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Jaipaul Sharma, a former member of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) coalition, on Friday revealed that he has now joined the Alliance for Change (AFC) and will be a candidate for the September 1, 2025 General and Regional Elections.

“I’m so pleased to be in his leadership because I personally believe that the best of the presidential candidates, including the incumbent, is Mr. Nigel Hughes,” Sharma said at an AFC press conference.

Meanwhile, Mr. Hughes said the experienced Sharma is a key part of the party’s plan to put forward a “broad coalition of interests” meant to help the country advance.

In the previous APNU+AFC government, Jaipaul Sharma was a Minister within the Ministry of Finance. His party, Justice For All Party (JFAP), was part of the APNU coalition.

In 2020, Sharma reportedly resigned from politics. In 2021, he formed the Equal Rights and Justice Party (ERJP) and rejoined the APNU coalition.

Meanwhile, businesswoman Kerri Gravesande-Bart was introduced as another new AFC candidate at Friday’s presser. She highlighted her interest in advocating for women, particularly in the business sphere.

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A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is proposing to spend an additional $400 billion in its first budget, should it be elected to office after the September 1, 2025 General and Regional Elections.

Party leader and Presidential candidate, Aubrey Norton, said the spending on personal and household incomes will amount to no more than 30% of the party’s national budget for its first term in office. That equates to about $400 billion, Norton said. This, therefore, means that APNU will present a $1.33 trillion budget.

Here’s how some of the $400 billion will be spent:

• $100 billion will be spent to raise salaries
• $40 billion to raise the income tax threshold to $400,000
• $53 billion to increase the old-age pension from $41,000 (current sum) to $100,000
• $9 billion for the student stipend programme for tertiary institutions
• $25 billion for the childcare allowance programme

These ventures amount to $227 billion. Other investments, Norton said, will be made to provide support to citizens.

This breakdown of the party’s intended spending was provided at its weekly press conference on Friday. This came after numerous criticisms were hurled at the party for what has been seen as an exorbitant increase in the spending bill.

Norton and other candidates, namely Juretha Fernandes and Ganesh Mahipaul, pushed back against those concerns.

In the first instance, Norton said Guyana expects increased oil revenues from new and forthcoming FPSOs (the oil platforms offshore).

He said too, “Oil productions will more than double over the next three years, adding another $4 to 5B to government revenues by 2027. Some of these funds will be prudently invested, through the Natural Resource Fund, to earn income on international stock markets.”

He also claimed that the APNU government will be saving more as it intends to stamp out corruption that costs the State purse hundreds of billions of dollars. In fact, Fernandes said about $200 billion could be saved, should the APNU coalition be able to root out corruption from public projects.

And how else will the APNU government earn besides depending on oil money? Well, Norton said a sustainable agricultural plan for each administrative region is in the works.

Elections 2025: APNU launches 2025 campaign with big spending pledges

Earlier this year, General Secretary of the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, cautioned against the opposition’s lack of economic foresight and the feasibility of their lofty promises heading into the 2025 elections.

He noted that these new promises echoed the vague slogan used during the 2015 campaign: “The Good Life for Everyone.”

“It’s the same vague promise they made in 2015, and it’s no different this time,” he said, while questioning the opposition’s ability to craft a practical economic plan.

“They never, in a single way, talked about how the country will earn more, about the diversification of the economy, creating the incentives for investment that will expand job opportunities… none of that. Their philosophy is precisely what got us in the situation, in the 90s,” he said, reflecting on Guyana’s history as a bankrupt country, and one of the poorest in the western hemisphere.

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Months after the new automated electric ticketing system was introduced, a total of 4,330 e-tickets have been issued to date, Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh confirmed on Friday.

The figures were clarified by Singh, hours after Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken stated that 889 e-tickets were issued between January and May, 2025.

“Between January and May, 2025, 889 e-tickets were issued through the Safe Road Intelligence Safety System, a reflection of enhanced enforcement and smarter policing,” Hicken said at the Guyana Police Force 186th Anniversary Awards Ceremony held at the Officers’ Mess, Eve Leary.

However, the News Room subsequently engaged Singh and he provided the updated statistics.

The automated system, officially launched on April 7, 2025, currently operates at ten locations. It was developed primarily to monitor speeding. However, it also detects a range of other offences, including tinted windows, coloured lights, and failure to wear seat belts.
The system is calibrated by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) and is supported by recent amendments to the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02.

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In the third game of the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League at Guyana National Stadium, Providence, Hobart Hurricanes XI defeated Dubai Capitals by seven wickets with 18 balls remaining.

Hurricanes captain Ben McDermott won the toss and inserted the Dubai outfit even though the Capitals had seen success defending a target in the first match of this year’s (GSL).

A score of 141-8 felt below par and so it proved, the Hurricanes knocking off the runs in some comfort to get their campaign off to a winning start.

Things started well for the capitals, Sediqullah Atal blitzed 25 from nine balls, clearing the boundaries for two sixes before Mohammad Nabi cleaned him up, Fabian Allen clinging on to a steepling catch as the batter sought another maximum but mistimed the stroke.

Allen then dismissed Niroshan Dickwella for 12 with his slow left arm tweakers and Nabi popped up again to pocket dangerman Shakib Al Hasan for just seven to leave the Capitals stuttering on 55-4 after seven overs.

Shakib had just passed 7,500 runs in T20s with a six off Nabi but then fell the very next ball caught behind by McDermott. Success and failure in cricket are happy bedfellows.

A rain shower delayed proceedings, but it was much the same for the Capitals once the players re-took the field.

They eventually made it up to a competitive total of 141-8 thanks to some lower order runs from Kadeem Alleyne (14), Jesse Bootan (18) and Dominic Drakes (11).

Both Nabi and Allen finishing on identical figures of 3/21 before Hobart Hurricanes XI made short work of the chase.

A 78 run partnership between Hobart Hurricanes XI’s captain and opening batter Ben McDermott and number 3 Macalister Wright broke the back of the Capital’s total.

Zinc cheeked leg-spinner Qais Ahmed spun a wonderful ball through McDermott’s defences to deprive him of a half century, a fizzing delivery pitching on middle and knocking back the off stump to bowl him for a well-made 48 off 24 balls that included five fours and three muscular sixes.

Southpaw Australian batter Jake Doran joined Wright in the middle as they cruised towards the finish line, Wright made it to his 50 off 47 balls but couldn’t see his side over the line with just a handful of runs needed.

The Hurricanes were never in danger though and chalked up the win just moments later in brilliant Providence sunshine. McDermott was named Player of the ​ Match. (GSL)

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A new housing scheme- Hoff Van Aurich- has been developed in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), and there are about 400 lots available for distribution to residents along the Essequibo Coast.

The Hoff Van Aurich Housing Scheme was developed on about 102 acres of land and is situated about 1.5 miles from the main access road. Already, plans are in place to expand the scheme.

The Ministry of Housing and Water on Friday hosted a ‘Dream Realised’ housing drive at Anna Region, Essequibo.

Addressing those gathered, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, said the demand for housing continues to grow across the country.

The Ministry of Housing and Water on Friday hosted a ‘Dream Realised’ housing drive at Anna Region, Essequibo. (Photo: Ministry of Housing & Water/July 11, 2025)

Despite this, he said the government has not increased the value of land. Rather, he said the cost of land is heavily subsidised.

“So it is very easy to say land is in abundance, but we also have to compete with interests for land use,” Croal said.

In Region Two, Croal said over 1,271 lots were allocated over the past five years. And from 2011 to date, he said over 226 lots were regularised.

Meanwhile, over $3.3 billion has been expended to conduct infrastructure work to develop housing in the region.

Several residents were allocated lots in the new Hoff Van Aurich housing scheme (Photo: Ministry of Housing & Water/July 11, 2025)

Croal acknowledged that there are areas where persons were allocated lands, but have not yet been able to see where their lands are situated. This, he said, is for various reasons. In Charity, for instance, he said there is an issue of flooding.

“Work has already started and we can easily show people their lot today, but…when we show you your lot, you must be able to start building tomorrow,” Croal said.

Over at Onderneeming, he said persons have been living on lots which do not belong to them. This issue, Croal said, is being “aggressively” addressed by the ministry.

The overall aim is to ensure that all eligible citizens have access to their land, Croal said.

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Jofra Archer took a wicket with the third delivery of his comeback on a memorable and fluctuating second day of the third Test between England and India.

After more than four years away with career-threatening injuries, Archer electrified Lord’s by having Yashasvi Jasiwal caught at second slip, wheeling away to celebrate with overflowing emotion.

Somehow, India suffered only one loss in Archer’s opening burst, but England plugged away in the extreme heat for two more crucial breakthroughs.

Joe Root’s magnificent catch at first slip not only ended Karun Nair’s resistance at 40, but also gave Root his 211^th grab in Tests, a record for an outfielder. The bowler was captain Ben Stokes, fit after a first-day injury scare.

Of more significance was the removal of prolific India captain Shuman Gill, caught behind off Chris Woakes for 16.

KL Rahul remains on 53, Rishabh Pant is fit to bat after a finger injury and has 19. India closed on 145-3, 242 behind England’s 387 all out.

For all of the excitement around Archer, his was not the most influential spell of fast bowling of the day: Jasprit Bumrah tore through England with 5-74.

Bumrah bowled Stokes for 44, had Root play on after he completed his 37th Test century and took an edge to condemn Woakes to a golden duck, all in a seven-ball period.

England slipped to 271-7, but India crucially dropped Jamie Smith on five. The wicketkeeper was fluent for 51, adding 84 with Brydon Carse, who was impressive for his maiden Test half-century.

Action-packed at red Lord’s

The first day of this Test was a grind, England battling their way to 251-4. The second day, as Lord’s turned red for the Ruth Strauss Foundation, was action-packed.

Whatever happens in Archer’s career from now on, the wicket of Jaiswal, his celebration and the reaction of the crowd will go down in English cricket folklore. An ‘I was there’ moment.

Even for the brilliance of Archer, who looked like he had never been away, England were struggling to make inroads under a burning sun and on an unresponsive pitch until the vital wicket of Gill.

That, along with the likely deterioration of the surface perhaps tips the balance towards the hosts. History is on their side: only once on this ground has a team made more than 387 batting first and lost, and that was a 1930 England team to an Australia side containing Sir Donald Bradman.

India might have been in a stronger position had they held Smith and not pushed to change the ball that gave Bumrah his first three wickets of the day.

The replacement did nothing and the tourists got it changed again eight overs later. The morning was, at times, a frustrating spectacle, with 15 overs fewer than scheduled bowled throughout the day.

That was forgotten as the shadows lengthened in an arm-wrestle of an evening. These two sides are evenly matched, this Test and the series are beautifully poised. (BBC)

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A businessman was remanded on Friday following charges related to an incident that resulted in the death of 16-year-old Kimberley Jones from Bel Air Village.

Paul Mahabal, 33, from Montrose, East Coast Demerara, appeared before Magistrate Michelle Matthias at the Weldaad Magistrate’s Court.

Mahabal faces charges for not providing assistance and failing to stop after the accident, which took place on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. He pleaded not guilty to both charges.

Police Prosecutor Sergeant Garfield Edwards opposed bail, arguing that Paul, who collided with Kimberley, did not stop to assist after the incident.

Edwards informed the court that Paul passed both the Weldaad and Mahaicony Police Stations without reporting the accident and continued on his way until he was apprehended by police at a roadblock in Mahaicony.

Family wants justice for teen killed in Bel Air hit-and-run accident

Edwards also alerted the court that Paul poses a flight risk.

Following the Prosecutor’s statements, Magistrate Matthias ordered Paul to be taken into custody.

The case has been moved to the Fort Wellington Magistrates Court for disclosure on July 16th, 2025.

On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, around 9:20 PM, Kimberley was crossing the Bel Air Public Road from north to south. At that moment, a car, identified as PAF 2130 and driven by 32-year-old Paul Mahabal from Montrose, East Coast Demerara, was traveling west along the southern side of the road when its front right side struck Kimberley. The impact caused her to be thrown 74 feet before she came to a stop.

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The PPP’s campaign launch for its re-election is not about “optics politics”, it’s General Secretary Dr Bharrat Jagdeo said Thursday, but about real plans and positivity. And so, he chose to stay away from talk about any surprise faces at the campaign launch on Sunday at the Kitty Market Square in Georgetown.

Speaking at his weekly press conference, Dr. Jagdeo said the party is attracting people from across the country.

“If you come there, you will see happy people.

“You’re not going to see people forced to come there because our message will be positive…we’re working for all Guyana, we are bringing people together across race, everyone is included,” he said.

He noted that leading up to the September 1, 2025 elections, more people are approaching the party officials to offer their assistance to erect party paraphernalia and transport items to the outlying regions.

“In the past, we never had enough people in South Georgetown to put up our flags [but] we don’t need to send people anymore from central to put up our flags, the groups and supporters in these areas go to put up our flags,” Jagdeo explained.

He credited this response to the PPP’s positive contributions to the various sectors and its unifying campaign which provides incentives for housewives, miners, rice farmers, public servants, children, persons living with disabilities and others.

“We can talk about what we did, the positive things, there are lots to talk about,” he noted.

Meanwhile, he noted that the APNU’s campaign launch had minimal supporters as they have failed to present concrete plans but rather focused on blaming the PPP and repeating promises which are impossible to fulfill.

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The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Thursday finally came up with a definitive position on the allocation where more than one parties join their lists to contest elections.

Parties can join their lists, and the total amount of votes the parties receive determines whether they get a seat in the National Assembly. This decision came after major contention with the last three parties- ANUG, LJP and TNM- that joined their list to contest the 2020 elections.

See below the full release from the Guyana Elections Commission: 

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) at its Statutory meeting  held on Thursday, 10th July, 2025 concluded extensive deliberations about Joinder of Lists, and Filling of  Vacancies in the National Assembly. The Commission’s determination of this matter was premised entirely on the legal framework. Accordingly, the Commission concluded that the following must be applied: 

1.Joinder of Lists 

Under Section 22(1) of the Representation of the People Act (ROPA), two or more political party  candidate lists may be combined for the purpose of allocation of seats in parliament. This combination  is referred to as a “joinder of lists.” 

Important points to note: 

• Ballots are not cast for the combination; The Parties in the combination will be listed separately  on the ballot paper. 
• The combination is treated as one List for the purpose of seat allocation. 

2.Rules Governing Joinder Lists 

1. To calculate seat distribution among the Parties involved in joinder of lists the valid votes across for  all of the Lists in the combination are added together. 
2. Before ascertaining the allocation of seats within the combination, a determination needs to  be made whether the combination won seats in the National Assembly.
3. The allocation of seats in the National Assembly is determined by dividing the total number  of valid votes cast for all of the contesting Lists of Candidates by 65 to find the electoral quota  of votes per seat.
4. Providing the combination won seats in the National Assembly, an electoral quota needs to  be established within the combination to determine how seats would be distributed therein. The electoral quota is determined by dividing the total number of valid votes received by the combination by the number of seats allocated to the combination.
5. The total votes received by each party in the combination are divided by the quota to determine the  allocation of seats within the combination.
6. In the case of a seat within the combination, the party with the largest number of surplus  votes will get that unallocated seat.
7. In the case of only one seat having been won by the combination, that seat shall go to the  Party that received the largest number of votes among all of the parties in the combination. 

• Note: Each party in the joinder retains its own Representative and Deputy Representative for the  purpose of extraction of candidates to become Members of the National Assembly. Therefore, it is  ONLY the Representative or Deputy Representative of the Party(ies) that are allocated seats can  do such extraction.  

3. Filling of vacancies in Parliament (Section 99A) 

If a parliamentary seat becomes vacant (for reasons other than a full dissolution of Parliament), the  vacancy must be filled by: 

• A person not already an elected member, but qualified and willing to serve. 
• Someone whose name appears on the same list from which the original MP was elected. • The selection is done by further extraction from that list, by the Representative or Deputy Representative of the said List. 

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The second ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) got underway at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, between Dubai Capitals and Central Stags of New Zealand with Dubai running out winners by a comfortable margin of 22 runs after posting 165-7.

Star Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan put in a Player-of-the-Match performance with bat and ball, his half-century and four wickets at a frugal economy of just 3.25 per over snuffed out the Stags’ hopes of a victorious chase, the latter eventually mustering 143-8 in response as Dubai claimed the win and made a strong start in this year’s GSL.

Stags captain Tom Bruce called the coin toss correctly and elected to bowl first only for Dubai Capitals to make a competitive total off their 20 overs.

The Dubai outfit got off to a decent start with opener Sediqullah Atal hitting 41 off 25 balls at the top of the order before Shakib’s powerfully struck half-century consisting of seven fours and one six- the first of the competition- provided a flourish to Dubai’s batting effort.

Shakib Al Hasan of Dubai Capitals bats during the Global Super League T20 match between Central Stags and Dubai Capitals at Providence Stadium on July 10, 2025 in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – GSLT20/Global Super League via Getty Images)

Shakib was unbeaten at the end with 58 off 37 balls, he then made an equally big impact with the ball in hand.

Angus Schaw was the pick of the bowlers for the Stags, his right-arm off-breaks scalping three wickets, including Dubai’s opener Niroshan Dickwella as well as middle order batters Kadeem Alleyne and Jordan Johnson- the latter niftily stumped by Dane Cleaver behind the sticks.

Dubai made steady progress in their reply, reaching 67-3 off 10 overs but left themselves too much heavy lifting to do in the second half of their innings with the run rate climbing steadily as a result of tight bowling from Dubai in the middle overs.

Bruce played a battling knock for 34 off 39 balls, but when he fell at the end of the 19th over to the medium pace of Gulbadin Naib it left the Stags requiring 29 off six balls and the jig was almost up.

25-year-old fast bowler Khuzaima Tanveer was tasked with bowling the final over of the match and found himself on a hat-trick after removing Doug Bracewell and Angus Schaw with consecutive deliveries.

Ajaz Patel hit the hat-trick delivery for four to spoil the party but a dot ball off the last saw Dubai complete the win and head to the top of the table. (GSL)

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