Issuu

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 6563

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026

Manage water carefully – Agri Minister as El Niño conditions intensify …Government steps up support for farmers See story on page 3

Schools reopen nationwide, 1% under temporary arrangements – Minister

PRICE $100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

4 homeless after Zeelugt house destroyed by fire

P14

Guyana salutes T&T on 64th P13 Independence Amerindian P8 Affairs Ministry security guard assaulted, robbed by gunmen

See story on page 12

Baramita man jailed for 12 P8 months, fined over $2M for narco trafficking

President Dr Irfaan Ali with students on Monday as schools reopened for the new academic year (President Dr Irfaan Ali/Facebook)

4-year-old dies after vehicle overturns on St Cuthbert’s Mission trail Page 11

Page 7

Chinese companies have long been part of Guyana’s development – Embassy to US official

"Model Village" initiative

Community committees will have to oversee upkeep, sustainability of villages – Benn Page 2

P13 5000 new students to join UG as new academic year begins

ECD man wanted for killing P10 businessman at Mowasie Landing

2 NEWS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

"Model Village" Initiative

Community committees will have to oversee upkeep, sustainability of villages – Benn

s the Government moves to modernise communities across the country through its Model Village Initiative, Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Vanessa Benn, said residents will be required to establish committees to support the maintenance of infrastructure and the sustainability of other programmes being implemented. “The intent is that the communities, the residents will form committees that will help to oversee certain things such as the maintenance and management of a play field, the coaches, the parents of the chil-

dren who are there and so on, will come together,” she noted during the Starting Point podcast on Sunday. Earlier this month, President Dr Irfaan Ali launched the Model Village Initiative, initially targeting 23 communities across Regions Two through Six for comprehensive upgrades. These

include improvements to roads, drainage networks, street lighting, green spaces, and recreational facilities. The initiative also expands beyond physical infrastructure to build comprehensive economic, social and environmental ecosystems in communities. According to Benn, work has al-

ready started in some communities. “Some of the work has started… some of those communities already would have had the enhancement of some of their roads that precedes this Model Village Initiative, the rollout of it. Doing the additional work now, starting the work on the drains, that has com-

menced in some of the communities,” she said. In other communities, she noted that preparatory works must first be done. “The assessment of the utility poles, the installation of street lighting…where water lines need to be put…needs to be done before the road is constructed and improved,” the Minister noted. Meanwhile, Benn acknowledged that garbage collection and noise nuisance remain two of the most pressing concerns for residents in many communities, assuring that they will be addressed under the Model Village Initiative. In fact, she

highlighted that during the consultations with residents, “practically every village that we went to, that was raised”. Nonetheless, she explained that every Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) across the country has been equipped with garbage trucks and President Ali has already issued a directive that collection schedules must be available for residents. Similarly, on noise nuisance, the Minister said “everywhere we went, persons are complaining about the noise nuisance”. TURN TO PAGE 10

NEWS 3

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS BRIDGE OPENINGS The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, September 1 – 06:50h–08:20h and Wednesday, September 2 – 07:25h–08:55h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny conditions are expected during the day, followed by clear skies at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East-North-Easterly to Easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.92 metres. High Tide: 07:00h and 19:13h reaching maximum heights of 2.70 metres and 2.71 metres. Low Tide: 12:49h reaching a minimum height of 0.59 metre.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2026

LOTTERY NUMBERS M

FREE TICKET

2 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2026

16 21

11 4

LUCKY 3

Afternoon Draw

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

13 17 18

SUPER

PAY DAY

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026

10 16 17 13

11 12 13

2 Afternoon Draw

2X Afternoon Draw

5 Evening Draw

FP Evening Draw

9554

DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$90.95/barrel

+0.51

Rough Rice London Sugar

$282.24/ton $514.40/ton

-0.32 -1.89

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask Low/High

$4439.00 $4395.80

$4445.70 $4472.70

Change

-8.70

-0.20%

Manage water carefully – Agri Minister as El Niño conditions intensify …Govt steps up support for farmers

s the effects of El Niño are expected to continue to affect Guyana, farmers are set to receive direct assistance from the Government to help them cultivate crops and manage the anticipated conditions. Guyana is already experiencing strengthening El Niño conditions, which began intensifying around August 2026 and are forecast to persist through the remainder of the year and potentially into the first quarter of 2027. Foreseeing the potential effects of the phenomenon, if not addressed early, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has urged farmers and other stakeholders to take early and practical steps to prepare for the potential impacts of El Niño conditions. Mustapha made the call while addressing farmers and stakeholders at the El Niño Preparedness Forum, held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown on Monday. The forum brought together farmers and other stakeholders to discuss preparedness and response measures while addressing other concerns as Guyana remains on alert for the potential impacts of El Niño conditions. The Guyana Hydrometeorological Service recently warned of an unprecedented surge in extreme heat, with up to 80 hot-spell days expected through 2026—nearly triple the historical average. Heat intensity typically peaks between mid-August and October. The El Niño phenomenon could have far-reaching implications for Guyana, affecting water availability, agricultural production, food prices and farmers’ incomes, while potentially having wider implications for global food security. However, Minister Mustapha stressed the need to approach the sit-

Some of the farmers present at the meeting on Monday

uation from a practical perspective rather than allowing the terminology surrounding El Niño to create fear about what lies ahead. According to Mustapha, early preparedness is key to mitigating the potential effects of El Niño, based on advice provided by the Hydrometeorological Service. “It is better that we start prepared early, because we were told by the Hydromet office that this phenomenon, this condition that we are experiencing, is expected to persist throughout the remainder of 2026, with a strong possibility of continuing into the first quarter of 2027. But we also have to recognise that today Guyana is better prepared. Over the years, we have seen Government invest heavily in drainage and irrigation, conservancies, pumps, canals, farm-tomarket roads, reservoirs and agricultural services.”

Water management plans

Plans are already underway to strengthen water-management infrastructure in Regions Five and Six, with the Government currently constructing two high-level canals in the areas. Mustapha explained that the canals are being constructed primarily to improve drainage, but will also serve as reservoirs for farmers requiring water for irrigation. “As I am speaking now, we have

embarked in two areas, Regions Five and Six. We are now doing two high-level canals there to prepare those areas, firstly for drainage, but those canals also will act as reservoirs for farmers whenever they need irrigation. But you will agree with me also that infrastructure alone is not enough. We have to make sure that infrastructure is properly maintained, the pumps are operational, water is managed carefully, and farmers know what assistance is available to them.” He said water management would be an immediate concern for the agriculture sector during the period, stressing the need to store available water and manage it carefully. “For agriculture, now, water is an immediate concern. Our approach has to be

straightforward: store water where we have it and manage it carefully.”

Technological plans & risk management

The Government is also turning to technology and risk management as part of its efforts to support farmers and strengthen the agriculture sector’s preparedness. Mustapha said the Agriculture Ministry has been working with its technical officers, particularly extension officers, while revamping that section of the Ministry to improve the support provided to farmers. He highlighted the development of a farmers’ app, which he encouraged farmers to use, noting that it provides a wide range of agricultural information. TURN TO PAGE 7

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 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

Mandatory safety standards

he Government’s decision to strengthen and make compulsory the safety standards governing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, regulators, transportation and storage represents a necessary step towards protecting lives and property. The move is particularly important in light of incidents involving exploding gas cylinders that have resulted in deaths, severe burns, and significant property damage. Such incidents cannot be treated merely as isolated accidents. The widespread use of LPG in households and businesses means that weaknesses in the systems governing the importation, handling, transportation, and storage of cylinders can have serious consequences for the population. The decision to review the existing standards following these incidents is therefore welcome. More importantly, the intention to make the revised standards legally binding should provide the regulatory framework with the authority needed to ensure compliance throughout the LPG supply chain. Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues has indicated that a committee was convened following the cylinder explosions to review the standards administered by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS). The standards governing both cylinders and regulators have since been revised following consultations with stakeholders and industry suppliers. The next step – moving from voluntary or existing requirements to compulsory standards – is critical. A standard has limited value if compliance is not mandatory and adequately enforced. The proposed system, under which importers would only be permitted to bring cylinders meeting specified requirements, can prevent substandard or unsuitable products from entering the market in the first place. Such an approach places safety at the beginning of the supply chain rather than waiting until an incident occurs. The proposed role of the GNBS in monitoring cylinders and regulators is, therefore, significant. Effective implementation will require consistent inspection, certification and enforcement. Importers and suppliers must have clear requirements, while consumers must have confidence that cylinders being sold for household and commercial use have met established safety criteria. Equal attention must be given to transportation and storage as a cylinder that meets technical standards can still become a danger if improperly transported, stored, or handled. Damage sustained during transportation or careless storage can compromise the integrity of cylinders and increase the risk of accidents. The development of compulsory standards for these areas is consequently an important extension of the Government’s regulatory response. The urgency of these measures is underscored by the human cost already associated with LPG-related incidents. Several lives have been lost and others have suffered severe burns. Families have been left to deal with the consequences of injuries and deaths, while property has also been destroyed. Yet questions surrounding accountability and liability remain a concern. Strengthened regulation cannot bring back those who have died or erase the suffering caused by serious injuries. It can, however, reduce the likelihood of similar incidents and establish clearer responsibilities across the industry. The absence of clear liability in circumstances involving defective equipment, improper handling, or regulatory failures is particularly troubling. A stronger regulatory framework should, therefore, be accompanied by effective mechanisms for determining responsibility when safety requirements are breached. Compliance must not become a matter of paperwork alone. Where negligence, non-compliance or the introduction of unsafe products is established, appropriate enforcement action should follow. Enforcement must be sustained, transparent and properly resourced, and regular inspections, certification requirements and penalties for breaches should be part of a comprehensive safety regime. Public education should also accompany the regulatory changes so that households and businesses understand the importance of proper cylinder use, storage, and handling.

President Dr Irfaan Ali takes his sons, Zayd and Ilan, to school on Monday. He also interacted with students and teachers as the new academic year begins (President Dr Irfaan Ali/Facebook)

NEWS 5

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

New vending arrangements for Woolford Avenue vendors …as Ministry seeks balance between vendors, school canteens

ocal Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand on Monday met with vendors operating along Woolford Avenue, Georgetown to discuss arrangements for vending following infrastructure upgrades in the area. The meeting, which was also attended by Permanent Secretary (PS) Miguel Choo-Kang, focused on concerns raised by vendors who were removed by the recent works and possible ways to reorganise vending along the corridor. Woolford Avenue recently underwent the first phase of upgrades, including an expanded roadway and improved drainage. Manickchand told the vendors that removing them was not the objective of the infrastruc-

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand meeting with the vendors on Monday

ture project. Instead, she said the Ministry is seeking to restructure vending arrangements to accommodate persons who depend on the activity for their livelihoods while ensuring that vending does not undermine the improvements made to the area. During the engagement, vendors raised their concerns and offered recommendations on how vending could be accommodated. Discussions included the possibility of introducing more organised and standardised vending structures that would fit within the upgraded surroundings. The meeting also examined the relationship between roadside vendors and canteens operating at nearby schools, as well as challenges vendors face in obtaining the necessary approvals

to operate. The Ministry said further consultations will be held with vendors, canteen operators and head teachers to develop an arrangement that takes into ac-

count the interests of all parties while maintaining safety and order along Woolford Avenue. Manickchand reaffirmed the Ministry's position that develop-

ment should improve public spaces while also creating opportunities for people who live and earn in the communities being upgraded. The Ministry said

it will continue working with communities and other stakeholders to advance development projects while addressing concerns affecting livelihoods.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 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 - Chasing Wonders (2020) 13:30 Movie - Kim Possible (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 CNN 20:00 Stop Suffering 20:30 GIT Perspectives 21:30 TVG Music Break 22:00 Movie - Ghosted (2023)

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026

Foundation ◄

Page

Quadrilaterals Q

uadrilaterals are polygons with four straight sides, four angles, and four vertices. The word quadrilateral comes from the latin word quadri meaning four and latus (lateral) meaning side. There are many different types of quadrilaterals. Here are the special types of quadrilaterals.

Solutes and Solvents

Fish of the Flood A By Emilia Stuart Lorimer

Fish of the flood, on the bankèd billow Thou layest thy head in dreams; Sliding as slides thy shifting pillow, One with the streams Of the sea is thy spirit. Gean-tree, thou spreadest thy foaming flourish Abroad in the sky so grey; It not heeding if it thee nourish, Thou dost obey, Happy, its moving. So, God, thy love it not needeth me, Only thy life, that I blessèd be. (Source: Poetry [October 1912])

substance that breaks down or dissolves another substance is known as a solvent. While there are many industrial and commercial uses for solvents, the most familiar applications can be found in any household kitchen. People are using the most common solvent of all – water – whenever they make a cup of instant coffee or a glass of instant iced tea. The substance, such as coffee crystals, that is dissolved in a solvent is called the solute. The resulting mixture is a solution in which all chemical particles are homogeneously intermingled. Particles that do not remain in solution but settle after a time are said to be suspended. Most solutions – and most solvents – are liquids. Solutes generally are solids, though some gas or liquid solutes are used as well. Usually a solvent is the largest component in a solution, but there are exceptions. In concentrated sulphuric acid, for example, the sulphuric acid is 96 per cent of the solution dissolved by four per cent of water. Solvents are useful in chemical reactions because chemicals tend to combine more readily when they are dissolved. The mixture of two dry, crystalline compounds, for instance, would produce almost no reaction. If the compounds are mixed in a solvent, their molecules separate and intermingle with one another and the solvent, forming a new

substance. Numerous industrial processes rely on types of solvents called ‘evaporating’, ‘reusable’, and ‘extraction’ for a variety of applications. Evaporating solvents are used in paints, varnishes, and nearly all plastic-type coatings to keep them in liquid form until they are applied. Evaporating solvents are also used in the production of synthetic materials such as plastics. The ingredients are first dissolved in solution, forming long-chain molecules called polymers. When the solvent evaporates, it leaves behind a rigid material. The textile industry uses reusable solvents to manufacture natural and synthetic fibres. In the production of rayon, a starchy plant fibre is mixed with a solvent to create a glutinous substance that is then forced through a nozzle in thin strands into an acid bath. The strands harden into threads once the solvent is set free upon exposure to the acid and air. The solvent is then reused. Extraction solvents can be used to separate certain solutes from other substances. The basis of dry cleaning is the extraction of dirt and stains by applying a solvent – a chlorinated hydrocarbon – that dissolves the soil but not the cloth. The extraction of cooking oils from such vegetable matter as sunflower seeds and soybeans happens in much the same way. (Britannica Kids)

A group of travellers are exploring a deep, dark, remote cave when they find a computer and a lunchbox.

WORD SEARCH

WATER SOLUTE PARTICLES DISSOLVE CHEMICAL

SOLUTION REACTION CONCENTRATED SUSPENDED SOLVENT

NEWS 7

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Chinese companies have long been part of Guyana’s development – Embassy to US official

he Chinese Embassy in Guyana on Monday issued a statement in response to United States (US) Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs in the Department of State, Juan Pablo Segura, who criticised Chinese stateowned companies for their track record across the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region. The US$150 million Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Expansion project, which was plagued by prolonged delays and cost overruns under the previous A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition Administration in Guyana, was flagged by the US official in a statement on X. He said the project “…was plagued by more than a decade of construction delays and cost overruns.” He also highlighted other troubled major projects undertaken by Chinese companies in the region, including a costly, poorly built and failing hydroelectric dam in Ecuador, as well as abandoned construction projects and corrupt efforts to manipulate bidding processes in Peru. “Our

part of Guyana’s development for many years, investing in the country and contributing to its modernisation. “From the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge and the China-Guyana Friendship Joe Vieira Park to the Six Regional Hospitals. Those projects have helped improve inUS Assistant Secretary frastructure, create jobs of State for Western and support economic Hemisphere Affairs, Juan and social development, Pablo Segura earning broad recognition region is riddled with across Guyanese society,” projects led by Chinese the embassy highlightstate -owned companies ed. The embassy also consuch as the Sinohydro tended that Guyana and Corporation and China other LAC countries are Railway Group Limited entitled to choose their where corners were cut, own development partcontracts were broken, ners. According to the Governments saddled Chinese Embassy, “we with debt, and the local environment suffered,” stand ready to further the Assistant Secretary deepen practical cooperof State for Western ation with Guyana across Hemisphere Affairs con- various fields and deliver more tangible and actended. In response, the cessible benefits to our Chinese Embassy said two countries and peo“such remarks disre- ples.” Guyana was the English-speaking gard the facts and con- first Caribbean country to esstitute political maniptablish diplomatic relaulation and malicious tions with China in 1971, smears against normal China-Guyana econom- with formal diplomatic ic and trade cooperation. ties marked in June 1972. The Chinese Embassy in CJIA Project Guyana firmly opposes While Government ofthem”. The embassy furficials have acknowledged ther noted that Chinese China’s continued concompanies have been

China’s Ambassador Guyana, Yang Yang

tribution to the country’s development, they too have flagged the works done on the CJIA project. The CJIA Expansion and Modernisation project got underway in 2012 under the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government when Guyana secured a US$138 million loan from the China Exim (ExportImport) Bank with a contribution of some US$12 million from the Guyanese Government. The US$150 million project was awarded to China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC). While in opposition, the APNU+AFC had cut the funding for the expansion project. When the coalition subsequently came to power in 2015, the project was put on hold. It was later announced that the project would continue but a

number of downgrades were made to the design. Since then, widespread concerns and questions have been raised over the project’s costs and delayed construction. The project was initially supposed to have been completed within 32 months, but several extensions, spanning years, were given to the contractor. By the time the coalition left office in 2020, the contractor was paying penalties for the delays. Upon assuming office in August 2020 under a new PPP/C Administration, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill described the project as “very troubled,” citing incomplete runway extensions as well as significant defects in the newly renovated terminal building such as a leaking roof, improper tiling, and problems with the air conditioning and lighting, among other issues. However, the most significant defect identified at the time was regarding the airbridges. The initial design presented by the PPP/C had eight airbridges, but this was reduced by the APNU+AFC to just two. The coalition subsequently added two other airbridges after funds were obtained from the National Assembly,

but none of those were operational in 2020. At the time, Edghill said the project engineer indicated that they had been trying to get the Chinese contractor to comply with the terms and conditions of the contract and deliver what was agreed upon. The PPP/C Government subsequently took a number of steps to fast-track the airport upgrades and enhance the facility, including the addition of two more airbridges. Moreover, China Harbour was engaged and agreed to complete some US$15 million in additional works at no extra cost to the Government, including the construction of a new boarding corridor to accommodate the two additional airbridges as well as a superstructure and curtain wall at the departure building. CHEC eventually completed all those major works in June 2022 – nearly a decade after the expansion and modernisation project started. That same year, the Chinese company at the centre of the controversial CJIA Project entered into a US$25 million quarry deal with a company owned by the US-sanctioned and indicted Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed.

Manage water carefully – Agri Minister as El Niño...

FROM PAGE 3

According to the Minister, the app can assist farmers in determining when to plant, identifying areas with available irrigation water, and diagnosing pests and diseases. Farmers can also use the application to access information on how to treat identified pests and diseases directly from their smartphones. Mustapha urged farmers to use technology to their advantage, stressing the importance of ensuring that information from the Hydrometeorological Service reaches farmers in a form they can understand and apply. He

said weather forecasts are only useful when they lead to informed decisions, noting that farmers may sometimes hear forecasts without fully understanding what they mean for their operations. The Minister said authorities must therefore communicate weather information in a way that speaks directly to farmers, explaining what they should expect and what actions they should take. While acknowledging that forecasts may not always be 100 per cent accurate, he stressed the need for timely and clear communication

so farmers can make the necessary preparations. According to Mustapha, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) has also begun advising farmers on irrigation and drainage, crop duration, planting schedules and water management.

Livestock & adequate water

He said the Government is also promoting practical climate-smart measures and will work closely with farmers involved in other crops to establish systems to help them manage during the period and ensure adequate

water supplies for their crops. Mustapha stressed that the current conditions should not be used as a reason to reduce production, noting that the Government has been putting systems in place to maximise production across the agriculture sector. He also highlighted the importance of the livestock industry, urging farmers not to overlook the needs of animals during periods of high temperatures. The Minister said livestock require adequate water, shade and ventilation during periods of extreme heat, while farmers must

also pay close attention to feed and nutrition and ensure that sufficient supplies are available. Guyana experienced transitions related to El Niño and shifting weather patterns through late 2025 and into 2026, moving from early cautious outlooks of above-normal wet conditions towards hotter, drier conditions and drought alerts by mid-2026. As of August 15, this publication reported that current El Niño conditions, coupled with a growing customer base, have driven up electricity demand across Guyana, prompting the Government to

implement a series of measures aimed at enhancing power supply, conserving electricity and stabilising the ageing national grid system. One of those interventions involves removing large consumers across the country from the national grid during peak hours, when demand is high. Public Utilities and Aviation Minister Deodat Indar explained that while these large customers have self-generating capacity, which is costly due to soaring fuel prices, they remain connected to the national grid to benefit from subsidised electricity rates.

8 NEWS Trio busted in attempted invasion at CH&PA Director’s home charged, remanded TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Charged: Adrian Greenidge

Charged: Earl Grant

Charged: Yohance Carroll

ammunition. At court on Monday, they were not required to plead to the charges and were remanded to prison until October 9, 2026. It was reported that on the day in question, the victim was at his home when he exited through the western door to dispose of garbage, and as he returned inside, he secured the door and proceeded to his bedroom, where he checked his security cameras and observed four males enThe guns that were recovered after the suspects were tering his yard. ays after they were arrested for attempting to break into the home of a Director of Projects attached to the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) at

Georgetown, along with Adrian Greenidge, 23, a security guard from Cane View Squatting Area, Georgetown, appeared before Magistrate Omadatt Chandan at the Leonora

arrested

Tuschen New Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), the three suspects were charged and remanded to prison. Yohance Carroll, 22 and Earl Grant, 23, from Tucville Squatting Area,

Magistrate's Court on Monday, where they were charged with attempted robbery under arms. In addition, Greenidge and Grant were individually charged with possession of a firearm and

Baramita man jailed for 12 months, fined over $2M for narco trafficking

Amerindian Affairs Ministry security guard assaulted, robbed by gunmen

57-year-old security guard attached to the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, Thomas and Quamina Streets, Georgetown, was reportedly robbed at gunpoint in the wee hours of Monday. According to reports received, the victim and a colleague were stationed in separate guard huts when two men armed with handguns confronted him. The suspects reportedly assaulted the security guard and demanded the keys to two motorcycles parked

in the compound. At that time, the guard informed them that he did not have the keys, but instead they relieved him of a cellular phone and $7000 in cash before escaping. An alarm was raised, and the police were summoned. The injured security guard was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he is being treated. Detectives have since located CCTV footage, which is being reviewed as investigations continue.

They were all wearing masks and reportedly approached the door, attempting to open it, but the victim immediately contacted the police and raised an alarm. However, acting on separate information received, police intercepted three males at Fisher Dam, Zeelugt, EBE. During a search, they found a black firearm with three matching rounds of ammunition in a haversack that was being carried by Grant, and as such, he was taken into custody. Police added that a further search was conducted on the other suspects, during which another firearm with three matching rounds of ammunition was found concealed on Greenidge, thus leading to his arrest. Following the review of the CCTV footage, charges were instituted against the trio.

Jailed: Kevin Bess

ixty-three-year-old Kevin Bess, also called 'Generator Man’, a mechanic of Barama Line, Baramita, North West District (NWD), was on Monday sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment on two counts of narcotics trafficking. Bess virtually appeared before Magistrate Robindranauth Singh

at the Port Kaituma Magistrate's Court, where the charges were read to him separately. Police stated that Bess was arrested on Saturday in the vicinity of Warapa, Baramita, NWD, after he was found to be in possession of 1180.7 grams of cannabis and 23.1 grams of cocaine. However, during his appearance on Monday, he reportedly pleaded guilty to both charges, thus leading to the imposed sentence, topped with a $2,076,000 fine - $1.7 million for possession of cannabis and $326,000 for cocaine possession. Bess was reportedly arrested on Saturday by ranks who were conducting a police operation in the vicinity of Warapa, Baramita, North West District.

New…

…(convenient) “democracy”

s your Eyewitness recently pointed he can always count on Sanction Man’s WIN to provide grist for his mill!! The latest was the much-heralded launch of their New York chapter – which was held not in Queens or Brooklyn but in a Bethpage catering hall out in Long Island!! The choice was quite curious – If WIN wanted to demonstrate it had tapped into the Guyanese community in New York many of whom can vote back home!! – Queens and Brooklyn would seem the obvious places to start since HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of Guyanese live there!! Trying to explain the literal handful who showed up, an executive – not, of course, Sanction Man who was represented by his picture plastered all over the hall because if he enters the US it’s Orange Suit time!! – said this signalled “quality over quantity”!! Your (amazed) Eyewitness figures WIN must’ve discovered a new branch of political mathematics – one Bethpage supporter’s worth several thousand from Queens and Brooklyn since they are “quality”!! And judging from the photographs, the caterer had to’ve spent more time arranging the chairs than WIN spent counting supporters!! You’d think with all the money Sanction Man siphoned off from his runnings, at least he coulda bussed in a crowd – which then shows the reason the launch was held out in the boondocks was WIN knew there wouldn’t be no crowds in Brooklyn or Queens – which their “quality” thesis couldn’t “explain” away!! Hence the old Guyanese ploy that whenever the numbers look bad – simply change the definition of success!! If the high-priced hall’s half-empty, don't call it halfempty – it’s strategically under-occupied by “Quality”!! That’s the sort of mathematics gymnastics that could make even the old Guyanese “bottom-house meetings” look like mass political conventions!! But let’s get real, shall we?? Guyanese politics has always been a numbers game – Burnham understood it; Jagan understood it and look what happened to the WPA – which didn’t understand it and went for “quality over quality”!! Not surprisingly, they disappeared like a mist that was everywhere when faced with sunshine – in this case democratic elections in 1992!! So serious political parties will always go where the Guyanese community is concentrated – and where elections are discussed over curry, roti, pepperpot and mauby – and where everybody knows everybody's political business!! So perhaps WIN decided Queens and Brooklyn had too much quantity of folks who know their business – which is clearly in the footsteps of Colombia’s Pablo Escobar to get into Parliament to stop their extradition!! But Sanction Man seems to’ve forgotten Pablo’s lesson – democracy has a nasty habit of being rather insensitive to quality since it operates on something called votes. And votes are counted as numbers – bigger the better!!

…(business) incarnation?

Back in the day, Burnham funded the fledgling PNC with a monthly US$5000 payoff from the CIA – which was big bucks then!! After seizing power and rigging elections, he had the entire treasury at his disposal, so when he decided to build a new PNC HQ, he allocated them 40 acres of prime land at Sophia!! He tried to cover his tracks by placing the deed in a company Maikwak Ltd – and hustled supporters at his party Congresses to contribute towards building the red-brick buildings we see there today!! He clearly didn’t see himself ever losing power so he didn’t worry himself about the small matter of the company paying city taxes !! A couple of years ago Jagdeo reminded them that Maikwak owes $6.7 Billion in taxes to the City – but nothing was heard!! So now that Norton says he’s launched a PNC “business arm” under Maikwak Ltd, maybe the City Council – which pleads it’s so “cash strapped” – might remind him of the GY$6.7 billion??

…body odour

Your Eyewitness lives and learns. He just read that GenZ are now “pheromone-maxxing” to attract the opposite sex!! They do this by avoiding baths and underarm deodorant to let the pheromones excreted in sweat produce their (supposedly) irresistible pull!! 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

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

10 NEWS Community committees ECD man wanted for killing businessman at Mowasie Landing will have to oversee... TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FROM PAGE 2

he Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Monday issued a wanted bulletin for 26-year-old Gavin Johnson, also called "Max", for questioning in connection with the murder of Godfrey Gill, also called "Chucky," at Mowasie Landing, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni). It was reported that on August 20, 2026, Gill was in the vicinity of a shop at Mowasie Landing when a loud explosion was reportedly heard. He was subsequently discovered lying motionless on the ground with a gunshot injury to his body. Following the incident, a team of police ranks was dis-

Dead: Godfrey Gill, also called "Chucky"

Wanted: Gavin Johnson, also called "Max"

patched to the location, and upon further investigation, Johnson was identified as a person of interest. As such, the GPF are asking anyone with information that may

lead to the arrest of Johnson from Mowasie Landing and of Vryhied Lust South, East Coast Demerara (ECD) to contact the nearest Police Station.

This issue, she noted, is being tackled in a holistic way through multiple stakeholders including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF). Additionally, she noted that the Attorney General (AG) Chambers is working on amended legislation to better address the issue. Meanwhile, Benn said beyond the 23 communities identified for the first phase of the Model Village Initiative, other communities across the country will continue to benefit from improvements. “You will see that your roads are being im-

proved, you will see greater efforts in terms of garbage collection…you will see the concrete drains being done. And so, the next phase will come and more villages will be included and the matter of when that will be will be announced in good time,” she outlined. The Model Village Initiative will be centred on four key pillars: connectivity, community, commerce and care. The initiative is being spearheaded by the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry alongside the Ministry of Housing, the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Agriculture.

NEWS 11

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Linden contractor busted with gun, ammo at street lime

The additional rounds found in the suspect’s motor car The gun and ammunition found in possession of the suspect

28-year-old contractor from Linden was taken into custody on Saturday following the discovery of an unlicensed firearm and matching ammunition in the vicinity of Pine Street, Mackenzie, Linden. Police stated that acting on information received, a team traveled to the location, and upon arriving, several men were seen consuming alcohol while blasting music on the street. The contractor, however, began to act

in a suspicious manner and attempted to leave the area after noticing the police. He was nevertheless stopped and searched, during which a 9mm Taurus pistol, with the serial number intact, and a magazine containing nine live 9mm rounds of ammunition were allegedly found in his possession. Without being the holder of a firearm licence, he was arrested and escorted to the Mackenzie Police Station, where the firearm and ammunition

were lodged. During further investigations on Sunday, the suspect was escorted back to Pine Street, where his motor car was parked. Police stated that a search of the vehicle unearthed 10 additional live rounds of 9mm ammunition in a compartment between the two front seats. The ammunition was seized, and the motor car was lodged at the police station. He remains in custody pending further investigations and charges.

a 4-year-old child as the occupants. The driver reportedly told police that he was heading out of the mission when an approaching vehicle driving at a fast rate created a large cloud of dust, which obstructed his vision. He also alleged that another motor car entered his lane, causing him to swerve to avoid a collision, and reportedly lost control of his ve-

hicle, causing it to topple several times. The woman and the child reportedly sustained injuries and were rushed to the Diamond Regional Hospital, where the child was pronounced dead. The driver and female occupant were treated and discharged. The driver was subsequently arrested, and he is assisting with the investigations.

4-year-old dies after vehicle overturns on St Cuthbert’s Mission trail

four-year-old is now dead after the vehicle in which he was travelling turned turtle along the St Cuthbert’s Mission trail along the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway late Sunday afternoon. The accident involved a motorcar, PAJ 5607, being driven by a 28-year-old welder of Yarrowkabra, SoesdykeLinden Highway, with a 24-year-old woman and

12 NEWS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Schools reopen nationwide, 1% under temporary arrangements – Minister

The newly-opened Issano Secondary in Middle Mazaruni

ducation Minister Sonia Parag, has assured that all schools across the country reopened on Monday, with only one per cent of institutions operating under temporary alternative arrangements due to issues that could not be resolved within the required timeframe. She made the disclosure during an interview with reporters while conducting visits to several schools in Georgetown to observe the reopening and engage with staff and students. Speaking with reporters from the North Georgetown Secondary School, Minister Parag noted that stakeholders worked assiduously over the past few weeks to ensure schools are ready for reopening. “…meaning that we have functional washrooms, that we have water that is connected and flowing in schools, that gutters were not hanging, that the school environment is clean as well as furniture being available to all students and teachers,” she said.

Temporary arrangements

Parag noted that there are some 1200 schools across the country and all of them have reopened, though some are operating under temporary arrangements. For example, she said the Airy Hall Nursery School has ongoing construction and therefore, parents and other stakeholders were

consulted on temporary and alternative arrangements for the reopening of the school. “The minor repairs did not prevent any schools from reopening, we ensured that those were completed and it was ready for reopening…but where you have

students, but noted that those would be resolved by today. “The Northwest Secondary School Board of Governors has taken note of the concerns raised by parents and guardians on various social media platforms re-

Education Minister Sonia Parag inspecting a school during its reopening on Monday

space within the main school building to accommodate the entire intake. As a result, the school’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) facility will be utilised to accommodate

tunity to commence the new academic year. The Board remains committed to the welfare, safety and educational development of every student of Northwest Secondary School,” the statement

Northwest Secondary

In a statement on Monday shared by Regional Chairman of Region One (BarimaWaini), Brentnol Ashley, the Northwest Secondary School Board of Governors acknowledged that there were some challenges in accommodating Grade 7

garding the lack of readiness to accommodate some Grade 7 students for the commencement of the new academic year. The Board wishes to assure all affected parents and guardians that the matter is being addressed as a matter of urgency and will be resolved by tomorrow, Tuesday, September 1, 2026, so as to facilitate the affected Grade 7 classes,” the statement reads. Additionally, the school explained that due to the large number of new students admitted to Grade 7 for this academic year, there is currently insufficient classroom

some Grade 7 classes. The school assured that the necessary arrangements are being made to ensure that the facility is adequately prepared and provides a safe and suitable environment for teaching and learning. “The Board understands the concerns of parents and guardians and sincerely regrets any inconvenience caused by the delay. We ask for your patience and understanding as we work with the school’s administration and other relevant authorities to ensure that every student is properly accommodated and afforded the oppor-

Regular maintenance

Meanwhile, Parag noted that throughout the school year, regular maintenance will be conducted at schools across the country. She emphasised that, ”maintenance is something that all schools need so while we have our schools in a prepared state for reopening today, we also have maintenance crews that will be working throughout the year to ensure that if a toilet is broken or a doorknob is broken or a roof is leaking, that we’d be able to fix that”.

Nursery school students on the first day of school (Education Ministry photos)

major rehabilitation, it’s about one per cent of all the schools that are in a state of where we have [major rehabilitation] … but it does not prevent students or schools from reopening, we just have different arrangements,” she noted.

completion of its dormitory, which will house students from Kangaruma, Isseneru and surrounding riverine communities, the Ministry has since said.

noted.

New schools

Meanwhile, in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni Karrau Secondary in Lower Mazaruni and Issano Secondary in Middle Mazaruni officially opened their doors on Monday. Karrau is currently accommodating students from the community as well as transfers from both Three Miles Secondary and Bartica Secondary. Meanwhile, Issano launched with an initial cohort of 12 students from Issano and Tassarene Village. Issano's enrollment will expand significantly upon

Resources

Further, Parag restated the Government’s commitment to ensuring all schools are equipped with the resources needed for learners and educators. “I’m not saying that everything is going to be perfect but we’re working to ensure that we strengthen our education system by not only giving access but ensuring that the opportunities and what is available to students, that they can have resources that they can utilise their success, for both teachers and students,” she emphasised.

NEWS 13

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana salutes T&T on 64th Independence P resident Dr Irfaan Ali has extended congratulations to the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago on the country’s 64th Anniversary of Independence. In a message posted on his social media page, Ali, on behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, conveyed best wishes to Trinidad and Tobago as it marks the national milestone. “Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago share deep bonds of friendship, history and regional solidarity,” the President said. He noted that Guyana joins Trinidad and Tobago in celebrating its achievements and expressed wishes for the country’s continued peace, prosperity and progress. “Happy

President Dr Irfaan Ali

64th Independence Anniversary, Trinidad and Tobago!” Ali said. Meanwhile, the T&T Guardian reported that Prime Minister (PM) Kamla Persad-Bissessar in her Independence Day

message posted on social media on Sunday, said Trinidad and Tobago’s former colonial powers left the country in 1962 as a “very prosperous functioning country,” arguing that its post-in-

T&T Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar

dependence shortcomings should no longer be blamed on its colonial past. “After 64 years,

it’s time we grow up and stop blaming our problems on our colonial past to escape accepting re-

sponsibility for bad decisions we made post-independence that have resulted in negative consequences for ourselves and our nation,” she is quoted as saying in the T&T Guardian report. In her message, Persad-Bissessar pointed to Trinidad and Tobago’s economic position at Independence as evidence of the country’s strong starting point. She noted that when Trinidad and Tobago became independent, it had a “higher per capita income level” than countries such as Japan, Chile, Greece, Spain, Singapore, Portugal, Mexico, Turkey, Iraq, Brazil, Malaysia, Iran and China. Now, she says, those nations have “superseded us.”

5000 new students to join UG as new academic year begins will be followed by faculty-specific orientation activities, with students receiving registration and access information from their respective faculties and through official

igating the University’s digital learning environment. UG said the programme will provide students with information and practical support as they begin their university studies. The

Gafoor Multipurpose Auditorium at the Turkeyen Campus. Activities will begin at 10:00h with an open campus experience, allowing students to meet faculty, staff and peers,

New and continuing students attend the University of Guyana’s ceremonial opening for the Academic Year (UG photo)

he University of Guyana (UG) is set to welcome approximately 5,000 new students as orientation activities begin Monday, marking the start of the 2026/27 academic year. Orientation for new students will run from August 31 to September 4 at the Turkeyen and Berbice campuses, as well as the University’s Institute of Distance and Continuing Education

(IDCE) regional locations. Orientation for continuing students is scheduled for September 9 to 11. The University currently has more than 10,000 continuing students enrolled across a range of academic disciplines, while registration for the new academic year remains ongoing. According to UG, the orientation programme is designed to help new students be-

come familiar with the University’s academic and administrative systems, policies, facilities and support services. Registry orientation sessions will begin at 9:00 am daily and will be delivered in a blended format. Students can attend in person at the George Walcott Lecture Theatre at the Turkeyen Campus or participate virtually after registering online. The Registry sessions

Scene from the University of Guyana’s Ceremonial Opening for the Academic Year (UG photo)

University communication channels. Students enrolled in online and blended programmes will also receive guidance on nav-

University’s official Ceremonial Opening for the new academic year will take place on Friday, September 4, at the Ameena & Sattaur

explore the campus, and learn about student clubs and societies. The formal ceremonial opening will begin at 14:00h.

14 NEWS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana’s Ambassador advances UNSG bid in African outreach

uyana’s candidate for United Nations Secretary-General (UNSG), Ambassador Carolyn RodriguesBirkett, has continued her diplomatic outreach in Africa, presenting her candidacy to senior officials from Cabo Verde, South Africa and Namibia. The engagements took place on the sidelines of the 21st Extraordinary Summit of the African Union in Luanda, Angola, according to the Permanent Mission of Guyana to the UN. RodriguesBirkett met with Cabo Verde’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Communities and Minister of National Defence, Ambassador Manuel Amante da Rosa, where she out-

Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett meeting with Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa

lined her vision for a more agile, efficient and effective UN. Their discussions also focused on global food insecurity and the importance of investing in youth development. The Guyanese diplomat also met with South Africa’s Minister of International

Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, to present her candidacy. According to the Permanent Mission, the discussions addressed a range of issues affecting developing countries. Rodrigues-Birkett also outlined her approach to reforms within the

Guyana’s candidate, Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett meeting with Ambassador Manuel Amante da Rosa, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Communities and Minister of National Defence of Cabo Verde on the sidelines of the 21st Extraordinary Summit of the African Union in Luanda, Angola

authority of the SG, should she be elected. In a separate engagement, RodriguesBirkett presented her candidacy to Namibia’s President, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. The two discussed challenges facing developing countries, including obstacles to the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). RodriguesBirkett’s engagements form part of her ongoing diplomatic campaign for the position of UNSG. Guyana formally nominat-

ed Rodrigues-Birkett for the post, with her candidacy placing her among those seeking to succeed current UNSG António Guterres when his second term ends in 2026. In 80 years since the founding of the UN, there have been nine SGs, but a woman has never held the post. If successful, RodriguesBirkett would make history as the first woman ever elected to serve as SG of the UN since the organisation was established in 1945. She would also be the first Caribbean national to hold the position. RodriguesBirkett has served as Guyana’s Permanent

Representative to the UN since 2020. In that capacity, she led Guyana’s participation during its Security Council tenure and played a key role in advancing the country’s positions on issues relating to international peace and security. Prior to her current post, Rodrigues-Birkett served as director of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Liaison Office in Geneva from 2017 to 2020. She previously served as Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2008 to 2015 and as Minister of Amerindian Affairs from 2001 to 2008.

4 homeless after Zeelugt house destroyed by fire

our persons have been left homeless following a fire that destroyed a house at Lot 795 Zeelugt North, East Bank Essequibo (EBE). The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) on Monday said that responded to reports of the blaze and, upon arrival, found the building engulfed in flames. Firefighters immediately began operations to bring the fire under control. Despite their efforts, the building was completely destroyed. A

The aftermath of the fire

nearby building also sustained minor damage. The GFS has launched

an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

NEWS 15

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Amerindian Heritage Month 2026 ushered in with call for divine guidance, protection

Amerindian Affairs Minister Sarah Browne Shadeek

he Amerindian Affairs Ministry on Monday hosted an interfaith service at the Umana Yana to usher in Amerindian Heritage Month 2026, being observed under the theme, “Observing our Cultural Heritage during our Diamond

Jubilee.” Amerindian Affairs Minister, Sarah Browne Shadeek, said the annual service provides an opportunity to give thanks for the past year while seeking divine guidance and blessings for the period ahead. “This interfaith ceremony is traditional for us every year

before the official start of September, which we observe as Amerindian Heritage Month. We give thanks to God for allowing us to pass another year and we also pray for blessings ahead,” the Minister is quoted in a Department of Public Information (DPI) report as saying. Browne Shadeek acknowledged the difficult circumstances faced by many families following the sinking of the MV Barima, which resulted in loss of lives and continues to affect survivors and relatives of those who perished. She noted, according to the DPI report, that despite the challenges, significant investments continue to drive progress in Amerindian communities, particularly in health, education, infrastructure and social development. The Minister emphasised the importance of Heritage Month in providing Indigenous communities with a

platform to showcase their culture, traditions and talents, particularly through the participation of cultural groups and young people. Among the major activities planned are the Heritage Games and the Amerindian Heritage Pageant, which will bring participants from across the country to Georgetown. “We want to pray for blessings on the country so that the year ahead will be one of less accidents, less mishaps and less unfortunate circumstances, and we look to God for His blessings, His guidance and protection always,” Browne Shadeek said. She also noted the growing appreciation for Indigenous culture, observing that Amerindian heritage is now embraced with greater pride and recognition across Guyana. The service brought together religious leaders, members of the diplomatic community, representatives

The inter-faith service at the Umana Yana

of the National Toshaos Council, Ministry staff, cultural groups and other stakeholders ahead of the month long observances. Meanwhile, Minister of Education Sonia Parag and

Member of Parliament (MP) Alister Charlie were among those in attendance. The official opening of Amerindian Heritage Month is scheduled for today.

New Euro-Guyana Classical Music Association to promote music, cultural exchange

he newly incorporated EuroGuyana Classical Music and Opera Association Inc has been established as a non-profit organisation to promote classical music, opera, music education and cultural exchange between Guyana and Europe. The Association, incorporated under the Companies Act of Guyana, began its work earlier this year with the support of European Union (EU) Ambassador to Guyana Luca Pierantoni, who will serve as its Interim President. Established exclusively for charitable, educational, cultural and artistic purposes, the Association has adopted the mot-

An opera concert held on June 8 at St George’s Cathedral, Georgetown

to, inspired by German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, “Without music, life would be a mistake.” Its mandate includes staging concerts, recitals, festivals, competitions and opera productions, while creating opportunities for inter-

cultural exchange between Guyanese and European artists and institutions. The organisation also plans to provide structured music education programmes in schools and communities through masterclasses, lectures and workshops.

As part of its initial programme of activities, the Association, in collaboration with the Embassy of Spain, will host a concert on October 19, 2026, at St George’s Cathedral featuring Spanish guitarist Armando Orbon. The event follows an op-

era concert held at the cathedral on June 8, which attracted approximately 900 people. The Association has also launched its official website, www.euroguyanesemusic.org, which will provide information on upcoming performances, masterclasses and community outreach programmes. The website will also allow visitors, artists and music educators to register for membership and access collaborative opportunities. The Association is governed by an 11-member multidisciplinary Board of Directors comprising musicians, educators, business executives and legal professionals. The board members are Interim President

Luca Pierantoni; VicePresident (VP) Christian Sobers; Secretary Leonida Foo; Assistant Secretary Shanette Johnson; Treasurer Dr Alista Bishop; Assistant Secretary Aliyah Hinds; Artistic Director Chie Clarke; Institutional Relations Director Dee George; Training and Education Director Katusha Frazer; Private Sector Relations Director Amber Low; and Legal Affairs Director Alanna Farmer. Five other Guyanese will serve as professional members of the Association. They are Marilyn Dewar, Russel Lancaster, Dr Wendy Rudder, Kelly Valenzuela and Pauline Mitchell.

16 NEWS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

198 students complete GDF Work-Study Programme T

he Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has concluded its 2026 WorkStudy Attachment Programme, with 198 students gaining practical experience across the Force’s bases, departments and units. The programme was conducted in two sixweek phases and included students from the University of Guyana (UG), Carnegie School of Home Economics (CSHE), Government Technical Institute (GTI), Guyana

Industrial Training Centre (GITC) and several secondary schools. During their attachments, the students worked alongside military and civilian personnel, applying knowledge from their respective areas of study while gaining experience in discipline, responsibility, teamwork and professional conduct. According to the GDF, the programme also provided participants with exposure to the range of professions and specialist roles available

within the Force, giving them a broader understanding of military service and potential career opportunities. At the closing ceremony, participants were congratulated for their conduct and presented with certificates of participation and cash stipends. The GDF said the programme is intended to equip young Guyanese with relevant skills and professional values while strengthening their understanding of service to Guyana. It also serves

The students along with officers of the Guyana Defence Force

as a link between education and national development by exposing

students to career opportunities within the GDF and helping pre-

pare them to contribute to the country’s development.

NA Town Day proceeds earmarked for further Esplanade Park upgrades

roceeds from this year’s New Amsterdam Town Day celebrations will be used to further develop Esplanade Park, as the municipality rolls out a packed programme of activities to commemorate the town’s 135th anniversary. The celebrations will run from September 18 to October 31, featuring cultural, educational, sporting, religious and entertainment activities aimed at attracting residents as well as visitors from other parts of Guyana and the diaspora. Details of the programme were unveiled on Monday during a press conference hosted by Mayor Wainwright McIntosh, with Deputy Mayor and Chairman of the Events Committee, Kirk Fraser, outlining plans for the anniversary celebrations. Fraser disclosed that money raised from last year’s Town Day activities is already being invested in Esplanade Park, where the municipality is working to improve recreational facilities. “If you can take a visit to the park, you will see that we have already mounted the poles for floodlights,” Fraser said, adding that the floodlights have also been procured and are now awaiting installation. According to the

Deputy Mayor, proceeds from this year’s celebrations will again be channelled into the facility. “This year we would be using the finance to further enhance the park to ensure that our citizens have a place of tranquillity, whereby both older folks as well as our youthful folks will be able to enjoy the natural beauty of that park,” he explained. The celebrations mark 135 years since New Amsterdam attained town status in 1891. In reflecting on that history, McIntosh paid tribute to those who served the municipality over the years and contributed to the growth and development of New Amsterdam. The official programme gets underway with the second annual Food Festival at Esplanade Park from September 18 to 20. The three-day event will include an inter-secondary-school cooking competition, with participating students being challenged to prepare an Amerindian dish. Organisers said the competition was well received when it was introduced last year and will return as part of efforts to showcase Guyana’s culinary and cultural diversity. Approximately 24 persons have already expressed an interest in vending at the festi-

Activities involving young people

Mayor Wainwright McIntosh

val. Entertainment is planned for Saturday evening, while Sunday will be observed as a family picnic day, allowing families to visit the park with their children. Organisers said the food festival is intended to help showcase and preserve the country’s diverse culinary traditions while providing a family-oriented opening to the anniversary celebrations. The activities will continue into October, with a gospel concert scheduled for October 3. Educational activities, including impromptu speaking and essay-writing competitions, are scheduled for October 5, followed by a football competition from October 9 to 11. A Joint Services debating competition,

which is being introduced as a new feature, is scheduled for October 12 and 13, while a domino tournament will be held on October 16. The Town Day Jump Start is slated for October 17 along Republic Road close to Jubilee Drive, followed by basketball competitions on October 20 and 23. A Big People Party is scheduled for October 24, while the popular Grand Street Fair will bring the curtains down on the official celebrations on October 31. Other attractions are also expected to form part of the anniversary period, including a car show, which organisers said was successful when held last year, along with activities organised by private promoters.

Fraser said particular emphasis is being placed on activities involving young people. He explained that those activities are intended to give young people opportunities to participate, represent their schools, clubs and communities and develop a greater sense of pride in New Amsterdam. Education will also feature prominently during the celebrations, with the municipality announcing plans to honour pupils who performed outstandingly at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA). Top-performing pupils from primary schools across New Amsterdam are expected to be recognised for their achievements. Fraser said the initiative reflects the importance the municipality places on education and its commitment to giving back to young people. Meanwhile, Mayor McIntosh used the launch to stress the importance of transparency and accountability in the handling of sponsorship for the celebrations. While thanking businesses, Government agencies and other organisations that have supported Town Day over the years, McIntosh made it clear that financial contribu-

tions should be made through the municipality rather than handed to individuals. “If for any reason you’re planning to sponsor one of these events, monies must be paid to the cashier, not to any single individual,” the Mayor stressed. “A receipt must be obtained,” he added, explaining that the requirement is intended to safeguard the integrity of the municipality. Among those identified as supporting this year’s activities are the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, the Guyana Public Service Cooperative Credit Union and Queensway Security Service. Organisers indicated that additional sponsors are expected to come on board as preparations continue. McIntosh also used the occasion to promote New Amsterdam as a tourism destination and invited Guyanese from across the country, as well as those living overseas, to participate in the celebrations. The municipality is observing the anniversary under the theme “New Amsterdam 2050: A Small-Town Rising, Bridging Heritage and Innovation.”

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026

Regional

3 minors killed in Colombia T&T should be better off: PM says country has regressed armed group crackdown since independence

hree minors were among those killed in a Colombian military air strike on cocaine-trafficking rebels last week, authorities said, as President Abelardo de la Espriella intensifies operations against armed groups. The August 27 bombing in the southern Guaviare department was the deadliest military operation since de la Espriella took office earlier this month. The National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences said that 10 persons in total were killed in the operation. The Ministry of National Defence reported that two of the victims were 15 and another was 16. The victims allegedly belonged to a dissident faction of the defunct Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, that rejected a 2016 peace agreement with the Government. De la Espriella, a

People cover a sheet in handprints at an event marking Red Hand Day, also known as the International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers, in Bogota, Colombia, where armed groups recruit children, February 12, 2026 [Fernando Vergara/AP]

right-wing leader and ally of United States President Donald Trump, said on Monday that another bombing in the same area killed eight members of a FARC dissident group led by commander Ivan Mordisco. It is not known whether any minors were among the dead. “The bandits, who for decades have recruited minors to turn them into combatants or human shields, must pay for these crimes that

violate International Humanitarian Law,” he wrote on X. The Defence Ministry said on Monday that 24 suspected rebels have been killed in military operations since de la Espriella took office. The strikes come as child recruitment by armed groups is again rising in Colombia, according to a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report published last week. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar

rime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar’s Independence Day assessment that Trinidad and Tobago should be further ahead after 64 years of Independence, given the foundation inherited from Britain, has triggered a sharp historical rebuke, with a historian accusing her of presenting a distorted picture of colonial rule. In her Independence Day message posted on social media Sunday, Persad-Bissessar said Trinidad and Tobago’s former colonial powers left the country in 1962

as a “very prosperous functioning country,” arguing that its post-independence shortcomings should no longer be blamed on its colonial past. “After 64 years, It’s time we grow up and stop blaming our problems on our colonial past to escape accepting responsibility for bad decisions we made post-independence that have resulted in negative consequences for ourselves and our nation,” she said. But historian and reparations advocate Dr Claudius Fergus rejected that assessment,

saying “it is regrettable that the Prime Minister chose to lambast the nation on its 64th birthday.” In her message, Persad-Bissessar pointed to Trinidad and Tobago’s economic position at Independence as evidence of the country’s strong starting point. She noted that when Trinidad and Tobago became independent, it had a “higher per capita income level” than countries such as Japan, Chile, Greece, Spain, Singapore, Portugal, Mexico, Turkey, Iraq, Brazil, Malaysia, Iran and China. Now, she says, those nations have “superseded us”. “I think the Prime Minister should fire the person who wrote this embarrassing speech. To praise colonialism for ‘a well-organised legal and governance structure.’ I find that is pure obscurantism.” (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Brazil, US agree to hold St Kitts PM hospitalised; to new meetings to discuss seek medical attention overseas tariffs as talks resume P

razilian and United States officials spoke virtually on Monday to discuss tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration, and agreed to hold further meetings at a l‌ater date, Brazil's Industry and Trade Ministry said in a statement. Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira and Industry and Trade Minister Marcio Elias Rosa held a virtual meeting with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, the Ministry said. The ⁠parties agreed to meet again at the min-

isterial level to review the progress achieved during technical meetings that are set to be held in the coming weeks, it added "It was a meeting to resume dialogue. Obviously, we didn't make any progress on any of the negotiating points," Rosa told journalists In July, the US imposed a 25 per cent tariff on imports ‌of ⁠Brazilian products, alleging unfair trade practices A few days later, the U.S. also imposed a 12.5% tariff on imports from Brazil as part of a

broad measure targeting dozens of nations linked to allegations of lax ⁠enforcement of forced labour bans. Brazilian authorities reiterated to Greer that they do not agree with the measures taken by the US, calling ⁠them not compatible with multilateral trade rules, the Ministry said Monday's talks came after Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and US President Donald Trump discussed the tariffs during a phone call earlier this month (Reuters)

rime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew has been advised that he be “transported abroad for specialised observation and precautionary monitoring“ after he was admitted to the Joseph N France (JNF) General Hospital on Sunday night. A Government statement said “arrangements are currently underway to facilitate this transport”. It said that Prime Minister Drew, 49, a medical practitioner, who has been in office since August 2022, was brought to the hospital on Sunday evening “following symptoms of mild

discomfort, nausea and headache”. The statement said he was “immediately admitted for observation and thorough clinical evaluation. “The medical team and specialists at JNF General Hospital have attended to the Prime Minister continuously over the last 18 hours. Following comprehensive analysis and diagnostic reviews, his treating physicians are satisfied with his overall condition, confirming that he remains awake, alert, and in stable condition.” The statement said that “out of an abundance

of caution and based on the medical team’s observations since his admission, the full medical team has advised that Prime Minister Drew be transported abroad for specialised observation and precautionary monitoring” The statement said that Cabinet and the Government “request that the nation keep Prime Minister Drew in their prayers for a swift and full recovery,” adding that “the public is reassured that the business of government continues seamlessly and without interruption. (Excerpt from CMC)

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS

Nepal rescuers blast hillside in search of hydropower workers as families wait anxiously

he families of more than 600 workers believed to be trapped in a vast network of mud-filled tunnels along Nepal's Trishuli River are clinging to hope their loved ones can be found alive. Rescuers continued battling to reach them on Monday, using explosives to blast into the hillside before pumping air into the Trishuli-3A site -fearing a critical window to reach survivors is closing. "I wish we could find him. I wish he would come home," Anushila Bhandari, wife of Aurus Bhandari, a 33-yearold engineer missing on a project site, told BBC Nepali. It comes as the death toll from the flood disaster on the Nepal-Tibet border reached 939, according to the country's disaster management authority. The agency also revised its estimate of the number of missing to

US oil firm to take over some Venezuelan oilfields previously run by Chinese, Russian companies – officials

Army personnel have resorted to using explosives to blast into the hillside to reach the trapped workers [Nepal Army/Reuters photo]

3925, of whom 592 are foreign nationals. Roughly one in seven missing persons are believed to be workers at the hydropower plants. Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah said on Monday that 279 persons had been rescued from the sites. The rescue operation is being spearheaded by

an international team made up of Chinese and Nepalese military personnel, while experts from India, Korea and Australia are also involved. "I still have a 50 per cent hope that he is alive because there is an oxygen system inside," Sita Pandey, whose husband was working in the plant

when the floods hit, told Nepalese daily Kantipur. Nepal relies heavily on hydropower and has spent years developing the projects along its mountainous river systems. At least 11 projects either completed or under construction were damaged in the floods, authorities said. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Putin, Xi reaffirm Russia-China ties amid ‘unpredictable’ world

hinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin have reaffirmed their strategic alliance amid growing global uncertainty, as they met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Kyrgyzstan. In their first meeting since May, Xi told Putin on Monday that he was “happy” to meet again. He told the Russian leader, whose country is engaged in a fifth year of war on Ukraine, that bilateral ties between Beijing and Moscow have grown “more solid”. That should continue despite increased “uncertainty and unpredictability in the international order”, he added. China has consistent-

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping shake hands during a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on August 31, 2026 [Pool/Reuters]

ly denied giving Russia material support for its assault on its neighbour. Xi told Putin that there are “even brighter” prospects ahead for relations between Beijing and Moscow, although “the amount of uncertainty and unpredictability in the inter-

national order has obviously increased”, Xi said. Putin agreed, saying that “cooperation is successfully developing on all fronts”. The two-day SCO summit in the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek, marks the 25th anniversary of the regional security

and economic grouping. Over a dozen Heads of State are attending, including Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as a dialogue partner. The summit takes place four-and-a-half years into Moscow’s Ukraine invasion and six months into the war between the United States and Iran. Putin and Xi have previously used SCO summits to promote their vision of a multipolar world and present a united front against the West. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

S oil company North American Blue Energy Partners will take over some oilfields previously controlled by several Chinese companies and a Russian firm, two US officials told ‌Reuters on Monday. The takeover will be part of a sweeping oil production agreement that President Donald Trump announced with Venezuela, they said. The projects were among 14 contracts newly granted to US-backed North American Blue Energy Partners (NABEP), according to the officials. NABEP was previously owned by US oil tycoon Harry Sargeant and is now controlled by Venezuelan businessman Alejandro Betancourt. Last week, Trump announced that the US had secured access to some 64 billion barrels of Venezuela's proven oil reserves through a partnership with private business. The arrangement gives US companies a foothold in some of Venezuela's strategically-important oil assets while displacing Chinese and Russian interests that have long played a major role in the country's energy sector. It also gives Washington a direct role in determining who produces and sells Venezuela's oil, as the Trump Administration seeks to reshape the country's oil industry and bring its vast reserves closer to US economic and geopolitical interests. NABEP is expected to control a total of 17 projects in Venezuela that it plans to develop and ultimately use to supply oil to the US. Fourteen of those projects will be newly granted by the Venezuelan Government, the officials said. Five of the 14 fields have been operated by Chinese companies under a model promoted by then-President Nicolás Maduro, while one was previously operated by a Russian company, the officials said. Two of the projects have been operated by China Concord Resources, which was sanctioned by the ‌US in ⁠2019 for Iran-related activity. Another project was operated by Sinopec and another by China National Petroleum Corp, the officials said. "Not only are we opening up new opportunities for the US Government to benefit and for US operators to benefit, we are opening up the United States as the market for this oil which was previously being sent to China," the official said. Two other projects were operated by affiliates of Alex Saab, a former close associate of ousted Venezuelan President Maduro who is currently being held in US custody, the officials said. Another oilfield was linked to a nephew of Maduro's wife, Cilia Flores, the officials said. Trump told reporters earlier on Monday that the US was taking out "millions and millions of barrels of oil" that is currently being shipped to refineries in Texas and Louisiana, among other locations. He is to meet oil and gas retailers and refineries today. The officials said talks between Venezuela's interim authorities and representatives of the 2015 National Assembly are aimed at restoring a measure of constitutional order and addressing legal questions surrounding the country's transition. The Trump Administration views the 2015 assembly as the last Venezuelan legislative body elected and operating under the country's Constitution, although it has no formal governing power. One official said reaching an agreement with the 2015 assembly could provide a constitutional and legal basis for the broader transition, including economic decisions such as the revival of Venezuela's oil industry. (Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

(March 21-April 19)

PICKLES (April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Declutter, size down and consider what you value most in life. Recognizing what brings you joy is the road to new beginnings. Use your intelligence and connections to redesign your routine. Participating in physical activities will enlighten you. Keeping busy is the best way to avoid trouble. Getting along with people who try to take advantage of you will set you back. Make a list and stick to it. Speed and accuracy are crucial to finishing what you start and gaining access to an easier lifestyle and greater convenience. Know when to say no.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Initiate change, take control and work your magic. Do your research, get your facts straight and prepare to bring about positive change. Set up a schedule and monitor it closely.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Learning from people and places that offer a variety of information can help you better yourself and others. Researching, fact-checking and experiencing new things are the paths to better living and greater opportunities.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Find out your options, and get ready to distance yourself from aggravating situations. Look at the cost involved, then set a budget that will put you back on track financially.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

Trust your instincts before you trust others. Avoid changes that can limit you financially. Having a steady pace will help you control outcomes. Keep tabs on household expenses.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Step away from stressful situations. Protect your reputation and position. Emotions will escalate if you don't remain calm. Be responsible. Pick up the slack, and finish what you start.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Stick close to home, and be grateful for what you have. Your happiness depends on you. What you do, how you react and what you believe matter. Be the one to set a good example.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Do what you do best, and make no excuses. How you spend your time determines your returns. Focus on what helps you profit mentally and financially. Pay attention.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Pay attention to personal matters. Take care of yourself and your financial well-being. Refuse to let your emotions disrupt your plans or cause you to overspend or take on too many responsibilities.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

Express yourself and your wishes. Not everyone will be receptive, but you'll know who you can count on moving forward. Don't limit what you can achieve because someone or something disappoints you.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026

Malteenoes march on with emphatic win over GT XI M

alteenoes Sports Club produced a dominant allround performance on Sunday, August 30, to dismantle Georgetown Cricket XI (GT XI) by 196 runs in the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) Eline Security Logistics Under-17 50Over Eliminator at the Malteenoes Sports Club ground in Georgetown. Having won the toss and elected to bat, the home side, Malteenoes, overcame an early middle-order wobble to post a formidable 286 all out in 45.5 overs, setting GT XI a daunting target. Openers Deshawn Ramnauth and Shane Kissoondeo laid the foundation with a solid 52-run partnership before Ajay Kissoon broke the stand, dismissing Ramnauth for 24 from 32 balls.

Joshua Budhram picked up four wickets

Malteenoes then slipped into a mini-collapse as Kissoondeo was dismissed for 25, followed by Joshua Budhram for 22 from 20 balls and Nathaniel Ramkallawan for five, leaving the hosts precariously placed at 103 for four after 19.4

overs. However, Kyle Gibson and Joshua Bollers changed the complexion of the innings with an important 86-run partnership. Gibson eventually departed for a brisk 56 from 38 balls, decorated with

three fours and three sixes, while lower-order batsman Troy Anderson added a valuable 31. Bollers anchored the innings in impressive fashion before falling for 81 from 87 balls, including four fours and a six, as the hosts eventually reached 286 before being bowled out. Elijah Mohammed and Zahid Talkudar were the leading wicket-takers for GT XI with two wickets apiece. GT XI's reply, however, never got going as the Malteenoes bowling attack ripped through their batting line-up. Joshua Budhram spearheaded the demolition with a superb 4-12 from 4.4 overs, while Bollers capped his impressive all-round contribution with 2-22. Tyler Nedd, Ramnauth, and Ramkallawan claimed

Joshua Bollers had a good all-round game

one wicket each. GT XI were eventually dismissed for just 90 in 21.4 overs, with Nathan Clarke offering the only significant resistance with 32 from 38 balls.

The emphatic 196-run victory sees Malteenoes advance from the Eliminator and remain firmly in contention for the Under-17 title.

KARCC’s Fireworks cycling event set for October 25

he Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycle Club (KARCC) has confirmed that its flagship cycling event, Fireworks, will return on October 25. The club announced the date on Monday as preparations begin for another edition of the event that has grown into one of the notable fixtures on the local cycling calendar. Last year’s Fireworks 4 attracted a strong field of local and regional cyclists at the Kingston Seawall circuit, with riders from Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados competing across several categories. Briton John captured

Flashback! Briton John reacts after crossing the line to clinch the senior event at Fireworks 4 in 2025 (file photo)

the main senior race title in 2025 after produc-

ing a strong finish to beat Trinidad and Tobago’s

Jadian Neaves and Liam Trepte, while Barbados’s

Dominic Howard finished fourth. Host club KARCC also enjoyed success through Ajani Cutting, who won the junior category ahead of Alex Newton and Alexander Leung. However, Cutting has aged out of the junior category and is competing in his first season as an elite cyclist and in the U23 category. The programme also catered for Masters, Category Four and BMX riders, giving cyclists across several age groups and competitive levels an opportunity to compete. Beyond the racing, each year’s event is staged in recognition of Breast Cancer

Awareness Month. Tributes are also paid to several deceased members and contributors to cycling in Guyana. The 2025 edition drew close to 50 competitors and was supported by several corporate sponsors, while Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Steven Jacobs, was, also among those in attendance. With the October 25 date now confirmed, KARCC is expected to release further details regarding the route, categories, prizes, and registration for this year’s event as preparation progresses.

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026

Messi retires from Argentina duty with “nothing left to give” A rgentina great Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, saying it was a decision that "hurt", but "the time has come". The 39-year-old, who captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, has scored 125 goals in 207 appearances, making him the country's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player. In a statement, Messi said he has given everything to the national side, but now has "nothing left to give". He added: "Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. "I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team. "I've given it my all, I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some really great young players coming through behind me who deserve their chance." Earlier in August, Messi said he was considering his future in football after the death of his father, Jorge, who died aged

68 following a long illness. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner said he wrote his retirement message on July 21, two days after Argentina lost to Spain in this summer's World Cup final. He added on Instagram on Monday: "Today, after what happened with my dad, I'm even more convinced than before." His career will continue at club level with Major League Soccer team Inter Miami, where he has a contract that runs to the end of the 2028 season. Messi made his debut for Argentina in 2005 as a 63rd-minute substitute in a 2-1 friendly win over Hungary. However, he was shown a straight red card less than a minute later, after he swung his arm and his elbow connected with full-back Vilmos Vanczak. Despite his tough start on the international stage, Messi went on to become one of the alltime greats, winning the World Cup and two Copa America titles with Argentina.

He is the second-highest goalscorer in World Cup history, with 21, behind France's Kylian Mbappe (22), and second for goals in all internationals (125) behind his great contemporary and rival, Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (146). Messi first retired from international football in 2 0 1 6 before reversing his decision. That followed a defeat by Chile in the Copa America final, in which he missed a penalty in the shootout as Argentina lost a fourth major final in nine years. Messi scored eight goals and registered four assists at this summer's World Cup. He took his career assists tally to 12 in World Cups, of which 10 have come in the knockout rounds. No other player on record has more than eight in total. "Thank you for all the love over the past 20 years," he added in his

message, addressing sup- feat by Spain. The disporters. "I'm going to miss tance between the hearing you from the two sides was so, so pitch so much. large. "Now I'll be just one of You could see you, always cheering and Messi, as he supporting from the side- looked around the stadium lines. "I'm leaving with the almost thinkpeace of mind and pride ing, "I don't of having given you, to- think I can go gether with my team- through this mates, moments we'd again". only dreamed of. " I t Lionel Messi says ending his Argentina career “hurts me deeply”

was incredible to have experienced this with you all. I love you!"

Analysis: “Only one winner in race between athlete and time” – Tim Vickery

In the race between athlete and time, there is only ever one winner. Messi has pushed that defeat date back for a long, long time now. But I think maybe two things hastened it a little bit. One is the recent death of his father and the other is – although it was 1-0 on the scoresheet – the World Cup final de-

What memories he has given us. This little man has been a part of my life for 21 and a half years – but it had to end some time and that day is today. Could Messi move back to Newell's Old Boys to finish his career? I think there are two problems there. One is moving his family back to the city of Rosario. It is a little bit provincial, and there are problems with violence there. True, his old mate Angel di Maria has done it with Rosario Central

without too many problems. But I think Messi would worry about taking his family back into a goldfish bowl. T h e other is that the level of football might not attract him quite so much. It

could happen for just a few games, as a kind of romantic end to his career. He has talked about it plenty of times in the past. But I imagine Inter Miami might be the end. Who knows? He will stop playing when he feels like it. If he doesn't feel like going on until the end of 2028, he could knock it on the head before then. We will have to see. Inter Miami fans are the lucky ones. They will get the last drops of this little man's genius. (BBC Sport)

Back Circle Ballers use sport to inspire community youth T

he Back Circle Ballers on Sunday hosted a one-day Under-15 football tournament and back-to-school drive at the Back Circle Tarmac in East Ruimveldt, providing community youths with an opportunity to showcase their footballing talent while receiving support ahead of the new school term. The initiative, held on August 30, brought together young footballers from the community for a day of competition and positive engagement. The tournament formed part of the Ballers’ wider effort to encourage young people to remain focused

Action in the Under-15 football tournament

and pursue positive avenues through sport

and community activities.

In addition to the football competition,

children from the community benefited from a distribution of essential school supplies as part of the back-to-school drive. The gesture was aimed at helping families prepare their children for the start of the new academic year. The event also attracted the support of several prominent figures, including President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali; Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr; Labour and Manpower Planning Minister Keoma Griffith and Police Commissioner, Dr Clifton Hicken. Former national

cricketer Christopher Barnwell and members of the Ballers Group also supported the initiative, adding to the community effort. The organisers said the event demonstrated the important role sport can play in bringing young people together, developing their talents and promoting positive values. With football serving as the centrepiece, the tournament provided the youths with a platform to compete, interact and enjoy the game, while the backto-school drive offered practical assistance to children preparing to return to the classroom.

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026

Couchman sharpening game for Chess Olympiad challenge By Michelangelo Jacobus

uyana’s back-toback National Junior Chess Champion Kyle Couchman is placing greater emphasis on calculation, consistency, and practical decision-making as he prepares to represent the country at the 2026 Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Speaking to Guyana Times Sport, Couchman said his preparation has been centred on improving the areas he believes will be most important when facing stronger international opposition, including calculation, opening preparation, positional play, and endgames. A major part of that work, he explained, has been developing more discipline in his thinking process and avoiding rushed decisions at the board. “My preparation has mainly focused on improving the areas of my game that I feel will make the biggest difference against stronger opposition,” Couchman said. “I’ve been working on calculation, opening preparation, positional understanding, endgames, and especially being more disciplined when calculating instead of making decisions too quickly.” Couchman has also been playing training games and reviewing them afterwards in an effort to identify repeated mistakes. With the Olympiad expected to provide a demanding schedule against

high-quality opposition, he said consistency would be just as important as producing individual strong performances. “My goal is to arrive in Samarkand in the best form possible and be able to perform at a level above my current rating,” he said. His preparations were recently boosted by training sessions with experienced Serbian Grandmaster Aleksa Striković, who worked with members of Guyana’s national team. According to Couchman, those sessions highlighted the need for a more structured approach to calculation and a deeper understanding of positions. “One of the biggest things I took away was the importance of calculation discipline,” he explained. “I can sometimes see ideas quickly, but don’t always calculate them deeply enough or compare all of the candidate moves before making a decision.” Since the sessions ended, Couchman has continued working independently through calculation exercises, game analysis, opening study, and endgame practice. He has also changed the way he reviews his mistakes, looking beyond individual errors to determine whether they are linked to recurring weaknesses in his game. “Instead of just looking at where I made a mistake, I try to understand why I made it and whether it’s part of a recurring weakness,” he said.

Couchman expects opponent-specific preparation to also play an important role at the Olympiad. Once pairings are known, he intends to study opponents’ recent classical games, preferred openings and playing styles before selecting positions he believes will give him the best practical chances. The reigning junior champion has represented Guyana internationally on several occasions and believes those experiences have taught him the importance of remaining confident against higher-rated players. He noted that previous tournaments have shown him that ratings do not always determine the outcome of a game and that proper preparation can help bridge the gap against stronger opposition. However, Couchman acknowledged that the Olympiad would represent another level of competition. “I expect it to be intense, but also really exciting,” he said. “There will be players from practically every part of the world, including some of the strongest players on the planet.” Couchman has set himself the personal target of performing at approximately 2100 strength while also looking to improve his FIDE rating and continue progressing towards his long-term ambition of becoming a FIDE Master. His main priority, however, is contributing to Guyana’s overall per-

formance. “If I’m given the opportunity to play, I want to score as many points as possible and help the team achieve t h e best result we can,” he said. “I also want to leave the Olympiad knowing that I played every game with full effort and represented Guyana well.” Maintaining consistency throughout the lengthy competition is expected to be one of his biggest tests, particularly with limited recovery time between rounds and the possibility of repeatedly facing unfamiliar and highly-rated opponents. Couchman said his work on general positional understanding and calculation is designed to make him less dependent on opening preparation when games move into unfamiliar territory. The young chess player has also had to balance his Olympiad preparation with academics. He recently completed his Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations and is preparing to enter sixth form. Couchman has re-

“Most importantly, National Junior Chess Champion Kyle Couchman is in preparation mode I want ahead of the 2026 Chess Olympiad people in Samarkand, Uzbekistan watching from mained around the 2000 Guyana to FIDE rating mark for see that our players can some time, but said the compete internationalchallenge of breaking ly and that Guyanese through that barrier has chess has the potential provided additional mo- to keep growing.” tivation rather than discouragement. The Olympiad, he believes, will provide another opportunity to measure his progress against quality opposition and continue his development towards becoming a titled playVACANCY er. Superior Woods Inc. is inviting “It’s an opportunity applications for the following positions: Moulder Operator to test myself against (3), Heavy-Duty Equipment some of the strongest Mechanic (4), Mill/Resaw Operator (3), Forklift Operators — players I’ve ever faced, (5), Labourers — (10). Location: learn from the experiYarrowkabra, Linden-Soesdyke Highway. Contact: 642-3828/ 626ence, and hopefully take 2138. Email: superiorwoods.gy@ another step towards gmail.com. my long-term goal of Superior Blocks and Pavers is inviting applications for the becoming a stronger tifollowing positions: Blocks Machine tled player,” Couchman Operator (3), Forklift/Front-end Loader Operator (3), Labourers — said. (6). Location: Yarrowkabra, LindenSoesdyke Highway. Contact: 642For Couchman, a 3828/ 626-2138. Email: vickash@ strong performance superiorblocksandpavers.com would also carry widWANTED er significance for One handy man tel# 731-2125 Guyanese chess.

CLASSIFIED ADS

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026

Archery Guyana concludes exciting Developmental competition

rchery Guyana’s Development Competition 2026 concluded on Sunday at the Farm Community Centre Ground, East Bank Demerara (EBD), bringing two days of competition to a close with a strong display of Guyana’s emerging and established archery talent. The competition featured athletes across beginner, developmental, Under-15, Under-18 and senior categories competing in recurve, compound and barebow disciplines. The official results were recorded after 72 arrows. According to the federation, the competition was designed not simply as a contest for medals, but as an important development platform, giving new archers their first taste of competition while challenging developing athletes to shoot longer distances and compete at higher levels. The weekend produced a number of strong performances. Trevaughn Waldron won Recurve Men with 537

Archery Guyana President Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon (centre) is flanked by the weekend’s winners at the developmental competition

points, Saifullah Gani took Recurve Under-18 Men with 581, and Brandon Cummings topped Recurve Under-15 with 647. In Recurve Developmental, Nolan Gray finished first with 608 points. The strength of the junior programme was also evident. Nehan Chaturgum won the Recurve Exceptional Beginner Under-11 category with 640 points, while Jeremiah Archer won Recurve Developmental Under-15 with 604 points. Alec Simmons topped Barebow Developmental Under-15

with 546 points. Archers from the federation, Bow Nation, Archery Guild, Golden League Archery, Pro Archers and Qayyim Archery completed over the past weekend. At the closing medal ceremony, Archery Guyana President Vidushi PersaudMcKinnon congratulated the athletes and thanked the coaches, parents, officials, volunteers, and supporters for making the competition a success. Reflecting on the two days of competition, the President noted that it was preparation for to-

morrow’s bigger stages – from beginner to development, to national, regional and international competition. The President also told the gathering, "Wear your medals proudly, but don't let them become your finish line. And to those who didn't medal: learn, adjust, and come back stronger.” Attention now turns to the next major challenge for Guyana’s archers. From October 22–26, 2026, Guyana will host the international championships at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

“We are not just preparing to participate, we are preparing to host, compete and showcase what Guyana can do.” President PersaudMcKinnon extended special appreciation to the technical team whose work helped ensure the successful staging of the competition. That team included Director of Shooting, Afzal Karim; Judge Ryan McKinnon and Results Manager Saeed Karim. The federation also expressed its gratitude to Guyana Beverages Inc for its support throughout

the competition. In addition, special appreciation was also extended to Puneet Jaigopaul, Chairman of the Little Diamond/Herstelling Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), for facilitating the use of the Farm Community Centre Ground, for the competition. Archery Guyana said partnerships such as these were essential to creating opportunities for athletes to train, compete and develop within their communities.

Complete Medal Standings Individual Results

Recurve Men — 70m

1st - Trevaughn Waldron- Bow Nation 537 2nd - Mehandra Chatargum- Bow Nation 524 3rd - Courtlee Rodrigues - Golden League Archery 485 4th - Faraad Gani- Bow Nation 398

Recurve Under-18 Men — 60m

1st - Saifullah Gani- Bow Nation 581

Recurve Under-15 Men/ Women Combined — 40m

1st - Brandon Cummings- Bow Nation 647 2nd - Fatima Gani- Bow Nation 601

Compound Under-15 Men

1st - Ravish Singh- Pro Archers 396

Barebow Men/Women Combined — 50m

1st - Richard Dookie- The Archery Guild 441 2nd - Melesa Ramnaraine- Bow Nation 411 3rd - Juanita Persaud- Bow Nation 367

Recurve Beginner Men

1st - Grayson Hooper- The Archery Guild 269

Recurve Beginner Under-15 Men/ Women Combined — 30m

1st - Aalim Kahn- Bow Nation 581 2nd - Addison Jagnandsn- Pro Archers 232

Recurve Exceptional Beginner Under-11 Men/Women — 15m

1st - Nehan Chaturgum- Bow Nation 640 2nd - Emily Simon- Bow Nation 567 3rd - Selima Blackman - The Archery Guild 545

Compound Beginner Men

DNS Ricky Ross Pro Archers

Compound Beginner Under-15 Men

DNS Zain Baksh Pro Archers

Barebow Beginner Men — 30m

1st - Ryan Chabenauth The Archery Guild 543 2nd - Shiva Tularam Golden League Archery 470

Elite League…

Barrow strike helps Slingerz needle Police

ollowing an exciting opening night on Saturday, the excitement boiled over into Sunday evening as the 2026/27 Elite League continued with another double-header. Football fans flocked the Guyana Football Federation’s National Training Centre (NTC) at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD), where two close encounters unfolded; one including 2025’s top teams. Santos Football Club started the night’s proceedings with a 2-1 victory over Ann’s Grove United FC. Yohance Francis put Ann’s Grove ahead in the 10th minute, but their lead was short-lived as Tyrice Dennis found the back of the net in the 34th for a 1-1 score at the half.

The Elite League’s defending champions got off to a winning start

It was Santos’ Ian Daniels who found the game winner in the 71st minute to secure his team’s three points. That was followed by a clash of the League’s 2025 top two finishers in Slingerz FC and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) FC.

Ironically, it was Neron Barrow’s 23rd-minute strike which made the difference between the two teams as Slingerz registered a 1-0 victory. Barrow had competed for Police in 2025, ending the league as the highest goal-scorer before transferring to Slingerz FC in the June-

Neron Barrow (on ball) netted Slingerz FC’s game winner

July 2026 transfer window. The Elite League will continue next weekend with another pair of double-headers. On Saturday, September 5, Police FC

battle Fruta Conquerors FC from 18:30h, while Monedderlust FC and Den Amstel FC face off from 21:00h. On Sunday, September 6, Slingerz FC go toe-to-toe with the League’s debu-

tants Camptown FC from 18:30h while Western Tigers take on GDF FC from 21:00h. The teams in the 2026/ 27 Elite League are competing for an increased $4 million grand prize.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026

Romario Shepherd’s unbeaten 27 added some impetus for the Amazon Warriors (CPLT20 photo)

h e Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) will come home to the Land of Many Waters with their unbeaten streak still intact in the 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) following a record- equalling, belligerent century from Shimron Hetmyer that led the visitors to victory in Trinidad and Tobago on Monday night. Hetmyer and co handed the Trinbago Knight Riders an undesirable Independence Day gift, with a nine-run victory (DLS method), delving the hosts further into hot water this season.

Hurricane Hetmyer

It took Hetmyer just seven balls to get a feel of the Queen’s Park surface before he erupted like a dormant volcano. Jyd Goolie was the first bowler to feel the wrath of Hetmyer’s fury, sent for two sixes, straight and over midwicket, respectively. The 16-run seventh over was a sign of things to come for the Amazon Warriors who never looked back from that point. While Hetmyer blasted CPL and Trinbago debutant Lahiru Kumara for 15 runs in the eighth over, Matthew Nandu struggled, unable to clear the

Sport is no longer our game, it’s our business

Hurricane Hetmyer blows through Port-of-Spain in GAW victory

boundary. The Amazon Warriors employed a bit of tactics at that point, having Nandu retire out on 1 3 from 2 1 balls o n the final ball of the ninth over after he was unable to get Usman Tariq away. The following over from Sunil Narine went for just 11, leaving the Amazon Warriors in a questionable position at 78-3 in 10 overs. By the end of 12th, they were 1004 with Mohamad Nabi just departing for six. Then, Hurricane Hetmyer struck. 6, 6, 4, 6, 4, 4 – clearing the boundary on every ball of Kumara’s third over and spoiling his figures (1-55 from 3 overs). TKR won the battle in the 14th over as Narine conceded just 14 and accounted for Quentin Sampson for 7 off 4 deliveries. However, with Romario Shepherd now at the crease and Hetmyer approaching his century, fireworks were imminent. Shepherd took control in the 15th, blasting 26 runs off Dominic Drakes’ bowling after an opening single from Hetmyer. Hetmyer eventually brought up his century off 40 balls in his 100th CPL match, with a magnificent hit over the midwicket fence. Hetmyer found himself in elite company,

equalling the 40-ball CPL century record from Andre Russell and Tim Seifert. Another maximum followed off Hetmyer’s bat and a couple of singles as the Berbician ended the innings unbeaten on a majestic 111* off 43 balls. His knock included eight fours and nine sixes. Shepherd, on the other hand, was also unbeaten on 27 off 7 balls, slamming two fours and three sixes. As such, the Amazon Warriors posted a mammoth 185-5 in their 16 overs, a strong recovery from their rocky start. The start was nothing to write home about as Glenn Phillips faced three dot balls before becoming Akeal Hosein’s victim, leaving the visitors 1 down without a run on the board. Shai Hope’s stay was also short- lived: he hit 16 from 11, including two sixes before departing off Kumara’s bowling in the fourth over. A lengthy rain delay followed soon after, leaving the Amazon Warriors in a bit of worries, but cometh the hour, came the man, Hetmyer. Hosein, Narine, Kumara and Tariq all snared one wicket each.

Game. Set. Match

It was the first ball of the seventh over that the chase turned on its head for the hosts. Nicholas Pooran, hoping to fetch a wide-ish delivery from Nabi could only get it as far as backward point where Sampson dived to

his left to take the catch. Pooran departed for a fiery 43 off 16 balls, having smashed three fours and four sixes. When it rained, it poured for the Knight Riders. Goolie managed to avoid Nabi’s hat-trick ball and the ensuing delivery, playing it down safely, but could not survive an lbw, even after review, with the ball crashing into leg stump. Captain Imran Tahir struck in the next over, castling Justin Graves for just one after an overturned review the ball prior. The Knight Riders were on 77-5 in 8 overs, requiring a run rate of 13.12 and the Amazon Warriors looked like they were cruising to victory at that point. However, the duo of Alex Hales and Hosein made the visitors labour for the sixth scalp with a 43-run partnership off 21 balls. Hitting a hat-trick of fours off Shamar Joseph’s pace, Hosein felt confident of becoming a hero but he was stopped in his tracks by his countryman Khary Pierre, caught and bowled for 18 off 11. From there, the Amazon Warriors were able to bring the tempo of the game back down as Tahir conceded just three runs off the next (12th) over with the Knight Riders’ required rate now exceeding 16.

Tense finish

Hales came to the party for the Knight Riders, inching them closer to their target with a 24-ball 55. Hales slammed one four and seven sixes before Shamar Joseph disrupted his stumps in the 15th over with the hosts still needing 32 runs. Unbothered, Joshua DaSilva hit Joseph for two boundaries in the final two balls of the 15th, giving the Knight Riders hope with 24 needed off the last over. Picking the final-over bowler seemed to be a gamble for the Amazon Warriors who overlooked Dwaine Pretorius to hand Shepherd the ball.

In the grand scheme of things, it was a tidy over from the Berbician, as he gave away just eight runs in five balls, at which point it was clearly all over for the Knight Riders. The six off the last ball did not matter much as the hosts were nine runs short of their ground. Nabi was the pick of the GAW bowlers, claiming 3-20 from three overs. The Republic Bank CPL action will shift back to St Kitts and Nevis today where the Patriots will look to defend their home turf against the Barbados Royals from 19:00h local time.

SCOREBOARD Guyana Amazon Warriors (16 ovs maximum) Glenn Phillips c Drakes b Hosein 0 Matthew Nandu retired out 13 Shai Hope † c Hales b Kumara 16 Shimron Hetmyer not out 111 Mohammad Nabi c Pooran b Usman Tariq 6 Quentin Sampson b Narine 7 Romario Shepherd not out 27 Extras (b 2, nb 1, w 2) 5 Total 16 Ov (RR: 11.56) 185/5 Did not bat: Shamar Joseph, Dwaine Pretorius, Khary Pierre, Imran Tahir (c) Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Glenn Phillips, 0.4 ov), 2-19 (Shai Hope, 3.5 ov), 3-67 (Matthew Nandu, 8.6 ov), 4-100 (Mohammad Nabi, 11.6 ov), 5-140 (Quentin Sampson, 13.5 ov) Bowling O-M-R-W Akeal Hosein 2-0-11-1 Sunil Narine 4-0-25-1 Lahiru Kumara 3-0-55-1 Usman Tariq 3-0-18-1 Jyd Goolie 1-0-16-0 Dominic Drakes 2-0-40-0 Justin Greaves 1-0-18-0

Trinbago Knight Riders (T: 182 runs from 16 ovs) Colin Munro c Imran Tahir b Mohammad Nabi 22 Sunil Narine c Phillips b Pretorius 1 Nicholas Pooran (c) c Sampson b Mohammad Nabi 43 Alex Hales b Joseph 55 Jyd Goolie lbw b Mohammad Nabi 0 Justin Greaves b Imran Tahir 1 Akeal Hosein c & b Pierre 18 Dominic Drakes not out 14 Joshua Da Silva † not out 13 Extras (lb 3, w 2) 5 Total 16 Ov (RR: 10.75) 172/7 Did not bat: Usman Tariq, Lahiru Kumara Fall of wickets: 1-17 (Sunil Narine, 2.1 ov), 2-52 (Colin Munro, 4.6 ov), 3-67 (Nicholas Pooran, 6.1 ov), 4-67 (Jyd Goolie, 6.4 ov), 5-68 (Justin Greaves, 7.2 ov), 6-111 (Akeal Hosein, 10.5 ov), 7-150 (Alex Hales, 14.4 ov) Bowling O-M-R-W Dwaine Pretorius 2-0-20-1 Shamar Joseph 3-0-36-1 Romario Shepherd 2-0-29-0 Mohammad Nabi 3-0-20-3 Imran Tahir 4-0-38-1 Khary Pierre 2-0-26-1

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - marketing@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.