’re here to listen to you” – Pres Ali
Moreover, it also deals with caring for the physical surroundings. “Our villages should be clean, orderly, attractive, proper waste management, clean drains, maintain verges, landscaping, trees.
It must be beautiful with parks and green spaces. It must discourage indiscriminate dumping. The Government cannot do this alone. People must embrace this concept,” President Ali asserted.
Drainage, policing, noise nuisance
Additionally, the Model Village initiative will look at issues such as drainage and irrigation and the strategic placement of fire hydrants. It will also expand the Safe Country programme into villages, President Ali noted, explaining that “communities are becoming so dense and so populated and multifaceted that we have to now place a security system in the communities themselves.” “You'll see instead of large police station buildings now, we'll have the more containerised offices and outposts with more of the ATVs and bikes to get them to move faster. So, the interconnectivity of the
security system and the police system is also going to be key and critical,” he added. The initiative will also address the issues of encumbrances on roadways and noise nuisance.
President Ali emphasised that the village remains central to people and in order to ensure citizens’ quality of lives improve, the Government cannot ignore the development of the communities. “If we are serious about giving our people a quality life, we cannot ignore the development of the places where most of our people live. This is where people spend most of their time. This is where they raise their children. This is where families are formed. This is where people worship, work, socialise, grow old and ultimately build their lives. We want villages where faith is established through practice. We want the temples, the mosque, and the churches to be filled once more. Filled with children, young people, so that we can cultivate the type of values that will really take our country forward. Therefore, if development does not reach the level of the village, then
development has not fully reached the people,” the Head of State reasoned. President Ali emphasised that it is important that villages do not just become places where citizens go to sleep. “We have to foster the wholesome development of our villages, and that is why we are here. The Model Village is not simply a village with newly paved roads. It is not simply villages with streetlights. It is not simply a village with a playground. Those things matter, but they're
only part of the picture. A Model Village should be a place where people can live well, work, learn, raise families, recreate, worship, build businesses, access essential services, have a great sense of security, a sense of belonging, have peace of mind, and feel that they belong,” he posited. The Model Village initiative is being spearheaded by the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry alongside the Ministry of Housing, the Ministry of Public
whether you have received a legitimate notice, you can simply go to the official site and check whether a ticket has been issued to you."
The GPF issues automated e-tickets through a digital traffic system: cameras capture speeding violations, notifications go out via SMS or email if contact details are updated with the GRA, and drivers can track or pay tickets online. Persons can search for active tickets on the GPF Unpaid Tickets Lookup page using your ticket number, Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), or vehicle registration number.
Works and the Ministry of Agriculture. Public consultations on the initiative will continue throughout the week across various communities. President Ali explained that the initiative is not designed to create identical communities, noting that each village’s history, traditions and economic strengths will be preserved. As such, he noted that the consultations will allow residents to identify priority areas, including roads, drainage, lighting, recreational facil-
ities, commercial zones and other community needs. President Ali said residents’ participation will be central to shaping the future of their communities. “We’re here to listen to you. You know where the roads are needed. You know where the drainage problems are. You know where the children play. You know where the businesses are… Tell us what works. Tell us what does not work. Tell us what should be preserved.”
Two men were found guilty last week on separate narcotics possession charges and were sentenced to three and four years of imprisonment respectively, topped with millions in fines. The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) stated that Khaled Perez appeared before Magistrate Dylon Bess at the Diamond Magistrates' Court last Friday and was found guilty of trafficking 11.502 kilograms (kg) of cocaine.
As such, he was sentenced to three years' imprisonment and fined $17,253,000. This case originated from a December 2023
operation at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD), during which a vehicle was intercepted with 10 parcels of cocaine. It was reported that Perez, of Mon Desir, Canal No. 2, West Bank Demerara (WBD), was on a route #31 minibus when it was intercepted by CANU ranks. The 10 brick-like parcels with narcotics tested positive for cocaine. At the time, the street value was estimated at $12 million. Meanwhile, Prewein Roepa appeared before Magistrate Hardy at the Springlands Magistrates' Court after he was initially charged with having 1.2 kg of cocaine in his possession.
As such, he was found guilty and sentenced to four years' imprisonment, along with a fine of $1,752,000. This case, nevertheless, originated from a September 2025 oper-
ation in Skeldon, Backtrack, Corentyne, Berbice, during which CANU officers found one brick-like parcel of cocaine weighing 1.2 kilograms in a bag he was carrying.
We’ve just come off celebrating “Emancipation Day” – which goes all the way back to Aug 1, 1834 – when slavery was supposed to’ve been ended. But your Eyewitness starts counting from 1838 because of the “Apprenticeship period” that was immediately imposed – and didn’t end till then!! Imagine the gall of paying the slave owners fortunes for “losing” their slaves – and then forcing the supposedly-freed slaves to continue working – but for a pittance to supposedly teach them the ways of “being free”!! Not even a firm handshake for working to receive lashes and hangings for hundreds of years!!
Anyhow, in the beginning of this new millennium, a movement for REPARATIONS was launched by some academics out of UWI. They were gonna convince the old slave-owning countries – in our case Britain and the Netherlands – to try correcting their historical crimes against African humanity!! One way suggested was funding programmes to alleviate the structural impediments surviving since slavery – and holding back descendants from enjoying an equal place in their societies!!
Over the years, they’ve had some success in receiving a hearing and in some instances – like from the Gladstone family some years ago – even receiving acknowledgement, apologies and compensation!! But sadly, the slave-owning nations’ governments – which built their successful economies on the backs of slavery and then indentureship that followed – have stoutly refused to own up and step up to the crease!! They haven’t even agreed to enter formal negotiations! Britain's official position, for example, remains essentially unchanged – arguing that contemporary taxpayers shouldn’t bear legal liability for historic wrongs. Never mind that the said contemporary taxpayers are enjoying the fruits of the old slave labour through the material and economic edifices constructed back then!! While there’s been greater willingness to acknowledge slavery's horrors and support historical research – for example recently suggested by King Charles – London has stopped well short of accepting a legal obligation to compensate Caribbean nations!! So your Eyewitness is suggesting that every Emancipation Day henceforth – in addition to parading up and down in “African” costumes and eating conkee – we should be organising demonstrations demanding reparations!! Maybe in the past no one would’ve taken notice, but now that we’re the fastest growing economy in the world – with economic opportunities coming out of our kazoos! – we’ve got the attention of the old colonials!! They want a piece of our action – so we can make it a quid pro quo that they cough up some reparations funding!!
Your Eyewitness can just picture next year’s Emancipation celebrations: decked out in our Dashikis and Kaftans with a conkee in one hand and raising the clenched other in the air – we’ll be screaming “Massa Day Done and we want we money!!”
…the production?
In most countries, earning a PhD means writing a dissertation. Hundreds of pages of theory, research, and citations that very few people gonna ever read and they end up gathering dust on shelves!! But in the last few years, China decided to try something different.
Under a law passed in 2024, select universities can now award engineering doctorates based on physical prototypes, new techniques, or major installations instead of traditional papers!! That’s right – rather than focusing only on theory by spinning ideas like cotton candy, the aspiring “Doctors” gotta get down, get their hands dirty and produce something useful!
The rule is straightforward: build something that works in real life and at scale – and you can graduate with that PhD!! They’re taking a Finnish educational innovation called Phenomenon Based Learning to the max!! And it’s already become reality – the first cohort has already gone into the world!!
Maybe with UG beating the bushes to find a new Vice Chancellor – maybe we should also introduce the practical PhDs!!
…the responsibility?
The opposition’s supposed to be “responsible” but from their behaviour on the Barima tragedy they’ve been anything but!! The latest is the Government’s decision inviting bids to salvage the ship –which they say is dilatory!!
They want single source??
The prosecution in the murder case arising from the MV Barima tragedy has been granted additional time to complete disclosure of evidence to the defence.
The matter came up on Monday before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir at the Charity Magistrate's Court, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) where Senior Police Legal Advisor Mandel Moore informed the court that only partial disclosure had been served on the defence. Appearing virtually from pris-
on while handcuffed were Kevin Price, called "KP", captain of Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara (ECD), 40; Rondell Dwayne Roberts, 42, chief mate of Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD) and Delon Granderson, the 33-year-old goods superintendent of Fellowship, West Coast Demerara (WCD). The prosecutor informed the court that, although he had obtained the fiat to proceed with the murder prosecution, additional
time was needed to complete disclosure of the prosecution's evidence, including witness statements and documentary exhibits. The Magistrate subsequently adjourned the proceedings to September 7. As such all three of the accused were further remanded to prison. When the matter resumes, the prosecution is expected to indicate that disclosure has been completed, paving the way for paper committal proceedings.
The Guyana Hydrometeorological Service (Hydromet) is advising the public to prepare for hotter-than-normal conditions as El Niño strengthens, with increased hot spells expected from August through at least October 2026. According to Hydromet’s latest Seasonal Outlook, Guyana is likely to experience a significant rise in the number of hot spell days during the period as the country transitions out of the rainy season. El Niño, a climate pattern linked to warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific and weaker trade winds, typically brings drier and warmer conditions. Hydromet noted that while Guyana historically experiences up to 30 hot spell days annually, forecasts indicate that the country could record as many as 80 hot spell days this year. A hot spell is defined as two or more consecutive days of extreme temperatures.
Regions Four (Demerara-Mahaica); Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and
10 are expected to experience the highest frequency of hot spell days. The Service also warned that all regions are likely to see fewer wet days, along with above-normal daytime and nighttime temperatures. The warmer and drier conditions could affect several sectors, including agriculture, water resources, energy, education, transportation, forestry and public health.
In agriculture, reduced rainfall and higher temperatures may cause moisture stress in crops, affect pasture conditions and increase water needs for livestock. Water availability for domestic use, farming and other activities may also be affected, particularly in vulnerable hinterland communities. Hydromet said higher temperatures could increase electricity demand as households and businesses use cooling systems more frequently, placing additional pressure on the national power grid. The education sector may also be impacted, with prolonged heat increasing the risk of heat stress and discomfort in classrooms. Meanwhile, low water levels could affect river transportation
in some areas and disrupt the movement of people, goods and essential services. Unpaved roads may also become dustier, reducing visibility. The Service warned that dry vegetation and extended periods of high temperatures could increase the risk of bush and forest fires, especially in forested and savannah areas. Members of the public, particularly children, older adults, persons with underlying health conditions and outdoor workers, are being urged to take precautions against heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Hydromet is advising residents to remain hydrated, conserve water, avoid strenuous outdoor activities between 11:00h and 14:00h, wear light and loose-fitting clothing, and follow official weather updates. Schools are encouraged to ensure adequate drinking water is available, promote heat safety measures and monitor weather advisories.
The public is also being urged to avoid activities that could trigger fires, including the burning of rubbish or vegeta-
tion, and to ensure crops and livestock have continued access to quality water. Hydromet noted that while El Niño gen-
erally results in warmer and drier conditions, significant rainfall events can still occur during the period. The Service said
it will continue monitoring conditions and provide updates to support preparedness and decision-making.
During that stage, the Magistrate will determine, based on the prosecution's written evidence rather than oral testimony, whether there is sufficient evidence to commit the accused to stand trial before a judge and jury in the High Court. Appearing for Price and Granderson was a defence team led by Attorney-atLaw Dexter Todd and comprising Attorneys Dexter Smartt, Keona Higgins, Eden Corbin and Angel Stephens. Roberts was represented by Attorneyat-law Everton SinghLammy. The three men were jointly charged following legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in connection with the July 18 sinking of the MV Barima, Guyana's worst maritime disaster. The charge alleges that the three accused murdered 68 named victims and other persons unknown at a point 9.3 nautical miles on a bearing of 040 degrees off the Essequibo Coast at Devonshire Castle on July 18, 2026, when the MV Barima capsized during its voyage. The charge identifies the victims as Kevin Wilson, Claymont King, Oxwell John, Roma Mendonca, Nathaniel Matabheek, Nathalia Matabheek, Rachel Wells Matabheek, Ezekiel Matabheek, Cheriannys Valenzuela, Orin Clarke, Edith Gordon, Omar Harris, Paul Seapersaud, Andriel Bautista, Youlanda Marks, Gwenette Marks, Shenira Smith, Cleiveliz Fraser, Vivianna Saddurddin, Argelys Kelly Williams, Devon Mars, Robina Hernandez, Tendhi Stanford, Adans Williams, Ranaldo Poon, Aarave Daniels, Marcia Beharry, Leonard Persaud, Mariam Bernard, Ravindra Singh, Shivana LaCruz
Ramsindo, Christiani Rodrigues, Annalisa Murray and Owen Arthur.
Also named are Loveisa Bovell, Joshua Arthur, Ranaldo Pickering, Bibi Mohamed, Sylvester Peters, Shawn John, Akelah Rodrigues, Vishawn Ramjattan, Nelly Duesberry, Samara Manoharlall, Sherlon Joseph, Timar Manoharlall, Dellon Gaskin, Percy France, Alicia Atkinson, Dwyane Forbes, Orin Europe, Orwin Europe, Justin Mury, Odessa Mury, Reshana David, Kishana Sam, Tiona Sam, Elizabeth Bowin, Argany Williams, Omarions Europe, Jacob Jerome, Mark Abrams, Ashleena Bovell, Kyle Thomas, Carlton Bennett, Navessa Bovell, Martin Ishmael and Jason Headley.
The men first appeared before Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts on July 28, where they were not required to plead to the indictable charge of murder before being remanded to prison.
The matter was subsequently transferred to the Charity Magistrate's Court.
The MV Barima, a passenger and cargo ferry, departed the Kingston Goods Wharf in Georgetown at approximately 15:15h on July 18, 2026, on its scheduled voyage to Port Kaituma, Region One (Barima-Waini), carrying passengers, crew and car-
go. At about 23:01h., the vessel transmitted a distress signal after encountering difficulties off the Essequibo Coast near the mouth of the Pomeroon River, triggering Guyana's largest maritime searchand-rescue operation. Authorities later confirmed that 179 people had been aboard the vessel, including 18 crew members. The disaster claimed 73 lives, while 76 people survived and about 30 remain missing. A day after the disaster, Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips disclosed that two crew members, including the captain, had tested positive for cannabis. Price and another crew member were subsequently arrested, while Granderson was arrested as investigations progressed. Meanwhile, President Dr Irfaan Ali has established a five-member Commission of Inquiry (CoI) to, among other things, examine the circumstances surrounding the sinking, regulatory oversight and the emergency response.
DPP Shalimar AliHack, SC, has maintained that the criminal proceedings will not be affected by the Commission's work, stressing that the inquiry and the prosecution can proceed simultaneously. The institution of the charge also triggered protests by relatives and supporters of the accused, who called for their release and demanded accountability from Government officials.
The Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation Ministry on Monday announced the launch of “The Voice”, a new website designed to give citizens a direct channel to share ideas, raise concerns and offer recommendations aimed at improving public services. Subject Minister Zulfikar Ally noted that the launch of this new initiative is in keeping with a commitment by President Dr Irfaan Ali to ensure the government remains in touch with the people. “There are people who have so many good ideas within the various agencies and Ministries that we have and oftentimes we don't get the opportunity or get the time to speak with them to hear either, what are the challenges, or what are the recommendations that they have to fix issues within the public service so that we can serve the people a lot better,” he noted during a video uploaded to his Facebook page. In fact, Ally said he will personally respond to submissions on the website. “They can put either their suggestions or an issue that they have as a public servant and then I will respond to them directly. Every day I will sit, I will call them, I will engage with them, I will find out more, if I need more details and I will either try to fix the problem, or I will explain to them why the problem cannot be fixed or what are some of the challenges that we have that whatever they would like to see or whatever they're recommending cannot be done,” he explained. Ally said these engage -
ments will be “very insightful”. The website has already been tested and according to the Public Service Minister, has yielded positive results for users. “We have Ms Clark who's from Berbice. Ms Clark was not being paid for a couple of months so she reached out, she asked if something could be done about it. So, we reached out directly to the Ministry that's responsible where she's working, we spoke with the HR department, we ensured that in this case it was a matter of the paperwork. So, we got that done, Ms Clark was paid and her name is now on the payroll, she would not have that issue anymore,” the Minister explained. He stressed that the website is not just for complaints. “Ms Lall didn't have much of a complaint but she had a lot of brilliant suggestions, brilliant suggestions on how we can improve the public service, what we can do in the space of education and I
called her, we had a fantastic discussion and I listened to her ideas and some of them I will suggest to the President,” he noted. Meanwhile, the Minister explained that this initiative is in keeping with President Ali’s vision of ensuring his Ministers stay connected with the people. “President Ali wants his cabinet, all of us to be engaged, to be in touch with every citizen out there and I found that this is one innovative way in which they can reach to me,” he expressed. Persons wishing to submit suggestions or concerns can visit mpsmandate.gov. gy, where they can complete a short online form with their contact information and details of their issue or recommendation.
“It takes less than a minute to put in your information and your questions or your comments,” he noted as he encouraged persons to utilise the platform.
President Dr Irfaan Ali engages residents during a public consultation Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo; Leonora Secondary School; and Goed (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) as the Government seeks input on
on the Model Village Initiative at Zeelugt Primary School; Fortuin along with several other villages in Region 3 plans to transform communities (President Dr Irfaan Ali/Facebook)
The Hope, Empathy, Aid, Resilience, and Trust (HEART) Initiative has expressed gratitude to the Guyana Amazon Warriors franchise, its owner Dr Ranjisinghi “Bobby” Ramroop, and the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) for a $25 million donation to support survivors and families affected by the MV Barima tragedy. The cheque was presented by GSL Chairman Sir Clive Lloyd to representatives of the HEART Initiative - Shaikh Moeenul Hack, Rev Dr Kwame Gilbert, Lt Col Dominic Shepherd, Misha Goodchild, and Pandit Roopnarine Persaud on Saturday before the Global Super League final at the Providence
National Stadium.
The donation fulfils a commitment made by the Guyana Amazon Warriors to contribute towards human-
itarian relief efforts following the July 18, 2026 capsizing of the MV Barima off the Essequibo Coast.
The HEART Initiative said the contribution will assist in providing support to affected families and survivors as they continue their recovery following the maritime tragedy. Support through the initiative will include financial assistance, psychosocial support, trauma counselling, recovery services, spiritual guidance and other forms of community support. The HEART Initiative was established by President Dr Irfaan Ali following the MV Barima disaster to coordinate longterm assistance for
survivors and the families of those who lost loved ones.
The national programme is intended to bring together humanitarian assistance, social services, counselling and spiritual support, while ensuring continued assistance for those affected. President Ali previously stated that the initiative was not intended as compensation, but as an expression of the nation’s commitment to stand with survivors and bereaved families throughout their recovery. The MV Barima , a passenger and cargo ferry, capsized off the Essequibo Coast on July 18, 2026, in one of Guyana’s deadliest maritime tragedies.
Residents of Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara (WBD) Region
Three (EssequiboIslands West Demerara) were on Monday presented with plans for a modern two-storey market that President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali
said will serve as a major economic hub while creating new opportunities for businesses and vendors. The market will feature more than 140 commercial spaces, a food court, farmers’ market, dedicated vending areas, parking, modern sanitation fa-
cilities and waste management systems. This market had to be different because this market is an everyday market, and this market must present additional economic opportunities,” President Ali is quoted in a Department of Public Information
(DPI) report as saying.
The head of state explained that the facility is being designed to attract visitors beyond traditional market days by hosting cultural activities. It will provide a space where residents can shop, dine and conduct business throughout the week. “We want people to come to this market because this market will have the best local food in all of Guyana,” he said, noting that the project will stimulate business growth and strengthen the local economy. The President said the new market complements the wider transformation taking place in Region Three, with major investments in housing, roads and other infrastructure aimed at supporting long-term development.
Amurder trial at the Berbice Assizes came to an abrupt end on Monday after the accused, Bhola Jaipersaud, also called "Joey," changed his plea from not guilty to guilty on the lesser count of manslaughter in the killing of Rameshwar Sydney, known as “Whyte Eye.” Jaipersaud entered the guilty plea before Justice Gino Persaud during his second appearance in the High Court. Following the plea, the court adjourned the matter to September 3 when a sentencing hearing will be held.
When the trial opened last week, Jaipersaud had denied the murder charge and a 12-member jury was empan-
Charged: Bhola Jaipersaud, also called "Joey”
elled to hear the matter. However, the change of plea brought the murder trial to an end before the case proceeded further.
Jaipersaud had been indicted for the murder of Sydney, a cash-crop farmer, who was killed on July 8, 2022. The
prosecution had previously indicated that it intended to call 15 witnesses during the trial. During the hearing on September 3, the prosecution and defence are expected to make submissions before Justice Persaud determines the
appropriate sentence. Jaipersaud remains in custody pending the sentencing hearing. Sydney, a father of five, was killed at Bush Lot Village and reports at the time stated that Sydney had returned home from his farm and was having lunch when a neighbour visited and invited him over to chat. Sydney reportedly left his home and went with the neighbour but, minutes later, was seen running from the neighbour’s yard towards his home with a knife lodged in his neck.
A security guard who was passing through the area reportedly saw the injured man collapse and raised an alarm. Sydney was subsequently taken to the Port Mourant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Reports following the killing had indicated that Sydney and the neighbour were known to each other and were considered friendly, and as such, relatives reportedly had no initial reason for concern when Sydney left his home. Jaipersaud was subsequently charged with Sydney’s murder.
Meanwhile, Ambassador RodriguesBirkett also highlighted experiences and contributions from the region that would help in strengthening a rules-based international order founded on respect for human rights. “Indeed, our region of Latin America and the Caribbean is diverse and is beautiful, as it is complex. Some of us have gained independence over 200 years ago, others, especially in the Caribbean, just over 60 years ago. But the contribution that I would like to underscore for the purposes of this discussion is the region's leadership and tradition of the peaceful resolution of disputes,” she said. “Indeed, it is the Latin American and Caribbean region that is credited with the first international court in the history of adjudication. And you would notice the Central American Court of Justice, even though it was not permanent, it has that distinction. And we also have the 1948 Pact of Bogota, which required the signatories to that to seek solutions at
the regional level, using those mechanisms and the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Several of our countries have utilised the ICJ, but also regional mechanisms, such as CARICOM and the OAS. And so by and large, the region has adhered to the UN Charter when it comes to the peaceful resolution of disputes. And even if some of those disputes continue, we have an understanding that we will not resort to conflict,” she added. According to the UNSG candidate, if appointed SG, these are experiences from the region she would embrace as her guide.
“I will utilise all the tools at the disposal of the Secretary General to end and to prevent conflicts. I will speak to those who are the conflict parties, but also those who have influence on them. And I will also work with regional organisations, because we have a number of regional organisations and countries now working on mediation in different parts of the world. But I will also ensure that human rights is upheld
across all the operations of the United Nations, because this is extremely important,” she noted.
Youth Ambassador
Rodriques-Birkett also shared her plans for the involvement of more young people at the UN, noting that this matter will be a priority, noting that as SG, “I will continue to engage young people. I would communicate clearly about the work, the good work, and the impact of the United Nations, and the role that young people can play in strengthening multilateralism and human rights, including by leveraging the digital space for good.”
“That would involve carefully filtering and analysing the deluge of information that is now at the fingertips of young people in order for them to advocate what is right. I would also ensure, finally, that the youth office has a robust communication position with youth so that they can be more engaged in the global discussion,” she further noted.
Climate action
The Guyanese diplomat also explained how she would reconcile climate action, the reduction of inequalities, and the development of aspirations of the Global South if elected to serve as UNSG. “If I'm appointed Secretary General, of course, I will continue to advocate for the commitments made on the Paris Agreement to be met, and on other agreements as well, including on finance, climate finance, especially for the most vulnerable. And I will also use my convening power to partner with the international financial institutions. Even if we make incremental steps, particularly looking at vulnerability, that will have a systemic effect across developing countries. I think this would be a good thing,” she outlined. Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett added that, many of the countries in the world, including in the LAC region, face high indebtedness, but also difficulties in terms of access to conces-
sional financing.
“And so, this is an urgent priority. But let me also add that we must recognise that fossil fuels, given where we are with the transition to clean energy, will continue to be used for some time. And it is important for all of us, member states, United Nations agencies, and industry, to engage meaningfully and to find the right balance to protect both people and planet while achieving our development aspirations, and while not stifling creativity and innovation in technology. But I will also be an advocate for the climate benefits and the development benefits of forests. This is our Latin American and Caribbean region's strength as well, the way how we manage forests. And so, these are some of the things that I believe we must consider as we find that right balance,” she explained. The other candidates are María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, nominated by Antigua and Barbuda; Rafael Mariano Grossi, nominated by Argentina; Rebeca Grynspan Mayufis,
nominated by Costa Rica and former Senegalese President Macky Sall, nominated by Burundi. The SG is appointed by the 193-member United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on the recommendation of the Security Council. While the Council, particularly its five permanent members with veto power, plays a decisive role in recommending a candidate, the final appointment is made by the General Assembly. If selected, RodriguesBirkett would become the first woman to serve as UNSG since the organisation was established in 1945, as well as the first Caribbean national to hold the post. RodriguesBirkett has served as Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN since 2020. She previously served as Director of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Liaison Office in Geneva from 2017 to 2020, Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2008 to 2015, and Minister of Amerindian Affairs from 2001 to 2008.
Guyanese leadership coach and corporate trainer, Kamladevi Sharma has added another milestone to her literary journey, with her debut book, How to Succeed Without Sacrificing Yourself, being accepted into the permanent collection of the National Library of Guyana. The book’s inclusion preserves a locally authored work exploring leadership, sustainable success and workforce wellbeing at a time when these conversations are becoming increasingly relevant in Guyana’s rapidly changing economy. Drawing on more than a decade of coaching leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs and organisations, Shifting From Hustle introduces Sharma’s MESS Alignment Framework -Mindset, Energy, Strategy, and Soulful Outcomes—a practical model designed to help people build meaningful success without sacrificing their health, relationships or sense of self.
The book asks a different question: How can people pursue ambition without losing themselves in the process? Across 13 chapters, readers are guided through practical reflection and behavioural exercises that encourage sustainable performance, intentional leadership and personal alignment. The
book’s inclusion comes as workplace wellbeing receives increasing national and international attention.
Speaking at Guyana’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Symposium on April 28, 2026, Labour and Manpower Planning Minister, Keoma Griffith described the country’s rising workplace incidents as "deeply troubling", reporting 13 workplace fatalities and 64 non-fatal incidents during the first four months of the year. He emphasised that psychosocial risks—including stress, burnout, excessive workloads, harassment, job insecurity, and unhealthy organisational cul-
tures—are "just as real and just as dangerous" as physical workplace hazards, calling for a stronger focus on prevention. Globally, the International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that psychosocial workplace risks contribute to more than 840,000 deaths annually, while depression and anxiety result in approximately 12 billion working days being lost each year, costing the global economy an estimated US$12.1 trillion in lost productivity. Rather than approaching these issues through policy alone, Shifting From Hustle explores them through the lived experiences of professionals navigating ambition, respon-
sibility, and wellbeing in today’s workplace. Since its release on April 29, 2026, more than 175 copies have reached readers across Guyana, including Ministers, senior public officials, educators, entrepreneurs, business leaders, professionals and working parents. The book is available through retailers in Demerara, Berbice, and Essequibo, as well as internationally on Amazon in paperback, hardcover and Kindle editions. "Guyana’s growth has created extraordinary opportunities," Sharma said. "But opportunity without inner sustainability comes at a cost. I wrote this book for capable, hardworking people who appear successful on the outside while quietly carrying exhaustion, disconnection, or overwhelm, because success should expand your life, not consume it."
Reflecting on the book’s inclusion in the National Library’s permanent collection, Sharma added: "Every country preserves the ideas that help tell its story. To know that Shifting From Hustle will become part of Guyana’s permanent literary record is deeply meaningful. I hope it continues encouraging conversations about leadership, wellbeing, and building success in ways that strength-
en both individuals and the organisations they serve."
Rather than asking readers to lower their ambitions, Shifting From Hustle challenges them to rethink how sustainable success is built.
Drawing on more than a decade of coaching and corporate training, Shifting From Hustle contributes a distinctly Guyanese perspective to these conversations while adding to the country's growing body of locally authored work.
"Thoughtprovoking, practical, simple, yet deeply insightful. The author beautifully weaves together insights from business, psychology, personal growth, and everyday life to explain not only why we are who we are, but how we can become better— without sacrificing ourselves or those around us in the process."
Through the MESS Alignment Framework, the book explores themes including: sustainable leadership and performance; behavioural patterns that contribute to burnout; identity beyond achievement; emotional wellbeing in professional life; and practical strategies for long-term personal and organisational success. As Guyana continues its economic transformation, conversations about leadership, organisational culture and workforce wellbeing are becoming increasingly important.
The Venezuelan Government has announced that the confirmed death toll from a pair of heavy earthquakes that struck the country in June has risen to 6125 persons.
National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez announced the updated figures on Monday, stating in a post shared on the Telegram messaging app that 61,000 persons had been treated in hospitals.
The announcement comes as the Venezuelan Government, headed by interim President Delcy Rodríguez, faces mounting criticism for shortcomings in the Government’s response to the deadly earthquakes.
As Venezuelans searched for missing friends and loved ones in the aftermath of the quakes, some criticised the Government and military forces for their perceived failure to do enough to help residents.
The magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes oc-
curred on June 24, with the coastal state of La Guaira and the national capital, Caracas, hit the hardest.
Rodríguez said that 16.5 per cent of debris from the tremors has been removed, but questions have continued about the country’s path to recovery.
A report from the World Bank has placed the physical damage from the earthquakes at nearly US$20 billion. Despite pledges of support from countries around the world in the days following the earth-
quakes, it remains unclear where such funds might come from.
The United States has maintained a high degree of control over Venezuela since capturing former President Nicolás Maduro in a military raid in January, and some US economic sanctions from Maduro’s tenure in office remain in place. Advocates have called for the remaining sanctions to be loosened or cancelled to help facilitate the flow of funds into Venezuela.
(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Cuba's national electrical grid collapsed again on Monday, State-run media reported, as the Government was trying to reestablish the system following a country-wide blackout on Sunday night.
Cuba's aging power generation system is under severe strain from fuel shortages, deteriorating infrastructure and a US-imposed oil blockade.
Blackouts affecting the entire island, home to about 10 million persons,
have become increasingly frequent in recent months.
Three outages hit Cuba over the course of nine days in July, followed by the outage on Sunday just before 11 pm local time.
"Despite the progress made today, an oscillation triggered the collapse," said Lazaro Manuel Alonso, news director of Cuba's Staterun television, in a post shared via social media.
A US-imposed oil blockade, after the Trump Administration
The Californiabased Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA) has strongly condemned the expansion of the United States (US) Visa Bond Programme, warning that it discriminatorily impacts Caribbean and other immigrants.
HBA Executive Director Guerline Jozef told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that the policy requires certain B-1/B-2 visa applicants to post financial bonds ranging from US$5000 to US$20,000 as a condition of entry.
While presented as a visa compliance measure, Jozef said that the policy creates “a wealthbased barrier to lawful travel and raises serious concerns regarding fairness, transparency and discrimination”.
Jozef said that by conditioning mobility on the ability to produce thousands of dollars upfront, the policy disproportionately impacts individuals from countries facing economic hardship and humanitarian challenges.
“This policy is discriminatory in both its
design and its practical impact. Access to lawful travel should not depend on whether an individual can afford a substantial financial bond. This creates a system where mobility is determined by wealth rather than eligibility.”
She said the financial burden of this policy is especially concerning given economic realities in the United States.
“Millions of Americans lack sufficient savings to cover unexpected expenses as low as US$500.00, and a similar requirement imposed on US travellers abroad would place in-
ternational travel out of reach for many.
“A policy that would be viewed as exclusionary if applied to Americans should not become acceptable when imposed on travellers from Africa, the Caribbean, and other regions of the Global South,” the HBA Executive Director said.
She said while the US Department of State has not issued a final list of countries subject to the expanded programme, the initial Visa Bond Pilot Programme provides insight into its potential impact.
(Excerpt from CMC)
deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January, has crippled the island's already-aging energy infrastructure.
Venezuela was Cuba's primary fuel supplier, and subsequent US pressure also led Mexico to halt oil shipments to the island. Havana blames a decades-old US trade embargo for its failing infrastructure, while Washington says the blackouts are due to the mismanagement of Cuba's State-run economy.
(Reuters)
Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles is calling on Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to hold a press conference, saying she has questions to answer on a range of issues facing the country.
In a statement on Monday, Beckles said the Government had serious unanswered questions about its governance. She cited issues including Government procurement, job losses, the economy, the State of Emergency, the pass-
port shortage, the national data centre, water shortages, garbage collection, energy policy and foreign affairs.
Beckles also referred to recently published Central Statistical Office figures, which she said showed employment fell by 5900 jobs in the first quarter of 2026 while the unemployment rate increased from 4.3 per cent to 5.4 per cent. She argued that the figures required an immediate response from the Prime Minister.
The Opposition Leader also said PersadBissessar should respond to concerns raised by the United States Ambassador-designate over the Government's repeated use of States of Emergency. Beckles accused the Prime Minister of trying to distract from the issues and called on her to provide accountability and transparency by holding a media conference to address the nation.
(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)
Adrone hit a busy beach in southern Russia, killing seven persons including three children, local authorities have said.
In social media footage verified by the BBC, a drone can be seen hurtling towards a cliffside before crashing into a fireball on the beach below as tourists look on from the shore and in the water.
The total number of injured reached 40, with 17 persons hospitalised, said the governor of the Krasnodar region Veniamin Kondratyev.
He accused Ukraine of "a deliberate strike on civilians". Ukraine has not commented. Both sides deny targeting civilians deliberately.
The crash occurred on a beach near the village of ArkhipoOsipovka on the Black Sea
It is unclear what the drone was targeting. Some Ukrainian Telegram channels have claimed it crashed onto the beach as a result of electronic warfare which jammed the drone's signal. Several eyewitnesses were quoted by Russian media as saying gunfire
preceded the explosion, indicating that air defences may have tried to shoot the drone down.
The crash occurred on a beach near the village of Arkhipo-Osipovka on the Black Sea. With its warm climate, long beaches and developed tourist infrastructure it is a pop-
ular holiday destination for Russians, in particular since sanctions have curtailed international travel for many.
Tourists and residents of Arkhipo-Osipovka told local media outlets that no sirens sounded ahead of the drone attack.
"We covered ourselves with sun loungers, and didn't see where it exploded," said one holidaymaker. Another person said that while they did not see the drone hit they could hear "gunfire, like a machine gun" followed by an explosion.
"This all happened in front of my children. My child is having a nervous breakdown," said a third.
(Excerpt from BBC News)
European Commission
President Ursula von der Leyen has called for "united action" on border security after the chaotic influx of tens of thousands of migrants from Morocco into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta last week.
Spain estimates that about 69,500 migrants have now returned to Morocco, exceeding initial estimates of 50,000.
The official death toll on the Spanish side of the border stands at 72,
with 11 deaths on the Moroccan side.
Today, EU Interior Ministers will have emergency talks by video conference to discuss the issue.
The scenes in Ceuta have strained relations among some of the EU's 27 member states.
In a letter to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, von der Leyen praised his "swift handling" of the crisis.
But she added: "From this incident, it is clear that we must do more
to further strengthen our borders at critical points."
In response to the Ceuta crossings, Italy temporarily suspended the Schengen arrangement with Spain.
The Schengen agreement eliminates border checks and now encompasses more than 450 million people and 29 countries in Europe.
Finland and Denmark backed Italy's move, while Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš urged a temporary sus-
pension of Spain's Schengen membership.
In response, Sánchez said he had "serious concerns" about some European Governments and pointed out that Ceuta was not part of the Schengen area.
While most had shown "support and solidarity", he said other European Governments had chosen to attack Spain, "driven by prejudice, fake news, ignorance, or political interest".
(Excerpt from BBC News)
Wildfires have forced around 60,000 persons to evacuate parts of the north-western US state of Washington, destroying hundreds of buildings and leaving thousands without power.
Three major blazes continued to burn around the city of Spokane on Monday, with officials warning the fires had not been contained.
Spokane Mayor Lisa
Brown described the situation to the BBC as "the worst natural disaster our region has faced", adding that authorities were assessing the extent of the damage and were "still discussing the potential for lives to be lost".
No deaths or injuries have been confirmed. Investigators have yet to work out how the blazes started.
The fires in Spokane
are among a total number of 16 large, uncontained wildfires on the landscape in Washington state as of Monday morning, according to the state's department of natural resources.
The National Weather Service (NWS) had warned of "extremely critical" fire weather over the weekend, with strong winds and unusually dry conditions helping the flames spread rapidly.
Videos from Spokane – the second most populous city in the state – show huge plumes of smoke and roaring fires tearing through houses, as helicopters fly above trying to put out the flames.
The fires have destroyed around 700 buildings, including homes, businesses and other buildings.
(Excerpt from BBC News)
The threat to ships carrying oil in the Middle East is at its worst since the Iran war started, experts have said, after a spate of attacks on another key route in the region.
The warning comes after a number of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, an alternative waterway that some tankers had been using since Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has denied US President Donald Trump's claim that it was in talks with the US over reopening the Strait, but said it was speaking to Oman about securing the shipping lane.
"In terms of threat to the trade of crude, we're at the worst period that we've been in since this, since this crisis began," said Matthew Wright, an analyst at shiptracking firm Kpler.
The number of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz was just eight on Sunday and 11 on Saturday, compared with more than 100 per day before the war began, according to Kpler.
Before the conflict, about 20 per cent of the world's oil and gas passed through the Strait.
The temporary peace deal with the US struck in early June led to numbers rising again, but the resumption of strikes between the two countries roughly a month later have significantly reduced traffic.
Many ships have been "going dark" when crossing the strait, meaning they turn off their transponder to avoid detection.
For much of the war, some ships carrying oil from Saudi Arabia had instead passed through an alternative shipping lane in the Red Sea, between the kingdom and northeast Africa.
But a recent spate of attacks by Yemen's Houthi fighters on Saudi tankers using the alternative waterway has further heightened the risks.
The Iranian-backed Houthi militia announced what it called a blockade on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea ports on July 20 and the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency has reported several attacks on ships in the past week.
"Not only is the ongoing situation in the Strait of Hormuz constraining oil flows, but now a big factor that was helping to balance the market is now also under threat. It's a problem stacked on top of a problem," Wright said.
Tim Wilkins, the managing director of Intertanko, a trade body representing tanker owners, said the industry was "facing a broadening, deteriorating, and increasingly complex security situation".
"We now have the high-risk area going up to Saudi Arabian waters and extending into parts of the Red Sea. So that's having another impact on the market, on freedom of navigation as well."
The number of commodity vessels that passed through the Bab el-Mandeb strait was 28 on Saturday and six of them had their transponders turned off, according to Kpler data, indicating that they were trying to avoid detection. (Excerpt from BBC News)
(March 21-April 19)
(May 21-June 20) (April 20-May 20)
(June 21-July 22)
(July 23-Aug. 22)
(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Emotions, overindulgence and social settings can lead to arguments. Don't mix business with pleasure. Being honest is honorable, but there's a time and place for it.
Take hold of your feelings before you go out the door. You'll tend to overreact today, offering bold and brazen opinions to those you encounter. Take a moment to calm down and to change your demeanor.
Pick up the pieces and put them back together the way you want them to be. Stop letting negativity and upset take over when practicality and common sense are necessary.
Tread lightly when dealing with others. Stick to the facts, offer kindness and understanding, and keep an open mind when listening to others, and if that's too difficult, look inward and do a little self-help work.
Stretch your imagination, learn from your mistakes and turn your ideas into a reality. Place your energy where it has the most value. Set your emotions on the back burner and put your ego aside.
(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)
(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)
A change may tempt you, but before you make a move, take a closer look at what you might lose. Reach out to someone you trust to tell you the truth and suggest alternatives. Patience is necessary.
You'll be pulled in different directions, all of which need consideration. Partnerships, routine and schedules will require fine-tuning and a lifeline of their own.
Brainpower is your weapon. Size up situations and think matters through. Refuse to let anyone pressure you to make snap decisions or to allow them to take control of your life.
(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)
Put everything in context and do what's best. Don't put yourself in harm's way physically or where relationships are concerned. Proceed with caution and charm.
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Take care of yourself, your reputation and your future. Invest more time and money in upgrading your skills and qualifications and connecting with people who can help you get ahead.
(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)
If you want control, be prepared to follow through. Opportunities are apparent; if you don't take advantage, you won't get a return. You are overdue for a change, so buckle up and see what's available.
Having proper eating habits, exercising and staying away from people or situations that could lead to illness or injury are best avoided. Use your intuition, memory and common sense.
Briton John reinforced his status as Guyana’s leading cyclist by winning the Open Division of the AC Marriott Carlton Wheelers Cycling Club Road Race on Sunday.
John, representing WSU, emerged ahead of a large field of local cyclists after the race got underway after 07:30h, 10 minutes after its scheduled start. Robin Persaud of AC Marriott Carlton Wheelers finished second, while Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycle Club’s Alex Mendes secured third place.
KFC Evolution rider Segun Hubbard placed fourth, followed by Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycle Club’s Andre Green in fifth and KFC Evolution’s Aaron Newton in sixth.
The open competitors completed eight laps of a circuit which started outside AC Marriott. The riders travelled north to the Ogle Airport stoplight, turned south and continued to the U-turn on the Ogle-to-East Bank bypass road before returning to the starting point.
Persaud also produced a strong performance in the Masters 35-and-over category, taking first place ahead of Mendes and Hubbard.
Alexander Leung of Continental Cycle Club won the junior division, while Tandeia Noel led a one-two finish for Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycle Club
in the female race. Her teammate Rebecca Damon placed second.
The female riders completed two laps of the circuit, while the juniors were scheduled to contest eight laps.
Ian Jackson of Flying Stars captured the Masters 50-andover title after four laps.
WSU’s Nigel London finished second, while KFC Evolution’s Mark Spencer placed third.
In Category Four, Julio Melville of Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycle Club claimed the top position ahead of AC Marriott Carlton Wheelers’ Collis Williams and clubmate Kevin Edwards. The
Category Four riders also contested eight laps.
The race carried a total prize purse of $376,000, including $21,000 for six sprint prizes valued at $3500 each. The Open winner received $40,000, with prizes of $35,000, $30,000, $25,000, $20,000 and $15,000 awarded from second to sixth place.
The top three riders in the Masters, Category Four and junior divisions also received cash prizes, while the leading two female competitors earned $10,000 and $8000 respectively.
AC Marriott sponsored the event and is also the official sponsor of Carlton Wheelers Cycling Club.
West Indies and Guyana Amazon Warriors cricketer Shabika Gajnabi showed her versatility by producing an impressive performance at the Trophy Stall Westside Golf Course 2026 Golf Challenge on Saturday.
Gajnabi was among dozens of newcomers who competed across the men’s, women’s and junior divisions during an event that highlighted the expanding interest in golf across Guyana.
The national cricketer challenged strongly for the women’s long drive title, but was edged
into second place by Rose Samaroo following a closely-contested play-off.
Navika Narine finished third.
The women’s division provided some of the most exciting action of the tournament, with several play-offs needed before the winners could be confirmed.
Shavana Ramlakan topped the women’s nearest-to-the-pin category, ahead of Annusha Singh and Naiyeli Budburgh.
Prize-winners at the Trophy Stall Westside Golf Course 2026 Golf Challenge on Saturday
Yosiel Pinero Cordero was the leading performer in the men’s division after winning both the long drive and nearest-to-thepin competitions.
Dave “ER Small Engines” Ramroop and Tony Affonso completed the top three in the men’s long drive, while Afrwaz Baksh and Davenand Ramroop placed second
and third respectively in the nearest-to-the-pin contest.
Among the juniors, Ian Anup won the long drive competition ahead of Ethan Ramroop. Fazzan Affonso secured first place
in the nearest-to-thepin event, with Ramroop again finishing second.
A large gathering of spectators attended the challenge and offered strong support to the competitors throughout the day.
Former Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton and popular YouTuber Too Cool were also present. They joined spectators in cheering on the golfers before assisting with the presentation of trophies and prizes.
Guyana Golf Association President Aleem Hussain praised Trophy Stall proprietor
Ramesh Sunich for his longstanding contribution to the development of the sport.
Hussain said the company’s support for community competitions and grassroots programmes has helped introduce hundreds of people to golf.
He congratulated the participants and encouraged the newcomers to attend the regular coaching sessions and competitions at the Westside Golf Course to further improve their skills.
Organisers are expected to announce the next Westside Novice Golf Challenge shortly.
Pakistan's batters finally came to life
to an enterprising start, Pakistan's supporters have been burned too often to buy the idea that a solid start is a building block to something better. They instead con-
tinued to believe there were furtive sticks of dyand neutralising Jomel Warrican's spin while picking him off when he dropped it short. It was, in the end, how he got to his hundred after the left-arm-
er tried to strangle him down leg. He would wait
brighter for West Indies in the morning. Pakistan eventually went through the bottom half of West Indies' line-up, but not before half-centuries from Justin Greaves and
the dismissal of Imam-Ul-Haq
Roston Chase helped their side add 105 runs to their overnight score. Mohammad Ali start ed errantly and Chase punished him with a pair of boundaries in the second over. But when Babar took the new ball and handed it to left-arm spinner Ali Usman, he struck with his first ball as Greaves’ lead ing edge found Awais Zafar at short third. Roach bat tled as Chase continued to chip away in a continuing trend where every part nership in the innings bar one ended up reaching double fig ures.
Ubaid Shah, who had been held back with the new ball, struck with his first delivery off the day, a lovely cross-seam ball that flicked the top of Chase's middle stump off the pad. For once, Shamar Joseph's ad venturism did not amount to much as Sajid Khan cleaned him up, but Pakistan continued to sustain damage on their way to inevitably polish ing West Indies off.
Pakistan were determined to set the tone early on with the bat. In the absence of Shan Masood, Pakistan's approach up top was not clear, but Awais put any doubts to rest when he guided the innings' second ball to fine leg for four off Roach. In Roach's second over, the veteran West Indies seamer was hit out of the attack with three successive boundaries, forcing Chase into the introduction of Warrican after four overs.
However, it was the fast bowling change at the other end that drew
Imam on the back foot and hit the splice of his bat as he recoiled. It flew up to gully and sent the opener on his way. It did not dull Pakistan's spark, though. Joseph bowled the quickest deliveries of the series a couple of overs later, including getting one up to a shade under 150, but Awais did not back down, dispatching him for four boundaries, and out of the attack.
Shafique, meanwhile, took on Warrican's spin, picking him up over extra cover for a classy pair of sixes, and sweeping him when he went too straight.
That sweep shot, though, got Awais in trouble when he failed to get out of the line of the stumps on one occasion. West Indies reviewed, and Hawkeye showed it slamming into leg stump, giving the hosts a breakthrough they desperately required.
But Pakistan stuck to their gameplan in the half hour remaining before tea, with Babar particularly proactive at taking pace on. It was a harbinger of what was to come in one of the best batting sessions Pakistan have enjoyed in years. (ESPNcricinfo)
Khan b Mohammad Ali 15
Brandon King lbw b Ali Usman 46
Kavem Hodge c †Mohammad
Rizwan b Sajid Khan 10
Amir Jangoo c †Mohammad
Rizwan b Ubaid Shah 26
Shai Hope †b Mohammad Ali 29
Justin Greaves c Awais Zafar
b Ali Usman 73
Roston Chase (c)b Ubaid Shah 70
Kemar Roach lbw
b Sajid Khan 19
Shamar Joseph c &
b Sajid Khan 8
Jomel Warrican not out 5
Jayden Seales c Babar Azam
b Sajid Khan 8
Extras (b 12, lb 21, w 2) 35
Total 105.4 Ov (RR: 3.25, 450 Mins) 344
Fall of wickets:
1-49 (Tagenarine
Chanderpaul, 9.5 ov),
2-65 (Brandon King, 16.4 ov), 3-91 (Kavem Hodge, 25.4 ov), 4-120 (Amir Jangoo, 35.1 ov), 5-173 (Shai Hope, 50.4 ov), 6-269 (Justin Greaves, 82.1 ov),
7-304 (Roston Chase, 94.1 ov), 8-323 (Shamar Joseph, 97.6 ov), 9-326 (Kemar Roach, 99.5 ov), 10-344 (Jayden Seales, 105.4 ov)
Bowling O-M-R-W
Mohammad Ali 22-6-67-2
Ubaid Shah 14-1-66-2 Ali Usman 35-9-80-2
Sajid Khan 32.4-4-85-4 Salman Agha 2-0-13-0
Pakistan 1st Innings Azan Awais lbw b Warrican 55
Imam-ul-Haq c
From Chris Gayle’s 47* dragging Jamaica Tallawahs to the very first CPL title in 2013, to Trinbago Knight Riders blazing to 267/2 – still the highest total in tournament history – CPL has spent 13 years producing moments that define Caribbean cricket. Now those moments, and the people behind them, get a permanent home.
The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has announced the launch of the CPL Hall of Fame, a new annual honour created to recognise the players and individuals who have defined the tournament’s success since its inception in 2013.
The Hall of Fame will induct two honourees each year, one player and one person who has made a monumental impact on the event off the field. The awards will celebrate performances, leadership, and contributions on and off the field that have helped establish CPL as one of the most popular T20 franchise competitions in world cricket. Since Gayle powered the Tallawahs past Guyana Amazon Warriors in that first final at Queen's Park
Oval, CPL has delivered a run of records and moments that have shaped the modern T20 game: Dwayne Bravo has taken wickets and won titles throughout the tournament's history; Tim Seifert and Andre Russell shared the tournament's fastest century, both reaching three figures off just 53 balls; Shakib Al Hasan produced the best
bowling figures the competition has ever seen, a remarkable 6/6; and Trinbago Knight Riders went unbeaten through the 2020 season on their way to becoming the first three-time – and then five-time – champions.
Since launching in 2013, the CPL has grown into a cornerstone of Caribbean sport, showcasing homegrown and international talent across the Region’s franchises while drawing fans from across the world.
The introduction of the Hall of Fame gives the tournament a permanent way to recognise the players and people who have shaped that legacy.
“CPL has given us 13 years of moments people still talk about – Gayle in 2013, Pollard’s record-breaking 18th title, Dwayne Bravo’s wickets and wins, and nights no-
body who was there will forget. The Hall of Fame is how we make sure those moments, and the people who created them, are never lost. As we head into our second decade, it’s time to give this tournament’s history a permanent home,” said CPL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pete Russell.
The inaugural Hall of Fame gala dinner will take place in Barbados on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, bringing together the Caribbean cricket family and legends of West Indies cricket to celebrate the tournament’s biggest successes. Proceeds from the evening will support The Sir Clive Lloyd Healthcare Foundation, which is working to raise awareness of prostate cancer –the leading cause of cancer death among men in the Caribbean – and to
Guyana’s Women’s 3x3 Basketball team had to settle for a sixth-place finish at the ongoing Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on Monday.
The quartet of Ruth Adams, Anaya Clemons, De Angelique Waithe and Jamaicy Ogle started the day strong with a 15-11 victory over Guatemala that secured their spot in the fifth-place playoff match.
Waithe hit a game-high seven points. Adams added four points while Clemons contributed three.
As such, the Guyanese team set up a date with Cuba to make a case for the remaining top five spot in the competition.
In that game, Cuba came out on top 157. Waithe was, again, Guyana’s top scorer, hitting five points while Adams accounted for the remaining two. For Cuba, Eugenia Fraguela, Keila Sagarra and Rachel Contreras
shared the spoils, netting five points each.
Athletics
Over on the track at the Felix Sanchez Olympic Stadium, Tonya Rawlins and Juvonna Cornette both bowed out of the women’s 100m event in the preliminary stage. Rawlins competed in heat one, stopping the clock at 12.55s for seventh place.
The Dominican Republic’s Liranyi Alonso won the heat in 11.26s followed by Puerto Rico’s Frances Colon in 11.46s; both qualifying for the final.
In heat 3, Cornette clocked 12.01s for sixth place. Gladymar Torres of Puerto Rico took the top spot in 11.38s, Cuba’s Yarima Garcia was second in 11.49s while Jamaica’s Krystal Sloley equalled that time (.490) for third place. Venezuela’s Orangys Jimenez finished fourth in 11.61s as the top four from heat three all moved on to the final.
In the 400m women’s hurdles, Charissa December stopped the clock at 1 minute, 06.06s for fourth place in heat one, a time that was not good
enough to move on to the final.
Puerto Rico’s Grace Claxton finished first in heat one, clocking 55.79s, followed by Yara Amador of Mexico in 56.30s and Franshina Martinez of the Dominican Republic in 58.81s, all qualifying for the final.
On the cards today, Desmond Amsterdam will take on Venezuela’s Diego Pereyra in the men’s 80kg boxing quarter-finals. Colin Lewis is scheduled to do battle with Suriname’s Domelzo Schet in the men’s 65kg quarter-finals while Terron Wintz enters the squared circle against Puerto Rico’s Angel Llanos in the men’s 70kg quarter-finals.
In squash, Daniel Ince and Jason-Ray Khalil will team up to take on British Virgin Islands’ Joseph Chapman and Daniel Henderson as the men’s doubles competition opens in the Round of 16.
improve access to testing and early detection across the Region, including through its Great Catch initiative.
The CPL Hall of Fame will now run as an annual celebration, with future inductees announced ahead of each gala. The event will continue to grow as a highlight of the CPL calendar, honouring the tournament’s past while supporting causes that matter to the Caribbean community.
The first two inductees into the CPL Hall of Fame will be announced in the coming weeks. (CPLT20)
Samuel Ince-Carvalhal and Kirsten Gomes will join forces against Bermuda’s Rachel Barnes and Micah Franklin in the mixed doubles quarter-finals while Ashley Khalil and Mary Fung-A-Fat battle the Dominican Republic’s Estelle Rodriguez and Bermelyn Pena in the women’s doubles quarter-finals.
Table tennis action will see Olympian Chelsea Edghill beginning her women’s singles campaign against El Salvador’s Samirah Munoz in the Round of 64.
Jasmine Billingy also takes on Puerto Rico’s Kristal Melendez in the same division.
Michah Moore will begin his men’s singles campaign against Cuba’s Rene Mendez in the Round of 64 while Niran Bissu battles the Dominican Republic’s Jiaji Wu, Elishaba Johnson goes toe-to-toe with Jeison Martinez of Costa Rica and Shemar Britton faces off with Mexico’s Dario Arce.
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Veteran all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius credited the Guyana Amazon Warriors' relentless bowling attack and unwavering belief after the defending champions produced one of the most remarkable victories in the history of the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL), successfully defending just 85 to defeat the San Francisco Unicorns by six runs and retain their title.
Speaking after the thrilling triumph at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD), Pretorius admitted the Warriors knew
their modest total would be difficult to defend, but remained confident in the quality of their bowling unit.
"We knew it wasn't going to be easy," the Player of the Match said, "But we also knew our spin attack is next level. It was all about getting that first breakthrough."
The South African all-rounder explained that dismissing the Unicorns' leading run scorer, Tim Robinson, early in the innings gave the Warriors renewed belief that an unlikely victory was possible.
"Robinson had been their most dangerous batter throughout the
tournament, so getting him early was massive.
We kept saying to each other, 'one more wicket, one more wicket', and every breakthrough gave us more confidence. Credit must go to our bowling unit. Over the last four years, they have been incredible."
Pretorius also reflected on the crucial lower-order partnership he shared with Matthew Forde after the Warriors had slumped to 29 for 8. The pair added 41 valuable runs to lift the total to 70 before Forde was dismissed for a fighting 28.
He noted that while the Warriors boast one of
the deepest batting lineups in the competition, the circumstances de manded resilience rather than flair.
"Forde and I just de cided we had to dig in. We knew we would have to battle, try to upset their lengths and stay posi tive with our footwork. Fortunately, it came off."
Pretorius revealed that when Captain Imran Tahir joined him at the crease, the target was to somehow push the total to 100.
"I told Tahir that if we could get to 100, you never know what might happen. Unfortunately, his shot didn't come off. Walking off, I honestly
their camaraderie.
He explained, “For me, personally, coming in to this Guyana side, watching them from the outskirts, they ways a team admired the way they played. It was easy, really, coming in and just making an impact in what-
ever department I can.
Just being around these guys – Hetmyer, Motie, Shepherd, my friends, we’re a great group even in the West Indies team, so it was like just coming in to another friendship group.”
“The cricket, the camaraderie in the dressing room, everything that you can understand why they’re a team that does so well over the years, because
it’s a dressing room that just allows you to be free and just play naturally,” he further expressed.
The Guyana Amazon Warriors pulled of a sixrun victory over the San Francisco Unicorns to retain their ExxonMobil GSL title. They will now switch to the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) which bowls off this Friday, August 7.
