Author: Kayleigh Carter

Unsuitable weather conditions are delaying completion of the synthetic track in New Amsterdam, Berbice, with installation of the specialised track surface remaining the major challenge.

Region Six Chairman Junior Basant provided the update during Thursday’s statutory meeting of the Regional Democratic Council, saying several other aspects of the project are progressing.

He said installation of the rubberised surface remains the most critical component yet to be completed.
“We need a bit more of the rubbering and the matting to be placed on the surface,” Basant said.

“Based on advice from the experts who are doing it, this thing can only happen for maybe like an hour at the most per day because of the temperature,” he explained.

He added that the work cannot proceed on a rainy day or a day when the sun is shining too brightly, requiring a specific climate balance that has become the biggest hindrance to progress on the track.

Basant said additional works under way at the facility include construction of washrooms near Berbice High School, installation of additional stands, and development of a parking area at the former dump site.

“What you’re seeing next to the Berbice High School; those are washrooms being constructed there. We additionally have additional stands to be put up at the synthetic track,” he said.

He noted the car park, being developed on the old dump site, was recently established and has been filled with crusher run in preparation for further development.

Despite the delay, Basant said other regional projects are continuing at a pace the Regional Democratic Council is satisfied with.
The synthetic track project, which began several years ago, is expected to provide athletes in Region Six with a modern facility for training and competition once completed.

Guyana delivered ANSA McAL Group’s strongest geographic performance in the first half of 2026, with revenues surging 19.7 per cent as the Trinidad-based conglomerate reported a sharp increase in overall profitability.

The group posted profit after tax of $297.6 million for the six months ended June 30, a 44.4 per cent increase from $206.1 million in the corresponding period last year. ANSA McAL said stronger trading, strategic asset sales and lower finance costs boosted earnings.

Profit attributable to equityholders climbed 50 per cent to $257.8 million from $171.8 million, lifting basic earnings per share to $1.50 from $1.00 a year earlier.

Revenue also reached a new high, rising three per cent to $3.79 billion, compared with TT$3.69 billion in the first six months of 2025, driven by growth across almost all of the group’s regional markets. Revenue increased across all markets except Barbados and the United States.

ANSA McAL Chairman A. Norman Sabga said the group’s first-half performance reflected resilient operations and disciplined execution despite varying conditions across its business segments.

Profit before tax from continuing operations rose 24.5 per cent to $400.8 million, while adjusted EBITDA increased eight per cent to $751 million.

The beverage and financial services divisions produced the strongest earnings contributions during the six months, while the services sector also recorded improved results, supported partly by gains from strategic asset sales. Management continued initiatives aimed at strengthening performance in the chemicals, distribution and automotive businesses, which operated in more challenging market conditions.

The group also strengthened its balance sheet by repaying $683 million in debt during the period, reducing its gearing ratio to 19.6 per cent from 23.9 per cent at the end of December 2025.

Sabga said the company’s financial discipline was recognised through its inaugural corporate credit ratings from CariCRIS, which assigned ANSA McAL a CariAA regional rating and a ttAA national rating, both carrying stable outlooks. He said the ratings place ANSA McAL among the Caribbean’s most creditworthy companies and reflect its market position, resilient earnings and prudent capital management.

The company also unveiled group-wide Environmental, Social and Governance targets covering workplace safety, waste management and renewable energy generation, which Sabga said are intended to strengthen operational resilience, improve risk management and enhance the group’s long-term competitiveness.

Following the close of the reporting period, ANSA McAL announced a financing partnership with IDB Invest valued at up to US$500 million, the largest commitment of its kind in the Caribbean. Sabga said the funding will support the group’s long-term investment programme, regional expansion and sustainability initiatives.

Looking ahead, he said geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainty continue to present challenges, but added that the group’s diversified operations, strong balance sheet and disciplined approach position it to continue creating long-term value across the region. (Trinidad and Tobago Guardian)

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Madanlall Ramraj on Friday described as “totally unacceptable” the Transport and Harbours Department’s decision to reduce the allowable weight for trucks using the Supenaam–Parika ferry service without first consulting truck drivers and owners.

Ramraj made the comment during a meeting with truck drivers and owners in Region Two to discuss the reduction, which followed concerns raised by transport operators after the allowable load was cut to 15 tonnes last Thursday, significantly affecting the transportation of goods between Region Two and the mainland.

He stressed that stakeholders whose livelihoods depend on the ferry service should have been informed and consulted before such a decision was made, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to transparency and timely communication on decisions affecting the public.

The weight restriction was implemented due to structural concerns at both ferry terminals. According to the Ministry of Public Works, the drawbridge at the Supenaam Stelling had sustained damage, while ongoing construction at the Parika Stelling resulted in several beams shifting from the concrete-encased piles as work continues on the new facility.

Ramraj acknowledged the challenges the restriction has created for truck operators and businesses that rely on the ferry service, and assured them that the Government is actively working to resolve the issues and restore normal operations as quickly as possible without compromising public safety.

He informed the truck operators that the damaged drawbridge at the Supenaam Stelling has since been replaced, while engineers and consultants are working on a technical solution to address the structural concerns at the Parika Stelling.

Ramraj said the Ministry is exploring measures to reduce the impact of the temporary weight restriction on truck operators while works continue, adding that every effort is being made to complete the necessary repairs and restore the normal allowable tonnage at both ports as soon as it is safe to do so.

The Government said the temporary restriction forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and reliability of the ferry service while infrastructure improvements are undertaken.

For Ghanshanimie Balkarran, land of her own means she no longer has to endure being told to leave her mother’s house. For Mahadai Jaipersaud, it means an escape from a husband who torments her when he drinks. For Keisha Halley, it means finally putting down roots after years of renting.

The three women were among several Region Five families who walked away with more than just paperwork on Thursday, as the Ministry of Housing hosted a house lot allocation exercise at its Fort Wellington office, handing out plots within the Waterloo/Bath Housing Development.

For many recipients, the allocation closed out years of waiting and difficult living conditions, opening the door to homes they can finally call their own.

Balkarran, 55, a domestic worker of Rosignol, West Bank Berbice, described the moment as life-changing.

“I feel so happy and so glad. I live with my mother in a little house and every day my family tells me I have to leave because they don’t want me there. Now I’m an owner of land and I’m very glad. All my children are happy for me too. I’m very, very happy.

As soon as I can, I will move out and start my own life,” she said.

Ronetta Moore, 30, a single mother of three, applied for a house lot in 2024 and said she was overjoyed to finally receive one.
“I feel proud and happy that I got through. I would love to build a house for me and my three children. It means a lot,” Moore said.

For Jaipersaud, 53, a part-time government worker from Number Three Village, West Coast Berbice, the land represents both security and independence.

“I feel so happy because I never had land before. I plan to build a house and move there. My husband and I live together, but when he drinks, he torments me. I’m glad I got this land because nobody can tell me anything now,” she said.

Amir Khan, 39, a labourer from Cotton Tree Village and father of three, said persistence finally paid off after several unsuccessful attempts.

“It’s exciting because I’ve tried many times and never got through. When I received the call to come here, it was very delightful and joyful. My wife, children and I are all excited. Now we can move forward and start building our home,” Khan said.

Halley, 25, a field assistant attached to Vector Control Services in Mahaicony, said years of renting made the moment even more meaningful. She and her husband are looking forward to building a home where they can raise their four children.

“I feel great because I’ve been renting for a long time, so I’m very excited. I plan to start building as soon as I see the land. It means we can get an early start and put things in place for our children as they grow,” she said.

The allocation follows the Ministry of Housing and Water’s major housing drive in June, when more than 900 house lots were allocated within the Tract ‘A’ Hope and Tract ‘A’ Waterloo Housing Developments in Rosignol. The ministry also distributed more than 250 Certificates of Title during that exercise, part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to expand homeownership opportunities across the region.

Motorcycle racers from the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) secured multiple podium finishes at the fourth round of the 2026 Motovelocidad Championship, held on the 2.5km Autódromo Panamá circuit.

The Guyanese contingent faced tough regional competition on the fast Panamanian track across two divisions.
In the 600cc and 1000cc Pre-Expert division, Kevin Persaud claimed a win in heat one and a second-place finish in heat two aboard his Yamaha YZF R6.

Persaud had qualified fastest the day before with a lap time of 1:10.061, then held the lead to the chequered flag in heat one, finishing ahead of Mateo Castellano, Hopkinson, Jorge Mendieta and William Ayala.

A mistake in heat two cost him the lead, with Castellano taking the win ahead of Hopkinson, Mendieta and Alberto Mendez.
Castellano’s faster combined times across the two sessions gave him the overall win, with Persaud second and Hopkinson third.

In the Novice 1000cc and 600cc class, Cristian Henao took pole in the smaller displacement category, while Elwin Chase qualified second overall ahead of Christopher Brijmohan and Jerry Da Silva.

Henao rode to a lights-to-flag win in heat one ahead of Chase, with Marcus Guzman, David Melara, Magaly Aguilar and Brijmohan completing the finishing order.

He repeated the result in heat two, with Brijmohan moving up to third and Guzman and Melara dropping to fourth and fifth, ahead of Aguilar.

Henao was declared overall champion, ahead of Chase, Guzman, Brijmohan and Melara.
The GMR&SC team is due to return home this week.(GMR&SC)

Jason-Ray Khalil and Kirsten Gomes secured bronze for Guyana in the mixed doubles squash event at the Central American and Caribbean Games on Wednesday, falling to Mexico’s Alfredo Avila and Luz Lopez in the semi-final.

The Guyanese pair, who cruised into the semi-final, came up a tad short, losing 2-0 at 11-4 and 11-0.

In squash, the teams that fall short in the semi-finals both receive bronze medals while the winners go on to the gold medal game.

Khalil and Gomes will now switch their attention to their respective teams competition for Guyana, with both the men’s and women’s teams competition serving off on August 6.

A 21-year-old motorcyclist died on Wednesday night after his motorcycle collided with a motor van that allegedly turned into a worksite compound without stopping, police said.

Christopher Thomas, of Yarrowkabra Village, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, was pronounced dead at the Diamond Regional Hospital after the crash on the Coverden Public Road, East Bank Demerara, at around 9:10pm.

Police said motor van PAG 8745, driven by a 39-year-old Chinese national of Kuru Kururu Village, was proceeding north along the western lane when it turned right into a worksite compound entrance without stopping. It collided with motorcycle CR 8010, which was travelling south along the eastern lane at an alleged fast rate of speed, police said.

Thomas and his pillion rider, a 24-year-old man of Grand Sand Road, Soesdyke, were flung onto the roadway and taken to the Diamond Regional Hospital, where Thomas was pronounced dead. The pillion rider remains warded at the hospital receiving treatment.

A breathalyser test on the van driver returned a reading of 0.07 micrograms, below the legal limit, police said.
The driver is in custody assisting with investigations. Police said CCTV cameras in the area will be reviewed, and investigations are ongoing.

The family of a horse racing assistant trainer who died two days after a collision on the West Coast Berbice Public Road is calling for a thorough investigation into the crash.

 

Carlton Albert Pluck, 42, of No. 8 Village, West Coast Berbice, popularly known as “Blackmouth”, died on Tuesday afternoon at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation after the collision on Sunday along the No. 22 Public Road, West Coast Berbice.

 

Police said the collision occurred at about 11:00 hrs and involved motorcars PJJ 94, driven by Pluck, and PAP 2877, driven by Andre Stephen, 33, of New Amsterdam. Preliminary investigations indicate that Pluck was travelling east along the northern carriageway when, while negotiating a right-hand bend, he allegedly attempted to overtake a line of traffic and collided head-on with the oncoming vehicle. Both vehicles were extensively damaged and all occupants sustained injuries.

 

Pluck was initially taken to the Bath Regional Hospital before being transferred to Georgetown, where he remained unconscious until his death. The occupants of the second vehicle were treated and are in a stable condition. Investigations are continuing.

 

Pluck’s sister, Carlyene Pluck, disputed the police’s preliminary account, saying the investigation should focus more closely on the other driver. She said her brother had no history of speeding offences, while the other driver had accumulated several speeding tickets, including one issued earlier that same day.

 

Pluck’s mother, Leila Ramkissoon, recalled watching her son fight for his life after sustaining catastrophic injuries, including the loss of a kidney, five broken ribs, lung damage and a head injury. She described him as caring, humble and well-loved.

 

Pluck had just left the Jumbo Jet Horse Racing Stables at No. 22 Village and was heading to a horse racing event when the collision occurred. According to his family, he developed a passion for horse racing at the age of 14 and became a well-known figure in the local racing fraternity, working with several stables before returning to Jumbo Jet about a year and a half ago after spending several years abroad.

The Guyana Development Bank should not be viewed as a threat to existing financing institutions but as an additional opportunity for entrepreneurs to access funding, the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) said.

 

IPED Business Development and Marketing Manager Robert Williams said the establishment of the planned zero-interest development bank would create more options for businesses while the organisation continues its personalised approach to helping entrepreneurs build sustainable enterprises.

 

“Competition always seems to bring out the best in and around the business sphere,” Williams said, encouraging entrepreneurs to take advantage of the financing opportunities available.

 

He was speaking at the World Trade Centre Georgetown Emancipation Celebration Mixer on Friday, held under the theme, “Breaking Barriers, Building Businesses: The Journey from Emancipation to Economic Empowerment.”

 

“I would encourage each one of you who are here, who have businesses, get yourself in line so that you can also benefit from the opportunity under the zero per cent bank,” Williams said.

 

He said IPED’s strength lies not in offering the lowest interest rates but in providing guidance and support to entrepreneurs throughout the business development process.

 

Williams explained that the institution helps clients refine business ideas, prepare business plans and provides mentorship even after financing has been approved.

 

“You don’t need a business plan to come to us. It’s a hand-holding process,” he said.

He added that IPED remains committed to supporting young entrepreneurs, particularly graduates of technical and vocational institutions who may struggle to secure loans from traditional banks despite having valuable skills.

 

Founded 40 years ago by the late Dr Yesu Persaud, IPED was established to provide financing to entrepreneurs who were unable to access traditional banking services.

 

Williams said the organisation has since grown from a single-employee operation into a nationwide institution serving more than 5,000 clients.