Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com
Issue No. 6577
THE BEACON OF TRUTH TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
Guyana’s economy grew by 33.3% in 1st half of 2026; full-year growth forecast raised to 20.8% See story on page 3
…“Isn't this an economy that is healthy?” – Pres Ali
Govt writes off $175.6M in student …over 206,000 students received loans for 204 persons financial support – mid-year report Page 2
PRICE $100 VAT INCLUDED
WHAT'S INSIDE:
Zero-interest Development Bank set to P10 launch on Oct 5 MV Barima tragedy
Defence seeks stay in murder proceedings P16 …Magistrate targets endNovember committal
Discipline is P5 fundamental – GFS Chief tells 107 new recruits
Credit card spending hits US$356M so GT Mayor proposes garbage security far in 2026 plans, deposits for city businesses – Pres Ali P14
See story on page 7
Citigroup has established a representative office in Guyana, with President Dr Irfaan Ali saying the move reflects growing international confidence in the country’s economic opportunities. Ali delivered the feature address at the official opening of Citigroup’s representative office on Monday. The New York-based financial institution is one of the largest banks in the United States and operates globally, with about 85 per cent of its clients being Fortune 500 companies (President Dr Irfaan Ali/Facebook)
19-yearold dies in Berbice motorcycle crash Page 13
Govt to overhaul power grid as demand projected to double by 2029 See story on page 12
…GPL’s network under severe strain with razor-thin margin between supply, demand
New approach needed to fighting crime – AG, DPP P5
2 NEWS
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Govt writes off $175.6M in student loans for 204 persons …over 206,000 students received financial support – mid-year report
T
he University of Guyana (UG) has written off $175.6 million in student loans for 204 persons during the first half of 2026, bringing the total value of loans cancelled since the programme began in 2024 to $3.2 billion. The disclosure was made in the 2026 Mid-Year Report, which shows that $85.4 billion of the $183.6 billion allocated to education for the year was spent during the first six months. At the tertiary level, UG expended $7 billion during the first half of the year, including expenditure related to the expansion of access to medicine and en-
workplace ethics and professionalism, project management and data analysis. The target is to enroll 10,000 persons by the end of the year. gineering programmes. In April, the university’s pre-medicine programme was extended to all regions, with 80 students currently benefiting. More than 400 applications are also being processed for the 2026/2027 academic year. Twentyseven students in Regions Two and Six are currently pursuing civil and mechanical engineering at UG’s regional centres. Through the Guyana Online Academy
of Learning (GOAL), more than 3,800 persons graduated from local and international institutions during the first half of 2026. Of the $5.8 billion allocated for scholarships, $1.9 billion was spent during the period. The Public Service Upskilling Platform also recorded 4,310 enrolments for professional development programmes covering areas including customer service fundamentals,
10 schools completed
At the school level, $6.1 billion was spent on construction, rehabilitation and maintenance during the first half of the year, out of a $24.3 billion allocation for school infrastructure. The report stated that 10 schools were completed, including Falls Top and Kanapang Nursery Schools, Karaudarnau Secondary School and the Santa Rosa Dormitory. Work is continuing on
more than 30 other facilities countrywide. Over 1,700 teachers across all levels also participated in continuous professional development training during the first half of the year, while 2,000 teachers are expected to graduate later this year. Beginning in September, the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) will offer specialised Science and Mathematics training to trainees pursuing Early Childhood and Primary Education. According to the report, consultations are also ongoing for CPCE to offer an associate degree in Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics (STEM) Education during the second half of the year. Efforts are also being made to increase the availability of textbooks and other classroom resources. A comprehensive needs assessment was conducted during the first half of the year to guide the procurement of textbooks, workbooks and reading materials for nursery, primary and secondary schools. These resources are expected to be distributed during the second half of the year to 511 nursery, 436 primary and 146 secondary schools. TURN TO PAGE 13
NEWS 3
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
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WEATHER TODAY Sunny skies are expected during the day, interrupted by thundery to light rain showers in the afternoon. Clear skies are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East-North-Easterly to Easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.92 metres. High Tide: 06:44h and 18:53h reaching maximum heights of 2.60 metres and 2.62 metres. Low Tide: 12:30h reaching a minimum height of 0.68 metre.
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Guyana’s economy grew by 33.3% in 1st half of 2026, full-year growth forecast raised to 20.8% … “Isn't this an economy that is healthy?” – Pres Ali
G
uyana’s economy expanded by 33.3 per cent during the first half of 2026, with the full-year growth projection now revised to 20.8 per cent. President Dr Irfaan Ali shared the figures during a press conference on Monday as he highlighted the country’s strong economic and fiscal performance. “Our overall GDP (gross domestic product) grew by an estimated 33.3 per cent in the first half of 2026. The nonoil economy grew by an estimated 10.1 per cent. The revised full year forecast for real GDP growth is now 20.8 per cent overall and 10.2 per cent for nonoil GDP growth. This will represent the sixth consecutive year of expansion in the overall non-oil economy following the contraction of the non-oil economy in 2020,” the Guyanese leader informed. Giving sectoral breakdowns, he noted that the mining and quarrying sector is estimated to have expanded by 40.7 per cent in the first half of the year and according to Ali, “this speaks to the growing expansion taking place in our country, construction, development of industries”. “Industries lead to jobs. Jobs led to more income. More income leads to better economic prospects,” he emphasised. Moreover, the President detailed that the oil and gas subsector grew by 41.3 per cent, the bauxite subsector grew by 7.3 per cent and the gold and mining subsector grew by an estimated 11.3
per cent. The Head of State noted that the growth in the gold and mining sector could be attributed to tougher enforcement measures being implemented by the Government. “As you know, late last year we started to implement new measures to accelerate declaration to improve accountability and transparency in the declaration in this sector. So, I'm very happy to see that growth of 11.3 per cent,” he remarked. Meanwhile, other mining, which comprises sand, stone, manganese, diamond, is estimated to have grown by 40 per cent. The agriculture, forestry and fishing sector, despites challenges in transportation, logistics, increased costs of input like fuel, recorded a marginal contraction of 0.5 per cent. Specific sectors, however, performed optimally with the sugar industry expanding by 19.3 per cent and the rice sector growing by 4.4 per cent. Individually, the forestry sector is estimated to
have grown by 15.4 per cent, and the fishing subsector is estimated to have grown by 4.1 per cent. Manufacturing sector has grown by 3 per cent and services by 7.2 per cent. President Ali also highlighted growth in net domestic credit, emphasising that the figures tell a story of a thriving economy. “Monetary development at the end of the first half of 2026, net domestic credit stood at 1.286 billion, exceeding the
December 2025 position by 15.5 per cent. Credit to the private sector grew by 11.5 per cent. Credit to households grew by 75.8 billion, 14.6 per cent. And that is year-on-year growth. Isn't this an economy that is healthy? Isn't this an economy that is demonstrating strength, that is demonstrating diversification, that is demonstrating structural stability? That is what these numbers demonstrate,” he expressed.
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com
Digital route to faster action in schools
T
he Education Ministry’s introduction of a digital reporting platform for schools is a good move towards improving communication and responsiveness within one of the country’s most important public sectors. The value of the initiative extends way beyond the introduction of another technological tool. At its core, the platform is designed to address a longstanding administrative challenge, ensuring that problems identified at the school level reach the appropriate authority quickly, with sufficient information to support a response. Too often, relatively straightforward issues can take considerable time to reach the relevant authority, particularly when reporting depends on a chain of verbal communication, informal messages, or multiple administrative layers. By the time a concern reaches the office capable of addressing it, valuable time may have been lost. That is particularly problematic in schools, where issues involving water, sanitation, infrastructure, utilities and other basic requirements can directly affect the quality of the learning environment. Under the system with headteachers, principals and teachers in charge formally making reports using their official school email addresses is a significant level of visibility. Reports that previously might have depended on a telephone call, letter or informal communication can now enter a centralised system accessible to multiple levels of the education administration. The assignment of four officers to monitor reports and maintain communication with the regions is another important component. A reporting system has limited value if complaints disappear into an electronic database without follow-up. Monitoring must, therefore, remain central to the initiative, particularly if the objective is not merely to record problems, but to ensure that they are resolved. The platform also introduces a greater measure of accountability. Once an issue is formally submitted and distributed to the relevant officials, there is a clearer administrative trail. This creates an opportunity to determine when a problem was reported, where it was sent, and whether action followed. Such a system can help identify recurring problems as well. If several schools repeatedly report similar concerns involving water, sanitation, infrastructure or other areas, the Ministry will have access to a clearer body of information from which broader interventions can be planned. This could prove particularly useful for resource allocation as decisions about repairs, maintenance and other interventions are strengthened when they are informed by timely and documented reports from schools across the country rather than isolated complaints. The move towards making the platform mandatory is, therefore, understandable as a digital system cannot provide a complete picture of conditions in the education system if its use is inconsistent. Mandatory reporting, accompanied by clear guidelines and appropriate training, should help establish a standardised process across schools. Schools must be encouraged to use the system consistently and reports must receive timely acknowledgement and action. There must also be clear responsibility at each administrative level for following up on matters assigned for resolution. A platform that merely changes the method of submitting complaints without improving the response process would fall short of its potential. The Ministry’s approach, therefore, should extend outside launching the technology. Performance monitoring will be essential. Information on the number of reports received, categories of issues, response times and resolution rates could eventually provide valuable insight into the effectiveness of the system. The Chief Education Officer’s observation that issues cannot be fixed if authorities are not told about them captures the fundamental purpose of the initiative. Effective administration depends on reliable information reaching the right officials at the right time. For Guyana’s education system, where schools are spread across regions with different logistical and infrastructural challenges, a centralised digital reporting mechanism is a sensible development. The platform may not eliminate every delay or solve every problem, but it can, however, remove one important obstacle, uncertainty over where a problem has been reported and who is responsible for responding. In an education system serving thousands of students and teachers, faster communication and better tracking of unresolved issues should be viewed as essential components of effective public service delivery.
President Dr Irfaan Ali has been honoured with the CEAPI Medal of Honour in Madrid, Spain, in recognition of his leadership, contribution to Guyana’s development and the country’s growing international standing. The award was presented during Ali’s one-day visit to the Spanish capital. During the visit, President Ali met with Madrid Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida, with discussions focusing on the impact of sports tourism on cities and countries. Ali also visited the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid, where he gained insight into the management and maintenance of the world-class sporting facility
School violence – A sharedresponsibility approach By Helen Drayton
P
rime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar has signalled zero tolerance for disrespectful and disruptive students and for parents and guardians who refuse to cooperate. She urged students to take their education seriously, attend classes regularly, remain disciplined, respect teachers and school staff, and accept responsibility for their academic progress. She also called on parents to play a more active role in their children’s upbringing and defended teachers’ and students’ right to a safe working and learning environment. This is sound and timely advice. The Prime Minister also stressed that parenting is the responsibility of families, not the State, and “if students refuse to behave properly and parents ignore their concerns, send them home and let them and their parents battle it out in their house”. Simply sending misbehaving students home is unlikely to solve the problem and may increase their risk of becoming involved in the juvenile justice system. The Education Act permits suspension and expulsion, but also imposes obligations concerning school attendance. While public frustration with school violence is understandable, it is too narrow to treat the discipline and development of children solely as a family matter. That overlooks the State’s legitimate role in children’s education, development, and protection. Responsibility is shared but distinct. Parents have primary responsibility for their children’s upbringing –love, values, education, other essentials of life, and safety and discipline. Schools are responsible for effective teaching, maintaining discipline, and providing a safe learning environment. The State mandates education and provides child protection, health and other support services. As children mature, they must also assume increasing responsibility for their conduct and face appropriate
consequences. We should not excuse violence by attributing every incident to social or psychological problems. Sometimes teenagers make bad decisions. They know when their behaviour is wrong. Blaming parents alone is equally simplistic. School culture, peer pressure, gangs, drugs, domestic circumstances, adolescence and gaps in social and education policy can all contribute. Nor should every student involved in a fight automatically be treated as equally culpable. A child defending himself or herself against a threatening bully presents a different case from one who deliberately instigates violence. Nevertheless, violent students pose a risk to teachers and other children and must be dealt with firmly and reasonably. Sending them home may transfer the problem to parents who are themselves unequipped to manage serious behavioural difficulties. Evidencebased parenting initiatives such as Triple P and The Incredible Years have been used internationally by 25 countries to strengthen parenting skills, family relationships and child behaviour. Adapting such programmes locally could better equip parents and guardians. We should also ask difficult questions. Why do some previously disruptive students perform better when transferred into more structured educational environments such as SERVOL? Why does serious indiscipline appear less prevalent in some denominational schools? The answers may include strong school leadership, proactive intervention, parental engagement, effective school boards, consistent discipline, clear expectations, quality teaching and a culture of achievement. Good teaching itself can be a powerful behavioural intervention. The experiences of SERVOL and successful denominational schools suggest caution in attributing indiscipline primarily to parenting. Parenting is a major variable, but school culture,
leadership and institutional practices matter enormously. We should examine objectively why serious fighting and indiscipline are disproportionately concentrated in Government schools and determine why. What successful policies and practices can be drawn from SERVOL and the denominational schools? Early intervention at the primary level is critical. Schools should identify behavioural, socio-emotional and psychological difficulties before they become entrenched. Secondary schools often inherit students whose behavioural problems have developed over many years without adequate intervention. Primary education should, therefore, deliberately cultivate social skills, empathy, selfcontrol, conflict resolution, respect and an understanding of physical boundaries. Policymakers should consider five priorities: 1) invest in early behavioural intervention and specialist support, including counsellors, social workers and mental-health professionals; 2) strengthen teacher and school-leader training in classroom management, conflict resolution and restorative discipline; 3) build stronger school-familycommunity partnerships supported by multidisciplinary teams; 4) contemplate effective non-exclusionary interventions before suspension or expulsion where appropriate; 5) enforce clear rules consistently and fairly, backed by early intervention, parental involvement and specialist support. The objective should not be a choice between parental responsibility and State responsibility. Parents must parent; schools must educate and maintain discipline; students must be held accountable; and the State must provide the framework and interventions necessary to protect children and teachers. That shared-responsibility approach offers a better prospect of safer schools and better outcomes than simply sending troubled children home to “battle it out” with their parents. (T&T Guardian)
guyanatimesgy.com
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
5
News
Discipline is fundamental – GFS Chief tells 107 new recruits T
he Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has welcomed 107 new recruits who began training at the Leonora Training School, West Coast Demerara (WCD) on September 1, 2026. The recruitment is part of the Service’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its human resources and build its capacity to respond to emergencies and serve communities across Guyana. Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham welcomed the
Some of the new recruits who officially commenced training with the GFS at the Leonora Training School
recruits and encouraged them as they begin their
training. During his address, Wickham stressed
the importance of discipline, describing it as a
fundamental principle of the firefighting profes-
sion and one that recruits must maintain throughout their training and careers. He also urged the recruits to be their brother’s keeper by supporting one another and embracing teamwork as they work towards completing the programme. The recruits are expected to undergo several months of intensive training aimed at preparing them for the responsibilities and demands of the firefighting profession.
New approach needed to fight crime – AG, DPP
Some of the participants at the training
A
ttorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, SC and Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC have called for a new approach to criminal justice as technology and organised crime continue to evolve. Ali-Hack made the call while opening a two-day training programme for State Counsel attached to the DPP’s Chambers, Police Prosecutors, the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) and Police Legal Advisers at Pegasus Corporate Suites on September 10.
She praised the United Nations (UN) PACE Project for facilitating the training, describing it as timely, particularly with the introduction of new legislation governing criminal law. Ali-Hack pointed to the Cybercrime Act and other information technology (IT) legislation as examples of areas in which prosecutors and law enforcement personnel must strengthen their knowledge. “This training is very important, it is very timely,” she said, adding that the incorporation of information technology into the law
requires the country to “adjust and move with the times.” Nandlall, in his feature address, said changes in the nature of criminal activity require a corresponding change in the way crime is investigated and prosecuted. “I think we have to accept that the criminals have won the battle,” he said. “We simply must be able to appreciate by now that what we did over the last 50 years has not worked.” He said law enforcement agencies must change their approach if they are to improve their effectiveness over the next 50 years. According to
Nandlall, criminal enterprises have increasingly gained access to technology, substantial financing and, in some cases, influence within Government structures. “They have access now to technology and it’s using it in a far more assertive way than law enforcement agencies are using it,” he said. Nandlall stressed that responding to crime requires a coordinated approach involving investigators, prosecutors and the courts. “We can’t be prosecuting criminals in a room, losing the battle in the courts and then you have a tribunal that is not responsive. Or we have investigators who do not do the basic investigations necessary to yield the results that we would like to see,” he said. He said the training programme was important because it strengthened “all the important links in the chain” involved in the criminal justice process. The two-day programme was conducted by Justice of Appeal of Trinidad and Tobago, Gillian Lucky and covered a range of areas relevant to criminal prosecutions. Topics in-
cluded money laundering offences, voir dires, caution statements, video interviews, res gestae, dying declarations, hearsay evidence and its exceptions, rebuttal evidence, additional and
fresh evidence, secondary evidence, cross-examination and re-examination. The training also covered circumstantial evidence, identification evidence and plea bargaining.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026 00:00 Sign Off 06:00 Islam for Guyana 06:30 TVG Devotional Hour 07:00 Evening News (RB) 08:00 HGTV 10:00 Stop Suffering 11:00 Documentary: Nat Geo Animals 12:00 Movie - The Dancing Detective: A Deadly Tango (2023) 13:30 Movie - Mystery 101: Words Can Kill (2019) 15:00 Cartoons 16:00 Indian Soaps 17:00 The Young & The Restless 18:00 TVG Music Break 18:30 Teaching the Truth in Love 19:00 The Evening News 20:00 Stop Suffering 20:30 GIT Perspectives 21:30 TVG Music Break 22:00 Movie - The Best of Me (2014)
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
Foundation ◄
Page
Venn Diagrams cont’d
● Set notation To describe a subset, we need to understand key symbols and set notation for different sets including the intersection of sets, the union of sets, and the absolute complement of sets. Here are some common examples of set notation and their meaning,
By Karl Knights
We can use combinations of these, for example: A′ ∪ B′ or (A∩B)′ .
Centrifugal force and motion science experiment
I
n this fun and easy science experiment, we’re going to explore and investigate centrifugal force and motion. Materials: String Tennis ball Knife NB: Adult supervision needed
Instructions: Have an adult cut a hole through a tennis ball. Push the string through the hole and tie a knot on the opposite end to keep the string from pulling back through. Leave about four feet of string hanging from the tennis ball. Go outside. Hold the string by the loose end and swing around in a circle. The centrifugal force will pull the tennis ball up.
How it works: Centrifugal force is the energy of an object trying to stay in a straight line while travelling in a circle. This is actually not a force at all, but a result of inertia, which is the tendency of an object to resist rest. Make this a science project: Try different lengths of string. Try different types of balls that are heavier or lighter. (sciencefun.org)
Nothing too far out. Three minutes here and there. Keep left at the village’s one Georgian window. Dawdle along Priory Road, backtrack to Angel Lane. Blame it on winter, no streetlights for over an hour. Once we clipped a small deer, saw him hobble back into the trees. For a second I wished we’d hit him full on. No one hurt. Car damaged, not a write-off. Shattered headlights, blood trail across cat’s eyes. Home. Apologize for detours, offer to pay petrol. I should’ve taken up fags; I could’ve stood a while, down to the filter, watching gnats fly in circles under the apple tree. No more faffing around. Find my key in my camo pencil case, remember what my boxing coach said about my strong chin. (Source: Poetry [September 2026])
Include the words "Who’s there, knocking on the door?" in your story.
WORD SEARCH
NEWS 7
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Credit card spending hits US$356M so far in 2026 – President Ali …59,951 new bank accounts opened between April and August
A
s the economy continues to expand, President Dr Irfaan Ali has highlighted changing spending patterns among citizens, revealing that credit card transactions have amounted to approximately US$356 million so far this year. He made the disclosure during a press conference on Monday as he pointed to the increased in spending power among Guyanese. “Just on foreign currency, I will give you an example. In 2024, US$140 million in credit card settlement in Guyana… in 2025, to settle credit card alone, guess what it went to, US$430 million, an increase of 207 per cent. Isn’t that sign of a changing pattern? Isn’t that a sign of a more complex financial system of Guyanese buying more, using credit card more?” the President expressed. “And so far in 2026, already, US$356 million,” he added, indicating that this will increase tremendously when persons returning from vacation settle their debts as well as when online shopping for Christmas is processed. “That is a type of growth and difference we're talking about. That's just one indicator of changing patterns,” he expressed. Looking at spending pattern projections for the remainder of the year, the Head of State disclosed that “September
President Dr Irfaan Ali
10th to the 30th, we have about a projected demand of US$354 million. October US$385 million. November US$400 million. December US$436 million. That's US$1.575 of projected demand to the end of the year,” the President highlighted. Meanwhile, he noted that 59,951 new bank accounts were opened between the period April to August 2026. He added that from October 2024 to August 2026, there are now 179,758 accounts opened. Ali’s disclosures on spending patterns among citizens come on the heels of comments he made at his last press conference in August about other indicators of Guyanese changing behaviour. At the time, the Head of State was addressing concerns on the rising cost of living in Guyana, pointing to several converging factors, ranging from glob-
al imported inflation to shifting consumer habits. President Ali had pointed to more families eating out and cooking less at home as part of the shift.
Cost of living
Addressing the issue of cost of living again on Monday, the Head of State noted that the Government has been working, and will continue to put systems in place, to help ease the pressures associated with the global rise in the cost of living, which is also being felt by locals. For instance, when it comes to energy, Ali explained that the Government is shielding citizens from billions of dollars in imported costs. “From January to now, the import of refined product like gas has increased by 51 per cent, and diesel that is used for generation by 86.8 per cent. That is increased costs because
we import these refined products. Do you know, and you're aware of, you're aware that not a cent of this increase has been passed on to the consumer? GPL has absorbed all of this. Because of what? Because the Government has increased its subsidies to cushion this cost increase so that it is not passed on to the Guyanese,” he noted. Ali also pointed to measures taken in the past that contributed to cushioning the rise in cost of living. “We reversed the 220 per cent increase in drainage and irrigation (D&I) fees and the 600 per cent increase in land rental fees. We reversed that so that we can help farmers to be more productive. We can remove this cash burden on farmers. This has led to savings of approximately $1.4 billion every year for our farmers…Just by this one measure, remove VAT on machinery, equipment, fertilisers, agrochemicals, pesticides and key poultry industry input, remove of excise tax on fuel, saving farmers and consumers billions of dollars over the years, hundreds of billions of dollars, restore the zero-rated VAT status on basic food items, flour, bread, oats, crackers, biscuit, cooking oil. You remember that? All of that we did. We had $281 billion allocated to drain-
age and irrigation, $5.7 billion invested in farmto-market access road. All of this was to bring down the cost of production, increase productivity, $40.9 billion to reduce farmers' costs by financing important D&I infrastructure. And then, of course, the investment in technology to support our farmers across the country,” the President outlined.
Farmers’ markets countrywide
Now, he said, the Government is working on rolling out farmers’ markets countrywide. “We have started from the last press conference we had here through the Guyana Marketing Corporation. We had chicken pric-
es slashed by half almost in all of the markets. Eggs also slashed substantially. We are now working with farmers to bring their produce directly to the market so we can have that elasticity in terms
of the differential between the wholesale and retail price address in a structured way,” he explained. Longer term measures are being pursued to further shield the country from global shocks including the launch of the Guyana Development Bank (GDB) to support small businesses as well as investments in the establishment of a fertiliser plant and a gas bottling plant. “The investment in a gas bottling plant that will see your cooking gas so you can make some nice, delicious food at home,” Ali remarked. The President added that later this week, he will meet with the Foreign Relations Subcommittee as well as the Economic
Services Subcommittee of Parliament to ensure more stakeholders understand how the Government, from a policy level, is addressing the issue of cost of living.
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Tilting…
I
… at Oil Wells
n his recent interview on Al Jazeera, Pres Ali reiterated what everybody and their Maamoo in Guyana already knew – the ExxonMobil PSA signed by Trotman for APNU back in 2016 wasn’t exactly a shining example of negotiating genius!! If negotiation was cricket, Trotman clearly went to bat without a bat, resulting in fact – if we want to call an oil rig an oil rig – a giveaway!! We got a measly 2% bonus and with no ring fencing, allowing 75% spending to be expensed before we received 50% profit which made our share effectively 12.5%!! And we hear the criticisms of the Government for not demanding “renegotiation”!! But your Eyewitness asks, renegotiate wha’, bai? De money already collecting!! Jeez…after a decade down that road hasn’t that horse already left the stable – and in fact is now sending us a fairer share of the profits?? Exxon and its partners have recovered roughly US$55 billion in development costs, and our share of production has risen from the original dinky 12.5% to approximately 39.8%!! Demanding renegotiating at this time is rather like buying a house for $20M, discovering five years later that the land underneath was now worth $100M, and then marching back to the seller shouting, “Boss, you rob me! Give back some a dat money!” And as Prezzie explained – what does that do to your reputation if you trying to sell more houses for a living??!! Of course, we should scrutinise every oil contract – by auditing costs, enforcing the law, protecting the environment and making sure our treasury receives every dollar to which it’s entitled – as is now being done with all the contracts for new blocks. Nobody saying leh Exxon tek advantage and do wha deh waan wid we!! The great irony is that those demanding a renegotiation today don’t appreciate we may actually have a better deal than they realise – as we see from all the (very expensive!) dry wells other oil companies have drilled!! The investment risk has largely been borne, the infrastructure is producing, the billions have been recovered and our share has jumped dramatically!! There’s a difference between protecting our interests and behaving as though we can rewind the movie to 2016 and yell, “Stop the drilling! We gotta negotiate again!!” The real question now ain’t whether APNU could’ve gotten a better deal – dem shoulda!! The challenge is whether Guyana can take the money from the deal we actually have and turn it into roads, hospitals, education, productive industries and decent jobs – which the Government of Irfaan Ali’s already doing!! Let’s not get too greedy and become like the dog with the bone!! Remember Venezuela’s offering a much bigger bone next door!!
…at the Border
Poor Delcy’s about to discover that politics is not unlike Guyanese cooking: sometimes you gotta stir the pot without knowing exactly what’s going to come out!! With Washington looming large over Venezuela’s political future, Delcy understands that staying in office requires going along with the Yanks!! But then there is that little Essequibo matter!! As Prezzie told Al Jazeera – next year, the ICJ’s gonna deliver its judgement and everything suggests – after years of Caracas behaving as though putting “Essequibo es nuestro” on enough banners would turn political theatre into international law – it ain’t what Delcy wants!! Her dilemma is if she rejects the judgement – Washington might vex while accepting it tees off Venezuelan nationalists!! Prezzie says we’re prepared for whatever response!! So, Delcy could be left with the ultimate dilemma: How yuh remain in office when every answer can get folks vexed? She might need to start practising: “Well, boys, that ain’t how we planned it.” It’s called catching yourself in your own mess!!
…at fences
Sanction Man’s clearly getting more desperate as he discovers that while time longer than twine, a noose in Miami ain’t made of twine!! He returned to Leonora to confront a fence near Prezzie’s home – like Sancho Panza!! The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance
Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com
NEWS
MV Barima tragedy
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
$122.3M disbursed to victims as Govt pledges long-term support G overnment understands the commitment it made to supporting survivors of the MV Barima tragedy and will honour those by demonstrating that the pledge is for the long-term President Dr Irfaan Ali reaffirmed on Monday. “The coverage; structured assistance, has been provided to more than 750 affected persons. These are children, parents, grandparents across regions one to ten. The affected persons registry; the national registry is 99% complete. The needs assessment is also 99% complete…and this is the needs assessment, immediate, medium, and long-term. As we said, the government is in this for the long-term. We un-
derstand the long-term responsibility,” the President stressed as he updated the media on the matter, at a Press conference he hosted yesterday. He noted that the HEART (Hope, Empathy, Aid, Resilience and Trust) Initiative remains the government’s principal vehicle for delivering recovery assistance and it is undertaking those in a structure manner. Ali underscored the permanence of the government’s commitment reiterating that the HEART initiative is designed to provide sustained relief rather than short-term interventions. The HEART Secretariat, which brings together stakeholders from
every sector of Guyanese society, is fully operational under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Dominic Shepard. The president also disclosed that around $122.3M in financial aid has already been disbursed to families of deceased persons, survivors and relatives of those still missing. This support, he explained, is intended to ease immediate burdens while longer-term measures are put in place. On housing, he said that the Housing Ministry has approved 20 families for land allocations and turnkey homes valued at approximately $73.9M. These provisions, he posited, are part of a broader effort to stabilise households that have been uprooted by
the tragedy. Apart from financial relief, the HEART Initiative has also prioritised psychosocial care. Social workers and psychologists have been assigned to affected families, with Tier 3 and Tier 4 trauma interventions now active. Ali emphasised that the government recognises the profound emotional toll of the disaster and is committed to providing professional counselling. He said that assistance with recovery of documents lost by persons are being given and was not limited to nationals since “some non-Guyanese families” were also onboard. “For the affected families, tier three and tier four trauma interventions are
active. Support for children, including going back to school, supporting their school needs; their educational needs, recovery of documentation such as GECOM, GRA…so they are mobilizing resources,” he said. With tenders submitted for the contract to lift the sunken vessel now opened, the President promised to get an update on the process from the respective responsible agency and update the public. According to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), the companies that submitted bids are Industrial Fabrication Inc, BK International Inc, and KMS BV. Industrial Fabrication
Inc, also known as InFab, was founded in 2003 by Jerry Max Goueia and Dyland Fields, according to its website. The company proposes to salvage the ferry at a cost of $1,895,000,000. BK International Inc, founded by Brian Tiwarie, operates across several sectors, including sea defence, civil and commercial construction, marine transportation, and aviation. The company proposes to salvage the ferry at a cost of $1,034,000,000. KMS BV is a registered commercial ship owner and manager based in Vijfhuizen, Netherlands which is proposing to salvage the MV Barima at a cost of $2,035,100,000.
10 NEWS
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Zero-interest Development Bank set to launch on Oct 5 T
he zero interest for small businesses Guyana Development Bank (GDB) will be launched on October 5 to coincide with the country’s return to democracy President Dr Irfaan Ali announced on Monday. At a press conference he hosted at Office of the President Ali told reporters that Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh will give details on the launch but he informed that the bank “will come into operation in October.” “I can tell you it will be in October,
and it will be a great day in October. And I'm sure when I tell you the great day…it was the day… democracy was restored in our beautiful country. Yes, democracy was stolen from our country for 28 years, and it was restored on that beautiful day,” he said. The period referred to by the President was the oppressive 28 years rule under the then People’s National Congress (PNC) who had during the period rigged Guyana’s General and Regional Elections in their favour. With some
$100 million already catered for by Government and the Law assented for the formation of the bank assented to in July, the President said that many persons have already utilised the services of loans for up to $3 million each. Government has said that plans are being mulled to expand to at least US$200 million, reasoning that the bank will help unlock entrepreneurial potential, particularly among young people and community-based enterprises that have traditionally struggled to ac-
cess credit. “Now, so we have this this project, the Guyana Development Bank, coming on stream, capitalised at 100 million US dollars,” the President said. Given that the legislative framework is already in place for the creation of the bank, the administration has been laying the groundwork for the institution’s operations, including the establishment of regional offices and the recruitment of technical staff. Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation
Minister, Zulfikar Ally, had in late July confirmed the developments during an interview with Guyana Times. He noted that preparations were advancing to ensure the bank is adequately staffed and positioned to serve small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the country. According to Ally, the recruitment drive targeted a range of technical professionals. Positions include project officers, accountants, specialists in proposal development, and experts in finan-
cial literacy and marketing. The intention, he explained, is to build a cadre of personnel capable of guiding entrepreneurs through every stage of the business cycle; from the initial idea to the drafting of a viable proposal, and onward to the management practices required for sustainability. “The bank must not only provide financing,” Ally had stressed, “but also the technical support that ensures borrowers can translate their ideas into successful ventures.”
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
No menial jobs in tourism; frontline workers are stars of industry – GTA, THAG Heads
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s Guyana’s tourism and hospitality sectors continue to expand, young people are being encouraged to consider the field as a viable career path, with two industry leaders challenging the perception that it is limited to low-skilled, service-oriented roles. Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Kamrul Baksh and President of the Tourism Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Mitra Ramkumar, emphasised that the sector offers a wide range of career opportunities, with frontline employees playing a critical role in shaping visitors’ experiences and encouraging them to return. They made the remarks on Friday during the local edition of Regional Tourism
GTA Director Kamrul Baksh alongside Himanshi Kumar
Youth Congress, an annual event organised by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) that brings together young people from member countries to discuss and debate the future of region-
al tourism. Speaking at the event, Baksh pushed back at the perception that the industry offers only “menial” jobs. “Many times, and I have a pet peeve about it, many times people say it’s an industry that
has a lot of menial jobs and you know it’s a matter of servitude and ‘we
don’t want to do that’,” the GTA head lamented. Adding to the conversation, Ramkumar highlighted that tourism is a “touch and feel” industry, and, it is oftentimes the frontline workers who keep customers satisfied. “Many of the outstanding performers in the tourism and hospitality industries are the frontline staff and these are the staff who keep the guests coming back to specific places because of the experience they would have had with a housekeeper for example, or the front desk, or the person at the bar, the bartenders or the kitchen [staff]. These are the stars in
our industry and so we want more of our young people in that front line, this is the face of the industry,” the THAG head remarked. Moreover, the GTA director pointed to the growing interest in tourism entrepreneurship, while encouraging more young people to view the sector as a viable and rewarding career path. “Within the last five to six years, tourism entrepreneurship has gone through the roof and this has been led by young people, a lot of the tour operators are young people,” Baksh noted. TURN TO PAGE 14
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Govt to overhaul power grid as demand projected to double by 2029 …GPL’s network under severe strain with razor-thin margin between supply, demand
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overnment on Monday committed to undertaking sweeping investments to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Company to ensure generation, transmission and distribution systems meet the continuously evolving needs of the current and changing landscape of the country. With a preliminary assessment of the energy needs stating that consumption amounts will be doubled by 2029 and recommendations for upgrade and overhaul of some systems here, the President also announced that already a commitment from the Qatari Government was made. The proposal he said, is to fund some of the projects that would avoid the risks of being locked into a cycle of unreliable service and costly disruptions. “You have some people that ask, ‘where's the money going? ‘Where’s the revenue going? Here is a case of where it must go, if we're to remove the unregulated grid. And it can't be that we continue with this system because investors require better from us. Our citizens require better from us,” the President stated. “There is no shying away from this challenge. It's a real challenge, but the real solution lies in major investment that must be made in a comprehensive way,” he added. He assured citizens that his Government was not just bringing lip service to remedying the unreliable power supply system. “What we can assure the Guyanese people is that we are taking decisive action to make the system stronger and more reliable. It's the largest investment in Guyana's electricity infrastructure; in
its history, but it's also the largest economic expansion in Guyana's history and this region’s history. “The system just cannot respond to this demand, and we have to make huge investment. And this is one of the things Qatar also is ready to help on; the huge investment that will build a system that is predictable, reliable, and ready to serve the future of this country,” Ali said. Pointing the surging demand for power throughout the country, the President attributed this to the rapid expansion of new housing schemes, the growth of small and medium enterprises, and the rise of industrial activity tied to the oil economy.
Solution to pressing challenges
A report compiled by the InterEnergy consultancy which was contracted by Government to manage power distribution and stabilise the national electricity grid, this country’s energy demand will continue to skyrocket in the coming years, driven by urbanisation, manufacturing, and the increasing use of air conditioning and cooling systems in homes and businesses. “InterEnergy has proposed an additional solution to address some of the most pressing challenges facing Guyana's electricity sector [and that is] establishing an Independent Grid Reliability Task Force. We've seen in
many countries across the region that experienced economic boom, that this was a key area for utility; establishing an independent grid reliability task force, smart metering and digitisation, additional generating capacity, investment in transmission and distribution, and the report also highlights that whilst we focus on transmission, we must simultaneously make the investment in distribution,” he related. At the start of this month, according to GPL, it recorded a peak demand of 257 megawatts (MW). The company’s installed capacity stands at 265.6 MW, leaving a razor-thin margin between supply and demand, which observers say is being eroded daily as more households and businesses connect to the grid. While GPL insists that it has sufficient generation capacity to meet current demand, the company acknowledges that its transmission and distribution network is under severe strain. “Because the housing schemes are getting larger. And importantly, the structure of the schemes are changing, you have more apartment buildings, more industries, commercial areas in the housing schemes…so it's not just a single line for residential apartments. There are so many things happening at the same time, that the report has made it clear that whilst we have invested a lot, the structure of the investment needs to be different,” the President said. Further, he added, “It has to be this massive, holistic investment in infrastructure that must take place, whilst at the same time keeping the system running.”
NEWS 13
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Contractor discipline needed as Local 19-year-old dies in Berbice motorcycle crash Govt Ministry reviews market, GT projects
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19-year-old Albion Sugar Estate factory worker died early Saturday morning after the motorcycle he was riding reportedly crashed into a utility pole along the Albion Public Road, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). Dead is Danesh Prabudial, called “Brian,” of Lot 595 Belvedere, Corentyne. According to reports, the accident occurred at about 00:45h as Prabudial was proceeding west along the southern driving lane on motorcycle CK 360, which is owned by 22-yearold Shahid Mohamed. Police said Prabudial, who was not wearing a safety helmet, reportedly lost control of the motorcycle and collided with a lamp pole on the northern side of the road. The impact threw him from the motorcycle onto the roadway, where he sustained injuries. He was picked up in an unconscious condition by public-spirited persons and taken to the Port Mourant Public
Dead: Danesh Prabudial, called “Brian”
Hospital, where a doctor pronounced him dead on arrival. Prabudial’s mother, 46-year-old Kavita Prabudial, recalled that her son returned home from work at about 18:00h on Friday and left at around 19:00h to watch cricket with friends. She said it was sometime later that she received a telephone call informing her that her son had been involved in an accident. When she arrived at the hospital, however, she was confronted with the news that he had died. “Just his face get a lil scratch, but he look perfect, like noth-
ing wrong with he… And me tell dem, he ah sleep,” the grieving mother said. She said she is still struggling to accept that her son, whom she was accustomed to seeing return home from work, will no longer walk through the door. Kavita remembered her son as a well-behaved young man who enjoyed joking with others, had many friends and would assist around the home whenever something needed to be done. “He was a very good child. He never fight or argue… He’s a good person,” she said. Prabudial was one of two young persons who died in motorcycle accidents on the Corentyne on Saturday. Fourteenyear-old Giresh Lautan of Number 52 Village, a Skeldon High School student, died after the motorcycle on which he was a pillion rider collided with a horse on the Number 50 Village Public Road. Both fatalities involved motorcycles and occurred on Saturday along the Corentyne.
L
ocal Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand has called for greater discipline among contractors as the Ministry reviews ongoing projects and works to ensure they are completed on schedule and to the required standard. Manickchand made the call during a meeting on Monday with Permanent Secretary (PS) Miguel Choo-Kang, heads of departments and other key personnel to review projects and priorities under the Ministry’s portfolio. Particular attention was paid to the Ministry’s ongoing market development programme, with the Minister stressing the need for closer monitoring throughout the various stages of projects so that challenges can be identified early and addressed before they affect timelines. She said the Ministry must continue to develop a culture of timely project delivery, while maintaining the required standards. She also acknowledged the work of departmental
Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand, Permanent Secretary Miguel ChooKang and Ministry officials during a meeting on Monday to review ongoing projects and priorities under the Ministry’s portfolio
heads and their teams, noting that successful implementation depends on consistent oversight and coordination across the Ministry. The meeting also examined plans for the continued transformation of Georgetown, including proposed interventions in the Stabroek Market area and work being advanced in collaboration with the King’s Foundation. Among the initiatives discussed was the proposed transformation of Thomas Street Avenue, between Lamaha Street and Church Street, under the wider Healthy Streets project. The project was designed by the King’s Foundation and is in-
tended to improve the avenue and create a more functional public space. Manickchand encouraged residents and other stakeholders to become involved as the project progresses. The Ministry is also pursuing a number of initiatives aimed at improving the appearance and functionality of Georgetown, including garbage collection, public washroom facilities and other interventions targeting public spaces. Manickchand said close monitoring, accountability and collaboration would remain central to the Ministry’s approach as it advances projects aimed at improving communities across Guyana.
Govt writes off $175.6M in student loans for...
Of the $3.1 billion allocated for school grants, $2.1 billion was disbursed during the first half of the year for classroom supplies. The report stated that digital learning initiatives also continued, with 181 schools actively using the Guyana Learning Channel at the end of June. Satellite installations are expected to be completed at 10 schools in Region Seven and seven schools in Region 10 during the third quarter.
Digital school platform
Over 30,000 Grade 10 and 11 students are registered on the Guyana Digital School platform, which provides access to class presentations, digital textbooks and other learning materials. Of
the $176.1 million allocated for the initiative, $51.3 million was spent during the first half of the year. The National School Feeding Programme also received $3.4 billion of its $7 billion allocation during the period. As at June, 38,012 children were benefiting from juice and biscuits, 52,637 were receiving breakfast and 38,032 were receiving hot meals at schools across the country. In June, 396 school feeding support staff participated in food handlers training aimed at improving meal preparation practices. Meanwhile, distribution of the Because We Care, uniform and transportation grants
commenced in June. The grants amount to $85,000 per child, including the $20,000 transportation grant, and are expected to benefit more than 206,000 public and private schoolchildren.
Examination fees
According to the report, the Government also paid $853.3 million in CSEC and CAPE examination fees for students sitting up to eight subjects. This covered 13,071 CSEC students
and 666 CAPE students in public and private schools. The Education M a n a g e m e n t Information System (EMIS) is being implemented to improve planning, monitoring and decision-making across the sector. To date, 57 per cent of nursery schools, 42 per cent of primary schools and 41 per cent of secondary schools are implementing the system. The first cohort of 100 teachers and edu-
cation officers is also undergoing leadership training through the Guyana Leadership Academy, with another 100 persons expected to be enrolled in December. In technical and vocational education, the Guyana Technical Training College recorded 20 graduates in April, bringing the number of graduates who have benefited from its Facility Simulator to more than 70. Another 28 persons are currently undergoing training in mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and production areas, while construction of a practical instructional centre at Mahdia is expected to begin before the end
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of the year. The Board of Industrial Training (BIT) spent $305.1 million of its $723.1 million allocation during the first half of 2026 to train 706 persons in areas including heavy-duty equipment operation, information technology, masonry and social work. In collaboration with the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities, BIT also commenced training for 12 persons in Region Six in drone and robotics technology, the report stated, adding that later this year, a TVET EMIS is expected to be launched to track the performance of students and teachers and academic records.
14 NEWS
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
GT Mayor proposes garbage plans, security deposits for city businesses G
e o r g e t o w n Mayor Alfred Mentore is proposing that Commercial businesses operating in the city be required to develop garbage management plans and provide a security deposit to help address waste disposal issues associated with their operations. This came on the heels of growing concerns over garbage accumulation in Georgetown. Only recently, this publication reported that the city was plagued by what was described as an eyesore, as Regent Street, Georgetown, presented a messy scene, with several business fronts littered with garbage over the weekend. Solid Waste Manager for the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) Walter Narine, told this publication months ago that strict policing will be undertaken, as such practices are not tolerable. Narine stated that most store owners were responsible for the littering and emphasised that businesses are re-
quired to have 12-cubic-yard receptacles. However, he indicated that some leniency will be given, as consultations with business owners are expected to begin on Tuesday. On Monday, at a Statutory Meeting at City Hall, Mayor Alfred Mentore raised concerns over the growing garbage problem in Georgetown, pointing to what he described as inadequate resources to address the increasing volume of waste. Mentore noted that the city’s population has grown, resulting in a corresponding increase in garbage. He said discussions have since been held on the matter, with several issues emerging that he believes must be formally addressed at the Council level. “We will have to look back at persons who own these businesses in the city. Businesses in the city who have all these stores split up into different, different things. And I strongly believe those persons will have to provide us with some
form of a garbage plan. And even a retroactive arrangement to deal with those matters. And even new businesses that want to have those kinds of stores and so on in the city, they must leave with us some kind of a deposit of security or something of the sort.”
Not paying correct taxes
He then proposed that steps be taken to ensure commercial property owners are properly assessed and pay the appropriate rates and taxes to the City Council. Mentore said the Council must examine the number of commercial properties operating in the city whose owners, he believes, are not paying the correct rates and taxes and move to ensure that those properties are properly assessed. “And which I will engage one of our attorneys on this matter to see how this could be implemented. Because a lot of people getting a free pass. Many of the persons are pay-
Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore
ing us some tax which is not even the rightful amount as a commercial building.” To this end, he was advised by a member on the M&CC team that an arrangement was suggested during the first year of the last cycle of the Council, whereby businesses would begin paying a separate fee for waste management. “What about if we have them provide a waste management plan? So in that plan they will also have to leave with us a deposit of our security. And if they violate, we pick it up. But I'm of
the view that those forces should, based on the building and the size and where they remain and all these stores, it can't be left on us to have to pick up [their garbage]. They should have some responsibility. If they want us to pick it up, they can ask, because it's unfair for us to have to clean it… even those future buildings that we choose to grant approvals,” the Mayor proposed. The issue will also be pursued at the legal and City Works Committee levels, with efforts being made to determine how
the matter can be properly regulated and managed. The Mayor said he intends to reach out to one of the City Council’s attorneys for advice on how the issue can be addressed, including what arrangements could be put in place to properly manage and regulate the matter. He said the solution must go beyond cleanup exercises and enforcement, stressing that all relevant stakeholders must be involved. According to Mentore, the issue cannot be addressed by the City Council alone, as businesses, property owners, residents and other stakeholders all have a role to play in finding a sustainable solution. Georgetown’s City Hall over the years has come under repeated criticism over its financial management and operations, prompting calls from Government officials, residents and independent observers for greater transparency, accountability and improved oversight.
No menial jobs in tourism...
In this regard, he underscored the importance of youths having a seat at the decision-making table in the tourism industry, expressing that “we cannot have a conversation about tourism in Guyana or tourism in the region or anywhere in the world without the youths. Your voices, your inputs are integral in the planning and execution of tourism development and promotion”. Baksh noted that 60 per cent of the people trained by the GTA are under the age of 35 while some 70 per cent are women. Meanwhile, as youth participation and interest in the sector contin-
ue to grow, Baksh said the GTA will explore ways to increase young people’s involvement in its programmes and projects. “I think you have excellent ideas and if we can come together and bring all those ideas together, we can come up with great output,” he emphasised. The Guyana leg of the Regional Tourism Youth Congress forms part of Guyana’s preparations to host the CTO’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2026 and the Regional Tourism Youth Congress in October. The local congress featured presentations on community-based
tourism, sports tourism and youth engagement, sustainable tourism futures and digital innovation. Commenting on the presentations, Baksh underscored the GTA’s commitment to staying abreast of developments and emerging trends in the global tourism industry. On digital innovation and artificial intelligence, he said “we need to keep abreast, Guyana that is, of these trends and technologies because we’re competing, tourism happens in a global environment, and it’s very important that we keep abreast of these happenings”. On sustainability in
FROM PAGE 11
the industry, he said the GTA will this year expand a programme it started to certify businesses based on their practices and operations, following standards outlined by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. M e a n w h i l e , Himanshi Kumar secured the title of Junior Tourism Minister following the Guyana edition of the congress; she will now represent Guyana at the Regional Tourism Youth Congress during SOTIC 2026. The GTA said it will work with her in the weeks ahead to further strengthen her delivery and prepare her to compete at her very best.
NEWS 15
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
2020 election fraud trial
GECOM PRO outlines procedure for publishing election info on website
GECOM’s PRO Yolanda Ward
Top row, from left – Volda Lawrence, Keith Lowenfield, Denise Babb-Cummings, and Michelle Miller. Bottom row, from left – Enrique Livan, Sheffern February, Clairmont Mingo, and Carol Smith-Joseph
G
u y a n e s e E l e c t i o n s Commission (GECOM) Public Relations Officer (PRO) Yolanda Ward on Monday outlined the process for clearing and publishing election-related information and documents on the Commission’s website during the March 2020 general and regional elections. Warde was testifying in the ongoing elections fraud trial, which has attracted considerable public attention, before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. She told the court that GECOM has a website and explained that information intended for dissemination to the press had to receive clearance before being released and simultaneously uploaded to the website. Ward said the process could be initiated by instructions from Chairperson, retired Justice Claudette Singh or the Commission. She explained that information intended
for publication first had to receive the necessary “clearance, whether it's for dissemination to the press and simultaneously upload to our website and social media pages.” Taking the court through the publication of the Form 24 declarations, Ward said that on March 7, 2020, she was tasked with forwarding declarations made by Returning Officers for the various electoral districts to then GECOM Information Technology (IT) Manager, Aneal Giddings. Giddings, who now serves as Guyana’s Data Protection Commissioner, was responsible for uploading the documents to the Commission’s website. She said she received the documents from then Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield in a consolidated list containing declarations made by the respective Returning Officers. The documents, she testified, were provided to her on a flash drive. She said she transferred them to her desk-
top computer before emailing them to the IT Manager for uploading to GECOM’s website. Ward said Giddings acknowledged receipt and indicated that the task had been completed. She told the court that she then checked the website to ensure the documents had been published. Asked by Special Prosecutor, Attorneyat-Law Latchmie Rahamat whether she had checked to confirm the documents were published, Ward replied: “Well, yes, as usual, I checked to verify that it is visible on the website.” Asked how she conducted the verification, she simply responded: “I checked the website.” The PRO said she saw the publication of Form 24 declarations for the 10 electoral districts, covering both the general and regional elections. Ward also testified about events on March 14, 2020, when previously published Form 24 documents were removed and replaced with two new declarations. The witness
said she was instructed to remove the previously published forms and have the two replacement documents uploaded. Ward acknowledged that she did not review the replacement documents in detail, but said she observed what appeared to be signatures on them. Defence counsel objected to questions concerning the signatures, arguing that sufficient foundation had not been laid to establish how Warde could identify them. The court subsequently clarified that her evidence was being taken only for the fact that she observed signatures on the documents and not as evidence of their authenticity. The witness later said there “appeared to be two signatures” on the replacement documents. The court also heard that on July 24, 2020, the GECOM chairperson requested the publication of the final, gazetted election results. Ward said the relevant declarations were sent to the IT Manager for publication. Ward fur-
ther testified that on September 21, 2020, Justice Singh, informed her that she had received a telephone call concerning a report about the publication of election declarations on the Commission’s website. According to her, Justice Singh subsequently asked her to provide the dates on which the declarations had been published. After supplying the requested dates, Ward said she was taken to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters, where she provided a statement detailing when the declarations had been published. Under cross-examination by Defence Attorney Eusi Anderson, however, the PRO said she had no evidence to show that any of the nine accused had colluded to defraud the electorate, rigged the 2020 General and Regional Elections, or forged signatures or election documents. Ward said that her role at GECOM was limited to public relations and that she was not involved in the counting of ballots, the tabulation of Statements of Poll (SOP) or the verification of election declarations.
Her evidence was subsequently deferred. The trial is scheduled to continue today. Nine persons are currently before the court charged with conspiracy to commit electoral fraud in relation to the tabulation of votes for the 2020 elections. Those charged include Lowenfield, former Deputy CEO Roxanne Myers, former Region Four Returning Officer (RO) Clairmont Mingo, former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Minister Volda Lawrence and former APNU+AFC Chief Scrutineer Carol Smith-Joseph. The other accused are former GECOM employees Enrique Livan, Sheffern February, Michelle Miller and Denise BobbCummings. The prosecution alleged that the nine accused conspired to manipulate the tabulation of votes in Region Four and ultimately declare a false result in favour of APNU+AFC. It further alleged that the accused inflated the coalition’s votes, reduced those of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and departed from the prescribed process for ascertaining the results.
16 NEWS
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
MV Barima tragedy
Defence seeks stay in murder proceedings; Magistrate targets end-November committal ed the three accused to prison until that date.
Set timetable
Kevin Price
Rondell Dwayne Roberts
Delon Granderson
efence Attorney Dexter Todd is set to seek a stay of the murder proceedings against his clients, Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) employees Kevin Price and Delon Granderson, who are charged with killing passengers aboard the MV Barima, as he raises concerns over the marine casualty investigations into the tragedy. Todd raised the proposed legal challenge on Monday before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir at the Charity Magistrate’s Court, stating the defence intends to file preliminary arguments on September 28 in support of an application to stay the proceedings. According to him, the proposed application will focus on “abuse of process”, with the defence contending that issues arising from the circumstances surrounding the disaster fall within the parameters of marine casualty investigations. Todd told the court that those investigations are governed by law, including the Shipping Act, but argued that his clients have not been able to benefit from or be guided by them. He
said the accused must be protected under the law and indicated that the stay application could be advanced on several grounds which he wants the Magistrate to consider. The attorney said the defence intends to rely on legislation and a number of authorities dealing with marine casualty investigations. He further indicated that the issue could have implications beyond the immediate case, telling the court that, depending on how the submissions are viewed, the defence intends to pursue other avenues to help develop this area of law within Guyana’s jurisprudence. Todd is appearing for the two men, with Attorney Eden Corbin appearing in association with him. Attorney Suzanne Bullen is also appearing for Granderson. It remains uncertain whether the third accused, Rondell Dwayne Roberts, will be included in the proposed legal challenge. Roberts is represented by Attorney Everton Singh-Lammy, who told the court that the defence intends to file statements on his client’s behalf, although
that position could change. Singh-Lammy nevertheless assured the Magistrate that any statement intended to be filed would be submitted by the October 19 deadline set by the court. Corbin similarly indicated that the necessary filings would be made on the dates fixed by the court and that some statements would be filed by October 19. Bullen also confirmed that statements would be filed on behalf of Granderson. Magistrate Mohabir made it clear that the October 19 deadline is firm and that no extension will be granted. The case is scheduled to return to court on October 19, when the prosecution’s position on the proposed stay is expected to be addressed. Prosecutor Mandel Moore is expected to respond to Todd’s submissions for a stay by October 12, giving the court an opportunity to consider both sides before the Magistrate rules on the application. Magistrate Mohabir indicated that he intends to rule on the stay application on October 19, when the case is scheduled to return to court. He further remand-
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Despite the pending legal challenge, the court has also set a timetable for the next stage of the paper committal proceedings. Paper committal proceedings are scheduled to commence on November 16, with Magistrate Mohabir stating that he intends to have them concluded by the end of November. A paper committal is a court process in which the Magistrate examines the written evidence in a criminal case, such as witness statements and documentary evidence, to determine whether there is sufficient evidence for the accused to be committed to the High Court for trial. There is no oral evidence taken during the process, meaning witnesses do not appear before the Magistrate to testify and be cross-examined. At the previous hearing on September 9, Prosecutor Moore told the court that the State had completed full disclosure of the evidence and material information gathered in the investigation. The defence was subsequently given time to review the material and determine whether statements would be filed on behalf of the accused. Price, known as “KP”, is a 40-year-old captain of Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara (ECD). Roberts, 42, is a chief mate of Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara, while Granderson, 33, is a
goods superintendent of Fellowship, West Coast Demerara (WCD). All three are T&HD employees and were members of the MV Barima’s crew at the time of the disaster. They were jointly charged by the police with murder following legal advice from Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC. The Office of the DPP has since defended its decision to charge the three men, maintaining that the decision followed a thorough assessment of the evidence and applicable legal principles. In a statement, the DPP noted the decision was reached after “careful consideration of the evidence presented,” relevant legal principles, case law from the United Kingdom (UK) and other Commonwealth jurisdictions, authorities from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and public policy considerations. The men first appeared before Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on July 28. They were not required to plead to the indictable murder charge and were remanded to prison. The matter was later transferred to the Charity Magistrate’s Court. Police alleged that the three men murdered passengers aboard the MV Barima when the vessel capsized on July 18, 2026, approximately 9.3 nautical miles off Devonshire Castle on the Essequibo Coast. The vessel, an 87-yearold passenger and car-
go ferry, had departed the Kingston Goods Wharf in Georgetown at approximately 15:15h on its scheduled journey to Port Kaituma in Region One (BarimaWaini). However, at about 23:01h, the MV Barima transmitted a distress signal after encountering difficulties off the Essequibo Coast near the mouth of the Pomeroon River. There were 179 people aboard, including 18 crew members. The disaster resulted in the deaths of 73 people, while 76 survived. Approximately 30 people remain unaccounted for. A day after the disaster, Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips disclosed that two crew members, including the vessel’s captain, had tested positive for cannabis sativa, commonly known as marijuana. The criminal proceedings are unfolding alongside a separate Governmentappointed five-member Commission of Inquiry (CoI) established to examine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. The CoI is also expected to examine, among other matters, the circumstances that led to the sinking, regulatory oversight, the emergency response and measures that could prevent a similar disaster in the future. DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack had previously maintained that the CoI will not interfere with the criminal proceedings, noting that the two processes can proceed simultaneously.
guyanatimesgy.com
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
17
Regional
Argentina's Milei plans bill Barbados eyes Suriname as to toughen sanctions against source for building materials firms operating in Falklands
Senior Minister and Minister of Energy, Business Development and Commerce, Kerrie Symmonds in talks with the visiting delegation from NV Grassalco (CMC)
T Argentine President Javier Milei during a ceremony commemorating the 172nd anniversary of the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange in Buenos Aires, Argentina, July 16, 2026 (Reuters/Mariana Nedelcu photo)
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r g e n t i n e President Javier Milei is preparing legislation this week to toughen sanctions against companies operating in the Falkland Islands, a move analysts say raises uncertainty over whether he may escalate tensions with Britain by targeting other sectors of the disputed islands' economy. The proposed bill will build on sanctions proceedings that Argentina's Government says it has opened against at least 60 companies and individuals linked to offshore oil e xploration around the islands, which Argentina calls the Malvinas and claims as its own even though Britain controls
them. Argentina invaded the islands in 1982 and fought a 10-week war over them before surrendering to Britain. Congress is set to receive Milei's 2027 budget proposal by today. It is expected to boost defence spending to address a sharper focus on sovereignty issues. This month, US President Donald Trump suggested Washington could reconsider its traditionally neutral position on the Falklands dispute. Since then, Argentina has accelerated efforts to target companies involved in oil drilling activities around the islands. Milei's proposed legislation includes tough-
er penalties for unauthorised operations around the islands, congressional aide Marcelo Seghini told Reuters. He said it would extend sanctions to affiliates and cover other activities affecting Argentina's natural resources. It follows a criminal complaint filed last week against companies linked to the Sea Lion offshore project in the Falklands. A r g e n t i n a ' s Government has not responded to Reuters requests for comment or provided a list of companies facing sanctions proceedings, though names have been reported by local media. (Excerpt from Reuters)
T&T Coast Guard intercepts pirogue with suspected narcotics
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he Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard intercepted a pirogue carrying four men and a quantity of packages suspected to contain narcotics in the northern Gulf of Paria on Monday.
The packages were individually wrapped in plastic. The vessel was escorted to Coast Guard Headquarters at Staubles Bay, Chaguaramas, where further searches were
conducted. The four men, the packages, and the vessel were then handed over to law enforcement authorities for further processing. (Trinidad Guardian)
he State-owned NV Grassalco is emerging as the front runner to provide Barbados with the supply of silica sand and stone to ease that country’s shortage in domestic supplies. A statement posted on the website of the State-owned company, said that a meeting was held last weekend in Barbados with the country’s Senior Minister and Minister of Energy, Business Development and Commerce, Kerrie Symmonds and a visiting delegation from NV Grassalco. Symmonds said that the availability of natural resources is essential for Barbados to carry out infrastructure projects more
quickly and on a larger scale. “When we talk about natural resources in this part of the world, we are also talking about silica sand, stone, and similar materials. These raw materials are crucial for Barbados, as we want to increase the speed and scale of our infrastructure investments.” Barbados has traditionally relied heavily on locally-sourced building materials. However, Symmonds acknowledged that these raw materials are becoming increasingly scarce. “We all know that we traditionally sourced a large portion of our silica sand and stone materials from Barbados itself. However, these supplies
have been significantly reduced. Therefore, we now have to import a large portion of the required materials.” The search for new suppliers is part of a broader effort to strengthen economic ties with Suriname. Symmonds described Suriname as a ” sister state within Caricom”. The location of Suriname on the South American continent offers significant opportunities for Barbados. He also stated that Bridgetown and Paramaribo need to revisit the agreements from the 2018 Brokopondo agreement. Implementation of these agreements has been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. (Excerpt from CMC)
Questions grow over PM Browne family’s Barnacle Point development
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ntigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne says his family could eventually build luxury villas worth around US$4 million each on private property at Barnacle Point, where dredge spoil generated through public marine works is helping to transform the adjoining coastline, sharpening questions over the intersection of Government resources, public development, and private family interests. The issue extends beyond the value of the proposed villas. The Government has invested in the dredging capacity responsible for major
Prime Minister Browne
Gaston
marine works, has separately identified Barnacle Point for high-end tourism development, and statutory agencies have approved the reclamation project beside property owned by the Prime Minister’s son. Against that backdrop, Browne’s disclosure
on Saturday that the family expects to create significant commercial value at the site places renewed focus on how the dredged material was allocated, what the state received in return, who participated in decisions affecting the site and whether any potential conflicts of interest were formally declared or managed. Browne has rejected suggestions of preferential treatment and argues that the arrangement has instead saved taxpayers money, since the dredged material would otherwise have had to be transported elsewhere for disposal. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
guyanatimesgy.com
Around the World
OILNEWS OIL NEWS
Houthis attack Saudi Arabia as Gulf-Iran talks are postponed
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emen's Iran-aligned Houthis launched a new attack on Saudi Arabia on Monday and Gulf Arab States postponed planned talks with Iran, raising concerns the Middle East conflict could spread further and threaten global oil supplies. The Houthis on Monday said they fired dozens of missiles and drones at a military airbase in Khamis Mushait in southern Saudi Arabia, targeting aircraft h angars, radar systems, runways, and ammunition depots in retaliation for Saudi airstrikes in Yemen. Saudi authorities issued emergency alerts there and in three other
US President Donald Trump, who faces pressure from Gulf allies to help contain the Houthis, but has sought to avoid opening another war front
southern cities. The action followed an attack on Saudi Arabia
on Friday, which Riyadh blamed on Iran-backed fighters in Iraq. That knocked out the country's east-west pipeline, which allows Gulf oil exports to bypass the blockaded Strait of Hormuz. Further pressuring global oil supplies, the Houthis have advanced rapidly in Yemen in recent days, capturing territory including Perim Island at the mouth of the Red Sea on Friday. The renewed Yemen conflict poses another challenge for US President Donald Trump, who faces pressure from Gulf allies to help contain the Houthis, but has sought to avoid opening a major new front.
Saudi Arabia has led a coalition battling the Houthis since 2015, but the conflict had largely quietened under a ceasefire in recent years. Fighting reignited this month, with the Houthis pushing back forces aligned with the internationally-recognised Government. Three sources have told Reuters that Washington has so far resisted Saudi requests for direct military intervention beyond intelligence support. Trump said over the weekend he had spoken with the crown prince and that the Houthis had also contacted Washington urging it to stay out of the conflict. (Excerpt from Reuters)
AI kill switch may need to be mandatory, Anthropic co-founder says
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n artificial intelligence "kill switch" which can be checked by a third party may need to be mandatory for companies, a co-founder of one of the world's largest AI firms has said. Jack Clark, one of seven founders of Anthropic, said a way of shutting off AI software completely if
it gets too dangerous was something society "might want to eventually pass rules around". Clark said "most labs have different ways of being able to pull the plug", including Anthropic, but said lawmakers may need to enforce having one. AI's rapid development and fears over the
risks it poses to humanity have been thrust into the spotlight by a series of warnings from executives and staff at AI firms. Some have said publicly there is a chance the technology could, if unchecked, kill all humans. Anthropic chief executive Dario Amodei over the weekend called for the pace of AI develop-
ment to slow and be more closely monitored, as the company has done before, though some have questioned the motivations behind this. Amodei added that any action to rein in AI development should be done "without sacrificing commercial advantage". (Excerpt from BBC News)
US$100 oil puts central banks back on inflation alert
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urging oil and diesel prices are reviving inflation and recession fears, with US diesel up roughly 60 per cent since February and hitting a record US$6 per gallon. Central banks are responding to the energy shock, with the European Central Bank (ECB) already hiking rates and markets pricing a high probability of another Fed increase. The supply crisis is worsening as the Middle East war expands, with Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline outage adding to lost Middle Eastern and Russian supply. Crude oil prices have extended their earlier gains into this week, with little chance of reversing course as the war in the Middle East expands and desire for a peaceful resolution seems to wane, as global oil stocks continue shrinking. Inflation is creeping up. Recession fears are back. It may just be a matter of time. Diesel prices in the United States have gained some 60 per cent since late February, the Wall Street Journal reported at the end of last week. It was the same week when diesel prices hit an all-time high of US$6 per gallon, sparking those recession fears. The publication added, however, that there is little evidence of that fuel inflation spilling into the broader market, citing the 2.4 per cent core inflation reading for August by the Labour Department. The thing about energy cost inflation and broader price trends is that the spillage takes place gradually. Businesses know better than to dump their extra energy costs on customers all at once. However, over time they would be forced to do it in order to survive. It is difficult, if not outright impossible to absorb a 60 per cent price rise in diesel fuel without spreading the misery around a bit. Central banks are watching closely. The chances of the Federal Reserve hiking interest rates this week have risen considerably, according to The National, which reported some 90 per cent of traders in a CME Group survey expect a 25 basis points hike. “People are finally waking up to the risk that the Iran war will be prolonged, and so relief is no longer in sight for energy prices,” MPA Macro economist Derek Tang said, as quoted by The National. (Excerpt from Oilprice.com)
NATO pledges more US scraps limits on emissions from coal and gas powered plants Ukraine support after
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ules aimed at limiting pollution from coal and gas powered plants are being scrapped, the head of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced. The agency also said it would take steps to prevent future administrations from regulating power plant emissions. The EPA said that getting rid of the majority of the climate rules from President Joe Biden's era would save US$310 billion and reduce energy prices. But environmental groups warned it would come at a huge cost to
Smoke from a power plant [Getty Images]
Americans' health and the planet. The EPA's move is expected to face immediate legal challenges. "The reality is that America produces energy better and cleaner than anywhere else in the world, and our power plants should not be un-
fairly targeted," the Head of the EPA, Lee Zeldin, said on Monday. Fossil fuels, which include coal and natural gas, are by far the largest driver of global climate change, according to the United Nations. The EPA said in a
statement that it found the Biden-era rules on power plant emissions had "exceeded the agency's authority". The agency said the regulations required "control technologies that are not adequately demonstrated, effectively forcing plants to retire rather than setting standards they could actually meet". The EPA is also seeking to get rid of all other greenhouse gas rules for the power sector. The changes, which will undergo public scrutiny, were proposed last year by Zeldin. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Russia strikes near Poland
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ATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has pledged additional support for Ukraine after Russian drone strikes hit close to the border with Poland. Rutte insisted on Monday that the 32-nation military alliance would not be deterred from backing Kyiv in the Russia-Ukraine war, and that it would beef up its own defences along the eastern border with Russia. The NATO chief’s comments came as Poland pledged increased security along its bor-
der with Ukraine. On Sunday, Russian drones hit a train near the Ukraine-Poland border and a second strike hit close to another crossing point. The strike that hit the train came minutes after a diplomatic delegation that included former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt had passed through the station, according to Ukraine’s State rail operator. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
guyanatimesgy.com
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
19
DAILY HOROSCOPES
ARCHIE
Hold on to what you've got. Being overly generous will lead to regret. Focus on bringing in personal growth and building a foundation that offers security and financial stability. (March 21-April 19)
Observe what's happening around you, but don't let your curiosity draw you into something that can affect your health, well-being or reputation. Focus more on home, family and meaningful relationships.
PICKLES (April 20-May 20)
Refuse to let anger and frustration set in when directing your energy into researching, learning and bringing about positive change in your life will satisfy your soul. (May 21-June 20)
PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)
(July 23-Aug. 22)
Social or networking events will give you a unique perspective regarding what's available in your community and how you can use the connections and support to improve your profile. Communicating, debating and immersing yourself in subjects that challenge you to grow personally, spiritually or intellectually will help you redirect your energy and change your perspective. A change to how you handle and earn your cash will turn out better than anticipated. Don't let negativity stand in your way when intelligence and hard work are the paths to better living.
CALVIN AND HOBBES (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)
Question everything and everyone. Gather information and piece together what's best for you. A physical, spiritual or emotional shift will offer clarity and hope for a lifestyle that is more in tune with your mindset. Stop, reminisce and reach out to someone you lost touch with. Reflecting on and revisiting the past will help you come to terms with what you want to pursue next.
SUDOKU
(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)
(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE
Before you risk your reputation, position or emotional well-being, revisit your domestic and professional situations. Stick close to home, and refrain from sharing personal information. Spend time nurturing partnerships or advancing your career. Keep your beliefs and personal life to yourself. Someone who doesn't share your views will sabotage what you are trying to achieve. Gather information, talk to experts and take care of matters that have an expiration date. Staying on top of your bills, debt and investments will put your mind at ease.
(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)
Attend lectures, classes or trade shows that offer insight into something you might enjoy. Improve your standards, pump up your resume and let your enthusiasm take over. Know your worth. (Feb. 20-March 20)
20
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
Courtney Walsh’s 519 Guyana joins IMC Over-40s World Cup as bronze sponsor 5
19 Guyana, the pan-Caribbean restaurant and bar owned by former West Indies fast bowler Courtney Walsh, has joined the 2026 International Masters Cricket (IMC) Over-40s World Cup as an official bronze sponsor. The tournament will bring 16 teams to Guyana for 72 matches from October 17 to October 31, with the final scheduled for the National Stadium, Providence, east Bank Demerara (EBD). The competition is being organised by IMC in collaboration with the Cricket West Indies Masters Association (CWIMA). President Dr Irfaan Ali is the patron of the World Cup. The addition of 519 Guyana comes as preparations continue for the 45-over tourna-
519 Guyana, the pan-Caribbean restaurant and bar owned by former West Indies fast bowler Courtney Walsh, has joined the 2026 IMC O-40s World Cup as an official bronze sponsor
ment, which will feature several former international players. Walsh’s involvement through his business adds a further West Indies connection to the event. Former West Indies
Captain Denesh Ramdin will lead the regional squad, which includes fellow former Captain Ramnaresh Sarwan. Devendra Bishoo, Rayad Emrit, Sewnarine Chattergoon and Jason Mohammed among the
former West Indies internationals selected. West Indies will compete in Group A alongside defending champions South Africa, Australia, Sri Lanka, Canada, Namibia, Wales, and Colombia. Group B comprises England, New Zealand, Pakistan, India, the United States, Scotland, Rest of the World XI and Rest of the Caribbean XI. Each team will play seven preliminary matches, with the top two from each group advancing to the championship semi-finals. The schedule also includes crossover and placement matches. Games are scheduled for grounds across Guyana, including Providence, Bourda, Albion and Anna Regina, allowing
spectators in several regions to attend. This will be the second edition of the tournament, following the inaugural competition in South Africa in 2024. The full West Indies squad comprises Denesh Ramdin (Captain); Ramnaresh Sarwan; Sewnarine Chattergoon; Jason Mohammed; Lawrence Farnum; Randy Thomas; Antonnel Atwell; Hemnarine Chattergoon; Mickey Lathman; Larry Babb; Rakesh Maharaj; Rayad Emrit; Devendra Bishoo; Reno Mitterholzer; Imran Khan; and Trevor Benn. Rajendra Sadeo will serve as Manager, with Julian Moore as Coach. Tournament information, fixtures and updates are available at worldcup.windiesmasters.org.
Lotto/Let’s Bet T10 Tapeball…
Motorbikes, cash, silverware among big rewards awaiting top performers at One Guyana T10
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ndividual brilliance will once again carry a premium in the Lotto/ Let’s Bet One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast, with long-standing corporate partner Regal Super Centre stepping forward to sponsor the complete suite of individual player awards for the fourth consecutive edition of the tournament. The retail giant's renewed commitment ensures that while team silverware remains the ultimate prize, the competition's standout performers will walk away with substantial financial incentives and high-value rewards. The individual awards are headlined by the Most Valuable Player (MVP) accolade, which includes a $150,000 cash prize and a
brand-new motorbike. The tournament's leading run-scorer and top wicket-taker are also set for significant windfalls, with eventual winners gaining $100,000 in cash plus a television set. Game-changing contributions will be similarly recognised: the Player of the Final will earn $75,000, while the players finishing with the Super Strike Rate and Best Economy Rate will each collect $50,000. Reaffirming the brand's sustained involvement in the grassroots tournament, Regal Super Centre representative Telesha Ousman-Yamin highlighted the company's long-standing connection with the event. "We have been proud supporters of the One Guyana T10 Blast for four
John Ramsingh (left) of FL Sport and Regal Super Centre representative Telesha Ousman-Yamin
years now, and seeing the tournament expand and capture the public's imagination year after year has been incredibly rewarding," Ousman-Yamin said. "Tapeball cricket is the heart of local sport, and ensuring these players are rewarded for their excellence is something we are thrilled to continue." Expressing gratitude
for the sustained commercial backing, John Ramsingh of FL Sport praised Regal’s ongoing role in elevating the tournament's stature. "Regal Super Centre has been a steadfast partner in driving the growth of this competition," Ramsingh noted. "Their continued generosity adds immense value for the
players who pour everything onto the park. “On the field, the fourth edition has already produced compelling action, and having partners like Regal on board elevates the overall profile as the tournament reaches its business end." That on-field action has already crowned three regional champions following intense zone qualifiers. Grillmaster Sip N Play All-Stars produced a series of clinical performances to secure the Berbice Zone title, Mahdia – Movements Family dominated the East Bank/West Demerara Zone, and Lusignan Bulls DTP II claimed bragging rights in Essequibo. The tournament now shifts its focus to the Georgetown/East Coast Demerara Zone, slated to
run across two weekends on September 26–27 and October 3–4. Zonal finals for the region will take place at the Enmore Community Centre Ground, where the final qualification spots for the national phase will be decided. Once the Georgetown/ East Coast representative is locked in, the marquee event moves to Essequibo for its grand conclusion. All roads lead to the Anna Regina National Stadium on Sunday, October 11, where the country’s premier tapeball sides will battle for top honours and an ultimate prize pool featuring $2 million for the champions, $1 million for the runners-up, and $500,000 for third place.
GUYANATIMESGY.COM
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
Stewart credits God, hard work, strategy in TKO win
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he Caribbean B o x i n g Organisation’s Pro/Am card lit up the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) on Saturday night with the Guyana v Venezuela bout being the main attraction. Laured “The Lion” Stewart entered the squared circle against the much-more experienced Williams Ocando of neighbouring Venezuela, oozing confidence. It took Stewart six rounds of the scheduled eight-round cruiserweight bout to defeat his opponent, as Referee Ian Jardine stopped the contest, with Ocando al-
ready being floored in the earlier rounds by Stewart. Stewart later divulged his strategy for the fight and how that evolved as the bout went on. He disclosed that the plan was to “be patient, make him miss, burn him out in the first three rounds and pick the pace up after. That’s what we did. “I can tell he was breathing hard from his mouth and the stomach. The corner keep saying ‘go to the body’, then Keevin kept saying both hands. So, I started going both hands and I realised he started dropping his elbows. So, I knew once I got the room, I’ll loose those shots and I knew as the rounds go on, he was going to become more
vulnerable,” the pugilist further detailed. In assessing the Venezuelan’s approach to the bout, Stewart noted he was unfazed by his opponent’s tactics. “No, he was doing a lot of stuff like using his weight, pulling you down, squeezing your head; I know that was a part of the game. So, once he was doing it, I was just trying to get the referee to see what he was doing, so he could step in, but other than that, there was nothing,” “The Lion” related. He later shared some motivating words that kept him going in the fight. “Hard work pays off. There’s no road that is too long and there’s no giant that is too big. If you have belief in your-
self and you work hard, anything you can achieve and you don’t have to bow or bend to get it,” Stewart expressed. Hungry for more success, Stewart went on to reveal that he would be taking on whatever came next. “First of all, we’re going to submit our will to God, but anything line up and the price is right, we’re professionals first, so, we’re going to take it: anything that lines up,” he told media operatives. In other results on the night, Guyana’s Septon Barton fell to Jamaica’s Daniel Hilton in the lightweight class, Trinidad and Tobago’s Shakir Garcia got the better of Guyana’s Kevin Isaacs in the featherweight division, but Jamal Eastman turned
things around for Guyana with a welterweight victory over Suriname’s Edino Gljisberg, Imran Khan pummeled Charwin Estwick for a Referee Stops Contest (RSC) decision while James Moore made a dominant return with a cruiserweight victory over Joel McRae. Suriname’s Mitchell Wielson had the quickest win of the night, forcing a technical knockout (TKO) just 54 seconds into his contest with Grenada’s Rickenson Henry. To cap off the night’s excitement, Terrance Greene was determined to be the celebrity champion after Bradley “Doggie” Sampson failed to show.
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Laured Stewart displays his new belt following Saturday night’s victory (Kaieteur News photo)
Port Mourant crowned Budhram’s 5-wicket haul, Tilku’s BCB Under-21 champions unbeaten 70 power LBI to victory
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Port Mourant won the Under-21 tournament
he Port Mourant Turf Club came out victorious in the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Under-21 tournament, defeating Rose Hall Canje by two wickets at Port Mourant Community Centre. Asgarrali Nabbie sealed the deal for Port Mourant with his unbeaten 21 in a low-scoring thriller as the home team
chased down Rose Hall Canje’s total of 122, reaching 123/8 in 31.1 overs. Rose Hall Canje posted a total of 122 all out in 33.2 overs, with Sanjay Algoo scoring 43 and Michael Newland Jr hitting 25. Bowling for Port Mourant Cricket Club, Romeo Deonarine had 3-19, while Navin Boodwah had 3-21. Salim
Khan and Doodnauth Seemangal had two wickets each. Port Mourant reached 123 for 8 in 31.1 overs, with Rampersaud Ramnauth scoring 29, supported by Nabbie’s 27 not out. Bowling for Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club, Avishkar Beharry and Romario Ramdehol had two wickets each.
a Bonne Intention (LBI) Cricket Club produced a strong all-round performance to secure a two-wicket victory over Enmore in the East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB)/ Navens Construction First Division 50-Over Competition at Enmore. After winning the toss and electing to bat, Enmore were dismissed for 232, with V Wilkinson and D Mangal leading the batting effort with half-centuries. Wilkinson top-scored with 53, while Mangal made a valuable 52 as the Enmore batting lineup struggled to build partnerships against a disciplined LBI bowling attack. National Under-19 off-spinner Joshua Budhram was the standout bowler for LBI, producing an excellent spell to claim five wickets for 31 runs from nine overs.
His five-wicket haul played a major role in restricting Enmore to a manageable total. LBI, captained by Inspector Ameer Mohammed, then mounted a successful run chase, reaching 236 for eight to complete the victory. S Gaskin anchored the chase with a wellmade 76, while M Outar contributed a useful 40 to keep LBI in contention. With the match finely poised, Ariel Tilku produced a crucial unbeaten 70 to guide LBI over the line and secure the two-wicket victory. Budhram’s incisive bowling effort, combined with valuable contributions throughout the batting order, ensured LBI completed a successful chase and strengthened their campaign in the ECCB First-Division competition.
Joshua Budhram produced a magical spell
22 Elite League: GDF crush Den Amstel, Slingerz blank Santos at Providence GUYANATIMESGY.COM
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
Santos' Lindy Gardner received a second caution and was sent off in the 64th minute
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he Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and defending champions Slingerz recorded commanding victories when Season Eight of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League continued with another double-header at the National Training Centre, Providence, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Sunday night. GDF produced the larger win of the evening, defeating Den Amstel 6-0, while Slingerz secured a 3-0 victory over Santos in the second match. Shakeem Welcome handed GDF a dream start by opening the scoring in the second minute. Ian Dooker doubled
the advantage in the 23rd minute, allowing the sol-
Part of the action during GDF's 6-0 demolition of Den Amstel
GDF remained in control after the restart and
Shakeem Welcome, Ian Dooker, Abumchi Opara, Jayden Harris and Seon Cato were on target for GDF (Elite League photos)
diers to enter the halftime break with a comfortable 2-0 lead.
Abumchi Opara, who entered at halftime for Shaquan Joseph, made it
3-0 in the 58th minute. Jayden Harris added another goal in the 70th minute, eight minutes after replacing Quaency Fraser, before fellow substitute Seon Cato found the net in the 80th. Opara then completed his double in the 90th minute to seal the six-goal victory. Jeffery Pereira was shown a yellow card in the 88th minute for GDF. Den Amstel s Quasi Domingo received a yellow card in the 63rd minute, while Cleavon Murray and team official Kevon Nelson were cautioned in the 85th minute. In the night s second encounter, Slingerz scored twice before halftime and once late in the match to
Neron Barrow, Yusifu Kargbo, and Kelsey Benjamin were the goalscorers for Slingerz FC. Santos' challenge became more difficult when Gardner received his second caution and was sent off
overcome Santos. Neron Barrow broke the goalless deadlock in the 26th minute before Kelsey Benjamin extended the lead in the 37th minute. Santos entered the break two goals behind, with Lindy Gardner receiving a yellow card during first-half stoppage time. Santos challenge be-
came more difficult when Gardner received a second caution and was sent off in the 64th minute. Curtez Kellman and Kvist Paul were also booked for Slingerz, while Kymani Sealey and Ravin Naughton received yellow cards for Santos. Yusifu Kargbo, who entered for Paul in the 70th minute, completed the scoring in the 83rd minute as Slingerz collected another victory in their title defence. course. Course maintenance will focus on The league continues treating trees, improving the greens, and next weekend at the same controlling pests. venue. The club also intends to acquire a second greens mower. Ally pointed to its previous collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, under which the two parties contributed equally towards the purchase of the current mower. Drain-clearing works and measures to address dry-season water shortages are also on the agenda. Ally stressed that an adeVACANCY quate water supply is necessary to maintain the course in good condition. Superior Woods Inc. is inviting applications for the following Beyond its golfing activities, the club positions: Moulder Operator plans to strengthen its appeal as a venue for (3), Heavy-Duty Equipment weddings, birthdays, and other special occaMechanic (4), Mill/Resaw Operator (3), Forklift Operators — sions. (5), Labourers — (10). Location: Ally also reaffirmed the club’s commitYarrowkabra, Linden-Soesdyke ment to increasing participation among Highway. Contact: 642-3828/ 6262138. Email: superiorwoods.gy@ women and young people by creating more gmail.com. opportunities for both groups to become inSuperior Blocks and Pavers volved in golf. is inviting applications for the following positions: Blocks Machine The plans form part of Lusignan’s widOperator (3), Forklift/Front-end er work to promote the sport in Guyana Loader Operator (3), Labourers — (6). Location: Yarrowkabra, Lindenthrough competitions, membership developSoesdyke Highway. Contact: 642ment and initiatives that encourage greater 3828/ 626-2138. Email: vickash@ superiorblocksandpavers.com participation.
Ally secures 3rd term at Lusignan Golf Club
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nasha Ally was re-elected President of the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) for a third term at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 13, 2026, with improvements to the club’s facilities and wider participation in golf among her priorities. Ally, who attended the meeting via Zoom, will lead an executive tasked with strengthening the club’s membership, overseeing its operations and activities, and supporting the development of golf in Guyana. Joseph Szeplaki will serve as Vice President, with Chetwynd Bowling as Secretary and Bala Vinjimoor as Treasurer. Princessa Wilkie is the Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer, while Brian Hackett will serve as Ground Superintendent. Ayube Subhan is the Club Captain and Dr Joaan Deo the Public Relations Officer. Speaking after the AGM, Ally acknowledged that personal challenges over the past year had prompted her to reflect. She said the executive had, nevertheless, remained committed to developing Lusignan into a top-class facility. “As I begin my third term with this new executive, our vision is to build on the progress we have made and take the club to an
CLASSIFIED ADS
Anasha Ally (top) was elected for a third term. She will serve alongside the Executive Committee (bottom)
even higher level,” Ally said. Planned works include improvements to the clubhouse, fences, driveway and golf
GUYANATIMESGY.COM
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
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Motie delighted with batting rewards after hard work G
Gudakesh Motie did the damage with bat and ball for Tridents
uyanese cricketer Gudakesh Motie is enjoying the 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with his new franchise, Barbados Tridents. Motie sent Tridents into the play-offs with an unbeaten 17 from eight balls and he claimed 2-7 in his Player-of-the-Match effort against Jamaica Kingsmen. The man from Berbice said he has been putting in a lot of work on his batting, and he is delighted that it is paying off. “All-round performance by my team. In the last over, a message was sent out for me to play all six deliveries. I've been doing a lot of work on my batting. Happy it's paying off now. We know how important this game was,” Motie said.
T h e 31-year-old also analysed the surface and not- e d that there was little purchase for spinners. “Thanks to the crowd for coming out and supporting us. We know the pitch had a little for the spinners. Was trying to hit my areas and not bowl too fast. When you were bowling fast, it was skidding on,” Motie said. This is Motie’s first CPL where he is not playing for the Guyana Amazon Warriors. After nine matches, he has 13 wickets at a strike rate of 13, his best striking in his CPL career.
Prisoners return to the ring with point to prove at GBA Novice Championships
GBA President Steve Ninvalle
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he Republican Gym will have more than just punches to throw when the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) National Novice Championships get u n derway from September 2527 at the Cliff
Anderson Sports Hall. For the boxers representing the Guyana Prison Service, the three-day tournament marks the official return of the prisoners to competitive boxing, and judging by the preparations, they are not returning simply to make up the numbers. T h e Republican Gym, which has been working under the guidance of former national champion
Wincel “Naka B” Thomas, is expected to bring plenty of intensity to the ring, particularly when the gloves come off against traditional rivals the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). With bragging rights and a point to prove at stake, those match-ups could provide some of the tournament’s most intriguing fireworks. Thomas, who knows firsthand what it takes to compete at the highest level of local boxing, has been putting the prisoners through their paces as they prepare for their return to the national amateur stage. For GBA President Steve Ninvalle, however, the significance of the Republican Gym’s participation extends well beyond what happens between the ropes. Ninvalle said he was both “happy and excited” to see the prisoners return to competitive boxing, describing their involvement as an important development for the sport and the wider rehabilitation process. He said the GBA was
The Republican Gym has been under the watchful eye of Wincel Thomas
particularly pleased to see its collaboration with the Guyana Prison Service and the Home Affairs Ministry beginning to bear fruit. “This is something we have been working on, and it’s good to see the prisoners back in boxing,” Ninvalle said. According to Ninvalle, Guyana occupies a unique position within the Caribbean through its efforts to introduce and develop boxing within the penal system. He believes the initiative demonstrates how sport can become an important vehicle for discipline, personal
development and rehabilitation, while also creating opportunities for individuals to discover and develop their talents. The Novice Championships will, therefore, provide more than an opportunity for emerging boxers to gain competitive experience. For the Republican Gym, it will be a chance to show that the work being done behind prison walls can produce fighters capable of standing toe-totoe with pugilists from some of the country’s established boxing institutions.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
Sport is no longer our game, it’s our business
Tahir backs Warriors to bounce back in play-offs Caribbean Premier League (CPL). The Warriors were GAW skipper Imran bowled out for 99 at Tahir expects to bounce Kensington Oval, back on Thursday with their batting collapse putting a p t a i n them on the back Imran Tahir foot from the onset. has urged Tahir, who made the Guyana Amazon his 100th CPL apWarriors (GAW) to address pearance in the their batting shortcomings match, acknowlafter their six-wicket defeat edged that the to the Barbados Tridents in pitch became easitheir final group-stage match er for batting as of the 2026 Republic Bank
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the game progressed, but felt Guyana also contributed to its own downfall. “I think the pitch played a little bit bad then obviously [in] the first half; then the second, it got a little bit better. I think that was the advantage really,” Tahir said. The veteran leg-spinner pointed to the nature of some of the dismissals, noting that several batters were undone by short deliveries, while admitting that the Warriors were also guilty of poor shot selection. “There was a couple of dis-
missals. The balls were really short. So, I can't really blame the batsmen. But I think there was some poor shot selection also from our side,” he added. Tahir said the Warriors will need t o assess their performance carefully, particularly with the play-offs n o w shift-
ing to Barbados. Guyana finished the group stage at the top of the standings and will face the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in Qualifier One on September 17 at 20:00h. Despite the defeat, Tahir remains confident in the team’s overall campaign and believes the Warriors can bounce back. “It's only two bad games we had so far. So, I think from team point of view, it's been a great commitment from the boys. We've been playing really good brand of cricket and we want to carry on that.”
Powerplay execution key for Brits as GAW Women prepare for Tridents rematch Premier League (WCPL) which manifested in a second win on the trot for the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) Women. To boot, the victory helped the Guyanese franchise secure their place in tomorrow’s play-off. Brits’ 46 came off 41 balls and was laced Tazmin Brits showed with five fours and up to the party with one six. Backed by a the bat on Sunday fiery 36 off the bat of Shemaine Campbelle, outh the Warriors were able to get over the line in 19 African overs, with five wickets b a t t e r to spare. Tazmin Brits Speaking finally got into exclusively her rhythm on Sunday during the ongoing Limacol W o m e n ’ s Caribbean
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with Guyana Times Sport at the Kensington Oval, following that match, Brits voiced appreciation for her innings. “A bit disappointing that I didn’t… that I didn’t take it through to the end, I think I should’ve done that due to the fact that I was in, but yeah, very tough. I’ve been battling to score runs in the first two games, don’t know if it’s a bit of nerves. Don’t know if it’s a bit of nerves, first time playing in a league. So, yeah, it was quite nice, I think it was a good batting wicket,” Brits told this publication. However, the South African international admitted that the team have not pulled off a perfect game as yet. She explained, “No, I think we still have a few things to work on. They got going in the beginning,
Brits is hoping the GAW bowlers can pick up more wickets in the power play
I think if we can strike a bit quicker, take one or two wickets, although Hayley [Matthews] was dropped and I think she batted quite well, but the quicker we could do that, we don’t have to chase 150. So, hopefully, we could do that sooner.” Nonetheless, with two wins on the trot now, the batter expressed confidence in the team’s abili-
ties. “Definitely, I think this group is gelling as well, vibes are great in the camp, so, yeah, I’m very confident,” Brits shared, “I mean, any win boosts a team, so, it’s actually just funny to see the lack of what we actually have and if we actually correct those things what we can actually do. I think we can definitely, maybe chase
180.” As they prepare to face the Tridents again, Brits chalked it up to a battle of the “best homework”. “Like I said, the power play our bowlers have to try and strike and get a wicket. I think I might try and bat left so they don’t know what I’m doing. No, I’m just joking,” she said with a laugh. Brits went on to add, “It’s quite weird to actually face them again Wednesday, but I think that’s great, because, you know, now you’ve actually played each other. So, whoever comes out on top, you definitely did your homework.” The Guyana Amazon Warriors Women will take on the Barbados Tridents again on Wednesday, September 16 from 10:00h, with a spot in Thursday’s final on the line.
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