Guyana Times - Wednesday, July 22, 2026

“If you want to grow your business,

fastest-growing economy,”

Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce Guyana (BritCham), Faizal Khan, has underscored the vast opportunities available in Guyana for United Kingdom (UK)-based companies seeking to expand their global footprint and accelerate business growth. Speaking on Guyana’s investment potential during a recent Energy Perspectives podcast, Khan encouraged UK firms to consider the country as a strategic destination, pointing to its rapid economic expansion and business-friendly environment.

“It’s never going to be more economically viable to invest in Guyana like right now. Guyana is moving at a fantastic rate. I think for me, the opportunities, of course, are growing, but so is the competition. So, if you’re serious about growing your industry and growing your business, then why not come to the fastest-growing economy in the world?” Khan noted. He said one of

come to world’s

BritCham Head tells UK firms

the key advantages that sets Guyana apart from other investment destinations is the absence of a language barrier, as both Guyana and the UK are English-speaking countries.

Moreover, he highlighted Guyana’s rapidly expanding industries as prime investment opportunities, particularly in the oil and gas, tourism and agro-process-

ing sectors. The BritCham head further expressed hope to see more Guyanese firms entering the UK market, noting that “I’d like to see more trade happening between the United Kingdom and Guyana, both ways. I’d really like to see some Guyanese businesses growing their footprint in the United Kingdom.”

For instance, he noted

that there is potential for Guyanese fruits to be exported to the UK. “Dragon fruit, for me, is a big one. I look at the dragon fruit growing here in Guyana, and I see the cost to buy one in the United Kingdom…we have a direct British Airways flight to the UK; what more cargo can we get over?”

Guyana is the UK’s largest trading partner in the

Caribbean. According to the UK Department for Business and Trade, total trade in goods and services (exports plus imports) between the UK and Guyana was £1.8 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q4 2025, an increase of 8.7 per cent or £146 million in current prices from the four quarters to the end of Q4 2024.

Of this £1.8 billion, total UK exports to Guyana amounted to £1.1 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q4 2025 (an increase of 31.2 per cent or £256 million in current prices, compared to the four quarters to the end of Q4 2024), while total UK imports from Guyana amounted to £756 million in the four quarters to the end of Q4 2025 (a decrease of 12.7 per cent or £110 million in current prices, compared to the four quarters to the end of Q4 2024). According to the UK department, the top five goods exported from the UK to Guyana in the four quarters to the end of Q4 2025 were ships, road vehicles other than cars, specialised machinery, miscellaneous metal manufactures, and general industrial machinery.

Moreover, the top five goods imported to the UK from Guyana for the same period were crude oil, cereals, sugar, beverages and tobacco, and metal ores and scrap.

BRIDGE OPENING

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, July 22 –09:50h–11:20h and Thursday, July 23 – 11:15h–12:45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers in the early-morning hours are expected, followed by sunny conditions during the rest of the day and clear skies at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to East SouthEasterly between 2.68 metres and 4.92 metres.

High Tide: 10:24h and 22:46h reaching a maximum height of 2.20 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 16:15h reaching a minimum height of 1.00 metre.

s search efforts continue following Saturday night’s capsizing of the MV Barima, authorities Wednesday night reported that 53 bodies have been recovered while the rescue count has been revised to 76. This update was provided by Prime Minister (PM) Mark Phillips during a press conference at his Camp Street, Georgetown office. He noted that of the bodies recovered, 26 have been positively identified by relatives, with 11 of them being repatriated to their respective communities for funeral arrangements, as requested by families.

“Many of this work is being done through the regional authorities. Wakes, funerals, all of these activities are supported financially and otherwise in keeping with the wishes of the family,” he said, noting that this includes adhering to religious rites as requested by families. “We will work right through to the end to bring closure to every family member who would have lost a loved one,” PM Phillips added. Of the bodies identified, eight are males, three are females while 15 are children (four males and 11 females). Of those that remain unidentified, three are children. The PM noted that there is enough storage space to accommodate the bodies as they are being recovered, with four refrigerated containers being used to bolster the capacities of the nearby hospitals. The containers are at the Suddie Regional Hospital. “The plan is, as we recover bodies, we identify, we do the postmortem, and we hand over as early as possible to the families for the funeral arrangement. So that storage capacity…is capable of holding the bodies in the interim as we move to the next stage which is handing over the bodies to the families,” he explained.

No new rescues Meanwhile, the Government had earlier in the day clarified via a state-

ment that the increase of rescued persons does not reflect any new rescues. It explained that the adjustment mainly resulted from information being received from several different sources. “As that information came in it was carefully reviewed and verified it to eliminate any duplication and provide a more accurate account of the number of persons rescued,” the statement noted.

Wreckage search

During the press conference, PM Phillips explained that divers conducted a search of the wreckage underwater and it was determined that “unfortunately, after searching the wreckage, nobody’s alive there”. However, he disclosed that one body was identified but the divers

were unable to recover it as of 18:00hrs Wednesday. “This is an ongoing exercise, more divers will go down…with more equipment and it is our hope that we reach to a point where we can safely extract… the body from the vessel,” PM Phillips noted. Upon the conclusion of the search and rescue/recovery operation, PM Phillips noted that authorities will determine whether to retrieve the vessel from the seabed.

Not overloaded, no engine problem

While noting that the official inquiry will determine all the circumstance surrounding this tragedy, Director General of the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), Captain Stephen Thomas, informed the press

conference that based on his knowledge, the vessel was not overloaded. He explained that the ferry has a capacity to carry some 126 tonnes of cargo along with some 390 passengers. “The capacity can vary if you have a full load of cargo… so if you have less passengers, you can carry more weight,” the MARAD Director General explained. Furthermore, he explained that the ferry has a load line and upon departure from Georgetown, that line was “barely submerged”. This, Captain Thomas noted, “doesn’t indicate overloading because load lines are catered for when you go out to sea”. He explained that due to the density in the fresh water, the load line can be submerged, “so when it goes in sea, it floats higher”.

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Qualifications open the door; skills build careers

Guyana’s rapidly-changing economy is creating opportunities on a scale few could have imagined a decade ago. Expansion in oil and gas, construction, information technology, agriculture, health care, manufacturing, renewable energy and other industries has generated demand for a workforce capable of meeting increasingly complex challenges. While educational attainment remains a vital foundation for national development, the evolving labour market requires a conversation about what truly makes an individual employable and successful.

For generations, academic achievement has been viewed as the principal pathway to stable employment and upward mobility. That belief was not misplaced. Formal education equips individuals with technical knowledge, critical concepts and professional standards that remain indispensable across virtually every occupation. Degrees, diplomas and certificates continue to matter, because they demonstrate commitment, discipline and subject knowledge. However, qualifications are only one component of workplace readiness.

Employers increasingly seek individuals who can translate knowledge into practical results. Modern organisations operate in environments where change is constant, technology evolves rapidly and collaboration across disciplines has become routine. Employees are, therefore, expected to analyse situations, adapt to new circumstances and contribute meaningfully to organisational goals.

Communication has become one of the defining competencies of the modern workplace. Regardless of profession, employees must explain ideas clearly, listen attentively, engage constructively with colleagues and clients, and present information confidently. Strong communication reduces misunderstandings, improves productivity and strengthens relationships both within organisations and with the public. These are skills that cannot always be measured by examination results but often determine professional effectiveness.

Equally important is the ability to work as part of a team, as today’s projects rarely depend on the efforts of one individual. Large infrastructure developments, healthcare delivery, engineering projects, financial services and digital innovation all require professionals from different backgrounds to collaborate towards common objectives. The ability to respect differing perspectives, resolve disagreements professionally and contribute to collective success has become an essential workplace expectation rather than an optional attribute.

Problem-solving has likewise emerged as one of the most valuable qualities employers seek. Every industry faces operational challenges, customer concerns, technological disruptions and changing market conditions. Employees who demonstrate initiative and sound judgement become assets, because they help businesses and institutions grow rather than simply maintain routine operations.

These competencies should not be viewed as alternatives to education but as extensions of it. Schools, technical institutes and universities have an opportunity to strengthen curricula by integrating experiential learning, project-based assignments, internships, debates, presentations and collaborative exercises alongside academic instruction. Such approaches help bridge the gap between classroom theory and workplace application.

Digital literacy is another area where the education system must continue evolving. Technology now influences virtually every sector of the economy. Construction increasingly relies on digital tools for measurement and quality assurance. Agriculture utilises precision technologies to improve yields. Health care depends on electronic records and diagnostic equipment. Manufacturing incorporates automation and data analysis. Financial institutions continue expanding digital services, while artificial intelligence is reshaping business processes across industries.

Digital competence is no longer confined to information technology professionals, but has become a basic workplace expectation across occupations.

This reality is especially significant as Guyana invests heavily in digital infrastructure while pursuing economic diversification. New investments and emerging industries will require workers who are comfortable with technology, adaptable to innovation, and willing to engage in continuous learning. Those who embrace lifelong skills development will be better positioned to benefit from the opportunities being created.

The same principle applies to the country’s growing emphasis on sustainable development and the green economy. Renewable energy, environmental management and sustainable construction are not distant concepts but expanding areas of employment. Preparing the workforce for these sectors requires education systems and training institutions to remain responsive to industry needs and future trends.

Employers must continue investing in staff development and mentorship. Educational institutions should strengthen partnerships with industry to ensure programmes reflect workplace realities. Parents and communities also have an important role in encouraging discipline, responsibility and effective communication from an early age.

Guyana’s greatest competitive advantage will be the quality of its human capital. Academic qualifications will always remain essential, but they should be regarded as the beginning of professional preparation rather than its conclusion. In a modern economy driven by innovation, collaboration and adaptability, the individuals who thrive will be those who combine educational achievement with communication, teamwork, problem-solving and digital competence. That balanced approach offers the strongest foundation for sustained national progress and individual success.

Scenes from Day 2 of the National Toshaos Council Conference 2026. This year’s conference is themed “Empowering Leadership while Building Sustainable Village Economies through Inclusive Partnership” (Photos Vice President/Facebook; Tourism Minister/Facebook; Home Affairs Ministry)

8 injured in Canje River boat collision

...medical outreach team among occupants

Eight people, including two children, were injured on Tuesday afternoon after two boats collided head-on in the Canje River near Baracara, leaving the captain of one of the vessels hospitalised with serious head injuries and the captain of the other in police custody as investigations continue. The collision occurred at about 14:30h in the vicinity of Pat Walla, Canje Creek, approximately two and a half miles from Baracara Village. According to police, one of the vessels

involved was a privately operated passenger boat transporting a Health Ministry and Social Services medical outreach team that had just concluded an outreach exercise in the riverain community. The other was an unregistered passenger boat travelling towards Baracara with eight occupants, including several children.

Police said preliminary investigations indicate that the two vessels collided head-on while navigating the waterway.

The captain of the pas-

senger boat travelling to Baracara, 38-year-old Clairmont Amsterdam, sustained serious head injuries in the collision. He was initially taken to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital before being transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for further medical treatment.

Among those injured aboard Amsterdam’s vessel were his daughter, Clayanna Amsterdam, Mikel Ali Joseph, Oscar Joseph, two children and the other occu-

pants of the boat.

The remaining injured passengers were treated at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital.

Baracara Village Chairman Marshall Thompson told this publication that the Health Ministry had hired two passenger boats to transport its medical outreach team to and from the community.

He explained that one of the boats is owned by a resident of Baracara, while the second is owned by a resident of the Berbice River

and was being operated by its owner at the time of the collision.

Thompson said the medical personnel had completed the outreach exercise and were returning from the community when the collision occurred.

Police have since taken the captain of the boat transporting the medical outreach team into custody as investigators continue their probe into the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Investigators are expect-

ed to interview the occupants of both vessels as part of the ongoing investigation to determine what led to the crash.

The Health Ministry regularly conducts medical outreaches to remote communities such as Baracara, providing residents with access to doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals who would otherwise require lengthy journeys to access medical care.

Police investigations are continuing.

“I could have burned up” – Palmyra woman; home gutted by fire, arson suspect

A39-year-old woman is counting her blessings after narrowly escaping what could have been a fatal house fire that destroyed almost everything she owned just minutes after she left home. Ayana Johnson believes the blaze that gutted the two-storey house she had called home for more than five years may have been deliberately set. Johnson, the lone occupant of the building at Lot 22 Palmyra, Region Six, recalled returning home from work on Tuesday afternoon, changing out of her work clothes and leaving shortly afterwards to visit a friend.

She said she spent only a few minutes inside the house before leaving on her motorcycle. As she was leaving, Johnson said she noticed workers attached to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) carrying out electrical work on a utility pole in front of the house. While returning, Johnson said she noticed fire tenders speeding

through the area but did not imagine they were responding to an emergency at her own home. “I was watching up in the air. I see where the smoke coming from and I was wondering what was really going on,” she recalled.

It was only after turning into her street and seeing the heavy traffic and gathering of people that she realised that her house was on fire. “When I came to the entrance, I realised, this is my place.” Still shaken by the ordeal, Johnson said the thought that continues to haunt her is how close she came to losing her life.

“I just come home. I could have come home and gone to sleep. I could have gone to sleep and get burned up in the fire,” she said. She also believes someone could have gained access to the building from the rear. Johnson pointed out that behind the property is a vacant lot leading to the public road and that a window on the lower flat of the building could be easily

accessed from that area.

She said the fire reportedly started at the back of the building, leading her to suspect that the blaze may have been deliberately set. The blaze destroyed nearly all of her possessions, including bedroom furniture, wardrobes, a vanity, chairs, a television, music system, refrigerator, washing machine, microwave, gas stove, electric kettle, toaster and other household items.

Unable to estimate the value of her losses, Johnson said everything she had worked to acquire over the past five years and five months was reduced to ashes in a matter of minutes.

Police and fire officials are continuing their investigations into the fire.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2026

Page Foundation

Exponents cont’d

Negative Exponents

Negative exponents are a type of index, written with a negative sign, that represents a number that can be written as a fraction.

For example,

3-2 = =

A negative exponent does not mean that the base is a negative number.

A negative exponent means if the base is a positive number, the denominator of the fraction remains positive.

Let’s see why a negative exponent is a fraction using the powers of 10:

As each row is divided by 10, the power is reduced by 1.

When you reach 100 (the zero exponent) you are dividing the base number by itself, so any base to the power of 0 is always equal to 1

Animals constantly use their senses to gather information about their surroundings. Nerves in the body pick up this information. In most animals the nerves send the information to the brain or a similar organ. The brain makes sense of the information. It then sends a message back through the nerves to tell the body how to react. This network of nerves and brains is called the nervous system.

1 10

When you divide by a further 10, you get 0.1= =10-1

As you continue to divide by 10, the denominator of the fraction becomes increasingly large, meaning that the original number gets smaller and smaller (closer to 0).

Another term for the negative power is the positive reciprocal

The reciprocal of a number is the value that can be multiplied by the original number to get the answer of 1.

For example,

2× =1, and so is the positive reciprocal of 2.

Introducing a negative exponent, we get 2-1= =

This can be expressed in a general form as x-a= where x and a are constants.

In mammals and other animals with backbones the brain and the spinal cord form the central part of the nervous system. The spinal cord is a long bundle of major nerves. It runs from the brain down an animal’s back. Nerves throughout the body carry information to and from the central nervous system.

The nerve cells, or neurones, are the basic units of the nervous system. The human body contains billions of neurones. It is thought that about 85 billion neurones make up the brain.

Nerves are bundles of neurone fibres. Nerves run throughout the body. Some nerves, called cranial nerves, run directly to

Mirror-mad, he photographed reflections: sunstorms in puddles, cities in canals, double portraits framed in sunglasses, the fat phantoms who dance on the flanks of cars. Nothing caught his eye unless it bent or glistered over something else. He trapped clouds the way kids trap grasshoppers. Then one misty day he was stopped by the windshield. Behind him, an avenue of trees, before him, the mirror of that scene. He seemed to enter what, in fact, he left.

(Source: Poetry [February 1971])

MV Barima tragedy

T&T, Brazil sending divers to help in search and rescue operations – PM

…warns public against spreading inaccurate information

The Government continues to receive regional assistance in its search and rescue operations following the capsizing of the MV Barima on Saturday night, with Trinidad and Tobago as well as Brazil expected to deploy divers to Guyana today.

This was confirmed by Prime Minister (PM) Mark Phillips during an interview by Starting Point on Tuesday and later reiterated at a press conference in the evening.

“We have assistance being offered, additional assistance being offered from the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. So, we expect tomorrow morning (Wednesday) a boat to arrive with additional divers, and sometime tomorrow afternoon (Wednesday), another vessel from Brazil with more divers to help us to recover,” he disclosed. Guyana is already receiving support from French Guiana, which has sent 12 specialist divers, two medics, and one mechanic to assist in the operations. Additionally, Trinidad and Tobago had already deployed its coast guard and a surveillance aircraft to aid in the search and rescue.

Though it has been more than 48 hours since the tragedy, PM Phillips remains hopeful of finding persons alive. “We were advised that a vessel like this will have pockets of air, so they have to go through the vessel and search every compartment of the vessel to see if there’s anybody who’s still clinging to life there,” he noted.

The location of the vessel was on Monday identified by local fishermen; it is sitting on seabed just over nine miles offshore of the Devonshire Castle Flats area in about 50 feet of water. So far, 53 bodies have been recovered while the count of rescued persons

stands at 76. Of the 53 bodies recovered, PM said 26 have been identified by relatives and 11 handed over to families for burial. It is estimated that 179 persons, inclusive of passenger and crew, were on the ferry when it went down, meaning some 50 persons remain unaccounted for. PM Phillips emphasised that the Government will continue to work to ensure every person who was on the vessel is either rescued or their bodies recovered. “The purpose of this operation at this stage is to recover, and as I said, rescue anybody who’s out there and recover all the passengers, all 179 passengers who were there on the vessel,” he noted.

Transparency, inquiry

The PM also made it clear that the Government has been transparent in its handling of the situation, noting that from the time discrepancies were discovered, those facts were shared with the public. He was referring to the discovery of the captain and a crew member being tested positive for mar-

ijuana use as well as the uncovering of the manifest being grossly inaccurate. Already, a probe has been launched, examining all of the facts and circumstances surrounding this tragedy, including the accuracy of the passenger manifest, the loading of passengers and cargo, compliance with maritime safety regulations and the conduct of the captain and crew before and during the voyage. PM Phillips assured that the Government “will not leave any stone unturned”.

“We will commission an inquiry as soon as physically possible, because I said as soon as physically possible because the effort now is on dealing with the current situation, which involves rescue and recovery. And the next stage, having done that, is having the investigation started into this incident,” he said. “We are approaching this whole operation in a manner to bring closure to people, but at the same time with a high degree of transparency. We’re not covering up anything,” the PM further posited.

Investigation

The Home Affairs Ministry also confirmed that it is conducting a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragedy and is urging all persons with information that could be useful to the probe to come forward. “We encourage anyone with firsthand information, photographs, videos or any other evidence that may assist investigators to come forward and provide that material directly to the Guyana Police Force (GPF). The cooperation of the public is vital to ensuring that the investigation is thorough and that all relevant facts are established,” the statement reads.

Captain Thomas further explained that once the ferry is properly maintained, its weight capacity is not affected. In fact, he highlighted that, “in addition to that, the age of the vessel, they were using much thicker steel. Now, you use thinner steel but double the strength of the older steel, so in other words, the ships can carry more cargo, because they’re lighter because of the improvement to the quality of steel”.

Regarding whether the weight on the MV Barima was properly distributed, the MARAD head said the investigation would have to determine that.

Meanwhile, officials at the head table, including Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill, noted that they were not aware of any engine troubles on the vessel at the time of departure. In fact, Minister Edghill posited that “there was no reported engine troubles from the crew when the boat came in and when the boat left, there was no reported engine troubles”.

Region One route

In addition to the MV Barima , the Georgetown to Region One (BarimaWaini) route is being serviced by the MV Kimbia , another older vessel which has been refurbished.

The MV Ma Lisha was acquired in 2023 to ply the route, specifically making stops at Morawhanna and Kumaka. Minister Edghill noted that “we have just completed the two stellings at Morawhanna and at the new site at Kumaka, which is to be commissioned”. The MV Kalliopi N , which arrived this year, will also be put into operation soon to ply the Georgetown to Region One route. “This is just an unfortunate time that the Barima went down before we could get it replaced,” Edghill noted.

The MV Barima departed the Georgetown stelling at about 15:00h on Saturday on its scheduled voyage to Port Kaituma, Region One (Barima-Waini), carrying 179 persons including, 18 crew members and cargo. According to officials, the vessel encountered rough sea conditions off the Essequibo Coast near the mouth of the Pomeroon River late that night.

Survivors have recalled that the ferry began listing to one side before capsizing, throwing passengers into the water.

A distress signal trans-

mitted at approximately 23:01h was received by aviation authorities, triggering a large-scale response involving the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard and Air Corps, MARAD, civilian vessels and local fishermen. Addressing concerns raised in the aftermath of the disaster, blood samples were taken from the captain and crew members for testing. Authorities released the results showing positive tests for cannabis and subsequently arrested the captain and two crew members. Subsequently, Government in its initial probe on the issue uncovered that more people were aboard the vessel than had been recorded on the original passenger manifest. That information along with the manifest were immediately made public.

The President has since announced that a separate investigation will be conducted to determine the circumstances that led to the MV Barima capsizing. The investigation is expected to examine all relevant factors before any conclusions are reached.

Over 1kg ganja seized in Berbice, Moruca

APolice operation at Hosanna Street, Rosignol, West Bank Berbice (WBB), Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) on Monday led to the discovery of a quantity of cannabis. Police stated that ranks, acting on information received, conducted a search of a premises, but nothing was found. However, while leaving the area, they observed a black plastic bag next to a dam, about 10 feet away from the premises, and upon inspecting the bag, the cannabis was found.

Invoking…

…a requiem for the Barima

Your Eyewitness is still in despair over the capsizing of the MV Barima. Today he offers this requiem for the victims of the Barima capsizing. “The ocean does not choose its victims. It receives them with the same indifferent embrace it has offered for centuries – to fishermen and traders, children and elders, dreamers and labourers. It asks only that those who venture upon it do so with respect, preparation, and care. This time, the ocean was asked to bear a burden that others had neglected.

The ganja was taken to the Blairmont Police Station, where it was weighed and amounted to 1.045 kilograms (kg). At the time of the discovery, no arrests were made. Meanwhile, in another Police operation at Kumaka Hospital Road, Moruca, Region One (Barima-Waini), a 42-year-old labourer from Skyland Village, Moruca, was arrested after a quantity of cannabis was found in his possession.

Based on reports received, the suspect was seated on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) under the influence of alcohol when the

ranks stopped and conducted a search of his person. During the search a transparent plastic bag containing the cannabis was found concealed in the upper right pocket of his pants. The suspect was arrested and es-

corted to the Acquero Police Station and the cannabis and the ATV seized. The cannabis was weighed and amounted to 17.2 grams. The suspect remains in custody pending charges.

The names of those lost aboard the MV Barima now drift like echoes across the water. Mothers who expected to return home by morning. Fathers carrying provisions. Young folks planning tomorrow. Elders who had crossed these waters countless times before, believing experience itself was protection enough. None imagined that an ordinary voyage would become their final passage.

Your Eyewitness mourns them first – not as statistics, not as passengers, but as lives interrupted. Empty chairs now stand in homes from Mabaruma to Georgetown. There are children waiting for footsteps that will never sound upon the veranda again. There are families listening for voices silenced beneath the tide. There are communities discovering that grief travels faster than any vessel. And yet mourning alone would betray them.

For death by storm is tragedy. Death by fate is sorrow. But death made possible by neglect is something altogether different. It carries the bitter taste of preventability. A vessel is more than steel and timber. It is a covenant between those entrusted with its operation and those who place their lives within it. Every inspection deferred, every repair postponed, every warning ignored weakens that covenant until, one terrible day, it breaks.

When maintenance becomes an afterthought, rust becomes a sentence. When regulations become paperwork rather than principle, certificates become little more than folded paper. And when accountability sleeps, innocent people inherit the consequences. The ocean should never become the final auditor of human negligence.

The waters of the northwest have always been both a highway and a lifeline. They connect villages that roads cannot reach. They carry teachers to classrooms, patients to hospitals, merchants to markets, and families to one another. Those who board these vessels do not gamble with life; they trust that someone has already done the work to keep them safe.

That trust is sacred. Today it lies broken alongside the wreckage of the Barima. So let this requiem be more than lamentation. Let it be an indictment of complacency. Let every official responsible for maritime safety hear in the silence left by these deaths a summons to act. Let every operator understand that maintenance is not a cost to be minimised but a promise to be honoured. Let every inspector remember that a signature may one day be weighed against a human life.

No inquiry can restore those who have been lost. No report can return a parent’s embrace or a child’s laughter. But an honest reckoning may yet spare another family from standing on a riverbank searching the water for someone who should have come home.

May those who perished find the peace that eluded them in their final moments. May those who loved them find strength enough to endure the unbearable. And may the memory of the MV Barima become more than another chapter in Guyana’s catalogue of avoidable disasters. Let it become the moment when a nation resolved that no citizen would again be asked to entrust their life to a vessel weakened by neglect and sustained by hope alone.

The ocean will continue to ebb and flow tomorrow, as it always has. The question is whether we have learned that remembrance without responsibility is merely another form of forgetting.”

…promises

Last December when the US multi-million dollar Bell 429 and Bell 407 helicopters arrived, the head honcho promised they “strengthened Guyana’s ability to respond rapidly to emergencies, provided access to remote hinterland and riverain communities, and supported disaster response, medical evacuation, search and rescue, and other civil operations.”

Where were they for the Barima??

Qualifications alone not enough; workplace skills key to job market success – BIT Chair

As stakeholders continue preparing young people for opportunities in Guyana’s new and emerging sectors, Chairperson of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), Kathy Smith, has urged them to recognise that academic qualifications alone are not enough. In fact, she emphasised the importance of equipping young people with critical problem-solving abilities, teamwork skills, and other workplace competencies needed to succeed in today’s evolving job market.

“Employers consistently say to me that qualifications alone are not enough when they’re hiring persons. Madam Chair mentioned to you that I’m a leader in the Private Sector. I chair one of the oldest Private Sector organisations in Guyana, and employers are saying this to me: that qualification alone is not what is need-

ed,” Smith, who is also the President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), expressed last week while addressing participants of the National Youth Skills Forum hosted by the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning.

“They want the people to communicate effectively. They want them to communicate with confidence. You now have to learn how to do that. You have to listen more than you talk. You have to be willing to ask yourself, ‘Am I in the right room? Am I in the right space? Do I have the right set of people around me?’… So employers want you to communicate. They want you to use your voice. Some of you can start thinking about toastmasters,” she encouraged.

Smith also noted that employers want employees who can work in teams.

“A lot of you want to get ahead, but somebody said to

you, ‘You have to get ahead by yourself.’ Not so, not so. Guyanese, young Guyanese, start learning how to work in a team. Start pulling yourself together with one common goal, whatever you want to achieve,” she noted.

The GCCI President added that employers want workers who are capable of solving problems.

“I say to myself, ‘I do not pay them because they come to work 8am and leave

4:30pm. I pay them because of the value that they’re adding to my company, the problems that they’re solving.’ So, try and start learning how to solve problems. That would be one of the biggest assets for you when you get into employment,” she emphasised.

Digital skills

Moreover, the Private Sector leader informed the young attendees that as they pursue higher education, they must understand that digital skills are no longer optional in today’s job market.

“A lot of you would go

and do the business administration, communication, and all those things you’re thinking about. Engineering and all of those things. But you’ve got to take into consideration that there is a movement and that movement is affecting all of us. AI. Digital transformation. Digital literacy is now a core workplace skill. Whether in construction, we see contractors are using it. I myself am a contractor, and if you call me to say you have an issue with your concrete, I just don’t want to look at the concrete anymore. I have a machine that I can push into the concrete to tell the moisture level of the concrete. So no longer am I just going there and winging the assessment. So digital technology is being used all over,” Smith highlighted. She further pointed to opportunities in digital technology being created across all sectors of the economy.

“Healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, finance, technology, everyday work, and digital transformation are needed. So, I want you, young people, when you get into pro-

grammes, just not to look at it as a by-the-way programme. I want you to focus on digital transformation,” the BIT Chairperson urged.

“If you look at what the Government of Guyana is doing, they’re building one of the largest data centres within the Western Hemisphere. All of that would need your help once you focus on a digital transformation,” she further noted, adding that the green economy is also creating new employment opportunities.

“It’s already creating jobs in Guyana. Renewable energy… Electrical vehicles. You have seen that around. environmental management. Sustainable construction. All those fall within the green economy,” she explained.

Once-in-a-generation Emphasising that Guyana is undergoing a “once-in-a-generation transformation”, Smith further noted that BIT will continue to adapt its programmes to keep pace with the country’s rapidly changing economic landscape.

MV Barima tragedy

3 days of national mourning declared

President Dr Irfaan Ali has proclaimed Wednesday (today), July 22, through Friday, July 24, 2026, as three days of national mourning in honour of the victims of the MV Barima tragedy, as the death toll from the maritime disaster has climbed to 53 with 50 still missing. During the period of mourning, the National Flag will be flown at half-mast on Government buildings and other appropriate locations across the country. Today, Wednesday, July 22, has also been declared a National Day of Prayer. A National Day of Prayer and Remembrance will be held at the Kingston Seawall in Georgetown, while a Night of Reflection and Prayer is scheduled for Port Kaituma on Thursday, July 23, and another in Mabaruma on Friday, July 24. Religious organisations, civic groups and citizens have also been encouraged to organise candlelight vigils and moments of prayer during the threeday period. The full proclamation will be published in the Official Gazette. The

announcement came as Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips disclosed during a press con-

on the Essequibo Coast before being released to relatives for burial or cremation. Four refrigerated containers have been deployed to the hospital to ensure adequate storage capacity as recovery efforts continue.

Search, rescue and recovery operations remain ongoing. The MV Barima departed the Georgetown stelling at about 15:00h on Saturday on its scheduled voyage to Port Kaituma, Region One (Barima-Waini), carrying 179 persons, including 18 crew members, and cargo. According to officials, the vessel encoun-

ference on Tuesday that 53 bodies have so far been recovered from the tragedy, with 26 victims positively identified. He said the bodies are being stored at the Suddie Regional Hospital

tered rough sea conditions off the Essequibo Coast near the mouth of the Pomeroon River late that night. Survivors have recalled that the ferry began listing to one side before capsizing, throwing

passengers into the water. A distress signal transmitted at approximately 23:01h was received by aviation authorities, triggering a large-scale response involving the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard and Air Corps, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), civilian vessels and local fishermen. Addressing concerns raised in the aftermath of the disaster, blood samples were taken from the captain and crew members for testing. Authorities released the results showing

positive tests for cannabis and subsequently arrested the captain and two crew members. Subsequently, Government in its initial probe on the issue uncovered that more people were aboard the vessel than had been recorded on the original passenger manifest. That information, along with the manifest, was immediately made public.

Officials further urged the public to exercise caution when sharing images and videos circulating on social media purporting to show the vessel before or after it

capsized. They noted that many passengers lost their mobile phones during the tragedy, making it difficult to verify the authenticity of some material being shared and warned that unverified content could cause unnecessary panic and distress.

The President has since announced that a separate investigation will be conducted to determine the circumstances that led to the MV Barima capsizing. The investigation is expected to examine all relevant factors before any conclusions are reached.

Public warned of legal action

over

sharing AI-generated, false MV Barima content

The Home Affairs Ministry has warned that individuals who knowingly create, share or republish false or misleading content related to the MV Barima tragedy could face legal consequences as investigations into the sinking continue. The warning comes as Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips, during an interview on Tuesday, also appealed to the public to refrain from sharing inaccurate information on social media. Referring to a photograph being circulated online that allegedly shows the vessel sinking, the PM said the image was not authentic.

“I want to appeal to the people of Guyana to be very responsible at this stage. There is no official footage of this vessel floating and, you know, being capsized and floating. This incident took place during the hours of darkness. So, to show an image of the vessel on its side floating on the water, that is some AI (artificial intelligence)-generated image; that is meant to create mischief,” Phillips said.

The Home Affairs Ministry, in a statement, extended condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected by the tragedy and assured the public that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is conducting a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. It urged anyone with firsthand information, photographs, videos or any other evidence that may assist investigators to submit the material directly to the GPF, noting that public cooperation is vital to ensuring that all relevant facts are established. However, the Ministry expressed concern over the circulation on social media of old, fabricated and unrelated videos and photographs that are being falsely linked to the tragedy.

Deliberate spread of misinformation

According to the Ministry, “the deliberate spread of mis-

“Not MV Barima”

information at a time of national grief is not only insensitive and deeply hurtful to the families who are mourning, but also has the potential to impede ongoing investigations, create unnecessary fear and mislead the public.”

It further warned, “Let it be clear: anyone who knowingly creates, shares, or republishes false or misleading content purporting to depict or relate to this tragedy may be committing offences under the laws of Guyana.”

The Ministry added that such acts of public mischief and any other applicable offences will be investigated and, where the evidence supports it, those responsible will face the full force of the law. It has encouraged all citizens to act responsibly, verify information before sharing it, and allow the investigative process to proceed without interference, while urging the public to respect the dignity of the victims and their families during this period of national mourning. The MV Barima departed the Georgetown stelling at about 15:00h on Saturday on its scheduled voyage to Port Kaituma, Region One (Barima-Waini), carrying 179 persons, including 18 crew members, and cargo. According to officials, the vessel encountered rough sea conditions off the Essequibo Coast near the mouth of the Pomeroon River late that night. Survivors have recalled that the ferry began listing to one side before capsizing, throwing passengers into the water.

A distress signal transmitted at approximately 23:01h

was received by aviation authorities, triggering a largescale response involving the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard and Air Corps, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), civilian vessels and local fishermen.

Addressing concerns raised in the aftermath of the disaster, blood samples were taken from the captain and crew members for testing. Authorities released the results showing positive tests for cannabis and subsequently arrested the captain and two crew members. Subsequently, Government in its initial probe on the issue uncovered that more people were aboard the vessel than had been recorded on the original passenger manifest. That information, along with the manifest, was immediately made public.

Officials further urged the public to exercise caution when sharing images and videos circulating on social media purporting to show the vessel before or after it capsized. They noted that many passengers lost their mobile phones during the tragedy, making it difficult to verify the authenticity of some material being shared and warned that unverified content could cause unnecessary panic and distress.

The President has since announced that a separate investigation will be conducted to determine the circumstances that led to the MV Barima capsizing. The investigation is expected to examine all relevant factors before any conclusions are reached.

Candlelight vigils: Residents of Mabaruma and Port Kaituma, Region One (Barima-Waini) gathered on Tuesday evening for candlelight vigils to honour the victims of the tragic MV Barima incident (Barima-Waini Region RDC photos)

Govt-operated ferries

Captains, crews previously disciplined for safety breaches, drug use, misconduct – Edghill

As the captain and some of his crew members remain in police custody following the MV Barima tragedy, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill has confirmed that disciplinary actions have been taken in the past against other seafarers found guilty of misconduct. “I can tell you, sir, that captains and members of his crew have been disciplined for infractions of various kinds of all of the vessels, whether its for alcohol, drugs, misconduct, carrying family members on unauthorisedly, transporting illegal substances on behalf of people, storing passengers or cargo without proper freight, all of that,” Edghill informed a news conference on Tuesday night. He

emphasised that “there’s a system where these vessels are inspected before departure”. Asked whether such inspection was conducted on the MV Barima before its departure on Saturday, the Public Works Minister noted that the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy will uncover what transpired. At the press conference, Prime Minister (PM) Mark Phillips acknowledged that “obviously, there was some breakdown in the system.”

“We want the inquiry to go and investigate the extent of those breakdowns in the system and of course, they will recommend to us, not only disciplinary measures but areas where we can tighten and improve on the existing systems,” he

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill

added. Enforcement

At a press conference on Monday, PM Phillips had

said authorities will intensify enforcement of maritime regulations governing all vessels operating on the country’s waterways.

“Moving forward with all the ferries, we will revamp the system and ensure that we stick to the regulations.

There are SOPs for loading, there are SOPs for ticketing…we will ensure that all those SOPs are gone over again with the crew member and enforced,” the PM had noted. This assurance came amid the discovery that the MV Barima had more passengers than the manifest detailed, and that the captain and a crew member tested positive for marijuana use.

PM Phillips noted that the duo remains in police custody and counselling has been offered to them. No other arrests were made.

In addition to the drug use, preliminary investigations discovered that there were

discrepancies with the passengers manifest. Initially, it was reported that there were 116 passengers along with 17 crew members on board the vessel, but that figure was on Sunday night ruled as not precise by authorities, who noted that the manifest was inaccurate. It is now estimated that the MV Barima had 179 occupants when it went down.

Already, a probe has been launched, examining all of the facts and circumstances surrounding this tragedy, including the accuracy of the passenger manifest, the loading of passengers and cargo, compliance with maritime safety regulations and the conduct of the captain and crew before and during the voyage.

Guyana sees nearly 50% drop in non-fatal job-related incidents

Guyana has recorded a significant improvement in workplace safety, with non-fatal occupational incidents declining by nearly 50 per cent as the Labour and Manpower Planning Ministry contin-

ues efforts to strengthen occupational safety and health (OSH) standards nationwide. Labour and Manpower Planning Minister Keoma Griffith revealed the decline during the launch of the International Labour

Organisation (ILO) and National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) Occupational Safety and Health Project, attributing the achievement to increased sensitisation,

outreach, inspections and education across various sectors.

“During this period, more than 27,000 workers benefited from occupational safety and health inspections nationwide, strengthening prevention and workplace resilience. Building on this foundation, the Ministry has expanded offshore inspections, sector-specific training, workplace engagements, and outreach

activities across all 10 administrative regions. These efforts have contributed to measurable improvements, including a 12.78 per cent decline in work-related fatalities and a near 50 per cent reduction in non-fatal incidents.”

Only recently, as part of its “Putting Safety First” campaign aimed at promoting safer workplaces, the OSH Department of the Ministry of Labour and

Manpower Planning conducted an inspection visit to the Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project site, further expanding its workplace safety initiatives. Against this backdrop, Griffith said the achievements demonstrate the Government’s continued commitment to creating safer and healthier working environments across Guyana. Meanwhile, he noted that significant progress has also been made in workplace inspections, with thousands of workers and workplaces being reached through increased monitoring, sensitisation, enforcement and compliance efforts.

“This project builds upon significant progress already achieved by the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning in strengthening occupational safety and health throughout Guyana. Over recent years, the Ministry has significantly expanded its occupational safety and health activities, conducting 6,186 occupational safety and health inspections across high-risk and low-risk sectors between 2020 and 2025. And I should add that we have already surpassed the indicator for 2026.”

The Minister said the continued expansion of inspections and workplace engagement reflects the Government’s commitment to improving occupational safety standards and fostering a stronger culture of prevention across the country.

Ramsammy’s Ruminations

Guyana strong – in the face of calamity, Guyana must be united, bold and strong

GUN leadership campaign Guyana’s candidate presents vision during talks in Beijing

Guyana is in mourning. One of the most horrendous events in our history is playing out in front of our eyes. The sinking of the MV Barima is a national disaster of unprecedented magnitude. Dozens of families have lost loved ones at sea. The experience for those who survived and those who lost their lives must have been harrowing. While we might try to imagine, the experience of those who were in the MV Barima that night and in the following hours must have been unthinkable, unimaginable, and excruciating.

Ruminations express profound sympathy to the families and friends of those who perished in the MV Barima incident. Our prayers continue to ask for the families and friends to be given the strength to deal with their losses and their grief. We express our gratitude to all those who have been working around the clock to provide rescue and recovery support in the sea. In particular, we recognise the heroic work of the local fishermen.

This is not a tragedy that time will heal. We will feel the pain for a long time. We will forever remember this time in our history. It is a tragedy that we must ensure never happens again.

The MV Barima horrors are enough to force us as a nation to mourn together in a powerful collective grief. The tragedy is big enough to strip away everyday divisions and, even if temporarily, shift the national preoccupation and focus toward mutual aid, empathy, and national unity. Not only is this necessary to provide support for the victims, but the communal lament provides a vital outlet to process shock and prevent long-term trauma. Whether this is what Guyana did or is doing, whether this is what we choose, is a question we will not answer in this column. We will leave that judgement for another time. For those who embraced this approach, we made our country stronger.

In every nation, an unprecedented event like the present MV Barima incident will test our resilience, will tempt us to scream out for revenge and to cast blame. This is natural. But the MV Barima horrors must create national unity, if only for the moment. It is a time for putting aside our differences, no matter how big or trivial, socio-economic or political. We need swift and effective action. It is imperative that we avoid chaotic responses.

There will be plenty of opportunities for accountability, for placing blame, and for scoring political points. But the present time must be for complete and absolute focus on looking for survivors, recovering the deceased and providing support to the survivors and their families.

Guyana has had lessons on how to respond to national disasters. In 2005, a one-in-a-thousand-year flood affected more than 400,000 persons on the East Coast Demerara and Georgetown. The 2005 Great Flood in Guyana triggered a massive wave of national unity, with citizens, civil society, and the Government cooperating across racial and political lines to provide emergency assistance to the victims of floods in Guyana.

The first night’s rainfall exceeded 10 inches. After just four days of rainfall, Guyana had experienced more than 59 inches of deluge. Guyana had not seen such intensity of rain since 1888, more than 100 years before the January 2005 storms. On the first day, after an unprecedented storm caused massive flooding, President Bharrat Jagdeo brought the nation together. Political opponents got together, and a national effort started. The rainfall continued for more than two weeks, and the flood was everywhere. Lives were threatened. For more than a month after, people worked together to ensure everyone who needed help obtained that help. For a brief moment, Guyana was united.

The 2005 flood occurred in the midst of extreme political division and with an ongoing terrorism campaign by criminals who called themselves freedom fighters. Those criminal gangs had the political support and might have been centrally directed by political opponents of the then Government. But for a brief period, the criminals paused the mayhem and allowed the Government and the people to work in solidarity to overcome the massive challenge and threats.

The MV Barima tragedy is a different kind and, in some ways, an even more horrendous disaster. It is the kind of disaster that gave us no notice, that happened at a place and under circumstances that made response difficult. Yet, this does not mean that we cannot duplicate the solidarity and unity that, even if reluctantly, we were able to craft in 2005.

We are now on Day Four of the MV Barima horrors. We are hopeful that our people, our political parties, and civil society can find the strength to work in unity and cohesion to provide the optimum support we can to ensure every person is rescued and every victim is recovered as soon as possible to ensure families receive the appropriate support.

There will come a time when answers must be provided, when responsibility must be embraced. Political parties by nature look for faults, for things to cast blame on. That time will come. Now is not the time. Now is the time for Guyana to be strong, for our people to stand as one – Guyana Strong.

uyana’s candidate for the next United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, has met with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, where she outlined her vision for a more efficient, effective and responsive UN as part of her campaign for the organisation’s top post. According to Guyana’s Permanent Mission to the UN on a social media post, Rodrigues-Birkett met with Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, on Monday. During the meeting, RodriguesBirkett presented her candidacy for the position of UN Secretary-General and shared her vision for strengthening the organisation. She thanked the Chinese Foreign Minister for what she described as a warm reception and constructive engagement, adding that she looked forward to continuing discussions with China and other UN member states in an effort to build a stronger UN for current and future generations. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said RodriguesBirkett used the meeting to outline her campaign platform against the backdrop of what she described as

significant global challenges, including conflicts, climate change and development deficits. According to the Ministry, RodriguesBirkett stressed that multilateralism remains essential despite changing global circumstances and said she was committed to advancing reforms that would make the UN more agile, efficient and fair. She also pledged to place sustainable development at the centre of the international agenda while ensuring the organisation delivers tangible benefits to people across all countries. During the discussions, Wang Yi said the UN-centred international system was facing increasing challenges, with multilateralism under pressure amid a changing global

landscape.

He said the next UN Secretary-General would be expected to guide the organisation through these challenges while advancing international peace and development. According to the Ministry, Wang described Rodrigues-Birkett’s decision to contest the position as a demonstration of her commitment to multilateralism and support for the UN. Wang also reiterated China’s longstanding support for the UN, noting that 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of the restoration of the People’s Republic of China’s seat at the UN. He said China would participate in the selection of the next UN SecretaryGeneral in a responsible and constructive manner and support the appointment

of a candidate who upholds the UN Charter, demonstrates competence, fairness and integrity, and is committed to strengthening the organisation’s authority and effectiveness. Rodrigues-Birkett, Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN and a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, officially launched her campaign for the UN SecretaryGeneral position in June after President Dr Irfaan Ali nominated her. She is among several candidates seeking to succeed António Guterres, whose second term as UN Secretary General ends later this year. The next UN Secretary-General is expected to assume office on January 1, 2027, following the completion of the current term.

Eccles man wanted for $2.6M firearm licence fraud

Wanted: David Singh

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has issued a wanted bulletin for 40-year-old David Singh of Eccles New Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD) for questioning in a $2.6 million firearm fraud.

Based on reports received, Singh allegedly collected the money from two brothers, ages 35 and 30, a contractor and an operator, respectively, both of Best Plantation, West Coast Demerara (WCD), between June 1 and June 15, 2026, under the pretence of obtaining firearm licences for them.

However, after handing over the $2,610,000 to Singh, they later received documents purporting to be firearm licence approvals. The documents were subsequently examined and found to be fraudulent.

The matter was reported to the Police on Monday, July 20, 2026. As such, efforts are being made to lo-

cate the suspect and another person connected to the matter as investigations continue. Meanwhile, the Police are urging anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Singh to contact them at telephone numbers 225-8196, 268-2329, 225-1159, 911, or the nearest Police Station.

5 Chinese nationals arrested for overstaying in Guyana

Five Chinese nationals, ages 34, 53, 31, 59, and 50, are expected to make their court appearance after they were arrested and charged in relation to alleged immigration offences. Police stated that the

Qualifications

“BIT exists to bridge the gap between skills and employment. So, our ambition at the Board of Industrial Training is not simply to reduce that gap, but ultimately to eliminate that gap. So, what is that gap? Again, skills

individuals were initially arrested on June 16, 2026, at the Rock Creek Mining Area, Puruni, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), during an enforcement operation after they were allegedly found engaged in illegal mining activities.

However, checks of their travel documents revealed that they had overstayed their permitted time in Guyana. They were subsequently charged and processed to appear in court.

alone not enough...

and employment. Skills and employment. What Guyana is going through is unprecedented. We are accustomed to the agriculture sector, the construction sector, and the mining sector. Now there’s a sector called the oil and gas.

Guyanese didn’t have the capacity nor the experience. So, organisations like the Board of Industrial Training see it fit to push programmes that can propel you into oil and gas when you want to go there. Because I know you

are talking about the money that oil and gas have, right? So, we are continuously improving our programmes to better align with the needs of employers and the future of work,” the BIT Chairperson noted.

Guyana begins overhaul of occupational safety laws, workplace standards

The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH), in collaboration with the Labour Ministry, have launched a four-day project and workshop initiative aimed at modernising and strengthening Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) systems across Guyana.

The initiative aligns with the country’s 20252030 Decent Work Country Programme, which seeks to ensure that Guyana’s rapid economic growth is supported by safe working condi-

tions and stronger labour institutions.

Speaking at the programme, which was launched on Tuesday, ILO’s Social Protection and Occupational Safety and Health Specialist, Ariel Pino, explained that the initiative is aimed at supporting the country’s tripartite constituents while ultimately strengthening the occupational safety and health sector in Guyana.

“The project is trying to support our tripartite constituents in Guyana to upgrade, update, and modernise the occupational safety and health system of Guyana, just to, as was men-

tioned by His Excellency, actually be at the same level of development that we want to see in Guyana.”

Pino explained that the Labour Ministry plays a central role as the competent authority responsible for coordinating the OSH system, while other agencies, including the Ministry of Health, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards, and sectors such as forestry and construction, also have important roles to play.

“The project is a contribution to this modernisation

Essequibo Coast man electrocuted by live wire connected to chicken coop

A28-year-old resident of Ptolemy Avenue, Dartmouth Village, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) was electrocuted on Monday after allegedly coming into contact with an electrical wire that was supplying current to a chicken coop at the back of the yard. Dead is Kelton Benn. Preliminary investigations revealed that Benn had gone to use an outdoor washroom facility at the back of the yard, and after some time had elapsed and he did not return, a relative went in search of him. He was found lying motionless next to a chicken coop.

Police stated that an electrical wire had been connected from the house to the chicken coop for several months now to supply lighting.

A nine-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl, who were subsequently seen shaking while leaning against the structure, were taken to the Lima Regional Hospital, where they were admitted for observation. The injured man was also taken to the Lima Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A post-mortem exam-

ination is expected to be performed on the remains of Benn.

Following the incident, Guyana Power and Light

Inc was contacted, and the electrical wire was disconnected. Investigations are ongoing.

but fundamentally built on tripartite social dialogue. So, we have, of course, the pillar of Government, which is the Ministry of Labour, but not just the Ministry of Labour. As you know, occupational safety and health is horizontal and involves multiple actors when it comes to Government institutions.”

Strengthening safety & health systems

Meanwhile, speaking at the event, Labour

and Manpower Planning Minister Keoma Griffith highlighted Guyana’s rapid transformation and emphasised the importance of strengthening occupational safety and health systems as the country continues its development.

Griffith said the reforms represent an investment in workers and will strengthen Guyana’s ability to anticipate emerging workplace risks, improve compliance and enforcement, and promote a stronger culture of prevention across all sectors.

“These reforms are practical investments in the lives of working people. They will strengthen our ability to anticipate emerging workplace risks, improve compliance and enforcement, and cultivate a stronger culture of prevention across every sector of our economy. In doing so, they will help to ensure that Guyana’s remarkable economic transformation is matched by equally robust systems that safeguard the health, safety, and dignity of our workforce.”

He noted that a key focus of the programme is improving the safety and well-be-

Clothes vendor gets bail on narcotics possession charge

Forty-one-year-old Denellon Emanuel, a miner and clothing vendor from 14 Miles Landing, Issano, Middle Mazaruni River, was granted bail on Tuesday for a narcotics trafficking charge.

Emanuel was reportedly arrested last Saturday in connection with a narcotics matter and appeared before Magistrate Teriq Mohamed at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where the charge was read to him. He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of $80,000. The matter was adjourned to September 3, 2026.

ing of workers, particularly within Guyana’s rapidly expanding oil and gas sector.

Griffith said the ILONEBOSH project provides Guyana with an opportunity to review existing arrangements and develop a modern occupational safety and health framework that is responsive to emerging risks, aligned with international labour standards, and capable of supporting sustainable economic growth.

“This ILO-NEBOSH project provides Guyana with a unique opportunity to review existing arrangements and build a modern occupational safety and health framework that is responsive to emerging risks and aligned with international labour standards and capable of supporting sustainable economic growth.”

He explained that through the collaboration, Guyana will strengthen its national occupational safety and health profile, modernise its legislative framework, update its national OSH policy, and develop a national occupational safety and health programme.

Griffith added that the initiative will also focus on strengthening the National Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health, enhancing the capacity of labour inspectors, employers, and workers, and developing modern occupational safety regulations, particularly for the rapidly expanding oil and gas sector.

“Through this important collaboration, Guyana will strengthen its national occupational safety and health profile, review and modernise its legislative framework, update national occupational safety and health policy, develop a national occupational safety and health programme, strengthen the National Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health, enhance capacity for labour inspectors, employers, and workers, and develop modern occupational safety regulations, particularly for the rapidly expanding oil and gas sector.

Venezuelan families refuse to give up after quakes

In the first days after the earthquakes, rescuers raced against time to find survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings. Now, the mission has shifted from rescue to recovery – retrieving the dead, clearing devastated neighbourhoods and helping families find long-awaited answers.

For many residents, the uncertainty has become the hardest burden to bear.

Without knowing the fate of a missing relative, there can be no funeral, no grave and no chance to begin mourning.

In La Guaira, the scale of the tragedy is no longer measured only by collapsed build-

ings or casualty figures. It is measured by parents waiting for children who never returned, by husbands searching for wives, and by grandparents hoping that someone, somewhere, will recognise the name of a missing loved one.

Although the official death toll has risen to more than 5000, thousands of families are still searching for answers about relatives who disappeared beneath collapsed buildings. Between the confirmed deaths and the unknown fate of the missing lies an emotional limbo that has become one of the earthquake’s deepest scars.

Across the city, excavators continue removing debris from residential blocks reduced to mountains of concrete. Yet for families, every slab lifted carries the hope that their loved ones might finally be found.

Weeks after the twin earthquakes, most families are no longer hoping for miracles.

What they seek now is certainty: the chance to know where their loved ones are, to bury them with dignity, and to ensure they are remembered not as numbers on a missing persons list, but as people whose lives mattered.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Brazil’s Amazon sees sharp decline in size of area burnt in 2025

The area burnt in Brazil’s Amazon in 2025 was far smaller in size than the previous year, according to the deforestation monitoring group MapBiomas.

A MapBiomas report shows 3.1 million hectares of Brazil’s Amazon were burnt last year, compared with a record-breaking 15.8 million hectares in 2023.

The amount of land burnt in the world’s largest rainforest last year covered the smallest area since MapBiomas records began in 1985.

Protecting the Amazon was one of the pledges President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva made when he was running for office four years ago. These latest figures will be seen as a boost to his campaign for re-election in October.

In 2024, the Amazon rainforest experienced its worst forest fires in over two decades, which the Copernicus Climate Change Service put down to “climate extremes and human activity”.

T&T wins 1st International Chemistry Olympiad medal

Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) has secured its first-ever medal at the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO), with Naparima College student Reginald Mohammed earning a bronze medal at the 57th edition of the global competition held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

The achievement marks a milestone for the country’s scientific community and the T&T Chemistry Olympiad (TTChO), a national programme led

by The University of the West Indies (The UWI), St Augustine Campus, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.

Mohammed became the first T&T representative to earn a medal at the prestigious competition, which brings together the world’s top chemistry students under the age of 20 who have not yet begun tertiary education. He was joined on the national team by Leon Copilah of Iere High School, Soren Narine of Fatima College and Zeeshaan Lall of Naparima College.

T&T’s participation in the competition followed a rigorous two-year evaluation process before the country was admitted in 2021. Since then, the national team has steadily improved its performance, competing virtually before making its in-person debut in Switzerland in 2023, followed by participation in the United Arab Emirates in 2025 and Uzbekistan this year. (Excerpt from Trinidad and Tobago Guardian)

US pledges to crack down on Haitian gangs making money off social media

US envoy to the UN Mike Waltz said Monday that the US Government soon will move to stop violent gangs in Haiti from making money off social media posts.

Gang leaders in the troubled Caribbean country are prolific users of social media and have celebrated killings, issued threats and posted musings on various sites. Younger gang members also post music videos and wave cash they’ve earned in an effort to recruit children in the impoverished nation.

Waltz, who recently visited Haiti, called the practice “incredibly disturbing” and warned the US would “shut

that down” in the near future. He didn’t provide further details while speaking at a U.N. Security Council meeting in New York.

He spoke as the US prepares this week to strip the temporary protected status of some 350,000 Haitians who live in the United States, exposing them to deportation, a move largely criticised by lawyers and human rights experts.

Efforts to crack down on the gangs’ use of social media are not new. In 2023, YouTube banned Johnson André, considered Haiti’s most powerful gang leader and also known as Izo, following heavy criticism af-

ter he received an award for surpassing more than 100,000 subscribers. The US envoy also called on countries with aircraft capacity to help with the deployment of foreign troops joining the latest U.N.backed mission in Haiti to fight gangs, including Sri Lanka and the Ivory Coast. He said sea lifts take too long and that Haitians need help now.

Gang violence has displaced a record almost 1.5 million people across Haiti, where more than half of the country’s nearly 12 million inhabitants need humanitarian aid. (Excerpt from The Haitian Times)

The MapBiomas report shows a dramatic drop in area burnt not just in the Amazon but across the whole of Brazil in 2025.

Figures show around 12.7 million hectares burnt in Brazil in 2025, compared to 30 million hectares in 2024.

The highest number of hectares burnt in Brazil since records began was in 2007, when 30.7 million were recorded across the country.

The decline in the 2025 figures partly reflects an easing of the unprecedented fires of 2024, helped by cooler La Niña conditions instead of the warmer El Niño. (Excerpt from BBC News)

US sends first humanitarian flight to Cuba under new aid package

The US on Tuesday sent a humanitarian flight to Cuba, the State Department said, the first part of a new $100 million assistance commitment that comes alongside US moves to increase pressure on the island’s communist-run Government.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio in May said the US was offering Cuba an unprecedented aid package, designed to help Cuba’s people but not its Government, even as Washington has blocked most oil shipments to the Caribbean island and piled on financial sanctions.

Cuban officials were initially wary of the aid offer and rejected US calls for political reforms, blaming the US for power outages and shortages, but appear to have agreed

to accept the assistance amid talks with Trump administration officials.

The State Department said the aid on Tuesday, which included food and hygiene kits for up to 700 families, was being delivered by Catholic Relief Services and followed $9 million in earlier US support distributed by the Catholic Church.

“Building on the success of the previous programme, the direct delivery of humanitarian commodities by local parish representatives in the island will ensure critical US assistance reaches everyday Cubans in need, without any opportunity for regime diversion or theft,” the department said. (Reuters)

Around the World

OIL NEWS

Iraq’s Oil Minister says US energy deals worth about $200B

Iraq’s Oil Minister said on Tuesday that agreements signed between the oil ministry and US companies during the Iraqi

Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s visit to the US were estimated at US$200 billion.

In an interview with Iraqi state television, the Minister Basim Mohammed said the agreements would add significant oil production capacity and increase investment in associated gas projects.

He also said Iraq’s oil production capacity currently stands at 4.8 million barrels per day.

Iraq grapples with the challenge faced by many oilproducing nations: attracting investment and expanding production while remaining constrained by the OPEC+ producers’ group output limits.

Though Iraq holds some of the world’s largest crude oil reserves, longstanding production restraints have complicated ambitions to raise revenues to support a rapidly growing population. (Reuters)

Video of Moroccan man dying while pinned down by Italian Police sparks anger, investigation

The death of a 42-yearold man as he was being detained by Italian Police in Bologna during an encounter captured on video has sparked public outrage and a formal investigation, with calls for renewed scrutiny of Police tactics.

The man, identified by Italian media as Moroccanborn Abderrahim Fakir, died Sunday after officers attempted to place him under arrest in the northern Italian city.

According to the Bologna Police, officers responded to reports of a man behaving erratically and damaging parked cars. In a statement, the Police said Fakir resisted the two officers, who sprayed him with pepper spray in an effort to subdue him.

Videos recorded by witnesses from nearby apartment buildings, shared widely on Italian television and social media, show the two officers and a third man restraining Fakir on the ground, face down, after he was handcuffed.

Fakir can be heard re-

Zelenskyy sacks Ukraine’s top Army Commander after days of protests

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed the country’s Army Commanderin-Chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi.

It comes just days after the removal of popular defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov –a move that triggered street protests across the country.

Initial rumours that the end of Fedorov’s tenure was related to a conflict between him and Syrskyi were soon confirmed.

Fedorov, 35, has been widely praised for energising the ministry and transforming the armed forces, as well as leading a drive against corruption. Syrskyi, 60, is seen by

many in Ukraine as a Sovietschool commander reluctant to implement radical changes in the army. He was replaced by

Mykhailo Drapatyi, 43, who is a popular, battle-hardened General.

In a video post on social media late on Tuesday,

Zelenskyy thanked Syrskyi for his military campaigns, including his role in successfully defending the capital Kyiv during the first days of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

Zelenskyy also revealed that earlier in the day, he met Fedorov and offered him a “worthy position in power” but did not say whether the offer had been accepted.

Fedorov was last week replaced by Yevhenii Khmara, a former top official at Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU).

“All decisions will be formalised tomorrow,” Zelenskyy added in his post. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Tankers with Saudi crude turn back as Houthis open new front in US-Iran war

Two oil tankers carrying Saudi crude to Asia reversed course in the Red Sea on Tuesday after threats from Yemen’s Iranaligned Houthis, as a widening Middle East conflict disrupted shipping through two of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints.

US forces bombed targets in the south and west of Iran overnight, while Iran targeted US sites in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, and a tanker was hit in the Strait of Hormuz at

the mouth of the Gulf.

Iran said it had struck infrastructure belonging to Amazon, in Bahrain, where the US tech company operates a regional data centre. Amazon did not immediately comment, and Reuters could not verify the report.

The Houthis, who control northern and western Yemen, including the coast at the mouth of the Red Sea, announced a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia on Monday. This opened a potential new

front in the war, which has killed thousands of people across the Gulf since it began on February 28 with US and Israeli attacks on Iran.

In a letter to shippers, the Houthis threatened to attack any ships that load or discharge Saudi oil.

US President Donald Trump said the Houthis had not yet shut the Bab el-Mandeb, the “Gate of Tears” strait leading into the Red Sea, and threatened to act against them if they did.

“So far it hasn’t happened,” Trump said. “If something like that happens, we take care of it.”

The Houthi announcement already appeared to be having an impact. Two tankers which had just loaded Saudi crude bound for China and India at Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea port of Yanbu made U-turns on Tuesday, heading towards the Suez Canal rather than out through the Bab el-Mandeb into the Indian Ocean. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Health worker monitored for Ebola in London hospital after working in DRC

Ahumanitarian worker is being monitored at a specialist hospital in London after potential exposure to the Ebola virus.

peatedly calling out for help and pleading for the officers to stop before he becomes unresponsive. Members of an emergency medical team are also visible, standing back during the struggle.

After Fakir falls silent, the officers finish binding his ankles, and the medical personnel turn his body over and appear to check for vital signs.

The Bologna prosecutor’s office has ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death and has opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, a standard procedure in Italy whenever someone dies during a Police operation.

Investigators are expected to examine whether the restraint contributed to Fakir’s death or whether other factors, including a possible medical emergency or drug intoxication, played a role.

The two officers involved will continue to work during the investigation. (Excerpt from CBS News)

The UK resident was medically evacuated from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where the worker had been treating patients with the disease, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said.

The UKHSA said the person was evacuated as a “highly precautionary measure”, adding: “The individual is not currently displaying any symptoms and remains well, but as a precautionary measure, they have been evacuated on a flight chartered solely for the evacuation.

“They are now being assessed and monitored in isola-

tion by infectious disease specialists at a London hospital.”

The agency said the incubation period of Ebola ranges from two to 21 days, and the individual will be closely monitored and is required to isolate throughout this period. There are no confirmed cases of Ebola in the UK, and the risk to the general public remains low.

Richard Pebody, the director of epidemic and emerging infections at the UKHSA, said, “This individual has been transferred out of an abundance of caution, and we’re pleased they remain well.” (Excerpt from The Guardian)

French Parliament passes social media ban for Under-15s

France’s Parliament has passed a landmark bill barring children under the age of 15 from using social media platforms.

Lawmakers in both chambers of France’s Parliament voted on Tuesday in support of the legislation, which also bans students from using mobile phones in schools.

The measure will make France the first country in the European Union to approve a blanket ban on social media, as concerns grow worldwide over the harmful effects of digital content on kids.

President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ban as a signature initiative of his second term, called Parliament’s approval “a major step forward”.

He added: “France is leading the way in Europe when it comes to protecting our children and teenagers.”

The French leader has pushed for the ban to come into effect by September, ahead of the new school year. However, a review to determine whether it complies with the French constitution could delay its implementation.

“The Constitutional Council must now rule on it, and then it will be time to take action to make this measure a reality and protect our children online,” said Macron in a video posted on social media.

A growing number of countries are taking steps to restrict social media access amid multiplying warnings over its harmful effects on children.

France’s public health watchdog last year said platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram were harmful to adolescents, particularly girls, though it was not the sole reason for their declining mental health. Several families in France have sued TikTok over teen suicides they say are linked to harmful content.

The French ban is expected to be rolled out in two stages, with children under the age of 15 blocked from creating new accounts from September 1. The ban would apply to existing accounts from January 2027, according to the legislation. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Be the one to set high standards and to follow through. Refuse to let negative people slow you down. The more aggressive you are, the higher the returns. Put your thoughts and actions to work for you, and you’ll attract allies and opportunities. Avoid situations that put your health or physical well-being at risk. Protect against injury or illness.

Avoid tempting suggestions that can have a poor effect on your health, wealth or domestic situation. Think matters through before taking a leap of faith. Ask hard questions, get the facts first and agree to what’s affordable. Consenting to something to win favors will lead to disappointment. Romance is favored, but mixing business with pleasure isn’t.

Choose events and activities carefully. Someone will mislead you if given the chance. Use your intuition and intelligence to counter pressure tactics or manipulation. Discipline is necessary if you want to maintain a healthy reputation. Protect what you’ve worked so hard to achieve from anyone who tries to undermine you.

Take care of situations that involve financial and medical institutions or government agencies. A change at home that is within budget but makes your life easier will buy you the time you need for personal growth. Donning a new look or image will attract positive attention and encourage you to get out and present your skills with finesse.

You have plenty of choices, but not all are created equal. Slow down, reflect and consider how to make the most of your time, money and emotional wellness. Put your energy into diversification and balance. Learn through observation, and proceed with insight, detail and the intent to make a difference. Protect yourself from anyone trying to control you.

Keep the peace, go about your business and focus on details and completing tasks. Be cautious of people who promise too much or who use emotional tactics to push you in a direction you don’t relish. Stay one step ahead of anyone trying to challenge you by using your intellect and resources to counter interference. Don’t take risks.

Concentrate on your responsibilities. Tidy up loose ends and update or cancel subscriptions you don’t use enough to warrant the cost. A well-run business or home will help keep your costs down and your momentum flowing. Listen more and offer less information regarding yourself or your plans. Having functional surroundings will help you prosper.

Put your heart and soul into learning, researching and acquiring information that will help you excel personally and professionally. What you discover will give you the confidence to sign up or book something that will enhance your life and your ability to make headway. A friendship will have a chance to grow, and romance and financial gain look promising.

You have more wiggle room than you think. Consider what’s important to you, and put your heart and soul into turning your objective into something tangible. A financial opportunity will lead to a contract or the chance to head in a unique direction. Avoid arguments by refusing to participate. Having a positive attitude helps you gain control.

Spend time nurturing both personal and professional relationships. Speak about your concerns, and be prepared to compromise when necessary. Listen to complaints and size up situations to ensure you have your facts straight and that everyone feels comfortable with the outcome. Don’t ignore a medical or financial issue.

Change begins with you. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and put your energy behind your promises to yourself and to others. Proceed with confidence and the realization that it’s up to you to embrace life and to channel your energy appropriately. Let go of the past; anger and negativity will hold you back.

Talks will offer more than anticipated. Be the one to start a conversation or to approach someone of interest. A positive attitude will make those you encounter feel comfortable and willing to reveal personal information. Attending social events, meeting new people and trying something unique will be entertaining and lead to an emotional connection.

Sherfane Rutherford and Shimron Hetmyer found themselves fac ing a problem. The one West Indies often face. Dot balls. And they solved it in a way that is typical of them too. With boundaries. This was merely a consolation win with West Indies’ chances of winning this series long past and a World Cup Qualifier in their near future, but it still tasted sweet.

New Zealand had put up 268 for 9, the highest first-innings total of the fivematch series and they were making it seem a whole lot bigger. Mitchell Santner came on in the 10th over. Pace disappeared by the 16th. Spinners bowling in tandem gave away just 37 in 13 overs. Keacy Carty pro duced the slowest innings of 20 or more by a West Indian since Marlon Samuels’ 25 off 65 against Pakistan in July 2013. And then he fell for 20 off 54.

Jayden Lennox found himself in the company of cricketing royalty. He went past Shane Warne and Anil Kumble and Sunil Narine and Shahid Afridi on the list of spinners with the most wickets in a bilateral ODI series. His 14 was still way off the top, but it was doing pretty well. A long hop of his was enough to dismiss Shai Hope, who walked away throwing a bit of a look at his partner at the other end. Carty’s innings at that point was 42 balls long and fea tured 29 dot balls. In trying to dispel the pressure he had built, Hope, the West Indies Captain, had thrown away his wicket with 151 runs

Hetmyer, Rutherford haul West Indies home in tense chase

the last five overs of spin in tandem yielded 37 runs.

West Indies were no longer helpless. They were thriving. So much so that they inspired awe in the eyes of their enemies. Santner got whacked by Rutherford first ball of his second spell and all he could do was watch the ball sail into the crowd, his mouth the shape of an ‘O’.

New Zealand being New Zealand made it thrill-

checked drives, one of which almost seemed to cleanse his palate after he indulged in a wild pick-up pull for six off Jayden Seales. For most of the first innings, seam was causing problems to the extent that even though New Zealand had three half-centurions, none of them made it to 70. Joseph was particularly good, keeping his speeds up in the low 140s [kph] even at the death. His second spell (3-1-6-1) jammed up the New Zealand batting just as they were heading into the last 10 overs. They could hit only six boundaries in those overs. The 19-yearold wristspinner Vitel Lawes finished his first series as a professional cricketer as the joint-third-highest wicket-taker and played just as

important a role, dismissing Young when he was looking solid and Mark Chapman who had top-scored with 80 in the previous ODI for just 11.

West Indies need wins to avoid the roulette that is a 10-team qualifying tournament that will swallow six of them up, denying them a place in the 2027 World Cup. They really went through the wringer getting this win, and maybe that puts them in good stead going forward. They’ll remember how they were almost beaten but just didn’t let it happen. West Indies will now turn their attention to the longer format of the game as they take on Pakistan in a two-match Test series. (ESPNcricinfo)

KFC Goodwill MVP Hendricks takes up high-performance training stint

Malcolm Hendricks, the standout defender who helped steer Chase’s Academic Foundation to back-toback championships at the 2025 KFC Goodwill Tournament, is set to reap the fruits of his labour, taking up a training stint in Panama and Brazil.

Hendricks was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2025 edition of the tournament by Scout Narada Wilson, thus capturing an opportunity to train abroad.

According to the tournament’s coordinators, Petra Organisation, after months of anticipation, Hendricks, who recently completed his exams in June, is on his way to begin Phase One of his high-performance training opportunity.

The Brazil Link Ltd has put together a high-intensity training programme and cultural exchange project for the young Guyanese athlete.

Hendricks will head to Panama first for about 10 days’ training at the Universidad Latina de Panama and Ciudad del Saber where he will train and play against teams from Panama, Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago.

Phase Two of the project will see Hendricks moving over to Sao Paulo, Brazil, along with two Trinidadian athletes to train and play with Academia de Futebol Real Brasil under the tutelage of coach Cesar Augusto.

According to a missive, the defender is in high spirits, and his family has been fully supportive of this endeavour and looks forward to his progress in Central and South America over the next few weeks.

Pakistan sent a strong warning ahead of the opening Test against the West Indies after dominating the four-day warm-

up match at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, finishing well on

Late Albion stalwarts honoured with memorial cricket match in Canada

The late Abdool “The Terminator” Sattaur, Suresh Ganouri, and Mr Permaul were honoured for their contributions to cricket with a specially arranged 25-over match at the Waterloo Cricket Ground in Kitchener, Canada, on July 12. The three men were former members of the Albion Cricket Club. Sattaur and Ganouri represented Guyana, while Permaul was a cricket enthusiast.

The match featured teams captained by Abdool Samad and Balram Ganouri, the brothers of Sattaur and Ganouri, respectively. The sides com -

prised former national and international cricketers based in Canada and the United States who shared connections with the three honourees.

Ganouri XI batted first and were dismissed for 117, with Farhad Haniff and Daniel scoring 20 runs each. Samad claimed two wickets for Sattaur XI, while Raj Rai and Jaden Singh took one wicket apiece. In reply, Sattaur XI reached 126 for two. Former Guyana senior all-rounder Sunil Dhaniram made 36 before retiring, while former West Indies “B” team player Derek Kallicharran con -

tributed an unbeaten 34. Jafar Samad also scored 29 before retiring.

Mundh Sharif claimed both wickets for Ganouri XI.

During a simple ceremony following the match, the participating players thanked the families for providing an opportunity to celebrate the legacies of the three late stalwarts. Special recognition was also given to Raj Misir for organising the match and providing the venue, meals and refreshments. The organisers and participants expressed hope that the memorial match would become an annual event.

Special mention was credited to Mr Cy Padmore, who has worked non-stop to ensure Hendricks has a smooth transition.

Pakistan build momentum with dominant warm-up display

top in their only tour fixture.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Pakistan’s batters made the most of ideal conditions, piling up an imposing 455 for four declared.

Babar Azam produced a polished century, scoring 100 from 151 deliveries before retiring out, while Azan Awais displayed tremendous patience in compiling 100 from 241 balls, also retiring out after laying a solid foundation. Abdullah Fazal added a valuable half-century, making 50 from 97 deliveries to strengthen Pakistan’s commanding total.

Ryan Bandoo was the pick of the West Indies bowlers, claiming two for 86, but the home side struggled to make regular breakthroughs against Pakistan’s disciplined batting effort.

The West Indies replied with 279 in 89.5 overs, falling well short of Pakistan’s first-innings total despite a determined fight from Kavem Hodge. The left-hander led the resistance with an impressive 92 from 130 balls, while Tagenarine Chanderpaul occupied the crease for long periods in scoring 51 from 155 deliveries.

Pakistan’s bowling attack shared the workload effectively, with Mohammad Ali producing an outstanding spell to finish with five for 37. Ali Usman and Aamir Jamal provided excellent support, claiming two wick -

ets each as the visitors secured a sizeable first-innings advantage.

Batting a second time,

Pakistan continued to build confidence ahead of the Test series, ending the fourth and final day on 219 with Awais Zafar leading the way with an unbeaten 128 from 190 balls.

West Indies spinner Jomel Warrican was the most successful bowler in the second innings, taking two for 36.

The warm-up match provided valuable preparation for both teams before the opening Test, which gets underway on July 25 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba. Pakistan will be encouraged by the performances of both their batting and bowling units, while the West Indies will look to address their shortcomings before the start of the two-match Test series.

4 athletes added to Guyana’s CAC Games athletics team

Guyana’s athletics team for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games has been expanded with the additions of Charissa December, Deshana Skeete, Tonya Rawlins, and Lloyd McCurdy.

Information received on Tuesday, July 21, confirmed the four additions to the squad, which previously included sprinter Jouvanna Cornette and javelin thrower Anisha Gibbons.

The CAC Games will be held from July 23 to August 8 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, with the athletics component running from August 2 to 8. Cornette will compete in the women’s 100 metres, while Gibbons will contest the women’s javelin. Junior Cornette has been named as the team’s official and coach.

The CAC contingent is scheduled to depart on July 30.

Meanwhile, Guyana’s Commonwealth contingent will leave the country on Thursday, July 23. The team comprises Noelex Holder for

Bishundial reflects on disappointing U-19 championship

Guyana’s Under-19 Head Coach Kumar Bishundial has described his team’s campaign at the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars Men’s Under-19 50-Over Championship as “really disappointing”, pointing to the batting unit’s inability to adapt to match situations as the main reason for their struggles.

Despite entering the tournament with a talented squad, Guyana endured an inconsistent campaign that saw the team suffer a heavy defeat to the Windward Islands in their final preliminary-round encounter.

“The performance has been really disappointing from such a talented bunch of guys. We had some good ones in patches and some where we really fell away badly. Our batters have let us down badly by not adapting to the situations at hand, hence what is seen in the results,” Bishundial said.

While frustrated with the team’s overall performances, the Coach acknowledged that several players produced encouraging individual displays throughout the tournament.

He reserved praise for Captain Parmeshwar Ram, who led by example with both bat and ball.

“Skipper Ram showed good maturity with both bat and ball,” the Head Coach noted, highlighting the Captain’s leadership and consistency.

The Coach also commended Adrian Hetmyer,

who enjoyed one of his most productive seasons, con-trib uting valuable

half-cen turies while also making an impact with the ball.

had a couple of fif ties and bowled well thus far. It’s his most productive year,” he said.

Among the bowlers, Bishundial singled out Gilbert Griffith for special praise, describing the young pacer as one of Guyana’s standout performers.

the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay; Ravon Williams for the 400m and mixed 4x400m relay; Akeem Stewart for the 100m and 4x100m relay; Shamar Horatio for the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay; Jackson Clarke for the 200m

throughout the competition.

“Young Gilbert Griffith has been excellent with the ball and has shown good control,” the Coach remarked.

He also praised Dhanesh Persaud for his all-round contribution, highlighting both his bowling and athleticism in the field.

“Dhanesh Persaud has been good with the ball and also electric in the field,” Bishundial added.

Romario Ramdeholl also earned favourable reviews after displaying discipline and control with the ball

The Coach further revealed that Guyana suffered a significant setback when all-rounder Shamar Apple was ruled out through injury after showing promising form early in the tournament.

“Shamar Apple looked good and in form until he was injured. It was a big blow for us also,” Bishundial related.

Although the campaign has been disappointing, Bishundial believes the tournament has identified several players with the potential to develop into future senior representatives, provided they continue to improve and learn from the experience.

and 4x100m relay; and Stafon Roach for the triple jump.

Simeon Adams will com-

pete in the 400m and mixed 4x400m relay, Aaliyah Moore in the 800m and mixed 4x400m relay, and Kelisa Smith in the 100m, 200m and mixed 4x400m relay. Mark Scott, Linden Phillips and Thelson Williams have been named among the officials and coaches.

Guyana will also send a team to the World Athletics Under-20 Championships, scheduled for August 5 to 9 at Hayward Field in Oregon, United States.

The team includes Malachi Austin, Skylar Charles, Onesi Dunn, Tishawn Easton, Dequan Farrell, Dejuan Grant, Athaleyha Hinckson, Angel Jeffrey, Ezekiel

Millington, Olivia Solomon, Tianna Springer, and Gordon Thompson.

Austin, Charles, Easton and Grant are listed for the 4x400m relay, while Charles, Dunn, Farrell, Millington and Thompson are included in the 4x100m relay pool. The individual entries include Austin, Easton and Springer in the 400m; Charles, Easton and Farrell in the 200m; Dunn, Farrell, Hinckson, Jeffery and Thompson in the 100m; and Solomon in the 800m.

James Cole will serve as team manager, with Quinse Clarke and Keisa Burrette as coaches. Aretha Legall has been named as physiotherapist.

Everest’s Nadir praises ExxonMobil GSL for

Youth Clinic

As the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League T20 (GSL) prepares for the commencement of its third season later this week, the organisation has come in for praise for its youth development work.

On Sunday last, over 40 youth cricketers benefitted from a clinic facilitated by players and coaches set to compete in the ExxonMobil GSL.

Present at the clinic was Everest Cricket Club (ECC) President Manzoor Nadir, who relished what a golden opportunity it was for the upand-coming players.

“First, for me and our team members, and especially the young players, it’s an excellent opportunity,” Nadir told this publication exclusively. “When we talk to our young players about cricket and the heroes of the time we know, they can’t associate. Here, they are rubbing shoulders [with] – and especially young people who came up with them, like Jonathan Van Lange. So, this is a glorious opportunity.”

Emphasising the need for mental fortitude in the modern game, Nadir illustrates how the clinic will be beneficial in that aspect.

Nadir explained, “For me, that is crucial, and we don’t work enough on mindset or mental strength. That is why you see a West Indies team at 124-4 collapse to 140; you see a Guyana U19 team winning with a collapse of the other team. So, mental strength is

extremely important for us; I know because I help out with what we call ‘associate members’, and many times, they know what they have to do; it’s just the brain is telling them, ‘You have to do this,’ but the muscles are going in a different direction.”

“So, all this helps to reinforce the good works the coaches have been putting into our children at all the clubs. All these lessons are reinforced at sessions like these when the international players tell them what they have won to reach where they are,” he went on to enlighten.

As such, the Everest CC boss went on to heap praise on the ExxonMobil GSL for the initiative.

Nadir gushed, “And I’m so pleased that Global Super League has seen it so fit to organise such an engagement with our youth players and some of the Global Super League stars. I commend the GSL, the organisers for this particular initiative.”

The ExxonMobil Guyana GSL will bowl off on Thursday,

July 23, and run until Saturday, August 1, at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

Antigua and Barbuda Falcons name overseas roster for 2026 season

The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons have on Tuesday announced their overseas contingent ahead of the 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL), combining two established international headliners with a group of specialist bowlers and rising subcontinental talent.

The overseas signings confirmed for the upcoming campaign include Moeen Ali, Kusal Perera, Milind Kumar, Tajinder Singh, Shadab Khan, and Sufiyan Muqeem.

Similarly to the Kingsmen, the Falcons’ overseas plans for 2026 have been carefully structured around player availability. Ali and Perera are fully available for the en

tire tournament and will be with the squad from day one, giving the side a settled top-order presence throughout the campaign.

Kumar and Singh will also link up with the team at the start of the season, available for the first three matches of the campaign. Meanwhile, Khan and Muqeem will be available for seven matches during the tournament, adding proven and emerging spin options to the squad as the campaign progresses.

Moeen Ali headlines the signings as one of white-ball cricket’s most experienced all-rounders. The left-handed batter and off-spinner was

“No pressure” as Perth Scorchers make ExxonMobil GSL debut

Reigning Big Bash League (BBL) champi ons, out of Australia, the Perth Scorchers are keen on making their presence felt at the upcoming ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) T20.

Cup and 2022 T20 World Cupwinning squads and continues to be a highly sought-after franchise performer despite stepping back from international duty in 2024. His ability to bat in the top order and hold down an over of spin makes him a valuable all-format asset for the Falcons.

Kusal Perera brings genuine explosiveness at the top of the order. The Sri Lankan left-handed wicketkeeper-batter, a member of Sri Lanka’s 2014 International Cricket Council World Twenty20winning squad, is renowned for his aggressive stroke-play and became the fastest Sri Lankan to 1000 T20I runs. His powerplay hitting and

power to the Falcons’ batting order.

Milind Kumar is a right-handed batter and occasional off-break bowler who represents the USA national team after a prolific career in Indian domestic cricket, including a Ranji Trophy-leading run tally in 2018-19. His experience across the franchise circuit and the US international setup makes him a reliable top-order option for the opening phase of the campaign.

performances in Major League Cricket, and joins the Falcons looking to make an early impact.

Shadab Khan is one of world cricket’s leading white-ball all-rounders.

Tournament at PSL 2026 after finishing as the competition’s leading wicket-taker for Peshawar Zalmi, adding to earlier international experience in both T20I and ODI cricket for Pakistan. His wicket-taking threat gives the Falcons a genuine matchwinner in the middle overs.

Making their debut at the global showpiece this year, the Scorchers’ left-arm spin bowler Ashton Agar described the tournament as exciting.

Agar told media operatives, “It’s exciting. Anytime you get to travel internationally, it’s good fun. Playing in new conditions is always a good challenge for any cricketer, and you put yourself on the world stage. I mean, it’s a great opportunity, so we’re going to try and win, and that’s exciting.”

As the Perth Scorchers look to establish themselves as title contenders, Agar declared that there will be no pressure but an intent to adapt to Guyanese conditions.

“No pressure. I think it’s just we have high standards, and we expect to play at a high standard,” the bowler shared.

“That’s how we train, that’s how our organisation runs; that doesn’t mean you put any more pressure on the field; I think it’s quite the opposite. You got to play with freedom,

country and new conditions. I don’t come in with too much expectation of what I’m trying to get; you just got to adapt to what’s in front of you and make the best of what’s presented to you, take on opportunities on and off the field, getting used to the conditions at training, and bringing new skills into your game that you might learn over here,” Agar went on to add.

Quizzed about what makes Perth title contenders, Agar highlighted their camaraderie as a factor.

He explained, “This is a bit different, this tournament, because we’ve got six or seven local guys here, and then we’ve got more overseas as well, just because of how the balance of the tournament works and different leagues that are going on in the world as well.”

“For the guys who are from Perth, we’re all very close friends, and that’s something that’s strong in Perth; we look after each other, we treat each

er like family, and that’s how we play on the field.

It’s not about one guy being the centrepiece of the team; it’s about everyone coming together, and we treat everyone who comes into our team as our family.”

Bringing his left-arm spin to the competition, Agar is eager to cash in on Guyana’s spin-friendly conditions.

“It’s nice. I don’t often bowl on spinning wickets back in Perth; you know, the stadium is not a spin-friendly pitch, and really not many places in Australia are, but to play on a wicket that traditionally turns is exciting. Like I said, you’re just going to have to adapt to the conditions in front, but if it does spin, definitely is my favourite, and I hope it does,” Agar expressed.

The Perth Scorchers will begin their ExxonMobil Guyana GSL campaign on Thursday, July 23, clashing with the Lahore Qalandars from 10:00h at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

Tajinder Singh is an all-rounder who bats right-handed and bowls offspin, representing Canada on the international stage. He has built a strong reputation in North American franchise cricket, including standout

The Pakistan Vice Captain in T20Is combines classical leg-spin with genuine lower-order hitting and has captained Islamabad United to Pakistan Super League (PSL) success. His control, experience, and big-match temperament strengthen the Falcons’ spin-bowling and finishing options.

Sufiyan Muqeem joins as one of the most exciting young spinners in world cricket. The left-arm wrist-spinner was named Player of the

Billingy qualifies for 2026 CAC Games

…Moore replaces Van Lange on men’s team

The Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) announced that Jasmine Billingy has secured qualification for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games through the International Table Tennis Federation Americas (ITTFA) qualification process.

Billingy will represent Guyana in the women’s singles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles events at the Games, which will be held from July 24 to August 8 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

The Table Tennis competition is scheduled for August 2-8 and will feature leading players from Central America and the Caribbean competing for regional honours.

Billingy is the reigning National Junior Girls’ and Women’s Champion and has won multiple Caribbean titles.

noted that the St Stanislaus College student has con tinued to de velop into one of Guyana’s leading young Table Tennis players through consistent performances at the national and international levels.

Combined with a core West Indian contingent led by Fabian Allen and Evin Lewis, the Falcons’ overseas group gives the franchise a balanced blend of experience and emerging talent as they build their squad.

The Republic Bank CPL is scheduled for August 16 to September 20, 2026, and is being hosted across eight coun-

Billingy will join twotime Olympian Chelsea Edghill and the men’s team of Shemar Britton, Elishaba Johnson, Niran Bissu and Malachi

back in April, he told this publication that he will no longer be participating due to other commitments.