Guyana Times - Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Guyana only interested in joint development of Corentyne River Bridge

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Guyana only interested in joint development of Corentyne River Bridge – President Ali

...as Suriname signals intention to solely execute project

terpart, President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, who has indicated that her country is in the process of finalising its part of the agreement. Guyana had long com-

President Dr Irfaan Ali made it clear on Tuesday that Guyana is only interested in the joint development of a bridge across the Corentyne River to connect with neighbouring Suriname. His remarks come on the heels of reports that Suriname’s Minister of Public Works and Spatial Planning, Stephen Tsang, informed the National Assembly in Paramaribo on Monday evening that Suriname intends to fully finance and construct the bridge across the Corentyne River on its own.

While efforts by this publication to contact President Ali and other senior Government officials on the matter were futile, the Guyanese leader told local news agency Demerara Waves Online on Tuesday that he is unaware of such plans by the Surinamese Government. According to the President, the agreement from the inception was that both countries would develop the bridge jointly –the only approach Guyana is interested in.

“There is only one thing we’re interested in, and that is the joint development of the bridge, and that was the arrangement from day one,” President Ali told Demerara Waves.

pleted its preparations and was awaiting the Dutch-

speaking nation to advance the bridge project. Only in May, Presidents Ali and Geerlings-Simons met virtually to deal with a number of issues, including movement along the Corentyne River. This comes months after the two Presidents met in Paramaribo last September and reiterated their commitment to advance the bridge project. “Madam President and I have expressed commitment from both Governments in having this signature project completed. We have agreed to have a specific coordinating group look at addressing all outstanding issues – technical, financial and legal issues –so that we can advance this project in an efficient manner,” President Ali stated at a joint press conference on September 13, 2025, in Paramaribo.

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Youth substance abuse

Just last week, the Ministry of Health announced the ramping up of efforts to tackle youth substance misuse after it was found that about 80 per cent of secondary school students are consuming alcohol, engaging in vaping, and using cannabis.

Reports of this phenomenon should concern every segment of society and demand urgent and sustained national attention.

The Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) deserves credit for not limiting its role to enforcement alone. Its shift towards public education, intelligence gathering, and the coordination of the National Early Warning System (EWS) demonstrates an understanding that modern drug trafficking requires a proactive rather than purely reactive response.

Early identification of emerging threats, particularly synthetic drugs and illegal THC vape products marketed toward young people, gives health and education authorities a valuable opportunity to intervene before these substances become more deeply entrenched.

In fact, over the years, CANU has been successful in intercepting drugs, especially ecstasy, in schools.

This recreational drug has harmful side effects, including addiction, and can cause altered sensations. What is clear is that some young people have been exposed to a drug that also affects the brain and one that has reportedly been used as a date rape trap.

Sadly, drug use in some schools is reportedly not new. Unfortunately, young minds are involved in cigarette smoking and the consumption of alcohol, along with other, far more harmful substances.

Director of CANU, James Singh, during an event hosted by the Health Ministry last week, outlined that the unit is coordinating the National Early Warning System – an initiative designed to identify and issue national alerts regarding the circulation of new and dangerous substances.

Further, he stated that EWS has been instrumental in warning the public about the influx of synthetic drugs, such as MDMA (ecstasy), and illegal THC vape products, which are particularly targeted at youth markets. By identifying these trends early, CANU enables health and education authorities to respond proactively.

It is important to note that law enforcement agencies have an essential role in disrupting supply networks, but enforcement alone will not solve the problem. Schools, parents, health professionals, child protection agencies, and community organisations must all be equipped to recognise the warning signs and intervene early.

While CANU has been playing its part, it raises concerns over how long it might be ongoing, whether the schools are aware or whether they have the capacity to aid in identifying drug sales and use therein.

Another reality is that young people will unfortunately experiment with harmful substances. This is where the Education Ministry will have to be more innovative in deriving mechanisms to build capacity among teachers so they can spot any possible signs.

Once again, this will not be easy given the innovativeness of those involved. That aside, there must be some signs, including changes in students’ behavioural patterns and performances, depending upon the extent of usage. This is not just for ecstasy but for other drugs as well.

Teachers will need to be supported in this fight, and it may very well demand a re-examination of policies at a higher level for the implementation of effective combating mechanisms. This would need some urgency, given that some young people, who represent the future, are involved.

Crucial is sustained education on the harmful effects of drug use, for which the media should be encouraged to be a part. It has to be national, given what’s at stake.

There may also be merit in revisiting proposals for structured school monitoring systems that bring together trained professionals to support, rather than replace, existing school staff. Such initiatives must be carefully designed to complement the work of teachers while strengthening the overall capacity of schools to safeguard students.

Ultimately, this issue extends far beyond the classroom. The young people at the centre of this discussion represent the nation’s future, and protecting them requires more than periodic enforcement operations or isolated awareness campaigns. It calls for a sustained, evidence-based strategy that combines prevention, education, treatment, and enforcement in equal measure.

The warning signs are before us. Whether they become the catalyst for meaningful action or simply another alarming headline will depend on the commitment of all stakeholders to work together. The cost of complacency is simply too high.

Guyana is losing 60 million production hours per year due to customers’ long waiting hours at banks

Dear Editor, During the past 15 months, we have conducted a careful and thorough survey of the long delays and time consumption at Guyana’s leading banks: Republic Bank, Citizens Bank, The Bank of Nova Scotia, Guyana Bank of Trade and Industry (GBTI), and Demerara Bank to determine the length of time spent by their customers in each bank. As most of us know, every bank, at some point and time during the day, especially at peak hours, will have people waiting very long in lines to complete routine transactions such as deposits, withdrawals, account enquiries, customer services, and special assistance, among others. It is with great disappointment that our survey found that the two banks with the most ridiculous and excessively long lines in every service area and at every branch throughout the country are Republic Bank and Citizens Bank. On multiple occasions, we have observed that customers must wait in line for approximately four hours or longer on any given day, and an average of another 40 minutes is spent at the teller or with customer service personnel.

Regrettably, this means that each customer spends an average of between four and a half to five hours per day at these two banks.

Even though there are special sections with seating available for the elderly, parents with small children, pregnant mothers, and people with disabilities, the delay remains about the same. There are also long lines at each of the ATM outlets throughout the country.

While we understand that the banks must follow security, compliance, and standard operating procedures, the current waiting times are unreasonable and disheartening for customers who have become acclimatised to the situation. In fact, they have become so accustomed to the unusually and exceptionally long lines and lengthy delays that they do not complain because they have concluded that nothing would change.

In their opinion, banking delays at almost every bank are common throughout the country. During the last 15 months, our interviews with more than 2648 bank customers have revealed that the current waiting time of roughly five hours has affected their mental health, disrupted their daily chores, and eroded customer trust; but most of all, it has severely impacted productivity in the country.

In the survey, we found that eight out of every 10 customers are full-time employees, and this has resulted in the country losing more than 1.3 million production hours every week,

or the equivalent of 5.2 million per month, or 62.4 million per year. Losing over 60 million production hours per year is unacceptable and makes it highly impossible for Guyana to develop. We are living in a digitised world, but where is the digitisation that the Government talks about? The time has come for the banks to digitise and modernise the banking system to reduce such a huge loss in production.

Tellers and customer service personnel continue to use the old-fashioned system of writing information obtained from computers on three or four banking and deposit slips to be signed by them and the customers, which is completely backward and a waste of time. If the information exists in the computer, then why rewrite it on the slips?

This nonsensical act proves that banks do not rely on computers, suggesting backwardness and redundancy by the banks in the 21st century. Simply put, it is a waste of consumers’ time and a loss of unnecessary production, which has never been the focus of the banking executives. Their focus is not on customers suffering but on huge profit margins for the parent companies overseas.

Efficient and modern digitised services are a core expectation in banking, and we believe that the delays are the result of poor staff-

ing, inept processes, mediocre training, inadequate qualifications, incompetent management, and an ineffective and hopeless system riddled with problems that need urgent attention.

We have witnessed that out of the dozen or more teller windows available, only two or three are used most of the time to attend to more than three hundred customers daily. The delay time is further increased when the tellers and customer service personnel constantly leave their windows or desks to seek advice from supervisors when serving a customer. We have seen more personnel walking around the office in the banks than those serving the customers.

Both Republic and Citizens Banks, along with all the other banks, are respected financial institutions, but most senior management are not only insensitive to the needs of the people, but they are also disrespectful to them.

Addressing these unwanted, needless, and annoying delays at the banks will help to restore customer confidence and credence and uphold the standard of service Guyanese citizens deserve from the banking establishments. All senior banking officials should heed this profound and superlative advice.

Yours sincerely, Dr Asquith Rose

GL&SC to make available 8000 acres of land for housing development this year …as efforts continue to fully digitise

Lands and Surveys Commission

The Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) is currently working on making approximately 8000 acres of land available to assist the Housing Ministry in clearing the backlog across the country. This was revealed by the Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GL&SC, Enrique Monize, during the 25th Anniversary and Award Ceremony for the agency, which manages state and public lands. According to Monize, the Commission will be providing land in all the Administrative Regions across Guyana, except Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), which has the highest housing application backlog due to its massive population.

“We are currently working on 8000 acres more land for this year for CH&PA (Central Housing and Planning Authority) to help them bring their backlog in the other regions except Four to zero. So, we are in the process of surveying those lands,” the GL&SC Head stated during Tuesday’s celebrations. He further pointed out that these lands are transferred, not sold to the Housing Ministry.

Over the years, the Housing Ministry, through the CH&PA has been working

with the Lands and Surveys Commission along with other state agencies, including the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), to acquire land in order to fulfill its housing mandate. Between 2020 and 2025, the Dr Irfaan Aliled Administration had committed to allocating approximately 50,000 house lots across the country – a promise it surpassed. During this current term, the Government aims to construct 40,000 new homes, which is 8000 houses annually. Only recently, at the opening of the International Building Expo 2026 last week, President Ali disclosed that there are 81,000 housing applications pending in the system – more than half of which are from the last five years alone. Previously, Housing Minister Collin Croal had reported that over 50,000 of the pending applications came from Region Four. Nevertheless, during Tuesday’s ceremony, Commissioner Monize said the agency has also processed and received approvals for over 9000 leases up to the end of 2025 for land all across Guyana. This, he explained, is part of the GL&SC’s commitment and mandate to

support development in the country – something that President Ali recognised could not happen without the work of the Commission.

Digitisation

Delivering the feature address at the Commission’s anniversary celebrations on Tuesday, President Ali noted that while land administration is often overlooked, it remains critical to national progress, especially since every major development initiative begins with proper land identification, surveying, and planning. To this end, he underscored the importance of ensuring that the agency is better positioned to support Guyana’s expanding development agenda. This, he pointed out, requires the full digi-

tisation of the Lands and Surveys Commission.

“What we are building here at the Commission is an entity that is system-based, people-centred, and service-driven. That is what we are doing... and the objective in the next four years is to deliver an agency that is fully digitised and one in which we will fully implement the most advanced technology to help our work here in every department, in every aspect of our work.” According to him, the Commission now operates in a more complex environment that requires greater speed, stronger interoperability, and closer coordination with multiple sectors, including housing, mining, forestry, infrastructure and regional planning.

ExxonMobil Guyana joins Guyana’s premier fashion festival

The Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) on Tuesday announced ExxonMobil Guyana as a strategic partner for the second edition of Guyana’s premier fashion festival, ORIGINS.

Scheduled for July 3-5, 2026, ORIGINS brings together designers, models, makeup artists, artisans and creative entrepreneurs in a celebration of Guyanese talent, culture and innovation. Following a successful inaugural edition in 2025, this year’s festival will place an even greater emphasis on professional development, market access and international engagement.

As a strategic partner, ExxonMobil Guyana’s support will contribute to the festival’s long-term vision of developing Guyana’s fashion industry through capacity building, greater market access and increased international engagement. The programme will extend beyond the runway, with workshops, masterclasses and panel discussions designed to strengthen business and technical skills in areas including brand development, digital commerce, export readiness and sustainable production.

The support will also help create new opportunities for local designers by strengthening connections with regional

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues and officials at the announcement of the partnership

and international buyers, collaborators, media and industry leaders while expanding the visibility of Guyana’s growing fashion sector.

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues said the collaboration reflects the Government’s broader commitment to developing the country’s creative economy through meaningful public-private partnership.

“The Government of Guyana is committed to creating the conditions for our creative industries to thrive as part of a diversified and resilient economy. Through initiatives like ORIGINS, we are in-

vesting in the Orange Economy by creating opportunities for local designers, entrepreneurs and creatives to develop their skills, expand their markets and showcase their work on a larger stage. Partnerships with the private sector, such as ExxonMobil Guyana, are essential to this vision. Together, we are strengthening an ecosystem that supports innovation, generates economic opportunities and positions Guyana’s creative talent as a valuable contributor to our national development.”

Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Kamrul Baksh, said ORIGINS continues to evolve into a platform

that celebrates Guyanese creativity while creating lasting opportunities for the country’s fashion industry.

“ORIGINS is about celebrating the creativity that exists right here in Guyana and giving our designers the platform they deserve. Fashion tells the story of who we are, our people, our heritage and our identity. With the support of partners like ExxonMobil Guyana, we’re able to create more opportunities for local talent to learn, connect and share their work with new audiences while strengthening Guyana’s appeal as a destination where culture and creativity are part of the visitor experience.”

The President further noted that as Guyana continues to expand, land administration has become increasingly important to ensuring projects move forward efficiently.

As part of that transformation agenda, he highlighted plans to strengthen geographic information systems (GIS), improve institutional coordination, and enhance the security of land tenure for citizens, farmers, businesses and communities. “We want institutions that work seamlessly together in support of national development, and we want a system that balances economic growth with responsible stewardship of our land resources for future generations,” he stated.

Already, the GL&SC has invested heavily in technology to enhance its operations, with Commissioner Monize reporting that cutting-edge survey acquisitions were made, computer systems –both hardware and software – upgraded, staff trained and cybersecurity improved. In addition, the Legal Division was also upgraded, the defunct Dispute Resolution Committee reconstituted to settle matters outside of court, and the database updated with over 90,000 survey plans added and available to surveyors remotely. The Commission is now working on making this database accessible to the Judiciary.

Page Foundation

Compound Measures cont’d

Speed-Distance-Time Triangle

The speed-distance-time triangle is a way to describe the relationship between speed, distance and time as shown by the formula below.

Speed = distance ÷ time

“Speed equals distance divided by time”

This formula can also be rearranged to calculate distance or calculate time given the other two measures. An easy way to remember the formula and the different rearrangements is to use the speed distance time triangle.

From this triangle we can work out how to calculate each measure: We can ‘cover up’ what we are trying to find and the formula triangle tells us what calculation to do.

Plants

Animals and many other multicellular species complete a life cycle in one generation: hatching or birth, growth, and reproduction by generating a gamete. Plants, however, have a life cycle that consists of two generations. Imagine a dandelion seed that falls on the ground. This seed grows, sprouting leaves and roots. Over time, the seedling grows taller, and its roots grow deeper. When it is ready to reproduce, the dandelion plant produces a flower. The internal parts of the flower produce asexual reproductive cells—spores. This is the first generation. The spores stay within the flower. Each spore grows and produces a male or female part of the flower. These flower parts are contained within the dandelion flower, but they are genetically different from the stem, roots, and leaves.

Next, these flower parts produce gametes for sexual reproduction—egg

Let’s look at an example to calculate speed. If a car travels 66km in 1.5 hours then we can use this formula to calculate the speed.

Speed = distance ÷ time

Speed = 66 ÷ 1.5

Speed = 44km/h

Let’s look at an example to calculate time.

How long does it take for a car to travel 34 miles at a speed of 68 miles per hour?

Time = distance ÷ speed

Time= 34 ÷ 68

Time= 0.5 hours

Let’s look at an example to calculate distance.

What distance does a bike cover if it travels at a speed of 7 metres per second for 50 seconds?

Distance = speed × time

Distance = 7 × 50

Distance = 350 metres

By Sherod SantoS

and sperm cells. When a sperm cell fertilises the egg cell, this leads to the growth of a seed and completes the second generation. All plants, as well as some protists and fungi, have a life cycle with two generations—a sexual phase and an asexual phase. Some plants, such as mosses and ferns, do not produce flowers or seeds, but they still have a two-generation life cycle. The gametes stay within the plants, and the plants release spores into the environment to produce new plants.

Now beneath the aspen trees moonlight blends the broomstraw and ailanthus, and the seasonal wild roses spill their cups along the pathway stones . . . What can I say? In my mother’s house today, no one is dying. There is a bank of swallows asleep in the eaves above her bedroom window, and their sleeping makes a sound like the movement of water, which is thinner than blood, but which awakens still the sound of those footfalls down the carpeted hallway toward her door. Now above the aspen trees the clear stars drift in the moonlight of the shining sky as if on some long sigh they were carried away, and today there is no one dying in my mother’s house.

(Source: Poetry [October 1980])

WORD SEARCH

Guyana’s Rep Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett seeks EU backing for UN Secretary General bid

Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, engaged Heads of Mission of the European Union (EU) Member States as she forges ahead in her bid for the Secretary General (SG) of the United Nations (UN) post. The Permanent Mission of Guyana to the United Nations, in a social media post, stated that the meeting was chaired by the Head of the Delegation of

the European Union to the UN, Ambassador Stavros Lambrinidis.

The missive added that during the exchange, Rodrigues-Birkett outlined her vision for the Office of the UNSG and her approach to advancing the United Nations across its three pillars.

In addition, she spoke candidly about the experiences that have shaped her leadership and inspired her decision to put her name forward, including her jour-

ney from a small Indigenous community in Guyana to an activist Government Minister and international civil servant, working consistently to improve people’s lives.

The missive stated that “In responding to the questions raised, she underscored her commitment to building a more effective, responsive, and results-orientated United Nations that delivers for people everywhere; a United Nations that learns from the past,

Guyana only interested in...

Meanwhile, President Geerlings-Simons also shared during the press briefing that since 2010, Suriname had indicated its interest in bridging the Corentyne River, which falls within the territory of the Dutch nation, to connect the two neighbouring countries.

She pointed out that once the various technical, financial, and legal matters are sorted out, works will be fast-tracked to implement this significant infrastructure project, which will be key for further connections into South America and the Amazon region.

Based on reports coming out of Suriname, Minister Tsang, while responding to questions from the parliamentary Opposition on the progress of the project, announced that Suriname intends to finance the Corentyne River Bridge from its own funds.

However, he indicated that the financing structure has not yet been finalised and that they are looking at various models, including toll collection for bridge users. Moreover, the Minister added that a new tendering process may be necessary depending on the final choice.

According to the Surinamese minister, the bridge must be a Surinamese project. It was previously agreed that both Guyana and Suriname would share the cost of the bridge construction, which was initially pegged at some US$300 million, in a 50-50 arrangement.

The proposed Corentyne

River bridge was designed as a high-span structure that will run approximately 3.1 kilometers (KM), connecting Moleson Creek in Guyana to South Drain in Suriname, with a landing on Long Island in the Corentyne River, where a commercial hub and tourist destination will be established.

That free zone was designed to see major infrastructural development such as hotels, recreational parks, entertainment spots, tourist attractions, malls, and farmers’ markets.

This joint bridge project is one of the first agreements that were signed between President Ali and former Surinamese President Chandrikapersad Santokhi in their August 2020 cooperation pact. At the time, both

is fit for the present, and is ready for the future.”

Rodrigues-Birkett expressed gratitude to the European Union Member States for their thoughtful engagement, warm encouragement, and continued interest in her candidacy.

She also reaffirmed her commitment to working in partnership with the European Union and its Member States once elected.

President Dr Irfaan Ali last month nominated Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett to succeed the UN’s current SG, António Guterres, whose tenure ends on December 31, 2026.

FROM PAGE 3

leaders underscored the critical role the bridge across the Corentyne River would play in advancing cooperation and creating more opportunities for development for the two nations.

Since then, both Guyana and Suriname have settled on the Chinese construction company, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), as the preferred contractor to build the new bridge.

Meanwhile, stakeholders, including the Private Sector, have recognised that this proposed infrastructure would play a critical role in advancing cooperation, trade, tourism, and traffic between Guyana and Suriname, replacing the current ferry service between the two neighbouring countries.

Ali stated that RodriguesBirkett brings the depth of experience the office demands. She has served as Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN since 2020 and led the country’s participation during its historic Security Council tenure.

Days after the endorsement, she presented her “practical and realistic” vision for the UN should she be appointed to the helm of the 193-member body.

She pointed out that there is a growing sense of frustration that the UN is not delivering as it should despite Member States’ strong commitment to make the body “truly fit for purpose”.

Among the areas she outlined that needed focus were

the sloth of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals as well as reforms aimed at strengthening the UN’s work, especially as it relates to addressing global conflicts.

She further underscored the need for the UN to do things differently and better for the future, including improving efficiencies in the secretariat as well as how the organisation treats mandates and its structural alignment – all of which she noted will have a positive impact system-wide.

She had told the General Assembly that if appointed to the post, she would work hand in hand with the 193 Member States of this organisation and its staff, as well as in partnership with regional and sub-regional organisations, civil society, and other stakeholders to achieve the shared objective.

Meanwhile, as recently as last Wednesday, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd has lobbied the Organisation of American States (OAS) for their support of Guyana’s candidate, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, for the United Nations Secretary General (UNSG) position.

Five official candidates are running to succeed António Guterres as the next UNSG, whose fiveyear term begins on January 1, 2027. According to the United Nations, the SG is

appointed by the 193-member General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council. While the 15member Council and particularly its five permanent members, who may veto any candidate, play a decisive role in shaping the recommendation, the appointment is ultimately made by the Assembly. In the 80 years since the founding of the UN, there have been nine SGs, but a woman has never held the post. If successful, Rodrigues-Birkett 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. Rodrigues-Birkett 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, RodriguesBirkett 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.

GPL supports Youth for Hope with $1.6M electricity connection waiver

The Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) has waived a $1.6 million capital contribution for the electricity connection to a new facility being constructed by the Youth for Hope notfor-profit foundation in Yarrowkabra, reaffirming the company’s commitment to supporting community development and youth empowerment across Guyana.

The waiver represents a significant investment by GPL in a project that will provide expanded opportunities for young people through mental health programmes, education, mentorship and skills development.

The Youth for Hope Not-for-Profit Foundation, founded by Amar Ram, has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at empowering young people and fos-

Management Guyana Power & Light Inc Kesh Nandlall, and the founder of the Youth For Hope Foundation

tering positive community engagement in prisons, notably the Lusignan and Timehri prisons. GPL’s decision to waive the capital contribution reflects the company’s ongo-

ing commitment to supporting initiatives that promote sustainable community development and improve the quality of life for all Guyanese.

Founder of the

Youth

for Hope Not-for-Profit Foundation, Amar Ram, welcomed GPL’s contribution, describing the waiver as a significant boost to the project and an example of how public and community partnerships can create lasting social impact.

The Yarrowkabra facility is expected to benefit hundreds of young people through a range of programmes focused on mental health, education, leadership development, life skills, mentorship and community engagement.

As Guyana continues to grow, GPL remains committed to working alongside organisations that are making a positive difference in communities, ensuring that development extends beyond infrastructure to include meaningful investments in the nation’s people.

Improving…

…medical

care

Well, if it’s one thing folks shouldn’t be complaining about, it should be the PPP’s commitment to delivering better health care – and still free to boot to all and sundry!! Now we know we were starting from below ground zero after Burnham and the PNC screwed up the rather effective system he inherited from the Brits. Imagine his Minister of Health at one time was Hamilton Green!! Explains a lot, doesn’t it??

The decades that followed pretty much saw reclamation projects of hospitals – cottage, regional and the sole tertiary one in GT. Now, with money coming down the (oil) pipeline, not only have the aforementioned hospitals been completely refurbished and equipped - but have been augmented by new Regional Hospitals at Enmore, Anna Regina, Region Two; De Kinderen, Region Three; Diamond, Region Four; Bath, Region Five and Number 75 Village, Region Six, that are up and running!! Frankly, your Eyewitness has trouble keeping up with all the new hospitals – because he just remembered that multibillion, state-of-the-art paediatric and maternal hospital at Ogle that shoulda been completed.

But no matter how you cut it, dice it, or puree it, hospitals ain’t just new buildings! They can only deliver better health care if they’re properly staffed and equipped with the best diagnostic and interventionary equipment!! On the staffing side, we gotta candidly accept that THAT challenge is still open. That the developed first-world countries face the same challenge is of no comfort – since we know that “death and sickness wait for no man”! Very frankly, we’ve got to bite the bullet and at least use all the incentives we can to not only allow us to retain the medical personnel we got –but to attract new ones from foreign!! The main incentive, of course, being salaries!! Here we gotta match the scales in the US and Canada – where many of our practitioners gravitate.

But on the challenge of having enough doctors to service the new hospitals, one thing has always puzzled your (naive?) Eyewitness. How come the doctors in the employ of GPHC and the MoH at that institution are all ALSO employed by the private hospitals??!! Do their schedules allow ALL of them to have second jobs?? And doesn’t this give credence to frequent accusations that these double dippers bring their “private patients” to GPHC – where they not only use public facilities for their private gain but also jump the line over regular patients?

Anyhow, all of this was brought about by the announcement that FINALLY GPHC’s gonna have its FIRST MRI imaging machine – to catch those pesky diseases that escape X-ray, CT scan and ultrasound ones.

Maybe we can now integrate AI to assist doctors in reading the images and making diagnoses??

…contract awards?

One of the constant complaints made by Government critics is that the former hands out big-time contracts to “friends and family” – and then close their eyes to underand late completions!! But the abovementioned incomplete Maternal and Paediatric Hospital at Ogle is proof positive that the story ain’t that simple. And the fault, Dear Readers, doesn’t claim that the govt is purer than Caesar’s wife! –might lie elsewhere,

Over two years ago, President Ali – not one to hide his emotions! – made his feelings known about the failure of the contractor to keep to the schedule for completing the hospital! The project came out of an MoU between Guyana and Austria – with the EUR 149 million (GUY $31.9 billion) contracts for the hospital backed by the UK. It was signed in June 2022 – with work starting the next year.

The Austrian contractor VAMED Engineering was appointed by the Austrian Government. Since then, ownership changes to a German company didn’t help matters!!

So much for Teutonic efficiency!!

…oil contract terms?

Your Eyewitness notes call for renegotiation of the oil contract just ain’t letting up. But why’s the obvious route being ignored? CNOOC owns 25 per cent of the operation – and they’re owned by the sanctimonious Chinese Govt. Picket their embassy!!

1st MRI machine being installed at GPHC

Guyana has reached another landmark in its ongoing healthcare transformation with the installation of the country’s first Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine within the public healthcare system at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

The state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment represents a significant investment in strengthening the nation’s health sector and ensuring equitable access to advanced medical services.

Once operational, the MRI machine will provide thousands of patients with access to high-quality diagnostic imaging that was previously available only through private facilities or overseas medical referrals.

MRI technology is widely The newly-installed MRI at the GPHC

regarded as one of the most advanced diagnostic tools in modern medicine, producing detailed images of the body’s organs, soft tissues, brain, spine, joints and blood vessels without the use of ionising radiation.

The technology plays a vital role in the early detection and diagnosis of conditions such as strokes, tumours, neurological disorders, spinal injuries, musculoskeletal conditions and other complex diseases, enabling physicians to make faster and more accurate treatment decisions.

By introducing MRI services into the public healthcare system, the Government is removing a significant financial barrier that has prevented many citizens from accessing this critical diagnostic service.

The availability of MRI services at GPHC is expected to reduce waiting times for diagnostic testing, lessen the need for costly overseas referrals, improve emergency and specialist care, and support earlier diagnosis and intervention, factors that can significantly improve recovery rates and

save lives. This latest investment also complements the Government’s broader programme of expanding and modernising healthcare services through the construction of new regional hospitals, the acquisition of cutting-edge medical technology, and continued investment in healthcare professionals.

Together, these initiatives are building a stronger, more resilient public health system capable of delivering world-class care to all Guyanese.

Kaneville man wanted for rape

The Guyana Police Force has issued a wanted bulletin for Dorwyn Freeman, also called “Bosey”, for questioning in connection with a rape allegation levelled against him.

Police stated that the alleged sexual assault occurred at Kaneville, Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD). While the Police did not divulge any further information with respect to the allegation, they are calling on the public to assist in locating the suspect.

Anyone with information that may lead to his arrest is asked to contact the Police at 227-1611, 268-2328, 2263411, 911 or the nearest Police station. All information provided will be treated with utmost confidence.

Deadly Mobil Service Station bombing Surveillance footage, recorded interviews tendered in court as case continues

The paper committal (PC) proceedings in the deadly October 2025 Mobil Service Station bombing, which commenced earlier this month, resumed on Monday before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. A paper committal is a process in which the court determines whether there is sufficient evidence to commit an accused to stand trial based on documentary evidence rather than live testimony. During the proceedings, Senior Police Legal Advisor Mandel Moore presented additional video exhibits, including surveillance footage from the blast site and recorded police interviews with two of the accused. Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty is considering whether the prosecution has established a prima facie case to warrant committing the four accused to stand trial in the High Court.

Among the exhibits tendered were closed-circuit television (CCTV) recordings captured at the Mobil Service Station on Regent and King Streets, Georgetown, where the fatal explosion occurred on October 26, 2025. The court also briefly viewed video-recorded interviews conducted by the police with alleged mastermind, Venezuelan national Daniel Alexander Ramirez Poedemo and fellow Venezuelan national Alexander Bettencourt. Poedemo, Bettencourt, Venezuelan national Jhonny Boodram and GuyaneseVenezuelan Krystal LaCruz are jointly facing terrorism-related charges arising from the bombing, which claimed the life of six-year-old Soraya Bourne.

The four accused, who are

represented by their respective attorneys, were not required to enter pleas to the indictable charges at this stage of the proceedings.

At the conclusion of Monday’s proceedings, they were further remanded to prison until the matter resumes on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 13:30h.

The proceedings stem from one of Guyana’s most serious national security incidents in recent years. The explosion occurred at the Mobil Service Station on October 26, 2025, after an explosive device detonated while Bourne was seated in a vehicle with relatives at the busy fuel station. Several members of her family were also injured, while nearby buildings and several vehicles sustained significant damage. The current proceedings involve only four of the original seven accused.

Earlier this year, Guyanese nationals Ramesh Pramdeo and Wayne Correia were discharged after Magistrate Alisha George of the Leonora Magistrates’ Courts, upheld a no-case submission filed by Defence Attorney Bernard DaSilva. The defence argued that the prosecution had failed

to establish a prima facie case against the two men and contended that they should have been treated as witnesses rather than as persons accused of aiding and abetting an act of terrorism.

During those proceedings, the prosecution disclosed a substantial body of evidence, including 244 witness statements, 39 exhibits, 61 digital discs, three sets of photographs and a flash drive. However, the court found that the evidence specifically linking Pramdeo and Correia to the alleged offences was insufficient and ordered that they be discharged. In contrast, their former co-accused, Venezuelan national Jennifer Rodriguez, was committed to stand trial in the High Court after Magistrate George found that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against her on the charge of aiding and abetting terrorism.

Rodriguez remains on remand and is expected to stand trial at the next practicable sitting of the Demerara Criminal Assizes. The prosecution has so far presented a substantial body of evidence before Acting Chief Magistrate McGusty, including witness statements,

Duo busted with firearms, ammunition during CANU operation

Two persons were taken into custody following the discovery of two illegal firearms and ammunition during a Customs AntiNarcotic Unit (CANU) operation on Tuesday at Castello Housing Scheme, West La Penitence, Georgetown.

CANU stated that officers, acting on intelligence received, conducted an operation at Castello Housing Scheme where they intercepted two men who were at the time carrying one black bag, a 38 Special Smith & Wesson revolver along with one live round of matching ammunition and one black 9mm Baikal Makarov pistol. The two men were subsequently arrested and handed over to the Guyana Police Force along with the firearms and ammunition for further investigations.

forensic reports, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) reports, documentary evidence and numerous exhibits gathered during the investigation.

During interrogation, Poedemo reportedly admitted that he and one of his accomplices arrived in Guyana illegally by boat hours before the terror attack.

In a confession statement, he allegedly indicated that he had brought the bomb from Venezuela and activated it when he exited a vehicle at the gas station. It was also confirmed that he is a member of a Sindicato gang named “Organisation R” in his home country. The Government has

indicated that it will seek the death sentence against those convicted in the case under Guyana’s anti-terrorism legislation,

results in

CJIA’s Terminal 2 redesigned into 3-storey building – Min Indar

As part of ongoing efforts to position Guyana as a regional aviation hub, the design for the new Terminal Two Building at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD) has been changed from a two-storey to a three-storey facility.

This was revealed by Public Utilities and Aviation Minister Deodat Indar during a recent appearance on the Starting Point podcast.

“We put in Terminal Two another 150,000 [square feet]... Actually, we just extended it a little more to get some more, because it was going to be a two-storey. We’re taking it to three now with the design that we have. That there will be a new terminal that will enhance passenger experience,” Indar stated.

150,000-square-foot building will showcase Guyana›s natural and cultural beauty as well as feature duty-free zones, retail opportunities, rental offices, and lounges. With this new building, the CJIA will be able to dedicate separate buildings for arrivals and departures.

Only earlier this month, President Dr Irfaan Ali lauded this new addition as a state-of-the-art terminal that will be unmatched in the region. He said it will not only celebrate Guyana’s heritage and culture but also the country’s rich biodiversity and ecosystem.

Aviation opportunities

The project is being financed in part by the United Kingdom Export Finance (UKEF), which has offered Guyana a credit loan ceiling of up to a whopping £3 billion. In Budget 2026, the Guyanese Government had set aside some $3.2 billion to advance the construction of Terminal Two, which is slated to be completed before the end of 2028.

The modern

Works on the new terminal. Two buildings commenced earlier this year by BHM Construction Inc out of the UK in collaboration with the largest airport group known for world-class operations within the global aviation sector, Manchester Airport Group Ltd – both of which are teaming up on the facility’s design and construction.

“It is not just a terminal; it is built as an experience. The design of Terminal Two is to create not only a gateway and a passageway for passengers, but also an experience something different. Every country that is worth itself in modern days must be able to create experiences. It is one thing to host a major event, but when those who attend the event leave, they leave with the experience of what was offered,” the Guyanese leader had stated.

Meanwhile, complementing the construction of Terminal Two are several other major projects currently underway at the CJIA, including the installation of a new in-line baggage handling system, the introduction of curb-side check-in services, the addition of more gates, the relocation of the air traffic control tower, and the expansion of the aircraft parking lot.

According to Minister Indar, “We want to make sure we have airlines that can have planes here all the time to do hubs and spokes. So, Guyana becomes the aviation hub for Latin America and the Caribbean. So, you can have planes flying six and a half hours in any direction.” “Right now, you have to go over to...any part of Africa on the eastern shelf; there, you have to first go north and then come down... The hours are a day, a day and a half, or two days. From Guyana right

across to Africa, four and a half, five hours... It cuts the time by half, the inconvenience by half...if you use that route from the south side going up through Guyana as a hub... There are so many opportunities in aviation, so we are going after them very aggressively.”

Aviation traffic

Nevertheless, these expansion works at the CJIA are in response to the airport’s rapid growth and increased traffic since 2020, with sustained growth in both passenger movement, which went up by 433 per cent as of last year, as well as airline traffic being recorded annually.

In fact, Guyana has seen the number of airlines operating here move from four in 2020 to 16 currently, and according to the Aviation Minister, this number will continue to grow given the country’s growing prominence on the world stage.

“The story of Guyana is a good selling point. The volumes that are coming into the country now are a million. You’ve seen the numbers... So, we have this demand. You’ve got to get people here, and you’ve got to get them out. If you have an investment destination, people have to come and see it, and they have to see it affordably. That’s why we have all of these new lines coming in.

“British Airways has been back since the ‘70s. We had a Canadian airline come back in too. Another one was supposed to come and was delayed because fuel prices went up because of the [Middle East] war. They didn’t want to add the route during the war. But they’re going to come in 2027 too – another line from Canada. Then you have a lot out of the US [and] many of the Caribbean direct flights that are coming here,” Indar added.

“Guyana’s

diversity is our strength” – Dr Singh tells ERC symposium

...says country has made tremendous gains in social cohesion

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) on Tuesday hosted a National Symposium at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) in observance of Guyana's 60th Independence Anniversary under the theme: "Guyana at 60 – unity, diversity, and the path forward." During his address to the gathering, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh highlighted the importance of the event in a uniquely diverse country, both in race and religion. "Guyana's diversity is a source of tremendous strength for our country and a strength that we have every intention of leveraging, protecting and deploying for the collective national good," he firmly stated.

Dr Singh further emphasised that Guyana must never be shy of celebrating and applauding the gains made in this regard as a country, the strengths derived from it, and the remarkable opportunities that this unlocks for its people. He focused on the Government's commitment to equitable national transformation to ensure that the country's unprecedented economic growth translates into direct benefits for citizens and is distributed equitably across every background and geographic region. He nevertheless reminded responsible political and civic leaders in the country that their unwavering duty is to actively separate rhetoric and soundbites from reality, acknowledging that while significant progress has been made, continuous effort is required to build a completely harmonious state. On this note, the Minister saluted the architects of the 2001 constitutional amendments, which gave rise to a number of important innovations in the Constitution

that the Government inherited and subsequently enacted and updated, as he pointed to the importance of the Government's establishment of the ERC.

"Arising out of that 2000 and 2001 period of constitutional reform were a number of important enhancements to our constitutional framework. And one of those was the establishment in the supreme law of our land of a number of commissions, foremost amongst which is the Ethnic Relations Commission," he said. He explained further that the Government is of the firm view that the establishment of the Commission and the work it has completed since are most worthy of the Government's commendation. "Most of us are raised in a society that instills in us some core values, and I believe it is fair to say that among those core values that we have instilled in us is the value of modesty, where we are taught that we should not speak too loudly of our successes, of the victories that we score, or of the wins that we have achieved, lest we be judged as boastful, irrespective of where our ancestors might have come from and irrespective of which region we might live in," Minister Singh added.

He then pointed to Guyana's extreme diversity with the country's various ethnicities. "And we know this painful history that generations of our ancestors endured, from the times of the earliest settlement of Guyana and the arrival of the earliest of our people. Notwithstanding these hardships, and the cruelty and difficulties of the circumstances in which they arrived – all of our ancestors arrived and laboured for generations, centuries, and decades –I believe that it is fair to

say that they managed collectively to forge a truly remarkable and diverse Guyana. And it is a diversi -

ty that we must not be shy to flaunt and celebrate," the Finance Minister posited.

Dr Singh further emphasised the way in which all of the ethnicities live together in cohesiveness and harmony notwithstanding all of their historic distinctions.

"We have a duty to salute all of the previous generations of Guyanese of every background who contributed in whichever way they did, and however they did it, in getting us to this point today where we are, in fact, a richly and beautifully diverse kaleidoscopic tapestry that comprises modern Guyana."

The national symposium also featured remarks

delivered by the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Guyana, Ms Jean Njeri Kamau; members of the ERC; and the Parliamentary Opposition.

Former President Donald Ramotar, Labour

UG, Chinese Embassy strengthen partnership with launch of China Book Corner, Dragon Boat Festival celebration

The University of Guyana (UG), in collaboration with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Guyana, recently hosted two major cultural and educational events, further strengthening the longstanding relationship between the two institutions.

The two events were the launch of the China Book Corner at the UG Library and the 2026 Chinese Dragon Boat Festival Food and Culture Celebration at UG’s Turkeyen Campus.

The small but significant events brought together dignitaries, staff, students, and other invited guests, and were led by Vice Chancellor of UG Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, and Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Guyana Yang Yang.

The activities commenced at the UG Library with the unveiling of the China Book Corner, a dedicated space established through a donation of Chinese books from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Guyana.

In her remarks at the unveiling of the China Book Corner, Vice Chancellor Mohamed Martin highlighted the importance of education and cultural exchange in promoting greater understanding among nations.

“The understanding of ourselves as a global community is the cornerstone of any progress towards peace and stability in our world. Today, we celebrate not only our friendship with China but also our acknowledgement of its achievements and the importance of ensuring that our students and our country develop a deeper understanding of one of the world’s oldest civilisations,” the Vice Chancellor said.

Professor Mohamed Martin noted that the relationship between Guyana and China continues to

grow through shared experiences, including education, cultural exchange, books, food, travel and personal connections.

She also expressed appreciation for China’s continued support to UG, including previous contributions to campus development, while noting that the

stand the real China, not only its achievements but also its challenges,” she said.

She explained that the collection includes materials covering areas such as governance, poverty reduction, modernisation, democracy, the rule of law, environmental protection, and

China Book Corner would further enhance the university’s collection and provide students with opportunities to learn more about China.

In her remarks, Ambassador Yang said the establishment of the China Book Corner represents another step in strengthening the partnership between the embassy and the University of Guyana.

“Through these books, I hope you can better under-

China’s vision for global development.

The Ambassador said that while Guyana and China differ in size and population, both countries share common goals, including improving people’s lives, promoting development, encouraging innovation and respecting cultural diversity.

University Librarian Dr Simone Bernard

selection of books donated by the

newly-established China

as a significant contribution that would expand access to knowledge and cultural understanding.

“The book donation will enable us to expand the horizons of our users, giving them access to new ideas, cultures and opportunities,” Dr Bernard said.

Following the unveiling of the China Book Corner, students, staff and guests gathered in the Education Lecture Theatre (ELT) for the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival Food and Culture Event, hosted by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Guyana and the UG through the Confucius Institute.

The event attracted a large audience, with the ELT filled with members of the university community who participated in the cultural celebration, which featured traditional Chinese

performances, cuisine and cultural activities.

The Director of the Confucius Institute, Al Creighton, explained the significance of the Dragon Boat Festival, known in China as the Duanwu Festival, and highlighted its history, traditions and cultural importance.

He noted that the festival is connected to the life and legacy of Chinese poet Qu Yuan and is marked by traditions including dragon boat racing and the sharing of traditional foods.

In her remarks at the Dragon Boat Festival Food and Culture Event, Vice Chancellor Mohamed Martin welcomed the opportunity to showcase the richness of Chinese culture and cuisine while expressing appreciation to Ambassador Yang and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of

China in Guyana for hosting the event.

Ambassador Yang emphasised that food provides a meaningful way for people to connect with different cultures. She explained that the dishes featured at the celebration represented different regions of China, including Cantonese dim sum and wontons, as well as northern Chinese baozi and soy milk.

The Ambassador also highlighted similarities between Guyanese and Chinese food traditions, noting the importance of food in bringing communities together.

The celebration featured cultural presentations by the Confucius Institute and provided attendees with the opportunity to sample a variety of Chinese foods and drinks while engaging in cultural activities.

GDF troops complete jungle warfare training in Brazil

Two officers and 28 other ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) have completed an intensive jungle life training programme conducted by the Brazilian Army’s First Jungle Infantry Brigade in Boa Vista, Brazil, fur-

ther strengthening the longstanding military partnership between Guyana and the Federative Republic of Brazil.

The five-day training formed part of the XXIX Regional Military Exchange Meeting (RRIM), an initia-

tive aimed at enhancing operational cooperation and strengthening the capabilities of both armed forces through the exchange of knowledge and professional expertise.

Ramsammy’s Ruminations

Guyana’s health sector continues to accelerate towards world-class health care

The Minister of Health proudly escorted the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, to see the tele-robotic surgery department at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) a few days ago. The Jamaican Prime Minister got to see first-hand the rapid advances being made at the GPHC. On May 26, the doctors at GPHC, together with colleagues from India, while located at GPHC, performed the world’s longest distance (more than 20,000 km) telerobotic surgery, completing a successful open-heart surgery on a patient in a hospital in India.

The public health sector in Guyana is improving by leaps and bounds. More than 25 years ago, when I became Minister of Health, at a time when several Caricom countries were already advanced in doing open heart surgeries, Guyana was still struggling to do basic surgeries, still struggling to even do basic laboratory testing, such as Hb testing. No one at the time could have even dreamt that today we would be leading or being one of the leaders in Caricom in areas such as telerobotic medicine, cardiac services, neurosurgery, hip and knee replacements, and kidney and cornea transplantation.

Before the end of July, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation will offer free MRI services for patients of the GPHC and those patients referred for MRIs by other public hospitals. Another day, another development in the health sector. Very soon a new, higher-level CT and a new CAT lab for heart patients will be commissioned. The sector is not perfect, and there are still things to be improved. But, on a daily basis, somewhere in the health sector, something new is added, something that adds a new service or that adds new technology or a new specialist area. President Irfaan Ali promised to build a world-class health sector. He is delivering on the promise.

For more than two decades, the health sector in Guyana depended on the private sector for MRI services. Our patients had to be taken from their hospital beds in the GPHC to the private sector for MRI services. In 2025, the GPHC paid more than GY$25 million for MRIs on behalf of patients. As of this month, the transportation of sick patients to the private sector for an MRI comes to an end. They will be able to get their MRIs right at the GPHC. The procurement of a new MRI for GPHC comes at a cost of about US$1.5 million. It is now the most advanced MRI in the country and one of the most advanced MRIs in Caricom. This is a big leap into the future for the public sector, a big leap in delivering on the promise to transform the sector.

With MRIs, CTs, digital X-rays, advanced ultrasound and artificial intelligence (AI) for radiology, Guyana has rapidly become a radiology leader among developing countries. By 2030, it is expected that there will be at least five MRIs in the public sector, more than a dozen CTs, and every single X-ray machine will be digital. Every single imaging investigation will be accompanied by AI diagnostic interpretation. For a country where, even in 2000, it was rare to find even a simple computer, the sector is rapidly becoming among the health sectors in Caricom, leading with technology transformation. Indeed, GPHC is now among the leading hospitals in Caricom for technology utilisation.

Here is an example of the extraordinary growth taking place at the GPHC. On June 12, the GPHC achieved another major milestone in advancing surgical care in Guyana with the successful use of Cell Saver technology during a complex, life-saving vascular procedure. The Vascular Division of GPHC, in collaboration with the National Blood Transfusion Services (NBTS), successfully utilised a Cell Saver system for the first time during the emergency repair of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in an 85-year-old woman.

A ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm is among the most dangerous surgical emergencies, often resulting in catastrophic internal bleeding and carrying a high risk of death if not treated immediately. The patient, therefore, required urgent surgery to repair the ruptured vessel and control the life-threatening haemorrhage. One could say it was a race against time. During the six-hour operation, the patient experienced blood loss estimated at more than four litres. To support her resuscitation, the surgical team employed the Cell Saver system, which collects blood lost during surgery, processes it, and safely returns it to the patient. In other words, the patient was receiving her own blood in real time. This significantly reduced reliance on donor blood while helping to maintain the patient’s blood volume during surgery.

The successful use of this technology marks an important advancement in blood conservation strategies at GPHC and demonstrates the hospital’s commitment to adopting modern techniques that improve patient outcomes. The GPHC and Guyana have become one of the few hospitals and one of the few developing countries in the world that now have this capability.

It is not just new things. But Guyana is improving on eliminating some old diseases. In 2022, Guyana entered a phase toward eliminating five diseases that globally have been categorised as neglected infectious diseases. Guyana established an elimination goal by 2030. The five diseases that Guyana is working to either control or eliminate are lymphatic filariasis, Chagas disease, leprosy (Hansen’s disease), cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (CL & MCL), and soil-transmitted helminthiasis. In 2001, we started this journey. We knew then that we could eliminate four of these diseases but that we would only be able to control leishmaniasis because the parasite reservoir exists in wild animals in the forest, a reservoir we still cannot identify. For all five diseases, within the last two years, Guyana has made significant progress and has begun to reach the elimination stage. This is one of the ways that the Guyanese people know they have a Government committed to their health and which has made health a top priority.

UNICEF, Republic Bank strengthen mental health support in Reg 2

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Guyana, in partnership with Republic Bank Guyana Limited, recently launched a training programme which saw more than 25 Teachers and guidance counsellors from Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) strengthening their capacity to support the mental health and wellbeing of adolescents.

The Help Adolescents Thrive (HAT) training programme is implemented by UNICEF and funded by Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Adolescent Health Unit.

Held from June 17-19, 2026, the three-day train-

for adolescents and create safe, nurturing school environments where young people can learn, grow, and thrive.

“Mental health is a critical component of adolescent wellbeing and development,”

ing provided participants with practical tools and evidence-based approaches to support social and emotional skills building, recognise signs of emotional distress, and connect students with appropriate services when needed.

The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen support systems

UNICEF Guyana’s Health Officer Joann Simpson stated I am especially pleased that this training focuses on building the capacity of Teachers and guidance counsellors to support adolescents in developing social and emotional skills. This is essential for promoting mental wellbeing and pre-

venting mental health conditions. Prevention deserves our focused attention, now more than ever,” she added.

Adolescence is a pivotal period of development, and supportive relationships within schools can play a significant role in promoting resilience, wellbeing, and positive outcomes. Through the HAT programme, educators gain practical knowledge to foster positive interactions with students and create environments where adolescents feel safe seeking help.

Branch Sales Manager, Anna Regina Branch, Republic Bank (Guyana) Ltd, Guitree Ramsamooj, highlighted the importance of investing in adolescent mental health in the region.

“Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited is proud to support this important initiative alongside UNICEF and our government partners. Region Two’s young people deserve environments where they feel supported, understood, and empowered to reach their full potential. By investing in the capacity of Teachers and guidance counsellors, we are helping to build stronger support systems that can positively

impact the lives of adolescents for years to come.”

The HAT programme training is one component within the partnership and reflects the shared commitment of UNICEF and Republic Bank to promote positive mental health and wellbeing among adolescents and strengthen community-based support systems.

In April 2026, UNICEF and Republic Bank launched a partnership aimed at strengthening adolescent mental health and psychosocial support across Guyana. The partnership focuses on enhancing awareness, building the capacity of frontline professionals, and expanding access to supportive services for adolescents.

Through targeted investments in schools and communities, the collaboration seeks to ensure that young people have the knowledge, resources, and support needed to thrive. As Guyana continues to prioritise adolescent wellbeing, partnerships such as this demonstrate the power of collective action in creating healthier, safer, and more supportive environments for every young person.

GDF troops complete jungle warfare...

Under the arrangement, Brazil hosted the first phase of the programme during the first semester of 2026, while the Guyana Defence Force is expected to host the reciprocal training later this year.

Throughout the programme, the GDF contingent, comprising ranks of the Infantry Battalions and the Special Forces Battalion, received instruction in a range of jungle warfare disciplines essential to operating in one of the world’s most demanding environments. Training included combat shooting, navigation, immediate action drills, communications in jungle operations, explosives, tactical emergency medical care, military planning and briefing procedures, together with demonstrations of operational equipment and techniques employed by the

Brazilian Army.

The training was designed to enhance individual and collective proficiency while promoting interoperability between the two defence forces. It also provided participants with valuable exposure to operational procedures, doctrine and best practices employed by one of the world’s foremost jungle warfare forces.

The exchange fur-

ther underscores the enduring defence relationship between Guyana and Brazil, which spans several decades and has included continuous collaboration in jungle warfare training, professional military education and operational exchanges. Brazilian military instructors have, over the years, supported GDF through instructional duties at the Colonel Robert Mitchell Jungle

and Amphibious Training School at Makouria, contributing significantly to the development of the force’s jungle warfare capability.

As neighbouring nations sharing the Amazon region, Guyana and Brazil continue to recognise the importance of close military cooperation in strengthening regional security, enhancing preparedness for operations in the jungle environment, protecting the Amazon ecosystem and supporting efforts to combat transnational crimes along their shared frontier.

The successful completion of this exchange reflects the GDF’s continued commitment to developing a highly trained and professional force while deepening strategic partnerships with regional allies through meaningful military cooperation.

Agriculture Ministry rejects claims of abattoir closure, defends work of GLDA

– says 112,000kg of beef produced at Onverwagt Abattoir

In light of recent reports on the operations of the Onverwagt Abattoir and the work of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), the Ministry of Agriculture on Tuesday accused political actors of intentionally creating unnecessary alarm and undermining public confidence in the agriculture sector. The Ministry clarifies that the Onverwagt Abattoir remains operational and continues to provide slaughtering and related services to livestock farmers. “To date, the abattoir has produced 112,000 kilograms (kg) of beef, and butchers are charged a minimal fee of $3,000 per cattle to slaughter. The cattle processed at the facility were supplied primarily by farmers from Regions Four, Five,

Six, Nine, and Ten, while limited quantities originated from Bon Fin, Brazil, through approved and lawful importation channels,” the Ministry stated. Furthermore, it stated that, like any public facility, its level of utilisation depends on market demand, seasonal livestock supply, and the choices made by producers. “The Government has continued to invest in improving livestock infrastructure and expanding opportunities for farmers rather than allowing these facilities to deteriorate.” Equally false are the allegations that cattle are dying across the country while the GLDA is doing nothing. On this note, the Ministry added that the GLDA maintains an active veterinary surveillance programme, provides extension

services, disease monitoring, vaccination campaigns, diagnostic support, and emergency responses whenever cases are reported. Livestock production, like every agricultural activity, faces occasional challenges, but to suggest that the Authority is absent or indifferent is a gross distortion of reality. During the past months, the GLDA surveillance department has provided services to a total of 1,137 farmers and a total of 34,076 animals received animal welfare intervention and relief efforts.

“It is unfortunate that individuals have chosen to engage in what appears to be political grandstanding instead of working constructively with farmers. Genuine concerns affecting livestock producers should always be

Plans to revitalise Stabroek Market at advanced stage

The Local Government and Regional Development Ministry continues to advance plans for the revitalisation of Stabroek Market and surrounding areas as part of a broader vision to enhance Georgetown’s functionality, accessibility, and appeal while preserving its rich heritage.

During a planning meeting, subject Minister Priya Manickchand met with technical personnel from the King’s Foundation, during which the progress of preliminary concepts was reviewed.

In addition, discussions focused on creating a revitalised urban environment that supports vendors, businesses, commuters, and visitors while improving the overall experience of those who live, work, and travel through the city.

Particular attention was

age sustainable urban development, and enhance the city’s attractiveness as a commercial and tourism destination.

Emphasis was placed on the importance of preserving Georgetown’s unique character while embracing people-centred development.

Manickchand reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to a consultative planning process, noting that the objective is to ensure communities and stakeholders benefit from future development initiatives while safeguarding the historic significance of Stabroek

given to ensuring that future development remains inclusive, protects livelihoods, and responds to the evolving needs of Georgetown.

The meeting also examined broader opportunities to improve public spaces, encour-

Market and the surrounding urban landscape.

The Ministry says it will continue to engage relevant stakeholders as planning progresses and will provide further updates as the initiative advances.

reported through the proper channels, where they are investigated professionally and addressed promptly. Using misinformation and sensationalism for political gain serves neither farmers nor the development of the livestock industry,” the Ministry related. The missive added that under the leadership of Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, Guyana’s agriculture sector has experienced unprecedented investment and expansion. It added that over

the years, the Government has invested billions of dollars in drainage and irrigation, farm-to-market roads, livestock development, black giant poultry, genetic improvement programmes, veterinary services, shade houses, aquaculture, mechanisation and direct support for farmers across every region of the country. The release stated that the Ministry has consistently demonstrated that its priority is improving production, increasing

farmers’ incomes, strengthening food security, and positioning Guyana as a regional leader in agriculture. These achievements are visible throughout the country and are recognised by farmers who have benefited directly from these interventions.

Meanwhile, the Ministry has challenged anyone with credible evidence of wrongdoing to report the same to the established institutions where the matters can be investigated.

Guyanese firefighters undergo fire investigation training

Members of the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service are currently in Guyana to facilitate the practical component of the basic fire investigation training, which began on June 8, 2026, and has now entered its practical phase.

The training is being conducted through a collaboration between the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) and the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service (TTFS) and is aimed at strengthening the investigative capacity of local firefighters.

The programme will enhance the GFS’s ability to investigate both small- and large-scale fires by improving officers’ fire investigation techniques and overall response capabilities.

Assistant Divisional Fire Officer of the TTFS, Ishmael Noel explained that he is in Guyana with three colleagues to facilitate the basic-level fire investigation course.

According to Noel, the programme came about following a request from Guyana’s Chief Fire Officer, Gregory Wickham, to Trinidad and Tobago’s Chief Fire Officer, Hutchinson.

“We were really happy to work with the Guyana Fire Service to conduct this fire investigation training. This is just the basic-level course. It has been going on for three

weeks now. This is the practical phase of the training, and it has been very productive,” Noel said.

He explained that the first week consisted of intensive online classroom sessions, followed by two weeks of assignments and guided learning before participants advanced to the practical component.

“So, the first week we did a lot of intense classroom work – online classroom work. Then we went into some basic readiness learning, where the participants were given assignments and briefing material to follow for two weeks. We’re here now to do the practical aspect of it. At the end of this programme, the participants will be able to investigate basic-level structural and vehicle fires and put into practice all aspects of fire investigation, including photography, scene mapping, sketching, interviewing witnesses and completing reports with fire pattern analysis.”

He added that participants are also being trained in developing and analysing hypotheses before arriving at their final conclusions regarding the cause of a fire.

“This course will be followed by an intermediate course that will take place in September this year.

Approval has already been granted on both the Trinidad

and Tobago and Guyana sides, and we are really happy to partner with the Guyana Fire Service,” Noel stated.

Meanwhile, the GFS noted that the training marks a significant step in strengthening its investigative capacity.

Officials explained that participants are expected to benefit from a wide range of knowledge and practical skills, including photography, fire investigation techniques, evidence collection and scene documentation.

While the GFS has investigated fires for many years with a limited number of trained investigators, officials said the programme will significantly expand its capacity by equipping more officers with specialised skills to investigate both small- and large-scale fires.

They further described the initiative as a major boost for the fire service, noting that it reflects the Government’s continued investment in building the organisation’s technical capabilities.

He said the training is exposing participants to areas of fire investigation that many had not previously encountered, describing the programme as a valuable learning experience that will benefit both the GFS and the country as a whole.

Govt assures of no disruption to services as fire guts Little Diamond-Herstelling NDC

Afire of unknown origin has completely gutted the Little Diamond/Herstelling Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) office in the wee hours of Tuesday.

Chairman Puneet Jaigopaul said he believes the fire may have started in the storage area beneath the building, where fuel, cleaning agents, weeding machines, and other maintenance equipment were stored. While the blaze reportedly destroyed much of the council’s operational equipment used for community maintenance and public works, all administrative records were pre -

served and no critical documents were lost. According to information received, firefighters responded promptly and were able to contain the blaze to one building. Nevertheless, Providence Nursery School, which is located behind the NDC office, sustained minor damage. Following the fire, Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand led a team to the area where she met with first responders and affected stakeholders. There, she assured residents that critical services, including the distribution of the ‘Because We Care’

cash grant, would not be disrupted. “It’s not safe for you to be in school because of the loose zinc sheets and flying debris. School closes this weekend, so you won’t be returning for the rest of the week. As for the cash grant distribution scheduled for Friday, it will be done in this NDC building,” she stated. The Minister also expressed gratitude to a security guard who initially attempted to save the burning building before firefighters arrived. She further thanked members of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) for their dedication and professionalism, commending them for respond -

ing to emergencies even while most of the country was asleep.

Further, she praised both the men and women of the service for consistently demonstrating commitment, intensity and professionalism in carrying out their duties. “I want to thank you for that kind of commitment. I want to thank you for your interest in this country that we see every day. Often, we hear about what more we can do,

and there’s always room for improvement, and I recognise that, and I’m sure you do too. But this is the beautiful part of us that we don’t always get to see because we don’t always have tragedy, thank God. I want to thank you, especially from President Ali, the entire Cabinet and everybody here. Thank you for trying to save this building. Our safety must always come first, but you embody what I know Guyanese need to

be people who will always look out for our properties and look out for our people,” Manickchand stated. Addressing the security guard directly, she added: “I’m sure what was going through your head was the damage that was happening here, so thank you. Thank you very much for your service last night. We will be in touch.” Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.

Around the World

OIL NEWS

Oil prices set for the steepest monthly, quarterly losses since 2020

Oil prices were little changed on Tuesday but were headed for their biggest monthly and quarterly losses since the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, with investors eyeing potential US-Iran talks in Doha amid a strained interim ceasefire in the four-month-long war.

Brent futures fell 23 cents, or 0.3 per cent, to settle at US$72.92 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell US$1.25, or 1.8 per cent, to settle at US$69.50 a barrel. Brent futures for August delivery expired on Tuesday and will be replaced by the September contract, which is trading around US$73.31 a barrel.

Both crude benchmarks were close to where they were trading on February 27, the day before the start of the USIsraeli war on Iran, when Brent closed at US$72.48 a barrel and WTI closed at US$67.02.

“I wouldn’t say the market has priced out a risk premium, but previously stranded ships have become available with the increase in ships moving out of the Gulf, creating ⁠a temporary wave of new supply,” UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said.

Top US envoys who arrived in Doha will not hold a highlevel meeting with Iran, a Qatari official said on Tuesday, casting doubt on the progress of efforts to bring a lasting halt to the Iran war and fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz. About 20 per cent of global oil supplies passed through the strait before the war. (Excerpt from Reuters)

US Supreme Court upholds birth right citizenship in blow to Trump

The Supreme Court has ruled that babies born in the US have a constitutional right to citizenship, rejecting Donald Trump’s bid to end the 150-year-old policy.

In a 6-3 decision, Chief Justice John Roberts ruled that children born in the US “to parents unlawfully or temporarily present” are “citizens at birth” under the 14th Amendment.

President Trump had sought to limit the right through an executive order, arguing that the children of undocumented immigrants and some temporary visitors were not “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” and thus not eligible for birth right citizenship.

The ruling is a major setback for Trump’s immigration agenda and has been welcomed by civil rights groups.

On Truth Social, Trump

said that the court’s decision was “too bad” and vowed to continue to fight to end birth right citizenship through legislation.

“No long and unwieldy constitutional amendment is necessary,” he said. “Congress should today start work on ending expensive and unfair-to-our-country birth right citizenship.”

The US has granted citizenship to everyone born in the country since 1868, with the right enshrined in the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution and bolstered by later US Supreme Court rulings.

Passed in the aftermath of the US Civil War, the 14th Amendment – which was originally intended for recently freed slaves – reads that “all persons born or naturalised, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States” (Excerpt from BBC News).

58,000 buildings estimated destroyed in Venezuela earthquakes

More than 58,000 buildings may have been damaged and destroyed by the twin earthquakes that hit Venezuela last week, according to a preliminary analysis of satellite data that suggests the scale of the destruction could dwarf official estimates.

Last Wednesday’s backto-back quakes – which measured magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 – killed at least 1943 persons, injured more than 10,571, and left tens of thousands missing amid the rubble. The UN migration agency has said that up to 6.8 million persons could be affected by the disasters and would require shelter, water, sanitation, healthcare and essential relief items.

As hopes of finding survivors dwindle, efforts are under way to determine the true extent of the dam-

age. On Monday, Jorge Rodríguez, the president of the National Assembly, said that 855 buildings had been damaged, including 189 “total collapses”.

After analysing high-resolution radar imagery gathered the day after the quakes by the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-1 satellites, researchers at Oregon

State University have concluded that “approximately 58,870 buildings were likely damaged or destroyed across the affected region”. They added: “This is a preliminary, rapid assessment. It reflects abrupt surface change consistent with damage.”

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization has sounded the alarm over potential disease outbreaks as Venezuela’s stressed and damaged health facilities struggle to cope with the aftermath of the quakes.

Spokesperson Christian Lindmeier said that there was “an increased risk” of outbreaks of measles and diphtheria due to low levels of pre-quake vaccination, as well as of yellow fever, malaria, dengue, chikungunya and Zika. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

Iran says it won’t meet with US envoys, clouding prospects for peace deal

Iran said on Tuesday that it would not meet with top US envoys who flew to the region following an outbreak of hostilities, clouding the prospects for a lasting peace between the two countries.

Iranian officials also said the two sides must still sort out the terms of a ceasefire they signed two weeks ago before

they could tackle more difficult topics, such as possible limits to its nuclear programme.

The developments indicated the two sides are far apart on key pillars of the initial framework, which calls for Iran to lift its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for financial incentives and sets up 60 days of negotiations

to work out a permanent peace deal.

US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Doha for what the White House described as “high-level” talks, but Iran and host Qatar said they would meet with mediators, rather than the Iranians themselves.

“No meeting at any level with the American side has been scheduled for the coming days,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said. The two countries were due to commence lower-level technical talks. (Excerpt from Reuters)

UK stands by report citing 186 gangs in T&T

The British High Commission is standing by the findings contained in its Country Policy and Information Note (CPIN) on Trinidad and Tobago, which estimated that 186 gangs were operating in this country in 2023.

In response to questions from Guardian Media, the High Commission defended the methodology behind the report, saying its CPINs are compiled using evidence from a broad range of sources, including reputable media organisations, local and international bodies, human rights organisations and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

It said the reports are subject to continuous review and are assessed against established standards for country-of-origin information.

“Our CPINs are published on the gov.uk website and are kept under constant review and updated periodically. When considering the inclusion of information, we adhere to established country of origin information principles. We critically assess sources and the information they provide for relevance, reliability, accuracy, balance, currency, transpar-

ency, and traceability,” the High Commission said.

The response comes as Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander continues to challenge the UK’s figures.

Speaking following an event on Sunday, Alexander again said the Government has different intelligence on the number of gangs operating in T&T.

“They probably got their intelligence from whatever source; we have our intelligence here. Now we live here, so we understand what is happening here. Whatever information they have at this time is not enough time for me to really dissect it... but the figures are different to what we have presently. They... apparently they said it was higher, but we didn’t see that.”

Meanwhile, the British High Commission did not say whether the assessment, which was published on June 5, affects the UK’s consideration of asylum claims by T&T nationals. It also did not respond to questions on whether it has updated its gang figures or the current level of engagement between UK authorities and the T&T Government. (Excerpt from Trinidad and Tobago Guardian)

Magnitude 3.9 earthquake recorded in north-eastern Caribbean

Amagnitude 3.9 earthquake was recorded in the north eastern Caribbean on Tuesday morning, according to the Seismic Research Centre (SRC) at the University of the West Indies.

The preliminary quake occurred at 10:37h local time (14:37 UTC) at a depth of 10 kilometres.

The epicentre was located at latitude 18.58 north and longitude 62.13 west, approximately 157 kilometres (km) northeast of Basseterre in Saint Kitts and Nevis, 166km north-northwest of St John’s in Antigua and Barbuda, and 198km north of Brades, Montserrat.

The SRC said the earthquake’s location and magnitude were generated automatically by computer algorithms and remain preliminary.

The agency noted that

the information is subject to revision after further analysis by its seismologists. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries, and it was not immediately clear whether the tremor was felt in nearby islands. (Antigua Newsroom)

Sort through any differences you have with those close to you. Being straightforward will spare you unnecessary grief. Don’t choose to ignore issues that affect your relationships or domestic situation. Pay attention to how you earn your living and the demands that are put on you by others. Don’t let anyone take advantage of you.

Overlooking what’s available or doable will be your downfall. Question everything, and apply your intelligence and open-mindedness to ensure you achieve the best results. Don’t jeopardize your health, meaningful relationships or financial position to appease someone who wouldn’t do the same for you. Use your connections, and speak up and do what serves you.

Hurry up, time is of the essence, and structuring how and what you accomplish will eat up valuable time. Reach out to those who can help make whatever you choose to do easier and more efficient. Surround yourself with a visual atmosphere that calms the nerves and ignites your imagination. Love and personal improvements are in the stars.

Shed any conflict you face by being straightforward, decisive in your actions and fully aware of the possibilities that will unfold. Choosing the path that feels right for you is better than letting someone else push you in the wrong direction. Opportunity comes to those willing to take advantage of whatever comes their way. Get moving.

Pick up the pace, switch your mind to autopilot and let your intuition lead the way. What you accomplish will put a smile on your face and help you maintain your momentum. Your discipline and desire to be first and best will draw positive attention and encourage opportunities and upgrades, personally and professionally. Love and romance are highlighted.

Take a pass if you don’t feel comfortable with what’s unfolding around you. Being a friendly observer will offer insight that can lead to something more suitable and inviting. Keep your money and possessions somewhere safe, and pay close attention to your health and wellness and looking your best. Blow off steam by doing physical activities you enjoy.

Mix business with pleasure, network and engage in conversations that can initiate change or make a difference to something that concerns you. Apply more friendly pressure to those slowing you down. Being given a pep talk and pulling your weight by doing your fair share will be your tickets to success. Self-improvement will fetch compliments.

Take greater interest in your friends, neighbors and relatives. How you conduct yourself and the suggestions and help you offer will have an impact on you as well as those you chat with. Overreacting will affect the outcome of a conversation, crucial to what you learn and how you proceed. Protect your heart and your reputation.

Pay attention to detail when dealing with matters that affect your cash flow or your health. Setting up guidelines to ensure those you deal with are of the same mindset as you will help. Home improvements that offer a structured lifestyle will help you stay on top of your responsibilities. Romance will lead to a change in your set of circumstances.

Research is essential if you want to avoid interference. Ask questions, and find out how you can accommodate others without disrupting your plans. Conflict is likely to develop if anyone decides to become pushy or emotionally manipulative. Back away from chaos, and rethink your next move. A partnership will require nurturing, compromise and incentives to ensure longevity.

Shine brightly in all your interactions, and you’ll turn into the go-to person in your circle. Improving your surroundings or using your place to host an event or to share with your family will bring you joy and invite new friends into your life. A creative outlet will help pay the bills.

Handle others with care. Show empathy when discussing touchy subjects. Socializing with people who share your concerns will produce good results. You’ll discover what’s possible if you engage in a protest or volunteer your time to help bring about positive change. Look at the possibilities, apply rules and regulations to your agenda, and turn your ideas into something concrete.

“Mental approach” important as Shabazz whips Slingerz into shape

he Caribbean Football

TUnion’s (CFU) Club Shield is quickly approaching, and the local team, Slingerz Football Club, is working day in and day out to rise to the challenge in Trinidad and Tobago. In a recent chat with this publication, Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz detailed the new additions to the squad which are geared at strengthening every position against the regional compe-

tition.

However, the task at hand is to get the players to gel, and especially following two losses in knockout competition finals, mental preparedness is another aspect being closely looked at by the coach.

Shabazz told Guyana Times Sport exclusively, “When we look at the knockouts that we played here and we look at the cockiness of the guys, you know, I think that humility, but the right mental approach. It’s one thing to have talent, but talent in football is promised bricks; you cannot build a house on promised bricks.”

“This is a challenge for us, but we getting it into them; the right mental approach. Because playing 1:30 in the hot sun has very

LeBron tells Lakers he plans to play elsewhere

LeBron James will return for an unprecedented 24th season in the NBA – but it won’t be with the Los Angeles Lakers.

James has informed the Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Tuesday.

“LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history. We will always be thankful for his eight years with the Lakers – including the title he led us to in 2020 under the toughest imaginable circumstances and the countless records he broke in purple and gold,” Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss said in a statement. “We wish him all the best in the future, both on the court and off. He will always be a cherished part of the Lakers family.”

James posted to X that it was “truly an honour to wear” the Lakers’ uniform and that “I hope I made a few proud during my stint.”

Sources told Charania on Monday that the Golden State Warriors were planning to pursue James once the free agency negotiating window begins Tuesday at 18:00h Eastern Time.

Draymond Green declined his $27.6 million player option Monday, opening up the flexibility for the Warriors to pursue James and a possible trade with the Washington Wizards for Anthony Davis, which would reunite the former Lakers teammates in Golden State.

Warriors decision-makers have been given no indication as of Monday afternoon that

Golden State is the firm landing spot for James, team sources told ESPN’s Anthony Slater. There’s a belief that the organisation will have plenty of appeal for James, but it appears there will be some level of recruitment required.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, the other teams James has played for in his career, are also expected to be in the running to sign him, sources told Charania.

A source close to the process told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne that “there’s no rush” for James to make a decision on his next team.

James, who will turn 42 in December, could have returned for a ninth season with the Lakers or retired as arguably the greatest basketball player of all time. Instead, he will choose a new team – potentially the last of his storied career.

The Lakers are now armed with $52 million in salary cap space, according to ESPN NBA front office insider Bobby Marks, and have plenty of spots to fill – namely at the wing, thanks to James’ departure, and at the centre position.

Detroit Pistons restricted free agent big man Jalen Duren has a planned meeting with the Lakers when free agency officially begins, a source familiar with the situation told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. A pathway to land Duren could prove difficult, however, as multiple team sources told ESPN that the Pistons thus far are not interested in facilitating Duren’s exit with a sign-andtrade and Detroit has the right to match any outside offer.

Another big the Lakers have interest in, league sources told

McMenamin, is unrestricted free agent Sandro Mamukelashvili.

The bruising six-foot-nine, 240-pound “Mamu” is coming off a career year with the Toronto Raptors, averaging 11.2 points on 52.3 per cent shooting (38.9 per cent from three), 4.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists.

As for wings, there are several unrestricted free agents on the market who would fit the Lakers’ needs and have been discussed internally by LA, sources told McMenamin, including Tobias Harris, Dean Wade and Quentin Grimes.

James saw his record 21year All-NBA streak snapped last season as he played in just 60 games after missing the first month because of sciatica affecting his lower back and right leg.

The four-time champion and four-time MVP will be entering what many consider to be the final chapter of his first-ballot Hall of Fame career while maintaining a level of performance unheard of for any other ageing player.

James was an All-Star last season, averaging 20.9 points on 51.5 per cent shooting, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds. He was equally effective in the postseason, upping his playing time from 33.2 to 38.4 minutes per game and averaging 23.2 points, 7.3 assists and 6.7 rebounds. He led LA to a first-round series win over the Houston Rockets while Luka Doncic was side-lined with a hamstring strain.

Doncic reacted to James’ departure on social media, writing in a post to his Instagram story that it was “an honour to play with and learn from you @kingjames.” (ESPN)

little to do with talent, and it has everything to do with being able to withstand tough conditions and challenges.

That’s why we train at 1:30.”

“I was impressed that we were here for it, and we’re going to continue to do sessions like that to work mainly on the mental aspect of the game,” Shabazz further noted.

Shabazz went on to discuss the homework he’s done on his team’s opponents, which include SWA Sharks Football Club (FC) out of Turks and Caicos Islands and Prison Service out of Trinidad and Tobago, once they advance to the Round of 16.

“We have been collecting video data on some of the teams, but we also know that a lot of the teams also strengthen up for this tournament,” the gaffer shared. “So, basically, we look at

patterns on the opponent, and we know they’ll be looking at our patterns too.”

He diverged, “More importantly, I think the focus is on us and how we approach things and how we see our work on behalf of the Guyanese people. This is a huge statement for Guyana if we could come out of this group and advance to the next stage, and this is what really it is about.”

“At this point, having players from other countries, it’s just like the CPL. Amazon Warriors carry the spirit of Guyana, same ways Slingerz FC is carrying the hopes, aspiration and spirit of the Guyanese people,” Shabazz expressed candidly.

Quizzed about what their success at the CFU Club Shield would mean to the renowned Coach and his team, Shabazz dropped some hints on the trajectory of his ca-

reer.

The Slingerz Head Coach responded, “To qualify out of the CFU stage, it would be a good way for me to exit the pitch in Guyana football and make way for young and upcoming coaches and maybe just be an advisor or a fly on the wall, just listening and helping along the way.”

“It is a chance for me to give back something to this beautiful country that has given me an opportunity since 2005 that I never got before. And I’m really, really proud and ready to give back to Guyana in every possible way, and this is a start,” he went on to hint.

The CFU Club Shield is scheduled for July 23 to August 2 in the Twin Island Republic. The clubs in the 22-team competition will be vying for two available spots in the CONCACAF Caribbean Cup.

BCB/Smalta Life Development Programme…

Dozens of youth cricketers benefit from developmental seminar in Berbice

Close to 100 youth cricketers in the ancient county of Berbice are now better prepared to represent the county on and off the field after successfully participating in a life development seminar.

The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB)/Smalta One Day Life Development Seminar was organised by the Cricket Development Committee of the Board with the support of the Guyana Breweries. It was held at the Port Mourant Community Centre and was attended by youth cricketers from each sub-association: West Berbice, New Amsterdam/Canje, Lower Corentyne, and Upper Corentyne.

The day’s programme was chaired by BCB Secretary Ryan Algu, while Vice President David Black formally welcomed the participants. Guyana Breweries Inc Regional Manager Albert Budhoo later urged the attentive youth cricketers to grasp the opportunity to learn as sportsmen in the era of technology.

Budhoo expressed pleasure at being associated with the historic one-day seminar. Noting that not all of the youths would go on to play for the West Indies, Budhoo urged them to put the knowledge into their daily lives. He pledged his company’s support for further developmental programmes in the future.

Participants were involved in 10 different lectures during the day’s seminar. Topics covered in the morning session were the history and legacy of Berbice cricket, the importance of education for

the modern sportsman, personal and team discipline, and general sports etiquette and protocol.

After an hour’s break for lunch, topics covered were the fundamentals of public speaking and articulation, media relations and handling press scrutiny, navigating peer pressure and social challenges, professional and personal hygiene and anti-doping, and substance abuse awareness and prevention.

Presenters at the seminar included former BCB President Hilbert Foster, who took the youth cricketers on a trip down memory lane on the history of Berbice cricket. At the end of his lecture, 12 participants were able to win educational packages for answering questions on the history of Berbice cricket.

Other lecturers included educators Dr Narandat Hussain and Karl Vanier, senior Police Officer Michael Newland, pastor Alwin Alladen, veteran media officer Christopher Holder, Region Six Sports Officer Randy Mangru, and youth advocate Mohamed Ali-Khan. Organisers of the sem-

inar were pleasantly surprised at the intense interactions by the participants during the all-day seminar.

Ameri Hughes of West Berbice and the West Indies Under-19 female player Danielle Manns was declared the top student, with Berbice player Luke Amsterdam as the runner-up. They all received a financial prize along with special gifts from the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club.

BCB Secretary Ryan Algu at the closing ceremony urged the participants to take their newfound knowledge to better themselves and to assist other youths in their respective clubs. He also expressed gratitude to Guyana Breweries Inc for their sponsorship and expressed the hope for further programmes in the future.

The BCB also announced that its annual cricket academies would be held in August 2026 in the four sub-associations, while the Board will also be publishing its second coaching manual for youths shortly.

hurt with a quadricep is - down the order and give

Mooney, spinners take Australia women to 8th T20 World Cup final

the West Indies’ bowlers something to defend before a decent crowd of 10,023 given the Tuesday

That was after Ashleigh Gardner had put the squeeze on with a scrooge-like two for 13 from four overs of her off-spin while leg-spinner Georgia Wareham and left-armer Sophie Molineux chimed in with two wickets apiece.

West Indies had only beaten Australia twice in 19 T20Is heading into this match, which proved to be the mismatch many feared on the basis of Australia’s unbeaten path to the knockouts while West In-dies snuck in after two defeats and relying on England to eliminate New Zealand.

Dottin, West Indies’ vastly experienced top-order batter, sent a scare through the West Indies’ camp when she had to be carried from the field shortly after the anthems and spent about half an hour be-ing treated in the medical room for an undisclosed med -

aaa SCOREBOARD

West Indies Women (20 ovs maximum)

Hayley Matthews (c)

b Wareham 30

Qiana Joseph c Gardner

b Molineux 16

Shemaine Campbelle †c Perry

b Wareham 22

Stafanie Taylor c Garth

b Gardner 0

Jahzara Claxton c Molineux

b Gardner 0

Chinelle Henry c Sutherland

b Molineux 10

Jannillea Glasgow c †Mooney

b Sutherland 15

Deandra Dottin not out 26

Extras (lb 2, w 4) 6

Total 20 Ov (RR: 6.25) 125/7

Fall of wickets:

1-47 (Hayley Matthews, 8.1 ov), 2-55 (Qiana Joseph, 9.1 ov), 3-59 (Stafanie Taylor, 10.2 ov), 4-59 (Jahzara Claxton, 10.5 ov), 5-73 (Chinelle Henry, 14.1 ov), 6-83 (Shemaine Campbelle, 15.3 ov), 7-125 (Jannillea Glasgow, 19.6 ov)

Bowling O-M-R-W

Lucy Hamilton 2-0-9-0

Kim Garth 4-0-28-0

Sophie Molineux 4-0-30-2

Ashleigh Gardner 4-0-13-2

Annabel Sutherland 3-0-26-1

Georgia Wareham 3-0-17-2

Australia Women (T: 126 runs from 20 ovs)

Georgia Voll b Henry 16

Beth Mooney †not out 61

Phoebe Litchfield lbw b Matthews 4 Ellyse Perry retired hurt 2 Ashleigh Gardner not out 3

Extras (lb 2, nb 1, w 6) 9

Total 13 Ov (RR: 9.76) 127/2

Fall of wickets: 1-29 (Georgia Voll, 2.6 ov), 2-43 (Phoebe Litchfield, 4.4 ov), 2-64* (Ellyse Perry, retired not out)

Bowling O-M-R-W

Chinelle Henry 2-0-20-1

Hayley Matthews 3-0-23-1

Karishma Ramharack 2-0-17-0 Jahzara Claxton 1-0-18-0

Aaliyah Alleyne 3-0-22-0 Afy Fletcher 2-0-25-0

pulled Kim Garth’s last ball of the powerplay towards short third, a tough chance bursting through the hands of Lucy Hamilton and

before a double-wicket maiden in her second. In that time, she took the valuable wicket of Stafanie Taylor for a

advanced to the third ball she faced and chipped to Molineux at cover to depart for nought amid that costly collapse for West Indies.

ical issue. With her side 83 for six, however, she staged a remarkable recovery and ran out to the middle at No. 8.

From there, Dottin reeled off a 16-ball 26, including four fours, her best innings of the tournament and the West Indies’ second-best for the day behind Hayley Matthews, raising questions over how bad things might have been for them had she not recovered in time.

WI squander steady start

With Dottin uncertain to bat, Matthews needed desperately to find the batting form that had deserted her since scoring 48 in West Indies’ opening match. Matthews was on 27 when she

New Zealand middle-order batter Bevon Jacobs has joined the Desert Vipers for the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League 2026 (GSL), where he is expected to play a key role as a finisher.

The 24-year-old, who made his New Zealand debut in the shortest format last year following a stunning season in the domestic Super Smash for Auckland in 2024/25, has already enjoyed successful stints with the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League, and MI Emirates in the DP World ILT20. He was also included in the Mumbai Indians squad for the

Specialist finisher Jacobs adding firepower to Desert Vipers for ExxonMobil GSL

to say, ‘What is the most impact I can create in this game?’ Then it no longer becomes about milestones, like 50s, half-centuries, centuries, all that sort of stuff. It is more about ‘What impact can I bring to the game?’ And leaning on the experience of the other guys, I think, helps me a lot. And just having that role clarity and be ing able to talk to some one like Daryl Mitchell out in the middle and just being like, ‘Okay, mate, what do you want from me here?’

Or ‘I am thinking this’, and just bouncing those ideas off each other. I think it’s really helpful for my game. And obvi ously that filters back down into Auckland cricket for when I play the Super Smash. But I think it is about making as much impact in as lit tle time as possible be cause it is not often that I am going to get 40 balls to bat.”

Premier League.

Speaking on Viper’s Voices, Jacobs discussed how he had shaped his game to become an effective finisher.

“I think in T20 cricket, the game is always fastpaced no matter where you are batting,” he said.

“The most difficult part about being a middle-order or lower-middle-order finisher is you never really know how many balls you are going to face. Sometimes you can get caught up in wanting to maybe take an extra ball to settle in, but often you do not get that luxury. You come in at seven, for example, and you have got six balls left in the innings.

“My role then is just

Jacobs added that pre paring to be a finisher went beyond match-day tactics. He said he also trained with that mind set in the nets, knowing he may be needed to at tack from the first ball and find the boundary im mediately.

“Sometimes it (train ing) does look like that be cause realistically, that (hitting boundaries from ball one) is the way it is going to be. Obviously, you try and warm up a little bit first, but some times in the nets you do just go in there and say, ‘What is my field? I have got six balls here; this is a scenario; this is how many runs I need, and can I make it happen?’ Every now and again, the game is obviously going to ask you to improve in different ways, whether that is a change in technique in some area or maybe add-

every game but not strik ing high enough.”

Jacobs is among the Desert Vipers players with previous Caribbean experience, which is regarded as important for

Bevon Jacobs is hoping to light up the Guyana National Stadium at the ExxonMobil Guyana GSL

play spin, which ously a massive factor in the Caribbean and I am sure will be in the GSL as much as it is in the CPL.

So it is about just taking those learnings into the

Haaland scores late as Norway send Ivory Coast out of World Cup

Erling Haaland sent Norway into a round-of-16 World Cup clash with Brazil by scoring an 86th-minute winner against Ivory Coast. The Manchester City forward, who was rested for Norway’s 4-1 group defeat against France in Boston on Friday, took his World Cup goal tally to five in three games, and moved him to within one goal of Lionel Messi in the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot prize for its top scorer.

Haaland’s late goal ex -

tended his incredible record of scoring in all of Norway’s competitive games stretching back to October 2024 – a sequence that has resulted in 25 goals in 13 games.

Norway had taken a first-half lead when RB Leipzig winger Antonio

Nusa curled a stunning strike past Ivorian goalkeeper Yahia Fofana in the 39th minute.

But Manchester United winger Amad Diallo levelled the score on 74 minutes with an outstanding solo goal to keep Ivory Coast in the game.

Haaland had been quiet until that point, but the 25-year-old delivered once again for his country when he converted Patrick Berg’s pass from close range four minutes from the end of the game.

The Norwegians now head to MetLife Stadium for their clash against Brazil. Norway haven’t lost to the Seleção in four previous matches, winning their only previous World Cup encounter in a 2-1 victory in 1998 in France. (ESPN)

Keemo Paul added to West Indies Test squad for 2nd Sri Lanka match

Keemo Paul has been added to the West Indies Test squad ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. The call-up was announced by Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Tuesday afternoon.

The bowling all-rounder is expected to join the squad before today’s training session as the West Indies continue preparations for the

on Friday, July 3. Paul’s inclusion gives the squad another all-round option as they look to finalise their plans for the second Test. His return to the Test setup comes after a lengthy absence from the format.

The Guyanese last played a Test match for West Indies against England at Gros Islet in February of 2019, where he suffered a quadriceps tear and was ruled out of action. Later that year, he suffered another injury, this

The Government’s effort to strengthen the administration and development of sport in Guyana is expected to take another major step forward this year, with the long-anticipated National Sports Policy set to be implemented before the end of 2026.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, recently told the media that the policy has reached an advanced

time his left ankle.

Those injuries and further setbacks prevented the all-rounder from playing regular cricket over the years, but he has worked his way back into form with both bat and ball.

During the recent West Indies Regional Four-Day Championship, Paul scored two half-centuries and took 13 wickets in four matches, showing signs of improved fitness and consistency.

National Sports

Policy set

for implementation this year – Minister Ramson

stage and is now awaiting one final internal review at the Ministry before it is submitted to Cabinet for consideration.

Ramson said the draft of the policy has already been completed, with the assistant director of sport, Melissa Dow-Richardson, leading the final review process. He noted that the additional review is also intended to ensure that newer staff members at the Ministry are familiar with the document before it moves to Cabinet.

“We’ve finished our draft; we are doing one more internal review, which the Assistant Director of Sport, Melissa Dow-Richardson,

GBA set to launch Commonwealth, CAC training camps

As the Commonwealth Games in Scotland and the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in the Dominican Republic swiftly approach, the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) continues to put measure into place to ensure the country’s pugilists are at the top of their games at those events.

As such, the GBA will kick-start an intensive training camp on Sunday. This comes on the heels of four boxers having recently benefitted from a rigorous training camp in Trinidad and Tobago.

According to the GBA, the encampment will bring together Guyana’s top amateur boxers, with the association focusing on ensuring that the boxers receive the highest level of preparation ahead of the prestigious multi-sport events.

Leading Guyana’s charge at the Commonwealth Games will be Shakquain James, Emmanuel Pompey, Keevin Allicock and Akeelah Vancooten. The quartet will

President of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle, said the decision to immediately begin an encampment underscores the association’s commitment to providing every opportunity for success on the international stage.

“These competitions repre-

be accompanied by experienced coach Lennox Daniels as they seek to end Guyana’s long wait for a boxing medal at the Games.

has conduct of, also because I wanted to make sure everyone who is new at the Ministry is familiar with it as well before it gets to Cabinet, but once it gets up there, it’s not going to take a very long time for it to be reviewed,” Ramson said.

The Minister said the Government remains committed to having the policy laid and publicly presented this year.

The National Sports Policy is expected to provide a clear framework for the growth, management and development of sport across Guyana. It is also expected to support better planning, stronger governance and improved coordination among athletes, associations and other stakeholders.

The move forms part of the Government’s wider push to modernise the country’s sport sector and improve systems for national associations and athletes.

Meanwhile, Terron Wintz, Desmond Amsterdam and Colin Lewis have been selected to represent the Golden Arrowhead at the CAC Games. They will be guided by coaches Francisco Roldan and Jeff Roberts.

The CAC Games will take place from July 24 to August 8, while the Commonwealth Games run from July 24 to August 2.

sent some of the highest levels of amateur boxing in the region and the Commonwealth, and we want our boxers to be fully prepared physically, technically and mentally,” Ninvalle said.

Ninvalle noted that the camp follows the team’s recent training stint in Trinidad and Tobago, which provided valuable exposure and high-level sparring opportunities.

“The boxers have just returned from a productive period of training in Trinidad and Tobago, but preparation does not stop there. Continued

preparation is critical if we are serious about competing against some of the best boxers in the world,” Ninvalle explained.

The GBA President added that the association remains focused on creating an environment that allows the boxers to maximise their potential and arrive at their respective competitions in peak condition.

Guyana’s boxing history at the Commonwealth Games serves as both inspiration and motivation for the current generation.

To date, Guyana has won five boxing medals at the Commonwealth Games, comprising one gold medal and four bronze medals.

The country’s greatest achievement came in 1978 in Edmonton, Canada, when Winfield Braithwaite captured Guyana’s first and only Commonwealth Games boxing gold medal in the men’s light welterweight division.

The most recent Commonwealth Games boxing medal for Guyana was picked up by Wesley Christmas, who earned bronze in the bantamweight division at the 1990 Games in New Zealand.

With a talented group of boxers now entering a focused period of preparation, the GBA is hopeful that the nation’s medal drought can finally be broken as Guyana looks to make its mark on both the Commonwealth and CAC stages.

Mbappé sets World Cup knockout record as France oust Sweden

Kylian Mbappé broke the record for most goals in World Cup knockout matches and moved within a single goal of Lionel Messi’s overall tournament mark, as his two goals led France to a dominant 3-0 win over Sweden at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday.

The victory, France’s biggest in a World Cup knockout match since their 3-0 win over Brazil in the 1998 final, sets up a round-of-16 matchup against Germany’s conquerors Paraguay.

“I’m very aware of who I am, how I play, and what I shall do, but it’s not just about me,” Mbappé said through a translator. “The entire team is aware of what should be done. It is a new competition that has started today. We did play well, but we were timid. We could have done better at the beginning.”

Mbappé scored a terrific individual effort in the 45th minute, following a brilliant crossover step.

That was the Real Madrid star’s ninth goal in the knockout stage of the World Cup, breaking a tie with Brazilian greats Leonidas and Ronaldo for the most in the history of the tournament.

The 27-year-old Mbappé ran immediately to coach Didier Deschamps after scoring. This was Deschamps’ first game back on the side-line after missing the group stage finale against Norway to fly back to Europe for his mother’s funeral.

“He knows that he will never be alone with us and we will support him,” Mbappé said.

But Mbappé wasn’t done yet. After Bradley Barcola scored France’s second goal early in the second half, Mbappé added a classy third in the 74th minute, latching onto a perfectly weighted pass from Michael Olise and finishing expertly into the far side of the net.

Mbappé’s sixth goal of this year’s tournament tied him with Argentina forward Messi in the race for the Golden Boot. With 18 goals in 18 World

Cup games, he moved one behind Messi on the all-time scoring list. Messi has played in 29 World Cup games in his career.

Deschamps bowed when his star came to the bench after he was substituted in the 85th minute.

“We’re on a mission – so am I with them,” Deschamps said through a translator.

Olise also provided an assist on Barcola’s goal to move on to five assists for the tournament, the most by a single player at a men’s World Cup since Thomas Hässler for Germany in 1994.

Seeking to reach their third straight World Cup final, France play Paraguay on July 4 in Philadelphia, and the winner advances to a quarterfinal against Canada or Morocco five days later at Foxborough, Massachusetts.

On a brutally hot afternoon at MeLife Stadium, the site of the World Cup final on July 19, France outshot Sweden 25-7, including 15-3 in the first half. It was 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius), sunny and humid at the 17:00h kick-off with poor air quality. During the first-half hydration break, France defender Lucas Digne let himself be doused by a sprinkler.

Mbappé hit a post in the 32nd minute, raising both hands in disgust, and France nearly went ahead four minutes later on Olise’s spectacular bicycle kick from just inside the penalty area, which also clanked off a post.

In the first World Cup meeting between the nations, Mbappé scored after goalkeeper Jacob

Widell Zetterström tipped Olise’s shot just outside the post.

Olise played a short corner kick to Ousmane Dembélé, who passed to Mbappé near the byline. Mbappé took a crossover step to get around Viktor Gyökeres and, from just outside the 6-yard box, sent a diagonal shot inside the far post for his 61st international goal.

Gustaf Lagerbielke lost the ball ahead of France’s second goal. Aurélien Tchouaméni passed to Olise, who nutmegged Lagerbielke, and Barcola took a centring touch and sent the ball past Zetterström’s outstretched right hand.

Mbappé entertained the crowd with a backheel pass to Barcola in the buildup to France’s third goal. Barcola passed to Olise, who passed to Mbappé as the star sprinted into the penalty area. He steadied the ball with a touch and fired the ball inside the far post.

A crowd of 80,663 raised the record total for the expanded 104-match tournament above 5 million. A majority of fans wore France’s blue, with a pocket in Sweden’s yellow at one end.

“If we look at where we were not so long ago –we’re here, and we’ve played in the World Cup,” Sweden defender Victor Lindelöf said. “We lost against one of the best countries in the world.”

Mbappé wasn’t quite ready to turn his attention to Paraguay just yet.

“I’m looking forward to the changing room and the AC,” he said. (ESPN)