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Issue No. 6598
THE BEACON OF TRUTH TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026
Democracy paved way for Guyana’s economic, social progress – Jagdeo Page 2
…says democracy must not be taken for granted Guyana Development Bank
Online platform set up, 2 categories …as ministerial team engages of loans being offered new Board of Directors
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WHAT'S INSIDE:
High Court P10 rejects Seeram’s bail bid, upholds Magistrate’s remand order
Miner nabbed with gun, ammo hidden under car mat P11
Page 3
7.3kg ganja found in abandoned NA building P11
Omai Gold Project could deliver US$4B value over 18-year mine life – PEA finds P12
Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2026 activities at the RDC Lawns, Mabaruma brought together students, regional officials, health personnel and community members to promote breast cancer awareness, early detection and prevention (Barima Waini Region RDC photos)
AI era demands new approach to student assessment – President Ali Page 12
Guyana must not become safe haven for transnational criminal organisations – Walrond See story on page 8
Opening “new doors” for Guyanese entrepreneurs – Private Sector welcomes GDB operations See story on page 7
June 2026 criminal assizes
21 murder, 6 P13 attempted murder, 6 sexual offence cases among 49 completed
2 NEWS
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Democracy paved way for Guyana’s economic, social progress – Jagdeo …says democracy must not be taken for granted
P
eople’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary (GS) Bharrat Jagdeo has said the restoration of democracy in Guyana on October 5, 1992, created the foundation for economic reconstruction, stronger democratic institutions and improvements in social services. In comments marking the 34th anniversary of the restoration of democracy, Jagdeo described October 5, 1992, as one of the most consequential dates in Guyana’s political history, saying the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) victory at the elections ended what he described as 28 years of undemocratic rule by the People’s National Congress (PNC). Jagdeo said the significance of the 1992 elections extended beyond a change in Government, arguing that the outcome paved the way for an independent judiciary, a stronger Parliament, a free press and a new Constitution
PPP’s General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo
that enshrined fundamental protections. He acknowledged that those institutions have had imperfections but said they remain essential to a society in which citizens can live freely, pursue opportunities and shape their future. According to Jagdeo, the restoration of democ-
racy also gave Guyana an opportunity to rebuild its economy and expand prosperity. He pointed to debt reduction, sound economic management and longterm planning as measures that helped establish the foundation for growth and advances in health, education, housing and other so-
cial services. However, Jagdeo warned that democracy must not be taken for granted. He pointed to the 2020 General and Regional Elections, alleging that the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) had attempted to overturn the will of the electorate. Jagdeo said those efforts failed because the PPP/C stood in defence of Guyana and the right of citizens to choose their Government. He said the PPP would remain vigilant in protecting democratic freedoms while continuing to pursue development across the country. Among the areas he identified as priorities were job creation, housing, education and health, as well as the wellbeing of children, young people and the elderly. Jagdeo said the implementation of these initiatives requires time, fiscal discipline and transparent management of public re-
sources. He also said the PPP would continue its efforts to fight corruption “in all its manifestations.” He said the party’s objective is to build a Guyana in which prosperity reaches every community and citizen, regardless of race, religion or creed. “That is what we fought for in 1992. It is what we will continue to deliver,” Jagdeo said. Jagdeo’s remarks came as Guyana marked 34 years since the October 5, 1992 elections, which were also addressed in statements by President Dr Irfaan Ali. Ali described the 1992 elections as the culmination of a prolonged struggle to restore democratic rights following decades of disputed elections, political authoritarianism, economic decline and the suppression of freedoms. In his anniversary statement, Ali said the elections restored the ballot as an instrument through which Guyanese could genuinely determine who governed the country.
He said the restoration of democracy also created the political space for national reconstruction and linked the country’s subsequent progress in infrastructure, education, health, housing, telecommunications, economic activity, international engagement and social development to the restoration of democracy. Jagdeo, in his anniversary message, similarly linked democracy to Guyana’s economic and social development, while stressing the importance of preserving the institutions and freedoms associated with the democratic system. He said the country’s future must involve continued development while ensuring that citizens are able to participate in shaping that future. Jagdeo’s comments also placed emphasis on the need for the benefits of development to reach communities and citizens across Guyana, regardless of race, religion or creed.
NEWS
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
BRIDGE OPENING
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, October 6 – 13:35h–15:05h and Wednesday, October 7 – 14:25h–15:55h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY Sunny conditions are expected during the day. Clear skies are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East-North-Easterly to Easterly between 3.58 metres and 5.36 metres.
High Tide: 13:37h reaching a maximum height of 2.26 metres. Low Tide: 07:01h and 19:30h reaching minimum heights of 0.91 metre and 0.95 metre.
Guyana Development Bank
Online platform set up, 2 categories of loans being offered
…as ministerial team engages new Board of Directors
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he Guyana Development Bank (GDB) officially commenced operations on Monday, offering two categories of loans with no collateral required and free of any interest. With an initial capital of US$100 million, the Statebacked financial institution is offering loans of up to G$3 million to citizens as well as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to either start a new venture or expand existing businesses. Beneficiaries can choose from two categories of loans: Quick Loans, which are loans below $300,000 for which a simplified process and reduced documentation are required, and SME loans, which are between $300,000 and $3 million and require additional documentation to be submitted.
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COMMODITIES Indicators Crude Oil
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To allow for easy access by citizens in all 10 regions across the country, the Development Bank will operate via an online digital platform at https://gdb.gov. gy/, which will facilitate the submission of loan applications and other relevant supporting information. The same platform will also be used by borrowers to manage their loans throughout their entire lifecycle, including during the repayment period. Once approved, the loan is disbursed directly into the borrower’s bank account, and repayment is also done through the banking and financial system. Alternatively, the platform also provides an option to request an appointment to meet an officer of the bank for face-to-face assistance, thereby ensuring widespread accessibility throughout the country. While there is no physical building for the GDB, the State-backed institution would have help desks set up at various commercial bank branches across the country to engage applicants.
Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, along with Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues and Government Efficiency and Implementation Minister Zulfikar Ally, with the members of the newlyestablished Guyana Development Bank Board of Directors
1st Board meeting
Meanwhile, in keeping with the GDB Act that was passed in the National Assembly back in July, a seven-member Board of
Directors has been established to oversee the operations of the institution. Leading the Development Bank is Chairman Abu Zaman, who brings more than a decade of senior leadership in governance, financial services, institutional oversight, and small business development. President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Kathy Smith, will serve as the Deputy Chairperson of the bank, bringing expertise that spans business, energy, workforce development, and SMEs capacity building. Additionally, the five Board Directors named are Finance Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, Sukrishnalall Pasha; Attorney-at-Law and businessman, James Bond; Sales Executive for Caribbean Airlines in Guyana and Suriname, Dion Inniss; gov-
ernance reform strategist Nalinie Singh; and member of the President’s Youth Advisory Council, Praem Rambharak. On Monday, Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance Dr Ashni Singh, alongside Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues, and Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation Minister Zulfikar Ally met with the new Board members. Over the past few months, the Government has been ramping up its education programme to sensitise citizens across the country about the financial institution that is seeking to target young people, women and vulnerable groups. The Development Bank is designed as a complete support ecosystem that helps businesses start, grow and succeed. TURN TO PAGE 10
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026
guyanatimesgy.com
Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com
Development bank & Guyanese enterprise
T
he operationalisation of the Guyana Development Bank (GDB) is an important development in the country’s evolving financial architecture and creates a practical avenue for expanding access to capital among citizens and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With an initial capitalisation of US$100 million, the State-backed institution is designed to address a longstanding challenge confronting aspiring entrepreneurs, access to affordable financing without the conventional barriers associated with commercial lending. The decision to offer loans of up to $3 million without collateral and interest provides an opportunity for persons with viable business ideas, but limited financial resources, to enter or expand the productive economy. The significance of the initiative extends way beyond the provision of loans as the GDB has been structured as a support ecosystem intended to help businesses move from an idea to sustainable operation and, ultimately, into the formal financial system. Quick loans below $300,000 will be subject to simplified procedures and reduced documentation, while SME loans between $300,000 and $3 million will require additional supporting information. Such differentiation is sensible because the financing needs and risk profiles of a small start-up and an established enterprise seeking expansion are not necessarily the same. More equally important is the bank’s digital-first approach as rather than requiring citizens from the hinterland, riverine communities or distant regions to travel to Georgetown to pursue financing, applications can be submitted through the GDB’s online platform. Loan management and repayment can also be conducted digitally, while applicants requiring additional assistance can request face-to-face appointments. The establishment of help desks at commercial bank branches further strengthens the accessibility of the initiative. The absence of a conventional physical banking network should not become a barrier to participation, provided that adequate support is available to citizens who may have limited digital literacy or require assistance preparing their applications. The emphasis on accessibility is particularly important because the success of the GDB should not be measured simply by the number of loans approved. Success must be measured by the number of viable enterprises created, businesses expanded, jobs generated, household incomes strengthened and entrepreneurs successfully transitioned into larger-scale commercial financing. That pathway has already been built into the model as under the proposed co-financing arrangement, successful borrowers can potentially access an additional $7 million from traditional lending institutions at favourable interest rates. This creates an important progression, the Development Bank provides the initial opportunity, while responsible borrowers build a track record that can position them for larger financing. Such an approach also makes clear that the GDB is not a grant programme. The loans must be repaid. That distinction matters because sustainable entrepreneurship cannot be built around a culture of dependency. Responsible borrowing, sound business management and repayment discipline are essential to ensuring that the institution’s capital can be recycled into new opportunities for other Guyanese. The support services being offered alongside financing are just as important as the loans themselves. Technical assistance, mentorship, business development services and capacity building can help address weaknesses that often undermine small enterprises, including inadequate financial planning, weak record-keeping, limited marketing capacity and insufficient knowledge of business operations. The bank’s mandate to consider agriculture, agro-processing, tourism, technology and other emerging areas is also timely. Guyana’s economic transformation should not be confined to a narrow group of established sectors. New enterprises and innovative business models must have space to develop, particularly where conventional financial institutions may be reluctant to assume higher risks. The composition of the seven-member Board of Directors provides an additional foundation for the institution. The inclusion of expertise spanning finance, governance, business, SMEs, workforce development, law and youth affairs can contribute to the balanced oversight required for an institution entrusted with public resources. At the same time, strong governance and transparency will be essential. Public capital carries a corresponding public responsibility. Clear eligibility criteria, efficient processing, rigorous assessment of proposals and regular accountability will be necessary to maintain confidence in the institution and ensure that financing reaches viable enterprises rather than becoming subject to political or other forms of influence. The GDB will become an engine for entrepreneurship and economic participation, particularly for citizens who have historically struggled to meet the requirements of conventional financing. The opportunity now exists to unleash a wave of entrepreneurship across Guyana. The responsibility rests with the institution to administer that opportunity efficiently and with beneficiaries to transform financing into productive, sustainable enterprises.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips and his wife, Mignon Bowen-Phillips, welcomed the Guyana Police Force Military Band to the Prime Minister’s official residence on Main Street, Georgetown on Monday morning for a special birthday serenade, adding a musical touch to the celebrations (Prime Minister Mark Phillips/Facebook)
After rape allegations at Cornell University, why are women again being urged to talk to their sons? Why not men? By Gaby Hinsliff
T
here were seven men in all, and it lasted almost seven hours. What followed, according to the woman at the heart of the Cornell University case that has gripped student campuses around the world, was less a sexual encounter than a grim pack-bonding exercise fuelled by booze and ketamine, in which she was passed around like a blow-up doll. Twenty years old and drunk at a college frat house party, she had reportedly agreed to a threesome with a student she liked, though her lawyer maintains she wasn’t sober enough to consent. But it is what allegedly followed – including a crude invitation sent to a group chat of more than 50 of the men’s friends, advertising “free pu**y” upstairs if they wanted to join in – that really makes the blood boil. Could so many men really see nothing here to challenge? One reportedly texted back “Shop still open?” in the early hours of the morning. By that stage, she was concluding that “there was no way for her to escape” a room full of predatory men, according to the lawsuit filed by the alleged victim against both the students she accuses of pressuring her into taking drugs and raping her in the autumn of 2024, and Cornell University which, she argues, failed to protect her. (All deny wrongdoing.) Though two of the seven were reportedly expelled after she went to campus police, none were arrested; five were free to continue their education after variously writing essays about what they’d done, serving short suspensions and attending workshops. It was the alleged victim who
lost her future, dropping out of university and struggling with her mental health to the point that her lawyer says she is “barely hanging on”. Her story, emerging just as this year’s freshers were settling into halls in Britain, has left young women understandably incandescent with rage but touched a deep nerve with older ones too. All over social media, mothers are posting and swapping advice on how to raise sons who don’t just refrain from rape but who would, if they ever got such a message, realise something was wrong and be brave enough to intervene. Some of that advice is excellent, and I completely understand the urge to do something – anything – rather than let another generation of young women go through the same wringer. Bringing up our own boys to do better feels like the one practical step any mother can take. Yet it makes me angry, all the same; angry and exhausted. How has rape prevention become yet another thing on mothers’ to-do lists? Where are all the men – the celebrity dads, the sports coaches and the role models, the male politicians who are usually only too keen to talk about sexual assault if the perpetrators are immigrants – with ideas for countering the warped, pornified messages boys receive? I understand why good men might be wary of speaking over women. But this is a job for all parents, not just half of them. The University of Bath this week announced an investigation into claims that members of a student sports club had supposedly been overheard talking about spiking freshers’ drinks. Even if it was just a tasteless joke, it’s not funny: the Office
for Students found that one in seven British students finishing university reported suffering sexual violence, with men as well as women becoming victims. Though freshers at many universities are now routinely made to sit through mandatory lessons on sexual consent and healthy relationships, those can’t unpick in an hour everything they’ve absorbed over the previous 18 years, including sometimes in their own homes. It’s hard to talk about this without alienating what is still a majority of teenage boys who don’t want to hurt anyone, feel vulnerable themselves at times, and need help resisting aggressive peer pressure. That’s precisely why they need to hear about consent from grown men who understand exactly what it was like to be 14, horny and confused. Yet in too many homes it’s mothers who end up shouldering the burden of conversations about consent, perhaps in part because they start not with an awkward lecture on the eve of university drop-off but way back in the nursery years. (You don’t talk to a three-year-old about sex, obviously. But you can teach them to respect other people’s feelings, to stop the game if it’s obvious someone isn’t enjoying it and not to take what they want by force. Consent is above all a social skill.) If fathers don’t know how to raise these subjects – well, mothers are equally mortified, but we muddle through because we don’t want our sons to be a danger to other people’s daughters or themselves. It’s what male role models do, however, that perhaps matters most. Boys learn by watching how the men they look up to treat their partners, female col-
leagues, women on the street. They notice how you react to sexual assault allegations made against a favourite celebrity, or indeed wannabe president. As always with parenting, sometimes you try your best and it’s not enough. But that does not make trying optional. I suspect there are more than enough men out there eager to do the right thing, even if some aren’t sure what that is. At the Labour party conference in Liverpool this week, a fringe meeting hosted by More in Common aimed at building bridges between women and men on tackling male violence was so packed there was a crowd of both men and women outside the door, straining to hear the speakers from a noisy corridor. There’s something uplifting too about the social media campaign launched this autumn by the gen-Z anti-rape movement Enough, roping in male student rugby players to preach the message on campus that this isn’t just a women’s issue. Though Enough has been criticised in the past by survivor organisations for promoting selfswab kits for rape victims, it’s right that culture for boys is formed among their peers. Across the Atlantic, it is now for the courts to decide whether what happened at Cornell meets New York’s bar for prosecution, with the local district attorney – who decided in 2024 not to press charges – reopening an investigation into what he now calls allegations of “heinous and despicable acts”. But it’s already clear that lives were ruined that night; that it was a tragedy, and a preventable one. Precisely the kind, in other words, that parenting exists to stop. (The Guardian) (Gaby Hinsliff is a Guardian columnist)
guyanatimesgy.com
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026
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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate, Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com
Let all of us be entrepreneurial. Let us all be profitable Dear Editor, As we launch our important Guyana Development Bank, aiming to make every one of us Guyanese, entrepreneurs in spirit in practice, in awareness and in truth. Our LEAP programme in Linden made some headway in its intended purpose, to convert our fellow citizens in Linden from the old-time company-town mindset to a new entrepreneurial, self-responsible, paying-yourway, profitable mindset. I wish that we had been more successful, even as I recognise that culture is difficult to change. We are not aware that in the existing culture there are a thousand questions for which we know the answers. In our transition to a new culture, we must believe that we will arrive at new answers that are acceptable and bet-
ter, to those same thousand questions. As we set out on this key venture of a national Development Bank, aware of our history in such ventures, we must avoid thinking of it and approaching it as a Government hand-out in another form. It would be good for us to have wide and deep discussions about profits and losses, subsidies and support/investment for the medium to long term, how wealth is created, and so on. Profitability and profits are essential but our history and religions have disposed most of us to be cautious if not outrightly suspicious of and denouncing profits. But we need perhaps two thirds of all our activities to be highly profitable beyond paying their way, so that there is money to be invested in projects that
will provide an improved setting for continued and greater profits in the medium and long term. Losses offset by subsidies and support could only be temporary, to get through troughs or to transition out of goods and services that we could no longer offer competitively, or where we could not offer them competitively and profitably, soon. We rightly honour our Cheddi for being a great fighter for workers and the downtrodden against mighty capitalists. I dare say that he was at the same time a fighter for profitable enterprises that were fair and just, for sustaining the enterprises in which our people worked, and having profits and savings to invest and thus improve productivity and incomes. To many it might seem that I am rewriting Cheddi,
but I point to his characteristic path towards ending a strike: calling for a going to the books, proposing deferral of or reduction of debt repayments and/or less pay to the top (including reduced profit take) so that workers at the bottom could get something that was more just without collapsing the enterprise. Cheddi was aware of and acted out his awareness that a collapsed enterprise would be bad for workers. Cheddi looked to bringing better rewards for workers in the not-too-distant future by deferring some present consumptions and investing the savings in society wide developments. Let me admit that as one who was an 18yr old youth at the time, I was attracted to Cheddi’s 1962 Development budget, regretting the view with which so many of our
people were excited to riot, that Cheddi wanted us to do without, to save and invest in projects which our children and grandchildren should do! May we have greater success as we launch on this perhaps fourth attempt in my knowledge, to kindle the entrepreneurial spirit in every one of us Guyanese, to profitably provide lawful and morally acceptable goods and services to our fellow Guyanese (and in time to our world) in a form that at the current time they are able and willing to pay for. Our new Guyana Development Bank is for earnest, serious business, not another vehicle for handouts but a vehicle for many of us to create wealth in our country. Let all of us be entrepreneurs or entrepreneurial in whatever work we do
in ways that earn profits and at the same time make “profits “a good word. Make profits that are fair and just in the prevailing circumstances, so as to enable us to do good things and extend subsidies and support losses in others enduring hard times and times of transition and transformation. Only fair and just profits can do good - losses cannot. Let all of us be entrepreneurial. Let us all be profitable. Let there be profits all around. Let us make “profits” a good word, for profits are essential. Let us make our new Guyana Development Bank the enabler for many of us. Sincerely, Samuel AA Hinds Former Prime Minister and President
Guyana Development Bank opens new door for Guyanese entrepreneurs Dear Editor, The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) warmly congratulates His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the Government of Guyana on the launch of the Guyana Development Bank. Established under the Guyana Development Bank Act 2026 and backed by US$100 million in initial capital, the Bank represents a landmark investment in the people who power our economy: Guyana’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). For too long, access to affordable finance has stood between a good idea and a growing business. By offering loans of up to GY$3 million at zero interest and without collateral, paired with mentorship and technical support, the Bank removes that barrier for entrepreneurs across the country, from our hinterland and riverine communities to our towns and city. The Guyana Development Bank arrives at exactly the right moment. Many of our SMEs are no longer content to grow one small step at a time. They are aiming to leapfrog: to bypass traditional, incremental growth stages and move directly to advanced technologies, modern equipment and new business models.
Guyana’s economy is rapidly expanding, Guyanese companies must be ready to compete for that business today, not years from now. Affordable capital is what will turn the ambitions into reality for small businesses to accelerate their growth and have the capacity to win larger contracts. This is a historic time for Guyanese entrepreneurs. The Guyana Development Bank tells every small business owner that their ambition matters to this nation’s future. Our SMEs have talent and determination. What many lack are affordable capital to invest in the technology and systems that let them compete. That door is now open. We commend the Government for this bold move, and we urge our businesses to walk through that door with well-prepared plans and the confidence to think big. The GMSA is preparing to support small businesses across all sectors to make the most of this opportunity. As the voice of manufacturing and services in Guyana, the Association will work alongside the Bank and its partners to help SMEs prepare sound business plans, financial records and loan applications; connect entrepreneurs with mentorship, technical expertise and training; link
small businesses to buyers, supply chains and new markets through GMSA’s industry networks and B2B platform; encourage investment in modern equipment, technology and quality standards that allow firms to leapfrog; and carry the private sector’s feedback to the Bank so its programmes continue to meet the needs of businesses on the ground. To every manufacturer, farmer, artisan, technician
and service provider: this is your moment. Do not wait for opportunity to find you. Put your records in order, define clearly how financing will grow your business, and reach out to the GMSA for support. Think beyond survival to scale, and beyond today’s customers to the opportunities in Guyana’s growing economy and in markets across the region. Borrow wisely, invest in productivity, and repay faithfully, so that the Bank’s
resources keep growing and reach the next entrepreneur in line. Guyana’s transformation will be measured not only by what we produce from the ground, but by the strength of the businesses Guyanese build and own. The Guyana Development Bank gives our SMEs a powerful tool to build
them, and the GMSA stands ready to help turn that vision into reality. Yours sincerely, Rafeek Khan President Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026 00:00 Sign Off 06:00 Islam for Guyana 06:30 TVG Devotional Hour 07:00 Evening News (RB) 08:00 HGTV 10:00 Stop Suffering 11:00 Documentary: Nat Geo Animals 12:00 Movie - 3 Ninjas: Knuckle Up (1995) 13:30 Movie - 102 Dalmatians (2000) 15:00 Cartoons 16:00 Indian Soaps 17:00 The Young & The Restless 18:00 TVG Music Break 18:30 Teaching the Truth in Love 19:00 The Evening News 20:00 Stop Suffering 20:30 GIT Perspectives 21:30 Movie - A Man for Every Month (2017) 23:00 House of Cards S6 E2
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026
Foundation ◄
Page
Enumeration Common misconceptions
•
Lists are created randomly with no pattern Common errors are made when students forget to follow a pattern or do not “fix” items in their combinations. It is important to use a systematic approach to ensure all combinations are listed. Small changes for each combination help with this. • Not considering if order matters When listing outcomes it is important to think about the order of the combinations and whether it matters. For example, if flipping two coins, does the situation need HT to be different to TH.
Practise systematic listing strategies questions
1. A three-sided spinner labelled A,B,C and a coin labelled Hand Tare used to create outcomes. The spinner is spun and the coin flipped. What is the correct list of possible outcomes? AH, AT, BH, BT, CH, CT, HA AH, AT, BH, BT, CH, CT AB, AC, BC, HT A, B, C, H, T 2. In year 9, students at a school can choose a humanities option, a language option and a creative option.
Which of the following is not a valid
I
guyanatimesgy.com
combination?
GSD RFD HRA RFA 3. In year 9, students at a school can choose a humanities option, a language option and a creative option.
What would be a sensible first two combinations to list? GFA, GFD GFA, GSD GFA, HSD RFA, HFA 4. A square grid is 4 squares by 3 squares. Each vertex is labelled with a letter.
Using a systematic approach, find the total number of squares in the grid. 12 18 20 22
By Miguel A Vega CONT'D
For Jackie Mendoza
5. A football team plays 3 games. They get 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw and 0 point for a loss. How many different results could give the football team 5 points or more from the three games? 9 10 16 12 6. A coin is flipped 3 times and the result is recorded. Make a list of the possible outcomes. HHH, HHT, HTH, HTT, THH, THT, TTH, TTT HHH, HHT, HTT, TTT HHH, TTT HHH, HHT,HTH,THH,HTT,THT,TTH,TTT,HTH,THT
Systematic listing strategies GCSE questions
1. A coin is flipped and a 5 sided spinner labelled 1to 5is spun. List the possible outcomes. The first one is done for you. H1, 2. A football team has 4 games remaining of the season and needs to achieve at least 8 points to avoid relegation. A win gives 3 points, a draw gives 1 point, and a loss gives 0 point. Using W for a win, D for a draw and L for a loss, list the possible combinations that will help the football team achieve at least 8 points.
Materials:
2 paper cups Straight pin 2 small glasses Ice cubes Hot water
Instructions:
Set the glasses on a table. Poke a small hole in the center of the bottom of each paper cup. Fill one paper cup with cold water and ice cubes. Place the paper cup filled with cold water on top of one of the small glasses. Fill the other paper cup with hot water. Set the paper cup filled with hot water on top of the other small glass. Observe which cup leaks faster.
every canoe on the surface of Pyramid Lake— If, at two hundred miles out, I take a selfie with the Bravoland cowboy, record us driving by the Tule Elk Reserve, record two jet-black crows circling the morning’s blue wrist of light like a scrunchie, then, I can only imagine your excitement three years back: the eldest daughter leaving home; Southern California, a solid white line in the rearview mirror. Today, I’m a regular Sal Paradise—a spider, a rickety bar, a softball game beneath floodlights. Tell me: what did it take for your Amá to let go? To type Chico State into Google Maps? Did she see those blue lines as umbilical cords? Did she feel a blue road being pulled out from deep within her body? I think of my Amá; wish my America larger than Lillian Street. Larger than Don Jones Park, than its bougainvillea. When you left, did yours look up at the sky? Imagine the return trip home without her
Which water leaks faster science experiment
n this fun and easy science experiment, we’re going to determine which water leaks faster, hot or cold water.
If, even now, I am excited about it: every cow & horse,
How it works:
The hot water molecules are more active and fall through the hole easier. The cold water molecules are moving much slower and do not fall through the hole as easy.
Make this a science project:
Try adding salt to the water. Try creating a larger but equal sized hole in each cup. (sciencefun.org)
daughter? O tell me: how did you hide your excitement at grapes? How did you get those dimples on your face to look less like car tires, skidding? (Source: Poetry [January/February 2025])
Your hero hears a strange noise….
WORD SEARCH
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Opening “new doors” for Guyanese entrepreneurs – Private Sector welcomes GDB operations But even with this new financing opportunity available, the GMSA is urging local businesses to explore opportunities not only within Guyana’s growing economy but in markets across the region. Small companies are also advised to borrow wisely, invest in productivity, and repay faithfully, so that the Bank’s resources keep growing and reach the next entrepreneur in line.
Opportunity to expand
GOGEC President Manniram Prashad
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he local private sector has welcomed the operationalisation of the Guyana Development Bank (GDB) on Monday, lauding it as a landmark investment in those who power the economy, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) warmly congratulates His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali and the Government of Guyana on the launch of the GDB. Established under the GDB Act 2026 and backed
moves that barrier for entrepreneurs across the country, who are aiming to leapfrog. “This is a historic time for Guyanese entrepreneurs. The Guyana Development Bank tells every small business owner that their ambition matters to this nation’s future. Our SMEs have talent and determination. What many lack are affordable capital to invest in the technology and systems that let them compete. That door is now open. We commend the Government for this bold move, and we urge our
PSC Chairman, Captain Gerald Gouveia Jr
by US$100 million in initial capital, the Bank offers loans of up to $3 million at zero interest and without collateral, paired with mentorship and technical support services. The loans are being offered in two categories: a Quick Loan of up to $300,000; and a SME loan between $300,000 to $3 million. An online digital portal has been established for persons to submit their loan applications and conduct other businesses with the GDB including repayments. Additionally, a new Board of Directors has been appointed to oversee the operations of Bank. The members include: Chairperson, Abu Zaman; Deputy Chairperson, Kathy Smith; and Directors James Bond, Sukrishnalall Pasha, Dion Inniss, Nalinie Singh and Praem Rambharak. Walk through the door In a statement on Monday, the GMSA pointed out that for too long, access to affordable finance has stood between a good idea and a growing business. According to the Association, the Bank re-
businesses to walk through that door with well-prepared plans and the confidence to think big,” the GMSA noted. Underscoring the importance of Guyanese companies being ready to compete, the Association said it is preparing to support small businesses across all sectors to make the most of this opportunity. “As the voice of manufacturing and services in Guyana, the Association will work alongside the Bank and its partners to help SMEs prepare sound business plans, financial records and loan applications; connect entrepreneurs with mentorship, technical expertise and training; link small businesses to buyers, supply chains and new markets… To every manufacturer, farmer, artisan, technician and service provider: this is your moment. Do not wait for opportunity to find you. Put your records in order, define clearly how financing will grow your business, and reach out to the GMSA for support,” the missive detailed.
Meanwhile, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) said the operationalisation of the GDB is a significant milestone in the continued strengthening of the local financial and economic landscape. “The establishment of the Bank represents an important opportunity to expand access to financing for entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized businesses, and enterprises seeking to grow, innovate and scale their operations. Expanding access to affordable and accessible financing is an area the Commission has consistently advocated for, recognising its importance to business growth, investment and competitiveness,” the private sector umbrella body stated. By facilitating greater access to capital, supporting business expansion and encouraging investment and job creation, the Commission said the GDB can play a pivotal role in strengthening the private sector and driving broadbased economic growth. “The Private Sector Commission looks forward to the Bank helping to unlock new opportunities for local businesses, support entrepreneurship and contribute to a stronger, more competitive and dynamic business environment,” the PSC stated.
Business-support pillar
Moreover, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) on Monday also welcomed the advancement of the Development Bank, which it says adds a new financing avenue for Guyanese entrepreneurs and SMEs at a time when access to affordable finance remains an important consideration for businesses seeking to start, expand and strengthen their operations. “GCCI has consistently advocated for an enabling environment in which local businesses can access the financing, technical support and opportunities necessary to become more competitive and sustainable. The Chamber therefore views the development of the Bank as a pillar to Guyana’s evolving financial and business-support ecosystem,” the GCCI stated.
According to the Chamber, with new opportunities emerging across traditional and developing sectors in the country, greater access to capital is critical to ensuring that local businesses are positioned to participate meaningfully in this growth. “The GCCI looks forward to the Bank developing financing mechanisms that are accessible, responsive to the realities of the local business community and supportive of sustainable enterprise development,” the private sector body stated.
Powerful catalyst
Similarly, the Guyana
stone in modernising the nation’s financial architecture. GOGEC went onto strongly praise the Government for delivering on its vision of an inclusive economic landscape that directly dismantles long-standing financial barriers for local entrepreneurs, youth, women and emerging enterprises. Headed by seasoned professionals with deep expertise spanning retail and SME banking, private sector advocacy, financial regulation, legal affairs, aviation, and institutional governance, GOGEC says the Bank is well-positioned to address the systemic hurdles that historical-
GMSA President Rafeek Khan
Oil & Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC) said the establishment of the GDB represents a landmark mile-
ly impeded growth especially for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
GCCI President Kathy Smith
“As Guyana’s energy sector continues its rapid expansion, meeting stringent local content targets requires robust capitalisation and capacity-building. The Guyana Development Bank serves as a powerful catalyst for GOGEC members; particularly emerging subcontractors, fabrication shops, logistics providers, and professional service suppliers,” the Energy Chamber stated. GOGEC went onto add that it stands ready to collaborate with the Development Bank and the Government to ensure that local energy enterprises and small suppliers fully harness these financial tools, fostering shared prosperity and driving sustainable Guyanese participation in the national transformation.
8 NEWS Guyana must not become safe haven for transnational criminal organisations – Walrond Remembering… TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
I
Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond
H
ome Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond has said that Guyana’s law enforcement and other relevant agencies are working to ensure that the country does not become a safe haven or transshipment point for transnational criminal organisations seeking to move illicit drugs to markets in Africa and Europe. The Minister made the comment during the latest episode of the Starting Point Podcast, where she reaffirmed the Government’s position that Guyana will not be allowed to become a hub for international drug
trafficking. She added that local drug enforcement bodies, along with other state agencies, are working with international partners to disrupt criminal networks that may seek to exploit Guyana’s geographic location, porous borders, and transportation networks to facilitate the movement of narcotics. “The drug trade in Guyana has become, and the approach to it has become more transnational. Our fight against drugs is not a one-agency approach anymore. We have, it has to be inter-agency,” she added while praising the Customs
Director of CANU, James Singh
Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for doing a tremendous job with respect to seizures. She nevertheless added that the biggest issue is the fact that Guyana is a transshipment point and that drugs are moving through Guyana to get to the African and European markets. “The policies, programmes, and operations that we are currently implementing are to circumvent that. People, transnational criminal organisations, should not find a safe haven in Guyana. And that is what we have been able to
uproot.” “So, cooperation with Interpol and the US (United States) Marshal Service, we have cemented and built on those relationships, and we are doing more in terms of combating drugs through these transnational organisations and organised crime,” the Minister added. Only recently, Director of CANU James Singh stated that with an increase in the number of drugs intercepted in Guyana during the first half of this year, the unit has observed a growing push by foreign traffickers to move narcotics through the country. He related that the traffickers are moving to get the drugs into markets where the demand and prices are higher, with fewer risks. He noted that Guyana makes for an easy route to pass the narcotics through. “Guyana, being in the middle between the suppliers and the consumers... indeed, there’s been a bigger push to move the narcotics through [here],” Singh stated. In fact, he pointed to a major operation recently that involved a foreign drug-trafficking organisation that attempted to bring narcotics into Guyana and have them further transshipped. Just last month, Singh indicated that the majority of the drugs, especially cocaine, that are seized in Guyana come from neighbouring Venezuela. Despite this, however, the anti-narcotics agency, working in collaboration with local and overseas partners, has managed to put a dent in the local and transnational narcotics drug trafficking networks, with increased interceptions and drug seizures recorded. Back in August, CANU destroyed over 1,243 kilograms (kg) of narcotics, with an estimated local street value of some GY$429,797,900. Among the narcotics destroyed by fire were 81. 2678 kg of cocaine, 1,161 .767 kg of cannabis, 0. 214 kg of methamphetamine, and some 0. 1 kg of crystal meth.
… Robert Corbin
n the grand scheme of things, your Eyewitness believes “when you gotta go, you gotta go” – and so he views with equanimity that it was time for Robert Horatio Orlando (RHO) Corbin to go. And in accordance with the maxim that we were inculcated with as good colonials – de mortuis nil, nisi bonum (of the dead say only the good) may he rest in peace (RIP). RHO – as your Eyewitness is used to calling him – lived a long and chequered life almost totally dominated and eventually consumed with Guyanese politics!! He was born in the bauxite mining town – before it was a town – and was sixteen when the infamous Wismar massacre and the equally infamous Son Chapman explosion were orchestrated in 1964. These events had to’ve had a massive impact on him since – as a social worker, believe it or not! – he soon joined the PNC’s Young Socialist Movement (YSM) in which he moved inexorably to become its leader. Cutting his eyeteeth in the heady days of the rigging of the 1968, 1973 and 1980 elections, he emerged as one of the Kabaka’s most trusted lieutenants to became an indispensable cog in this PNC wheel that Burnham had introduced to keep his party in power and the PPP looking in from the outside!! He was rewarded with a succession of influential party and ministerial posts which pointed to the likelihood that he might one day lead the PNC – and perhaps even snag the presidency!! As such, when the Kabaka passed in 1985 and Desmond Hoyte became his surprising heir, he tied his wagon firmly to the Silver Fox’s tail in the 1985 elections – and gave the latter a bigger majority than even Burnham had ever given himself!! As Hoyte moved to remove the Burnhamite wing of the PNC and introduce a set of new faces – like Trotman – to form the PNC-Reform, Corbin was rewarded with a Deputy PM post to hold-off the restive Hamilton Green!! He was snagged in the infamous Power Barge scandal that makes the Opposition’s present critique of the PPP’s power-ships seem like a tempest in a teapot!! Desmond Hoyte’s passing catapulted him into the leadership of the PNC in early 2003 – but he soon received stiff internal opposition from two quarters – one from old guards like Vincent Alexander challenging him from within – and Trotman quitting and challenging him from the newly-formed AFC. He moderated and pushed the PPP to consider shared governance – but when this foundered – his first election as PNC leader in 2006 was disastrous as the AFC pulled six seats from the PNC’s base. He could never recover and in 2011 stepped aside for David Granger to lead the APNU coalition he’d brokered. He did it his way!! …Oct 5th It’s rather ironic that RHO passed on the eve of Oct 5th – the day that his PNC was ousted because the US that had backstopped the PNC’s riggings now thought that Jagan was a toothless lion in winter and could be brought in from the cold!! Pres Carter’s intervention had neutralised RHO’s greatest utility to the PNC in one fell swoop – to cook the ballots – and even Hamilton Green’s last hurrah at GECOM’s HQ was fruitless!! Yes…it was a great day for democracy – but we don’t see the PNC celebrating, do we?? They’d tried a thing (from the past) in 2020, but all it did was to earn RHO’s chosen successor Granger – who’d proved the former’s instincts correct that a kinder, gentler PNC could capture the presidency!! – the title of Sanctimonious Gangster!! Granger decided to walk and we now have a PNC decimated even worse than in 2006 from an unexpected quarter – Sanction Man!! Democracy’s great, innit?? It spontaneously generates the changes that make it work!! …our southern neighbour Because of Venezuela’s decades-long belligerency in claiming two thirds of our western national territory, we sometimes forget to look South!! There, Lula’s seemingly invincibility has been punctured by right-wing Bolsonaro in their presidential sweepstakes!! Implications?? The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance
Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
10 NEWS
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
High Court rejects Seeram’s bail bid, upholds Magistrate’s remand order
Justice Joy Persaud-Singh
H
igh Court Judge Justice Joy PersaudSingh has refused an application by Director of National Border Patrol and former Region Four Chairman, Daniel Seeram
seeking a judicial review of Magistrate Abigail Gibbs’ decision to remand him to prison pending sentencing for the assault of his ex-wife. The matter was heard on Monday with Justice Persaud-Singh denying Seeram’s request for bail and upholding the lower court’s decision to remand him to prison. The application was made on Friday by Attorney Nigel Hughes after Seeram’s court appearance at the Sparendaam Magistrate's Court. Justice Persaud-Singh had ordered Seeram to remain in Police custody at Sparendaam Police Station until his application is heard on Monday, October 5, 2026. However, on Monday, the application was denied and as such, Seeram will remain in custody until November 2, when he is expected to be
saulting his then-wife so as to cause her grievous bodily harm. He had initially pleaded not guilty and was granted $50,000 bail when he appeared before the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court in October 2023. According to reports published by Guyana Times at the time, the incident followed a dispute between Seeram and his then wife. The disagreement reportedly escalated into a physical confrontation. Seeram was also accused of brandishing a licensed Daniel Seeram
sentenced. The charge arose from an incident on September 11, 2023, at the couple’s residence in Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown. Seeram was accused of as-
firearm during the incident. His then-wife subsequently reported the matter at the Turkeyen Police Station, leading to Seeram’s arrest and charge. Reports at the time indicated that marks of violence were observed on the woman’s body. When the charge was first reported in October 2023, Seeram was serving as Region Four Chairman and was an executive member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R). The assault case was not the first legal matter involving Seeram and allegations con-
cerning firearms. Prior to the 2023 assault charge, he had been charged with using threatening language against his father-inlaw following an incident involving the two men and licensed firearms. In that matter, Seeram was placed on $20,000 bail. Reports at the time stated that both men had made separate reports to Police concerning the incident, with each alleging that the other had produced a firearm. Their firearms and ammunition were subsequently seized by Police.
Online platform set up, 2 categories of loans...
FROM PAGE 3
Beyond access to financing, the bank will offer guidance, technical support, business development services, mentorship, and capacity-building programmes to help entrepreneurs make informed decisions, strengthen their operations, and eventually graduate into the wider commercial banking system. Moreover, under a co-financing arrangement, borrowers would also be able to unlock additional financing of up to $7 million from traditional lending institutions, at favourable interest rates, to further expand their businesses.
Opportunities for everyone
Guyanese are being encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Development Bank. “Our country’s growth must mean something to you. It must create an opportunity for a single mother, for every family, for every young person to see themselves as part of the future,” President Dr Irfaan Ali stated in a video message to commemorate the operationalisation of the GDB. “The Guyana Development Bank is an investment in your potential. It is an investment in your future, an investment in your idea, an investment in your creativity. Make this investment worth it for you, and of course, your country… We want this opportunity to reach the unreached. Every woman, persons living with disability, our young people, our farmers, every single stakeholder. We want the Development Bank to reach you, to give you the opportunity… That is why it’s going to be
easy, accessible, digital,” the president posited. The establishment of the Guyana Development Bank Act was passed in the National Assembly back in July, paving the way for its operationalisation – a 2025 Elections Manifesto promise by the PPP/C to ensure that Guyanese are supported to participate in the country’s transformation.
Unleash wave of entrepreneurship
During Monday’s inaugural Board meeting, the finance minister highlighted the potential of the Development Bank to unleash a wave of entrepreneurship unlike anything ever seen in the country’s history. “Because every single small business owner who is going to access a loan facility through the GDB, we would like to see every one of them invest the resources in a viable business idea and grow their business as well as manage their business responsibly so that their business grows not only to utilize the $3 million loan facility being provided by the GDB but so that they could graduate upwards into accessing loans from the formal financial system – the tra-
ditional commercial banks – and grow their business even more,” Dr Singh re-emphasised. Additionally, Minister Rodrigues, under whose portfolio the bank falls, noted that the Bank can help to develop, in addition to traditional, new and emerging sectors of the economy. “We may see new scenarios and people coming up with new proposals that they won’t ordinarily take to a commercial bank but there is great value in that idea,” Minister Rodrigues said as she urged the bank to be innovative as well in consideration of prospective applicants who may have proposals outside of the norm. In addressing the new board members, Minister Ally outlined the government’s aim to allow more people from across the country with brilliant ideas to be able to capitalise on them. “My Ministry will always be there to ensure efficiency in implementation,” Minister Ally said as he referenced government’s digitisation policy and the fact that the new bank includes the active website that allows persons to submit their applications and proposals.
NEWS
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
DPP chambers appear in 25 appeals, 7.3kg ganja found in including child pornography case abandoned NA building …CCJ to hear Lusignan, Bartica Massacres appeal on Oct 7
also dealt with six applications for extensions of time to file and serve notices of appeal. Three applications were denied, two were granted and one was withdrawn. There were also eight applications for bail pending appeal. Four were granted, with bail set at $500,000, $650,000 and $1 million. The appellants who were granted bail were ordered to report to respective police stations and surrender their passports. Of the remaining four bail applications, three were dismissed and one was withdrawn.
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Child pornography
DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC
he Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) appeared in 25 appeals before the Court of Appeal between June and September, with the matters involving a range of serious criminal offences. According to the June 2026 Criminal Assizes press report from the Chambers of the DPP, the appeals involved offences including murder, sexual offences, causing death by dangerous driving, obtaining by false pretence, discharging a loaded firearm with intent, robbery under arms, larceny by bailee, felonious wounding, manslaughter and possession of narcotics. During the period, there were 11 applications to ap-
peal against conviction and sentence. Six of those applications were dismissed, including two because the appellants had died. One appeal was allowed, resulting in the appellant’s murder conviction being quashed and substituted with the lesser offence of manslaughter. The appellant was subsequently resentenced to 15 years imprisonment. Two other appeals were allowed in part. In those matters, the convictions were upheld, but the appellants were resentenced to 18 years for manslaughter. One appellant withdrew his application, while another matter was adjourned to October 16 for a decision. The DPP’s Chambers
Meanwhile, the Demerara Full Court on Monday heard a matter involving an appeal against a conviction and sentence for possession of child pornography. The Full Court upheld the conviction but varied the sentence from three years to two years imprisonment. The DPP’s Chambers also reported that three appeals are currently before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), comprising two murder appeals and one sexual offence appeal, with decisions pending. One of the murder appeals relates to the Lusignan and Bartica massacres. That matter is scheduled to be heard on October 7 when the CCJ sits in St Lucia.
Miner nabbed with gun, ammo hidden under car mat
P
olice in Regional Division Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) have arrested a 33-yearold miner after a 9mm pistol and 11 matching live rounds of ammunition were found concealed in a vehicle during a police operation at Pappy Show Police Station on Sunday. The discovery was made at about 16:45h, as police ranks conducted an operation at the station. According to preliminary investigations, a motor vehicle carrying three occupants arrived at the police station while en route to Tamakay Landing, Mazaruni River. The occupants were asked to exit the vehicle with their personal belongings before the vehicle was searched. During the search, police found a 9mm pistol and 11 matching live rounds of ammunition concealed beneath a floor mat in the front passenger area of the vehicle. Police said that follow-
The gun and ammunition that were found by Police at Pappy Show Police Station on Sunday
ing the discovery, a 33-yearold miner of Durban Street, Lodge, Georgetown, fled into a nearby bush. Ranks pursued the man and subsequently apprehended him. Police said the suspect is
not the holder of a firearm licence and as such he was arrested and taken to Enachu Police Station, along with the firearm and ammunition. He remains in police custody pending charges.
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The ganja that was found in the abandoned building in NA
olice are investigating the discovery of 7.370 kilograms (kg) of suspected cannabis at Timmers Dam, Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, Berbice, on Monday. According to police, the discovery was made at about 13:30h after ranks received information and proceeded to an abandoned wooden building in the area. A search of the building led to the discovery of a bulky salt bag and a bulky black plastic bag, both containing leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis. The narcotics were taken to the Central Police Station, where they were weighed and found to total 7.370 kg. No arrest was made in connection with the discovery as police continue their investigation.
12 NEWS
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
AI era demands new approach to student assessment – Pres Ali P
resident Dr Irfaan Ali on Monday said that the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education demands a new approach to student assessment, as teachers face increasing challenges in determining whether students’ work reflects their own understanding and effort or is substantially produced by AI. The Head of State made this revelation in a post on his social media page at the height of Teachers’ Day celebrations, seeking to bring greater attention to the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in education. According to the Guyanese leader, the world of AI is bringing about a significant shift in education and changing how students understand and engage with basic lessons. “Artificial intelligence (AI), in particular, is changing how knowledge is accessed, understood and produced. Used wisely, it can assist teachers in preparing lessons, developing educational materials, adapt-
President Dr Irfaan Ali
ing instruction to individual needs and making learning more interactive and engaging. But technology can never replace the teacher. It cannot replace the wisdom, judgement, empathy and understanding of a teacher.” Using this as the basis of his remarks, President Ali said AI cannot replace the encouragement given to a struggling student, the recognition of a child’s potential, or the patience required to help students overcome difficulties. He noted that AI also presents new challeng-
es for assessing students’ work. “Teachers must increasingly determine whether an assignment reflects a student’s own understanding and effort or has been substantially produced by AI. This requires us to rethink not only how we assess learning, but what learning means in an age of artificial intelligence.” Appreciation & gratitude Amid the observance of World Teachers’ Day, President Ali extended his appreciation and gratitude to teachers, past and present, for their invaluable contribution to children and the development of the country. The Head of State noted that this year’s observance comes at a time when Guyana’s education system is undergoing significant transformation, with classrooms rapidly evolving through the integration of smart classrooms, digital technologies, online resources and AI. He said while these developments present extraordinary opportunities for education, they also bring new
Education Minister Sonia Parag
challenges for teachers. “The answer is not to reject technology, but to teach our children to use it responsibly, ethically and intelligently—to question information rather than simply accept it, to understand answers rather than merely obtain them, and to exercise sound judgement about when and how technology should be used.” However, President Ali stressed that teachers must also be well equipped for this journey, requiring a new level of pedagogical readiness. “Our teachers must continually upgrade their knowledge and skills. Teachers must equip themselves with the knowledge, skills and understanding of how new technologies work and, more importantly, how they can be used to improve learning. Our teachers must also remain central to educating, empowering and inspiring the next generation. I urge all teachers to continue to inspire minds, shape character and help build the Guyana of tomorrow.” President Ali said his
Government remains committed to providing teachers with greater access to training, professional development and the resources needed to equip them with the competencies required for the classroom of the future. He also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to better pay, improved allowances, grants to support teaching and learning, increased training opportunities and measures aimed at boosting morale among teachers. Only in August this year, the Guyana Times reported that the Ministry of Education had announced plans to expand the Guyana Digital School (GDS) to accommodate learners across additional grade levels. The platform was initially opened to students in Grades 10 and 11, attracting more than 20,000 students from across the Caribbean, with the Ministry subsequently committing to expanding access to learners in other grades. Important role of teachers Similarly, in a related comment, Education Minister Sonia Parag took to social media to express her appreciation to teachers across Guyana. In a video posted on her social media pages, Parag emphasised the important role teachers play in shaping children’s lives and highlighted their contribution to the development of society. “As we observe World Teachers Day, I cannot emphasise enough the important role that a teacher plays in shaping a child’s life...
We have long recognised that this is a profession that plays such an important role in the development of society.” Parag said the hard work of teachers in Guyana has not gone unnoticed, particularly the lengths teachers have taken to ensure children are abreast with respective topics in schools, most especially where long term influence is concerned. “I wish to thank all of those amazing teachers who go above and beyond for their students, because I know many of you take your students’ successes personally. I have always believed that when a teacher enters a classroom, that teacher is not just an instructor. And I’ve also believed that when a child enters a classroom for the first time, that a teacher has the opportunity to positively influence that child.” She added, “Beyond their professional development, there is also personal development, because many of you are not just teachers, you’re also parents, and many of you are now homeowners as well. Many of you are parents who are also benefiting from the Because We Care cash grant for your children who are in the school system. And as we observe World Teachers Day today, I wish you all the success in the school year 20262027.” As of November 2025, it was reported that the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) had produced more than 6,000 trained teachers since 2020, with the latest cohort of 1,345 newly trained educators now joining the teaching profession.
Omai Gold Project could deliver US$4B value over 18year mine life – PEA finds
C
anadian mining company Omai Gold Mines Corp has filed a technical report supporting its Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for the Wenot open pit and Gilt underground deposits at its wholly owned Omai Gold Project in Guyana. In a statement on Monday, the company
said that the National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report, dated October 2, 2026, was filed on October 5 on the SEDAR+ website. It was prepared under the supervision of David Robson, P.Eng., of SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd., an independent consultant and qualified person under NI 43101.
The PEA outlines an 18-year mine life with projected average annual gold production of 351,488 ounces, while peak annual production is estimated at 435,667 ounces. Over the life of the proposed operation, payable gold production is projected at 6.327 million ounces. TURN TO PAGE 14
NEWS
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
June 2026 criminal assizes
21 murder, 6 attempted murder, 6 sexual offence cases among 49 completed …14 discontinued by nolle prosequi
Justice Deborah Kumar-Chetty
Justice Sandil Kissoon
Justice Peter Hugh
Justice Priscilla Chandra-Haniff
he Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) disposed of 49 matters during the Demerara June 2026 Criminal Assizes, including 35 cases presented before the High Court and 14 matters discontinued by way of nolle prosequi. The Demerara June Criminal Assizes commenced on June 2 with 137 cases listed for hearing. Seven judges sat during the Assizes. Of the 35 matters presented in the High Court, 21 involved murder, six involved attempted murder, two involved manslaughter and six were sexual offences. The 14 matters in which nolle prosequi was entered were discontinued by the DPP. The matters involved 46 accused. There were eight convictions, 19 guilty pleas, 13 jury verdicts of not guilty, three formal verdicts of not guilty, one hung jury and one aborted trial. Among the cases prosecuted before Justice Sandil Kissoon, State prosecutors completed eight matters, seven for murder and one for attempted murder with an alternative count of wounding with intent. Four of the seven murder accused pleaded guilty. One was sentenced to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after serving 30 years, while two others received 25-year sentences. Another accused pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter and was sentenced to eight years. In another murder trial involving two accused, both were unanimously found guilty by a jury and each was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment. A separate murder matter involved five accused. Three were convicted by the jury and each received a 25-year sentence, while the other two were acquitted. In another case involving six accused charged
with murder in furtherance of robbery and accessory after the fact to murder, three pleaded guilty and received sentences of 20, 10 and five years respectively. One of the three was sentenced to time already served on remand. The other three were acquitted by the jury. The attempted murder matter prosecuted before Justice Kissoon ended with the accused pleading guilty to the alternative count of wounding with intent. The accused was sentenced to five years and three months after a deduction was made for the guilty plea. Before Justice Peter Hugh, State Counsel Padma Dubraj and Geneva Wills completed seven matters comprising four murder cases, two attempted murder cases and one manslaughter case. Two murder matters ended with guilty pleas. One accused pleaded guilty to manslaughter and received an 11-year sentence, while another pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact and was sentenced to six years after deductions for the guilty plea and mitigating factors. One trial involving two accused resulted in a hung jury, with both accused remanded to prison pending a new trial. The other accused in the second matter was acquitted. In one attempted murder matter, the accused pleaded guilty to the alternative charge of felonious wounding and was sentenced to five years. In the other, the complainant indicated that she did not wish to proceed, resulting in the judge directing the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty. The manslaughter case resulted in a majority verdict of 10 jurors finding the accused not guilty and two finding him guilty. Before Justice Deborah Kumar-Chetty, prosecutors completed seven matters— six for murder and one for
manslaughter. Three of the murder matters resulted in guilty pleas. Two accused pleaded guilty as charged and were sentenced to 22 and 24 years respectively, following deductions for their guilty pleas and mitigating factors. The third pleaded guilty to manslaughter and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 22. In another murder case, a jury unanimously found the accused guilty and he was sentenced to 23 years imprisonment. The court also ordered him to enrol in educational and vocational classes while in prison. Two other accused in separate matters were unanimously acquitted by juries. The manslaughter case before Justice KumarChetty ended in an acquittal after the family of the deceased informed the court that they did not wish to proceed, resulting in a formal verdict of not guilty. Four matters were completed before Justice Priscilla Chandra-Haniff, including two murder and two attempted murder cases. All four accused pleaded guilty. One murder accused received 21 years imprisonment, while another, who was charged with murder in the course of rape, was sentenced to 21 years and four months. The two attempted murder accused were sentenced to nine years and four months and 12 years and eight months respectively. The Sexual Offences Court, before Justice Zamilla Ally-Seepaul, completed six matters. One accused pleaded guilty and was sentenced to seven years and four months. Another was unanimously found guilty by a jury of rape of a child under 16 and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 6. Three other accused were acquitted by juries. In one case involving two
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counts of sexual activity with a child family member, the jury returned a majority verdict of not guilty. Another matter ended in a formal not-guilty verdict after the complainant said she did not wish to proceed. Two murder matters were presented before Justice Joy Persaud. One trial was aborted after a juror became ill, while the accused in the other matter was acquitted by a jury. Before Justice Nicole Pierre, an attempted murder case with an alternative count of felonious wounding ended with a unanimous jury verdict of guilty on the alternative count. The accused was sentenced to seven years. The 14 nolle prosequi matters included murder, attempted murder, accessory after the fact of murder, wounding with intent, unlawful wounding and sexual offences. The DPP said the main witness in one murder case had died, while complainants in the other matters submitted written statements indicating that they did not wish to proceed.
Berbice and Essequibo
The Berbice Criminal Assizes had 84 cases listed. State Counsel Marisa Edwards presented five murder matters before Justice Gino Persaud. Three accused pleaded guilty to manslaughter and are awaiting sentence, while another was acquitted by a jury. One trial was aborted after a juror became ill. A sexual offence matter was discontinued after the complainant indicated in writing that she did not wish to proceed. The Berbice Assizes continues into October. The Essequibo May Criminal Assizes commenced on May 19 with 35 cases listed. Five matters were presented by State Counsel Abiola LoweOsborne—four murder cases and one sexual offence. Two murder matters were completed before Justice Zamilla Ally-
Justice Joy Persaud
Justice Zamilla Ally-Seepaul
Justice Nicole Pierre
Justice Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus
Seepaul. In one, the accused pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to 12 years and eight months. In the other, involving two accused charged with accessory after the fact to murder, the judge upheld no-case submissions and directed formal verdicts of not guilty. The State has given notice of its intention to appeal. Two other murder matters were heard before Justice Sherdel IsaacsMarcus. One accused pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to 10 years, while two accused in another matter pleaded guilty as charged and are scheduled to be sentenced on October 23. A sexual offence matter ended with a formal not-guilty verdict after the complainant indicated that she did not wish
to proceed, while two other sexual offence matters were discontinued by the DPP.
October Assizes
The Demerara October 2026 Criminal Assizes is scheduled to begin today with 149 cases listed. The judges rostered to sit are Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh, Justice Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, Justice Jacqueline JosiahGraham, Justice Zamilla Ally-Seepaul, Justice Renita Singh and Justice Sunil Scarce. The Berbice October Criminal Assizes will commence on October 20 with 93 cases listed, with Justice Peter Hugh rostered to sit. The Essequibo Criminal Assizes is scheduled to begin on October 27, with Justice Nigel Hinds rostered to sit.
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Rubbish fire spreads to house
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rubbish fire in a yard at Lot 22 Northon Street, Newbury, Georgetown, spread to a nearby house on Monday, prompting a response from the Guyana Fire Service (GFS). The Fire Service said on Monday it received a report of the fire and dispatched Water Tenders and crews from the Headquarters and Campbellville Fire Station. On arrival, firefighters observed smoke and flames and immediately began efforts to extinguish the blaze. According to the Fire Service, the fire originated from rubbish in the yard, which ignited nearby combustible materials before
The aftermath of the fire on Monday
spreading to the house. Firefighters extinguished the blaze and prevented it
from spreading further. Investigations are ongoing.
Omai Gold Project could...
FROM PAGE 12
At a base-case gold price of US$3,600 per ounce, the assessment estimates an after-tax net present value of US$4 billion at a 5 per cent discount rate and an after-tax internal rate of return of 24 per cent. At a gold price of US$4,200 per ounce, the after-tax net present value increases to US$5.5 billion, with an internal rate of return of 30 per cent. The project is expected to require US$1.427 billion in initial capital, with an additional US$928 million in sustaining and growth capital over the life of the mine. The assessment projects a payback period of 4.1 years at US$3,600 per ounce, falling to 3.4 years at US$4,200 per ounce. Average cash operating costs are estimated at US$1,501 per ounce, while all-in sustaining costs are projected at US$1,608 per ounce. The PEA also estimates
an average head grade of 1.35 grams of gold per tonne and a process recovery rate of 93 per cent, with an average open-pit strip ratio of 5.9:1 over the life of the operation. Omai Gold President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Elaine Ellingham said the filing of the technical report represents a major milestone for the company. She said the project could contribute to Guyana's future economy as the company continues to expand and optimise the project while advancing towards a feasibility study. Omai Gold's PEA incorporates the Wenot open pit and adjacent Gilt underground deposit. The company said its current mineral resource estimate comprises 2.5 million ounces of indicated resources grading 2.04 grams per tonne of gold contained in 38.1 million tonnes, and 5.5 million ounces of in-
ferred resources grading 1.59 grams per tonne contained in 106.6 million tonnes. Drilling under a 50,000-metre programme is continuing with five rigs. The company is also pointing to Omai's history as a past-producing gold operation and its existing infrastructure, including a cleared site, on-site airstrip, tailings facility, established metallurgical data and road connections to Georgetown and Linden. Omai Gold cautioned, however, that the PEA is preliminary in nature and includes inferred mineral resources. Such resources are considered too speculative to have economic considerations applied to them for classification as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the PEA will be realised. The technical report is available through SEDAR+ and Omai Gold's website.
Distribution of plants, seeds, Black Giant chicks and ducklings on Monday in Mabaruma, Region One (Barima-Waini) as part of the launch of Agriculture Month 2026 (Region One RDC photos)
NEWS
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
GOAL-Medvarsity programme
115 Guyanese medical professionals certified T
he first cohort of 115 Guyanese medical students are now certified after completing Medvarsity medical programmes through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL). The graduation ceremony was held on Monday at the Royal International Hotel and Mall on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown. The programmes from Medvarsity in Hyderabad, India, saw students pursuing studies in clinical oncology, registered nursing, critical care nursing, environmentally sustainable healthcare and clinical cardiology. Medvarsity is a healthcare education technology company that provides medical and healthcare training through a blended learning model, combining online education with practical clinical training. Speaking on the accomplishment of the trainees, Health Minister, Dr Frank
teach people how to care for their feet.” “We can prevent blindness, because this is another complication of diabetes. We can prevent kidney problems, because we are seeing persons who are diabetic for many years, they have kidney failure, and then they have to go on dialysis.”
Pivotal time in Guyana
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony and Director of the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), Professor Jacob Opadeyi along with officials from Medvarsity in Hyderabad, India and some of the graduates
Anthony pointed to the significance of the achievement, which he said will
help strengthen the country’s capacity to address cardiovascular diseases
SBAs remain mandatory for 2027 CSEC candidates – Education Ministry
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he Education Ministry has reminded secondary schools that School-Based Assessments (SBAs) remain mandatory for students preparing to write the 2027 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations. The Ministry issued the directive on Monday following an advisory from the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), clarifying requirements for the 2027 examination cycle. According to the Ministry, Grade 11 students enrolled in CSEC subjects requiring an SBA must complete all prescribed assessment requirements by the March 2027 submission deadline. The Ministry also stressed that Paper Three is
not authorised as a substitute for an SBA for secondary school students in the 2027 examination cycle. As such, schools have been directed not to instruct or permit students to undertake Paper Three in place of an SBA, or to advise parents and students that such a replacement is allowed. The Ministry said students who are required to complete SBAs should resume or continue their assessment tasks immediately. Schools are also expected to provide sufficient instructional time, guidance and supervision to allow students to refine and complete their work ahead of the deadline. Headteachers have been instructed to oversee the resumption of SBA activities across all departments and monitor students' progress
towards completion. They are also expected to provide targeted support to students who require additional assistance. Education Officers will conduct visits to schools in the regions to review SBA progress records and engage school administrators to determine whether candidates are on track to meet the requirements. The Ministry said the directives are intended to clarify Guyana's requirements following advice from CXC concerning plans to discontinue SBAs for 13 subjects beginning in 2028, with conditional implementation starting in 2027. However, the Education Ministry confirmed that all existing SBA requirements remain in effect for Guyana's 2027 CSEC cohort.
prevalent in Guyana. “More than 100 of you took the opportunity of getting trained. Some of you focused a lot of your attention on electrocardiograms (ECGs) and interpretation of ECG’s. That’s a good thing, because we notice now that we have a lot of persons in the country who are affected by cardiovascular diseases. So, a basic tool, a basic procedure, is that if you’re doing an ECG, then you need to interpret the ECG. And if we cannot interpret the ECG, then we’ll miss what is going on with the patient, and that course is what some of you did in interpretation of ECGs is a very important one.” Meanwhile, while re-
porting that approximately 60,000 Guyanese are being treated for diabetes, Anthony highlighted the importance of how some trainees can help prevent serious complications associated with the disease through the training they would have received. “You have the qualifications to show that you have the knowledge to dispense that advice. So, this is important. But diabetes is a big problem. We are seeing a lot more amputations because people are not caring for their feet. And I saw for some of you, you have done the programme where you can look at foot care, which is right, because we can prevent amputations if we
Meanwhile, Director of GOAL, Professor Jacob Opadeyi reminded the graduates that, by the time they complete their training, they will be needed across hospitals. “You are graduating at a pivotal time in Guyana. As you know from our own work on land management and disaster, Guyana’s geography is both our wealth and our vulnerability. Over the past year or so, we’re opening new hospitals. New hospitals in different parts of the country. Your services will be needed, and the time will come where they have to move you from your comfort zone in Georgetown.” “You are working for the people of Guyana, and most importantly, you are working for God, the Almighty. And He is the one who will see your sweat, who will remember what you have done to save life. Let me share with you what some of you say about this training.” Back in June, approximately 3,876 Guyanese graduated from GOAL’s fourth graduation ceremony, comprising 2,858 women and 1,018 men.
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Small entrepreneurs’ journey at Berbice Expo …businesses turn different beginnings into opportunities for growth
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pandemic, a baking hobby, skills acquired overseas and lessons learnt in a grandmother’s kitchen are among the vastly different routes that led five entrepreneurs into business. Those journeys converged over the weekend at the Berbice Expo and Trade Fair, where the Small Business Bureau (SBB) provided smaller operators with space alongside established companies and access to one of Berbice’s major commercial audiences. For them, it was an opportunity to be seen, introduce their brands to new customers and test how their products stand up in a much larger marketplace.
Dawn Ogle interacting with a customer
and is again concentrating on developing the business. Part of that development, she said, has come
Camila Khan
The 20th Berbice Expo, held at the Welfare Community Centre Ground, East Canje, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), brought together more than 150 exhibitors occupying over 180 booths during its fourday run. Among those numbers was Dawn Ogle, whose Caribbean Sea Moss Guyana business emerged from circumstances far removed from a trade fair. Ogle was living in St Lucia when she returned to Guyana in 2021 to bury her grandmother, who had died after contracting COVID-19. Several other members of her family had also contracted the virus. “I came to Guyana to bury my grandmother. That was during COVID. She had COVID and she died. Many of my family had COVID,” Ogle recalled. She had brought sea moss with her from St Lucia and, believing in its health benefits, decided to develop a business around the product. What began then has grown into an operation producing sea moss gels in different flavours and selling raw sea moss. Ogle subsequently returned to St Lucia but re-migrated to Guyana earlier this year
through training offered by the SBB. “I did a lot of courses, things that I could have implemented in my business. I learned how to record financials. I learned a lot of stuff,” Ogle said. She now encourages other small-business operators to make use of the
“Everything that we have here in Guyana, I took into St Lucia and that’s what I started SHEVYQ with,” she said. Having taken those products outward, Crawford has since brought another part of the business back to Guyana. Shevy Q now produces sea moss powder, gels and shakes here, with Crawford also working on additional products. The presence of two sea moss businesses at the Bureau’s showcase might have suggested a common path into enterprise. A few displays away, however, Anjali Singh’s experience could hardly have been more different. There was no move between countries and no decision initially to establish a business. Singh simply enjoyed baking. “It was just a hobby and I turned it into a business after getting lovely reviews from my family and
Melba LaGadoue
Bureau, particularly its training opportunities. The movement between Guyana and St Lucia is also part of Siobhan Crawford’s entrepreneurial story, although hers developed in the opposite direction. Crawford started Shevy Q as an agro-processing business in St Lucia, taking with her products familiar to Guyanese consumers, including achar, hot pepper sauces and gravy browning.
friends,” she said. At the time, Singh was working with her parents and looking for something else to occupy herself. “I always wanted to do something. I always like to keep myself occupied. So, baking was the way out.” The hobby eventually acquired customers. Today, Singh caters for events and produces cheesecake cups and jars, chocolate-covered strawberries and other sweet treats.
Her cheesecakes have also found their way onto supermarket shelves, taking something that began as a pastime into a more
away from craft altogether. “Sometimes I dare not give it up because it’s like we’re going nowhere,” she admitted. She nevertheless continues, and the opportunity to exhibit through the Bureau reduces one of the difficulties confronting operators at her level — the cost of securing space to put their work before a large audience. La Gadoue, another of the entrepreneurs brought into that space, continuing has an entirely different meaning. The bottles carrying her GENUINE brand represent a commercial operation that is about eight years old, but Lou traces its beginnings much further back.
“I was producing craft, but I noticed the craft is not so marketable. So, I turned to this here which is a legacy. And I decided to let this legacy continue,” she explained. In that sense, the neighbouring businesses at the SBB’s showcase were connected by more than their physical location. La Gadoue continues trying to make craft commercially viable. Lou moved away from craft when she found the market difficult. Singh discovered a market for something that had never been intended as a business. Crawford has moved products between two Caribbean markets, while Ogle is rebuilding her operation after re-migrating
The range includes pepper sauces, concentrates, syrups and other processed products, including Bilimbi Pepper Sauce. Yet behind those products is a childhood memory of watching and assisting her grandmother, in the kitchen.
to Guyana. Different products and different journeys ultimately lead to the same question: can a small entrepreneur find enough customers to turn an idea or skill into a sustainable business?
Anjalie Singh
formal retail space. Elsewhere at the same showcase, Melba La Gadoue has been trying to build a market not around food, but around things made by hand. Her work spans bamboo, leather, ceramics, straw, knitting and floral pieces, but bamboo has taken her particularly far, literally. La Gadoue travelled to China in connection with bamboo craft and, after returning home, became involved in passing those skills on to others. “I went to China. I come back and I went to the river area to train the people to do the bamboo work,” she recalled. Her relationship with the SBB has included assistance with financing and materials for her bamboo furniture and weaving. “At one time, Small Business, they gave me a loan. They helped me with the loan,” she said. But La Gadoue’s experience also speaks to what happens after the excitement of starting a business has passed. There have been periods when slow progress caused her to consider walking
Siobhan Crawford
“I must say, it’s a legacy. My grandmother, the late Kitey Jones, used to make a lot of these things,” Lou said. “When I was like a little girl growing up, I can recall helping or assisting her in the kitchen. So, I need this legacy to go on.” Interestingly, Lou had also tried her hand at craft before concentrating on food processing.
For four days, the Berbice Expo could not answer that question for them. What it could provide was an audience. Through the SBB’s presence, the five entrepreneurs were able to put their products before patrons walking the same exhibition ground as some of the country’s more established companies.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026
guyanatimesgy.com
17
Regional
Cuba and US maintain “channels Bartlett moves to plug tourism import leak of communication” but no negotiations, diplomat says
A woman and a man walk past graffiti with the colours of the Cuban flag in Havana, Cuba, October 4, 2026 (Reuters/Ricardo Arduengo photo)
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uba and the United States have maintained “channels of communication”, but are not engaged in any formal negotiations, Havana’s top diplomat in Washington told Reuters, as the Trump Administration pursues a pressure campaign against the Communist-ruled island. In an interview on Monday, Lianys Torres Rivera, chargé d’affaires at the Embassy in Washington, said Cuba remains open to a “respectful” dialogue, but is “not naive” about President
Donald Trump’s threats and has increased preparations to defend itself against any US military action. The latest US-Cuba diplomatic contacts have included meetings, phone calls and WhatsApp messages, but the two sides have made no progress toward a negotiating agenda or restarting official talks, she said. “What we have with the US is channels of communication,” Torres Rivera said. She declined to provide details on the timing, topics, and participants. Her description of the
communications appears to fall short of Trump’s assertion at the United Nations last month that Secretary of State, Marco Rubio was “deep into negotiations” with Havana. Trump also called Cuba a “failed state” and predicted its government would fall. The Cuban delegation walked out in protest. A US State Department spokesperson said: “It does not come to our surprise that the Cuban regime is circulating this propaganda. In all reality, talks are ongoing and the regime has been unwilling thus far to agree to anything that would help the Cuban people, ultimately, threatening its total control.” Trump has openly stated that his goal is to fundamentally change Cuba’s Government. A US-imposed oil blockade has put the country under severe strain as it contends with fuel shortages and blackouts exacerbated by failing infrastructure. UN human rights experts have condemned the oil blockade as a violation of international law. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Jamaican Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett (right) making a point, last Friday, to Damine Sinanan, Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Export Development Agency, following the plenary session on “Practical Building Blocks for Export Expansion”
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arning that the region is losing billions of dollars in potential earnings by failing to adequately connect its farmers and agro-processors with the tourism industry, portfolio minister Edmund Bartlett is calling for a major overhaul with the establishment of a Caribbean Tourism Agricultural Logistics Centre among a raft of proposed initiatives. He made the call last Friday, the final for the
Mexico seeks evidence of border shooting that prompted US troop deployment
M Latest US military strike on alleged drug boat kills 4 in Caribbean
An explosion following what the US military says was a strike on a vessel at a location given as the Caribbean, on date given as October 4, 2026 [Handout/US Southern Command via Reuters]
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he United States has conducted another strike on an alleged drug trafficking boat in the Caribbean, killing four, according to the US military. US Southern Command said late Sunday that it struck alleged drug traffickers operating along “established narco-trafficking routes” in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean, following its standard reporting pattern for military operations of suspected cartels across the multinational maritime zones. The latest attack brings the death toll from US military boat strikes to at least 235 deaths across 70 attacks, since the Administration of US President Donald Trump first launched its counter-narcoterrorism campaign, termed
Operation Southern Spear, in September of last year. At the time, Trump characterised the fight against cartels in Latin America as an active “armed conflict” while defending the strikes as a necessary escalation to curb illicit drug trafficking and reduce fatal US overdoses. The move comes as United Nations experts warn that the strikes violate international law and could amount to crimes against humanity. Despite releasing footage on X showing the explosion that destroyed the moving vessel, the US military has offered no evidence that the targeted boat was ferrying drugs. The Trump Administration has been actively seeking regional security agreements across Latin America to ex-
pand joint military operations against what it has designated as criminal cartels. The deals come under the US-led Shield of the Americas coalition, launched in March. The President has pledged the undertaking will use “unmatched military might” to dismantle drug cartels while simultaneously countering Chinese economic influence in the Western Hemisphere. During a visit to Panama in August, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that Colombia, Guatemala and Honduras had agreed to joint counter-crime military operations on their soil, a statement Guatemala quickly disputed to clarify its sovereignty and boundaries within the 19-member alliance. (Al Jazeera)
six-day Caribbean Week of Agriculture 2026 held at Ocean Coral Spring Hotel in Trelawny. His comments came during the plenary session on “Practical Building Blocks for Export Expansion”. The proposed Caribbean Tourism Agricultural Logistics Centre, Bartlett said, should go beyond conventional storage. “It’s not a warehouse we’re looking for here, but what we’re seeking is a re-
pository of all the supplies from within the Caribbean area, [for example] what Barbados provides, what Guyana provides, what Jamaica provides,” he said. The facility, he explained, would accommodate fresh agricultural commodities as well as processed products – including juices, nectars, jams, and jellies – and facilitate their distribution throughout the region. Other measures he proposed include establishing a dedicated tourism agricultural loan programme for small farmers, and harmonising food and agricultural standards across the Caribbean. Bartlett also wants Jamaica’s Agri- Linkages Exchange (ALEX) platform, which links farmers with tourism buyers, expanded into a Caribbean-wide system. “We know the example we’ve had in four years — over US$2 billion of trade between small farmers and hoteliers,” he said of ALEX. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
exico has asked the United States for evidence of a cross-border shooting that allegedly targeted US security personnel. In her daily news conference on Monday, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum explained that the US had reported “shots from the Mexican border”. “We asked for all the evidence because we have no evidence,” Sheinbaum said. She added that Mexico’s National Guard, Army and Navy had not detected any shots being fired from Mexican territory towards the US. Sheinbaum made her remarks a day after the US
Ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson wrote on the social media platform X about the shooting, which allegedly took place in Texas across from the Mexican state of Tamaulipas in late September. Johnson said the targets were members of the US Coast Guard, and that the threat would be “swiftly addressed”. “The US Embassy in Mexico is helping coordinate with Mexican forces deploying to the border area where US Coast Guardsmen were fired upon,” Johnson wrote. “Together, we intend to patrol both sides of our shared border, protect our
communities, and make it more difficult for criminal and terrorist organisations to operate.” Some 500 US troops, along with helicopters, drones and anti-drone equipment, have been sent to the border since the alleged shooting. Mexico has sent its own deployment in the border area, as part of a joint operation called Operation Mirror between the two countries to secure the frontier. In Monday’s news conference, Sheinbaum confirmed that the Mexican deployment was designed “to forestall any issues” that may arise. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Trinidad: Cedros residents count losses after floods swamp homes
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tacy Hajarie had moved into her uncle’s home in Bonasse Village, Cedros, just two weeks earlier. On Saturday, she watched helplessly as floodwaters covered her furniture and other belongings in the yard, which she had not yet had time to secure. Hajarie was among scores of residents in parts of Cedros affected by flooding after heavy thunderstorms swept through the area. She said water rose around the home so quickly that there was little time to save her belongings. Wiping away tears, she said: “Before we could come outside to try to salvage anything, we just saw the water
coming from both the back and the front. Like I said, the water come up so fast it was hard to try to pull up anything, and it was already coming all to the side the house.” She said she lost almost everything, including her laptop and furniture. “Everything, except the clothes inside the house,” she sobbed. Hajarie said her uncle, Shayam Hajarie, returned home to save the dog, which was tied up and trying to stay afloat as the water rose. “We were trapped inside,” she said. Other residents in Bonasse Village recalled struggling to keep floodwa-
ters out of their homes. Describing the ordeal as terrible, Eileen Toolsie, 83, a cancer patient, said relatives and a friend used buckets, scoops and brooms to remove water from her property. “Back, front, everything was water, water, water,” she said. Camira Harrylal, 46, said drains overflowed and water entered her kitchen, leaving her oven submerged. Water also seeped beneath the tiles. She said it was the first time in two years that she had experienced flooding on this scale, and that some of her belongings were damaged. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)
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guyanatimesgy.com
Around the World Yemeni Government forces drive Houthis from Bab el-Mandeb Strait S
audi-backed Yemeni government forces staged a lightning advance on Monday to retake the coast around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait up to the city of Mocha, the government said, pushing the Iran-backed Houthis out of most of the areas they seized last month. In response, the Houthis said they had attacked key locations in Saudi Arabia, including the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, an Aramco refinery in Rabigh, the Abha international airport and the Khamis Mushait military base. The claims could not be immediately verified. Saudi Arabia and Aramco did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Yemeni forces of the internationally-recognised
Pro-Saudi-backed Yemeni Government fighters fire their weapons during what Government forces say was an advance against the Iran-backed Houthis, near Dhubab, Taiz Governorate, Yemen, in this still image taken from video released October 5, 2026 (Southern Giants Brigades/Handout via Reuters)
Government, backed by heavy Saudi air strikes, reached the outskirts of Mocha late on Monday and Houthi fighters were retreating into the highlands, four Government sources said. The Defence Ministry said the city had fallen.
The advance, if confirmed, would loosen the Houthis’ grip on a vital Red Sea oil route already roiling energy markets alongside Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, though the group could still strike vessels with drones from other
positions. Fighting has raged along several front lines in Yemen for weeks since a dormant civil war erupted in a spillover from the US-Iran conflict, with the Houthis seeking to control the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and firing missiles and drones at Saudi cities and infrastructure. The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis also said late on Monday that naval forces carried out a military operation in Yemen’s Red Sea governorate of Hodeidah. The Government forces had already taken key positions including an airstrip in the Dhubab district at the mouth of the strait whose seizure by the Houthis last month sent shock waves through energy markets. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Spain’s Sanchez gambles on snap election after housing protests give rare boost
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panish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday called an early election for November 29, aiming to increase his parliamentary support after lawmakers last week rejected proposals to address a housing crisis that has drawn nationwide protests. The snap vote is a highstakes gamble for Sanchez, whose Socialist Party trails in nearly every opinion
oll. An electoral defeat p would spell the end of one of Europe’s last remaining left-leaning Governments at a time when the far right is making unprecedented gains across the region. It reflects a broader malaise across Europe, under pressure from US President Donald Trump on defence spending, cheap Chinese imports, higher borrowing costs, disaffected youth and
the biggest surge in support for the far-right since the 1930s. However, Sanchez, a wily political operator, has proven time and again his ability to surprise those who had long written him off. An election now could see him capitalise on a wave of anger at unaffordable housing in Spain. “We need to mobilise and win a much larger progres-
sive majority in Parliament, one that will allow us to overcome vested interests, deliver new social advances and continue transforming Spain,” Sanchez said in a televised address. Spain’s blue-chip index was flat after the announcement, while Spanish Government bonds were broadly steady. (Excerpt from Reuters)
porting Opposition forces in the northern Tigray region, following a resurgence
of the fighting against Abiy’s Government there. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
OILNEWS OIL NEWS T
UK’s FTSE 100 steadies after worst week since April as oil eases
he UK’s FTSE 100 rose on Monday, steadying after its steepest drop since April last week, as prospects of higher crude supplies kept prices in check. The blue-chip FTSE 100 index closed 0.34 per cent higher at 10,497.94 points. The midcap FTSE 250 dipped 0.29 per cent to 24,123.75 points. Brent crude futures dipped 0.44 per cent to US$101.83 a barrel, after exports from the Middle East increased and the Group of Seven nations pledged to boost supplies. Still, the conflict between Yemen’s internationallyrecognised Government and Iran-backed Houthis kept investors on edge. A survey on Monday showed British services firms reported stronger cost pressures last month as fuel prices surged due to the Middle East conflict. Fuel prices have been under scrutiny owing to their impact on inflation expectations and the Bank of England’s interest rate trajectory. “Energy prices have risen too sharply, and a drop seems too distant a prospect for the MPC (Monetary Policy Committee) to sit on its hands and hope secondround effects fail to materialise,” economists at Pantheon Macroeconomics wrote. Traders currently see a nearly 97 per cent chance of a rate hike at the next central bank meeting in November, according to data compiled by LSEG. Metals and mining shares rose 1.65 per cent as copper prices rose for a second straight day. Ithaca Energy rose 2.2 per cent and was among top gainers on the FTSE 100 after it agreed to acquire Suncor Energy’s offshore oil assets for US$842 million in upfront cash. “This deal for Canadian assets provides a level of diversification,” said AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Author and former Ethiopia’s Abiy demands access to Red Sea as tensions with neighbours rise politician Jeffrey Archer dies aged 86 Zelenskyy condemns B “horrific” Russian strike on boat carrying corn in Black Sea
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed takes the oath of office for a new five-year term at Parliament in Addis Ababa [Handout/ Ethiopian Prime Minister’s Office via Reuters]
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thiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has insisted that his landlocked country must have access to the Red Sea, even as neighbouring countries have said responsibility for the sea rests with the states along its shores. Abiy made the demand as he was sworn in for another five-year term in power on Monday. Repeating previous assertions, Abiy said in a speech in Parliament that the country would work to secure a port on the Red Sea, saying
that access was critical to Ethiopia’s “civilisation”. “Based on the principle of give and take, we will work diligently to ensure that Ethiopia has an outlet to the sea,” he said. Ethiopia lost direct access to the Red Sea in 1993 after Eritrea, formerly a region of Ethiopia, became independent. Abiy’s call came as Ethiopia’s relations its neighbours have worsened in recent months, with Addis Ababa accusing Eritrea, Egypt and Sudan of sup-
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kraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned a “horrific” Russian attack on a vessel carrying corn in the Black Sea. The ship’s Captain was killed in the strike involving two drones, Zelensky said, and another sailor was unaccounted for. Eleven crew members – nationals of Azerbaijan and India – have been rescued. Romania said it had mounted a rescue mission after “a fire on the ship Royad Mammadov” outside the country’s territorial waters. It said two persons had died. Russia has not commented, but its Defence
Ministry earlier said it had struck two cargo vessels. Russia has been pounding Ukrainian infrastructure in what it says is retaliation for Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries and ships in the Black Sea. Monday’s attack by Russia targeted “a civilian vessel in neutral waters carrying corn and owned by Turkey”, Volodymyr Zelensky said. He did not give the location of the ship, but Romania’s Interior Ministry said it had sunk about 30 nautical miles south of its port of Sfantu Gheorghe. (Excerpt from BBC News)
estselling author and former politician Jeffrey Archer has died at the age of 86. Archer sold more than 300 million books in his five-decade writing career, including the Clifton Chronicles and Kane and Abel, and often set the novels in his home town of Wellington, Somerset. In a statement, Archer’s publisher HarperCollins said the author died “suddenly and peacefully at home” on Monday between writing sessions. The former Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) was jailed for perjury in 2001 after being found guilty of lying and cheating in his 1987 libel case against the Daily Star. Archer was born in north London on April 15, 1940, but would quickly move to Weston-superMare in Somerset, where his family bought a house from John Cleese’s mother.
In 1969, Archer was elected MP for the Lincolnshire constituency of Louth. He served as an MP for five years before becoming Conservative Party deputy chairman. His political career was paused in 2001 when he was jailed for four years for perjury and perverting the course of justice. He was found to have lied in libel action he had brought against The Star newspaper, in which he was awarded £500,000 in damages. He was released in 2003 and returned to the House of Lords until he retired in 2024. His last book, Adam and Eve, is set to be released this week, HarperCollins said, describing him as a “master storyteller” whose readers “meant everything to him”. (Excerpt from BBC News)
guyanatimesgy.com
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026
ARCHIE
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DAILY HOROSCOPES
(March 21-April 19)
Set high goals, and push forward with enthusiasm. Clear up mixed messages by being concise regarding how you feel, what you are willing to do and how to improve situations that aren’t working well for you. Rethink your plans, choose your words carefully and stick to the script. If you embellish situations, you’ll be labeled as difficult; if you back down, you’ll be vulnerable and weak.
PICKLES
(April 20-May 20) Embrace your dreams, hopes and wishes, and see what transpires. You’ll never know what’s possible if you don’t try. Meet any challenge you encounter with discipline and a plan.
(May 21-June 20) Get active. Using your mental and physical attributes will help you get back in the game. It’s time to flex your muscles and strengthen any vulnerability you’ve allowed to seep into your life.
PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)
Disruptions will require attention. You can resolve a domestic dispute if you compromise. Don’t let ego get in the way or words put a wedge between you and what you are trying to achieve.
(July 23-Aug. 22)
CALVIN AND HOBBES
(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Pay attention to detail and proper protocol when dealing with institutions. A networking event can lead to professional and financial opportunities. How you present yourself will determine the outcome of a meeting. Discipline will pay off. Think about the possibilities, and implement ideas that help turn your vision into something concrete. Don’t expect everyone to agree with you.
(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)
SUDOKU
Choose to get along. A little charm will help you bypass those looking for a debate. Protect your reputation and your relationships with associates. Put more thought into your beliefs.
(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)
(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)
SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE
You’re sitting in a better position than you realize. Open your eyes and ears, and what you discover will help protect you against scammers and those who try to take advantage of you.
Having a laid-back attitude will help you get things done without interference. Be aware of misdirection and bad information. Verify everything you hear before passing it along. (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)
Channel your energy wisely. Discipline and patience are necessary. If you let what others do or say bother you, ego and emotions will bring drama, leaving you in an awkward position. Matters concerning investments, health and contracts are best dealt with swiftly. Refuse to let inexperience cost you. Go to the experts who can provide you with the facts.
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026
GPF all-rounder Benn ECB will “look at” funding Windies Test if needed selected for West Indies Over-40s World Cup squad Guyana Police Force (GPF) Officers’ team all-rounder Trevor Benn
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uyana
P o l i c e Force (GPF) Officers’ t e a m all-rounder Trevor Benn has been selected to represent the West Indies at the 2026 International Masters Cricket (IMC) Over-40s Cricket World Cup, which will be hosted in Guyana from October 17 to November 1. Benn is part of a 16-member West Indies squad that will be captained by former West Indies wicketkeeper-batsman Denesh Ramdin. The squad also features several former international players, including Ramnaresh Sarwan, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Jason Mohammed, Rayad Emrit, and Devendra Bishoo. The selection is another notable achievement for Benn, who continues to play an important role as an all-rounder for the GPF Officers’ team. The tournament will feature 16 international teams contesting 72 matches in the 45-over format at venues across several regions of Guyana. West Indies have been
drawn in Zone A alongside Australia, Canada, defending champions South Africa, Colombia, Wales, Namibia, and Sri Lanka. The regional side will begin its campaign against Australia on Saturday, October 17, at the Guyana National Stadium,
Stadium on October 31, followed by the closing ceremony at the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe, Eve Leary. For Benn, the tournament presents an opportunity to compete on the international masters stage alongside several former West Indies stars and experienced cricketers
England have played only one Test since the last women’s Ashes – a defeat by India
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West Indies squad for the upcoming Over-40s Cricket World Cup
Providence, with the match scheduled to bowl off at 09:30h. The tournament will culminate with the Grand Final at the Guyana National
from across the Caribbean. The GPF has congratulated Benn on his selection and wished him and the West Indies Over-40s team success at the upcoming World Cup.
Jockey spot on the line for October 18 Showdown of Champions horse race
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h e Showdown o f Champions stakes and Clash at the Big Yard stakes will be more than a battle of quality
Yovin Kissoonchand
horses. It will be a battle of the top jockeys and the dynamic duo of Colin Ross and Yovin Kissoonchand are
front runners for the crown. On Sunday, October 18, the Port Mourant Turf Club will come alive. Last year’s champion jockey Kissoonchand is movi n g one step closer towards Ross, the leading jockey. According to Kissoonchand, preparations are going smoothly for him and he has his eyes set on the jockey crown as the season draws to a close. “Preparation is going good so far. The championship for top jockey is coming with a lot of heat,” Kissoonchand said. The veter-
an Ross leads the points table with 13 wins this season, while Kissoonchand has 10 wins with four fewer races than Ross.? Both jockeys displayed class throughout the season, and after seven meets this year, there is little to separate the two. General admission for the October 18 race meet is $3000, and 10 exciting races are on the cards. The juvenile invitational two-year-old race will be in honour of the late Carlton “Blackmouth” Pluck. The feature race will be the Doodnauth Shook Sivmangal Memorial Clash at the Big Yard stakes, where the total purse is $1.6 million. All of the top horses will be fresh and ready for the first competitive race since the Guyana Cup back in August. Guyana Cup winner Sand Pipes will be the horse to watch. The top horses from Js Racing Stables, Slingerz Racing Stables, Master Z/Jumbo Jet and Jagdeo Racing Stables are expected to showcase thrilling battles.
he England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) would “look at” the unusual step of funding a women’s Test in the West Indies next year in order to aid England’s Ashes preparations. The Test in the Caribbean, part of a multi-format series in the spring of 2027, was announced in 2024 and is scheduled before England’s bid to regain the Ashes from Australia. Last week, Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced a wide range of money-saving measures, including cuts to player contracts. In March, a women’s Test that West Indies were due to host against Australia was cancelled, though the white-ball element of that tour went ahead. There have been no discussions between the ECB and CWI about cancelling the Test. The tour as a whole – including three T20s and three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) in April and May of next year – is not under threat, though exact dates and venues are still to be confirmed. Asked by BBC Sport if the Test was in doubt, ECB Chair Richard Thompson said: “I hope not. That’s not expected to be cancelled. I hope it will take place.” However, when it was put to Thompson that the ECB may need to provide some funding for the Test to take place, he said his organisation would “look at” the situation should it arise. Governing bodies usually have reciprocal arrangements for the home board to pick up the logistical expenses of the visiting team, including things
like travel and accommodation. In the West Indies, these can be inflated by the cost of flying West Indies and visiting players between islands. Last week, CWI said it has spent more than US$80 million on domestic air travel in the past 15 years. Thompson pointed to a similarly unusual situation when the Zimbabwe men’s team played a Test in England last year, with the ECB paying the visitors a touring fee. “We want that Test match to play out,” said Thompson. “It’s very important for us because our first women’s match in the Ashes is the Headingley Test, so we need a good red-ball warm-up. “We’ve got to be playing somewhere and we’d much prefer that to be the West Indies. “We all have a huge sympathy for the West Indies, we all want to see a successful West Indian nation. They have very unique challenges and I hope through the International Cricket Council and others we can find a way through this.” The first match of the multi-format women’s Ashes series is the sole Test at Headingley in June – the only Test, men’s or women’s, staged north of Nottingham next summer. England have played one Test since they lost every game on the Ashes tour of Australia in early 2025 – a defeat by India at Lord’s earlier this year. They have not played West Indies in a women’s Test since 1979, while West Indies have not played a Test against anyone since a trip to Pakistan in 2004. The Test in West Indies is one part of England’s Ashes Test preparations.
In January, the squad will take part in a 10-day red-ball training camp in India. In 2023, England played Australia A and Australia played England A as Test warm-up matches and that arrangement could be replicated in 2027. Plans for domestic players to potentially be involved in some red-ball cricket in the early part of next season are also being finalised. Thompson was speaking at Lord’s as the ECB launched initiatives to take cricket to more than 1700 state secondary schools and more than 3500 teachers. “Cricket for Teachers” and “Secondary Countdown Cricket” are part of the ECB’s aim to reach half of all state secondary schools in England and Wales by the end of 2028. Earlier this year, a report by the Sutton Trust found cricket to be one of the most elitist jobs in the country, with 59 per cent of male professionals and 50 per cent of women privately educated. “We really want teachers to upskill and be able to coach,” said Thompson. “The second part is to be able to do something no other team sport can do, which is bring boys and girls together until the age of 16. “This adds to the pathway. It’s another stepping stone for a late developer, or an opportunity for someone to think they want to play the game properly, with a hardball. “It’s meaningful in that we want to reach one and a half million children who have never played the game before. That’s a significant programme and the ambition that sits behind this.” (BBC Sport)
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026
GUYANATIMESGY.COM
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Guyanese riders make strong mark at Tour de Bim
Guyanese cyclists produced several encouraging performances at the 2026 Tour de Bim in Barbados
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uyana’s cyclists produced several encouraging performances at the 2026 Tour de Bim in Barbados, highlighted by a one-two-three finish in Division Two during Stage Two and another strong showing in the final 142-kilometre road stage. The Guyanese contingent featured Briton John, Ajani Cutting, and Aaron Newton in the Elite category; Andre Greene and Christopher Griffith in
the Senior ranks; junior Alexander Leung; Masters 35-49 riders Alexis Mendes, Quincy Ridley and Segun Hubbard; Masters 50+ competitors Kwame Fortune and Mark Spencer; and junior female rider Tandeia Noel. The standout result came in Stage Two, when Greene led a Guyanese sweep of the first three overall positions in Division Two. Greene finished first, Leung was second and Mendes completed
the podium in third. In addition, Hubbard placed seventh overall while Griffith finished 19th. Spencer was 24th overall in that stage while Noel placed 44th and Fortune 53rd. In Division One, John was Guyana’s leading performer during the opening stage. John finished sixth in the Stage One race, while Newton and Cutting were also among the Guyanese riders in the field. John continued his
steady showing in Stage Two, finishing sixth overall and fifth among the riders classified in the Male Cat 1 Pro/Elite category. Cutting and Newton also competed in the stage. The Tour concluded with a demanding 142-kilometre Stage Three on Sunday. John again led the Guyanese Division One challenge, finishing ninth overall in 3:22:02.44, 20 minutes and 18.38 seconds behind stage winner Joseph Ramirez,
who clocked 3:01:44.06. Newton and Cutting were listed as non-finishers. Guyana also featured prominently in Division Two’s final stage. Leung finished second in the Male Open 24-34 category, just 0.41 seconds behind Luis Yoel Torres Gonzalez, while Greene placed seventh and Griffith 12th. Noel crossed the line sixth in the women’s category. Hubbard finished third in the Masters 35-49 cat-
egory, while Mendes was listed as a non-finisher. Ridley also competed in the Masters 35-49 division. In the Masters 50+ division, Spencer placed third while Fortune did not finish. The performances capped a productive outing for the Guyanese contingent, with Greene, Leung, Mendes, Hubbard, John and Spencer all recording notable placings across the stages.
Port Mourant youngsters benefit Ramsammy from Cricket Gear project outplays Albion
Back: Anil Beharry and Vijay Seonarine. Front, from left: Lakhram Sukhra, Akeem Khan, Mahesh Sukhoo and Nicholas Beerbhajan
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our Under-15 cricketers from the Port Mourant Cricket Club have received new cricket shoes through the ongoing “Cricket Gear for Young and Promising Cricketers in Guyana” project. Fast bowlers Lakhram Sukhra and Mahesh Sukhoo, along with all-rounders Akeem Khan and Nicholas Beerbhajan, were each presented with a pair of cricket shoes as the initiative continued its support for promising young players across Guyana. The footwear was donated through the support of Rajin Ramdeholl of Fluent Mortgage in Florida, Vishnu Dudnauth, Sohan Beer of Connecticut and Ramjot Singh of New York. Former Guyana and West Indies ‘B’ all-rounder Derrick Kallicharran also
played an important role in securing the shoes. The four recipients are currently attending secondary school and were encouraged to continue balancing their academic responsibilities with their development in cricket. At a simple presentation ceremony, former Guyana senior cricketer and Port Mourant Cricket Club Coach Vijay Seonarine expressed appreciation to the sponsors for supporting the young players. The focus of the project, which is coordinated by Anil Beharry in Guyana and Kishan Das in the United States, remains on assisting disciplined and talented young players while encouraging them to stay involved in positive sporting activities. Over the years, the initia-
tive has assisted a number of Guyanese cricketers, including players who later represented the West Indies at different levels. To date, 112 male and female players from Guyana’s three counties have directly benefited from donations including cricket bats, footwear, batting pads, gloves, helmets, gear bags, protective equipment, trophies, and cash assistance. The project has also provided equipment to cricket clubs, schools, associations and community programmes across the country. Beneficiaries have included organisations and players in Berbice, Demerara, Essequibo, the Pomeroon, Wakenaam, Leguan, Lethem, St Cuthbert’s Mission and the Upper Corentyne. According to the organisers, donated equipment, whether new or used, is distributed free of cost to young and promising players. Recipients are selected based on talent, discipline, education and recommendations from cricket officials and club leaders. Progressive clubs with active youth programmes are also considered for assistance. Persons interested in contributing to the initiative can contact Anil Beharry on 6236875 or Kishan Das on 1-718664-0896.
as Tucber Park cruise into final
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uyana Harpy Eagles player Zeynul Ramsammy extended his purple patch, helping his team, Tucber Park to an Under-23 final. Tucber Park Under-23 produced a composed batting performance to defeat powerhouse Albion Under-23 by five wickets, successfully chasing down a target of 182 runs. Ramsammy led the way with 73 and picked up two wickets to top off a fine game. In the high-profile semi-final played at the Albion Community Centre Ground, the hosts posted 181 all out in 41 overs after being sent in to bat. Ari Afrizal Kadir led the way with a well-played 59 off 60 balls, while Afraz Budhoo contributed 38 off 47 and Devendra Jawahir added 22 off 30. For Tucber Park, Gavin Kisten was the standout bowler with 3-22, while Ramsammy claimed 2-4 and Gilbert Griffith took 2-34. Gloveman Thierry Henry was brilliant behind the stumps, taking five dismissals.
In reply, Tucber P a r k Under-23 h u n t
Zeynul Ramsammy down the target in 47.4 overs, finishing Harripersaud and Naren on 184-5. Khan finished with one Ramsammy anwicket each. chored the success- f u l chase with an unbeaten 73 from 127 balls, displaying patience and control throughout his innings. Kevin Kisten provided valuable support with 35 off 40 balls, Henry 24 and Griffith unbeaten on 24 from 31 balls to see Tucber Park across the line. Albion’s Leon Cecil was the pick of the bowlers with 3-27 while Shiv
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GUYANATIMESGY.COM
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026
Bonofiglio impressed by Golden Jaguars’ “hunger” …Forde gushes about national team success
The Golden Jaguars are unbeaten after four games in the ongoing CONCACAF Nations League
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he Head Coach of the senior men’s national football team, Marco Bonofiglio has highlighted his team’s “hunger” as a key factor in their 8-1 victory over Dominica on Sunday. At the Estadio Centroamericano de Mayagüez in Puerto Rico, Omari Glasgow, Deon Moore and Elliot Bonds registered braces in addition to solitary strikes from Curtez Kellman and Enoch George in the dominant performance to
maintain their spot at the top of Group A in League B. Reflecting on Sunday’s outing, the gaffer appreciated the hunger shown by the Guyanese players. “The game plan from the beginning was to play six games and have six wins. So, we’re almost there, it’s four,” Bonofiglio asserted. He went on to express, “What I noticed today was the hunger of the boys; these lads were very hungry. They woke up this morning, very
focused, very sharp, it showed in the warm-up and it showed in the result today. We were hungry today and we went out and played for 90 minutes.” In responding to an inquiry of whether he was proud of the team’s performance on Sunday, Bonofiglio replied: “Absolutely.” The Head Coach continued, “For me, even our pregame speech was about sticking to the objectives. Sticking to the objectives, sticking to
26 athletes qualify for InterGuiana Games after AAG trials
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he Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) has identified 26 athletes who qualified for the upcoming Inter-Guiana Games (IGG), following trials held on Saturday, September 26. The list comprises 13 girls and 13 boys who earned places across the sprint, middle, long-distance, jumping and throwing events. Several athletes qualified in two disciplines, giving Guyana options across a wide range of events. In the girls’ sprint events, Tesianna Harris and Tierra Lekha qualified in both the 100 metres and 200m, while Alyse Jacobs and Ronessa Johnson secured places in the 400m. Kunusasha MedasKing and Adanya Glenn qualified in both the 800m and 1500m, while Esther McKinnon and Areana Bart earned qualification in the 3000m. Guyana will also have representa-
tion across the girls’ field events. Tasianna Benjamin qualified in the shot put, while Shanea Moore earned places in both the shot put and discus. Christina Lindor qualified in the javelin, with Esther Blair and Russheeda Hartley both qualifying in the high jump and long jump. Among the boys, Michael Browne qualified in the 100m and 200m, while Ezekiel Millington earned a spot in the 100m. Ade Sealey qualified in the 200m
Michael Browne qualified in the 100m and 200m
and 400m, with Alvin Richmond also securing qualification in the 400m. Jonathon Bristol qualified in both the 800m and 1500m, while Jadel Liverpool earned a place in the 1500m. Ebo McNeil qualified in the 1500m and 5000m, while Timothy Smith will also contest the 5000m. The boys’ field event qualifiers include David Williams in the long jump and triple jump, Nathalie Samaroo in the shot put and javelin, Keimal Gishard in the high jump, Michael Kyte in the triple jump, and Akeem Barnes in the shot put and discus. The qualifiers will now make up Guyana’s athletics representation for the Inter-Guiana Games scheduled for October 2226, 2026 in Paramaribo, Suriname.
the principles. You’ve been with us from the training camp, you saw the way we trained; taking that onto the field is every coach’s dream. So, I thought we did very well, but I’m proud of the boys tonight, I really am.” Turning his attention to their next two fixtures which will come at home in November, Bonofiglio highlighted how important it will be to come back even stronger. The gaffer opined, “I think the confidence of the lads shows, but also, we want to take this break to recover properly. I know we’ve had some injuries. We didn’t have to worry too much about the yellow cards, because the boys played very disciplined. So, I’m happy for that.” “I think it’s time to regroup, tweak some things and then come back November, stronger than we did this camp,” Bonofiglio concluded. Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde also shared a message of commendation for the senior men’s national team, expressing his and the Federation’s pride in their unbeaten run. Forde shared via social media on Monday, “One TEAM. One DREAM. What a remarkable way to conclude the first window of the Concacaf Nations League campaign! I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to our Golden Jaguars, the technical and support staff, and the hardworking team at the GFF Secretariat whose efforts behind the scenes continue to ensure that our players have the conditions, preparation and support necessary to perform at their best. Four matches. Four victories. 12 points. Top of Group A. A +14 goal difference. And, most impressively, a winning streak that now stands at nine consecutive victories. The results speak for themselves: Guyana 1-0 Puerto Rico Guyana 2-0 Cayman Islands Guyana 5-1 Dominica Guyana 8-1 Dominica But for me, the most encouraging aspect of this campaign goes beyond the scorelines. I want to single out Head Coach Marco Bonofiglio for his leadership. What we are seeing is not only reflected in the results on the pitch, but in the chemistry, discipline, confidence and body language of our players and staff. There is a sense of togetherness and belief within this group that is deeply encouraging. This is, in my view, the finest expression yet of the GFF’s creed: When I tasked Coach Marco with leading the professionalisation of our Senior
GFF President Wayne Forde
Men’s National Team programme, I made it clear that the objective was not simply to participate, but to deliver results for the nation while building a programme capable of sustaining success. One of the principal performance objectives placed before him was qualification
nical team, our players and, most importantly, our loyal supporters, remain the foundation of what we are building. To our fans across Guyana and around the world: please keep believing, keep supporting, keep praying and keep sending positive energy to our
Golden Jaguars Head Coach Marco Bonofiglio
for the Concacaf Gold Cup. While we still have two crucial matches to play, I believe it is fair to say that Marco and this team have made believers of us all. Our historic qualification for the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup remains one of the proudest moments of my Presidency, our football community and our nation. We are determined to give our Golden Jaguars every possible opportunity to experience that feeling again and to secure Guyana’s second appearance at the Confederation’s premier men’s national team tournament. That ambition requires commitment, and it requires investment. To date, the GFF has invested more than GYD 70 million in preparing and supporting the Golden Jaguars through these four matches, with a further GYD 35 million projected for the November window. International football is demanding, both on and off the field. Behind every match is an enormous amount of planning, sacrifice, coordination and financial commitment. The belief and commitment of my Council, our Secretariat staff, our tech-
Boys. We have come this far together, but the job is not yet done. To our travelling contingent, I wish you all a safe journey to your respective destinations. Go home, rest, regroup and refocus. Then we come back in November ready to take it all the way. To our Golden Jaguars — thank you for making us proud. To our coaches and staff — thank you for your leadership and commitment. To our GFF Secretariat team — thank you for quietly doing the work that makes these performances possible. And to our loyal supporters — thank you for believing. The dream is alive. One TEAM. One DREAM…!”
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a strike rate of 247.82. Thereafter, West Indies lost no more wickets. The third-wicket partnership between Realeanna Grimmond and Stafanie Taylor razed off the 38 remaining runs in just 3.2 overs. West Indies sealed a dominant series win with eight wickets and 65 deliveries to spare. (ESPNcricinfo)
est chase of 107, the game was good as over by the end of the power play. They had already scored 69 for 2, way past the halfway mark to their target. Most of these runs came courtesy of Brathwaite, who fell on the penultimate delivery of the power play. She made 57 runs off 23 balls, hitting six sixes and three fours at
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Jahzara Claxton claimed three wickets
The West Indies’ women team secured the three-match series
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ahzara Claxton’s threefor, followed by Eboni Brathwaite’s rapid half-century, sealed a
dominant eight-wicket win for West Indies in Harare, which gave them an unassailable 2-0 lead in their T20 International (T20I) series against Zimbabwe. After being put in to bat, the Zimbabwe openers Kelis Ndhlovu and Beloved Biza started slow but steady, stringing together a 46-run partnership,
which was broken in the ninth over by Afy Fletcher. Number Three Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano built on Zimbabwe’s start, in the company of Biza until she was pinned lbw by Claxton in the 13th over. However, if Zimbabwe’s top three had all crossed 20, none of the rest of their five batters could cross into double digits themselves. The
delivery after Biza’s dismissal, Christine Mutasa was out lbw as well. Mugeri-Tiripano fought for her 28-ball 25 till the final over bowled by Claxton, when she was run out. Claxton picked out one last dismissal – off the final delivery of the innings – to finish with 3 for 14. Once West Indies came out to bat in their mod-
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SCOREBOARD
Zimbabwe Women (20 ovs maximum) Kelis Ndhlovu lbw b Fletcher 25 Beloved Biza c †Mangru b Claxton 35 Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano run out (Grimmond/†Mangru) 25 Christine Mutasa lbw b Claxton 0 Nyasha Gwanzura c †Mangru b Taylor 8 Chiedza Dhururu run out (Henry/Ramharack) 3 Modester Mupachikwa †not out 7 Josephine Nkomo (c)c Fletcher b Claxton 1 Extras (lb 1, w 1) 2 Total 20 Ov (RR: 5.30) 106/7 Fall of wickets: 1-46 (Kelis Ndhlovu, 8.2 ov), 2-78 (Beloved Biza, 12.3 ov), 3-78 (Christine Mutasa, 12.4 ov), 4-89 (Nyasha Gwanzura, 15.5 ov), 5-95 (Chiedza Dhururu, 17.3 ov), 6-104 (Chipo MugeriTiripano, 19.3 ov), 7-106 (Josephine Nkomo, 19.6 ov)
Bowling O-M-R-W Shawnisha Hector 2-0-12-0 Chinelle Henry 2-0-8-0 Aaliyah Alleyne 3-0-14-0 Karishma Ramharack 4-0-26-0 Afy Fletcher 4-0-19-1 Stafanie Taylor 3-0-12-1 Jahzara Claxton 2-0-14-3 West Indies Women (T: 107 runs from 20 ovs) Eboni Brathwaite c Mugeri-Tiripano b Mutasa 57 Jahzara Claxton b Chigora 4 Realeanna Grimmond not out 23 Stafanie Taylor not out 9 Extras (nb 3, w 12) 15 Total 9.1 Ov (RR: 11.78) 108/2 Fall of wickets: 1-27 (Jahzara Claxton, 2.6 ov), 2-69 (Eboni Brathwaite, 5.5 ov) Bowling O-M-R-W Nomvelo Sibanda 1-0-16-0 Nyasha Gwanzura 2-0-28-0 Kudzai Chigora 4-0-36-1 Christine Mutasa 1.1-0-15-1 Loryn Phiri 1-0-13-0
Newcomer Pooran inspired; as Hosein targets 100-game milestone I
ndia and West Indies will begin their fivematch T20 International (T20I) series today, Tuesday, October 6 from 09:30h, with both sides looking to make an early statement in the opening encounter. Following their Asian G a m e s gold-medal triumph, India w i l l welcome t h e
Caribbean side for the series on home soil, with the hosts aiming to carry their winning momentum into the contest. West Indies, meanwhile, have included several new faces in their squad, among them promising top-order batsman Kamil Pooran, who earned his maiden selection after an encouraging 2026 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) campaign. Pooran, selected by Saint Lucia Kings, scored 273 runs during the tournament, with a best of 81 not out, and his performances have now earned him an opportunity to work alongside some of the Region’s established international
Akeal Hosein is set to earn his 100th T20I today
players. Reflecting on his CPL selection and subsequent West Indies call-up, Pooran admitted that the moment left him overwhelmed. Pooran expressed, “Firstly, I was very speechless. I was in shock. That day when I got the news, I was in shock almost the whole training session, the whole day back home. But I was very happy also, because I put in a lot of work and the hard work pays off.” The young batsman said his approach was simply to commit himself fully to cricket and see where that dedication could take him. “To be honest, I was pretty shocked getting selected in the CPL, first of all. I told myself when I got selected, what’s the worst thing that could happen if I put my all into it, train hard, dedicate? Put my everything into the sport right now, what could happen? This is the reward, this is the outcome. I’m just thankful right now for everything,” he said. For Pooran, being around the West Indies players is itself a dream fulfilled, having grown up watching many of them represent the Caribbean at the highest level. “To me, I’m a fanboy. It may seem funny, but I grew up watching almost every-
one here play cricket at the highest level. To be here is something that I dreamt of,” the top-order batter shared. He added, “To be here, to listen to the conversations, to laugh with them, to have that conversation about cricket, in general life. It’s something that is very hard to explain for me. I’m still in shock, I’m just happy that I’m here.” While Pooran begins his international journey, his compatriot and experienced all-rounder Akeal Hosein is approaching another significant milestone, with t h e
left-arm spinner currently sitting on 99 T20I appearances. Hosein, however, was quick to point out that he must first be selected before he can celebrate reaching the 100-match mark. “I wish I could see the next five years. But for me, first of all, I’m still on 99. You know, I have to get selected to make that 100th game,” Hosein said. The experienced spinner believes reaching a century of T20I appearances would be a reflection of consistency, dedication, and hunger to remain at the highest level. “But with that being
said, it’s an achievement in itself. It shows that you’re dedicated, you’re hungry. And it also shows that your performances have been up to par as well. So, it’s a good achievement. It’s something to look back and smile on. And who knows if I can make 100 more,” he added. Hosein also remains motivated by the prospect of returning to the top of the international
rankings, having previously held the num-
ber-one position. The spinner noted, “That’s always a challenge for me.
Always trying to perform and help my team win cricket games. I mean, I’ve been number one before. And the aim is always to get back there,” “You know, it’s a personal motivation. And I think most athletes in whatever field they’re playing, they want to be the best. They want to be number one. Not just to brag about it, but it’s also to keep pushing yourself,” Hosein continued. With a mixture of youth and experience in the squad, West Indies will hope to make a strong start against India, while players such as Pooran look to establish themselves and Hosein continues his pursuit of longevity and excellence at the intern a tionKamil Pooran will a l hope to grab his opportunity in the level. upcoming series
T
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026
Sport is no longer our game, it’s our business
Brathwaite 50, Pg 23
Record-breaker Eboni Brathwaite
Claxton 3-for seal series win for West Indies
26 athletes qualify for Inter-Guiana Games after AAG trials Pg 22
Tesianna Harris qualified for both the 100m and 200m sprints
Pg 22
Bonofiglio impressed by Golden Jaguars’ “hunger”
…Forde gushes about national team success
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