Guyana Times September 2, 2025

Heritage Month 2025 celebrations kick off with review of 1995 origins P17

“Be patient” – Jagdeo to Guyanese

GECOM apologises for inadequate facilities for PWDs at some polling stations

US-based Guyanese killed in brawl at Coomacka Mines Carter Center stresses evidencebased not hearsay monitoring assessment

First-time voters join thousands as ballots cast in 2025 elections Afghanistan earthquake kills 800, injures 2800; Taliban asks world for help

Carter Center stresses evidence-based not hearsay monitoring assessment

As Guyanese turned out for what many observers characterise as one of “the most consequential elections in decades” amid an oil-rich boom, The Carter Center’s election observers remained vigilant, pledging that assessments would be grounded strictly in verified evidence, not hearsay. The Carter Center, which on Monday deployed 40 observers across all 10 regions of Guyana to closely monitor polling stations and vote tabulation centres, made clear it will hold off on any conclusions until the facts are fully assessed. At FE Pollard Primary School in Kitty, Georgetown, lead observer Jason Carter reaffirmed the mission’s guiding principle:

“One of the things that’s very important for all of us is that we want to make sure we are drawing conclusions based on evidence and not based on rumors. So, when we hear things, we try to go

see with our own eyes what’s happening,” he said.

“We’re not going to draw any conclusions, of course, until after the day is over and then after the tabulation process is complete.”

The Carter Center’s election observers arrived in Guyana way ahead of the election and had undergone training in advance of their observation of Election Day, tabulation, and the post-election environment. Carter returns to Guyana after having co-led the Center’s 2020 election observation mission in the country. The Center’s core team of electoral experts arrived in late June and issued a preliminary statement summarising key observations in the pre-election period on August 19. After the election, it will issue reports that offer an independent and impartial assessment of the electoral process. The Carter Center is here at the invitation of the Government of

Guyana. It has a longstanding commitment to Guyana and has worked in the country since 1991 to strengthen democracy, support civil society, encourage sustainable development and reinforce the rule of law. The Carter Center is a recognised leader in the international election observation community and has conducted more than 125 election observation missions globally, including in Guyana in 1992, 2001, 2006, 2015, and 2020.

unit: “We provide impartial factual reports” and “we are transmitting our findings to our statistical hub.”

He underlined the scale of the EU presence, “it’s 50 of us”, and invited the public to hear preliminary EU findings at a scheduled press briefing: “a press conference which will be held on September 3, at the Pegasus hotel.” He later described Election Day as a celebration of democracy and reported that observers across all re-

European Union (EU)

Meanwhile, European Union (EU) Chief Observer Robert Biedroń told reporters during their press briefing at the St Gabriel Primary School at Oronoque and Crown Streets, Queenstown, Georgetown, that the mission was collecting detailed field returns and routing them to a central analytics

gions witnessed the smooth opening of polling stations for Monday’s General and Regional Elections. Biedroń explained that they were stationed “from the very early morning” to oversee the start of voting and would remain until the close of polls and the counting of ballots. “We are gathering information, observing the elections…This will give us a very clear picture of the vot-

ing process from all of the regions of the country,” he said. Biedroń noted that the team will also observe the tabulation of votes at the regional level to provide a thorough assessment.

The EU Election Observation Mission is also expected to release its preliminary findings on September 3, followed later by a final report with recommendations.

Devoid of fear

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), having deployed approximately 200 observers across the country, reported that, based on preliminary observation reports, the General and Regional Elections 2025 were conducted professionally and transparently by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). The ERC notes that the electoral process was free, fair and carried out in an atmosphere devoid of fear or in-

timidation. ERC observers reported that polling stations were generally well organised, with procedures being followed, and that GECOM staff displayed professionalism and courtesy in the execution of their duties. The ERC emphasises the importance of the ballot counting and verification of Statements of Poll (SoPs) being conducted with the same level of transparency and professionalism, and the official results to be made public within the shortest possible time.

The Commission commends the people of Guyana for their peaceful participation in the process and for their collective contribution towards ensuring credible elections. In anticipation of the results from GECOM, the ERC calls on all leaders of political parties, to appeal to their supporters to remain calm, respectful and avoid actions that would build tensions in our society.

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, September 2 – No Closure and Wednesday, September 3 –01:15h–02:45h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, September 2 –12:15h–13:45h and Wednesday, September 3 – 13:30h–15:00h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Sunny skies and midday showers are expected during the day, and clear skies are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to East South-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 12:03h reaching a maximum height of 1.98 metres.

Low Tide: 17:55h reaching a minimum height of 1.26 metres.

“Be patient” –Jagdeo to Guyanese …says

As Guyana awaits the results of Monday’s General and Regional Elections, Vice President and General Secretary of the People's Progressive Party (PPP), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has urged supporters and Guyanese as a whole to “be patient”.

During an update following the close of polls Monday night, Jagdeo said, “I’m very pleased that we’ve had a peaceful day of voting. We’re all now awaiting the results, and hopefully the country will continue to maintain this peaceful posture. I want to say to the population on the whole and PPP supporters: be patient.”

Jagdeo characterised the day as “a good one” for the country, emphasising that despite some logistical issues, the voting process was peaceful and accessible. He added that there were mi-

like Georgetown.

“The trend is – you’re seeing it now – that APNU will have a very difficult night. They will have a very, very difficult night. APNU supporters, or traditional supporters, are going to go three ways: to the PPP, to WIN, and some will remain with APNU, and that party will have some serious introspection to do.” – Jagdeo

nor glitches during the day, including issues related to voter accessibility and isolated disruptions at polling stations. However, he said these were addressed without major consequence.

“There was nothing fatal about the process, and it went peacefully… Every Guyanese who wanted to exercise their franchise could have done so today in a peaceful manner,” he noted.

He did, however, flag concerns over inadequate infrastructure for elderly and disabled voters, referencing reports of voters being assisted up steep stairways in multi-storey buildings without elevators.

The PPP/C General Secretary added that though the final results are yet to be announced, he is confident that a clear picture will emerge as early as today.

“It’s going to be a long night, and results are going to come in in little dribbles from different parts of the country, and it’s hard to form an opinion based on what you see on individual Statements of Poll. We have a macro picture, and as far as I see, it’s a good picture.

“The results are going to be known very soon. We don’t have to wait five months for these results because by tomorrow (today). I expect all of the SoPs to be uploaded, and then every Guyanese will know the result of the elections,” Jagdeo expressed.

He said that the party is

the tabulation of the results commences. He urged other political parties to not rush by posting SoPs which may not be a reflection of the true numbers at the polling stations. He added that there is nothing barring the parties from posting SoPs, but they have a responsibility to ensure that the SoPs are au-

“But at the end of the day, the results would be known. In this country our voting system is proportional representation, and the party that gets the most votes wins the presidency. Depending on the votes that you get in relation to the number of voters who turn out, the seats in Parliament are allocated, and then the results would be known to the public,” he reminded.

He noted that the PPP/C has been examining the numbers and calculating voter turnout, which seems to be lower than 2020.

Jagdeo said early turnout numbers and voting trends reflect a strong showing for the PPP/C and indicate significant inroads into traditional APNU strongholds

“The trend is – you’re seeing it now – that APNU will have a very difficult night. They will have a very, very difficult night. APNU supporters, or traditional supporters, are going to go three ways: to the PPP, to WIN, and some will remain with APNU, and that party will have some serious introspection to do,” he explained. Jagdeo further explained that at the 2020 GRE, APNU won the capital by a margin of 50,000 votes, but based on his party’s projection, that number will significantly reduce.

“They will never end tonight with that big margin of 50,000 votes more than the PPP in the city,” he declared.

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

A celebration of unity, culture & progress

Each September, the nation pauses to celebrate Amerindian Heritage Month, a commemoration that honours the Indigenous peoples whose history and culture form the foundation of Guyana’s identity. This year’s observance, launched under the theme “Igniting Unity, Celebrating Progress, Advancing Our Culture”, presents an opportunity for festivity.

It offers a chance for reflection on how far Guyana has come in respecting and empowering its first peoples, and how much more remains to be done.

Amerindian Heritage Month is an affirmation of recognition, an acknowledgement that the Indigenous peoples of Guyana have made immeasurable contributions to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of the nation. Their stewardship of the land, their unique languages and traditions, and their resilience in the face of centuries of marginalisation remain invaluable to the country’s story. As the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs has underscored, September is a time to reflect on this legacy while also envisioning the future through a lens of inclusivity and respect.

The theme selected for 2025 captures a profound truth; unity, progress, and cultural preservation are not competing ideals but interconnected imperatives. Unity is essential for ensuring that the voices of Indigenous peoples are not relegated to the margins of national decision-making. Progress is measured not only in economic terms but also in the extent to which Indigenous communities enjoy equitable access to healthcare, education, infrastructure, and opportunities for self-determination. Culture, meanwhile, is not static; it is dynamic and living, deserving of advancement, not mere preservation. By advancing Indigenous culture, Guyana strengthens its collective identity and enriches its national narrative.

The official calendar of events reflects this holistic approach. From the children’s poem competition that fosters cultural pride among the youngest generation to the arts exhibition and fashion showcase that highlight the evolving creativity of Indigenous designers, the activities are designed to bridge past, present, and future. The designation of Nappi Village in Region Nine as this year’s Heritage Village is particularly symbolic, bringing national attention to a community whose traditions, stories, and struggles embody the wider Amerindian experience.

Equally significant are the spaces created for national reflection and dialogue, such as the annual interfaith service at the Umana Yana and the commemoration of Stephen Campbell, Guyana’s first Indigenous Parliamentarian. These occasions remind the nation of the political, spiritual, and civic contributions of Indigenous leaders and communities. They also challenge the broader society to ensure that such contributions are not relegated to history but are continuously acknowledged and built upon.

The Government has emphasised that the celebration aligns with the One Guyana vision, which seeks to create a society where equity and inclusiveness are cornerstones of national development. Under this framework, Indigenous villages have reportedly benefited from increased investments in infrastructure, agriculture, small business ventures, and cultural initiatives. Such interventions are more than budgetary allocations; they are instruments of empowerment, providing Indigenous peoples with the tools to define and pursue their own development priorities.

However, while progress has been made, there must also be recognition of the persistent challenges facing Indigenous communities. Land rights, access to modern healthcare, quality education, and climate resilience remain pressing concerns. The global spotlight on Indigenous rights, which Guyana has embraced in international forums, must be translated into tangible local outcomes that ensure no community is left behind. Amerindian Heritage Month should therefore not only highlight achievements but also provoke honest reflection on gaps that remain unresolved.

The Sophia Amerindian Village and other cultural showcases this month are expected to draw thousands of visitors, offering an immersive experience of Indigenous cuisine, crafts, and performances. These events do more than entertain; they serve as bridges of understanding, dismantling stereotypes and fostering deeper appreciation of Indigenous identity. They remind the wider Guyanese society that the survival and flourishing of Indigenous traditions are inseparable from the nation’s broader cultural vitality.

Amerindian Heritage Month is a national celebration, but it must also remain a call to action. To ignite unity requires sustained dialogue, to celebrate progress requires measurable development outcomes, and to advance culture requires robust support for language revitalisation, creative industries, and Indigenous-led enterprises.

As the celebrations unfold, Guyana stands at a pivotal juncture. With rapid economic transformation reshaping the national landscape, it is imperative that Indigenous peoples are not sidelined but are central participants in shaping this future. Amerindian Heritage Month is therefore about honouring a proud past and also about committing to an inclusive tomorrow.

Escaping domestic violence

By Pavitra ramharack

Many of us know someone who may be a victim of domestic violence. Domestic violence does not only mean the physical act of abuse but also includes abuse such as sexual, emotional, psychological and financial. We have seen friends, co-workers, relatives, and even neighbours suffer silently, and some of us may have offered help, while others believed it was more prudent not to interfere in the private lives of others.

Domestic violence is one of those scourges that never goes away. No matter how much society has evolved or how modernised we believe we have become, it still has a grip on us and lurks in the shadows as a topic thickly coated with shame, scandal and embarrassment.

In T&T, we recognised the need to protect domestic violence victims and in 1999, assented to the Domestic Violence Act, and in 2020, there were amendments to the Domestic Violence Act. The amendments sought to introduce new categories of persons who could apply for protection and expanded on the protections offered.

Securing an order under the Domestic Violence Act, or, as we commonly say, a protection order, is a fairly simple procedure. An application is made to the Magistrates’ Court. Depending on the severity of the issues, an interim

order can be made offering protection before a respondent even appears before the court. While it can sometimes be important to have legal representation at these hearings, it is not necessary, and persons with financial difficulties can represent themselves at the hearings for their application.

A protection order can be granted for as long as three years and would usually direct the respondent to cease communication with applicants, to remain a required distance away from applicants, to remove themselves from a shared home and to cease any conduct which can be considered as domestic violence.

While we have the necessary legislation in place, incidents of domestic violence continue to plague our society, with a percentage being reported, but clearly, a percentage which goes unreported. Last week, there was an incident where a person who was suspected of domestic violence was shot dead by police. It was reported that police responded to a domestic violence call, and upon arrival, the suspect proceeded to repeatedly stab one of the responding officers and was shot and killed. The article further stated that the suspect was allegedly abusing two elderly ladies who had suffered from years of abuse.

It was also reported last week that a woman was shot and killed by her husband during a domestic dispute,

and the husband initially attempted to contend the wife was killed by an intruder.

In both scenarios, it may be fair to guess that the reported incidents were not the first incidents of domestic violence. Yet, the victims were still in the homes with the alleged abusers. While reading such articles, it is often very easy for the readers to opine that the victims should have left, sought help from the court, and made a report to the police, and so on. It is usually very simple to offer such opinions, but sometimes difficult for the victims to act on any of them.

The Domestic Violence Act offers protection but cannot offer all the protection required by a victim. Not all victims have access to shelter, money, employment or proper opportunities that allow them to easily walk away from their abusers. Many victims are dependent on their abuser for all their financial needs, not just for themselves but also for their children. There are many who are unemployed and have no easy access to finances that would allow them an opportunity to flee and properly take care of themselves and their children. Worse yet, many victims have been forced to ostracise their friends and relatives so that they have no one to depend on or seek assistance from.

Our legislation allows a legal framework to protect victims, but we have not suc-

cessfully been able to generate the assistance victims need to walk away. While there are several non-profit organisations that have done an excellent job of creating shelters offering medical, legal and housing assistance to women and their children, these shelters offer limited spaces and are not located in all communities or areas where their resources are needed. I cannot keep check of the number of divorces I have done where women complained about how difficult it was to walk away because there is little support available to women who are victims. Sadly, many victims chose to live in bad situations due to a sense of helplessness or their own hardships.

It is becoming more and more necessary to create safe havens for victims. Shelters should be easily accessible to those who need a place to escape to while they reconsider their options and begin to regain their independence and ability to stand on their own. We now offer various social services, including food cards, social service payments, self-help, and other such avenues to assist persons who are in need. However, we need to find a more effective way to assist victims in escaping domestic violence. (The Guardian) (Pavitra Ramharack is head of chambers at Pavitra Ramharack Attorneys at Law.)

GECOM exposes Team Mohamed’s fake SoPs, orders Police probe

Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Public Relations (PR) Officer

Yolanda Ward, on Monday night sought to swiftly deal with several elections misinformation being peddled online including the posting of a fake Statement of Poll (SoP) by one of the contesting political parties, as well as issues posted online about foreign Commonwealth nationals being able to participate in the voting process, multiple voters having the same address, and continued speculations on dead voters still being listed on the Official List of Electors (OLE).

Speaking at GECOM’s first press conference after the close of polls on Monday, Ward urged voters to rely only on official results and clarifications issued by the Commission, even as she noted that the body is aware of the circulation online of an SoP purporting to show votes cast in the favour of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party headed by United States (US)-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed. “I want to urge persons and political parties to desist from doing that,” Ward cautioned. “We have issued several appeals in relation to this matter, and I want to remind persons that GECOM is the only authority to release the election results. If you’ve noticed, we have stayed away from preliminary results. We want to ask persons in particular to rely on the tool that is legally provided for by way of GECOM’s website and to ensure that they follow from that tool and so that they are not misguided by what is published out there. It is important for persons, particularly the electorate as a whole, to be only guided by what GECOM publishes in relation to any kind of results for these elections.”

In a subsequent statement, GECOM noted that it would be calling in the police to probe the party’s publication of the fake SoP. Suspiciously, the incriminating SoP was posted on Mohamed’s personal social media page “Team Mohamed’s” at 18:01h, just one minute after the close of polls on Monday. GECOM noted that given the time of publication of those documents, it would have been impossible for the counting of the ballots in any polling station to have commenced.

“This despicable act can only be seen as creating a platform on which the Political Party associated with the Team Mohamed Facebook Page can create the impression that it has been successful at the polls,” the statement said.

Misinformation

As pertains to another social media case where issues were raised about Bangladeshi nationals being issued “Commonwealth” ID cards by GECOM, Ward reminded that the laws provided for Commonwealth citizens residing in Guyana for

one year or more to be able to vote at an election and as such are legally eligible to be added to the voters list by GECOM and issued with ID cards.

“Under Guyana’s laws, Commonwealth citizens residing legally in the country for one year are issued ID. Under the National Registration Act where the electoral process begins the eligibility for registration is that you must be a Guyanese citizen by birth, descent, naturalisation or a citizen of a Commonwealth country living in Guyana for one year or more. That is what the law provides for. And once your name has been extracted onto a list of electors you are eligible to vote,” Ward explained.

Ward also clarified issues circulating online about voters who have the same address, noting there is nothing in the law preventing multiple voters being at the same address. “What matters is that the registration process was followed in compliance with the law,” Ward related. As pertains to claims of names of deceased persons still being present on the voters list. Ward reminded that voters legally cannot be arbitrarily removed without proper documentation.

Names cannot be removed

Ward emphasised “names can only be removed with an official death certificate submitted to the General Registrar’s Office (GRO). Without it, names may remain until the next list revision cycle. This is a legal safeguard to prevent wrongful removal.” She further noted that GECOM receives death certificates directly from the Registrar’s Office, which are then flagged and processed according to legal provisions. Additional opportunities for adjustments also exist during the claims and objections period, when individuals may file objections to names on the list.

Addressing public fears of electoral fraud, Ward stressed that multiple safeguards are in place at polling stations to prevent voter impersonation.

“Of course, as you know, we have published the multiple safeguards in place at polling stations to guard against any possible impersonation,” she stated.

It was since 2019 that the High Court ruled that it was unconstitutional for GECOM to remove qualified persons from the National Register of Registrants from which the Official List of Electors (OLE) is extracted.

In cases where voters complained of not being able to vote at particular polling stations, Ward reminded that voters can only vote at their assigned polling station where their names were listed at that polling station. As such voters turning up at any polling station where they were not listed could not have been allowed to vote at that polling station. Ward also noted that throughout the day as voting continued, GECOM addressed several issues as they arose, including issues as pertained to the positioning of the voting booth at polling stations and Police Officers being stationed inside of polling stations.

Sign Off

Cartoons

Evening News (RB)

Stop Suffering

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2025

Movie - The Bad Guys 2 (2025)

Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown S1 E2 12:00 News Break

12:05 Movie - Sketch (2024)

14:00 Jurassic World S2 E8

14:30 The Fairly Oddparents

15:00 How I Met Your Mother S3 E13

16:00 Indian Soaps

17:00 The Young & The Restless 18:00 TVG Music Break

18:30 Teaching the Truth in Love

19:00 The Evening News

20:00 Stop Suffering

20:30 Abbot Elementary S2 E6

21:00 Fire Country S3 E11

22:00 Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan S1 E3

23:00 The Outpost S1 E6

APolygons

polygon is any closed figure made of straight line segments. The line segments are called sides. The meeting points are called vertices.

A polygon must:

• Have at least 3 sides.

• Be closed (the sides join up).

• Have straight sides (no curves).

There are various types of polygons; regular, irregular, concave, and convex.

Regular vs Irregular Polygons

• Regular polygon: All sides and angles are equal. (e.g., equilateral triangle, square, regular hexagon)

• Irregular polygon: Sides and/or angles are not equal.

Examples:

1. A square is a regular quadrilateral (all sides & angles equal).

2. A stop sign is a regular octagon.

3. A rectangle is an irregular quadrilateral (angles equal but sides not all equal).

Materials

• Tie-dye powder

• White shirts (or anything white that you’d like to dye)

• Ice (either cubed or crushed)

• Pieces of cardboard cut into strips

• A large shallow tub

• A rack that fits over the tub Instructions

1. Prepare your materials

This project requires slightly more preparation than regular tie-dyeing. First, cut strips of cardboard a couple of inches wide and tape them together to create a loop to keep your shirt crumpled up inside. This way, as the shirt gets wet, it doesn’t spread out and affect the dyeing process. Also, make sure to wash your shirts before starting!

2. Set up the dyeing station Next, set a rack on a shallow tub to collect the dyed water. Then put the loop on the rack.

Practice

1. Define a polygon in your own words. Give 2 examples and 1 non-example.

2. Name these polygons:

• A shape with 7 sides

• A shape with 9 sides

• A shape with 10 sides

3. Is a circle a polygon? Why or why not?

4. Classify each shape as regular or irregular:

• Equilateral triangle

• Rectangle

• Regular pentagon

5. A stop sign has 8 equal sides. What kind of polygon is it?

6. Circle the shapes below that are polygons

Crumple up your shirt and place it inside the loop, but make sure it is roughly a single layer of fabric.

3. Cover the shirt with ice Spread ice cubes or crushed ice over the shirt. The more ice, the more water will be absorbed into the shirt, which will spread the dye around.

4. Sprinkle dye over the ice Carefully sprinkle powdered dye over the ice, being careful to avoid accidentally colouring other dye projects!

5. Let sit This is the perfect “set it and forget it” project! Once the dye is on the ice, you just let it do its thing.

6. Wait a little longer

Once the ice is melted, you’ll want to let your clothing sit for another 4-6 hours to make sure the dye is set. The longer the dye sits, the more vibrant the final product will be. Finally, rinse thoroughly, then wash, dry, and wear! (artfulparent. com)

By Suma SuBramaniam

You cannot pronounce my name. “Soor-ya.” Not “soar.” Surya—the sun god. Mom always tells me that a smile heals everything. So I try.

I sit beside you in the cafeteria and smile.

You look down at your food and eat your cheeseburger, I eat the lemon rice in my box.

My mom cut and squeezed two lemons and cracked open a coconut to make my lunch. I savor every spoon of my vegan rice while you savor your meat patty. You enjoy your burger. I enjoy my lemon rice.

We don’t say anything to each other until almost the end of the lunch break. I apologize for splattering ink on your shirt when you got my name wrong this morning.

You smile back at me. “Surya,” you say. You don’t know how that makes me feel. Mom is right. A smile always heals.

[Source: Poetry (March 2021)]

You are building a new city! What types of things do you think your city needs? How will you convince people to move to your new city?

“I don’t

anticipate a recurrence of 2020’s problem” – OAS Chief Observer

…lauds “peaceful, disciplined” polling day

Head of the Organisation of American States (OAS) Electoral Observation Mission (EOM), Bruce Golding, says he does not anticipate that there will be a repeat of the events that marred the 2020 General and Region Elections.

Golding, who had also led the OAS mission at those elections five years ago when there were blatant attempts to subvert the will of the Guyanese people, reported a smooth process during the first half of Monday’s polling day.

He was at the time briefing reporters on his mission’s observations as Guyanese cast their ballots in the 2025 General and Regional Elections. The OAS Chief Observer reminded that the issues that arose at the last elections had nothing to do with the actual conduct of the poll but the tabulation exercise in just one region, that is, Region Four – Guyana’s largest voting

district.

“The tabulation exercise in the other nine regions proceeded smoothly without any difficulty. Region Four was where the problem was. I am hoping, and I would put it even stronger than that; I don’t anticipate a recurrence of that problem,” Golding, a former Prime Minister of Jamaica, stated.

After a nearly smooth polling day on March 2, 2020, chaos erupted during the tabulation of the votes after there were blatant efforts by former embattled Returning Officer for Region Four, Clairmont Mingo, to inflate the figures in favour of the then A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Coalition regime.

Following a series of legal challenges and a national recount process, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) was finally declared the winner of the 2020 elections five months later on August 2, 2020.

Since then, Mingo, along with several former senior officials of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and political activists attached to the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led coalition, has been charged and placed before the courts for electoral fraud. Those cases are still pending.

In his preliminary report, Golding had said that he “has never seen a more transparent effort to alter the results of an election.”

He had noted at the time that, “It takes an extraordinarily courageous mind to present fictitious numbers when such a sturdy paper trail exists.”

This time around, however, with the amendments that were made to the regulations to strengthen the transparency and accountability of the tabulation process, the OAS Chief Observer said on Monday that he expects these events to “proceed smoothly”.

“I hope that as soon as a declaration is made – it probably won’t be made today [Monday] or even tomorrow [Tuesday] – by the time all of the various regions have tabulated, I hope that it will be a result that the people of Guyana are satisfied [with and it] and represents the true and free expression of the will of the people,” he asserted.

During the morning half of Monday’s polling day activities, the OAS Mission, which includes 27 experts and observers from 18 countries, visited 342 polling stations in seven of the 10 regions in Guyana.

Impressed

Up to the time of the media briefing around noon,

Golding said they were satisfied that the polling exercise started out and was proceeding in an orderly fashion.

“I was particularly impressed,” he noted, adding that “Our observations are that by and large things have been moving smoothly. All of the polling stations that we visited, with the exception of one, opened promptly on time, and that one had a difficulty because when they started out, they didn’t have the screen for the polling compartment, but that was quickly corrected, and they got the polling

station going.”

According to the OAS Chief Observer, he was also impressed with how professional and well-trained the polling officials seemed, as they were not hesitant in applying the relevant rules and guidelines. Moreover, he noted that the agents of the various political parties that contested the elections were also vigilant in ensuring that they were able to scrutinise the process.

Following the close of polls on Monday evening, the OAS observers monitored the counting of ballots at several polling stations

and thereafter, the tabulation of the results.

“We don’t know how far into the night that will go, but we’re going to drink some black coffee and stay there as long as we need to because we want to see the process through to completion. So, all told, I think the people of Guyana deserve to be congratulated on the peaceful, disciplined way in which they have gone out to cast their ballots… And I expect that the rest of the process will attract the same kind of discipline, orderliness, and professionalism,” Golding asserted.

Gunfire from Venezuelan shores Security forces on high alert – Pres Ali, as strengthened GDF ready

President Dr Irfaan Ali has assured the nation that Guyana’s security forces remain on high alert and well-equipped to defend the country’s borders, following an incident in which members of the Joint Services and staff of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) came under fire near the GuyanaVenezuela border while transporting ballot boxes.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday at about 14:30h in the vicinity of Bamboo along the Upper Cuyuni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), near the Guyana-Venezuela border, prompted swift assurances from President Irfaan Ali that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) remains on full alert and well-prepared to defend the nation’s territorial integrity.

According to reports, the escort consisted of ranks from the GDF and the Guyana Police Force (GPF), for nine GECOM officials who were transporting election materials to polling stations in Region Seven. In a statement, the GPF said that the Joint Services responded to the attack and were able to manoeuvre the vessels out of danger. No personnel were injured, and none of the election materials were damaged or compromised.

Speaking to the media on Monday after casting his ballot at the Leonora Technical & Vocational Training Centre, the President acknowledged that Guyana has faced repeated cross-border fire in

recent months.

However, while declining to go into operational details, President Ali said that significant investments have been made in strengthening the GDF’s capacity, both in troop presence and technology.

“We have had the fire from the Venezuelan side a number of times in the last couple of months. So, of course, it's concerning. The security forces are on full alert. They have their strength, and they're ready. They have the equipment, and we have to understand the threat of Venezuela… I can tell you that the Guyana Defence Force has beefed up not only its troops, but also their position. We have invested a lot, as you know, in the military. So, I'm confident with what they have

on our borders and the systems they have in place,” Ali stressed.

The President re-emphasised that his Administration will continue to support regional and international efforts against transnational crime and threats to peace.

“We view our sovereignty very seriously. But also, we live in a region that all of us must come together to fight transnational crime and to fight illicit drug trade. And we will support every effort to smash the illicit drug trade and transnational crime. We have to be part of every effort to tackle transnational crime. And wherever transnational crime is, whilst I've said this, we have always said consistently that this region must remain a zone of

peace. And we will do everything to ensure that this region remains a zone of peace and support every effort to ensure that this region remains a zone of peace,” he explained.

Just a few days ago, Guyana was named among a growing coalition of nations partnering with the United States to strengthen border security and combat transnational narcotics trafficking as part of a broader push to counter organised crime and enhance regional stability.

The partnership focuses on intelligence sharing, coordinated enforcement and strengthening legal frameworks to combat trafficking networks that use porous borders and maritime routes across the Caribbean and South America.

US-based Guyanese killed in brawl at Coomacka Mines

Police are investigating the death of 49-yearold Courtney Evans, a businessman of New York, United States of America (USA) and Coomacka Mines, Linden, who was allegedly murdered on Sunday evening at Coomacka Mines.

According to reports, Evans was in the company of his brother, 47-yearold truck driver Tyrone Otis Evans, and a friend, 28-yearold construction worker Joel Harding, at the Coomacka Mines Beach around 20:00h and were consuming alcohol when they encountered four males and a female who were also imbibing.

Police said an argument

broke out after the female allegedly directed a derogatory remark at Tyrone Evans. The exchange escalated into a physical altercation involving both groups. Shortly after, the female and her group reportedly left the location in a white minibus. During the incident, Courtney Evans sustained multiple injuries, including wounds to the right of his lower back, right side of his head, and left elbow. He was taken to the Linden Hospital Complex, where he died while receiving treatment.

Other persons injured in the brawl were also taken to the hospital. Tyrone

Evans received a wound to his forehead, while Harding sustained injuries to his left arm and right elbow. Another individual, 28-year-old Evan Herman of Coomacka Mines, suffered two wounds to the left side of his head and underwent surgery. His condition is listed as stable. The body of Courtney Evans was taken to the G. Jestco Funeral Home, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.

Police confirmed that a 22-year-old female teacher and one male suspect are in custody assisting with the investigation. Efforts are ongoing to locate the other suspects, Police said.

What happened…

W… on E-Day 2025

ell, the big day has come and gone, and like most of you, Dear Readers, your Eyewitness got up early – before dayclean!! – to get a jump on voting early. Since Prezzie had declared the day a holiday, he figured once he did his sacred duty, he’d have the day to do as he pleased!! Which, of course, meant hanging out with the fellas to argue about the elections’ outcome. Not MIGHT but WHAT was GOING to be the outcome!! We Guyanese, we have our FIRM opinions about elections!!

Anyhow, your Eyewitness is mighty pleased that everything countrywide went smoothly – just like at his polling station!! When he showed up with the Missus, there were just six persons ahead of them since there were three other substations to handle his neighbourhood. There was a group under a small tent who asked our name and, checking their records, pointed to our particular station.

When your Eyewitness’s turn came to enter the sanctum, he was asked for his ID card – which he was gripping in his sweaty hand!! His registration number, ID and profession were called out for the party agents to check off – and also look him over to make sure he wasn’t a corpse who’d risen from the dead to vote!! Of the party agents, there were only three – with no WIN blue in sight!! Your Eyewitness now knew why they’d filed agents for the 2970 polling stations so late: there weren’t enough Scrapes who had the patience to sit in one spot for 12 hours! But he was pleased GECOM had called their bluff and accommodated them!!

He was passed on to the polling officer, who took the ID card and looked him over good! Her deputy gave him a ballot paper which she’d folded over twice and then stamped the back with a number also twice. He was then pointed to a rough-and-ready makeshift cubicle to put his X opposite the symbol of the party of his choice. Which he ain’t saying, thank you!! Between the polling officer and the cubicle was the “Ink Girl”, who directed him to hold the ballot in his left hand and place it into a ballot box labelled with the polling station number and a letter “C” for his substation. Then for him to dip his right index finger into the icky ink bottle!!

And that was it!! Your Eyewitness had exercised his franchise within five minutes!! He must compliment GECOM for the meticulous training and deployment of their staff to make the entire process so seamless and painless!!

But that was the same in 2020, no?? The PNC shitstorm broke the next day!! Hope we’re gonna be spared this time!!

…out west?

Your Eyewitness wonders whether those Sindicatos who fired at our GDF servicemen accompanying ballot boxes along our Cuyuni River border with Venezuela weren’t part of Mad Maduro’s plan to further rally Venezuelans around the flag. “Further” because we know there are those US warships and Marines steaming his way to take him out –against which he claims he’s rallied 4.5 million militias to take them on!!

Whatever it is, the firing on our soldiers should be a wake-up call to those Guyanese – including some in our Opposition – who’ve questioned President Ali’s quick and decisive approval of the US action. Mad Maduro represents a clear and present danger to our nation’s survival, and now isn’t the time to debate the US's “real” motive for its action. Our position must be “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” – even though we know friendship can be transitory!

At a minimum, the US’s move buys us some time for President Ali’s plan to boost our forces to at least deter Mad Maduro!!

…to observers?

Your Eyewitness has been following the periodic interviews with the several international observer missions. He’s chuffed they concurred with him that, in general, voting proceeded quite smoothly. He’s noted the Opposition mischief-makers who’ve been sniping from under their rocks!

General and Regional Elections 2025 Jagdeo criticises Opposition Leader for disrupting voting process in Sophia

…slams Opposition for “magnifying minor issues”

General Secretary (GS) of the incumbent People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has condemned the opposition parties that contested General and Regional Elections for magnifying minor issues during Monday’s polling day activities. Speaking with reporters after casting his ballot at the St Paul’s Primary School at Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD) early Monday afternoon, Jagdeo noted, “There are several reports that are not unusual on polling day and I do not want to elevate them to intractable problems. The other political parties, their leaders are magnifying minor issues.” Among the issues he cited were stamps not working, sloth of the voting process at some polling places.

According to Jagdeo, who is also the country’s Vice President (VP), “these are normal things that happen around election day… and so far, all of those matters have been addressed promptly by GECOM (Guyana Elections Commission), whenever they come up or they’re identified.” One specific incident that he identified with an opposition party is Leader and Presidential Candidate of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Aubrey Norton, who complained about the layout inside some of the polling stations. In fact, after casting his ballot at the opening of polls at the Plaisance Secondary School Monday morning, Norton told reporters that he had objected to the placement of the voting booths.

“The law says that the scrutineers must see the body of the persons voting, though, they mustn’t be able to [see who they voted for]. Expect for one of the [polling stations] all the rest were wrong so I had them changed,” he noted.

The APNU Leader said he would let the party’s Chief Scrutineer issue a notice to inform their polling agents to stop the voting process if they cannot see the persons’ full body. Norton ended raising similar concerns later that morning at other polling stations in Sophia, Georgetown, where he had a confrontation with PPP can-

didate, Susan Rodrigues, who served as Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry in the incumbent PPP/C Administration. In videos circulating online, Rodrigues was seen indicating that her party is satisfied with the positioning of the voting compartment, stressing that “the voter is entitled to privacy.”

She went onto tell the APNU Presidential Candidate that he cannot disrupt the voting process and reminded him that GECOM is the entity that is conducting these elections, to which Norton responded, “You cannot tell me what to do.”

However, Chief Elections Officer (CEO) at GECOM, Vishnu Persaud has already made it clear that no representatives of any political parties have the power to stop the operations of a polling station. “The operations of polling stations are GECOM’s responsibility, not that of any political stakeholder. No stakeholder has any authority to stop the operations of a polling station,” Persaud had declared at a press conference last week. He was at the time responding to an incident that occurred on the August 22 Disciplined Services Day when APNU’s Chief Scrutineer, Carol Smith-Joseph, who disrupted the voting process at a polling station located in the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Base Camp Ayanganna headquarters.

Smith-Joseph, who is currently facing electoral fraud charges stemming from the 2020 national generals had argued that the positioning of the voting compartments prevented her from monitoring whether voters were using cellphones – a similar concern Norton shared on Monday’s E-Day activities. GECOM has banned the use of cellphones to prevent persons from taking photos of their ballot papers, putting systems in place at each polling stations for voters to lodge their devices nearby before going behind/ into the voting compartments to cast their ballots. At a pre-election press briefing on Sunday, CEO Persaud had explained that while GECOM does not have powers to arrest anyone found breaching this no cellphone rule, its staff at the polling

station will be taking the information of those persons who do this and hand them over the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for further actions at a later date. Meanwhile, addressing the actions of the APNU Leader, Jagdeo told reporters that the APNU leader should not have disrupted the process but, unlike the opposition party, the PPP/C would not make this a major issue of this matter. “There was an issue in Sophia when the Leader of the Opposition showed up there and was trying, personally, to rearrange the furniture in the polling place. GECOM addressed that matter so we chose not to elevate it into anything major. But he should not have done that,” the PPP GS contended. On the other hand, at least one international observer group, the Organisation

of American States (OAS), that is in Guyana to monitor the elections, has raised this issue of the voting compartment layout. Head of the OAS Electoral Observation Mission, Bruce Golding, related that in some polling stations, persons were being completely blocked behind the voting compartments while others were situated to give a clear view of the voter.

“I don’t blame that on the Presiding Officers (PO). There seems to have been some lack of clarity in the instructions that they were given… I gather it was in relation to this effort to prevent voters from photographing their ballots,” Golding stated.

GECOM At a press conference on Monday evening, GECOM’s Public Relations Officer

Yolanda Ward underscored the importance of positioning the voting compartments to protect voters’ secrecy.

Noting that POs were empowered to address such matters, Ward noted, “…where these matters were brought to the attention of our operations team, they were immediately addressed to the satisfaction of the Candidates and Agents of those respective Polling Stations.”

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Voters turn out in high spirits for 2025 General and Regional Elections

By Mishael henry, TaMika GarneTT and raywaTTie deonarine

From early bird voters

racing to be the first at the polls to first-timers buzzing with excitement and even those who crossed miles or overcame past hurdles just to make their mark, Monday’s General and Regional Elections in Guyana saw several spirited voters coming out to vote, each with their own special reason to celebrate casting their ballots.

In Region Three, at a polling station at the Patentia Secondary School, 39-yearold Patricia Smith could not stop smiling and showing how happy she was to final-

good; everything was normal,” she said.

At the Nismes Secondary School, voter Adessa Liverpool shared that she travelled all the way from the Imbamadai Backdam in the Upper Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Region Seven, just to make it to the polls.

“I have some grandchildren, and I [have to] think about their future ahead, so I had to make it a priority coming out of the interior just to do this. I’m a proud granny,” Liverpool commented.

Liverpool was accompanied to the polls by her husband, who had misplaced his National ID Card; however, Liverpool noted that they

ly be voting again, since last voting in 2006.

Speaking with Guyana Times just a short distance from her polling station, Smith said that although there were elections in 2011, 2015, and 2020 after she last voted, she was unable to participate in any of them due to issues with her birth certificate. She noted that she was born in Wakapo, Region One (Barima-Waini), an interior location.

“I felt so excited voting,” Smith said as she giggled and held up her marked right index finger, displaying that she had completed the casting of her ballot.

She commended the process for having been a smooth and effortless occasion.

“For my second time voting, the process was very

Academy High School (TASS), Holis Amsterdam was first in line after having left home at 04:30h to make her way to her polling station. According to Amsterdam, that’s a regular practice for her, and she encouraged all voters to get out and vote as early as they can.

“I always like to be the first voter every time there is an election. I left home at 04:30 this morning, and when I got here, there wasn’t anyone here yet. I want to encourage everyone to come out early, cast your vote and go home and catch your rest,” Amsterdam shared.

Across at another polling station at TASS, Vincent

planned to visit some of the polling stations where he used to live to see if he is on any of the lists.

In Guyana citizens can still vote on Elections Day, even if they do not have their National ID Cards. This is allowed since the GECOM staff are in possession of a folio which includes the voter’s particulars as well as a picture of the voter. Voters voting without an ID simply need to take an “Oath of Identity” at their polling station. The oath is administered by the presiding officer, who manages the polling station.

Over in Region Six, many voters made the extra special effort to be the first ones at the polls when polling stations all across the country opened at 6am. At a polling station at the Tutorial

Barker was the first voter at his polling station; he left home at 04:15h. He also commended the effortless process.

“Everything was smooth,” he said.

A voter with a disability, Ryan Bannister, who voted at a polling station at the Providence Primary School in Region Four, was grateful that special arrangements were put in place to ensure he had an easy process. Bannister, who is also a first-time voter, was given priority in the voting queue and was assisted to ensure he was able to exercise his franchise.

“It’s the first time I’m voting, and the voting was fast. As soon as I got there, they carried me right away and gave me my paper,” he noted.

Another voter with a disability, and first-time voter, 20-year-old Edon Singh of Charity Region Two proudly cast his ballot at the Charity Primary School. Singh shared that while he felt nervous at first, the process turned out to be smooth and easy.

“When I entered and saw how it was, I got less nervous. Everyone was kind,” he said.

Being the first time in his life that he has voted, Singh described the occasion as being a historic moment for him.

Another first-time voter, Ayeesha Mohamed, was out at the polls with her husband, who is also a first-time voter. She voted at the La Grange Primary School in Region Three and was glad that her first experience was such a good one.

“This was my first time voting, and it felt really good. It felt very independent and very good to have a right to vote. The process was very quick and easy, and I got through very fast,” Mohamed said.

Another first-timer,

voting process in the region was carried out in a mostly smooth and highly organised manner, with residents largely commending their experience at the polls. Over 42,500 residents were expected to cast their ballots.

Even before 06:00h, large numbers of persons had gathered at polling stations along the Essequibo Coast, even before 06:00h, when voting officially commenced. Reports indicate that all stations opened on time, with the full complement of staff in place, ensuring that the process got off to an efficient start.

By mid-morning, there were no reports of disruptions, and the overall exercise was described as calm and well-coordinated.

The ballot boxes and other related materials were dispatched to the various polling stations as early as 03:00h on Monday, which allowed presiding officers and clerks to prepare adequately before electors arrived.

At another polling station, residents moved through the process with little to no delay. Most voters described the atmosphere

eighteen-year-old Aliyah Anderson, said, “I’m happy to get the experience and see how it was. It was very good.”

Smooth and highly organised

With approximately 158 polling stations established across Region Two (Pomeroon–Supenaam), the

“The voting process was quick and efficient. There were no long lines, and the staff worked in an organised manner. I didn’t have to wait long, and everything went smoothly.” she said At Charity Primary School, 20-year-old Edon Singh, a differently abled first-time voter, proudly cast his ballot. Though he admitted to being nervous at first, Singh said the environment helped ease his concerns.

“When I entered and saw how it was, I got less nervous. Everyone was kind,” he remarked.

Singh called the occasion historic, highlighting the personal significance of voting for the very first time.

Meanwhile, Natasha Jaigobin, who voted at Affiance Nursery School, expressed her satisfaction as well. “The staff was helpful, and I was able to cast my vote without any difficulty. I felt comfortable and happy to do my part today,” she said.

Throughout the day, residents across Region Two turned out steadily, with polling stations observing

as “peaceful, fast-paced, and smooth”. They expressed satisfaction with how quickly they were able to cast their ballots.

A pensioner, Rosaline Persaud of Spring Garden, who voted at Aurora Primary School, shared her experience, noting that the process was smooth and fast.

a consistent flow of voters. The exercise remained calm and incident-free, with the presence of party agents and observers helping to maintain transparency. Voters expressed confidence in the process, praising both the efficiency of the staff and the orderly manner in which the day went.

Scenes from General and Regional

and Regional Elections 2025

GECOM “committed to delivering results within shortest possible time” …polling

stations equipped with solar lights and other back-up power options

Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Public Relations Officer (PRO)

Yolanda Ward on Monday affirmed that the elections body is “committed to delivering results within the shortest possible time” as the nation waits for the official declarations of results in the September 1 General and Regional Elections, noting that all polling stations across the country have been equipped with solar and other backup power in preparation for the eventualities of power outages that could delay the process.

Speaking at GECOM’s first post-poll press conference on Monday, held at GECOM’s Media Centre, Regency Suites, Ward noted that while GECOM has estimated a possible declaration by Thursday, the law allows up to 15 days to release results, and recounts or other extenuating factors could

delay this timeline.

“We want to ensure that this process concludes within the shortest time possible,” Ward noted.

“As always, we understand the anxiety, and we have committed to delivering those results within the shortest possible time… taking into account all of the legal provisions that are in place. When I see legal provisions, that is as it relates to the request for recounts. If there are requests for recounts and we have to facilitate those recounts, then it means it may shift those anticipated timelines.”

GECOM had previously estimated the completion of district declarations by Wednesday evening and the national declaration of election results by Thursday morning. Some 757,690 voters were registered to cast their votes at some 2790 polling stations across the country in Guyana’s

September 1 General and Regional Elections.

Tabulation of the ballots commenced on site at the polling stations immediately after the close of polls at 18:00h, allowing for the Statement Of Poll (SOP) to be generated and posted outside of the polling station.

This year’s elections also saw a new feature with the introduction of the real-time uploading and display of election results on the GECOM website fol-

lowing the close of polls (https://sopgallery.gecom. org.gy/age Gallery). The uploads are being done after the SOPs are received by the Returning Officers (RO) and Supernumerary Returning Officers (SRO) of the respective districts at their respective offices. As of late last evening, GECOM had already begun to post some SOP results on the website, with results for at least one SOP in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-

West Demerara), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Clarifying rumours about polling stations being affected by power outages, Ward noted that GECOM has provided backup power at the stations.

“As relates to power outage situations, up to the time when I commenced this press briefing, I did not receive such reports. However, what I can say is that we have put backup systems in place to address that. For the purpose of the count, we have provided all polling stations with solar lamps to facilitate that process. In cases of the offices of RO and SRO, there are backup systems in place to ensure the upload and scanning process of SOPs continues uninterrupted,” Ward explained.

Ward also explained that the Commission’s IT department is also continuously ad-

dressing any issues with the website as they arise. Ward acknowledged that earlier in the day the Commission did face some hiccups as pertains to the crashing of the site due to the amount of traffic generated.

Ward shared that GECOM is working along with an IT advisor from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and has been testing the site and continuously improving it.

“The UNDP has been offering support to GECOM in relation to our IT needs. We did a considerable amount of testing on the portal and continue to ensure we monitor it closely. In the IT world, once some of these systems are crowded at a particular time, we may experience these kinds of hiccups. It is unfortunate, but I think the work that was done by our technical team throughout the day,” she noted.

GECOM apologises for inadequate facilities for PWDs at some polling stations

Despite repeated recommendations over the years from various stakeholders, several Persons With Disability (PWDs) were unable to freely access their polling stations to cast their ballots at Monday’s General and Regional Elections – something which the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has apologised for.

“I will start…of course rightfully so, to really apologise to the members of the disability community,” GECOM’s Public Relations (PR) Officer Yolanda Ward, stated at a press conference on Monday evening after the closure of polls.

She pointed out that while this is an issue that the Elections Commission continues to face, it is however bounded by legal provisions which prescribes that GECOM assigns voters to polling stations that are within their respective Divisions or Sub-divisions. But in doing so, persons were unavoidably assigned to polling stations that were not easily accessible or lacked provisions like ramps for PWDs.

“What we’ve done is to ensure that we ask Presiding Officers as much as possible to offer the kind of assistance necessary to help those persons to cast their ballots,” Ward stated. Meanwhile,

during a late-night briefing with media operatives, General Secretary (GS) of the incumbent People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo said that this is something

GECOM needs to address for future elections. Jagdeo, who serves as Vice President (VP) in the incumbent PPP/C Government, indicated that he received a pictures from a number of per-

sons throughout Monday’s polling day of either their elderly relatives or those with a disability having to be carried up steep stairs to access polling stations in order to cast their votes. “They needed help...particularly when you go in buildings that are multiple storied and without an elevator. So, I think in the future, we should examine that carefully,” the PPP/C GS emphasised.

Prior to the 2020 General and Regional Elections, the Guyana Council for Persons with Disabilities had made a number of recommendations to GECOM aimed at enhancing the voting process for PWDs. There are no policies in Guyana for persons with a disability to be allowed to vote independently from the general population – something which the Council is trying to change.

“All persons with disabilities, all we want is to live independent lives…we should have access to the polling stations and vote independently. I am sure with continued advocacy, that will happen for the next elections because we know it’s not going to happen this time around,” Coordinator of the Guyana Council of Organisation for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD), Ganesh Singh, had said at a voters’ education campaign for persons with disabilities back in February 2020.

Meanwhile, several of the international observer groups that monitored those elections five years ago had recommended in their respective reports systems to be put in place to adequately facility PWDs to freely access polling stations to vote.

In fact, during a briefing with reporters on Monday, Head of the Organisation of American States Electoral Observation Mission (OAS EOM), Bruce Golding, had noted that GECOM should avoid having polling stations on the upper floor of buildings being used as polling places.

“At some of the locations that we went, where polling stations were on the upper floor, persons who were physically unable to climb stairs would have had to be lifted up because there would not have been any other means for them to ac-

cess the polling station. I think it's important, wherever possible, to avoid locating polling stations on an upper floor. If it is at all possible, keep those polling stations on the lower floor because it is a real problem for disabled persons,” Golding stated.

According to the OAS Chief Observer, however, he did not observe any PWD experiencing any difficulties on Elections Day. In fact, he said they were given priority.

“In other words, they didn't have to stay in a line. They were allowed to go straight up to the head of the line… I saw one person in wheelchair for example, once they arrived, there was a supervisor outside who allowed them to go straight to the head of the line,” the head of the OAS Mission noted.

Smooth voting process recorded in Regions 5, 6 as thousands cast ballots

As the General and Regional Elections got underway on Monday, polls opened on time at 06:00h at more than 400 polling stations across Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Scrutineers from two of the major political parties told Guyana Times early in the morning that there were no issues. A senior Police Officer in the region

also said there were no issues.

There were no reports of anyone being disenfranchised because they did not have an official document to identify them.

Some 111,554 persons are on the voters' list in Region Six, spread across 435 polling stations.

In Region Five, the total voters were 50,790, with

said that they arrived more than an hour before polls opened.

“I always like to be the first voter every time there is an election. I always like

he recalled. He said that he did not leave home with his cell phone, hence had no issue with being asked to leave his phone out of the polling booth.

193 polling stations in that region.

In the most eastern region, which this publication visited when polls opened, some related that they normally come out early to vote, and this time was no different.

At the Tutorial Academy Secondary School building, which had five polling stations and a combined voter population of 1783, some

to be the first voter. I left home at 4:30 this morning. When I came here, they hadn't anybody as yet,” Hollis Amsterdam, who was the first to cast a ballot at one of the five polling stations, told this publication.

Vincent Barker, who was also first at another of the five polling stations, said he left home at 04:15h. “Everything was smooth,”

In fact, most of the people this publication communicated with did not walk with their cell phones. While voting was peaceful in all the polling stations throughout Region Five, there was a build-up from when polls opened to mid-afternoon, after which there was a steady flow of voter traffic.

In East Canje, Region Six, voters were also out early in their numbers, but after the early birds had left, polling stations saw a trickle.

Latifan Bhadan said she left home at 7:00h and was able to walk straight into the polling booth. She and her husband went together and spent about six minutes before leaving, also together.

On the Corentyne, it was a similar situation: there were crowds at many of the polling stations when they opened, but by mid-morning, voters who turned up reported the process was hassle-free.

At the close of the poll on Monday evening, however, some political parties expressed the view that the voter turnout may not have lived up to expectations.

First-time voters join thousands as ballots cast in 2025 elections

Guyanese turned out on Monday to cast their ballots in the General and Regional Elections, with candidates, first-time voters, and observers describing the process as largely smooth, despite minor hiccups at some polling stations.

Many Guyanese who had previously considered migrating emphasised the importance of participating in this year’s election, taking the opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote as residents of the country.

Among the crowds were several Guyanese who had spent years away from their homeland and only recently returned to Guyana. They seized the opportunity to vote, with one voter sharing his experience, saying he has no regrets about participating.

A middle-aged man, who chose not to be identified, shared his sentiments about being a first-time voter and fulfilling his constitutional duty.

For Edon Singh, 2025 will be a memorable year

“I’ve just returned home, and after listening to the Presidential candidates emphasise the importance of voting, I felt truly inspired. It made me realise how essential it is to

take part in shaping the future of our country. Today, I took the opportunity to exercise my constitutional right and cast my vote.

First-time voter 18-year-old Aliyah Anderson Every voice matters, and I wanted to ensure mine was heard,” he said.

Another first-time voter, a disabled citizen recovering from a severe injury, experienced the excitement of casting his ballot in a hassle-free environment for a say in his future.

"Honestly, I don’t even know how to describe it, but this was the first time I voted, and they treated me very quickly. They called me right away, gave me the

ballot paper, and explained how to vote. They put me at the front of the line, and as soon as I reached the table, I was assisted immediately. It was a very fast and smooth process," he shared.

Other first-time voters also expressed satisfaction with the simplicity of the process.

"Simple process, I must say. It was very good, easy, and straightforward. I didn’t go in with any expectations and felt very ner-

vous because I didn’t know what was going to happen in the room, but it turned out to be a very good experience," said one resident.

Another first-time voter explained that her main motivation for coming out was to gain the experience of voting first-hand.

"I really and truly wanted the experience – to go out there and see how it was. I’m happy I made the decision," she said.

Young people were out in numbers at the polling stations, eager to participate in the democratic process.

Eighteen-year-old Aliyah Anderson described her experience as empowering.

"It felt very independent. It feels very good to know that I have the right to vote. The process was very quick and easy, and I got through smoothly," she said.

Edon Singh, 20, of Charity, proudly cast his ballot for the first time on Monday. Singh admitted that while he felt nervous at first, the process turned out to be smooth and straightforward.

"When I entered and saw how it was, I got less nervous. Everyone was kind," he recalled.

Singh noted that this marks the first time in his life that he has voted, calling it a historic and memorable moment.

Amerindian Heritage Month 2025 celebrations

kick off with review of 1995 origins

The annual Amerindian Heritage Month, September celebrations, was launched on Monday, September 1, under the theme “Igniting Unity, Celebrating Progress, Advancing Our Culture” by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.

The month-long celebrations began with a social media feature – “Chronicling the Amerindian Heritage Month Celebrations” – along with the launch of a children’s poem competition for 7-11-year-olds.

According to a statement posted on the Ministry’s FaceBook page, this year’s theme “encapsulates the essence of our journey as a nation, one that is rooted in unity, propelled by progress, and enriched by the preservation and advancement of our Indigenous heritage”.

The Amerindian Affairs Ministry also noted that the month of September is “an opportunity to reflect on and

honour the invaluable contributions of the Indigenous peoples of Guyana, whose legacy is indelibly etched into our nation’s history.”

It underscored that the occasion reflects the vision of President Ali’s One Guyana initiative, acknowledging that under his leadership, Guyana is now recognised as a global leader in advancing the rights of Indigenous peoples.

“Through strategic investments and community-centred initiatives, we have witnessed unprecedented growth in village economies and livelihoods,” the statement read, adding that through grants and funding there have been advancements in the local infrastructure, agriculture, small business development and cultural preservation of Indigenous lives across Guyana.

The village of Nappi, in Region Nine, has been chosen as this year’s Heritage

Village, with celebrations set for the village community on September 20. According to the official Amerindian Heritage Month calendar, the traditional Amerindian Interfaith Service will be held at the Umana Yana on September 4.

In addition, the popular Amerindian Village, at Sophia, begins from September 6 to 11 this year. The well-known event features Amerindian crafts and cuisine, as well as cultural presentations.

Along with a reflection on the life and works of Stephen Campbell on September 10, an arts exhibition and Indigenous Fashion showcase are slated for September 12, while a Heritage Safari from Georgetown – Moraikobai –Great Falls/58 Miles is set for September 13.

For more information on this year’s celebrations, see the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs’ FaceBook page.

Jamaica faithful gather in prayer as nation prepares to vote

Scores of members of different churches in Jamaica, as well as Jamaicans not aligned to any particular faith, bowed their heads in prayer in Half-Way-Tree Square, St Andrew, Sunday evening, appealing to God for, among other things, the country to experience a safe general election on Wednesday.

The mass rally event, dubbed “Jamaica Pray 2025”, was organised by the Jamaica Umbrella Group of Churches and the 10,000 Men and Families Movement.

Bishop Dr Alvin Bailey, project co-ordinator for the event, welcomed church members from across the island praying under the theme, “The Revival Begins – A Nation Returning to God”. Representatives from both the Jamaica Labour Party and the People’s National Party were invited.

Bishop Dr Rowan Edwards, Chairman of the 10,000 Men and Families Movement, said there was a need to go to God in prayer, asking Him to select the right leader for Jamaica.

Churchgoers petition the Almighty at Jamaica Pray 2025, a mass prayer rally in Half-Way-Tree, St Andrew, Sunday evening. Held under the theme “The Revival Begins – A Nation Returning to God”, the rally of church members from across the island invited members of the leadership of both the Jamaica Labour Party and the People’s National Party to pray for peace and revival three days before the country goes to the polls (Joseph Wellington)

St Andrew resident Donna Henry was determined not to miss the praise and worship event, which was open to the public but was nowhere near as well attended as the political rallies which have been held in recent times.

“I believe it is really an opportunity in regard to the fact that we will be having our election shortly. It is God that lifts up and takes down. There is a word that says the heart of a king is in the Lord’s hand. Whoever is elected, I do believe that what is important is that they put God first, and then I think everything else will be solved,” Henry said.

Chairman of the Jamaica Umbrella Group of Churches Bishop Dr Michael Smith told the gathering that the staging of Jamaica Pray had been in the pipeline since the start of the year, making the point that it must be divine providence that caused it to fall in the election season.

“This is not a political thing, so get that out of your head. We at the Jamaica Umbrella Group of Churches did not plan this to coincide with the general election. We want to believe that it is by divine providence that God has ordered the Church to be here on the Sunday before the Wednesday. We give God thanks for having this platform where we can pray.

“We want God to select the right leader because we want, in the next five years, for Jamaica to continue to prosper. We want Jamaica to continue to be known as a nation that is being transformed,” Edwards said.

centage] of the nation that selects the Government…

“We are hoping and praying that the people go out and vote. It is suggested that it’s [a small per-

And we are a democratic nation, and for [this small percentage] of people to be selecting a Government, it is not right. We want more people to go out and vote.

The Christians must participate in this. They must

go out and vote because we want the voter turnout to be much better,” Edwards told the Jamaica Observer.

In the 2020 General Elections, the overall voter turnout was approximately 37.85 per cent, compared to 48.37 per cent in the 2016 General Election.

“I am here today because I believe prayer changes things,” she added. “As we stand as Christians supporting Jamaica in prayer, I believe Jamaica can change. The reality is that we can have strategies and plans, but if we don’t have prayer where everybody comes in unity, then you can see where we are going as a nation.“

Commenting on the size of the crowd, Henry said if it was a political rally, the crowd would be bigger but said it was still a good start.

“We pray over many persons and things as it affects our nation. This is a national call to prayer. All of us are called to pray. We pray for our nation – the teachers, the members of civil society; we will be praying for the Government and those persons who will be running for a seat in the Parliament. We pray over them. We pray over our prime minister and leader of the Opposition.” (Jamaica Observer)

Regional

Ship at centre of Tobago oil spill escapes Angolan custody

The Solo Creed tug, the vessel at the centre of Tobago’s 2024 oil spill disaster, broke free from custody in Angola last year, in an escape that was never disclosed to the public.

The ship remains missing, but Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal insists that the Government is still hunting for the vessel’s owner to pursue Tobago’s multimillion-dollar damage claim.

According to the United Nation-linked International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds (IOPC), the body overseeing spill compensation, “just before the November 2024 sessions of the governing

bodies, the tug had escaped arrest, and it has not since been located.”

That admission was buried in meeting minutes published in an IOPC document in May.

The tug had been detained by the Angolan Navy in May 2024, months after the February 7 spill off Tobago, and formally arrested by an Angolan court in October. By the time IOPC met in London in early November, however, it was gone.

The Solo Creed was towing the Gulfstream barge when it capsized off Tobago in 2024, spilling thousands of tonnes of fuel along the coastline.

The barge was towed from

its Cove wreckage site to Sea Lots in Trinidad to be broken up for scrap. The barge has since been sold for scrap in March 2025, according to IOPC’s April report.

Meanwhile, compensation claims continue to grow.

“As of 28 April 2025, 290 claims for compensation had been submitted, amounting to US$30.3 million. These included 171 fisheries claims from Tobago, as well as claims for clean-up operations and other losses. The Secretariat had also received claims from the authorities of [the country] Bonaire, totalling £13,633, EUR 45,328, and US$3434 for the cost of aerial surveillance and beach clean-up.

“Further claims are expected in respect of the oil recovery operations from the barge and for tourism losses, but no estimates are available at this stage.”

The Tobago House of Assembly has already spent over $72.1 million on the oil spill clean-up, exceeding the $50 million originally allocated by the Central Government in 2024 (Trinidad & Tobago Guardian)

2 killed, 8 injured in Haiti while retrieving military vehicle

The Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) said two persons were killed, including an MSS officer, following a “tragic road traffic accident” along the Kenscoff–Pétion-Ville road at Perlerin 9 on Sunday.

The MSS said that eight other officers sustained injuries and that three of the injured are in serious condition and require medical evacuation to the Dominican Republic for specialised treatment.

In a statement, the MSS, which has been deployed to help Haiti deal with the criminal activities carried out by gangs intent on overthrowing the interim Government, said that the incident occurred during a recovery operation involving two MaxxPro vehicles.

“While one vehicle was towing the other, it developed mechanical problems leading to the incident.

The accident, unfortunately, also involved civilians.

The injured personnel were rushed to the Lambert Santé Hospital in PétionVille, where one MSS officer and a civilian were pronounced dead,” the MSS said.

The MSS did not identify the soldier killed in the accident, but local media said he was a member of the Kenyan army, which is leading the MSS (Source: Jamaica Observer)

Police Officers detained in Chile also under investigation in Bolivia

ive Bolivian Police

FOfficers arrested in Chile for alleged drug trafficking and illegal weapons possession are also being investigated in Bolivia but under disciplinary proceedings.

"The disciplinary system of the department of Potosí has initiated an investigative process against the five officers of the FELCN (Special Force to Fight Drug Trafficking), who are now under arrest in the neighbouring country," reported Edgar Cortez, President of the Police Disciplinary Tribunal.

According to information published by the Chilean Prosecutor's Office, the capture of the Bolivian Police Officers in possession of drugs, weapons and ammunition occurred on the morning of August 24, when, aboard a Nissan vehicle, they crossed the border, entering Chilean territory through an unauthorised crossing and travelling approximately one kilometre and 920 metres through the sector called Hito Cajón, at kilometre 49 of route CH-27.

Cortez emphasised that all necessary channels of national and international institutions will be used to gather any type of information needed to clarify this investigation. (Excerpt from El Deber)

American among duo committed to stand trial in Dominica ecoresort double murder case

Dominican Chief Magistrate Candia Carette George has ruled that Jonathan Lehrer, an American national, and Robert Snider Jr will stand trial in the High Court for the alleged double murder of eco-resort owner Daniel Langlois and his partner Dominique Marchand.

The ruling follows the dismissal of a “no-case submission” filed by the defence, signalling the court’s determination that sufficient evidence exists for the case to proceed.

The decision comes after a preliminary inquiry that examined submissions from both the defence and the prosecution.

The State argued that the evidence presented was adequate to establish a prima facie case against the accused. The magistrate concurred, committing both men to trial during the next criminal session of the High Court.

Langlois and Marchand

were reported missing in December 2023, and their charred remains were later discovered in a burnt vehicle in the Soufrière area. Investigators relied heavily on circumstantial evidence to link the remains to the missing couple.

Lehrer and Snider Jr were subsequently charged in connection with the killings and have remained in custody at the Dominica State Prison.

Lehrer faces additional charges related to firearms

trafficking and unlawful importation of weapons, stemming from an incident that occurred days after the murders. Despite multiple bail applications, he remains detained in connection with those charges.

The case has drawn widespread attention due to the prominence of the victims in Dominica’s ecotourism sector. The trial is expected to begin following indictments scheduled for September.

(Source: Dominica News Online)

Leader of transnational criminal organisation pleads guilty to conspiracy to smuggle firearms into T&T

United States (US) Attorney Gregory W Kehoe has announced that 35-year-old Shem Wayne Alexander of Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, pleaded guilty Friday to conspiracy to smuggle firearms from the US to Trinidad and Tobago.

Alexander faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. He was arrested in Jamaica on November 15, 2024, pursuant to a provisional arrest request, and extradited to the US on December 20, 2024.

According to the plea agreement, Alexander, a national of Trinidad and Tobago, and his co-conspirators unlawfully export-

ed firearms, firearm components and related items from Florida to Trinidad and Tobago between April 2019 and April 2022.

On April 21, 2021, members of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and Customs and Excise Division at the Piarco International Airport in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, seized a shipment containing two punching bags.

Alexander and his co-conspirators had sent the shipment from the US to Trinidad and Tobago, describing the contents of said shipment as “household items”.

In reality, concealed within the two punching bags were approximately 11

9mm pistols, two .38 calibre special revolvers, a 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun, three AR-15 barrel foregrips, 19 lower pistol grip assemblies, 11 forearm bolt assemblies, three AR-15style barrels with forearm grips, 32 AR-15 magazines, one AR-15 drum magazine, 470 rounds of AR-15 ammunition, 34 9mm magazines, three 9mm drum magazines, 284 9mm rounds, and 15. 38 calibre rounds, 36 shells, six magazine couplers, and two shotgun chokes.

Alexander and his co-conspirators arranged this shipment without written notice to the shipper as to the contents of the shipment. (US Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida)

Antigua & Barbuda Minister orders probe into fatal Police shooting

After complaints from the Bolans community over the fatal Police shooting of 18-yearold Khalil Simon, Antigua & Barbuda’s National Security Minister Steadroy Benjamin, who oversees the Police, confirmed that he has ordered a full investigation and is awaiting a report from law enforcement and the Director of Public Prosecutions.

“I’m asking the public not to prejudge anything. Wait until all the facts are revealed,” he said, urging

patience while the inquiry continues.

The incident, which occurred last week, has triggered fierce debate about Police conduct. Relatives say Simon was shot multiple times by a lone officer after Police responded to a report of a domestic dispute.

One of the shots struck him in the head. Witnesses insist he was given no chance to surrender and that lethal force was used prematurely.

While calling the incident regrettable, the Minister expressed confi-

dence that officers acted with “prudence, diligence and professionalism”. He added that if flaws in procedure are identified, action will be taken. Meanwhile, Simon’s family is considering legal options, including a potential lawsuit against both the Police and the Government. Relatives maintain that excessive force was used and that Simon, who died on his 18th birthday, was treated “like an animal” after being shot (Source: Antigua News Room)

Around the World

GOIL NEWS

Oil settles higher on weaker dollar, Russian supply disruptions

Afghanistan earthquake kills 800, injures 2800; Taliban asks world for help

One of Afghanistan's worst earthquakes killed more than 800 persons and injured at least 2800, authorities said on Monday, as rescuers struggled to reach remote areas due to rough mountainous terrain and inclement weather.

lobal benchmark Brent crude oil settled one per cent higher on Monday, as concerns mounted that intensifying airstrikes in Russia and Ukraine could lead to supply disruptions, and as a weaker dollar lent additional support.

Brent crude futures settled up 67 cents, or one per cent, at US$68.15 a barrel. The US benchmark, the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures contract, was up 67 cents, or 1.1 per cent, at US$64.68 by 14:15h.

There will be no settlement for WTI futures on Monday due to the Labour Day holiday in the US. Trading volume for both Brent and WTI was also muted for that reason.

Markets remain concerned about Russian oil flows, with weekly shipments from its ports dropping to a fourweek low of 2.72 million barrels per day (bpd), according to tanker tracker data cited by ANZ analysts.

Ahead of the US labour market report this week, the dollar was close to a five-week low on Monday, making oil less expensive for buyers using other currencies.

Investors were also focused on Beijing, where Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are attending a regional summit.

Also on the radar was an Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+) meeting on September 7.

"The next key fundamental question is whether OPEC+ oil producers will continue to raise the group's output targets beyond September, with a decision due within days," analyst Tim Evans said in the newsletter Evans on Energy.

Higher OPEC+ supply and rising stockpiles could keep pressure on oil prices after both Brent and WTI registered their first monthly declines in four months in August, losing six per cent or more. (Excerpt from Reuters)

11-year-old fatally shot after doorbell prank in Houston, Police say

An 11-year-old has died after he was shot while playing a doorbell ditch prank in Houston, Police said; the latest tragic example of a TikTok trend authorities have been warning parents about in a case that could yield a murder charge.

The boy and his friends were playing a game of “ding dong ditch” at a house down the street from their homes just before 11:00h Saturday when a person inside the house came out and shot the boy, Houston Police said.

A witness said the boy was running from the house on Racine Street after ringing the doorbell when he was shot, Police said.

The boy was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead on Sunday, according to Police.

Authorities used a bullhorn outside the home Saturday night to urge the person inside to come out with their hands up, CNN affiliate KTRK reported. Police detained one person for questioning.

Officers brought a person back to the home in handcuffs shortly before 6:00 on Sunday, according to KTRK.

Authorities said the person was detained again Sunday night but was not formally charged, KTRK reported.

Houston Police are still actively investigating, the department told CNN Monday.

Investigators are reviewing surveillance video and working with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office on possible charges, KHOU reported.

“It’ll more than likely be a murder charge,” Sgt Michael Cass, a homicide detective with the Houston Police Department, told KHOU, noting the boy’s death does not appear to involve self-defence because the shooting “wasn’t close to the house”.

“Ding dong ditching” is an age-old prank that’s risen in popularity in recent years as a social media challenge. TikTok videos often feature variations where pranksters pound on or kick people’s front doors.

Authorities across the country have raised concerns about the door knock challenge, warning of both the potential danger and legal consequences for those involved. (Excerpt from CNN)

Sharafat Zaman, spokesperson for the health ministry in Kabul, called for international aid to tackle the devastation wrought by the quake of magnitude 6 that struck around midnight local time, at a depth of 10 kilometres (6 miles).

"We need it because here lots of people lost their

lives and houses," he told Reuters. The quake killed 812

persons in the eastern provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar, administration

spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said.

Ziaul Haq Mohammadi, a student at Al-Falah University in the eastern city of Jalalabad, was studying in his room at home when the quake struck. He said he tried to stand up, but was knocked over by the power of the tremor.

Rescuers were battling to reach remote mountainous areas cut off from mobile networks along the Pakistani border, where mudbrick homes dotting the slopes collapsed in the quake.

"The area of the earthquake was affected by heavy rain in the last 24-48 hours as well, so the risk of landslides and rock slides is also quite significant – that is why many of the roads are impassable," Kate Carey, an officer at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), told Reuters. Rescue teams and authorities are trying to dispose of animal carcasses quickly so as to minimise the risk of contamination to water resources, Carey said.

Casualties could rise as rescue teams access more isolated locations, authorities said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Trump defends U-turn on Chinese student visas after MAGA backlash

US President Donald Trump has defended his decision to issue 600,000 Chinese student visas, despite a backlash from some supporters.

He told the Daily Caller on Sunday that it would be "insulting" to ban them and said his move would benefit smaller universities.

The President is reversing the hard line his ad-

ministration has taken on this for months, as trade talks with China continue.

Some of his allies in the MAGA wing of Trump's Republican Party have expressed anger and confusion. "I just don't understand it for the life of me," said Fox News host Laura Ingraham. "Those are 600,000 spots that American kids won't get."

On X, Trump ally Laura Loomer wrote, "Nobody, I repeat nobody, wants 600,000 more Chinese 'students', aka Communist spies, in the US."

Trump has defended that position by arguing that Chinese students bring money to the US economy and that denying them visas would weaken relations between the two countries.

The White House has said that those 600,000 student visas will be issued over the next two years, in line with numbers issued in previous years.

Trump told the Daily Caller he did not expect anything in return for allowing students into the country. (Excerpt from BBC News)

China's Xi pushes new global order, flanked by leaders of Russia and India

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday pressed his vision for a new global security and economic order that prioritises the "Global South", in a direct challenge to the United States (US), during a summit that included the leaders of Russia and India.

"We must continue to take a clear stand against hegemonism and power politics and practise true multilateralism," Xi said, in a thinly veiled swipe at the US and President Donald Trump's tariff policies.

"Global governance has reached a new crossroads," he added.

Xi was hosting more

than 20 leaders of non-Western countries at

a summit in the Chinese port city of Tianjin for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a Chinabacked initiative given renewed impetus by the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In an image designed to convey a mood of solidarity, Putin and Modi were shown holding hands as they walked jovially towards Xi before the summit opened. The three men stood shoulder-to-shoulder, laughing and surrounded by interpreters. (Excerpt from Reuters)

SUDOKU

Check the fine print. Nothing will be as it appears. Focus inward, pay attention to your needs, and avoid intense discussions with people who don't share your perspective or approach.

Speak up, and you'll gain respect and ensure that you get what you want. Equality is the best route forward, so don't give in to appease someone who is trying to bully you.

Don't buy into someone else's plans if you have an agenda. Taking responsibility for your happiness eliminates the possibility of others taking advantage of you.

Pare down instead of overextending yourself. An innovative approach to balancing work and your personal life will help counter depression. Live life your way.

Take nothing for granted. Do the legwork and make things happen. Be the one to lead the way and to grandstand your talents for all to see. Market and promote with confidence and charisma.

Updating your space or skills to suit your needs will require specific details to lessen your chance of facing setbacks or rejections. Follow the rules and regulations and forge ahead.

Explore the possibilities, but don't go overboard. Too much can cost you or cause you to miss the point. Create what's essential to your success and direct your skills accordingly.

Put all your efforts into work, money, and your health and well-being. Say no to anyone who pressures you to participate in something that doesn't interest you.

If you are waffling, stop, look, listen and retrace your steps until you feel confident with your decision. If you accomplish what's possible, you will feel good about yourself and what you have achieved.

Home improvements will cost more than anticipated. Evaluate what's necessary and determine how to achieve your goals at a price you can afford. Expanding your interests will increase your popularity.

A lifestyle change will point you in a direction that excites you. Say no to those trying to use you to their advantage, and start using your talents to support and promote yourself.

Question everything and everyone. Reach out to those able to contribute to your cause. Opportunities will develop through networking functions. Keep an open mind, but don't lose sight of your goal.

B2-0 lead in their threematch series against the Netherlands with another comfortable win in the second T20I in Sylhet. The Netherlands' batting failed once again, failing to punish the hosts for some sloppy fielding, and seven of their batters were dismissed for single-digit scores as they slumped to 103 all out.

Nasum Ahmed, who replaced Rishad Hossain for

tion of shots than the quality of bowling that brought about the wickets, as O'Dowd skied a half-tracker to mid-on and Teja Nidamanuru miscued a cut off another short ball to short third to give Nasum two in two.

Vikramjit kept the boundaries coming, cover-driving Mahedi and sweeping Nasum fine before punching the leftarm spinner through point.

But he tried to ramp a

this game, finished with three wickets, while Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman continued their wicket-taking form with two apiece.

Tanzid Hasan then hit an unbeaten half-century as Bangladesh romped to victory in 13.1 overs, making it their third-quickest chase in T20Is (where overs weren't reduced).

Nasum deals an early double blow

Even though Max O'Dowd flicked the first ball for a boundary, it was a cagey start for the Netherlands, including a missed run-out chance when Mahedi Hasan failed to collect a throw cleanly at the non-striker's end in the first over with Vikramjit Singh short of his crease.

Nasum's introduction in the third over brought Bangladesh their first breakthrough, and then another.

slower ball from Taskin in the sixth over, got cramped for room, and ended up spooning a catch to short third.

Bangladesh sloppy in the field

Taskin could have had his second off the next ball when Shariz Ahmad skied the ball attempting a swipe across the line, but Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who had taken a good catch off the previous deliv ery, slipped at deep third and spilt the chance.

Bangladesh's sloppiness in the field continued next over, when they failed to cap italise on a mix-up: Towhid Hridoy first tried to run to the stumps from extra cover with the ball and then sent an underarm throw off-target.

But the Netherlands couldn't capitalise, as Scott Edwards failed to clear mid-on in the ninth over, with Parvez Hossain Emon taking a good

catch running back to give Mustafizur his first wicket.

Where Bangladesh let simpler chances go, Saif Hassan produced a moment of brilliance to leave the Netherlands five down in the tenth over. He dived to his right to stop a flick from Shariz, leaving non-striker Noah Croes, who had set off for a single before turning back, short of his ground with a direct hit.

Dutt resists, but bowlers have the final say

Five became six next ball as a Tanzim bouncer cramped Shariz, who could only glove it behind down the leg side.

Sikander Zulfiqar, brought into the XI to bolster the Netherlands' batting, made just two before Mustafizur hit the top of his off stump for his second wicket of the evening.

Taskin and Nasum then added to their tallies before

Emon top-edging a reverse sweep over the keeper and missing out on a conventional sweep.

But they enjoyed pace on the ball, with both Emon and Tanzid launching medium-pacer Kyle Klein over mid-off for boundaries.

Emon was given out lbw off Paul van Meekeren, but he survived upon reviewing and responded by whipping him

behind square leg for four and launching him down the ground for Bangladesh's first six. However, Klein struck in the final over of the power play as Emon lost shape trying to hit a length ball down the ground and ended up edging behind.

Tanzid and Litton finish the job Emon's wicket came during a spell of 15 balls without a boundary, and Litton Das broke it with a reverse sweep behind point

off Daniel Doram. When O'Dowd was introduced in the ninth over, Tanzid welcomed him with a six down the ground. In the next over, Tanzid tried to go down the ground again off Doram and was given a life with O'Dowd spilling the chance at long-on. Tanzid slogged O'Dowd over midwicket for a four and a six in his next over, the 12th of the innings, and brought up his half-century off 39 balls in the 13th. The rest of the chase was a formality, and Tanzid sealed the win with a slap down on the ground. (ESPNcricinfo)

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2025

The Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars Men's Under-17 50-Over Championship continued at the National Cricket Centre as Guyana took on Jamaica in a rain-affected encounter. In the 21-over match, Jamaica Under-17s won the toss and opted to field first. Guyana’s batting woes persisted as both openers fell cheaply. Wicketkeeper-batsman Shamar Apple provided some resistance with a steady 31 off 30 balls, while Adrian Hetmyer (18) and Dave Mohabir (16) chipped in with brief contributions. Despite

their efforts, Guyana could only manage 118 for 6. Ramnaresh Singh was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with 3 for 25.

Odane Binns anchored Jamaica’s innings with a composed 57 from 58 deliveries, including 1 boundary and 3 sixes. He was supported by Danza Hyatt, who made 20 from 22 balls, while Ryan Littleton added an unbeaten 22 to guide Jamaica to 122 for 4 in 19.5 overs. Despite Feaaz Baksh picking up 2 for 24, it wasn’t enough, as the Jamaica Under-17s secured a 6-wicket victory via the DLS method.

In the clash between Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados, Aadi Ramsaran led the scoring with a knock of 65, guiding Trinidad to 194 all out in 46.2 overs. For Barbados, Reynaldo Bourne impressed with figures of 3 for 44. Chasing the target, Barbados faltered despite contributions from Raphael Lovell (40) and Gadson Bowen (26). Daron Dhanraj proved decisive with a brilliant spell of 3 for 12 from 10 overs, as Barbados were bowled out for 170, handing Trinidad a 23-run victory.

Golden Jags’ De Rosario scores as Seattle Sounders claim MLS League Cup

Seattle Sounders FC added the missing piece of silverware to their trophy cabinet, beating Inter Miami CF 3-0 to win Leagues Cup 2025 in front of 69,314 fans at Lumen Field.

Miami failed to pick up a second Leagues Cup title after winning in 2023 shortly after Lionel Messi arrived, while Seattle capped off a perfect tournament run that included four victories over teams from Mexico's Liga MX.

The final tilted heavily in Seattle's favour from early on, with Osaze De Rosario, a former member of the New York City FC Academy and the son of former MLS MVP Dwayne De Rosario, scoring Seattle's opening goal in the 26th minute, heading home a cross from Alex Roldán.

Miami had chances to get back level, but Tadeo Allende missed a sitter from close range, and Messi was largely neutralised by a swarming Seattle defence and midfield. Alex Roldán extended Seattle's lead from the penalty spot and all but iced the result in the 84th minute, before Paul Rothrock scored a third to make it an emphatic win for the Sounders.

The losers from South Florida didn't handle the setback well, with a melee breaking out on the Lumen Field pitch after the final whistle, one that included Luis Suárez spitting on a Sounders athletic trainer and Sergio Busquets sucker-punching 20-year-old Obed Vargas.

Seattle crowned themselves, while Miami embarrassed themselves: all in a day's work for a Leagues Cup final.

Disgraceful post-match acts by Miami legends

Miami were not gracious in defeat out in the Pacific Northwest.

A huge melee broke out on the Lumen Field turf after the final whistle blew, with Miami the aggressors after being humbled 3-0 and denied yet another trophy during what was supposed to be their hardware-filled Messi Era.

Suárez appeared to step on the foot, then spit in the face of a Seattle athletic trainer, while Busquets delivered a sucker punch to the jaw of baby-faced Seattle midfielder Vargas, who is 17 years younger than Busquets.

The egregious acts by Suárez and Busquets were very much caught on tape and in high definition, so there's no way around the fact that the two legends of the sport behaved in a shocking manner.

Given that MLS Commissioner Don Garber already made the bold but necessary (based on the league's own rules) move to suspend Messi for skipping the MLS All-Star Game, you can expect there to be some swift disciplinary action coming down for Suárez and Busquets, no matter how impressive their career resumés might be.

Miami acted like toddlers upset they didn't get their way at the end of the 90 minutes of play in Seattle, a black eye that spoilt what was a comprehensive and impressive win for the Sounders, the latest triumph in a triumphant reign for the Seattle side under Head Coach Brian Schmetzer.

Seattle's milestone summer

The Sounders have now won everything there is to win for a team in Major League Soccer. Leagues Cup was their missing piece, the only available trophy they'd yet to capture, but that changed when Messi came to town for the Leagues Cup final.

This is the first trophy for the Sounders since winning the Concacaf Champions League in 2022. They've won the MLS Cup (twice) and the US Open Cup (four times) and have a Supporters’ Shield; they've now got at least one of everything.

In winning this Leagues Cup, they got to hoist that very stout silver trophy for the first time, and they also picked up $2 million in prize money while automatically qualifying for next season’s Concacaf Champions Cup. In Leagues Cup, Schmetzer's Seattle team continued to be absolutely dominant when facing teams from Mexico, as Schmetzer's all-time record improved to 9W-6D-3L vs Liga MX opposition en route to winning Leagues Cup.

The prize money earned for the Leagues Cup win adds to a lucrative summer for Seattle, since the club earned $9 million for taking part in the Club World Cup’s group stage – a slightly controversial prize given the Sounders players protested for a bigger share of that $9 million pie than what the current collective-bargaining agreement between MLS owners and the MLS Players' Association stipulated they receive.

Seattle didn’t make it as far as Miami in the Club World Cup, but they went on the more successful post-Club World Cup run as defined by this latest trophy-clinching victory. (Hudson River Blue)

Brilliant Bharrat leads RHT Poonai Pharmacy to championship title

Abrilliant all-round performance by Vice Captain Khemraj Bharrat spearheaded defending champions Rose Hall Town (RHT) Poonai Pharmacy’s Under-13 team to their fourth title in six years on Saturday. They defeated arch-rivals Albion Community Centre by ten runs in a thrilling 30-over final at the Area H Ground in Rose Hall Town.

Batting first after winning the toss in blistering heat before a sizeable crowd, RHTPP lost early wickets. Openers Royston Crandon and Dishawn Lacruz added 11 for the first wicket before Crandon was bowled by left-arm spinner Aaryan Ali for 2 in the fifth over. Akeam Fraser soon followed, trapped Lbw by Ali for 2, leaving the hosts struggling at 18 for 2. Responsible batting from Lacruz (20), Justin Hick (12), skipper Janpat Ganpat (13), Bharrat (15), Vinesh Singh (14), and an unbeaten 14 from Randy Williams steadied the innings. Rose Hall Town eventually posted a defendable 130 for eight from their allotted 30 overs.

For Albion, Nichel Khempaddoo claimed 4 for 32, while Ali took 2 for 29. Daniel Johnson (1 for 16) and Sahid Gajnabi (1 for 13) also bowled well.

Chasing 131 for their maiden Under-13 title, Albion suffered an early blow when opener Timothy Ramsaywack was run out without scoring in the first over after a terrible mix-up with partner Nicholas Madramootoo. Skipper Gajnabi and Madramootoo then added 49 in 13 overs, though both

survived several close chances. Their resistance ended when Gajnabi was trapped Lbw by Bharrat for 27, which included three delightful boundaries. Bharrat struck again shortly after, removing Madramootoo for a patient 10 off 30 balls as the home side’s bowlers tightened their grip on the contest.

Despite late efforts from Nars Lachigadu (11), Yuraj Goberdhan (14), and Ali (10*), Albion were restricted to 120 for eight from their 30 overs, falling ten runs short. Bharrat was outstanding, finishing with 4 for 17 from six overs. Fraser (1 for 13) and Lacruz (1 for 8) also chipped in, while skipper Ganpat’s six overs of left-arm spin cost just ten runs, further stifling the visitors.

BCB Competition Chairman Leslie Solomon congratulated the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club for winning the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) U13 title, for the fourth time in six years. Solomon hailed the club’s investment in its youth development programme and urged other clubs to emulate the example. The former Berbice youth player expressed gratitude to the management and staff of the Singh Brothers Construction Company for their support of Berbice Cricket.

Meanwhile, sponsor Poonai Bhigroog lauded his team’s outstanding performance and announced the renewal of Poonai Pharmacy’s sponsorship for another year. Over the last six years, the team has won the title four times and finished as runners-up twice.

The programme has also produced several national players, including

Game 19 of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) saw the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) defeat the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots by 12 runs. The win sees TKR head to the top of the CPL table with 12 points, while the Patriots sit second from the bottom with four points and six defeats.

Kieron Pollard made it rain sixes in Tarouba as he cleared the ropes seven times in eight deliveries towards the end of the Knight Riders innings, including four in a row off the bowling of Waqar Salamkheil.

Republic Bank CPL 2025...

Knight Riders lost both of their openers cheaply in the power play. Nicholas Pooran made a composed 52 off 38 balls to anchor the innings before falling to Jason Holder in the final over.

It was a blitzkrieg from Pollard, and it was much needed after the

Pollard eventually holed out to long off at the end of the 19th over, his 65 off 29 balls helping his side post a competitive total of 179/6.

Patriots were confident in their response, openers Evin Lewis and Andre

tempting to reverse ramp Mohammed Amir but serving only to get a toe end of the bat and gift a simple catch to Sunil Narine at short third. That left the Patriots needing 54 off the remaining 30 balls, but with Fletcher still set and at the crease.

Not for much longer. Usman Tariq picked up the crucial wicket as Fletcher missed a swipe across the line that saw his leg stump pegged back. He departed for 67

Fletcher combining well to put on 96 for the first wicket before Lewis pulled a slower ball from Nathan Edward into the safe hands of Darren Bravo patrolling the leg-side fence. With drizzle in the air, the 14th and 15th overs proved crucial as Alick Athanaze fell at -

to leave Holder with plenty to do.

Nathan Edward returned in the 17th over to pick up two more wickets with consecutive deliveries to see the back of Kyle Mayers and Jyd Goolie and leave Patriots needing 42 from the last three overs.

Holder was caught in the deep shortly after to all but seal the Patriots' fate. Amir limped off in the penultimate over with a suspected pulled groin to tarnish the win a lit -

tle, but a sixth win in seven matches marks a dominant first half of the tournament for the Knight Riders as they became the first team to qualify for the play-offs. (CPLT20)

Several members of the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) team took time out of their busy Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) schedules on Monday, to exercise their democratic right, as they cast their votes in Guyana's 2025 General and Regional Elections. The Amazon Warriors will next take on the Barbados Royals at the ongoing Republic Bank CPL, which will take place on Thursday, September 4 at the Kensington Oval from 19:00h