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Futsal fans are in for another exciting night of skill and endurance as night three of the inaugural June Madness Futsal Championship is set to unfold at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall tonight (June 7) from 20:00h.

Given the fact that this championship, powered by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and Ansa McAl Trading, is being played using the knock-out format, it’s all to play for from the start of matches.

Another exciting feature is the yellow ball which can be requested by either team four minutes after the games commence and six minutes before the action conclude.

A goal scored within the two-minute life of the yellow ball by either team shall be counted as two.

Spaniards (black) scores one of their five goals against Unity Ballers

One team has been successful to date with the ball- Albouystown ‘A’ through Ezikiel Telford, who ended the match with a helmet-trick in their 9-0 whipping of Campbellville.

Saturday night’s opening clash will see Stevedore Ballers challenging Westside Ballers.

From 20:45h, Mocha Red Force will throw down the gauntlet to fellow East Bank side, Timehri Warriors, followed by Linden All Star against Show Stoppers.

Gaza Squad will then take center stage when they come up against Gladiators with the penultimate showdown of the night featuring Real Sport and Kitty Hustlers.

The night’s main attraction is between North Ruimveldt and Team Family.

YMCA (yellow and black) was dominant in their 5-0 trouncing of Agricola Ballers

Five more teams booked their spots in the next round following wins on Thursday night at the same venue.

Following are those results 

MATCH ONE: Make it Happen 2 (Jahno Jeran 5^th, Jafet George 30^th) defeated Street Vybz 0 

MATCH TWO: Kingston 4 (Ezekiel David 2^nd, 5^th and 13^th and Shuwabe Hutson 10^th) defeated Finishers 1 (Medino Christian 24^th)

MATCH THREE: YMCA 5 (Kevin Gittens 4^th and 23^rd, Nicholas Gentle 7^th, Kymani Sealey 21^st and Jonathan Simon 26^th) defeated Agricola Ballers 0

MATCH FOUR: Spaniards 5 (Shakac Louis 2^nd, 7^th and 20^th, Tyreck Cummings 2^nd and Teshawn Gordon 28^th) defeated Unity Ballers 2 (Joshua Kamal 3^rd and Cleyon Forrester 18^th)

MATCH FIVE: Laing Avenue 3 (Matthew Nedd 13^th and 30+5 and Kenroy Domonic 30+9) defeated Sophia Ballers 2 (Isiah Jack 17^th and Richie Richards 30+9)

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The Guyana Under-19 cricket team is continuing its preparation for the upcoming Cricket West Indies Regional Under-19 Tournament with a second weekend encampment, which started on Friday afternoon (June 6) and will culminate on Sunday (June 8) at the Essequibo Hostel, located in the scenic Cinderella County.

Both the first and second encampments have been held in Essequibo as part of the Guyana Cricket Board’s effort to decentralise its development programmes and create balanced opportunities for youth cricketers across the country.

Speaking ahead of the encampment, Head Coach Garvin Nedd emphasised the importance of continuing the team’s physical and technical work while beginning to instill greater tactical awareness and match intelligence.

“This weekend we’ll continue the physical preparation, but we’re also moving into fine-tuning technical areas, especially batting and bowling,” said Nedd.

“We’ve already begun introducing game sense and situational awareness so the players understand what we want to achieve as a unit in this year’s tournament.”

Reflecting on the previous encampment, Nedd noted that while inclement weather limited some of the outdoor sessions, he was pleased with the level of skill displayed, particularly by the batsmen.

“The batters showed solid technique in the sessions we had access to. While we couldn’t do as much with the wicketkeepers, pacers and spinners due to the conditions, we made the most of the facilities available. Overall, I’m quite impressed with the skill set shown so far,” he added.

Looking ahead, the coach remains cautiously optimistic about the group’s progress.

“We’re hoping the weather holds up so we can get in more match scenarios and practical sessions. These players are talented, and many of them I’ve watched from the U-17 level. It’s now about ensuring they understand their roles clearly and come together as a cohesive unit.”

Team Manager Nazeer Mohammed also shared his perspective, noting that while the first encampment was affected by heavy rainfall, it still served its purpose in building team spirit and laying the foundation.

“We were hit with rain during the last encampment, but still managed some solid physical work at the new stadium in the morning. Coach Nedd also did one-on-one technical sessions,” Mohammed explained.

“This time, the GCB has taken extra steps to minimise disruptions, including protecting the practice nets area so we can get in more batting and bowling drills.”

The GCB has also made a bowling machine available to provide quality, targeted batting practice throughout the weekend.

Mohammed praised the players’ attitude and commitment, noting that their enthusiasm bodes well for the tournament ahead.

“What stood out was the commitment. Despite limited on-field time, these boys were eager, disciplined and fully locked in. They’re listening, learning and showing the right attitude to represent Guyana proudly at the regional level.”

This second encampment forms part of an ongoing development programme aimed at refining player performance and finalising the squad for the regional showdown.

(Modified Press Release from the Guyana Cricket Board)

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Guyanese powerlifting sensation Dominic Tyrrell will proudly represent Guyana at the IPF World Open Classic Powerlifting Championships, scheduled for Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Chemnitz, Germany.

Competing among the world’s elite powerlifters in the Men’s 83kg category, Tyrrell will showcase his strength at 18:30h (German time) in Group A.

Powerlifting is a competitive strength sport centered around three core lifts: the squat, bench press, and deadlift.

The International Powerlifting Federation (IPF), the leading global authority on powerlifting, will host this prestigious annual event from June 8–15, 2025.

Tyrrell will compete against renowned athletes such as Joseph Borenstein, Ade Omisakin, Jurins Kengamu and Timothy Monigatti.

According to the IPF’s official nominations, Tyrrell enters the competition ranked ninth out of 42 competitors in his weight class, underscoring his impressive standing in the global powerlifting community.

Tyrrell boasts an impressive and inspiring track record, both in Guyana and internationally.

Currently residing in France, he recently participated in the groundbreaking Squat, Bench and Deadlift Showdown held in Montpellier, France, in April.

There, he secured an outstanding fourth-place finish, using the event as strategic preparation for this year’s championship.

Tyrrell’s international acclaim grew significantly following his stellar performance at the 2024 IPF World Men’s Classic Open Powerlifting Championships in Druskininkai, Lithuania.

In his World Open debut, Tyrrell clinched an individual bronze medal in the deadlift with a remarkable lift of 342.5 kg (755 lbs).

His other lifts included a squat of 265 kg (584 lbs) and a bench press of 167.5 kg (369 lbs), earning him a total of 775 kg (1,709 lbs) and placing him sixth overall.

In his Open debut last year, Tyrrell faced off against athletes from powerlifting powerhouses like the USA, Canada, Great Britain and wider Europe.

Dominic’s excellent performance landed him as a top ranked athlete alongside powerlifting greats such as Kengamu, Russel Orhii and Enahoro Asein.

Tyrrell’s career highlights also include his 2023 debut at the IPF World Junior and Sub-Junior Classic Championships in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

Competing in the 74 kg category, he impressively ranked 10th among 20 lifters, achieving a total lift of 667.5 kg (1,472 lbs).

Despite facing several setbacks during his preparation, including illness, injury and personal loss, Dominic remains optimistic, determined and deeply grateful.

He aims to build upon last year’s success and further solidify his place in the global powerlifting conversation.

Reflecting on his journey, Tyrrell shared: “Last year put me into the limelight, placed me in the top 10 globally, and brought significant recognition, including being runner-up for Guyana’s Sportsman of the Year. I’m eager to continue building momentum and proudly represent Guyana on the world stage.”

The Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF), along with its affiliates and the broader Guyanese community, wishes Dominic the utmost success.

Fans and supporters can watch Tyrrell compete via the IPF’s live broadcast on their official YouTube channel.

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The Bengaluru police have arrested a senior Royal Challengers Bengaluru official, Nikhil Sosale, in relation to the death of 11 people and injuries to many more in Wednesday’s stampede during an event held to celebrate the team winning IPL 2025.

The arrest followed the Karnataka state government suspending top police officials on Thursday, while appointing a new commissioner, Seemanth Kumar Singh.

In their FIR on Thursday, the Bengaluru police claim that they denied RCB permission to conduct their victory parade at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, around which the stampede occurred leading to casualties.

RCB were listed as the first accused along with DNA Entertainment, the franchise’s event partners, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), which is in charge of the stadium premises.

As per the Bengaluru police, officers had been on duty around the stadium until 5:30am on June 4, the day after RCB’s victory in the IPL final, and due to the difficulty of managing another large crowd, permission for the event was denied.

“Despite this, KSCA, RCB, and DNA proceeded with the event, ignoring police instructions,” the FIR said.

“Without any official permission, on June 4, RCB announced their celebration and victory parade on their social media and website, inviting fans to join. Once this news spread on TV channels and social media, we (Police) informed our senior officers and requested security and necessary arrangements.”

According to the police, RCB’s posting of free entry passes on their social media channels worsened the situation as the franchise hadn’t informed the police or public about how passes would be distributed, causing confusion among the fans gathered outside.

There has been no official statement or reaction from the franchise since the arrest has been made.

On Thursday evening, the state government as well as RCB, owned by liquor giants Diageo, announced a compensation of INR 10 lakh for the families of the deceased, while covering all medical expenses for the injured. ESPNcricinfo has reached out to Sosale and RCB for comment. (ESPNcricinfo)

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In a bid to improve access to public facilities for persons living with disabilities, the National Commission on Disabilities will soon begin working with public buildings in Georgetown.

Programme Manager of the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities, Ganesh Singh, noted that building codes and accessibility standards recommended by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) are not currently being enforced.

This year, the Commission plans to prioritise the enforcement of these codes and strengthen monitoring by the relevant authorities. Following the launch of the Building Accessibility Handbook 2025, a product of the Ministry of Health’s Disability and Rehabilitation Services in collaboration with the National Commission on Disability (NCD), there will be an audit piloted at buildings in Georgetown.

“Any building that has a public access or government owned and we will have persons with disabilities, they have that check list that they will check.

“What we need is for the systems or mechanisms to be put in place to enforce building codes and the relevant authorities to ensure that there is compliance,” Singh said.

Disability Rights Activist Ganesh Singh (News Room/January 28, 2025)

The gradient of the ramps and the width of doors, corridors, and ramps to allow persons adequate accessibility are among the factors that will be examined. Limitations and recommendations will also be provided to building owners.

According to the Persons with Disabilities Act 2010, public buildings must cater for persons living with disabilities. Building owners were given a five-year grace period to comply. However, with little enforcement and awareness, there has been a delay. Singh said the advocacy for buildings to meet these standards is necessary.

He noted that buildings constructed by international companies entering the country’s markets are complying with international accessibility standards as a precautionary measure—not because they have staff or guests living with disabilities.

“It’s not just for persons with disabilities because a ramp could help a pregnant woman, who might have difficulty in the late stages of pregnancy walking upstairs, it could help a mom that has a stroller with a child, it could help elderly persons who might have mobility challenges,” he said.

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At the reception commemorating the 53rd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Guyana and the People’s Republic of China, newly appointed Chinese Ambassador Yang Yang emphasised that China is committed to working with Guyana to expand cooperation into emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI).

“We are also willing to work with Guyana to tap deeper into cooperation potential, and to expand our collaboration from traditional areas such as energy, mining, infrastructure, and agriculture to emerging fields like the digital economy, green development, and artificial intelligence,” the Ambassador said.

The Chinese diplomat revealed that in 2024, bilateral trade reached US$1.4 billion, nearly four times higher than in 2019.

“China’s direct investment in Guyana also surged from US$256 million in 2019 to US$10.6 billion in 2024, representing a fortyfold increase. Chinese enterprises have not only undertaken various projects, but also actively shouldered social responsibilities. They have created a large number of job opportunities in Guyana and actively involved in public welfare initiatives such as poverty alleviation, educational support, and charitable donations,” the Ambassador said.

Since 1993, China has dispatched 20 Chinese medical brigades to Guyana, providing healthcare to thousands of patients, with more than 30,000 critically ill cases treated and 70,000 surgeries performed.

“We regard Guyana as a key partner in the Caribbean and Latin America, and firmly support Guyana in pursuing your own development path. And we are committed to take our relations to a new level on the basis of mutual respect,” Yang said.

She further committed to encouraging more Chinese businesses to invest in Guyana as the country continues its transformative development.

Ambassador Yang also pledged China’s continued support for Guyana’s sovereignty and development agenda.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali echoed similar sentiments and stated that China is a vital partner in supporting Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The President revealed that discussions were held with Ambassador Yang which included “safeguarding of our sovereignty and territorial integrity and the role China must play in ensuring this region remains peaceful and our neighbour in a just manner, follow what we all believe that is international order and the rule of law and the respect of our sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Guyana, the Head of State reaffirmed, stands resolutely in support of a global system based on democracy, peace, sovereignty, freedom, and respect for territorial integrity.

In reflecting on Guyana’s longstanding ties with China, President Ali stated that Guyana was the first English-speaking Caribbean country to recognise the People’s Republic of China over 50 years ago.

Since then, the relationship has evolved into what he described as a “respectful and multifaceted partnership grounded in mutual trust, shared values, and economic cooperation.”

He praised the contributions of the Chinese community to Guyana’s national development, citing their role in enriching the country’s cultural diversity, commerce, infrastructure, and social services.

“China has stood with us, partnered with us, and lent support in critical national priorities,” the President said.

Adding: “We are confident that as Guyana rises to new heights, China will be there, offering friendship and partnership to advance mutual benefits and development.”

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Thursday (June 5) marked the conclusion of a two-day football coaching and child safeguarding workshop for teachers and school football coaches from across the country, compliments of the Petra Organisation.

The Organisation teamed up with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, with sessions facilitated by Senior Child Protection Officer Orette Francois and former Golden Jaguars Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz.

Former Golden Jaguars Head Coach Jamaal Shbazz addressing the participants

The over 20 participants expressed immense satisfaction with the information received, knowledge gained and the practical football tactics and formations shared throughout the sessions.

The workshop aimed to not only develop coaching skills, but also emphasise the importance of child safeguarding in sport.

Recommendations were made for further improvement and continuation of such initiatives. The Petra Organisation pledged its continued support through sponsorship for programmes of this nature.

Teachers and coaches present at the workshop promised to apply the knowledge gained in a practical manner to their student-players, ensuring that the impact of the programme extends well beyond the classroom.

Adding to the significance of the closing ceremony was Raydon Kramer, who recently returned from a stint in Brazil.

He shared his enriching experiences with fellow coaches, offering further insight into international football development.

The two-day programme was sponsored by ExxonMobil Guyana, who has partnered with the Petra Organisation to host an annual Boys and Girls Under-14 championship.

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All systems are in place for the grand Stage of Champions Elite Pro Qualifier 2025 on Saturday (June 7) at the National Cultural Centre from 19:00h.

The sixth annual bodybuilding showpiece, put on by the Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation and dubbed the One Guyana Stage of Champions, has received the unflinching support of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission.

“The ongoing financial and non-financial support of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission must be highly applauded and commended,” the organisers highlighted.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. (left) with promoter Videsh Sookram

Videsh Sookram of the organising committee said: “Plans are on stream for what we are considering the biggest show here. It’s big because it’s the first time we will be able to hand out pro-cards here and with those cards come big money for athletes.”

He added: “We recently got certified by the International Bodybuilding Federation (IBF) with the winners of the Stage of Champions Bodybuilding, Men’s Physique and Bikini categories expected to collect Pro Cards.”

The overall winner of the bodybuilding segment will collect G$600,000, with G$300,000 for the Men’s Physique and Ms. Bikini winners.

A new addition this year, according to the promotor, is the children’s bodybuilding competition, powered by Camille’s Institute.

Gold Sponsors: Twins, New GPC, Fitness Express, Ele’s Trading and Hardware, Camille’s Academy, IPA and Royal International Hotel.

Silver and Bronze Sponsors: Republic Bank Limited, Aspire + Hotel, Windjammer, Riaz Computers, Target Logistics, Home Value Hardware and General Store, Leading Technology, Team Stoby, Cactus Auto Sale, Outdoor Pet Store, Unity Cabs, Unity Gym, VS Fitness, Crown Mining, Outdoor Sportsman, Zoon Logistics, Kalapnauth General Store, Vincy Massage Spa, Survival Supermarket, Next Level Sports and Nutrition Gears, Meditrons INC, Fantasy Tours, Jai Signs, Innovative Electronic, Health Hub, J-TEC Electronics, Prem’s Electrical, Swag Cutz and Elite Fleet Guyana.

 

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[The Department of the Treasury – Washington] – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned four Guyanese nationals and two Colombian nationals responsible for trafficking tons of cocaine from South America to the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean.

Today’s sanctions target drug traffickers utilizing boats and narco-subs to traffic ton-quantities of cocaine, along with an alleged corrupt Guyanese law enforcement official.  The sanctions also target individuals that are operating covert airstrips to traffic drugs via aircraft.  For decades, reported corrupt actors have used Guyana as a transshipment point for the movement of drugs from South America to the United States, with Mexican drug cartels also maintaining a presence in the region.  International cocaine trafficking remains a serious threat to the United States, as the substantial profits generated from these sales continue to fund and strengthen cartel operations.

“Under President Trump, this administration has achieved the most secure border in modern history. The Treasury Department continues to bring our unique tools and authorities to the fight against cartels and their affiliates.  Today’s action is a strong signal that this administration will continue to take the fight to the cartels, regardless of where they are located,” said Deputy Secretary Michael Faulkender.  “Treasury will continue to expose the criminal networks that allow for drugs to be trafficked into the United States, and work closely with our law enforcement colleagues and the Government of Guyana to disrupt the cartels wherever they operate.”

Today’s action was taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14059, which targets the proliferation of illicit drugs and their means of production. OFAC carried out this investigation in coordination with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS).

DRUG TRAFFICKING IN GUYANA

Guyana’s proximity to the Caribbean, as well as alleged corruption along its ports and borders, allows aircraft and maritime vessels, also known as narco-submarines, to transit through its waters undetected. Drug traffickers exploit the rivers and jungles of South America by transporting large quantities of cocaine from Colombia and Venezuela through Guyana and Suriname.  Guyana is a close partner of the United States in combating narcotics trafficking; nevertheless, according to a 2025 State Department International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, corruption in Guyana poses a significant obstacle to its efforts to combat drug trafficking.

In the last few years, Guyana has been the focus of major law U.S. enforcement operations in partnership with Guyanese authorities, resulting in multi-ton seizures of cocaine.  In March 2025, a cargo vessel originating in Guyana was discovered by police in the waters of Trinidad and Tobago with approximately 182 kilograms of cocaine.

Cocaine packages stamped with the Toyota logo, a known trademark of the Sinaloa Cartel, were found on-board the cargo vessel.  Mexican drug cartels are known for having a presence in Guyana.  On February 20, 2025, the State Department identified the Sinaloa Cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).  Prior to its designation as an FTO, OFAC sanctioned the Sinaloa Cartel on April 15, 2009 pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Kingpin Act) for playing a significant role in international narcotics trafficking.  On December 15, 2021, OFAC also designated the Sinaloa Cartel pursuant to E.O. 14059.

On March 21, 2024, U.S. and Guyanese law enforcement seized 2,370 kilograms of cocaine in a self-propelled semi-submersible approximately 150 miles off the coast of Guyana.

In August 2024, Guyanese authorities, with support from DEA and DSS, discovered 4.4 tons of cocaine in a clandestine airfield in the northwest region of Guyana known as Barima-Waini, or Region One, which shares a border with Venezuela. The cocaine was buried in underground bunkers about six feet deep.

CRIMINAL OPERATORS IN GUYANA

Guyanese nationals Paul Daby Jr. (Daby Jr.) and Randolph Duncan (Duncan) operate the largest drug trafficking organizations in Guyana and rely on maritime vessels and aircraft to conceal and traffic cocaine, while also allegedly bribing Guyanese officials to facilitate their drug trafficking operations.  Daby Jr. traffics ton-quantities of cocaine, coordinating the shipment of loads from Colombia and Venezuela via aircraft, and utilizing illegal airstrips in Guyana.  Daby Jr. also relies on a network of individuals to conceal and transport cocaine in shipping containers from the ports of Guyana and Suriname.  Daby Jr. is also involved in the transporting of illegal gold from Guyana via maritime vessels.  Duncan traffics cocaine from Guyana to Africa and the Caribbean, with Europe and the United States as the ultimate destinations.

Mark Cromwell (Cromwell), a former Guyana Police Force (GPF) officer, is a violent drug trafficker and associate of Daby Jr.  Cromwell is wanted by the GPF for his connection to the 2024 abduction of a former Guyanese police officer.

Guyanese national Himnauth Sawh (Sawh), a law enforcement officer of the GPF, has ensured safe passage to Colombian and Venezuelan traffickers through Region One.  In September 2024, following the discovery of 4.4 tons of cocaine in Region One by Guyanese officials, Sawh was removed as Divisional Commander of Region One and assigned to the GPF’s Transport Workshop.

Colombian nationals Yeison Andres Sanchez Vallejo (Sanchez) and Manuel Salazar Gutierrez (Salazar) are responsible for overseeing the clandestine airstrips used to transport ton-quantities of cocaine via aircraft from Colombia to Guyana.

OFAC designated Daby Jr., Duncan, Cromwell, Sawh, Sanchez, and Salazar pursuant to E.O. 14059 for having engaged in, or attempted to engage in, activities or transactions that have materially contributed to, or pose a significant risk of materially contributing to, the international proliferation of illicit drugs or their means of production.

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today’s action, all property and interests in property of the designated or blocked persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC.  In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked.  Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC’s regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of blocked persons.

Violations of U.S. sanctions may result in the imposition of civil or criminal penalties on U.S. and foreign persons.  OFAC may impose civil penalties for sanctions violations on a strict liability basis.  OFAC’s Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC’s enforcement of U.S. economic sanctions. In addition, financial institutions and other persons may risk exposure to sanctions for engaging in certain transactions or activities involving designated or otherwise blocked persons. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated or blocked person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.

The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC’s ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List), but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law.  The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior.  For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, or to submit a request, please refer to OFAC’s guidance on Filing a Petition for Removal from an OFAC List.

To view the chart on the persons designated today, click here.

For more information on the individuals and entities designated today, click here.

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President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Thursday night responded to the United States’ recent decision to impose sanctions on four Guyanese nationals for drug trafficking, affirming that his government has already requested additional information from U.S. authorities to support a thorough local investigation.

The President disclosed that he has spoken directly with the U.S. Ambassador to Guyana and requested all available intelligence to aid local law enforcement agencies. Among those sanctioned is Senior Superintendent Himnauth Sawh of the Guyana Police Force, who has since been placed on administrative leave in keeping with standard procedures.

“These developments are being taken seriously. I’ve already spoken with the Ambassador and requested all the relevant information so that we can take the appropriate action locally,” President Ali said in an invited comment on the sidelines of a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Guyana.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on Thursday sanctioned ten individuals, including four Guyanese: Senior Superintendent Sawh, Paul Daby Jr., Mark Cromwell—also known as ‘Demon’ and ‘Diamond’—and Randolph Duncan. The move follows a similar round of sanctions a year ago that targeted prominent businessman Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed, his son Azruddin Mohamed, and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mae Thomas.

President Ali said the latest sanctions reaffirm the importance of Guyana’s security partnership with the United States, especially in light of concerns that the country is being used as a transhipment point for narcotics. He said the government is ramping up investment in border control, surveillance, and screening technology.

“We have a very strong bilateral partnership on security. We’re working with the U.S. on port and border security, and we’ve already started to see results,” he said.

“We’re also investing in scanners and other technologies that will help us strengthen our national security framework.”

Asked whether he felt blindsided by the sanctions, President Ali declined to use that term but acknowledged the complexities involved. He emphasised that Guyana and the U.S. have maintained ongoing security cooperation and intelligence sharing, including in matters concerning the individuals recently sanctioned.

“There has always been partnership and sharing of information. I’m sure there was engagement from the security front before the sanctions were issued,” the President noted.

He also indicated that further administrative and possibly legal actions would follow depending on the outcome of local investigations.

“The police officer will have to proceed accordingly. Once we receive the information from the U.S., we will ensure the necessary steps are taken,” he said.

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