Guyana Times - Tuesday, October 7, 2025

US grand jury indicts sanctioned Guyanese Azruddin Mohamed,

GCCI applauds Govt’s push to boost business growth, modernise stock exchange

2 Bartica drivers fined for drunk driving

East Ruimveldt man wanted for fatal shooting of former Agri Ministry driver

Venezuelan man found dead at Quartzstone Backdam

Bartica miner jailed for breaking into school, homes

Guyana to modernise pharma sector with new Medicines Bill, local drug testing lab

57 of 114 cases concluded in June Demerara Assizes

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENING

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, October 7 –16:10h–17:40h and Wednesday, October 8 – 16:50h–18:20h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Sunny conditions during the day, interrupted by light to thundery showers in the early-morning to mid-afternoon hours. Clear to partly-cloudy skies followed by thundery showers are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to Easterly between 1.78 metres and 3.58 metres.

High Tide: 16:39h reaching a maximum height of 2.94 metres.

Low Tide: 10:15h and 22:36h reaching minimum heights of 0.37 metre and 0.23 metre.

US$50M gold fraud US grand jury indicts sanctioned Guyanese Azruddin Mohamed, Nazar Mohamed

…if convicted duo face up to 20 years in prison for each of 11 charges, hefty fines, assets forfeiture

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Guyanese businessmen Nazar Mohamed and his son Azruddin Mohamed, have been indicted by a grand jury in the United States (US) District Court for the Southern District of Florida. In a 12-page indictment seen by this newspaper, it highlighted 11 criminal charges ranging from wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering, primarily connected to the export of gold to the US by Mohamed’s Enterprises. The Mohameds are currently facing sanctions from the US Department of the Treasury’s OFAC for gold smuggling. However, documents filed in Count one have accused the Mohameds of conspiring to defraud the US and Guyanese Governments between 2017 and June 11, 2024. The father-son duo is accused of using a scheme to unlawfully obtain property by transmitting communications via interstate and foreign commerce in violation of US laws.

Reusing seals

According to the prosecutors, the goal was to enrich themselves and defraud the Government of Guyana by evading taxes and royalties on gold exports. They allegedly reused Guyana Customs declarations and official seals on multiple shipments to make it appear that taxes and royalties had been paid when they had not. The indictment stated that Mohamed’s Enterprise would pay taxes and receive official Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Guyana Gold Board (GGB) seals for one shipment, then reuse those same seals and documents on subsequent, untaxed shipments. The indictment further alleges that the Mohameds arranged for empty wooden boxes bearing intact GRA and GGB seals to be shipped from gold buyers in Dubai to Miami, and then sent to Guyana. These boxes were then used to export gold while falsely appearing to have cleared customs and tax obligations.

US authorities allege the scheme resulted in more than US$50 million in lost taxes and royalties to the Government of Guyana. In addition, indictments two to five detail similar conduct involving shipments of gold, emails allegedly from Nazar Mohamed requesting the sealed boxes from Miami, and exports of over 165 kilograms (kg)

of gold per shipment destined for Dubai. Charges six to nine focus on mail fraud, referencing the shipment of sealed empty boxes

from Dubai to Miami while charge 10 addressed money laundering which alleged that the Mohameds knowingly transferred funds

within the US with the intent to promote unlawful activity.

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Step toward fairness & reform

The Government of Guyana’s decision to reform the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Boards of Guardians signals a fundamental moment in strengthening the country’s social protection framework. At the heart of these reforms is a commitment to fairness, transparency, and accessibility, principles that must underpin any system designed to support the most vulnerable in society.

For too long, the public assistance process has been clouded by reports of inconsistency and bias. Complaints of arbitrary exclusion from the public assistance database have persisted, with allegations that personal disputes or subjective judgments have influenced decisions made by members of the Boards of Guardians. These boards, originally established to evaluate applications for social support, have at times become barriers rather than facilitators of assistance. Such shortcomings not only undermine public trust but also deny critical support to those who genuinely need it most – single parents, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo’s recent outline of the reform measures presents a long-overdue acknowledgment of these structural deficiencies. The proposed shift toward a criteriabased system, anchored in clearly-defined metrics for eligibility is a pragmatic and equitable approach. By establishing transparent, data-driven standards, the Government aims to replace subjective discretion with objective evaluation. In essence, the reforms seek to ensure that qualification for public assistance is determined not by favour or familiarity but by factual need.

Among those who stand to benefit most from this overhaul are persons with disabilities. The Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) has welcomed the Government’s reform initiative, citing longstanding challenges faced by members of the disability community in accessing assistance. The Council’s endorsement carries weight, not only because it represents those most affected by systemic exclusion but also because it underscores the necessity of embedding inclusivity within institutional reform.

The GCOPD’s call for the appointment of individuals with disabilities to each Board of Guardians is both reasonable and necessary. Representation ensures that policies and decisions are informed by lived experience, fostering sensitivity to the unique barriers faced by those with disabilities. Inclusion at the decisionmaking level also aligns with Guyana’s broader commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which emphasises participation and nondiscrimination as foundational principles of governance.

Reforming the system will not be without its challenges. Introducing new metrics and eligibility criteria will require robust administrative capacity, consistent training, and effective monitoring mechanisms. Transparency must not only be declared but demonstrated, through digital tracking of applications, public reporting of decisions, and clear channels for appeal or review. The reform process must also guard against the creation of new bureaucratic hurdles that could inadvertently slow down service delivery.

Additionally, the implementation of these reforms must be accompanied by targeted public education. Many applicants, particularly in rural and hinterland communities, remain unaware of their rights or of the procedures necessary to access public assistance. Communication, therefore, will be key. The Ministry of Human Services must ensure that information about eligibility and application processes is accessible, inclusive, and available in formats that reach persons with varying literacy levels and abilities.

Successfully executed, this reform could serve as a model for other aspects of public administration as it would represent a broader shift toward governance fixed in accountability and evidence-based decision-making, an approach that, if consistently applied, could enhance the efficiency of multiple social programmes across the country.

Equity in social support is a policy ambition as well as it is a moral imperative. Every citizen who meets the established criteria deserves to receive assistance without prejudice or delay. The reform of the Board of Guardians system, therefore, is an assertion of the State’s duty to uphold the dignity of its people.

Ultimately, the success of this reform will depend on consistent oversight, timely implementation, and an unwavering commitment to fairness.

Teaching, a collaborative profession

By LeeLa Ramdeen

The theme of World Teachers’ Day was:

“Recasting teaching as a collaborative profession”, highlighting the transformative potential of collaboration for teachers, schools and education systems. Reframing teaching as inherently collaborative – supported by policies, practices, and environments that value mutual support, shared expertise, and joint responsibility – is essential to strengthen teaching, learning, and teachers’ professional fulfilment ...

“Teachers play vital roles in education systems, driving learning, inclusion, and innovation in schools and societies. Yet many work without collaborative structures to support their pedagogy, agency, professionalism or well-being. In many systems, the profession remains marked by isolation, fragmented structures and limited opportunities to build networks with peers, mentors and school leaders, affecting both educational quality and teacher retention” (UNESCO).

In observing World Teachers’ Day, let’s reflect on whether we have created conditions to nurture effective teachers who strive for excellence in all that they do. The days of “chalk and talk” are over. What quality assurance systems/opportunities exist for teachers’ continuing professional learning, for example, on digital skills and pedagogies? Such opportunities are critical for capacity building – to enable teachers to adapt their

pedagogical approaches to new learning environments.

Underpinning these opportunities must be policies for digital transformation developed by the Ministry of Education and embraced by individual educational institutions. How are we motivating teachers to engage in ongoing professional learning? Are we providing the resources and time for them to do so?

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD’s) 2025 Policy Paper, “Preparing teachers for digital education: Continuing professional learning on digital skills and pedagogies,” OECD Education Policy Perspectives, No 122, makes interesting reading. The OECD rightly states that teachers need “to be prepared to unlock the potential of education technology, to enhance students’ learning outcomes and to protect them from risks in an increasingly digital learning environment. This policy paper discusses how continuing professional learning (CPL) can prepare teachers for these challenging new tasks.”

According to the OECD, many countries increasingly promote collaborative formats for teachers’ continuing professional learning.

“In many OECD countries, teachers already engage in collaborative and school-based professional learning formats, such as peer-learning activities on the use of digital resources, eg, mentoring schemes or communities of practice” and co-teaching. Online

training is also in effect in some countries. In my niece’s secondary school in Spain, she has been trained to provide specialised support for her peers in the use of digital resources and in teaching ICT skills and media literacy. Support in job-embedded contexts can be very effective.

Most countries use mechanisms to encourage and facilitate participation in continuing professional learning on digital education. “Some countries... actively encourage professional learning on digital resources by providing teachers with incentives related to their evaluation or career opportunities...Empirical evidence suggests that professional learning activities are most effective when they are embedded, content-focused, sustained and collaborative...

“Research evidence suggests that not all forms of continuing professional learning (CPL) are equally effective and supports a shift away from traditional learning formats, which tended to be passive, standardised and one-off. Instead, research highlights the effectiveness of engaging in active, collaborative and individualised forms of CPL over a sustained period of time.

This includes schoolbased programmes that allow teachers to improve their practice by co-operating with other teachers (Opfer, 2016[20]), individualised instructional coaching carried out by trained teacher coaches (Blazar and Kraft, 2015[21]; Kraft and

Blazar, 2017[22]), or matching effective teachers with less effective ones (Papay et al., 2016[23])” (OECD).

The OECD recommends that effective continuing professional learning should cover a range of learning contents and formats.

“The effective use of digital technologies in the classroom not only requires teachers to master technical skills, but also the ability to tailor digital resources to subject-specific contents and instructional activities (OECD, 2020[17]). Teachers’ CPL for digital education, therefore, needs to cover a wide spectrum of learning contents and formats” – formal and informal professional learning activities.

“These can range from highly-structured activities, such as traditional seminar-style training courses, to informal practices emerging from the daily activities of teachers, such as informal mentoring arrangement or unstructured professional exchanges and collaborative work (Boeskens, Nusche and Yurita, 2020[19]).”

The OECD defines life competencies as “a combination of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values that individuals need to thrive in a complex and changing world”. If we are to prepare students for our highly-technological world, we need to re-envision the relationship between teachers and students; the physical structures in which teaching and learning take place; and devise strategies for more effective home/school/community links. (T&T Guardian)

Enmore Regional Hospital served over 12,000 patients since July 4 opening

Since opening its doors on July 4, the Enmore Regional Hospital has already served over 7,000 in its outpatient department. Additionally, during the same timeframe, the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department has treated nearly 5,000 patients and has had 85 deliveries. Medical Superintendent of Enmore Regional Hospital, Dr Tracey Bovell in an interview with the Department of Public Information said on the Health Matters programme that the hospital provides 24-hour emergency services. Dr Bovell

said they have specialised clinics from Monday to Friday between the hours of 08:00h and 16:00h.

Currently, computed tomography (CT) scans are being introduced in the region where residents will have direct access to the machine free of cost.

Dr Bovell explained that the hospital has a system for admitting patients who need urgent care. Patients can signal an emergency by pressing a call button, prompting nurses to respond right away.

She noted that they also provide on-the-job training opportunities.

“In our Accident and Emergency, we do simulation exercises where you can practice resuscitation… intubation. We’re

working on… chest tube placement training,” she is quoted as saying in the Department of Public Information (DPI) interview, adding that persons who are not specialists can assist with producing and providing our patients with specialised care. The hospital is collaborating with the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) to provide training to young physicians needing exposure in a high-flow setting.

“So you have more patient load, and so they increase their skills, and their capacity to be able to treat critically ill patients,” she said. Additionally, the doctor stated that residents are happy to have a special -

Naming bridge after Bharrat Jagdeo richly deserved

Dear Editor, Reference is drawn to news item on commemorating the new iconic bridge named after Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo. It is richly deserving for a person who has made the most impact on the country’s politics and development over the last twenty-five years. It is a fitting and a good gesture. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this fitting recognition for the contributions made by the VP in his three decades in politics. No one has made a greater impact on the economy over the last two decades than Jagdeo. He was a good economist who won praises from the Carter Center. He crafted PPP victory last month and he won two terms on his own. He is also internationally known through his work for the environment, as Champion of the Earth, etc. The UN honored him for his work on the environment.

I don’t support the VP

or even the President or the government on several policies. I have differences. But that aside, naming the bridge after Jagdeo is justified. Not one of the thousands who attended the commemoration was opposed to the name. It should not be forgotten that Forbes Burnham named several entities, a city, streets, Gardens after himself and family members. Everyone spoke positively about the grand opening of the iconic bridge that connects the East (Demerara) with the West. The bridge has beautiful esthetics; it is fantastic and shines brightly in the dark with its colorful lights. It is a wonder, an envy in the Caribbean. It will offer tremendous benefits to the nation. Initially, hiccups are expected with traffic jams and bottlenecks, but over time these will be addressed.

It is common and important to name bridges or iconic structure after famous

people - politicians, writers, sports personalities, etc. Bridges, highways, streets, buildings, and other government projects are usually named after famous people who left a legacy in one or more areas. Many entities are names after individuals in USA, Canada, UK, India, etc. It is better to name things after people who are still alive rather than doing so after their passing. In this way, they can appreciate the recognition.

Whether one likes him or not, Jagdeo has left his mark and legacy in our nation in a variety of areas. Jagdeo has set his marks on politics, economics, and environment among other areas. He signed an amendment to the constitution to limit his own terms in office. He has made a significant difference in transforming the country as Finance Minister — the country grew under his watch when money was tight. He knew how to grow the economy. He in-

troduced a number of grants and raised social assistance (pension, NIS, etc). He has helped to modernize infrastructure in particular. He reduced taxes. He brought attention to Guyana’s forest. He introduced the concept of LCDS in Guyana and was recognized internationally for his work to protect the environment. And more!

Whether we like him or not, one has to give recognition to the work of the VP. He is a very popular figure. He has played the politics skillfully. He is a master politician who has learned a lot about geopolitics since leaving the presidency 2011. There is no other like him locally.

Jagdeo is the most talked about figure in Guyana and the diaspora. It is fitting to name it after the VP, and I am certain he is deeply moved by this gracious gesture.

Yours sincerely, Vishnu

Bisram

ised hospital so close by, and they frequently come to the hospital for care.

The medical superintendent said that preventive medicine is important and that her hospital supports it. “We’re trying to do a little bit more of going into the community and doing our educational talks,” she

noted. The hospital offers a range of specialised outpatient clinics, including dentistry, ophthalmology, obstetrics, and more. Its opening aims to reduce the need for costly and time-consuming travel to the capital for medical treatment.

Page Foundation

A prime number is a whole number that cannot be divided exactly by other whole numbers except itself and 1. That is the same as saying prime numbers cannot be made by multiplying other whole numbers.

Example: 5 is a prime number.

We cannot multiply other whole numbers like 2, 3 or 4 together to make 5. 5 can only be divided by 5 or 1 without leaving a remainder.

Example: 6 is a composite number

6 can be made by 2×3 so it is not a prime number, it is a composite number 6 can be divided exactly by 2, or by 3:

Example: 7 is a prime number.

We cannot multiply other whole numbers like 2, 3 or 4 together to make 7. 7 cannot be divided up exactly:

When a number can be divided up exactly it is a composite number

When a number cannot be divided up exactly it is a prime number

So 6 is composite, but 7 is prime

Exercises:

1)List the prime numbers between 1 and 100.

Supplies:

2 raw eggs

Vinegar Water Glasses

Instructions:

1. Place one egg in a glass filled with water (the control) and another in a glass filled with vinegar. What happens in the glass filled with vinegar compared to the glass filled with water? Bubbles should form all over the egg in the glass filled with vinegar causing the egg to rise to the surface.

2. Leave the eggs for a few hours or overnight. What is happening to the egg shell? Almost all of the shell will be eaten away and the top of the vinegar should be foamy.

3. Carefully rinse the eggs under a gentle stream of water. If there is still egg shell left, put the egg back in the glass with fresh vinegar and let the egg sit for a few more hours or another night until the shell is complete-

ly gone.

What do you see and feel?

The egg should be rubbery, bouncy, translucent and bigger in size

Why did this happen?

The vinegar broke down the egg’s calcium carbonate shell, producing the tiny carbon dioxide gas bubbles. The egg got bigger through a process called osmosis (the movement of liquid across a membrane) because the membrane is semi-per meable. Membranes like to be balanced, so parti cles of vinegar moved inside the egg to make the level of vinegar in side and outside of the egg balanced, which is why the egg got bigger. (farmers. org.au)

By RoBeRt FRost

I'm going out to clean the pasture spring; I'll only stop to rake the leaves away (And wait to watch the water clear, I may): I shan't be gone long. You come too.

I'm going out to fetch the little calf That's standing by the mother. It's so young, It totters when she licks it with her tongue. I shan't be gone long. You come too.

Write a story from the Point of View (POV) of someone (or something) living in a forest.

China reaffirms commitment to supporting Guyana’s modernisation – Ambassador

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Yang Yang, has reiterated her Government’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Guyana and supporting the country’s ongoing modernisation efforts. She gave the assurance on Sunday during the commissioning ceremony of the US$262 million Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge – an engineering marvel that was constructed by China Railway Construction (International) Limited. Ambassador Yang said the fixed, high-span cable-stayed bridge stands as a testimony to the speed, technology and high standards of Chinese construction. “It is gratifying to note that the Chinese companies have approached this project not only as bidders but also as responsible partners to the Guyanese people.

Hundreds of local technicians have been trained, numerous Guyanese suppliers have joined as partners, creating thousands of jobs and opportunities,” the Chinese diplomat noted. She added that, “this project is not only a bridge of steel and stone but also a bridge of friendship between China and Guyana, a milestone in the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation we are building together.”

The commissioning of the new bridge – which now seamlessly links Region Four and Three – is a new beginning to China-Guyana relations, the ambassador further expressed as she recommitted her country’s intention to continue working with Guyana in its modernisation drive. “China stands ready to work with Guyana to deepen practical cooperation across all fields to sup-

port the country’s modernisation drive and to help to improve the wellbeing of the Guyanese people. Within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, our shared goal is to realise the people’s aspirations for common development and a better life,” she stated.

At its highest point, the bridge is 50 metres, which means Handymax vessels can pass uninterrupted comfortably underneath thus allowing for the free flow of vehicular traffic. With a lifespan of 100 years, the bridge is expected to mitigate current traffic woes and congestion. It will operate 24/7, toll-free, and accommodate vehicles of all sizes and weights, with a maximum speed limit of 80 km/h. China is already playing a key role in Guyana’s developmental journey. For instance, Chinese companies constructed the six new regional hospitals that were recently commissioned across the country. Additionally, China Railway First Group Limited is currently executing a US$192 million East Coast Demerara (ECD) Road expansion project in Guyana, funded by a Chinese concessional loan, to upgrade and widen the road from Sheriff Street to Orange Nassau. In 2018, Guyana signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to join China’s Belt and Road

Initiative, a massive global infrastructure and economic development strategy launched by China in 2013, under President Xi Jinping, with the aim of improving global trade and investment links by building infrastruc-

2023 alone. In fact, bilateral trade between Guyana and China has expanded significantly in recent years, reaching an all-time high of approximately US$1.4 billion in 2024. China’s direct investment in Guyana also

table donations,” the diplomat had noted. President Ali has repeatedly saluted the Chinese Government’s contribution to Guyana’s development, noting that the co-operation between the two countries spans a

ture and connectivity across the world.

Then in 2023, when President Dr Irfaan Ali visited China to meet with President Xi, the two countries signed an MoU on the establishment of an Investment and Economic Working Group to explore new projects under the Belt and Road Initiative framework. By 2023, Guyana became China’s largest trading partner in the Caribbean, with bilateral trade rising 168 per cent from 2022 to

surged from US$256 million in 2019 to US$10.6 billion in 2024, representing a fortyfold increase. Ambassador Yang had previously noted that Chinese enterprises here have not only undertaken various projects in Guyana, but also actively shouldered social responsibilities. “They have created a large number of job opportunities in Guyana and actively involved in public welfare initiatives such as poverty alleviation, educational support, and chari-

broad-spectrum, including areas such as agriculture, education, infrastructure, health, security, sport, arts and culture, telecommunications, technology, trade, transport and private investments.

On numerous occasions, President Ali has made it clear that as Guyana forges ahead with its transformative development and social agenda, China will remain a long-standing partner in that journey.

US grand jury indicts sanctioned Guyanese...

Falsifying Lamborghini invoice

Charge 11 alleges that Azruddin Mohamed purchased and imported a Lamborghini sports car to Guyana in 2020. The indictment alleges he directed someone to purchase the car for US$680,000, then falsify the invoice to state a value of US$75,300 to understate import taxes. The sanctioned businessman, who is also the leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) Party, is presently before the local courts in relation to the importation of the sports vehicle and more so, for evading more than $380 million in taxes in violation of Section 217 of the Customs Act. He has also been charged with fraudulent declaration under the same act. Forfeiture Nonetheless, the US Government is seeking

forfeiture of certain assets connected to the accused. If convicted, most charges carry a maximum senten -

ce of 20 years in prison and fines of up to US$250,000 while the money laundering charge carries a fine

of US$500,000 or the value of the laundered property. The indictment follows sanctions imposed over a year ago by the US Government on the Mohameds, their businesses, and Guyanese Government Permanent Secretary (PS) Mae Thomas in relation to the same allegations. In June 2024, OFAC announced that it sanctioned Azruddin Mohamed, his father Nazar Mohamed and several of their companies, including Mohamed’s Enterprise. The sanctions are related to the evasion of taxes on gold exports, with OFAC noting that between 2019 and 2023, Mohamed’s Enterprise omitted more than 10,000 kg of gold from import and export declarations and avoided paying more than

US$50 million in duty taxes to the Government of Guyana. Since the imposition of the sanctions, the Guyana Government had suspended the licences of the Mohameds’ various businesses, highlighting that the US-sanctioned businessman is a risk and a threat to Guyana’s financial stability, sovereignty, and diplomacy.

Subsequently, several Government entities and local businesses, including commercial banks, have cut ties with the Mohameds.

Azruddin Mohamed launched the WIN Party, and contested the September 1, 2025 General and Regional Elections. The party secured 16 seats in the National Assembly.

2 Bartica drivers fined for drunk driving

Two men were on Monday fined a combined total of over $500,000 when they appeared before Magistrate Teriq Mohammed at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court on multiple traffic-related offences. Thirty-three-yearold Lorenzo Singh of Bartica pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle while his breath alcohol level exceeded the prescribed limit, contrary to Section 39A (1) of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02, as amended by Act 17 of 2022. He was fined $400,000 or, in default, three months’ imprisonment. Singh was

also charged with breach of insurance under Section 3(1) of the Motor Vehicle Insurance (Third Party Risk) Act, Chapter 51:03, and fined $25,000. In addition, he faced two other charges: having an obscured identification mark on his vehicle, for which he was fined $130,000, and being an unlicensed driver, which carried a $40,000 fine. In total, Singh was fined $595,000. Meanwhile, 28-year-old Nasio Forde of Lot 87 Second Street, Friendship, East Bank Demerara (EBD) was charged with driving a motor vehicle while his breath alcohol level ex-

ceeded the prescribed limit. He pleaded guilty and was fined $250,000 or, in default, three months’ imprisonment. Forde was also charged with breaching the

condition of prescribed fitness and fined $10,000. Both matters were heard before Magistrate Mohammed at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court.

Bartica miner jailed for breaking into school, homes

Nineteen-year-old gold miner Aaron Wilson of Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni - Mazaruni) has been sentenced to one year in prison after pleading guilty to multiple break-in and larceny offences. Wilson was arrested on October 3, 2025, and appeared before Magistrate Teriq Mohammed at the Bartica Magistrates’ Court today (October 6). He was charged with Break and Enter and Larceny, Simple Larceny, and Break and Enter with Intent to Commit a Felony, contrary to Sections 229(a), 228, and 164 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01.

The court heard that Wilson committed the offences against Roy Defreitas, Vashisht Ramillian, and the St John the Baptist Primary

School in Bartica.

After the charges were read, Wilson entered guilty pleas to all three offences. He was sentenced to one year imprisonment on each charge, with the sentences to run concurrently.

Bridging… …eras

Your Eyewitness was quite pleased with Burnham’s and the PNC’s role in first bridging the Demerara River back in 1978. We gotta place everything in its time and place – and back then the claimed “Longest Floating Bridge in the world” did allow the hundreds of cars and trucks that needed to cross the River much easier passage than having them be loaded onto the ferries between Vreed-en-Hoop and Stabroek Market. But there were other benefits. Your Eyewitness remembers Dep Mayor Robert Williams reminding a meeting at Stabroek Market Square that one of the PNC’s major accomplishments was the Bridge: it allowed them to get over to Tony’s on the West Bank for a good sport – and return in the wee hours of the morning!!

Anyhow, we now have our modern steel-wire suspension bridge. Its forbear, of course, is the venerable Brooklyn Bridge that was opened in 1883! That’s supported by four cables, each 3578 feet long, 15.5 inches thick, and made up of 21,000 individual wires. We’re told that our cables are 8 inches thick – but then steel’s tensile strength can be improved so much more nowadays!! Our Bridge was built by the Chinese – who’ve become the world’s bridge-builders par excellence!!

While we (rightfully) should be pretty chuffed at our bridge – with a main span of 984 feet and overall length of 6078 feet – they just opened one that’s the highest in the world!! At a height of 2051 feet and with a main span of 4659 feet, it offers a glass elevator to a RESTAURANT at the top, a 1900-foot glass walkway, and bungee jumping!! Maybe we can include that restaurant when we build the new Berbice River Bridge?? The Chinese Ambassador emphasised that our bridge – for which they also provided the loan – was part of their Belt and Road Initiative on infrastructure that they’ve strategically used to gain friends and influence countries. The Yanks have warned it’s a strategy to control countries since they could take over the project if loans are defaulted. Thankfully, our oil revenues should preempt that move!!

The biggest surprise at the opening ceremony was when Pres Ali declared that it was named the “Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara Harbour Bridge”. While infrastructural projects have been named after living persons in other countries – it’s not the norm since it’s claimed the person’s legacy is still open. However, as Prezzie pointed out, Jagdeo’s contributions to Guyana’s survival and development have been transformative!! Him taking on the armed rebellion against the State post-2002 alone justifies the honour!! And your Eyewitness believes a person should know he’s appreciated before he passes.

We should look at the BJDRB as setting a new standard for our development. It should mark our transition from Third World to First!!

…sanctions and crimes

Sanction Man and his doting dad were sanctioned by the US OFAC since 2024 – for reportedly “evading US$50M in taxes owed to the GRA by smuggling gold out of the country and evading said taxes”!! Now, your Eyewitness had said from the beginning that there had to be more in the mortar than the pestle!! Why would the Yanks be so solicitous about our lost taxes??

Well, today, the other foot – maybe the guillotine? – dropped!! The Florida Southern District Court just slapped 11 criminal charges on the Mohameds – ‘cause they used corporations registered in Florida to pull off their heists and as such, gave Florida Courts jurisdiction!! They’re gonna be extradited to Florida via the extradition treaty with the US.

While the twosome were very slick with juggling four corporations like a three-card monte game to hide the gold smuggling, they slipped up to commit mail and wire fraud!! It’s like Al Capone nabbed on tax charges – not murders!!

…the vacuum

They say that nature abhors a vacuum…and immediately fills any appearing with whatever’s around – even planets in Black Holes!! So, the question is who’s gonna fill the vacuum created when Sanction Man gets his orange jumpsuit??

Doggie or Fatta??

GCCI applauds Govt’s push to boost business growth, modernise stock exchange

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has commended the Government for its initiatives aimed at advancing economic growth through enhanced business development, increased access to financing, and the modernisation of the local stock exchange. In a statement on Monday, the Chamber said it anticipates the positive outcomes these measures will bring, particularly for Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs). During the GCCI’s recent Energy Insights Breakfast Brief, President Dr Irfaan Ali announced that technical reports on the initiatives are expected to be completed within this month. Among the measures outlined are the establishment of an interest-free development bank, the inclusion of US$200 million in seed funding, and mechanisms to make bank accounts more accessible to citizens. According to the GCCI, these steps demonstrate a renewed focus on strengthening private sec -

tor growth and expanding opportunities for small and medium-scale businesses. The Chamber also welcomed the planned mod -

The GCCI said it is encouraged by the Government’s urgency in addressing the concerns of the business community and reaffirmed

ernisation of the Guyana Stock Exchange (GSE), noting that it will create new investment opportunities for citizens and provide additional channels for businesses to raise capital. The announcement follows several meetings between President Ali, business support organisations, and stakeholders from the financial sector.

its commitment to working with the administration to foster a more dynamic and inclusive economic environment. Last week, President Dr Irfaan Ali had announced that considerations are being given to the establishment of a junior stock exchange that will open up financing opportunities for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

(SMEs). “As part of the financial sector modernisation, we’ll enhance the [local] stock exchange and [are] looking at the possibility of a junior stock exchange,” the Head of State noted. A junior stock exchange is a type of stock exchange where small and growing companies can raise capital by offering shares to the public. In the past, the GCCI Chamber had previously called for an overhaul of the GSE which only has about 15 local companies with publicly listed shares.

Meanwhile, Vice President (VP) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday, expounding on the Government’s plans to set up a Junior Stock Exchange, reminded that while the Government appoints the Guyana Securities Council – the regulatory body – and sets the regulatory framework like the Securities Exchange Act, the stock exchange mechanism in Guyana is privately owned. Jagdeo further pointed out that the challenge with the local stock exchange market is the lack of interest by private

companies to go public and be listed on the exchange.

VP Jagdeo explained that while the Government can put the regulatory systems in place, for this to work depends on the willingness of the business community to utilise the exchange.

Another option the VP touted is having some Government instruments traded on the exchange.

In fact, the Government has already indicated that they may want to syphon off, from the burgeoning oil and gas sector, some of the most lucrative opportunities, then underwrite a return for the investors in those companies, create the share structure of the companies, and maybe list those on the exchange. Jagdeo said this model could be used for the fertiliser plant that the Government plans to build in Phase Two of the Gasto-Energy (GtE) Project at Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

Development bank

Also, on Thursday last, Jagdeo explained that the long-promised development bank will target SMEs, particularly those

unable to access financing through the traditional banking system. He stressed that too many Guyanese, including young people and women across all 10 administrative regions, have viable business ideas or start-up ventures but remain unable to grow due to the lack of affordable credit and collateral requirements. While reforms to the formal banking system are underway to allow easier access to capital through a range of instruments, including project financing, invoice discounting and commercial lending, the VP said the new development bank will cater to those who remain excluded. Work on the initiative has already advanced, with a concept paper under review. Jagdeo disclosed that a second draft will be discussed next week, with clear directions already issued to ensure the plan reflects the Government’s intentions. Financing for the bank will be included in the early 2026 budget, with the aim of making the institution fully operational before the end of next year.

East Ruimveldt man wanted for fatal shooting of former Agri Ministry driver

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Monday issued a wanted bulletin for 30-yearold Kevin Eversley, also known as ‘Chino’ for questioning in relation to the murder of 48-year-old driver Gavin Major who was gunned down on September 4, 2025 at California Square, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown. Eversley’s last known address was given as Lot 49 Front Road, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown. Major, a former driver attached to the Agriculture Ministry sustained two gun-

shot wounds—one to his lower abdomen and another to his left hand. He was later pronounced dead at the Georgetown Public Hospital. It was reported that Major was heading home in his motor car along with two other individuals and as they passed a residence where the suspect is believed to reside, they reportedly heard three loud explosions, suspected to be gunshots. At that time, the suspect was seen standing in front of the gate.

Major reportedly stopped his vehicle and confronted the suspect about discharg-

ing a firearm but an argument ensued, during which the suspect who was armed with a handgun, allegedly opened fire, hitting Major twice. The suspect then fled the scene while Major collapsed. He was rushed to the hospital, where he died while receiving treatment. Police recovered two 9mm spent shells at the scene. Anyone with information about the suspect’s whereabout are asked to contact the police at 225-6940; 225-8196; 2271149, 911 or the nearest police station.

Health fair provides screenings for cops

AHealth Fair at the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Traffic Headquarters in Eve Leary, offering medical screenings and ser -

vices to officers and other ranks. Organised by Dr Maria Sheera Villaral of the School of Medicine, the initiative included support from Dr Geralin Arg,

Dr Mantza Peres, and a team of 20 medical staff. Services provided included general cancer screening, eye tests, blood tests, blood pressure and sugar checks,

Cutlass attack by stepfather PME confirms Stewartville teen died from incised wound

Aand general body examinations at the fair which was held October 4. A total of 145 police personnel from various divisions and departments attended the event. Officers also received vouchers worth up to $25,000 for the purchase of spectacles. According to the police force, the Health Fair will continue over the next three weeks at the same venue. The event was coordinated by Ramona Doorgen of the Guyana National Road Safety

Council, Traffic Officer Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh, and medical professionals from the Ministry of Health, Balwant Singh Hospital, and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

post-mortem examination conducted on Monday by Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh confirmed that 15-year-old Sudesh Singh, also known as Joel, of Stewartville, West Coast Demerara (WCD) died from an incised wound. Police said that the examination, which included dissection, was performed at the Ezekiel Funeral Home. Singh was killed on Friday afternoon during a violent altercation with his 50-year-old stepfather at their Lot 71, Last Street, Stewartville home. Reports indicate that the confrontation began around 14:30h over the use of a bicycle. According to information gathered, the teen had used his stepfather’s bicycle, causing the chain to slip, which led to an argument. During the dispute, the suspect allegedly armed himself with a cutlass and attacked the teenager, inflicting sever-

al chops to the neck. The boy reportedly collapsed under the house following the attack. After the incident, the suspect went to the Leonora Police Station and reported what had occurred. He was immediately taken into custody as police launched an investigation. When ranks arrived at the scene, they found the teen lying face up with multiple wounds to the neck. A cutlass believed to be the weapon used was recovered nearby. The body was taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where the teen was pronounced dead on arrival before being transferred to the Ezekiel Funeral Parlour. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Venezuelan man found dead at Quartzstone Backdam

Police have launched an investigation into the death of a Venezuelan national whose body was discovered on Monday at Quartzstone Backdam, Cuyuni River, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni). According to reports, a 50-year-old security guard employed by a Russian company in the area, contacted the Bartica Police Station around 11:30h to report the incident. The man told police that at about 10:00h, a woman known as only as ‘Uma’ visited the company’s compound and informed him that a male Venezuelan national was lying dead on the roadway. She also relayed that she had received

information suggesting the man was beaten by other Venezuelan nationals. The security said that he went to the location and observed the man lying motionless on the roadway, covered with a multi-coloured hammock, with his face exposed. He took photographs of the scene before returning to his camp, from where he contacted the Bartica Police Station.

Police said that detectives have since been dispatched to Quartzstone Backdam to investigate the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.

Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River

Bridge

Police to increase presence, clampdown on traffic offences

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is stepping up its presence on newly-commissioned US$262 million Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River bridge, as part of a clampdown on reckless driving, speeding, and other traffic offences. The move comes amid rising concerns about irresponsible behaviour on the bridge on the day of its commissioning, resulting in officers now tasked to enforce stricter penalties and maintain safer roadways for commuters. On Sunday, President Dr Irfaan Ali officially commissioned the state-of-the-art four-lane bridge, a key piece of national infrastructure expected to transform connectivity and reduce travel time.

However, several instances of lawless and reckless driving on the bridge were recorded, prompting the GPF to act decisively. Traffic Chief, Assistant

Commissioner Mahendra Singh, said officers will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to traffic offences on and around the bridge. “So as the traffic officer of the country I want to give the assurance that whatever would be done going forward it translates to an action that is generally acceptable and to the satisfaction of the public with one expectation that the driver's population, the motorist population understand that for every action of yours that is not contextualised to be lawful and the points will be proven you can and will be charged or ticketed and placed before a court of law and how we will operate going forward is that we will report every day to the Minister as to offenders cases made and the follow-up when they are prosecuted,” Singh said. Singh made it clear that police divisions will coordinate to ensure steady traffic flow, particularly at critical choke

points such as roundabouts and access lanes leading onto the bridge. Traffic Chief, outlined new measures to ease congestion and improve movement between the west and east banks. He explained that traffic will now flow in two lanes in both directions, ensuring continuous movement. Additionally, motorists must approach the roundabout with caution and observe the five Cs - care, caution, consideration, courtesy, and common sense, especially since motorcycle and vehicle patrols will be stationed along the bridge and access roads to ensure drivers remain in their designated lanes.

Caution and consideration

Meanwhile, Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill has issued an appeal to persons using the new Bharat Jagdeo Demerara River bridge to exercise more caution and consideration, and not panic. “The bridge will

see a continual flow of traffic uninterrupted. There will be no stoppage of traffic in the morning or in the afternoon. We have moved from a twolane bridge to a four-lane bridge. We used to close off the bridge for double-lane traffic to clear the volume and the congestion in the mornings and in the afternoons. There are no priority lanes…We're asking for patience. We're asking for consideration, and we're asking for responsible behaviour. The approach road to the old Demerara River Bridge at a northern carriageway will be improved to connect to the new bridge. As a result, over the next several days, the Chinese contractor will be working day and night to complete that lane,” the Minister said. Traffic officials also detailed several routes to ease movement from Georgetown and surrounding areas. Drivers leaving central Georgetown can access the bridge via two

main routes, the East Bank Public Road, turning east at Providence’s Red Road to connect with Winsor Access Road leading directly to the bridge; or the Mandelato-Heros Highway Road link, continuing west onto the bridge’s access point. Motorists from the East Coast can use the bypass road, while those coming from the southern direction have multiple options via Greenfield, Red Road, or directly into the main roundabout leading to the bridge.

Traffic officers will be stationed at key intersections and roundabouts to manage flow and penalize offenders who breach the rules. The new 50-metre fixed highspan cable-stayed Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River bridge is a four-lane 2.6-kilometre (km) concrete structure with a cycle/pedestrian lane that stretches from Nandy Park on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) to La Grange on the West

Bank of Demerara (WBD).

Designed with a lifespan of 100 years and built by China Railway Construction (International) Limited with Politecnica as the supervisory consultant, the new bridge will operate toll-free, 24/7, with a maximum speed limit of 80 km/h. The superstructure is constructed to facilitate the continuous flow of vehicular and marine traffic, which will boost the transportation of products and services throughout the nation, drastically cut down on travel time and improve connectivity between Regions Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) and Four (Mahaica-Berbice). It replaces the decades-old Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), which President Ali said served faithfully, carrying dreams, burdens and the daily journeys of thousands. However, the floating steel 1.85-km structure’s lifetime had long expired.

Guyana to modernise pharma sector with new Medicines Bill, local drug testing lab

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening the pharmaceutical sector in Guyana, during his address at the Massy Distribution 2nd Pharmacists Symposium at the Massy Convention Hall, Starlite Square, Montrose, East Coast Demerara (ECD). Speaking on the occasion, Dr Anthony extended best wishes to pharmacists in recognition of World Pharmacy Day and acknowledged their contribution to improving healthcare delivery across the country. He noted that the pharmacy profession has made significant progress through ongoing education, professional collaboration, and the

introduction of new medical products. The Minister announced the completion of the new Medicines and Regulatory Bill, which is expected to be tabled in

Parliament soon. The legislation aims to modernise the regulation of pharmaceuticals, with provisions for enhanced pharmacovigilance, batch testing of medications

and clinical trial oversight to ensure patient safety and product quality.

“We are building a robust system that will allow us to monitor and test drugs

locally, rather than depending on overseas laboratories.

Construction will soon begin on a new Food and Drug Administration facility at the University of Guyana (UG) which will house a state-of-the-art drug testing laboratory,” Anthony said.

The Minister also outlined efforts to digitise the public health system through the introduction of electronic health records at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). The system is expected to improve coordination between doctors, pharmacists, and laboratory staff, supporting safer and more efficient patient care.

To address storage and distribution challenges, the Ministry is implementing a

new inventory management system at the Materials Management Unit (MMU) in partnership with Ernst & Young, alongside the construction of modern medication bonds in several regions. These measures aim to enhance accountability and reduce drug shortages and expirations. Anthony encouraged pharmacists to partner with the Ministry in public health campaigns, including Pinktober for breast cancer awareness and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive for children aged 9 to 15. He highlighted that Guyana is among the first Caribbean countries to provide the Gardasil 9 vaccine, the most advanced HPV vaccine, free of cost.

57 of 114 cases concluded in June Demerara Assizes …21 guilty pleas, convictions recorded

Some 57 out of the 114 matters before the June Demerara Criminal Assizes were disposed of, with 40 of the matters being presented to the High Court and 17 being dismissed nolle prosequi by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Of the 40 matters 17 were for murder, seven were for sexual offences, seven for attempt to commit murder with alternative counts of felonious wounding, five were for manslaughter, and one each for wounding with intent, accessory after the fact to murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and Possession of Narcotics for the Purpose of Trafficking. There were a total of 43 accused in relation to these matters.

Of the verdicts there were five convictions, 16 guilty pleas, 10 formal ver-

ber one had pleaded guilty from the inception, but his defence failed to indicate this to the Court.

The cases were heard before Justice Peter Hugh, Justice Sherdel lsaacs-Marcus, Justice Simone Morris, Justice Damone Young, Justice Zamilla Ally-Seepaul and Justice Priscilla Chandra-Hanif. Justice Hugh heard four matters, Justice lsaacsMarcus heard two, Justice Morris heard 13 matters, Justice Ally-Seepaul heard seven matters, while Justice ChandraHanif heard nine matters. Presiding in the Sexual Offences Court Justice Young heard five matters. The matters before Justice Hugh included one each for the offences of murder, attempt to commit murder, manslaughter, sexual offence. In the case for mur-

dicts of not guilty, nine verdicts of not guilty by jury and one aborted trial. In the discontinued trial, the trial was aborted after the number one pleaded guilty then changed his plea to not guilty. The judge aborted the trial on the basis that the jurors would have been prejudiced against the three others since the num-

der, the State witnesses declined to testify against the accused, leading the Judge to directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty. In the manslaughter case, the trial judge again upheld a no case submission, and directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty.

In the other two mat-

ters the accused were both acquitted after unanimous not guilty verdicts. State Counsel Praneta Seeraj, Marissa Edwards and Mtumika Lumumba prosecuted the two matters before Justice lsaacs- Marcus. One case involved a wounding with intent offence and saw the accused being acquitted by a jury. In the other case, for an offence of manslaughter, the trial judge upheld a no case submission and directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty. Saygon and Lumumba along with Senior State Counsel Mohamed Ali, State Counsel Rbina Christmas, State Counsel Alvaro

tempt to Commit Murder with an alternative count of Wounding with intent, conspiracy to Commit Murder, robbery with Attempt to Commit Murder. The accused in the rape of a child under 16, and manslaughter cases were both found unanimously guilty by jury and respectively sentenced to 19 years and 15 years imprisonment. The Court ordered that the convicts undergo counselling and anger management training while in prison. In the matter of the accessory after the fact to murder, the accused pleaded guilty and was sentenced to seven years imprisonment, of which he must serve a

Ramotar, State Counsel Geneva Wills, and State Counsel Padma Dubraj completed the 13 matters before Justice Morris, of which seven were for murder, including the case that was aborted.

In one of murder case involving two accused, the judge upheld no case submissions and directed the jury to return formal verdicts of not guilty. In two of the cases the juries returned unanimous verdicts of not guilty. Of the remaining three murder cases, one saw the accused being found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment with parole after 25 years. In the other two, one accused pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to 24 years imprisonment, while the other accused pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter and was sentenced to 19 years. The other cases that Justice Morris presided over included one offence each for rape of A Child under 16 Years, accessory after the fact to murder, manslaughter, at-

minimum of four years before being eligible for parole. The accused for the offence of attempt to commit murder with an alternative count of wounding with intent, pleaded guilty to the alternative count and was sentenced to eight years imprisonment. He was also ordered to undergo anger management while incarcerated. In the matter for the offence of conspiracy to commit murder, the judge held a no case submission and directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty. The accused in the matter for the offence of robbery, attempted murder and felonious wounding, was found unanimously guilty by jury on the count for attempted murder. His sentence has been deferred. Of the seven matters before Justice Ally-Seepaul four were murders, two attempt to commit murder with on alternative count of wounding with intent and one for the offence of manslaughter.

In two of the murder trials, the accused plead-

ed guilty and were respectively sentenced to 20 years and 25 years imprisonment. Two others pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter, and were sentenced to 16 years and 8 months and 16 years imprisonment, respectively. For one of the attempts to commit murder with an alternative count of wounding with intent, the accused pleaded guilty to the alternative count and was sentenced to one year and eight months after the Court made deductions for the time spent on remand. The other one was acquitted by a jury verdict on both counts. In the manslaughter case, the Judge upheld a no case submission and directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty.

In the five murder trials before Justice ChandraHanif the accused all pleaded guilty. Two of them pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaugh-

ductions for their guilty pleas. One accused will be sentenced on October 27. Justice Chandra-Hanif also presided over two matters for attempt to commit murder with an alternative count of felonious wounding, one matter for manslaughter and one for the possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. In one of the two matters for attempt to commit murder with alternative counts of felonious wounding, the accused was found not guilty by unanimous jury verdicts of not guilty. The other accused pleaded guilty to the alternative count and will be sentenced during the October Assizes. In the one trial for Possession of Narcotics for the Purpose of Trafficking, the jury returned a unanimous verdict of guilty for the accused. He will be sentenced on November 14. Five other matters in the Sexual Offences Court, one accused pleaded guilty

ter; one was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment and the other to eight years and three months, after the Court made deductions in both cases. Of the three others, two of them were respectively sentenced to 11 years and six months and 21 years and six months, after the Court made de-

to the offence of rape of a child under 16 Years and was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment. In another two matters, the accused were both acquitted by jury verdicts. In the other two matters the complainants testified in Court of no longer wishing to proceed with their matters.

Commemoration for the 49th Anniversary of the Cubana Air Disaster

Education Minister, Sonia Parag, and Minister Within the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry, Steven Jacobs attended the commemoration ceremony for the 49th Anniversary of the Cubana Air Disaster, which was held at Cubana Air Tragedy Monument Site in the University of Guyana’s (UG) Turkeyen Campus on Monday.

Eleven 11 Guyanese were among 73 passengers and crew members killed after two bombs exploded on a Cubana Airline flight off the coast of Barbados back in 1976.

On October 6, 1976, the

Cubana Airline flight 455 left Guyana en route to Cuba with stops along the way in Trinidad, Barbados and

cy landing, the pilot, Captain Wilfredo Perez, steered the plane towards the Atlantic Ocean, avoiding the tourist-packed Paradise Beach. Another bomb went off in the aircraft before it crashed, killing all 73 passengers and crew members on board.

The Guyanese killed included: Seshnarine Kumar, 18; Ann Nelson, 18; Eric Norton, 18; Rawle Thomas, 18; and Jacqueline Williams, 19, all students on their way to study medicine and engineering in Cuba. Others who perished were relatives Violet and Rita Thomas, nine-

were returning home after winning gold medals at the Central American and Caribbean Championship games. Investigations had revealed that CIA-linked anti-Castro Cuban exiles conspired with members of the Venezuelan Secret Police to bomb the Cuban aircraft in protest of Castro’s dictatorial policies in Cuba. Four men who had joined the plane in Trinidad and disembarked the aircraft in Barbados were subsequently arrested and tried in Venezuela in connection with the bombing and

Jamaica respectively.

However, shortly after leaving the Barbados airport, there was an explosion in the aircraft’s rear, and upon realising that they could not make it back to the airport for an emergen-

year-old Sabrina Harrypaul, Margaret Bradshaw, Raymond Persaud, and economist Gordon Sobha.

Among the other victims were five Koreans and 57 Cubans, including 24 members of the 1975 Cuban national fencing team, who

murder of 73 persons. Two of them were sentenced to 20 years in prison, another was acquitted and subsequently moved to the United States (US), while the other escaped from Venezuela and fled to the US.

NIS sees 37% surge in active contributors since 2020 – Finance Minister

The number of active employed contributors to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) has grown from 184,928 in 2020 to 253,489 as of August 2025, an increase of 68,561 persons. According to Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, the number of active employed contributors presents an increase of more than 37 per cent. Singh who was at the time addressing the Insurance Scheme’s 56th General Assembly on Monday said the rise in contributors directly mirrors the expansion of the country’s workforce and the rapid pace of economic growth over the past five years.

“That of course should not come as a surprise to us, because we know from other data sources that over the course of the five years from

August 2020 to August 2025, we know that during that period, more than 60,000 new jobs were created. We know that from data available elsewhere. And so what this number confirms is in fact, or what this number reflects, is consistency with that which has been determined by other administrative data that we have, that more nearly 70,000 persons are working today, more than were working in August of 2020, reflecting the growth and expansion in our economy, the expansion in private investment, the opening of new companies and new businesses and new enterprises, and the creation of more jobs,” Singh said. The Finance Minister noted that this increase also demonstrates heightened confidence in the formal economy, with more Guyanese securing stable

employment in both the private and public sectors.

Increase in self-employed contributors

Singh also pointed to a significant increase in self-employed contributors, from 6,210 in August 2020 to 13,288 in August 2025. That represents an increase of more than 7,000 persons, or a 113 per cent rise over the five-year period. He described this as a positive trend, reflecting growing entrepreneurship and the expansion of small and micro-enterprises throughout the country. “So, if you put this together, if you put together the 68,000, nearly 69,000 more persons who are on the active employed persons role, and the 7,000 plus who are on the self-employed role, the NIS has more than 75,000 more active contributors in August of 2025 than the scheme had in August

of 2020. That's 75,000 more people that you're receiving contributions from,” the Minister added.

Efficiency and expansion

The Finance Minister commended the staff of the NIS for managing the growing volume of contributions while continuing to deliver on their mandate. The Minister also urged the scheme to continue strengthening its administrative systems and capacity to meet the growing demand, emphasising that the Government expects further expansion in the years ahead as new investments come on stream.

“I want to say to you that we expect more of the same going forward, given the very aggressive and exciting agenda that President Ali has outlined for his second term,” he said adding that “we anticipate continued expansion in the economy, and

we therefore anticipate that continued and growing demands will be made of the scheme as more people enter the world of work, and therefore as more people enter the register of active contributors at the scheme… The work is not going to get easier, and it's not going to get less, it's going to get more. What shouldn't necessarily say it will get harder, but it will get more.”

Meanwhile, Singh disclosed that over the past five years, the administration has also made tangible strides in strengthening social security benefits and supporting pensioners.

The Government has consistently increased NIS pensions and has pledged to continue these upward adjustments in the coming years. During a recent press conference, Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo reiter-

ated this commitment, highlighting the Government’s ongoing One-Off Payment initiative for long-serving NIS pensioners. Launched in June this year, the programme allows eligible pensioners, those with at least 500 NIS contributions to receive special one-time payments based on their contribution brackets. Pensioners with 500–549 contributions receive $260,000, those with 550–599 contributions receive $390,000, those with 600–699 contributions receive $520,000 while those with 700–749 contributions receive $650,000. Over the last term, under the current administration, the minimum rate for NIS pensions was raised from $35,000 to $43,075 per month, while the minimum Survivor’s Pension increased from $17,000 to $21,537 per month.

G Mining Ventures secures financing to advance Guyana gold project

GMining Ventures Corp ("GMIN " or the " Corporation ") (TSX: GMIN) (OTCQX: GMINF) has announced that it has secured commitments for an initial US$387.5 million financing package, with the potential to be increased by an additional US$150 million beginning six months after closing, subject to lender approval. This financing package, which could total up to US$537.5 million, provides the Corporation with the financial flexibility to advance the development and construction of its 100 per cent-owned Oko West Gold Project (" Oko West " or the " Project ") in Guyana. The financing package, according to a release from the company is anchored by an agreement (the " Agreement ") with a syndicate of fi-

nancial institutions (the " Syndicate ") for a revolving credit facility (the " Revolving Credit Facility " or " Facility ") that allows the Corporation to borrow up to US$350 million, with an accordion feature for an additional US$150 million available post-closing, subject to customary conditions. The Syndicate is led by National Bank Capital Markets (" National Bank ") and Macquarie Bank Limited (" Macquarie ") as joint bookrunners and co-lead arrangers, with participation from Bank of Montreal, ING Capital LLC, Royal Bank of Canada, Citibank and CIBC.

In addition, Komatsu Finance Chile S.A. (" Komatsu Finance "), a subsidiary of global equipment leader Komatsu Ltd., and GMIN Ventures

Guyana Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of GMIN, are pleased to announce the execution of a Master Loan and Security Agreement ("MLSA") to finance the procurement of

US$37.5 million.

“With these financing arrangements in place, together with strong cash flow from the Tocantinzinho Mine, we now have the financial re-

mining and construction equipment for the development of the Project. Under the terms of the MLSA, Komatsu Finance will provide financing through multiple equipment notes with a total principal amount not to exceed

sources required to bring Oko West into production," commented Julie Lafleur, VP Finance & Chief Financial Officer. " This entirely non-dilutive package increases financial capacity, provides additional flexibility, and reflects

the confidence of National Bank, Macquarie, Komatsu Finance and the broader syndicate in our ability to deliver. We remain focused on disciplined capital allocation and advancing Oko West responsibly, on schedule, and within budget to generate meaningful value for all stakeholders."

Following the receipt of the Oko West environmental permit from Guyana's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on September 2, 2025, and with this financing package now in place, GMIN is positioned to make a Final Investment Decision (" FID ") on the Project later this month, which will outline the forecasted initial capital cost, investment incurred to date, and remaining expenditures through to completion. In conjunction with this an-

nouncement, GMIN also welcomed Jamie Flegg as Vice President, Corporate Development. Flegg brings over 12 years of experience across mining capital markets, including corporate development, investor relations, private equity, and investment banking. Most recently, he served as Chief Development Officer at Sigma Lithium, and previously as Director, Investment Management at Waterton Global Resource Management. He began his career in Investment Banking with Red Cloud Securities. Mr Flegg is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from Queen's University, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of Comet Lithium Corporation.

GCOPD applauds Govt’s move to reform Board of Guardians

The Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) has expressed support for the Government of Guyana’s announced reforms of the Ministry of Human Services and the Social Security Board of Guardians. Vice President (VP) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo outlined the reforms on Thursday last during a press conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC). He said the measures are aimed at addressing reports of exclusion and bias in the approval process for public assistance and ensur

ing that all eligible applicants have fair and accessible access. “The complaint has been that many people can’t get onto the database because

they’re excluded by the Board of Guardians for reasons that are not objective,” Jagdeo said, adding that “a lot of people complain that the Board of Guardians, ‘oh, they don’t like me. We have a family dispute. That’s why they didn’t put me on the list.’ So, it’s very slow,” the VP said. He noted that the Government is exploring a new system designed to prevent arbitrary choices and guarantee that individuals who qualify under the set standards are promptly included in the assistance registry. “…we have to reform the system, and the system is current -

ly being reformed. So if you are a single parent, and you’re a low-income single parent, then you should be able to qualify for benefits once you meet certain metrics, and those metrics will be clearly identified, and then it can be implemented. So if you’re disabled then automatically you should be on the system. You shouldn’t have to run around and somebody in some region telling you can’t get on the list because they can only put limited numbers on this list,” Jagdeo said.

In response, GCOPD highlighted that individuals with disabilities

have long faced challenges in obtaining public assistance due to arbitrary decisions by the Board of Guardians. The organisation welcomed the move toward a criteria-based system with clear metrics, which it said would bring objectivity to the approval process.

GCOPD also urged the Government to appoint individuals with disabilities to each Board of Guardians to ensure their interests are adequately represented. The organisation pledged to actively contribute to the reform process as it progresses.

Interpreters’ role in growth, development highlighted during International Translation Day event

Tagman Media recently hosted its Live Language Demos and Mixer at Herdmanston Lodge, Georgetown to mark the United Nations’ (UN) International Translation Day. The UN designated September 30 each year as International Translation Day, a day meant as an opportunity to pay tribute to the work of language professionals, which plays an important role in bringing nations together, facilitating dialogue, understanding and cooperation, contributing to development and strengthening world peace and security. The highlight of the event was the participation of Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, Zulfikar Ally, who engaged directly with Tagman Media Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Alex Graham during the live demonstration. Ally acknowledged the vital role of interpreters and other language professionals in fostering cross-cultural understanding, preserving linguistic diversity, and enabling global dialogue. Speaking at the end of the demonstration, Ally stated that, “interpreters are not just carrying words across languages, they are carrying trust, building bridges, and ensuring Guyana’s voice is heard clearly in the world.” He also commended Tagman Media for its lead-

ership in this field, adding, “by investing in the people and technology that make communication possible, Tagman Media is helping Guyana not only to be heard, but also to listen and respond more effectively to its partners. That is how true dialogue and stronger international relationships are built.”

Meanwhile, UN Resident

Coordinator in Guyana, Jean Njeri Kamau, emphasised the alignment of translation services with the UN’s global mission, noting:

“The United Nations’ mandate is set on Leaving No One Behind, and we see translation services as a medium to bridge the gaps between inequality and injustice. Such events help to promote the mes-

sage of peace and inclusivity amongst diverse populations.” She added that she looked forward to future hostings of similar sessions that showcase the value of translation and interpretation in promoting inclusivity and dialogue in Guyana and beyond.

The event brought together an audience that included the acting Chancellor

of the Judiciary Justice Roxane George, Justice of Appeal Nareshwar Harnanan, and members of the court’s technical teams from the Information Technology (IT) Department and the Court Reporting Unit. Senior representatives from the diplomatic community were also present, among them the IDB Country Representative in

Guyana Lorena Solorzano Salazar, the Ambassador of the Dominican Republic Ernesto Torres-Pereyra, and Rui Huang, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Chinese Embassy, accompanied by other members of the Embassy staff. They were joined by representatives of the Indian High Commission, the CARICOM Secretariat, and members of the private sector and business organisations, including the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana.

Throughout the day, many participants expressed the growing need for professional interpretation services in Guyana and the wider Caribbean, as well as the importance of the advanced technology that was demonstrated. Tagman Media showcased the Televic Confidea G3 Wireless system, Lingua Interpreter Desks, and UNITE Digital Bodypack Receivers, giving participants first-hand experience of the same technologies trusted at international summits and high-level diplomatic meetings worldwide. Alex Graham, CEO of Tagman Media, reinforced this point, noting, “As Guyana takes on a larger role in regional and global affairs, professional interpretation services are no longer optional, they are essential.”

Police will arrest anyone enforcing illegal fare hikes – Traffic Chief to Route 42 minibus operators

…Minibus Union open to dialogue, but condemns drivers’ unilateral fare hikes

Traffic Chief, Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh on Monday underscored that the Police would continue to arrest and put before the courts any minibus driver found implementing arbitrary and unlawful fare increases, in light of a Monday morning strike by the Route 42 Georgetown to Timehri bus operators demanding an increase.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Monday afternoon, Traffic Chief Singh noted that the minibus operators have only become preoccupied with striking, given the Police recent crackdown against drivers that have implemented unlawful increases.

“If they strike, that is a matter for them…we will continue to do what we are doing, which is enforcement and education. Once it becomes an issue of public order, the police will respond, and if any person breaks the law, they will be arrested, placed in the lockups and placed before the court,” Singh noted.

“Prior to us raising awareness among the members of the public with reference to the fare to be paid, no one was concerned about a strike. The moment we did, it became a case. The public should know what they ought to pay as a fare on the 42 route or any other route.”

Singh highlighted that any bus route desirous of implementing a fare in-

crease must go through the lawful channel of negotiating their official increase with the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce (MoTIC) and until such time, the Police will prosecute anyone found forcing fare increases on commuters.

“Any raise in the fare where public transportation is concerned, there is a prescribed procedure that has to be followed, and the Minister is the authority who has to settle the fare and, who will decide as to the reasonable basis for the future increases. Fares are set in keeping with the law by the Minister [of Tourism, Industry and Commerce], and it has to be reasonable,” Singh said.

Over the past few months, public transportation operators along several routes have implemented arbitrary fares, victimising passengers who refuse to pay the increase. This has particularly been the case in the 42 and 32 (Georgetown to Parika) bus routes. The minibus operators are particularly targeting commuters during rush hours in the morning and afternoon.

The situation has seen some 42 bus operators demanding as much as $1000 from commuters, in a route where the legal fare is capped at $260. “Short drops”, which are set at $100, have been increased to $200 along the 42 route.

On the West Demerara corridor, operators plying the

Wales to Vreed-en-Hoop route have increased the fare to $300 from the legally-stipulated $200 fare. Some charge commuters as much as $500.

Following reports of this practice, last Thursday the Guyana Police Force (GPF) issued a statement reminding commuters of the current fare structures for the various routes, and called on passengers to report any minibus operator implementing increases.

“Strict, strict enforcement measures are being implemented to address reports of overcharging of passengers, particularly along key routes, notably Georgetown to Parika (Route 32) and Georgetown to Timehri (Route 42)... necessary actions will be taken against non-compliant minibus operators. In addition, mandatory stops will be conducted in keeping with the traffic department community relations

to ensure passengers are not abused or exploited, and bus operators are compliant with the law,” the Police said in the statement.

The statement included spreadsheets identifying the legal fares for the various bus routes and destinations. The Police also called on commuters to report errant drivers

“At all times passengers are urged to know the official fees for their route and to report any incident of overcharging to the nearest police station, the 911 emergency system or via WhatsApp hotline at Traffic Headquarters 592-6206713,” the Police said.

Denounced

Meanwhile, United Minibus Union (UMU) President Eon Andrews denounced the arbitrary fare increases as “ridiculous”, but noted that the union was open to meeting with the minibus operators and advocating on their behalf. However, he decried the situation where the minibus drivers only turn to the union in their hour of need.

The UMU President said it was not until he saw the Police statement that he even became aware that the minibus operators had begun to implement increases

“I don’t even know they had a strike. I heard, and saw on social media about reverting back to regular pricing, but I was never aware of any increase in the

bus fares since 2018, when it would’ve been negotiated,” Andrews said.

According to Andrews, the Union cannot sanction arbitrary and unfair increases.

“It is difficult for a responsible union to demand consumers pay those increases. Those ridiculous increases that I’ve heard they’ve been asking. Most of these passengers are barely making minimum wage; they cannot afford to pay any of that,” Andrews noted.

In 2018, Andrews had met with the MoTIC and negotiated the most recent fare increase, while also organising training and the publishing of a “Minibus Code of Conduct”. Andrews had hopes of continuous engagement with the drivers and conductors to improve the quality in the industry. However, Andrews said once the drivers got what

Miner jailed for inflicting grievous bodily harm

A39-year-old miner of Wax Creek, Upper Mazaruni River, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) was on Monday sentenced to three months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Darius Manson was arrested on October 2, 2025, and charged on Monday by a rank from the Kamarang Police Station for the offence committed on Junior Matthews.

The charge was laid under Section 50 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01. Manson appeared before Magistrate Teriq Mohammed at the Kamarang Magistrate’s

they wanted, they deserted the Union.

Now that they have found themselves in the crosshairs with the Police, the minibus operators are ready to crawl back to the Union to ask for help once again.

“A lot of these persons when they get themselves involved with the Police or these instances where they’re looking to get an increase they suddenly become interested in the Union. They can have a bus today, join the Union, get what they want, then go on their way next week. There’s nothing we can do. We do not have the power to enforce or do certain things,” Andrews noted.

The UMU is an informal and purely voluntary organisation, notwithstanding being the only umbrella organisation recognised by the Ministry to negotiate on behalf of the drivers. According to Andrews, while efforts are often made to create continuous engagement between the drivers and the Union, the drivers do not feel a need for the Union when they feel that they can get away with deviant behaviour.

“A lot of those guys in the 42 [Route] had joined the Union, but they were having such a field day of just tormenting and disrespecting passengers that they didn’t expect it would be coming. I got a call yesterday from somebody who identified themselves as a Timehri driver and they would like to join the Union. We can listen to them and we do not discourage membership,” Andrews noted.

“Before you couldn’t get a bus off the road [to come to a meeting]. When you call a meeting, they never come off the road. They’re looking after money, so now all of them will come off the road. It's a culture of greed and indiscipline. That is the culture of the sector.”

According to Andrews, the Union will try to mobilise an engagement later this week, and look into the possibility of once again negotiating a meeting with the MoTIC on behalf of the drivers.

“I do have to listen to them. I want to hear what they are saying. I can always ask to reach the Ministry. I can speak to the drivers and advise them on the steps if they would agree. I’m sure they would agree, because in these panic situations they would agree to anything,” he said.

Jamaica to establish Caribbean’s 1st IICA Fab Lab for agricultural innovation – Ministry

Jamaica is set to lead the Region in agricultural innovation with the establishment of the Caribbean’s first InterAmerican Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) Fab Lab, a state-ofthe-art space designed to drive research, technology adoption and creative solutions in agriculture.

According to the Agriculture Ministry in a news release, the initiative was confirmed during a bilateral meeting between a Jamaican delegation, led by portfolio minister Floyd Green, and Dr Manuel Otero, Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) at the 19th Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) currently taking place in St Kitts and Nevis.

Minister Green said the establishment of the IICA Fab Lab advances Jamaica’s clear intent to modernise agriculture and strengthen its leadership role in the Region.

“Jamaica is making it

clear that agriculture is a national priority and we are determined to lead the Region on a new trajectory of innovation and resilience,” he said. “Through this collaboration with IICA, we are investing in our farmers and agri-preneurs at home and also positioning Jamaica as a hub for regional and global agricul-

tural advancement,” Green said.

The confirmation of the Fab Lab in Jamaica followed Dr Otero’s formal announcement at the opening ceremony of CWA on September 29. In his address, Dr Otero emphasised the importance of science and technology to the Region’s future.

(Jamaica Observer)

Brazil's Lula and Trump agree to meet in person after friendly call

razilian President Luiz

BInácio Lula da Silva and US President Donald Trump agreed to meet in person soon after a friendly video call on Monday, Brazil's Government said, boosting prospects for a thaw in bilateral relations that are at their worst in decades.

During the leaders' 30-minute call, Lula's office said in a statement that he and Trump discussed their positive impressions of a brief encounter at the United Nations last month and exchanged phone numbers to open a direct line of communication.

Trump said on social media that the call was "very good", with a focus on the countries' economic and trade relations.

"We will be having further discussions, and will get together in the not-too-distant future, both in Brazil and the United States," he wrote.

Lula suggested a meeting during this month's summit of

the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Malaysia and expressed his willingness to travel to the United States, his office said.

The two leaders have been at odds for months over the trial and conviction of Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro. Trump hiked a tariff on many Brazilian goods from 10 per cent to 50 per cent because of the case, which he called a "witch

hunt".

Lula's office made no reference to Bolsonaro in its summary of the call, but it noted that the Brazilian President had asked Trump to remove the additional 40 per cent tariff.

The tariffs have triggered a drop in Brazilian coffee exports to the US by as much as 70 per cent, while sharply reducing shipments of Brazilian beef. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Trump calls off diplomatic outreach to Venezuela, New York Times reports

US President Donald Trump has called off efforts to reach a diplomatic agreement with Venezuela and told his special envoy Richard Grenell to stop all outreach, the New York Times reported on Monday, citing officials. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has repeatedly alleged that the US is hoping to drive him from power. Washington in August

doubled its reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest to US$50 million, accusing him of links to drug trafficking and criminal groups that Maduro denies.

(Reuters)

Full free movement “legally sound”

Barbados Attorney General Dale Marshall is maintaining that the October 1 full free movement arrangement between Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines is on firm legal ground.

Responding to concerns by the Barbados Bar Association (BBA) in the SUNDAY SUN, matters also raised by the Opposition Democratic Labour Party (DLP) during a press conference on Saturday, he insisted that Government acted within the law when it extended the status to nationals of the participating States under the historic initiative.

“I laud the Bar Association for keeping matters of national importance in view, but I can assure the Bar that, as we sought to roll out the full freedom of movement between the four States, we considered all of the relevant legislation as they might impact on our abil-

ity to meet the agreed commitments,” Marshall said.

His intervention came after the BBA, in a release, called for urgent clarification on the legal framework supporting the full free movement initiative. The Association, led by President Kaye Williams, said its members were being approached by clients and members of the public seeking to understand their rights and obligations following the October 1 implementation date.

The Bar said while it sup-

ported regional integration, the absence of a parliamentary instrument authorising the policy created uncertainty. It also stated that the Caribbean Community (Movement of Skilled Nationals) Act remains the principal domestic law governing Caricom free movement and that any fundamental shift – such as the removal of the Skills Certificate regime – required parliamentary oversight.

(Excerpt from Nation News)

US lifts sanctions on Paraguay's ex-President Cartes

Former Paraguayan President Horacio Cartes said on Monday the United States Office of Foreign Assets Control had lifted sanctions imposed on him two years ago for his involvement in acts of alleged corruption.

The announcement followed a statement on the OFAC's website in which the former President and several of his companies were removed from a list of what the OFAC calls "specially designated nationals."

Cartes was slapped with sanctions in 2023, with OFAC citing "rampant corruption", which the former leader has

repeatedly denied.

"With humility and satisfaction I receive the news of the lifting of the OFAC sanctions that weighed on me," Cartes said on Monday in a statement on X.

Cartes, who governed Paraguay between 2013 and 2018, is considered the political mentor of the country's current President Santiago Pena. Cartes still heads the ruling Colorado Party and has significant influence in Pena's Government.

The United States had accused Cartes of participating in corrupt activities before, during and after his term as President, and of obstruct-

ing a major international investigation into transnational crime to protect himself.

A US State Department spokesperson, in a written response to Reuters on Monday, said the Government decided that the "sanctions on Cartes and his related businesses were no longer required to incentivise changes in behaviour and were therefore not in the foreign policy and national security interests of the United States."

The State Department did not confirm whether a travel ban against Cartes entering the US would be lifted or remain in place following the decision. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Persad-Bissessar takes on more responsibility

Changes in Ministers’ responsibilities have been made to most of the Cabinet, with Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar now handling certain public assistance programmes, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander overseeing the prison system, and various frontline Ministers’ responsibilities shifted to their colleagues.

Ahead of the upcoming 2026 budget presenta-

tion, Prime Minister PersadBissessar last week assigned and reassigned certain responsibilities to various ministers.

The changes expanded and reduced some Ministers’ portfolios.

The exercise has also reclassified and renamed two ministries. The Agriculture, Lands and Fisheries Ministry held by Ravi Ratiram is now the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, after all land

aspects were moved to Legal Affairs Minister Saddam Hosein, now heading the Ministry of Legal Affairs and Lands.

The realignment took effect on Saturday, October 4. The Persad-Bissessar Cabinet appointed in May comprised 25 Ministers, four ministers of state within ministries, and six parliamentary secretaries.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Record-breaking cruise season sets sail in Antigua

The 2025-2026 cruise season has officially kicked off at Antigua Cruise Port, with “Rhapsody of the Seas” making the first scheduled call on October 2, bringing a buzz of excitement and the promise of a record-breaking cruise season ahead.

Officially running from October 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026, the season is forecasted to welcome a remarkable milestone of over 1,000,000 cruise passengers — an increase of 33 per cent over

the previous season — reflecting the strong demand and the growing popularity of Antigua and Barbuda as a top Caribbean cruise destination, the ACP announced in a recent press release.

“This cruise season promises to be our busiest yet,” said Gasper George, General Manager at Antigua Cruise Port. “We are thrilled to welcome the first ship of the season and with our new Upland

Development on the horizon, Antigua Cruise Port is poised to deliver on the commitment to building a world-class, future-ready port!”

George continued,

“Thanks to the dedication of our tourism partners and team members, Antigua Cruise Port has enhanced our facilities and service levels this summer, setting the stage for a truly memorable cruise season ahead.”

(Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

OIL NEWS

Oil rises after OPEC+ hikes output less than expected

Oil prices gained about one per cent on Monday after the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+) production increase planned for November was more modest than expected, tempering some concerns about supply additions, though a soft outlook for demand is likely to cap near-term gains.

Brent crude futures settled 94 cents, or 1.46 per cent , higher at US$65.47 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was at US$61.69, up 81 cents, or 1.33 per cent.

"The market feel that the actual amount of oil that is going to hit the market is far less than what they announced, given that some of the OPEC+ members are already producing at capacity," said Andrew Lipow, President of Lipow Oil Associates.

On Sunday, OPEC+ and some smaller producers, said it would raise production from November by 137,000 barrels per day (bpd), matching October's figure, amid persistent concern over a looming supply glut.

In the run-up to the meeting, sources said although Russia was advocating for an increase of 137,000 bpd to avoid pressuring prices, Saudi Arabia would have preferred double, triple or even four times that to quickly regain market share.

The modest production update also comes at a time of rising Venezuelan exports, the resumption of Kurdish oil flows via Turkey, and the presence of unsold Middle Eastern barrels for November loading, PVM Oil Associates analyst Tamas Varga said. Saudi Arabia kept unchanged the official selling price for the Arab Light crude it sells to Asia.

While refining sources in Asia surveyed by Reuters had expected a slight increase, those expectations diminished as concerns about rising Middle Eastern crude supply felled the premium to a 22-month low last week.

In the near term, some analysts expect the refinery maintenance season starting soon in the Middle East will help to cap prices.

The Kirishi oil refinery, one of Russia's largest, halted its most productive crude unit following a drone attack and subsequent fire on October 4, with its recovery expected to take about a month, two industry sources said on Monday.

Expectations of weak demand fundamentals in the fourth quarter are another factor limiting the market's upside.

US crude oil, gasoline and distillate inventories rose more than expected in the week ended September 26 as refining activity and demand softened, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said last week.

"If we see a steadier rise in production then the downside in oil prices may be contained. Much now depends on whether the US economy can reaccelerate over the rest of 2025 and into 2026, which would help demand immensely," said Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG Group.

(Reuters)

Thunberg greeted by cheering crowd in Athens after Israel expels flotilla activists

Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg arrived in Greece to a cheering pro-Palestinian crowd on Monday after she and hundreds of other activists captured by Israel on the high seas were deported following an attempt to bring aid to Gaza.

Israel said it expelled 171 activists on Monday including Thunberg, bringing the total deported so far to 341, out of 479 persons it detained when it captured the flotilla attempting to break its naval blockade of Gaza.

The Greek Foreign Ministry said 161 of the activists arrived on a flight to Athens on Monday, includ-

ing Thunberg, 22. They included 27 Greeks, as well as citizens of nearly 20 other countries.

"Let me be very clear. There is a genocide going on," Thunberg told the crowd at the Athens airport referring to Israeli military action in Gaza.

"Our international systems are betraying Palestinians. They are not even able to prevent the worst war crimes from happening," she said. "What we aimed to do with the Global Sumud Flotilla was to step up when our governments failed to do their legal obligation." (Excerpt from Reuters)

Around the World

Israel and Hamas begin indirect talks in Egypt on Trump's Gaza peace plan

Indirect talks aimed at reaching a final agreement on a US peace plan to end the war in Gaza have begun in the Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh.

Palestinian and Egyptian officials have told the BBC that the sessions are focused on "creating the field conditions" for a possible exchange that would see the release of all Israeli hostages in return for a number of Palestinian prisoners.

Hamas has said it agrees to the peace plan proposals in part, but has not responded to several key demands –including its disarmament and future role in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that he hoped to announce the release of hostages "in the coming days".

The talks, which will see Egyptian and Qatari offi-

cials holding shuttle meetings with delegations from both Israel and Hamas separately, come on the eve of the second anniversary of the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, in which about 1200 persons were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.

The Israeli military

US shutdown to

launched a campaign in Gaza in response. Since then, 67,160 have been killed by Israeli military operations in Gaza, according to the territory's Hamas-run Health Ministry.

These discussions are expected to be among the most consequential since the start of the war and could deter-

mine whether a path towards ending the conflict is finally within reach.

US special envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump's son-inlaw Jared Kushner and Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani are among those attending. (Excerpt from BBC News)

continue after funding measures fail again in Senate

The United States Senate on Monday failed for a fifth time to pass spending measures reopening the Government.

Competing proposals by Democrats and Republicans were both shot down, failing to meet the 60-vote threshold required.

President Donald Trump said earlier in the day that another failed vote would trigger mass layoffs. Thousands of federal employees were furloughed or

ordered to work without pay when funding for their agencies ended five days ago.

But he hinted that he was open to trying to end the impasse and possibly strike a deal with Democrats who are sticking to demands that the legislation address health care. Republicans are pressing for a "clean" funding bill.

The Democratic-led bill to extend the Government's funding failed first on Monday with a 45-50 vote.

France in fresh political crisis as PM Lecornu quits after 26 days

France is facing further political chaos after the country's latest Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, resigned after just 26 days in the role.

Hours after quitting, Lecornu accepted a request from French President Emmanuel Macron to work on a plan for the "stability for the country" by Wednesday evening.

That unexpected twist capped a day of political upheaval which saw stocks fall sharply on the Paris exchange amid concerns over the political parties' ability to tackle the country's economic woes.

Lecornu's shock resignation on Monday morning came the day after he unveiled his Cabinet, and made him the third French PM to leave office since December.

His ministerial line-up had been fiercely criticised across the board by parties in

the National Assembly, which threatened to vote it down.

The nomination of former Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire as Minister of the Armed Forces in particular seemed to be a sticking point for many political factions.

On Monday afternoon, Le Maire said he was withdrawing from Cabinet in a bid to end the crisis.

Shortly after the Elysee Palace announced Lecornu had been given another 48 hours to work out whether negotiations with political parties could result in a "stability plan" for France.

Lecornu was only appointed in September after François Bayrou's Government collapsed when Members of Parliament (MPs) refused to back his budget.

Bayrou was himself installed after Michel Barnier was ousted last December.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Its Republican counterpart then fell short at 52-42.

Soon after the vote, Trump took to social media to blame Democrats for shutting down the government.

"I am happy to work with the Democrats on their Failed Healthcare Policies, or anything else, but first they must allow our Government to re-open. In fact, they should open our Government tonight!" he posted on his Truth Social platform. Democrats have held out on supporting the Republican-led proposal because they say it undercuts medical access for lower-income Americans. They want any funding bill to ensure health insurance subsidies for lower-income Americans do not expire and reverse the Trump Administration's cuts to the Medicaid health programme.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Sudan militia leader convicted of war crimes during Darfur war

ASudanese militia leader has been found guilty of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Darfur region more than 20 years ago.

Ali Muhammad Ali AbdAl-Rahman, also known as Ali Kushayb, was one of the leaders of the Janjaweed, a Government-backed group that terrorised Darfur, killing hundreds of thousands of people.

Kushayb is the first person to be tried by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the atrocities in Darfur. He had argued it was a case of mistaken identity.

The conflict lasted from 2003 to 2020 and was one of the world's gravest humanitarian disasters, with allegations of ethnic cleansing and genocide against the region's non-Arabic population.

Five years after the end of that crisis, Darfur is a key battleground in another civil war, this time between

Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), whose origins lie in the Janjaweed.

During Kushayb's trial, survivors described how their villages were burned down, men and boys slaughtered and women forced into sex slavery.

Presiding judge Joanna Korner said: "He encouraged and gave instructions that resulted in the killings, the rapes and destruction committed by the Janjaweed."

She added that Kushayb had given orders to "wipe out and sweep away" non-Arab tribes and told soldiers "don't leave anyone behind. Bring no one alive".

The militia leader was found guilty on 27 counts, centring on attacks committed between 2003 and 2004.

Ahead of the verdict, a small group of Darfuris waited patiently to enter the court, in the Dutch city of The Hague. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Find innovative ways to simplify your life. Jumping to conclusions will lead to emotional mayhem. Choose kindness over ego and peace over discord.

Review, adjust and carry on. How you devise your next move and the envision the progress you intend to make will determine the outcome. What you physically accomplish will matter most.

Learn on the go. Attend networking events or reach out to key people at companies you want to work for or do business with, and you'll gain insight and access to valuable information.

Think twice before you agree to do something. Get the lowdown and question the cost involved and the time you must designate to participate before you commit. Don't pay for someone else; offer suggestions, not cash.

Establish a look that boosts your confidence. Keep your emotions out of conversations that can influence your reputation or position. Don't argue; state the facts and walk away.

SUDOKU

Assess yourself and consider making personal changes that will give you the edge in competitive situations. A kind word or a show of concern will pay off.

Check facts, err on the side of caution and choose to do, take and give less to avoid backlash. Channel your energy into healthy living, love and leisure time.

Don't be afraid to do things differently. Being unique will attract positive attention. Participating in events that combine business with pleasure will provide a platform to showcase your skills.

Get out and about; participate in functions that relate to your professional goals. Leave nothing to chance when in a competitive situation. Play to win, and victory will follow.

Truth matters; verify information and question anything that sounds too good to be true. Speak up and show your leadership ability, and opportunities will sprout.

Pay attention to what's happening at home. Hard work and reliability will help you maintain good relationships with clients, employers and anyone else you deal with today.

Stay on top of investments and health issues. Deal directly with institutions to ensure you receive accurate information. Hit the reset button and check the rules and regulations for any updates or changes.

ICC Women's World Cup

Tazmin Brits is having a year like no other. Her fifth hundred in 2025 – the most ever by a woman in a calendar year – studded South Africa's dominance as they got onto the points table with a crushing six-wicket win over New Zealand, who slumped to their second straight loss in Indore.

Four nights after being bundled out for the second-lowest score in World Cups, South Africa showed authority and intent in chasing down 232 in 40.5 overs. This somewhat helped cover up for a massive net run rate dent from their embarrassing loss to England in Guwahati.

That South Africa had only these many to chase was largely thanks to leftarm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba, whose 4 for 40 triggered an alarming slide af -

Georgia Plimmer struggled to hit the ball off the square in a painstaking 31 off 68 balls. Devine was largely measured, taking 66 deliveries to bring up a half-century, her 17th in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), be -

To make a fist of the target, New Zealand needed early wickets, and they had one when Laura Wolvaardt, who plucked a stunner to end New Zealand's innings, was out lbw playing around her front pad to Jess Kerr.

half-century that she raised off 76 balls. Brits' counter-attack gave her the rare luxury of finding her feet as the ball spun and jumped, merely underlin ing how ridiculously easy Brits had made batting look.

ter Sophie Devine and Brook Halliday threatened a jailbreak. After the pair had added a quickfire 86 for the fourth wicket, New Zealand were coasting at 187 for 3 in 38 overs when Mlaba made big dents.

Halliday contributed 45 off 37 in a terrific exhibition of sweeps and reverse-sweeps, before falling to one hit too many when she top-edged a slog-sweep off Mlaba at the start of the 39th. During her stay, she briefly gave South Africa the shivers, like she had in last year's T20 World Cup final in

South Africa hit back quickly after Halliday's dismissal, with Mlaba next sending back Maddy Green to an ill-advised reverse sweep as she picked out backward point. Amid the collapse, Devine held out hope for New Zealand, like she'd done in hitting a valiant 112 against Australia in their Devine helped shift gears after

fore shifting gears, as she fed off Halliday's form and enterprise.

Halliday and Devine raised their half-century stand off just 41 deliveries, and New Zealand looked set for a lift-off. But Devine's dismissal for 85, attempting to work a full delivery into the leg side, had a deflating effect. Ayabonga Khaka then cleaned up the lower order, as New Zealand lost 7 for 44 to be bowled out for 231, leaving 13 deliveries unused.

All told, it was an innings of contrasting fortunes. New Zealand played themselves into a hole, consuming as many as 72 dots in the first 15 overs to leave the middle order with too much to do, after Suzie Bates fell for a second straight duck off the first ball of the match and Amelie Kerr for 22. Then Devine and Halliday bailed them out, but in having a terrible back 10, New Zealand undid all the good work through the middle overs.

But that was as much joy as they were to derive over the next two hours as Brits put on an exhibition, with Sune Luus for company.

Brits' was a high-tempo innings full of stunning shots, and it included a thrilling takedown of Kerr early in the innings to offset any threat South Africa had. Having begun the innings steadily, Brits went into overdrive after the 10over mark, at one point hitting five boundaries in nine deliveries, en route to a 44ball half-century, her fastest in ODIs.

Brits equally punished Eden Carson, the offspinner, muscling a six to bring up the 100 partnership off 111 deliveries. Brits' use of her feet to negate any turn and bludgeon spinners repeatedly down the ground made for thrilling viewing. And while she was flying, Luus was fighting for survival.

Unlike Brits, Luus struggled for timing, but the reward for all that tenacity for a fight was a

Brits fell soon after getting to her century, bowled attempting to pull a skiddy length ball off Lea Tahuhu to leave South Africa briefly wobbly, as they lost two more wickets in an attempt to raze down the runs. But even through that, the result was a foregone conclusion.

Luus raised the winning runs with a lofted hit over extra cover, finishing unbeaten on 83 to ensure South Africa ride a wave of confidence when they meet hosts and table-toppers India come Thursday in Vizag. New Zealand will hope for a change of luck when they travel to Guwahati to play Bangladesh the following day. (ESPNcricinfo)

Young Warriors upset Tucber Park

Police,

ed by the consistent duo of Suresh Dhanai and Trevon Stanislaus, Young Warriors Cricket Club pulled off a major win against a star-studded Tucber Park side, which featured Romario Shepherd. The duo ensured Young Warriors a 57run win in the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) two-day first division tournament. Playing at the Young Warriors ground, Stanislaus had

11 wickets in the match, while Dhanai claimed seven wickets across both innings.

Young Warriors posted 107 all out in their first innings, with Roydeh Phil scoring 29 and Stanislaus hitting 25. Leg-spinner Zeynul Ramsammy spun his way to five wickets, claiming 5-31 from 12.4 overs. Tucber Park batted and made 140 all out, with Malcolm Mickle top-scoring with 44.

Stanislaus claimed 5-64 from 19 overs. He was well supported by seamer Dhanai, who had 3-32 from 10.2 overs.

Everest record wins

The Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) Dave West Indian Inc First-Division 50Over competition resumed over the weekend with several exciting fixtures producing high-scoring encounters. Police Sports Club (PSC) and Everest Cricket Club both registered convincing victories in their respective matches.

Police Sports Club v Guyana Defence Force

At the Police Sports Club (PSC) Ground, the hosts won the toss and chose to bat first against the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). Despite being bowled out in 45.1 overs, the PSC maintained an aggressive scoring rate to post a formidable 345 all out.

Kemol Savory was the standout performer with a blistering 69 off 51 deliveries, featuring three fours and seven towering sixes. Kanaiya Ramkarran played a more measured hand, scoring 53 from 60 balls with five fours and two sixes. Cameos

Young Warriors, batting in the second innings, made 150 all out, with top-order batter Martin Singh hitting 42. Tucber Park required 117 for an outright victory, but they were sent packing for 60 all out. International star Romario Shepherd top-scored for Tucber Park with 22 in the second innings, which included two huge maximums.

In the second innings, Stanislaus accounted for six wickets. His victims were Kevin Kisten, Romario Shepherd, Nial Smith, Gevan Schultz, Gilbert Griffith, and Micah Amsterdam. Dhanai's wick-

ets were Tomani Caesar, Malcolm Mickle, Zeynul Ramsammy, and Kwesi Mickle.

Despite Dhanai's con sistency, he continues to be ignored by selectors. He has 25 wickets in four games in the ongoing first division tourna ment.

Young Warriors have now finished in the top po sition in their group, with three outright victories and one first innings point in a drawn encounter. The East Canje-based team ad vanced to the semi-finals, where they take on the Rose Hall Town team.

in GCA 1st Division calls for increased support for West Indies cricket from regional tourism partners

from Quentin Sampson (35); Anthony Adams (34) and Pernell London (37) further boosted the total. Offspinner Leon Andrews was the pick of the GDF bowlers with 4 for 76, while Nigel Deodat and Shamal Angel chipped in with two wickets apiece.

In reply, GDF s chase was spearheaded by a brilliant unbeaten 155 from Garfield Benjamin, who struck 17 fours and five sixes in his 117-ball masterpiece. He was well supported by Deodat, who hammered 68 from just 45 deliveries, decorated with two fours and six sixes. However, despite their efforts, GDF collapsed under mounting pressure and were bowled out for 282 in 39 overs. Dwayne Dick, Adams, and Ramkarran

all claimed two wick ets each, as PSC se cured a 63run victory.

Everest Cricket Club v Transport Sports Club

Over at Everest, the home side elected to bowl first after winning the toss against Transport Sports Club. The visitors made a strong start as openers Romeo Deonarine (65)

and Riyad Latif (64) compiled a fluent 117-run stand. Jadon Campbell added a composed 55, but a middle and lower-order slump saw Transport dismissed for 255 in 46 overs. Everest s bowlers shared the spoils, with Chris Harry and Assad Fudadin taking three wickets each, while Matthew Nandu and Rafael Singh bagged two apiece.

Chasing 256 for victory, Everest lost Fudadin early for 6, but Nandu steadied the innings with a calm 68 off 76 balls. Ushardeva Balgobin contributed 34, before Captain Richie Looknauth took charge with a superb match-winning 98 from 93 deliveries, laced with 12 fours and three sixes. His commanding knock guided Everest to 256 for 5 in 43.4 overs, sealing a comfortable five-wicket win.

During the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), Cricket West Indies Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Chris Dehring urged tourism partners who financially benefit from West Indies cricket to share responsibility for its recovery and continued health.

The remarks were delivered during the September 30th-October 3rd conference in Barbados, which brought together regional leaders to engage in discussions on the future of Caribbean tourism and its intersections with other industries.

Dehring revealed that in the last 15 years, CWI has spent approximately US$82.5

the benchmark for meaningful support of West Indies Cricket by a hotel partner.

“CWI’s expenditure on hotel accommodation over the last 15 years has been close to

million on airlift and an additional US$120 million on hotel accommodation across the Region.

Despite this substantial contribution to Caribbean tourism, sponsorship support from the sector has been extremely limited.

He expressed, “We’ve spent US$82.5 million on airlift over the last 15 years, but received zero dollars in sponsorship from airlines, despite knocking on doors and primarily using one carrier. Regional airlines are not pulling their weight. It is a one-sided relationship and, quite frankly, it is not fair to the development of our sport.”

The CEO highlighted the unwavering commitment of Sandals Resorts International, which has set

US$120 million. Out of that, only Sandals has ever stepped forward. We are extremely grateful to Sandals Resorts for this longstanding partnership, but the truth is, the rest of the regional hotel sector has never matched their example.”

He stressed that without greater collaboration and investment from beneficiaries like the tourism sector, West Indies cricket's sustainability will forever be challenged.

“These are the uncomfortable but necessary conversations we must have. Tourism reaps tremendous benefits from cricket, but CWI is left carrying the financial burden. ? Shared investment is critical at this juncture for future-proofing our beloved game. ? This is not about shifting responsibility. It is about acknowledging that CWI as

an organisation cannot do it alone.”

Dehring’s comments came during a panel discussion during the conference that also featured Cardigan O’Connor, Minister of Health, Tourism and Sport of Anguilla; alongside West Indies legend Joel Garner; and moderated by Caribbean sports personality Alex Jordan.

The session highlighted the vital intersections between sports, tourism, and sustainable development.

CWI is urging tourism boards, airlines, and hotel groups across the Caribbean to recognise the vital role of cricket in driving visitor arrivals, filling hotel rooms, and strengthening the Caribbean brand, and to ensure the sport receives equitable support in return. (CWI)

Shabazz “proud” of investment paying off

…as Slingerz claim Elite League title early

With two games to spare, the identity of the champions of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League 2025 season is by now no secret. With a dominant 10-1 victory against Monedderlust FC on Saturday night, Slingerz Football Club sealed victory in the seventh season of the League, in the second year since their return.

Slingerz’s onslaught at the GFF’s National Training Centre (NTC) on Saturday began with Derrel Garcia chipping the ball into the right corner of the net for the opening goal in the 19th minute. Nicholai Andrews sneaked one past the keeper three minutes later to push the score to 2-0 while Kemar Beckford made it a 3-0 affair by the 31st.

While Monedderlust’s chances at a proper defence were hindered when their first-string keeper was issued a red card, both Garcia (19th, 74th) and Beckford (31st, 35th) registered braces while Darron Niles produced a hat-trick in the 40th, 55th and 56th minutes. Alongside solitary strikes off the boots of Curtez Kellman (82nd) and Jean-Heim McFee (86th), Slingerz FC stamped their authority over their familiar foes. In the final minute of regulation time, Niron Thom managed to pull one back for Monedderlust.

In the aftermath, Slingerz Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz told Guyana Times

Deo claims victory at Trophy Stall Golf Tournament

The Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) came alive on Sunday, October 5, 2025 as golfers took to the course for the highly-anticipated Trophy Stall Golf Tournament.

The event once again showcased skill, sportsmanship, and strong camaraderie among the club’s members.

Emerging as the overall winner was Dr Joaan Deo, who delivered an impressive performance with a gross score of 82 and a net of 68, edging out the second-place winner by countback with 39 gross on the back nine. This win marks a remarkable achievement for Dr Deo, who expressed both joy and gratitude following her victory.

“It feels really good to win this tournament, especial-

ly being my first tournament for 2025 and also four months post-partum,” said Dr Deo. “The competition was much needed in preparation for the Guyana Open in November, and being the winner among the men makes it even more special.”

Closely following was Fazil Haniff, who matched Deo’s net 68 with a gross of 89 and handicap of 21, while Anand Persaud and Parmanand Persaud tied for third and fourth respectively with net scores of 71. Troy Cadogan rounded off the top five with a gross of 97, handicap of 24, and net of 73.

Additional prizes were awarded to standout performers:

? Longest Drive: Troy Cadogan

Sport that it was important for the side to justify their investment this season, though it did come with some struggles.

Shabazz said, “I think it was important to justify the investment in bringing me in and bringing in some players. It was important to win the League and even win the League with two games to spare is a justification of the investment and seriousness Slingerz has shown as a club to take themselves to the next level.

“I think definitely, the guys worked very hard. It was a difficult first two months, the guys having to adjust to the strict discipline, the tactical moves that we worked on, but now, we see a team that has gelled, that has become really, really united and that are playing for each other. I’m really, really proud of the guys for the type of effort that they make, the kind of sacrifices. It’s easy to say you have the best players and because you have the best

players, you should win. In world football, we know everything is on the day and how you manage your crew and I’m really proud of the guys today.”

Quizzed about the remaining two games against the Guyana Police Force and Guyana Defence Force, Shabazz noted how important it was to end unbeaten while still giving chances to young players.

“We have to show that we want to take it to the end, playing Police and GDF. At the same time, we want to give some opportunity for some players who’ve been competing and not been starting, so it’s a mixture. We will play a strong team, because we gotta continue to train and give respect to the League, but also, we want to put in some fresh legs who’ve been knocking on the door to keep them motivated and keep them fighting,” the Slingerz gaffer shared with this publication.

In other Elite League action over the weekend, Ann’s

Grove United, also competing on Saturday, downed Mainstay Goldstar FC 5-2.

Niron Jerrick opened the scoring for Ann’s Grove in the ninth minute while Jaden Vangronigen extended their lead in the 15th for a 2-0 score at halftime. Damion Lynch responded for Mainstay after the break in the 63rd minute, but Jamaine Samuels put the thought of a comeback out of their minds with a brace in the 71st and 84th. Shuaib Berkshire accounted for Ann’s Grove’s fifth in the 86th while Calvin Richmond was responsible for Mainstay’s other goal in the 90th+3.

On Sunday, a Jomal Robinson goal in the 63rd helped Den Amstel needle Fruta Conquerors 1-0. Another low-scoring encounter followed as Colin Nelson and Abumuchi Opara netted for GDF in their ensuing 2-0 defeat of Santos FC. The League is set to continue this weekend at the same venue.

Yearwood slams selectors over Devon Lord Inter-County snub

Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC)

? Nearest to the Pin (NTP): Ian Gouveia

? Most Net Pars: Parmanand Persaud (11)

? Best Gross: Avinash Persaud (76)

Lusignan Golf Club extended heartfelt appreciation to Ramesh Sunich and Trophy Stall for their continued partnership and generous support of the club and its events. Trophy Stall remains one of the LGC’s longest-standing sponsors, consistently contributing to the development of golf in Guyana.

With the Suriname Invitational on the horizon on October 11-12, 2025, this tournament served as the perfect warm-up for local players seeking to fine-tune their game and test their competitive edge.

President Jonathan Yearwood has voiced strong criticism of the selection process for the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) Senior Inter-County team, describing it as “unfair” and lacking transparency.

In a social media post, Yearwood expressed disappointment over the omission of spinner Devon Lord, who has been one of the most consistent performers on the domestic circuit.

“The non-selection of Devon Lord to the Demerara Cricket Board Senior InterCounty team emphasises the unfairness of picking a team without having trial matches,” Yearwood wrote. “He was the leading wicket-taker last year and this year, but couldn't find favour with the selectors.”

Lord’s record speaks for itself. He was the leading wicket-taker in last year’s Inter-County tournament, and has again been among the top performers this sea-

son. Despite his consistency, the selectors overlooked him for the current squad, raising questions about the criteria used for selection.

Yearwood argued that trial matches would have provided players with a fair opportunity to compete for places and would have given selectors a clearer picture of current form. His re-

marks have sparked debate in local cricket circles, with several fans and club officials echoing his concerns.

The DCB has not yet issued an official response to the criticism, but the omission of a proven performer like Lord is likely to increase pressure on the selectors to explain their decision-making process.