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A second consecutive PPP/C term is the best way to guarantee long-term prosperity for all Guyanese. President Ali and his government have already delivered us one of the world’s most remarkable and intriguing economies. But political continuity is the bedrock of sustainable development, allowing new and ongoing infrastructure and social projects the time to reach completion and deliver benefits for all Guyanese.

Economic development is not straight-forward. It is a complex process that requires an investment-friendly environment, the will of our political leaders, and access to financial resources, to name just a few.

In Guyana’s case, development can be even more challenging, having to not just contend with the variables that exist within our geographic borders but the ebbs and flow of global markets and geopolitics.

Despite these challenges, President Irfaan Ali and his government have been relentless in their pursuit of development and prosperity for Guyana.

The soon-to-open Demerara Harbour Bridge and the recently completed Ogles to Eccles Highway are the most visible examples. But behind the scenes, President Ali’s government has built a regulatory and investment framework brick by brick that provides opportunities to local companies and foreign investors alike.

This has included putting pen to paper and passing landmark pieces of legislation from the Real Estate Agents and Brokers Act (now regulating the industry and helping to onboard new international investors) to the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (which unlocks new digital services and opportunities for locals and small businesses). In fact, no other country in the Caribbean has passed more pieces of legislation over the past five years than Guyana.

So, why is it crucial that the PPP/C are in office for another term? Simply, continuity is the main driver of development.

Political stability and continuity give confidence to current and future international investors, many of which are weary that new governments often cast aside the ambitions and ongoing projects of past administrations.

Continuity also equates to reliability in the international system. Guyana is more likely to be seen as a reliable investment destination and trading partner with consecutive PPP/C terms. In a world that is seeing more volatility now than at any other point this century, political stability and continuity also help us safeguard our ongoing development.

The diplomatic and economic relationships that President Ali and his government have built with the world over the past few years is what is keeping Guyana protected from global inflation and the consequences that come from geopolitical dramas.

Wazim Mowla

Therefore, if economic progress is to continue, it must be on the shoulders of the PPP/C, who have already elicited their vision for Guyana’s future but have also proven through execution that transformational development is possible.

And with the governing experience of five years behind him, another PPP/C term would mean that President Ali can continue and advance his vision for Guyana from day one. (Wazim Mowla)

*Wazim Mowla is the fellow and lead of the Caribbean Initiative at the Atlantic Council and is a senior advisor with the ACE Consulting Group

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The new Courtyard by Marriott Hotel was opened on Wednesday, bringing much-needed accommodation options close to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport at Timehri.

The hotel is a US$20 million venture pursued by the Bassoo Group and built by Cardinal Investments Inc.- a special purpose company created by Roy and Denise Bassoo. The six-storey structure has 150 rooms, executive suites, and other modern amenities.

Though set to welcome its first set of visitors in the weeks ahead, expansion plans are already afoot.

Cardinal Investment’s Managing Director, Roy Bassoo, said the company is already in talks with Marriott to add another 75 rooms adjacent to the property. Additionally, an entertainment complex offering fast food, an Irish pub, a rooftop bar and a casino may be added.

(Photo: Vishani Ragobeer/ News Room/ August 25, 2025)

This hotel was constructed after President Dr Irfaan Ali made a call for investors to rapidly increase locally-available hotel rooms soon after taking office five years. As he opened the hotel on Wednesday and commended the Bassoo family, the President reflected on his call and the government’s support for such venture.

“Who would’ve thought this is what Timehri would look like now?

“…We did not wave a magic wand. We had a vision, we developed a plan and we courted investors,” the President said.

Beyond this Courtyard by Marriott venture, the Bassoo family will soon construct another hotel— Staybridge Suites— along the Heroes Highway.

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President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Wednesday said expressions of interest for all-inclusive resorts across Guyana will be sought next week.

Though Guyana’s national elections will be held next week, the incumbent Head of State expressed confidence that he will be re-elected and that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government will be able to continue its developmental plans for Guyana.

“Within the first week of the next term (in office), we will be issuing the expressions of interest,” President Ali said while speaking at the opening of the new Courtyard by Marriott Hotel at Timehri, East Bank Demerara.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali speaking at the opening ceremony of the new Courtyard by Marriott Hotel (Photo: News Room/ August 27, 2025)

According to President Ali, the government is interested in having such resorts at Orinduik, Lethem, Leguan, Linden, #63 Beach (Berbice), Bartica, and at the Stabroek and Vreed en Hoop waterfront areas. So, he invited both local and international partners to get behind this venture.

Expanding the tourism sector, focusing heavily on Guyana’s ecotourism prowess, has been a huge focus of the Ali-led government. On Wednesday, the President made it clear that the government will continue to invest in this sector as part of wider diversification efforts.

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See below full statement issued by the GPOC:

The Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) has instituted a suspension of all outbound postal parcels and packages to the United States of America, effective immediately until further notice.

This decision comes in response to the suspension of the de minimis exemption, which previously allowed goods valued under $800 to enter the United States of America duty-free. GPOC will continue to facilitate the shipment of letters and documents to the Unites States.

The new policy, enacted as Executive Order 14324 by the Unites States of America mandates that all international parcels, regardless of value, are subject to U.S. import duties and takes effect from August 29, 2025.

Additionally, packages destined for countries whose shipments transit through the United States of America will not be accepted by the Guyana Post Office Corporation. This includes packages being sent to Australia, Grand Cayman, New Zealand, Turks and Caicos, Uruguay, Nicaragua, Vietnam, Guatemala, Honduras, and Paraguay.

Further updates will be provided through the Guyana Post Office Corporation’s official communication channels.

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The senior national men’s and women’s squash teams have secured their qualification for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, following a strong showing at the recent Pan American Squash Championships in Brazil.

The teams’ placement at the Games, scheduled for late July 2026 in Santo Domingo, directly resulted from their impressive performance.

Despite finishing ninth in the championships, Guyana was among the top five countries from the CAC region, which guaranteed an automatic spot at the prestigious multi-sport event.

Guyana will be joined by fellow qualifiers from the CAC region, including Colombia, Mexico, Guatemala, and Barbados. Nineteen male teams and sixteen female teams competed in the championships.

The Guyana Squash Association (GSA) celebrated the achievement, noting on social media that the milestone was a “testament to the hard work, talent, and determination of our athletes.”

The association added that the team succeeded “battling through high-quality matches against the very best in the region.”

The squad, which was powered by sponsor ENet, included Nicolette Fernandes, Alex Arjoon, Kirsten Gomes, Ashley Khalil, Jason-Ray Khalil, Samuel Ince-Carvalhal and Mary Fung-A-Fat.

Ramon Chan-A-Sue coached the team.

FULL RESULTS: https://www.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/draws.aspx?id=61C740F7-D9EF-42DC-99CA-5C7373112328

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Veteran chess player Kriskal Persaud clinched the Berbice 20/20 Rapid Chess Tournament, held at Little Rock Suites and Conference Hall, with a magnificent unbeaten run.

Playing in his home county, Persaud was dominant throughout the challenging seven-round competition, amassing an impressive 6.5 points out of a possible seven.

He saw off tough opposition from the 32-player field, defeating the likes of Gavin Dev Mahadeo, Farrukh Bahman, Jaden Todd, Rai Sharma, Kim Shing Chong, and Steve Leung.

His only blemish came in the form of a hard-fought draw against 13-year-old Nicholas Zhang from Georgetown.

Zhang’s strong performance secured him second place with 6 points, while another Berbician, 15-year-old Jaden Todd, took third with 5.5 points.

The tournament also saw a standout performance from Ciel Clement, a 16-year-old student from Queen’s College, who finished fourth.

With her calm composure and quick-thinking skills, Clement secured a notable victory over veteran Rai Sharma in the final round, with only seconds remaining on her clock.

Her performance also earned her the Best Female prize among the 13 female participants.

The tournament was supervised by National Arbiter and WCM Jessica Callender and supported by the Guyana Chess Federation.

Directors CM Loris Nathoo and Shiv Nandalall were in attendance.

The federation hopes to build on this momentum and encourage more student participation in the area. Through the Gift of Chess programme, it has distributed chess sets to local schools.

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The Bassoo Group, the company behind the construction of the new Courtyard by Marriott Hotel at Timehri, will pursue another such venture next year—a new Staybridge Suites Hotel along the Heroes Highway.

This was announced by Roy Bassoo, the Managing Director of Cardinal Investments Inc, at the opening ceremony of the new Courtyard Hotel on Wednesday.

Bassoo said construction of the 130-suite hotel will start in 2026.
The Courtyard Hotel was built after a call to expand local accommodation capacity was made by President Dr. Irfaan Ali. Bassoo said the new venture is just another way the family is answering that call.

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The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and Guyana Beverages Inc. (GBI) have successfully launched the annual Kool Kidz Festival, a grassroots football programme designed to inspire the next generation of Guyanese footballers.

The festival, which began on Friday, August 22, at the GFF National Training Centre in Providence, has already attracted over 100 children daily.

The event continues on August 29 and 30.

Aimed at children aged 7 to 11, the programme provides an enjoyable introduction to football through small-sided 3v3 and 5v5 matches.

These games are designed to foster creativity, teamwork, and freedom of expression in a safe and supportive environment.

The young players are guided by local club and community coaches, as well as members of the national coaching pool.

GFF Technical Director Bryan Joseph emphasised the programme’s significance beyond just sport.

“The Kool Kidz grassroots festival is more than just a celebration of football—it’s a gateway to a lifelong passion,” he said.

“With over 100 children engaging daily, we’re laying the foundation for participation, joy, and early development structures that help every child fall in love with the beautiful game.”

Joseph also extended his gratitude to the coaches and parents who have travelled from as far as Berbice and the Upper East Coast to support the event, acknowledging their commitment as a vital part of the festival’s success.

GBI General Manager Samuel Arjoon reaffirmed the company’s commitment to grassroots sport.

“Sports play a vital role in developing not only physical skills but also life skills like teamwork, discipline, and confidence,” he noted.

“At Guyana Beverages Inc., we are proud to support the Kool Kidz Summer Festival as it provides a meaningful platform for our youth to grow, thrive, and enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle.”

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The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has reaffirmed its commitment to developing the sport at a regional level by providing the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) $1.6 million to host its 2025 Senior Men’s League.

The financial injection from the GFF’s Member Financial Assistance Programme (MFAP) was formally handed over at the league’s official launch.

The tournament, which kicks off today, features 12 clubs from the Georgetown area vying for the title and a chance to qualify for the 2026 GFF Elite League playoffs.

Since its inception in 2021, the MFAP has been a cornerstone of the GFF’s strategy, providing regional associations with millions of dollars in funding, equipment, and technical support.

The programme empowers these local bodies, giving them the resources and autonomy needed to run their competitions and community-based programmes effectively.

GFF General Secretary Pushpargha Chattopadhyay highlighted the initiative as a key part of the Federation’s long-term vision to expand football’s reach and quality nationwide.

“This is another example of the GFF, through the vision of the President and the decision of the Council, following the path set towards the goal of creating a robust and vibrant football culture in Guyana through MFAP,” he stated.

The GFF has pledged to continue investing in its members through the MFAP and other developmental programmes, ensuring that football benefits from structured, well-supported competitions across every region of Guyana.

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