Atleast67Palestinian children killed in Gaza since ceasefire began: UN
School girl, 16, dies in Corentyne accident, several critical
Vacant opposition leader seat aids
Lusignan woman on $150k bail for FB govt’s“undemocratic practices”-APNU
rants against Minister Indar
GPLsignsUS$235M incontractstofurther for Total Energies, losses above coverage oil spill insurance Guyana to pay for
expand, modernise national grid
govt’s vile attacks on judiciary
The new Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) often flaunted by the government of Guyana for its improved fiscal terms features dangerous clauses that can significantly reduce the additional revenue being sought by the country
One such provision imbedded in the deal requires Guyana to pay for oil spill insurance for the Total Energies-led consortium that was recently awarded an offshore shallow water block. Not only that, but Guyana has also agreed to pay for damages not covered by the insurance.
The Petroleum Agreement and Exploration License was published by government this week, mere days after the deal was signed with the oil companies, Total Energies, QatarEnergyandPetronas.
According to Section Three of thePSA,insurancecostsandlosses can be recovered by the contractor without the approval of the Ministerresponsibleforpetroleum. The Agreement states, “Insurance premium and cost incurred for insurance pursuant to Article 29 of this Agreement provided that if such insurance is wholly or partly placed with anAffiliated Company
of the Parties comprising the Contractor, such premium and costs shall be recoverable only to the extent generally charged by competitive insurance companies other than an Affiliated Company of a Party comprising the Contractor.”
The contract goes on to note that losses not covered by the insurance can also be recovered, meaning that in such an instance Guyanawillbepayingfordamages relatingtoanoilspill.
According to the PSA, “Costs, losses and damages incurred to the
extent not made good by an insurance claim(s), may be recoverable subject to the Minister's review and the initial verification and audit process of Article 41 of the Agreement and this Accounting Procedure, including costs, losses or damages
resulting from the indemnities in Article 29 of the Agreement incurred to the extent not made good by an insurance claim(s), unless such costs, losses or damages have resulted solely from willful misconduct or gross negligenceoftheContractor.”
Total Energies has been awarded block S4, located in shallow water, offshore Guyana. The French company leads the consortium with a 40% interest in the block, along with its partners, Qatar Energy and Petronas with 35% and 25% respectively Block S4 spans an area of approximately 1,788squarekilometres,located50 to 100 kilometres off Guyana's coast in water depths ranging between30and100metres.
Following its exploration activities in the block, the group willmovetoproductionactivitiesif oil is discovered in commercial quantities.
The agreement is the first to be signed since government introduced a revised PSA with greater fiscal benefits to the country Amid the package is 10% royalty, 10% taxes and cost recovery capped at 65% monthly withprofitstobesplit50/50.
President Irfaan Ali on Friday outlined a series of measures he said will improve the lives of residents of Region Six, as he completed a two-day
Cabinet outreach in communities within the East Berbice-Corentyneregion.
D u r i n g a p r e s s conference, President Ali updated the media on the concernsbroughtforwardby citizens of the region during the extensive engagements. The president noted that the government was able to assess the challenges in the context of its manifesto, and a l s o m e a s u r e t h e accomplishments, one such example being drainage and irrigation.
"Today, as we've completed the analysis so far, D&I (drainage and irrigation) is now the lowest rankedpriority
Andthatisnottosaythat there's still not a lot of work to be done, but that is to say that people are experiencing the results that we have made, " the president proclaimed.
Shifting focus, President Aliannouncedthattherewill befournewfirestationstobe installed in the region to strengthen its firefighting capacity
"You will recall that we had invested in firefighting units for every NDC and
municipality, but those units now must be backed by fire hydrants and available water storage and capacity areas withineverycommunity."
T h e s e w i l l b e implemented over the next threeweeks,headded.
Plans are also ongoing for the rehabilitation of the three main municipalities, as well as community market facilities in the region Assessments confirmed the need for proper stalls, drainage system, roofing, essent
arrangements, as mandated bythepresident.
President Ali and members of his Cabinet at Friday's press conference in Region Six
CCTV camera in the expansion of the smart country project. Also, there will be the strengthening of the community policing groups (CPG), resuscitating the 25 dormant CPGs and introducinganadditional10, while establishing CPG desksateverypolicestation.
The president's visit to Region Six was the start of a series of planned regional Cabinet outreaches to directlyengagecitizens.
He also stressed the importance of water availability, as well as safety features including fire safety and prevention measures
on Friday over an alleged
cybercrime offence committedonWednesday
It is alleged that the accused, Raywattie Khamraj, used a computer system to disseminate false information about Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation,Mr.DeodatIndar.
Khemraj appeared before Magistrate Annette Singh at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court where the charge of using a
false, 19(3)(b) of the Cybercrime Act No. 16of2018,wasreadtoher Shepleadednotguilty
T h e m a t t e r w a s adjourned to December 17, 2025.
As part of the bail conditions, Khamraj was required to lodge her passport with the court, refrain from posting or commenting on social media, and report to the police every last Friday of eachmonth.
Recommendations were m a d e f o r m a r k e t management committees, where the best interests of both customers and vendors wouldbeadvocatedfor Rehabilitation works will also target landfill sites in the region. In this regard, thepresidentnotedthatthese will be catered for in the
2026 budget, together with roads and access to these sites. There will also be the provision of garbage compactor trucks for the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) to assist with their waste disposal services.
Residents of Orealla and Siparutahaveraisedwiththe president the need for a magistrate'scourt.
This will be looked into, thepresidentassured.
“They have to travel all the way to Skeldon to have their matters addressed. So, we are going to utilise technology, and with the aid
of the containerised offices, establish a footprint for the people of Siparuta and Orealla to have access from one of those communities to themagistrate'scourt."
Zooming in on New Amsterdam, the president noted that government anticipatesthecompletionof the US$161 million world class New Amsterdam hospitalandthe$500million nursing dormitory that will boosttheregion'shealthcare services.
For the home affairs aspect, President Ali p r o m i s e d t o o u t f i t communities with more
Government ministers had earlier in the day concluded community meetings where matters surrounding housing, water, land, farming, roads and contractors, markets, among otherswereraised.
"In this second term, we're intensifying that connectivity with the people in the various regions and all of Guyana," the president told reporters at the conclusion of his two-day visittotheregion.
Several government members of Parliament and advisors also accompanied thepresident.
PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd. 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.
Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456
Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams
Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
Over a year ago, this was said in a public forum, “Somethinghastobedoneabouttheuseofsocialmediaasa weaponagainstthecitizensofthiscountry Agovernmentcan standidlybyinthefaceofsuchonslaughtagainstitscitizens, thatgovernmentwillbefailinginitsresponsibilities”
Thesourceofthosecomfortingwordswasnoneotherthan Guyana'sAttorneyGeneral,AnilNandlall,SC Itwashealthy thatNandlallunstuckhisheadfrombelowthesand,aworthy achievement by itself In his second inaugural address, PresidentAlialsospokeofgoingfullblastagainstthosewho usesocialmediaplatformstoattackandheapabuseoncitizens. Guyanese could be in for a change in its cybercrime law, and how much of a change will demonstrate the PPPC Government's sincerity in addressing social media excessesthattarnishthosewhospeakoutinGuyana.
Thepoliticaloppositionhasitsgroupingofsupportersthat areknownsocialmediaabusers,cybercrimeruffians Truthbe told,thePPPCGovernmentitselfhasitsteamsofsocialmedia agentsthataregivenafreehandtotargetandvilifycitizenswho utilizetheirconstitutionallyrighttofreedomofexpression To beboldenoughtosharepubliclywherethe government has done wrong is to invite all manner of abuse from those believedtobefromdeepinthebowelsofgovernment. The attorney general was all pious energy in 2024, so he now has an opportunity to step up on his commitment that “something has to be done…” It is likely that the government will do “something”, but as to its implementation, that's open to question. Unless there is radical change, and a new cybercrime law is used as the spearhead to bring about that change, then Guyanese can expectnothingbutbusinessasusual. Thatis,bigspeeches fromPPPCspokespeopleandnotmuchofanythingelse.
Willanewcybercrimelawmakeadifference? Itcould,ifit iscraftedwiththecomprehensiveprovisionsneeded,andwith onemoreaspectfollowing,anonnegotiableaspect Suchalaw must apply across the board at government affiliated, oppositionaffiliated,andtheprobablynonpoliticallyoriented violatorsofthatlaw
Anythinglesswillrenderanycybercrimelawthatmaybe inthemakingnotworththeeffortexpended Whatwouldbe theuseofthelaw,itsdeterrentpower,ifitappliestosome,andit shieldssome? Theonusisonthegovernmentasthedesignerof laws, and the upholders of the law, to stop talking and start actinghonestlyandmeaningfully
In fact, Section 19 of the existing cybercrime law has enoughinitthatempowersthegovernmenttogoafterthose who violate its provisions. The record indicates that the governmenthasbeenselectiveinitsuseofthatsectionof thelawagainstthosewhoattackandrevilecitizens. Ifthe government has been that reluctant to be the most robust championofthatlaw,oranyoftheLawsofGuyana,then what is to be expected of its standards when a new cybercrimelawisofficial?
The Commonwealth has called upon governments to reformregulationssothatthesanctityoffreedomofexpression isprotected,regardlessofwhoisenraged PresidentAlionly recentlyonhissecondbigdaytoldhisassembledlistenersthat efforts are underway to deal appropriately with those who misusesocialmediatobringothersintodisrepute Wethink thatthatisanencouragingdevelopment,butonlyinsofaras the government's efforts do not spare those abusers and violators who are from within its ranks. When the law is appliedfairly,thenthereismuchtorecommendit. Whenit isusedtotargetperceivedenemies,thenitisnotthelawthat is in operation, but a continuation of past, known lawlessness.
Further,nosittinggovernmentshouldeverbeinvolvedin violatinglaws,betheythroughcybercrimesbyitsagents,or from regular crimes by its village followers The PPPC Governmentmaytry,butitcannotshakethetaintofdedicated platforms populated by dirty social media operators who commitcrimesagainstcitizens,buttowhomthelawdoesn't apply
DearEditor, Developments with regard to Venezuela have taken a rapid turn including the threat of war on our borders.
If we are to accept the assessment of the foreign minister of Venezuela, Ivan Gil, it is the neighbours of VenezuelaincludingGuyana that will be affected more thanVenezuelaitself.
Sowecanexpectthatthe problems from the sindicato gangs that have been plaguing our frontier residentsandbusinesses,and theviolencethathascostthe lifeofayoungcitizenofthe city in a bomb explosion to movetoawholenewlevel. It is at the interface with corruptionandlaw-breaking andlawinfluencingthatthis
becomesofgreatestconcern to TIGI. From some of the information coming to our attention, it is apparent that there are unwholesome relationshipswithVenezuela ofacriminalnaturethathave developed over the years. Some of these relationships haveburstintotheopenfrom time to time. For example, the polar bear scam which investigation came to an abruptendwhentheevasion ofcustomsdutieswastraced to persons with high-level contacts and the island of Margarita.
I n a l l t h e s e circumstances, we do not feelthatthegovernmenthas earned the right to maintain its stinginess with information to the public.
The population census
continuestobeasecreteven though completed 2 years ago. We see the investigation intothisbombingcompleted with an alacrity that was sadly lacking in the case of another 11-year-old young lady who died under circumstances that warranted similar urgency
This suggests that there are factors which are at work in our law enforcement agencies which can produce different rates of urgency
We wonder what else there canbeintermsofthelevelof fairness.
Thisdifferenceinrateof investigation makes one wonder about the insistence of the government on placing certain officials whose loyalty to the
governing party in key p o s i t i o n s o f t h e administration of justice is well-known.
InthecaseoftheTuschen drowning,therewerereports that politically connected persons were involved and werebeingprotected.Wedo notfinditunlikelythatthere are also persons involved in thiscrimewhoarealsobeing protected.
The issuance of this statementisastepinsharing our concerns to our fellow citizens in hopes of their being aware of the level of exposure we face when our government operates in so much political favoritism and secrecy and with the hope that they will be more alerttotheperilsweface.
TIGI
When vision meets vindictiveness: From a College of Excellence to the Farcical Cry of Coursera
DearEditor, IntroductionandContext: “Oh,whatatangledweb we weave, when first we practice to deceive.” Those immortal words capture the moral disarray and intellectual decay that now underpin the dismantling of the Bertram Collins College of the Public Service, an institutionbornoutofvision, patriotism, and national excellence. Its closure was not an act of prudence or progress, but a naïve, myopic, vindictive, and spiteful decision wrapped in bureaucratic rhetoric. It was not reform, it was retribution It was not strategy; it was spite disguised as governance The College may have been closed, but the void it was visionary-created to fill remainswideopen.Andina cruel twist of irony, those responsible now seek to fill thatvoidwithacaricatureof the College itself, the online platform Coursera, which, by its own admission, was never designed to fulfill the mandate or moral purpose for which the Bertram CollinsCollegestood.
TheCollege:Purpose, Records,andtheUnmet Need:
E s t a b l i s h e d o n November 23, 2016, the Bertram Collins College of the Public Service emerged as a bold national experiment, a crucible of discipline, leadership, and administrative excellence intended to professionalise
Guyana'spublicservice.The College's founding mission was to shape a new generation of public officers grounded in ethics, efficiency, impartiality, and patriotism, capable of serving every Guyanese citizen regardless of race, party,orcreed.
Itwasconceivednotasa politicalappendage,butasa state instrument of nationbuilding, cultivating a service culture that would transcend divisions and embody national unity Its cadets received in-person, contextual training, immersive, supervised, and ministry-specific, designed to reflect Guyana's unique administrative, legal, and socio-economic landscape. From its inaugural cohort to the graduation of 56 new publicservantsinDecember 2019, the College demonstrated both purpose andperformance.
Yet in February 2021, this institution of excellence was abruptly shuttered. The void for which it was established, the deficit in professional public-service formation, was not closed, only the College was. The need remains as real and urgentasever
TheCaricatureofan Alternative:Coursera:
TonowofferCourseraas a substitute for the Bertram Collins College is an affront both to intellect and to patriotism Coursera, foundedin2012byStanford professors Andrew Ng and
Daphne Koller, is a global online platform offering mass-produced courses in partnership with foreign u n i v e r s i t i e s a n d corporations. It was never designedasaninstrumentof public-service development; rather, it is a commercial enterprise built for scale, s u b s c r i p t i o n , a n d superficiality
I t s c o u r s e s a r e unregulated, unaccredited, generic, cursory, and externally oriented, useful perhaps for hobbyists or global learners seeking surface-level exposure, but wholly inadequate for cultivating the academic, e t h i c a l , c u l t u r a l , administrative and ministryspecific identity, capacity andcapabilityrequiredofthe Guyanese public servants. Coursera itself makes no claim to national contextualisation.
I t s “ l e a r n i n g experiences” consist largely of pre-recorded videos, automatedquizzes,andpeergraded assignments, detached from any institutional framework, field supervision, or ministerialrelevance/need.
To equate Coursera with a national college of public service is to confuse exposure with education, information with formation, and certificates with characterandcredibility
WhyCourseracannot replacethecollege:
1. Divergent Purpose andMandate:
The Bertram Collins College was a national institution with a constitutional and cultural purpose to develop professional civil servants whounderstandandembody the ethos of the Guyanese state. Coursera is a private, commercial platform designedtodeliveruniversal access to surface-level, u n a c c r e d i t e d a n d unregulated content, not to prepare public officers for local governance, national integrity, or constitutional responsibility
2. Modality and Pedagogical Depth:
The College employed structured, cohort-based, face-to-face instruction, integrating case studies, leadership simulations, situational ethics and ministry specific training and education Coursera delivers surface-level fragmented, asynchronous online modules that may impart knowledge but cannotcultivateinstitutional culture,discipline,orethical comportment.
3. Contextual Relevance:
TheCollege'scurriculum was institution-specific, ministry-specific, and country-specific, addressing the administrative systems, legalframeworks,andsocial realities unique to Guyana. Coursera's programs are generic and global, entirely devoid of the national and situational context that defineseffectivepublic
(Continuedonpage5)
DearEditor,
President Irfaan Ali's response to the European Union's report on the 2025 General and Regional Elections once again exposes a deeply worrying pattern in his leadership style,onethatGuyanesecan nolongeraffordtoignore.
Thefactisthis:President Ali has demonstrated time and again that he has a serious issue with anyone who dares to question him, challenge him, or highlight weaknesses in his administration.
It has now reached the point where it appears reflexive Every time an individual or reputable institution raises legitimate concerns, the President's first instinct is not to meaningfully engage, clarify, or correct but to attack,discredit,andmalign.
In his rebuttal to the EU report, this troubling behavior was on full display Rather than addressingthesubstanceof the findings, President Ali opted to undermine the credibility of the report by attackingthehiringpractices oftheEUitself.Accordingto him, the local professionals contracted by the EU were biased and politically
government. In essence, he insinuatedthattheirpolitical views, real or imagined,
professionalwork.
But the President's message goes far deeper, and it
dangerous
What President Ali is indirectly saying is that professionals who hold independent views, who are not aligned with his
administration,orwhodare to point out institutional flawsshouldnotbehiredby foreign bodies or reputable organizations.
He is subtly suggesting that anyone who critiques the government is an enemy of the state, unfit for professional engagement, and motivated by partisan malice.
This is not leadership. This is intimidation dressed upasgovernance.
President Ali's ongoing disregard and disrespect for professionals, whether journalists, auditors, evaluators, civil society advocates, or international observers, is becoming not just distast
embarrassing.
It demeans the office he holds, undermines the democratic culture of our nation, and signals a
dangerous drift toward a “my-way-or-the-highway” presidency
We have seen this behavior repeatedly: his frequent clashes with media practitioners, his dismissive remarksaboutTransparency International,hisattemptsto delegitimize reports that expose inefficiencies or wrongdoing, and his persistentportrayalofcritics as politically motivated saboteurs.
If this is how the President conducts himself now, one can only imagine how much more entrenched and pervasive these tendencies may become throughout his second and constitutionallyfinaltermin office.
Our democracy cannot function when criticism is treated as hostility, when accountability is framed as
Frompage4 serviceinGuyana.
4. Formation of National Identity and Service Culture:
P u b l i c - s e r v i c e excellence is not achieved through mere technical learning;itisforgedthrough shared experience, discipline, mentorship, and civic pride. The College's cadets learned not only how to administer but why they serve to uphold the dignity anddevelopmentofGuyana. Coursera cannot replicate this communal formation; it trainsusers,notpatriots.
5. Accountability and Sovereignty:
The Bertram Collins College was a sovereign national institution, accountabletothepeopleof Guyana Coursera is a multinational corporation, accountable to shareholders and investors. Its purpose is not national advancement but corporate profitability To replace the former with the latter is to outsource national responsibility to an algorithmicmarketplace.
ConcreteIllustrations ofIncompatibility:
Acadettrainedunderthe Bertram Collins College could be assigned to the Ministry of Communities or the Ministry of Natural Resources, equipped with precise understanding of Guyana'sprocurementlaws, public-sector accounting systems, inter-ministerial coordination mechanisms, and local government structures. That knowledge cannot be transmitted through a detached online
moduledesignedforaglobal audience.
Similarly,publicofficers responsible for hinterland administration, crisis coordination, or community development require experiential training on the ground, in the field, under guidancenotdigitallectures from institutions thousands of miles away The College enabled that Coursera cannot.
ThePrinciple andthePlea: The closure of the Bertram Collins College r e p r e s e n t s n o t
administrativeefficiencybut a moral and intellectual regression,aretreatfromthe sovereign responsibility to cultivate excellence within our own borders Its destruction was driven not bynecessity,butbypolitical vindictiveness, ideological contempt, and unpatriotic disdain for anything conceived under a different administration or associated w i t h a p a r t i c u l a r demographic.
But truth has its own endurance The College's foundingspiritstillstandsas a testament that public-
sabotage, and when professionalindependenceis equated with political opposition.
A confident leader welcomesscrutiny,responds to criticism with facts, not insults and proves his detractors wrong through transparency, strong governance, and steady performance.
It is time for President
Ali to stop treating
democratic oversight as a personal attack. Instead of deflecting through disrespect and discrediting tactics, he should confront criticism with maturity, demonstrate the strength of his leadership, and show Guyanaandtheworldthathe iscapableofturningcritique into improvement rather thanconflict.
Regards ClayonF Halley
UG's research profile should be enhanced to produce research material to aid Guyana's development
DearEditor,
I congratulate all those who graduated from the University of Guyana and the Cyril Potter College of Education.
service formation must be national, contextual, and principled. The void it once filled remains open, and no caricature, however glossy orglobal,cancloseit.
If the PPP/C is serious about governance, meritocracy, and integrity, then it must restore or reestablish a national institutionofequalorgreater potency, one that reaffirms thevaluesofduty,discipline, andpatriotismthatCoursera was never designed to deliver
Respectfullysubmitted, CorettaMcDonald
Thisisindeedawelcome development especially at thistimewhenthecountryis experiencing unprecedented levels of growth and development.
Human resources development or what is sometimes referred to as s o c i a l c a p i t a l i s i n d i s p e n s a b l e f o r accelerated growth and development.
This "critical mass' approach to development is both necessary and indispensable, for which the PPP/Cmustbecommended. Access to higher education through the GOAL programme and the more established tertiary institutions has never been easier Hundreds of
Guyanese graduate on an annual basis, thanks to the several initiatives taken by thecurrentadministration.
P e r h a p s m o r e significantly from a growth perspective is not only knowledge sharing utilization, but also the creation of new knowledge andcompetenciesrelevantto G u y a n a a n d i t s developmental potential The research profile of the UniversityofGuyanashould be enhanced to produce research material to aid the country'sdevelopment. This I believe is a major challengefortheUniversity, more particularly its researcharm-theInstituteof Development Studies. Such research findings should be shared with all the relevant government ministries and agencies to inform policyf o r m u l a t i o n a n d implementation.
HydarAlly
DearEditor,
With the advent of the internet, affordable cellular phone data, and multiple social media platforms, peopleworldwidehavebeen constantly reminded of the devastatingconsequencesof war. Across continents, conflict has shattered families, destabilized communities, and left survivors permanently changed.
In this context, global discussions have emerged about the role certain leaders, including U S President Donald Trump, have played in seeking to prevent or de-escalate conflicts from the Middle
Regardless of political viewpoints, these discussions highlight a fundamental truth: lasting peace can only be achieved thr
, dialogue, and respect for internationallaw Historyshowsthatwaris rarely the will of ordinary citizens. Too often it is the
misjudgment, inflated egos, or decisions made without regard for the human cost. When leaders lose sight of the responsibility entrusted tothem,itisthepeoplewho sufferthemost:familiestorn a p a r t , e c o n o m i e s destabilized, infrastructure
destroyed, and futures disrupted. In such moments, citizensmustremindthosein positions of power that their mandateisclear:toactinthe best interest of peace, stability,andhumanity
Itisinthisregard,inthis spirit, that I strongly urge
destruction, bullets, and bombstoaddresstensionsin our own hemisphere, includingtheongoingissues between the United States and Venezuela Dialogue, not confrontation, must guide the way forward for thesakeofthepeopleofthis
region, our neighbours, our partners, and our shared future. Leaders of the world and in the region must embrace the power of meaningful communication as the first and most responsibleoption.
Further, it would be remissofmenottocallonall leadersacrosstheCaribbean and Latin America to reaffirm our long-standing commitment to maintaining this region, this hemisphere, asaZoneofPeace.Youmust
demand respect for international law, adherence to global treaties, and recognition of each nation's sovereignty, for it must remain the bedrock of regional harmony These principlessafeguardnotonly
collectivedignity,ourwayof life, our progress from slavery and exploitation, and,aboveall,oursecurity
Furthermore, it must be emphasized that all of Guyana's 83,000 square milesofterritory,alongwith its maritime and economic zones, are legally and historically the sovereign property of the Guyanese people. As President Irfaan Ali has said on numerous occasions, our country is unreservedly committed to peace and international coopera
Guyana deserves the assurance that its integrity will not be threatened Influential regional and global voices, including President Trump, should he again seek to champion peace, ought to
encourage all parties, includingtheGovernmentof Venezuela, to respect these established international norms.
Let us, as a region, raise our collective voices firmly yetdiplomatically: Peacemustbeourreality International law must be our guide. The sovereignty of nations must remain inviolable.
Istronglybelieveonlyby upholding these principles can we ensure that the Caribbean and theAmericas continue to be a hemisphere of peace, stability, cooperation, and shared progress.
Yoursrespectfully, JermaineFigueira, former Member of Parliament
DearEditor,
In the life of a nation, therearemomentsthatinvite reflection and quiet pride. ThestoryofDanielPersaud, being named the University of Guyana's 2025 ValedictorianandPresident's Medalist, is one such moment.Hisachievementis a powerful testament to the resilience, dedication, and potential that define the Guyanesespirit. Hewasnot a top candidate from one of the top schools, but his outputcanrivaleventhebest from the top schools in Guyana, thanks to his character, which embodies true grit. His attitude of mind must be celebrated as the benchmark for the true Guyanese aspiration as we all embark on the journey to build a new Guyana – one that embodies humility, but with a determined spirit, w e l l - g r o u n d e d i n spirituality
I a l s o w a n t t o congratulate Mr Komal Samarooandtheteamatthe Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) for the support they offeredtoMr Persaud. That kind of corporate support is vitalinthepositiveevolution of the society We need to see more of this from the PrivateSector
Those of us who studied at the University of Guyana (UG) will know that the engineeringprogramisnota walk in the park, and anytime a 4 0 GPA is achieved in the School of Engineering, it is a time for deep celebration since it is a groundbreaking moment that was b
by consistent hard work and intellect.
As Mr Persaud stated, his path to academic excellence was not straightforward. But as we all know, nothing in life is easy,butthatisnotanexcuse to give up, but to double down and press forward.
After an initial rejection from UG, he demonstrated an attitude of remarkable perseverance by enrolling at the Government Technical Institute (GTI) to create anotherpathtowardcreating his dream. But what I am mostproudof,forthissonof Wales,wherethenowclosed sugar estate is situated, is thathewasalsoagraduateof the GuySuCo Port Mourant Training Centre. What is a given fact is that the Port Morant Training School has produced some of the finest technicians that ever graced these shores, and they continue to do very well wherever they are situated, be it the New York City TransitAuthority,theFlorida Sugar Industry, or even here at home in an industrial setting.
This story has a lifedetermining message of work-life balance.As he put it - balancing the intense rigors of an engineering program, which he humorously referred to as "torture" with personal responsibilities required immense commitment. He credited his success to a f o c u s e d m i n d s e t , collaborative study with his friendLemuelWilliams,and
the supportive guidance of h i s l e c t u r e r s a n d grandmother and other family members. It is this friendshipwithMr Williams that is my proudest moment because it brought back many good memories for me, eating sardines and bread with my fellow study mates at midnight in those stables, in between study sessions, as working students When we graduated, we knew that we could not have done it without each other; it was a celebrationoftheteam.
But the most patriotic advice I have heard from anyone in a long time came from Mr Persaud when he advised fellow graduates to contribute to Guyana's development, saying, “Stick around, take advantage of the opportunities, don't be afraid to share your ideas, dream big, innovate, be yourself.” Guyana is on the rise, and I trust our youths willlistentohismessageand stay, cooperate with each other,andcontributetowards the building of a better Guyana for the next generation.
Daniel Persaud's story is more than an academic triumph; it is a narrative of resilience, community support, and unwavering faith He is a deserving valedictorian whose journey servesasaninspirationanda source of immense pride. Well done, Mr. Daniel Persaud.
YoursTruly, Sasenarine Singh, M.Sc.-Finance,ACCA
ByShermonHawker
Shuttingdownclaimsby hire car drivers traversing the Berbice to Georgetown route over their reasons for
m a i n t a i n i n g h i g h transportation fares, Pres
d
n
Irfaan Ali confirmed Friday that there has been no significant increase in spare parts in Guyana.
Despite government's removal of tolls from the
Berbice River Bridge, many persons traveling between RegionSixandGeorgetown are still made to pay the $2500 to $3000 fare set by hirecardrivers. Commuters have been forcedintoaccedingtowhat
many described as "unreasonable"onthepartof the hire car operators, who havemaintainedacollective stance, justifying their position on the grounds that they have to maintain their
vehiclesandsourceparts. AskedbyKaieteurNews if the government will address these growing concerns by commuters, PresidentIrfaanAliduringa press conference, assured thatthegovernmentwilltake up the issue. He stated that the relevant agencies are in dialogue with car and bus driversonratesallacrossthe country The president, responding to the question, held that the cost of spare
partshasnotspiked.
"I'mhappythatyouhave raisedthismatter,andasyou rightly positioned, we've removed all the taxes on fuel.Wehavedoneasurvey basically,andwhenyoulook at spares parts, there has beennoexponentialincrease in (the cost of) spare parts," the president stated at the media engagement in RegionSix.
Heprovidedseveral
(Continuedonpage9)
Frompage7
MP that you would not be convening such a meeting on thatdayandyouambiguously stated, 'it doesn't have to be untilthenextsitting',”Dhurjon relayed
The attorney noted that there was no impediment preventing him from convening the meeting on November 3, since all of the non-governmental Members of Parliament were present at theArthurChungConference Centre.
Further, the lawyer said thatanemailwassubsequently sentbyMs Singh-Lewis,MP seekinganupdateonwhenthe meeting would be convened, to which there was no response
Dhurjon reminded the Speaker in his letter that the Leader of the Opposition is a most important constitutional officeholder in whom is reposed numerous significant responsibilitiesunderlaw
“Itisinconceivablethatthe Constitution could have ever contemplated that your unqualified and mandatory obligation under Article 184(1) of the Constitution could be unduly delayed to some uncertain time in the unknown future,” the attorneyposited Hecalledon
theSpeakertoactwithalacrity to have the Leader of the opposition elected noting that his clients are prepared and willing to meet at the earliest opportunity to facilitate the election
Meanwhile,Mahipaultold reporters on Friday that the WIN, which won 16 seats in parliament, would be “within their rights” to approach the courtsforredressonthematter.
Thememberofparliament remindedthattheLeaderofthe Opposition post is a constitutionalonethat“cannot beleftvacant”
Mahipaulsaidthatin2011 David Granger was elected leader of the opposition four daysafterthefirstsittingofthe National Assembly where he took the oath as a member of parliament In 2015, Bharrat Jagdeo's election occurred 67 days after the National Assembly'sfirstsitting Inthis case, Mahipaul reminded that Jagdeowasnotelectedearlier because his party had refused to attend Parliament, thereby missingseveralsittings “You cannotbeelectedleaderofthe oppositionunlessyoutakethe oathofofficeasamemberof parliament and that is what caused it to be delayed and [that]madeitlookasthoughit was67daysafter,”headded
There is, in every small society, a t h e a t r e o f justice—a place where the public gathers not merely to witness proceedings but to measuretheconductofthose who govern them In Guyana,thistheatreisoften literal:thenarrowstaircases, the choked corridors, the wooden benches worn smooth by years of waiting. It was on such benches, on the lower flat of the Georgetown Magistrates’
Court, that ordinary Guyanesesatonthemorning when Nazar Mohamed and his son, Azruddin, were taken for their extradition hearing.
The benches, as if by instinct, had arranged themselves into a gallery of theordinary:vendors,office clerks, pensioners, the curious unemployed our
unacknowledged national jury Andwhenthetwomen were brought through the archway in handcuffs, there wasaripple,aslighttremor
A murmur rose. Someone inhaled sharply Someone whisperedaname.
T h e n a woman—middle-aged, with the defiant posture of the long-suffering said what the others would not. “Why the government don’t leave thismanalone?”Itwasnota plea. It was a summation. Andthebenchesnodded. This single comment, tossedintothethickairofthe court, spoke with the clarity of a verdict. For the people of this country, long practiced in observing the abusesofpower,knowwhen advantage is being taken. Theyknowwhentheweight of the state is being brought down on the backs of
individuals not for justice but for intimidation, for politics And the people rejectthis,instinctively
This is, in part, why the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party rose as it did. WIN did not rise on the strength of eloquent leaders or a grand vision of economic transformation. It did not rise on manifestoes. It rose because the public, tiredofthefamiliarcruelties and vindictive habits of governance, recognized that WINwasbeingtargeted.
They saw the PPPC unleash a kind of political bile against the party: the pettiness, the reprisals, the eager harassment They watched s
emboldened to confront WINcandidates.
They saw the private
Frompage8 factors that would directly ease the need for frequent vehicle repairs, along with the investments made by the government to enhancetheroads.
"Our investments in our roadways are alsoreducingwearandtearonvehicles."
This, he explained, contributes to a reducedcostofoperation.
OnAugust 1, the Berbice River Bridge, the Demerara Harbor Bridge and all other cost-incurring crossings became toll-free when the government officially removed
faresforvehiclesandvesselsoperatingthose facilities.
The widespread criticisms against the somewhatadamantdriverscameagainstthe backdrop that only one side is benefiting from the toll removal. Prior to the bridge becomingtoll-free,drivershadjackedupthe price per passenger from $1500 to $2000, using the then $1900 bridge crossing fee as the reason. Commuters have reasoned that with the bridge fare no longer in place, driversshouldatleast,extendareductionin thetravelingcost.
Dem boys seh Region Six had a big Cabinet Outreachthisweek.Butde way dem boys see it, is not an outreach—more like a reach back, like when yuh drop yuh phone behind de bed and got to stretch yuh whole spine to pick it up. Dem Ministers wasn’t going to meet de people; dem was going to retrieve de votes whah run away since2020.
Dem boys remember when Jagdeo used to do these grand outreach things truckloads of officials,tentslikewedding house, and promises flying like mosquito in rice field. Itflopthen,anditflopping now De only difference is de new set smiling more and promising twice. But Berbicians know better Dem see politicians come andgomorethanmosquito
coilsinCanje.
Dem boys seh, is one thing to go pon stage and announce plans But Region Six done choke withplans!Plansforsugar, plans for jobs, plans for development—plans stack upsohighdemcouldbuild a bridge to Suriname Meanwhilederootproblem still deh: an economic model whah mek de rich manricheranddepoorman pack dem bag and head to Timehri.
Berbice children can’t getwuk.Desugarindustry, oncedeheartandsoulofde region, now pon life
support breathing through one tube and praying de doctor don’t sneeze.Andeverytimeyou feel things might turn around, some politician jump in and start meddling with local authority like is
individuals simply because they dared stand under the wrong banner Even the Carter Center, normally cautious in its language, described the financial sanctions imposed on WIN candidates as a case of overreach. Overreach is the diplomat’swordforwhatthe ordinarypersononthebench wouldcall“bullying.”
Andthepeoplesaw,too, how agencies of the state moved against the Mohameds. If a poll were takentoday,onesuspectsthe public would say that the tax-evasion charges tied to the importation of vehicles were not timed by accident. They would say, in that dry Guyanese way, that “this thing got a smell.” And perhaps, in their quiet speculations, they would even whisper that foreign hands, including American ones, may be guiding the script to contain WIN’s rise and to secure American economicinterests.
But whether these suspicionsarerightorwrong is almost beside the point. What matters is perception. The people of Guyana have
lived through abrupt dismissals, midnight raids, harassment, sudden tax audits, arrests and the long tradition of governments punishing dissent The people recognize a pattern whentheyseeit.
W I N ’s s u p p o r t , therefore, was not a romance. It was a solidarity vote, born out of the moral reflex of a small nation. For eventhepowerlessmanwho sitsquietlyandsaysnothing knowswhenanotherisbeing kicked while down The powerless man cannot stop the kick But he can remember it. And he can vote.
And the people also know because Guyanese people always know—who is the chief architect of the PPPC’s vindictive politics. They whisper the name in villagesandcallitopenlyin minibuses They see the fingerprints on every act of political suffocation. And they will, eventually, turn against this person. They always do. This is the small correctivemechanismofthe society: the slow accumulationofresentment,
the quiet noting of wrongs, thesuddenturningaway.
If the PPPC continues down this campaign of nastiness, intimidation, and the use of state power to pursuepersonalvendettas,it may find itself not triumphant but displaced in 2030. Parties do not lose elections because of policy miscalculations; they lose because the people, who watch everything, decide that a government has become a bully And when thepeoplehavehadenough, their judgment arrives not with noise but with a quiet, devastatingcertainty
The benches in the courthouse that morning were not only an audience. They were a warning. The peoplearewatching.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
heownkitchen.
Dem boys seh de Cabinet go and promise people land fuh house lots. But tell dem, “A piece of land is not a house.” Yuh still got to find money fuh sand, cement, zinc, blocks, paint, tile, furniture, curtain, rug and de flatscreen TV fuh watch de same politicians mek more promises Where that moneycomingfrom?From the “fastest growing economy in the world”?
Berbicestillwaitingfuhsee thatspeed.
Dem boys seh outreach nice, but what Berbice really want is outcomes. Stop stretching out yuh hand fuh votes and start stretchingoutsolutionsthat actuallywuk.Untilthen,all demoutreachispurereacharound.
Talkhalf.Leffhalf.
I tried my best to get the word to PPP General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo. But he refused to listen to people like me. I warned the Big Man about the law of unintended consequences, of daring to testthepatienceofthegods. I got a barrage of insults for my efforts, and a series of ambushes from all corners. They must pay those foot
The presidency on the move, and Jagdeo moved to the role of finger-twiddling, impotent spectator Like a worried parent anxious abouthowfartheiroffspring hasgone.
Itisthesweepofthelaw of the unintended; the
soldiers well over in PPP land, for only loyalists of extraordinary standing are prepared to do certain dirty jobs. My cautions were fromfiveyearsago. Proceedsmartlywiththe PPP's candidate for the presidency, be careful of lurking peril, and with stinging nettles to torment further Give Guyana's top town marshal a chance, and the country could be better forit. Well,thereDr Jagdeo is now, and here is where Guyaneseare.
uncontrollable coming out ofthepresidentialshowcase. Pres. Ali flits over to Saudi Arabia, and there he wasgrinningfromeartoear, asthoughhewasacontented cat that just swallowed a canary Aloan for a billion Americanwouldleadtosuch a smirking, self-satisfied countenance.
I read and know that SurinameispartofthatU.S.
billion-dollar loan from the Islamic Development Bank and the Interamerican Development Bank Group, but if all Guyanese are at home burying their necks in the sand, that is their business,theirright. IfIsay it once, I say it a zillion times. Suriname is part of the gloss, the mask, and the game,togivetheimpression of a loan that is not exclusively for Guyana. In matrimonial language, Guyanaisthedazzlingbride, while Suriname is merely a part of the bridal train, not even the maid of honor I know and I applaud a nifty move when I see one. And that two-bank loan with two countriesboundatthehipis partofthecharade. Whatis Suriname's share of that US$1 billion, US$100-200 million?
Letmetestthisforthose who are squeamish, fearful of getting their hands dirty Bharrat Jagdeo stood as godfather for Irfaan Ali as president, and today he has hishandsfull.
Apresidentthatspinshis wheels and cuts his own deals, with aplomb, with his own group of sponsors and those who have a watchful, familial eye on his back. If anybody expects Dr Jagdeo to take that one flush on the jaw, and not charge out of Freedom House with eyes blazing and objecting strenuously about those trying to divide the PPP fraternity, then their head is emptierthanmine. Nobody hastodivideanybody.
The president is now showing that he's his own man, and one most at home withcertainkindsofpeople. Move over Bharrat, the numberonestandinghasjust beenlost.
Therearenewbrothersin Guyana's national leader's sphereofoperations,andthe president just made that official. Iamconfidentthat there are 80,000 Guyanese, at least, who will agree with me. Imagineifthatsegment of the local demographics
revolt, due to what is misinterpreted as a slight to their hero, the brother that theywerewaitingsolongto embrace.
Slink away, Dr BJ, the Middle Easterners have got first call on Pres Ali's interestand,tothrowcaution outofthewindow,hisheart, too. Take a look at the president, and there is confirmation.
Again. Checkout his sartorial splendor, a man of curiousgoodtasteandgoing togreatlengthstoprovehow much he is at home, and as one,withhishosts.
The man has come a far way, and poor Bharrat Jagdeoisnowlefttochewon dust and exhaust smoke. I hear Lamborghini exhaust smoke smells and tastes as good as Estée Lauder Beautiful Eau de Parfum SpraywithNotesofRose. Dr Jagdeo should know, given the crowd with which he spends his spare time. Me! I couldn't even go within 10 kilos (kilometers, not kilograms) of such expensive goods. Cost-ofliving, folks can be that pinching,thatkilling.
So, what's next in the remarkable evolution and transformation of Mohamed Irfaan Ali in this, the early daysofhissecondbiteatthe presidency? For one,
disinformation have his attention So, the man himself swore. Must have beenonaLamborghini,with scant relation to anything holy All this now leaves BharratJagdeo's nose out of joint, and consoling himself with time-wasting on Thursdayafternoons. It'shis i d e a o f n a t i o n a l policymaking.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
By Davina Bagot
The vile attacks on membersoftheJudiciary,by thecurrentgovernment,area dangerous attempt to undermine democracy in Guyana, Leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, Azruddin Mohamed hassaid.
T h e M e m b e r o f Parliament (MP) and Opposition Leader in waiting addressed the issue in a statement, referencing the recent ruling by Justice Gino Persaud on the alleged evasion of billions in taxes on imported vehicles by the Mohameds.
He said that since the ruling on November 14, 2025 President Irfaan Ali, Vice President Bharrat
Jagdeo and Attorney General, Anil Nandlall has beenconstantlyattackingthe Judge'sdecision.
This week, President Ali in a live statement after the ruling said it incentivizes falsification of documents. He stated, “It's a ruling that wassoflawedthatitexposes our taxation system to criminality and fraud. For a matter of fact, the ruling of Gino Persaud is viewed by many professionals as one that can incentivize the falsificationofdocuments.”
The Head of State continued, “That ruling now slatedforappealbytheGRA ( G u y a n a R e v e n u e Authority) has been widely criticized as perverse, internally inconsistent and disconnected from both established custom practice andtheeventintentionofthe CustomsAct82:01.”
Ali continued, “Many Guyanese remain baffled at how such a conclusion could have been drawn...if Justice Persaud's decision is permitted to stand, its implications will be profoundly damaging It would effectively erect a judicial barrier, preventing the GRA from recovering taxes rightfully owed to the
state once goods have been cleared.”
For his part, Mohamed argued that the government has failed to acknowledge that the three arms of government- legislative, executive and judiciarymust work together under a system of checks and balancestogovernacountry
To this end he made it clear, “The scorching and repeated attack against Justice Persaud and others is oneagainsttheJudiciary An attack on the judiciary is an attack on the democratic norms of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and these arms must be allowed to operate independently.”
The MP reasoned that there must be a separation of power, highlighting what he describedasavileattemptto discredittheJudgesintegrity and professionalism each timeaCourtrulesagainstthe government.
Further, he sent a clear m e s s a g e t o t h e administration, “In this matter, the GRA and to an extent, the government has other avenues to seek r e d r e s s S t o p t h e unwarranted attacks on the judiciary and use the same energy to address the late payment of hundreds of nurses and other struggles of grassrootsGuyanese.”
Mohamed was adamant that the Judiciary must be allowed to function independently in a democraticcountry
T h e A
Partnership for National Unity (APNU) also raised similar concerns during a pressconferenceonFriday
Dexter Todd, a MP, told reporters that the party does not support any unwarranted comments directed towards members of the bench. He noted that the personal attacks on Judges from the top brass of the party underminetheindependence and reputation of the judiciary
Further, he echoed the sentiments of Mohamed, urging government to utilize a higher court if it is not satisfiedwitharuling.
Additionally, the attoreny pointed out that the Bar Association too should be more attentive to such issues.
He explained, “When you come out with demonstrating your government's position on a point,itcanbetantamountto intimidation These members of the judiciary are members of society, they havefamiliesandweneedto understand that type of p o l i t i c a l p r e s s u r e , interference, whatever you want to term it, must be condemned.”
Meanwhile, MP Sherod Duncansoughttohighlighta number of instances where top government officials discreditedthejudiciary
“Intheissueoftheparent companyguaranteetheysaid the Judge didn't understand oilandgasmatters,hewasn't
studying in this area and in the Teaching Service issue the man didn't understand right to strike and a whole host of issues...concerning the tax regime Irfaan seems to be posturing as an expert intaxation,”hemocked.
Moreover, MP Ganesh Mahipaul questioned the s i l e n c e o f t h e B a r
Association and the Judiciary on the attacks by government. He pointed out, “Outside of Madam Justice RoxaneGeorgesittingonthe
bench ruling in matters as a competent authority, she is also the Chancellor of the Judiciary acting so she must alsoprotectherflock.”
In Parliament, he
explained that the Speaker takes charge of the legislativearm;thePresident takeschargeoftheexecutive arm and the Chancellor is responsiblefortheJudiciary Acceptablecriticism
In an invited comment, President of the Bar
Association, Kamal
Ramkarran said that he will raise the statements made by President Ali with the Council.
When asked about the Association'ssilenceonsuch attacks on the judiciary by government, he explained, “Every citizen is entitled to criticize the decision of a judge but that criticism must not go beyond boundaries which are proper and permissiblesowhileyoucan say I believe that this decision was wrongly reasoned, incorrect principles were applied, you cannot attack a Judge personally so there is a distinction between those twothings.”
To this end, Ramkarran noted that when the issue is discussed at the level of the Bar Association, the body will determine whether President Ali's comments or any other government official accused of attacking Judges went beyond acceptablecriticism.
The Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) has signed contracts worth over US$235M to further advance works aimed at expanding and modernizing thegrid.
The company, in an announcement on Friday via its Facebook page said that the contracts were signed this week The power company signed a US$199 million (43 billion GYD) contract with Kalpataru Projects International Limited (KPIL), which was followed by a US$35.93 million (7.5 billion GYD) contractwithChinaNational Machinery Import & Export Corporation (CMC), which wassignedonWednesday
The contract with KPIL entails the execution of new substations as well as t r a n s m i s s i o n a n d distribution lines which will lead to upgrades and expansions in the national grid There will be the constructionof42kmofnew 69 kV Transmission Lines, as well as four new 69/13.8 kV substations at, Kuru
K u r u r u , S
d y k e ; Williamsburg, East Berbice, Corentyne; Hydronie, East Bank Essequibo and Princes Street,Georgetown. There will also be the “construction of a total 18 new primary distribution feeders for the new substations Upgrade and expansion of the New Georgetown and Garden of Eden substations These upgrades will replace outdated infrastructure,
install modern electrical and au
ms, integrate SCADA/EMS technologies, and support remote operations from the new and modern Guyana National Control Centre (GNCC), currently under construction,”GPLsaid.
The contract with CMC w i l l a d d r e s s t h e strengthening and expansion of the distribution network through the construction of more than 193 km of new
distribution feeders with smart equipment, the supply o f a d v a n c e d s m a r t distribution equipment and addressing the unserved areas in Demerara and Berbice.
“These improvements will reduce power outages, improve power quality and enhance overall distribution system's reliability on the East Bank Essequibo, West Coast and West Bank Demerara, East Bank
Demerara, East Coast DemeraraandEastBerbice. Together, these projects f
transformativeinvestmentin Guyana's electricity sector, s t
positioning GPL to meet the nation's ever-increasing energy demand with greater efficiency, reliability and resilience,” GPL further
stated.
Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation DeodatIndarsaidthat,“This contract will strengthen our distribution network and directly support the rapid housing, commercial, and industrial growth across the country. The construction of
distribution lines, and electrification of new areas and the deployment of smart technology will ensure that thousands of customers benefit from reliable electricity.”
Kesh Nandlall, GPL's L
e Management, described the projects as timely and essential, highlighting its alignment with the country's development trajectory and its capacity to meet both current and future electricity demand “GPL remains committed to investing in a modern, resilient, and customer-focused electricity s
development.”
Executive Chairman of Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) Komal Samaroo and legendary squash player, Nicolette Fernandes, were conferred with honorary doctorates on Friday from the University of Guyana (UG) for their significant achievement and outstandingcontributiontoGuyana.
Vice Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin awarded both the honorary doctorates to Ms. Fernandes and Mr Samaroo at the university's 59th annual graduation ceremonies which were held at its Turkeyen campus.
On Friday, the University of Guyana held its third and fourth graduation ceremonies for students of the College of Medical Sciences, College of Behaviourial Sciences and Research, Institute for Human Resiliency Strategic Security and the F u t u r e , a n d S c h o o l o f Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation(SEBI).
Upon receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy Friday morning, Fernandes said she was immensely pleased to be the first woman to be recognised through sport. She disclosed that her journey to becoming a successful squash player was not easy, noting that it involved hard work, challenges, perseverance anddoubts.
“Today, I stand here aware of your efforts and your sacrifices because some of this I understand intimately, not through academics, but through sport. To be recognised with honorary doctorate by the University of Guyana today is deeply meaningful to me,” she toldthegraduatingclassof2025.
During an emotional address, the honoree reflected on the many remarkable Guyanese women in sports whosecontributionswerepowerful.
“These women carved a space for women like me, long before this honour was ever conceived. Their enduring work, labour, representing themselves at the hopes of Guyana, have made today possible for me and I standhereontheirshoulderswithdeep,
A 3-megawatt peak (Mwp) solar project was on Friday commissioned by Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret'd) Mark Phillips at Hampshire, Corentyne in Region Six, as part of government's energy strategy which seeks to, among other things, mitigate the effects of climatechange.
The US $6 million project was conceptualised as government seeks to add variety to its energy mix and significantly boost its power generation capacity, the primeministernoted.
Prime Minister Phillips, under whose portfolio the project falls, saidtheventuregivesproofthatthe country is steadily moving towards a smarter, cleaner and more diversifiedenergysystem.
"The commissioning of this facility sends a clear signal to not only our people, but to the Latin American and Caribbean region and the rest of the world. It says to
deep gratitude. Perhaps the time has come for us to have a roll call on Guyanese women in sport, and just as these women carved a space in sport, otherwomencontinuetocarvetheway inotherspaces,”shestated.
She said that despite their different
them all that Guyana is serious about transitioning to cleaner energy."
The government, he stated, is endeavoring to cut the country's fuel import bill while ensuring that energy is affordable for citizens, as the burden of high electricity rates mostlyaffectthepoor
The Hampshire Solar Farm is one of eight such projects envisioned for the country under
School girl, 16, dies in
The damaged minibus that was transporting the schoolchildren.
A 16-year-old school girl d
following an accident on the Number 63 Public Road, Corentyne,Berbice.
The child has been identifiedasJodeaSeline. R
journeys, they have all entered spaces not designed for them. “We have challenged the expectations placed on us, which often leads to a quiet questioning of whether we truly belong, even when we are capable, even when we are prepared and even when we are deserving,” Fernandes added.
Though she said her journey was filledwithdoubtfulmoments,thesport personality said it became a driving f o r c e t o o n e ' s s u c c e s s She told the graduating class that by their graduation is testament to their hard work despite their personal strugglesandthedisruptionscausedby theCOVID-19pandemic.
This year's batch of graduating students is the last cohort which faced disruptions of COVID-19 which hit Guyanabackin2020.
Meanwhile, Executive Chairman of Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) Komal Samaroo, was recognised by the university for his contribution of (Continued on page 15)
the Guyana Power and Light's US$83.3 million Guyana Utility-
Programme (GUYSOL) initiative, earmarked for Regions Two, Five, andSix.
The prime minister explained that Guyana's energy strategy is builton"threestrongpillars,"those being natural gas, as a reliable and low-emission fuel; hydropower, as a long-term source of clean, stable
schoolchildren who attended theRegionalInter-Secondary S
Competition were badly injured when the vehicle toppled. It is unclear how the accidentoccurred.
However, Commander Region Six, Shivpersaud Bacchus confirmed that the teen from Limlair Village, C o r e n t y n e , B e r b i c e succumbed to her injuries at the Number 75 Hospital. Her little sister was reportedly in the minibus at the time of the accident.
Several other passengers have been hospitalised Reports are that the driver of the mini-bus is in a critical stateatthehospital.
News of the accident quickly spread across social media with several persons posting that o-positive blood
was needed urgently to assist those who were injured in the crash.
The Skeldon Line Path Secondary School on its Facebook Page posted, “URGENT!!! As you are aware, there was an accident involving a bus transporting students from a sister school after the regional sports. At this point, many students are incriticalcondition. They need O positive blood! Now is your time to helpsavealifeifyoumeetthe requirements to give blood! Come on, O positive people. Head to the #75 Regional Hospital to donate! Please, please.Reshare.”
base load energy; and a rapid expansion of solar and wind across thecountry
As it becomes operational, the installationwillbeconnectedtothe Canefield F3 13.8kVfeeder, which will enhance the regional power grid. The prime minister noted that Guyana's vast oil resources and the
benefits should translate to the improvement of the lives of citizens, even as the country seeks to reduce its dependence on importedfossilfuel.
The solar farms initiative in Guyana is
The government
through the
Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), an agency under the Ministry of Housing is gearing up to spend over $5 billion for the construction of truck parking facilities in Regions Three, Four and Six.
Bids for the projects were opened recently at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office whichrevealedthatCH&PA willbeconstructingfacilities at Meten-Meer-Zorg, West
Coast Demerara (WCD) in Region Three; Block 'HH' Hope-Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD) in Region Four; at Smithson's Place (No. 8 Village), Palmyra, East Bank Canje River; and at Block #2, No. 75Village, Corentyne,RegionSix. The projects in these areashavebeendividedinto fourlotseach.
This publication understands that this initiativeaimstoaddressthe issue of sand trucks and other larger vehicles as
construction sector parking
alongPublicRoads.
During a site visit last year October for a similar facility at Block 18, Great Diamond, East Bank Demerara, Minister of Housing,CollinCroalstated that due to a recent boom in theconstructionsector,there hasbeenanincreaseinlarger trucksrequiredforthetimely delivery of construction materials. “In light of this boom, we needed to find a solutionforthesetrucks.We have identified 15 acres of land on the East Bank of Demerara that will be developed We plan to
implement a similar project on the East Coast of Demerara,resultinginatotal of30acresforRegion4,”the Ministerexplained. Hementionedatthetime also that similar facilities will also be established in Region Three and Region Six,aswellasonealongthe Linden/Soesdyke Highway. “For the facility on the highway,weareconsidering a location near the junction, which will allow trucks to temporarily stop while waiting to load or serve as a rest area for overnight stays,”headded.
CentralHousingandPlanningAuthority(CH&PA)
ConstructionoftruckparkingfacilityatMeten-Meer-Zorg, WestCoastDemerara(WCD),RegionThree(Lots1-4). Bidders Amount Tendered
Puran Brothers Disposal Inc
S&D Construction
L'Heureuse Construction and Services Inc
Eagle Transportation & General Construction Inc
Psyphydave Construction & Engineering
Engineer’s Estimate
Lot1 $551,271,735
Lot2 $563,601,990
Lot3 $623,336,280
Lot4 $671,833,943
Lot1 $597,839,970
Lot2 $604,755,638
Lot3 $637,617,802
Lot4 $912,393,562
Lot1 $579,954,113
Lot2 $413,008,208
Lot3 $426,597,255
Lot4 $502,367,250
Lot1 $530,423,483
Lot2 $414,957,952
Lot3 $434,168,857
Lot4 $458,611,800
Lot1 $629,857,935
Lot2 $549,703,140
Lot3 $599,224,815
Lot4 $648,195,818
Lot1 $601,557,678
Lot2 $565,871,403
Lot3 $606,118,862
Lot4 $654,804,829
ConstructionoftruckparkingfacilityatPlnSmithson'sPlace (No.8Village),Palmyra,EastbankCanjeRiver,RegionSix. Bidders
AssociatedConstructionServices
I&RConstruction
K.PJagdeoGeneralContractor
ModernServices
Engineer’sEstimate
More seized motorcycles in the Region Six motorcycle compliance campaign.
AmountTendered
Lot1$847,703,388
Lot2$604,717,722
Lot3$530,864,817
Lot1$540,927,114
Lot1$386,969,940
Lot3$351,498,525
Lot4$350,496,825
Lot1$658,671,825
Lot2$595,736,022
Lot3$550,157,475
Lot4$531,815,886
Lot1$659,721,825
Lot2$598,570,594
Lot3$551,207,475
Lot4$532,865,886
Lot1$666,479,377
Lot2$611,978,941
Lot3$574,026,763
Lot4$550,945,716
Constructionoftruckparkingfacilityat Block'HH'Hope-Enmore,EastCoast Demerara(ECD),RegionFour(Lots1-4).
Bidders
General Procurement and Construction Inc
R&G Bacchus Mining Inc
Amount Tendered
Lot1
$848,775,125
Lot2 $993,868,659
Lot3 $944,020,592
Lot4 $107,158,091
Lot1
$842,235,413
Lot2 $1,043,596,549
Lot3 $1,067,717,222
Lot4 $1,171,437,071
The Guyana Police Force(GPF)iscontinuingits tough stance against errant motorcycle operators in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) through its motorcycle compliance campaign.
Quality Deliverer
F M C Construction and Services Inc
R Kissoon Contracting Service
S&S Construction and Aggregates
Lot1 $753,446,925
Lot2 $847,025,812
Lot3 $867,708,450
Lot4 $954,749,092
Lot1 $668,168,235
Lot2 $525,027,615
Lot3 $539,646,870
Lot4 $614,753,685
Lot1 $931,863,240
Lot2 $1,244,841,255
Lot3 $1,273,500,375
Lot4 $1,369,975,115
Lot1 $804,339,795
Lot2 $936,500,040
Lot3 $1,041,862,080
Lot4 $957,369,420
ConstructionoftruckparkingfacilityatBlockNo. '2'No.75Village,Corentyne,RegionSix(Lots1-4).
Bidders
Peyton Trading Company
R&D Enterprise
Tesseract Construction
Alvin Chowramootoo
Construction Services
Engineer’s Estimate
Amount Tendered
Lot1
$476,974,000
Lot2 $546,950,355
Lot3 $493,084,710
Lot4 $537,673,500
Lot1 $383,032,125
Lot2 $428,811,684
Lot3 $366,188,928
Lot4 $431,139,156
GuyanaLot1 $397,666,395
Lot2 $476,680,218
Lot3 $377,679,771
Lot4 $470,144,451
Lot1 $354,634,560
Lot2 $274,483,650
Lot3 $279,453,615
Lot4 $284,295,690
Lot1
$398,422,434
Lot2 $431,045,872
Lot3 $371,296,426
Lot4
$433,842,739
The campaign has been gaining momentum in New Amsterdam, Berbice On Wednesday, a motorcycle compliance operation was conducted, headed by Deputy Commander Regional Division No.6, Superintendent Guy Nurse, and supported by three assistant superintendents, five inspectors and other rankswhoformedpartofthe operationalteam.
Thepolicehavereported thatatotalof19motorcycles were intercepted and transported to the central police station in New Amsterdam,wheretheywill be examined by a licensing and certifying officer, to
ensure full compliance with s a f e t y a n d l e g a l requirements Also, five arrestsweremadeforseveral motorcyclerelatedoffences. The exercise followed another similar one conducted on Monday, where several ranks led by Divisional Commander Shivpersaud Bacchus confiscated 16 motorcycles within the town. Earlier last week,thecommanderstated that the police were not seekingtogoafterpersonsto make a case, but to uphold the importance of compliance for the safety andprotectionofcitizens.
"The Motorcycle Compliance Campaign helps the Division to make the roads safer and ensure that all motorcycles being used are in legal compliance," the police stated, while also informing the public that the exercise willbeacontinuousone.
Frompage14
over five decades of handson experience in financial management, corporate leadership and international business strategy in the s u g a r , r u m a n d manufacturingindustries.
In his brief remarks, he thanked the university and those who contributed for theprestigiousaward
“I am most thankful to the numerous young professionals an d colleagues who over the decades have shared the vision and work tirelessly alongside me in pursuing ambitiousandloftygoalsin a n i n c r e a s i n g l y unpredictable and everchangingworld
This award is on the basis of the result of great
teamwork,commitmentand talent,”heremarked.
Reflecting on his hard work and contribution to Guyana's business community, Dr Samaroo informed the graduates that business must not be at a standstill but must continue togrow
“I have been very fortunate to have been involved and play a role in helping to expand and develop corporate business sectorinGuyanathatIhave outlined here tonight Businessisnotastandstill,it must continue to grow, expand and innovate, creating more opportunities for young Guyanese like those of you who are graduating here tonight,” he expressed.
Sales Clerk wanted to work in store. Attractive salary offered. Call: 661-1000.
Wanted Drivers To Drive Canters , Experience Is An Asset . Porters To Work In Warehouse. Attractive Salary . Tele: 673-7373 .
Reputable transportation service is seeking experienced Chauffeur with mini bus and hire car license. Call: 645-0025.
Wanted one Maid.For more information please Call: 680-1282.
Wanted 1 House Cleaner in Georgetown. Must be honest and reliable, age 40-45 years. Contact 227-2321.
Job opening: Truck Driver, AC Technicians, Excavator and Skid Steer Operator. To apply send application via WhatsApp: 689-1111/ 6082114.
Sales Rep needed, ages 1830 years. Knowledge of vehicle model will be an asset. Contact: 619-1237.
1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, spoiler, low mileage PTT Series (first owner). Call: 649-0956.
626-7040.
Aracari Hotel, WBD (Versailles, Vreed-en-Hoop)A/C, all amenities & breakfast included. From $78 US. Call: 264-2946.
One clerk for TSI Eccles office English 1, Maths 2 call 615-9132 or email application to techserigy@yahoo.com.
Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, age 23-50, Car/ Van licence. Call 615-9132.
Maid for East Bank area call 615-9132.
One (1) female cleaner for Eccles office call 645-8443.
Painter and Electrician call 615-9132.
Vacancy for 1 live in care taker handy . $100,000 monthly , grocery included (free medical) , Call : 6955310/627-9945 .
Experienced office clerk, 30 yrs or older, proficiency in Microsoft Office, send application to: lawofficevacancy014@gmail.com
Two Bedrooms , Two Bathrooms Apartment Available For Rent . Lot 16 Ketley Street Charlestown . Tel:687-6008 .
& adult sections, music & food. W.B.D. Call: 264-2946-9
CAPE pure Mathematics online lessons. M.I.Karimullah (Guyana Scholar), BSc, MSc. Email: capegy592@gmail.com / WhatsApp: 724-9552. EDUCATION
2025/315-FD-APN-DEM IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION
FAMILY DIVISION
Application No. 315
Between: NADIERA KISSOON Applicant -and-
RAYAN M. CHICHESTER
Respondent TO: RAYAN M. CHICHESTER
TAKE NOTICE that on the 7th day of November, 2025 an Application Relating to Children was filed against you by NADIERA KISSOON, the Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.
AND FURTHER TAKE
NOTICE that as part of the 7th day of November, 2025, the Applicant was directed to effect service of her Application on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturdays of the Kaieteur News, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana.
AND FURTHER TAKE
NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Application together with related documents.
AND FURTHER TAKE
NOTICE that if you desire to defend this Application in Relating to child(ren), then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Application, you must file a Form10:
Reply to Application Relating to Child and A Statement of Arrangements for Child via the online portal, https:// ejudiciary.supremecourt.gy within 28 (twenty-eight) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. Your access code is q55E32
TAKE NOTICE that this Application is scheduled for Directions Hearing on
Friday the 23rd day of January, 2026 at 10:45 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Simone Morris via zoom: Meeting ID: 81269559797 Password: 44706
IN DEFAULT of your filing a Reply to Application Relating to Child, an Answer and/or Notice of Intention to Defend the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting Custody. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00 am and Dated the 17th day of November, 2025
2025/1032-FD-PET-DEM
LORRAINE WALKER nee O’SELMO Petitioner/Applicant -andWILLIAM OSWALD WALKER Respondent
TO: WILLIAM OSWALD WALKER
Formerly of Lot 210 Charlotte Street Bourda, Georgetown, Guyana TAKE NOTICE that on the 16th day of September, 2025 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by LORRAINE WALKER nee O’SELMO the Petitioner/Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE
NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 11th day of November, 2025, the Petitioner/ Applicant was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the KAIETEUR NEWS, a newspaper of general circulation throughout Guyana AND FURTHER TAKE
NOTICE that if you desire, you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara, where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition/Application together with related documents.
AND FURTHER TAKE
LEGAL NOTICE
Your access code is ifApCT
TAKE NOTICE that the Application is scheduled for Directions Hearing on Friday the 23rd day of January, 2026 at 11:00 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Simone Morris via zoom Meeting ID: 81216687890
Password: 4409490088
IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce.
The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 03:00pm Mondays to Thursdays and 08:00am to 02:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.
Date the 17th day of November, 2025
JURISDICTION
FAMILY DIVISION Petition No. 1032 Between:
NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file a Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition via the online portal, https:// ejudiciary.supremecour.gy within twenty-eight (28) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice.
LEGAL NOTICE -and-
SHERLOCK ANTHONY FRESO Respondent
TO: SHERLOCK
ANTHONY FRESO
Formerly of 4th Creek Kuru Kururu Soesdyke Highway, Guyana
TAKE NOTICE that on the 23rd day of September, 2025 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by LATOYAANN FRESO
nee HUTSON the Petitioner/Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.
AND FURTHER TAKE
NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 11th day of November, 2025, the Petitioner/ Applicant was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News, a newspaper of general circulation throughout Guyana.
AND FURTHER TAKE
NOTICE that if you desire, you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara, where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition/Application together with related documents.
AND FURTHER TAKE
NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file a Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition via the online portal, https:// ejudiciary.supremecourt.gy within 28 (twenty-eight) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. Your access code is: vnjoDC
BELEM, BRAZIL - The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), CAF - Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) launched the Caribbean Multi-Guarantor Debtfor-Resilience Joint Initiative at COP30 on November 13, 2025. The launch represents a landmark regional effort designed to boost disaster preparedness while easing debt pressures across the Caribbean, CAF said in a statement.
“By leveraging guarantees from Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and private sector actors, the initiative will create fiscal space for countries to invest in priority resilience measures and regional
TAKE NOTICE that the Divorce is scheduled for Directions Hearing on Friday the 23th day of January, 2026 at 11:20 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall. (Via Zoom Meeting ID: 86236956320 Password: 5802108117)
IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce.
The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.
Dated the 17th day of November, 2025
public goods, en abling action before disasters strike and without adding new debt,” the statement said.
The Joint Initiative will focus on three goals:
1. Scale up debt-for-resilience swaps to generate fiscal space for enhanced resilience.
2. Strengthen coordination among MDBs, governments, and private sector partners to scale and streamline interventions, particularly debt-for-resilience swaps in the region.
3. Improve transparency, monitoring, and evaluation standards to attract more investment.
According to CAF, the Joint Initiative intends to create a facility under a Framework Agreement designed to facilitate coordination among guarantors for debt-for-resilience swap transactions, while respecting each institution’s mandates, internal approvals, and formalization processes. Debt-for-Resilience transactions will be tailored to align with national development and sovereign debt manage-
Speaking during a panel discussion to launch the joint initiative. [L-R] Ana Toni, COP30 Executive Director; Avinash Persaud, Special Advisor to the President of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB); Jorge Concha, Director of Green Operations and Financing at CAF; Valerie Isaac, Division Chief, Environmental Sustainability Unit at the Caribbean Development Bank; and moderator Isabelle Braly-Cartillier, Structured Partnerships - Lead Specialist at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)
ment strategies, in accordance with each guarantor’s policies.
“The institutions will work together to establish common principles for guarantee terms, define shared taxonomies and key performance indicators (KPIs) for resilience invest-
ments, aligned with global benchmarks.
This initiative is expected to streamline multi-guarantor debt swaps, attracting new and non-traditional guarantors, enabling larger transactions, lowering costs, and accelerating execution, while enhancing access to investors through robust reporting and monitoring frameworks. Each debt swap transaction should include a regional public-goods component, reinforcing collective resilience across the Caribbean.”
A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) member of parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul said Friday that the allegations made against the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), by the former Mayor of Georgetown Ubraj Narine are false.
Addressing questions from the media regarding Narine’s resignation, Mahipaul said anyone who leaves the party is an unfortunate loss, however, party members respect everyone’s choices, and nothing is held against them if they choose to leave.
“In terms of the allegations that were made, I would like to personally say that they are untrue because I was a part of the team that managed the campaign structure of the APNU. As you know, I was the vice-presidential candidate, but outside of that, I also had the role of coordinating trips in the respective regions and several people were involved. I know that there were occasions where Mr. Narine was placed on teams to be in respective areas,” Mahipaul revealed.
While he feels that Narine attended the public gathering at Leguan, the Wakenaam meeting that he was slated for he could not make it but provided a reason.
“I know he was also engaged in certain outreaches
MP,
and campaign meetings on the East Coast and there are others that he was slated for that he did not participate in. I know he also played additional roles which I will not speak of here but he knows them,” the politician added.
He lamented that it is unfortunate that when members leave the party, they seek to back it up with a series of allegations. He explained that when persons become a party member, it is done through a group, and then one can work their way up to the highest level; to serve at the central executive committee.
“So, Ubraj’s resignation letter, which I see he sent directly to the leader, will have to be now forwarded to his group chair because by right when you’re resigning, you’re supposed to resign from your group, when you’re an ordinary member. So, it will have to be forwarded to his group chair for
them to acknowledge, and for them to take the necessary administrative aspect of doing it in terms of his membership and so on and they will then communicate with the general secretary,” he explained.
On November 21, Narine resigned from the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), delivering a blistering critique of the party’s direction under leader Aubrey Norton.
Narine told Kaieteur News that the PNCR has been “hemorrhaging internally and externally” and has strayed far from the ideology of its founding leader. “The party is dear to me,” Narine said. “But the party, I believe, has lost its ideology. I will continue to support the supporters of the party. I will continue to reach out to them.” Asked whether he would continue backing the PNCR despite his resignation, Narine said he intends to continue doing the groundwork in communities, but not under the current structure. Narine announced his resignation via Facebook on Thursday. Contacted by this newspaper, Narine said that the party has “continued to hemorrhage itself, both internally and externally.” Narine said since the party’s thrashing at the September 1 polls, Norton has not called a meeting of the membership. “He
hasn’t even called a meeting to give us the way forward (or) what’s the next step.” Reminding that Members of Parliament (MP’s) have been appointed, Narine revealed that he has made several attempts to get in touch with Dr. Terrence CampbellAPNU Parliamentary lead, but nothing came out of the conversations that were had. In this light, he no longer wanted to be a part of that environment. While he believes he has other responsibilities and he should be focusing his energies there, Narine said he will not be joining any other political party. Instead, he is choosing to remain alone and support the people of Guyana to the best of his abilities. In the resignation letter which made its rounds on social media, Narine said he was writing with respect and careful reflection to tender his resignation from the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), with immediate effect. “This decision comes after a period of thoughtful consideration of my personal responsibilities and future aspirations. My involvement with the PNCR has provided me with invaluable experiences, meaningful relationships, and opportunities to serve the people of Guyana with dedication and sincerity. For these, I express my genuine appreciation,” he said.
(AL-JAZEERA)
At
least 67 Palestinian children havebeenkilledintheGaza Strip since a United Statesbrokered ceasefire agreement came into effect last month, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)says.
Speaking during a news conference in Geneva on F r i d a y , U N I C E F spokesperson Ricardo Pires saidthedeathtollincludesa baby girl who was killed in anIsraeliairstrikeonahome in southern Gaza's Khan YounisonThursday
It also includes seven other children killed a day earlier,asIsraelcarriedouta
wave of attacks across the enclave. “This is during an agreed ceasefire. The pattern is staggering,” Pires told reporters of the death toll since October 11, the first fulldayofthetrucebetween IsraelandHamas. “As we have repeated many times, these are not statistics: Each was a child withafamily,adream,alife – suddenly cut short by continuedviolence” Palestinianchildrenhave borne the brunt of Israel's bombardment of Gaza, with UNICEF estimating last month that 64,000 children havebeenkilledandinjuredin Israeli attacks since the war
beganinOctober2023.
Save the Children reported this week that, in 2024, an average of 475
disabilities”eachmonthasa result of the war, including traumatic brain injuries and burns.Gazahasalsobecome “home to the largest cohort ofchildamputeesinmodern history”, the humanitarian groupsaid.
Meanwhile, Israel has been accused of using starvation as a weapon of war, plunging the territory into a humanitarian crisis that led to several hungerrelated deaths among
DPI- The government is set to launch the Guyana Digital School early next month, a transformative platform that will provide 24/7 access to learning and strengthen equity across the educationsystem.
Speaking at his press conference on the lawns of the Albion Sugar Estate, President Irfaan Ali stated thattheinitiativeisdesigned to meet students where they are, ensuring every learner can benefit from modern, digitaleducation.
So far, Region Six has almost 1,000 persons enrolled,bringingthatfigure to 5,000 before the official launch.
children, who are especially vulnerable when food suppliesrunout.
'People screaming everywhere'
This week, the Israeli military carried out a series of air strikes across Gaza in response to what it said was an incident that saw its troops fired upon in Khan Younis in the south of the Strip.HamasrejectedIsrael's claim, saying the latest strikes–whichkilledatleast 32 Palestinians – were “a dangerous escalation” that demonstrates that the Israeli government wants “to resume the genocide” in Gaza Doctors Without Borders, known by its French acronym MSF, said on Friday that its teams in Gaza had treated several Palestinian women and children “with open fractures and gunshot wounds to their limbs and head” amid the wave of Israeliattacks.
Zaher, an MSF nurse workingatamobileclinicin GazaCity,saidtheytreateda womanwithaleginjuryand a nine-year-old girl with a facial wound caused by Israeliquadcoptergunfire.
Mohammed Malaka, a patient at al-Shifa Hospital, also in Gaza City, said he heard the sounds of two incoming missiles before he lostconsciousness.
A Palestinian girl mourns relatives killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, at al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City on November 20, 2025 [Jehad Alshrafi/AP Photo]
“I opened my eyes and sawmyfatherontheground, and I saw my three brothers on the ground, covered in blood and dust was everywhere,”hetoldMSF.
“I could hear people screaming everywhere … the tents had become ashes, andpeoplewerelyingonthe groundeverywhere.”
In addition to the Israeli attacks, Palestinians across Gaza continue to struggle amid Israel's continued restrictions on deliveries of humanitarian aid, including tents needed to shield displacedfamiliesduringthe colderwintermonths.
UNICEF's Pires said many children are “sleeping
in the open” and “trembling in fear while living in flooded,makeshiftshelters”
“The reality imposed on Gaza's children remains brutally simple: There is no safe place for them and the world cannot continue to normalise their suffering,” he said, urging more assistance to be allowed into the territory
“For hundreds of thousands of children living in tents over the rubble of theirformerhomes,thenew [winter] season is a threat multiplier Children are shivering through the night with no heating, no insulation, and too few blankets.”
According to the headof-state, “every tool we're deploying is about i m p r o v i n g s t u d e n t outcomes and giving teachers more time to teach.”
New data analytics will help identify weaknesses among students and educators to strengthen the performance in the Caribbean Secondary Examination Council (CSEC) and the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).
A dedicated team will soon address long-standing challenges in student transfers. Teachers will also benefit from a new online service that streamlines processing of leave, retirementbenefitsandother transactions, allowing them to remain focused on classroominstruction.
Additionally, in a major step toward school safety, the government will roll out a national anti-bullying app,
Alongside the Digital School, the Ministry of Education (MoE) is introducingasuiteofdigital tools aimed at modernising classroom delivery, improvingperformance,and reducing administrative burdens on teachers. A key upgrade is the Education Management Information System (EMIS), which delivers real-time data on attendance, performance, andschooloperations. Already used by 40% of schools, full adoption is expectedbymid-2025.
designed for better reporting, trend monitoring, andrapidintervention.
“Wearebuildingasafer, more supportive school environment for every child,” President Ali affirmed.
The region is also preparing for expanded tertiaryaccess,withstudents soon able to pursue engineering, pre-medicine and other programmes right in Region Six, reducing travelandfinancialburdens.
Additionally, seven new special needs education spaces will be created, supported by digital access and strengthened teacher capacity, including 14 teachers who completed advanced special needs training.
All measures, including digital, administrative, and academic, are part of a broader effort to build a modern, inclusive education
system aligned with Guyana's development goals. The Guyana Digital Schoolandanti-bullyingapp are expected to be launched officiallynextmonth.
CDF approves US$500,000 in emergency relief funding for Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa
T h e C A R I C O M Development Fund (CDF) hasapprovedUS$500,000in emergency relief financing to support the Government of Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat announcedonFriday
The decision was approvedbytheCDFBoard of Directors on Wednesday under the CDF's Emergency Disaster Assistance Facility (EDAF).Thisallocationisin addition to a US$300,000 grantpreviouslyprovidedby the CDF to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency's (CDEMA) Regional Response Mechanism (RRM), which has been drawn upon to support the costs of deploying members of the Rapid Needs Assessment Team (RNAT) toJamaica.
Hurricane Melissa, a powerful late-season storm, caused widespread socio-
economic disruption across Jamaica. Torrential rainfall, destructive winds, and severe flooding resulted in significantdamagetopublic infrastructure, homes, and essential services. Several parishes experienced major impacts to road networks, utilities, and community facilities, limiting mobility, interruptinglivelihoods,and heightening vulnerabilities among at-risk populations. The rapid accumulation of debris and environmental hazards has further strained recovery efforts and heightened public health concerns. Under the approved intervention, the CDF will provide US$500,000 to support early recovery efforts, with a focus on the rapid and safe management of the extensive debris generated by the hurricane.
The support aims to restore access to essential services, reduce public health and environmental risks, and
accelerate ec
recoveryinthemostaffected
intervention is being delivered in collaboration with the UNDP MultiCountry Office (MCO) in Jamaica.
Commenting on the approval, CDF Chief Executive Officer Rodinald Soomersaid:
“The CARICOM Development Fund stands resolutely with Jamaica in this time of need Our commitment to supporting Member States during periods of crisis remains unwavering, and this relief packagereflectsourbeliefin regional solidarity and sharedresponsibility
By providing this emergency support, we aim not just to help rebuild what was lost, but to strengthen resilience so that communities emerge stronger and better prepared forfutureshocks.”
A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) on Friday said that the nonelectionoftheLeaderofthe Opposition will result in the aiding and abetting of the g o v e r n m e n t ' s “undemocraticpractices.”
APNU's Member of Parliament Ganesh Mahipaul maintained that theWeInvestinNationhood (WIN) is in its right to demand that the election of thepostofoppositionleader be done with alacrity. Mahipaul made it clear that the post cannot be left vacant.
“If we allow that to happenthenitmeansweare aiding and abetting with the
PPP to advance in undemocratic practices and theAPNU is not about that. It's a constitutional office and it has to be filled. The actioniswithinthehandsof the Speaker and he has to know why he is behaving likethisandwhyhe'sacting like that, ” Mahipaul stressed.
OnWednesday, Kaieteur News reported that theWIN party, led by businessman Azruddin Mohamed, has threatenedtosueSpeakerof the National Assembly ManzoorNadirforfailingto convene a meeting of the opposition members of parliamentfortheelectionof the Leader of the
Opposition.
In a letter dated November 17, 2025, WIN's attorneySiandDhurjonsaid t h a t t h e 1 6 n o ngovernmental members of parliament which include Azruddin Mohamed, Natasha Singh-Lewis, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, Dawn Hastings-Williams, Odessa Primus, Duarte Hetsberger, Tonshana Famey-Corlette, Vishnu Panday,BeverleyCornelius, Gobin Harbhajan, Deon La Cruz, Nandranie Singh, Dr Gordon Barker, Janelle Sweatnam, Dr Ryan Richards and Dr Andre Lewis,calledontheSpeaker to convene the meeting
Jamaica is presently experiencing an outbreak of leptospirosis with nine confirmedcases.
There have also been 28 suspected and or probable casesasofOctober30,with six deaths reported from amongthesuspectedcases.
Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher T u f t o n m a d e t h e announcement Friday morning during a press briefingtoprovideanupdate on the health sector's response in the aftermath of HurricaneMelissa.
Nine confirmed cases of leptospirosis in Jamaica.
within14days.Failuretodo so, will result in the institutionofproceedingsin theSupremeCourt.
“Onbehalfofmyclients, I do hereby require that you take all steps necessary to convene a meeting among the non-governmental members of the National Assemblyforthepurposeof electing the Leader of the Opposition under Article 184(1) of the Constitution within fourteen (14) days failingwhichIshallinstitute
proceedings in the Supreme Court to compel you to act accordingly and to seek all other reliefs necessary to vindicate my clients' interests,” Dhurjon said in theletterwhichwasreceived and stamped by the Speaker'ssecretariat.
The attorney detailed that at the first sitting of the th13 Session of the National Assembly on November 3, 2025, the Speaker was handedaletterbyseveralof his clients after they were sworn-in as Members of Parliament to convene a meeting on the same day to elect the Leader of the Opposition.
“Iaminstructedthatyou then responded verbally to Ms.NatashaSingh-Lewis, (Continuedonpage8) APNU's Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul.
He said cases or suspected cases have been reported across eight parishes. The health and wellness minister noted that the number “represents significantly more cases than the two to 21 cases observedinthepreceding34 months. “The outbreak follows the passage of Hurricane Melissa which has created conditions that have increased the risk of exposure to contaminated waterandsoil,”Tuftonsaid. He noted that it is a significantpublichealthrisk following heavy rainfall, flooding or any major disaster, pointing out that “the bacteria that causes the disease strives in water contaminatedbytheurineof infected animals, in particular rats, but also cats, dogsandlivestock”.
Heisimploringpersons, in particular those taking partintheclean-upexercise in the aftermath of the hurricane, to take extreme caution by, among other things, wearing the proper protective gear (Jamaica Observer).
Reg.7 still to get water ambulance, despite 50% payment to supplier–AG Report reveals
The Auditor General's (AG) 2024 report revealed that as of September 2025, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Seven was yet to receive a water ambulance from a supplierwhohassincebeen paid 50 per cent of the contractsum.
The recently tabled report stated that the regional administration was allotted $174.450 million in 2024forthepurchaseofland and water transport and furniture and equipment for its finance, education deliveryandhealthservices.
The report noted that as December31,2024,thesum
of $174.427 million was expended.
Accordingtotheauditor general under the land and water transport aspect, an awardwasmadebyNational Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) on July 18, 2024 for the procurement of a water ambulance valued at $18.500million.
The report detailed that the contract was signed on August 12, 2024 and the supplier was paid $9.250 million representing an advance payment of 50 per cent.
“However,atthetimeof reporting in September
2025,theambulancewasnot deliveredandthechequefor the remaining balance of $9.250 million was still on hand at the sub-treasury's department,”theAGraised.
Responding to the audit office's discovery, the head of budget agency indicated thattheambulancewouldbe delivered“verysoon.”
The office in its recommendation, informed the head of budget agency that they ensure all assets critical to the operations of the health sector are purchased, received and functioning to ensure the proper operation of the sector.
Region Nine playoffs for spot into the Petra-KFC International Football Series
The moment has arrived As the sun sets over the region nine savannahs, s e c o n d a r y s c h o o l powerhouses St Ignatius Secondary and Annai Secondary will ignite the St Ignatius Village Sports ground with the first of the home and away playoffs for s
organisedKFCInternational GoodwillUnder-18Football tournament schedule for December
The St Ignatius turf will be the cauldron as hosts St Ignatius
Secondarylockhornswith arobust AnnaiSecondary in Petra’s high-stakes home-and-away Under-18 playoff The winner or the
team with the better goal difference after these playoffs wil get a chance to be featured in the
International Secondary S c h o
Tournament, featuring teamsfromCaribbeanandas wellasBrazil. At 6:00 PM, St Ignatius will look to
leverage their home-field advantage to build a crucial opening lead before returning for decisive second leg at the Annai Community Centre groundonNovember29
Last year, it wasAnnai who overpowered their rivals to claim KFC honour That history adds a layer of vengeance to St Ignatius’sambition
The hosting of the NationalSportsAwardsGala is a truly commendable initiative by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. It provides not only our athletes,butalsothevarious sporting associations, with something meaningful to aspire to each year, the Guyana Football Rugby Union (GRFU) noted in a release
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
Thingsshouldgowellforyou today,Aries.There'sanadded serenity in the air that will help calm your nerves There's no need to make thingsmorecomplicatedthan necessary
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
It might seem like someone hasdumpedabucketofwater onyourheadtoday,Taurus.It seems like your fire is out. Keepinmindthatthisisonly temporary and that your internal flame will be rekindledsoon.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
Tensionmayrunhightodayas things come to a great emotional climax. It might seem as if everyone is out to get you, Gemini, but more than likely this paranoia is a figmentofyourimagination.
CANCER(June21–July22)
More than likely you will be caught up in a wildly intense emotionaldramaifyouaren't careful, Cancer Try to stay calmandcollected.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
Youwillfindstrengthinyour inner reserves today, Leo. Don't hesitate to let your deepest thoughts shine through. Keep your antenna up. You will find that there's an electricity in the air that keeps people's emotions at peaklevel.
VIRGO (Aug 23–Sept 22)Youmayfeelabitsluggish today, Virgo. Your warrior spirit would rather stay home on the couch than get up and fight. This is fine. You may simplyneedabreakfromyour questforworlddomination.
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
You may feel a bit confused today It might seem as if the wind has suddenly been taken out of your sails. Don't get discouraged by the slow weightiness of the day Take the opportunity to relax and rechargeyourbatteries.
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)
Your mind may seem rather cloudy today, Scorpio, but don't let this hinder you. In fact, you'll find that you can use this feeling of fantasy to your advantage. Try to bring moremagicintoyourlife.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)
Today is an excellent day for you, Sagittarius.You will be a welcome addition to any crowd. Your delightful nature isatitsmostactive.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
Theworldprobablyisn'tgoing to revolve around you today, Capricorn, so get used to it. Even though this may not be the news you want to hear, it's probably the news you most needtohear
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)Initiateadeep,meaningful conversation with someone you've lost touch with, Aquarius. It could be that a long and ugly point of contention is on the brink of resolution. Allyouneedtodoismakethe firstmove.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
Your transmission may be stuck in reverse today, Pisces. Thisdoesn'tmeanyoucan'tbe productive. You may need to change your approach Carefully assess a situation beforeyouproceed.
“This time around, St Ignatius has the first strike,” noted a local football pundit. “Playing at home posses a significant advantage, and theywillbehopingtokick things off with a win and take a strong aggregate lead to Annai, despite having a youthful line up ”
However, dethroning the 2019 KFC champions will be a monumental task. AnnaiSecondaryhasearned a reputation for producing remarkable talent at this level and boasts the experience of having triumphed in this very pressure-cookerscenario.
With the tie likely to be decided by the slimmest of margins, the spotlight will shine brightly on both teams’ defensive lines. The two goalkeepers are poised to be crucial figures,asgoaldifferenceis a powerful determining factor in the two-legged format T h e P
t r a O r g a n i s a t i o n , i n collaboration with the Region Nine Regional Education Department, continues to provide this vital platform for young athletes to gain recognition as they pursue their football dreams.
Both teams have declared themselves ready for the challenge The coaches have expressed confidence in their lineups, settingthestageforatactical battlefilledwithpassionand regionalpride.
Theteamsareready The stage is set. The battle for RegionNinesupremacy,and a ticket to the Goodwill InternationalSerieskicksoff at18:00hrsthisevening.
reinforces the importance that the His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, by extension, Hon. Minister RamsonJr.,andHon.Steven J
he development of sport in our country As Minister Jacobs highlighted in his remarks, he himself represents the model of what an athlete in Guyana can become, rising from the grassroots level of cricket, advancing academically through the University of the West Indies, and now serving at the ministerial level. His
journey is a powerful example of how sport can positivelytransformlives.
The Government’s continued support has had a tangible impact on sports across the nation, strengthening programmes, improving opportunities for athletes, and elevating the overall standard of sport in Guyana.
Initiatives such as this Gala further motivate our athletes and reaffirm the Government’s commitment to nurturing talent and fosteringnationalpride.
(Reuters) - The International Cricket Council (ICC) has provisionally suspended U S international Akhilesh Reddy on match-fixing charges, the global governing body said on Friday
Reddy has been charged with breaching three counts of the sport’s anti-corruption code during the ongoing franchisebasedAbuDhabiT10League
The charges include attempting to fix or improperly
influence matches, trying to get another player to participate in the same activities and deleting data and messages from a mobile devicethatwouldberelevanttothe designated anti-corruption official (DACO)investigation.
The Abu Dhabi T10 has come under ICC scrutiny before, with eight people being charged with breaching the anti-corruption code in the 2021edition BangladeshinternationalNasir Hossain later received a two-year suspension.
West Indies batter Marlon Samuels, who had already retired, also got a six-year ban for his breachesduringthe2019editionof thecompetition.
ByRawleToney
Guyana’slong-cherished Boxing Day sporting tradition is poised for an exciting revival as Briso Promotions, in partnership with the Caribbean Boxing Organization (CBO), stages a Pro-Am Boxing Card on Friday, December 26, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH).
Theeventmarksthefirst official showcase of the newly formed CBO, headed by Seon Bristol, and promises to reignite the electric fight-night atmosphere that once defined the holiday season forlocalfans.
The card was officially unveiledyesterdayatapress conference hosted at the Wind Jammer Hotel, where key figures in Guyana’s boxing fraternity offered their endorsement and enthusiasm. Among those presentwerePresidentofthe
Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC), Peter Abdool, President of the Guyana BoxingAssociation (GBA), Steve Ninvalle, along with several other officials who underscored thesignificanceoftheevent, notonlyforGuyana,butfor the advancement of boxing throughouttheCaribbean.
Speaking at the launch, Abdool welcomed the longawaited return of professional boxing in Guyana, recalling that BoxingDaycardswereonce the heartbeat of the sport locally.
Ninvalle echoed the sentiment, highlighting the importance of the Pro-Am format. He revealed that amateur boxers featured on thecardwillreceiveapurse, an initiative fully supported bytheGBA.
Ninvalle explained that the International Boxing Association (IBA) has
encouraged its affiliates to offer monetary support to amateurfighters,notingthat this move aligns perfectly withthatmandateandserves as crucial motivation for athletes striving to stay committed to the sport Specific payout amounts will be announced in the comingdays.ForBristol,the December 26 spectacle represents the first step in
IceeSoftDrinkshasonce again thrown its support for the Grand Prix series of chesstournaments,thistime with a sponsorship of the Grand Prix 2 scheduled for November22nd,23rd,29th, and30th,2025,attheSchool oftheNations.
As a qualifying tournament for the upcoming Chess Olympiad, the Grand Prix series is highly coveted, attracting top participation from chess enthusiasts. Registration is e x p e c t e d t o d r a w a p p r o x i m a t e l y 5 0 participants, including an anticipated 20 players competing in the Women’s category
The eight–round Swiss Systemcompetitioncarriesa time control of 90 minutes with 30-second increments addedtotheclockaftereach move and will be contested in the Open category by players such as National Junior Champion Kyle Couchman,U-16Champion CM Sachin Pitamber, Gilbert Williams, Alek Ubaldo-Singh, Micaiah Enoe, and U-12 Champion AbelFernandez.Newcomer
FIDE Master Rawle Allicock,hasalsothrownhis hatinthering,withthehopes
Brand Manager I-Cee Soft Drinks Mr. Clayton McKenzie, presents cheque for I-Cee Chess Grand Prix 2 to GCF Public Relations Director, Mr. Shiv Nandalall at Thirst Park, Georgetown.
ofqualifyingfortheteam.
Competing in the Women’s category are the current 2025 Women’s championWCMAditiJoshi, U-14GirlsChampionEmma John, U-12 Girls Champion Kateleya Sam, and Former Women’s champion WCM Sasha Shariff, Treskole’ Archibald, Ciel Clement, to nameafew Cash prizes totalling $100,000willbeawardedto thetopthreefinishersineach category The top eight
boards of the open category and top four for the female category will be livestreamed on lichess.org by John Lee, FIDEArbiter and Technical Director for the GCF Full Results and pairings can be viewed on chess-results.com.
The GCF extends it sincere gratitude to its sponsor, I-CEE Soft Drinks, for its continued support of chess in Guyana and the School of the Nations for providingthevenue.
realizing the mission of the CBO, a unified body of promoters from Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, St Martin, the Bahamas, Jamaica, St L
a, Grena
d Curacao. The goal, he said, istopresentconsistent,wellorganized, professionally structured events that elevateCaribbeanboxing. Fanscanlookforwardto a
international matchups featuring fighters from Guyana,Trinidad&Tobago, Ba
, Grenada,andtheDominican Republic.
The opening bout, a Lightweightcontest,willsee Trinidad&Tobago’sTianna Guy takeon CarolPaniague oftheDominicanRepublic.
Barbados’ Tyreec Tait
and Grenada’s Rickenson Henry will square off in a Middleweight clash, while Guyana’s Terrence Adams meetsTrinidadandTobago’s Anthony Joseph in a Catchweightshowdown.
RasheildWilliamsofthe BahamaswillfaceJamaica’s Nico Yeyo, just before Guyana’s own Desmond Amsterdam battles Wilson Fernaandez of the Dominican Republic in a highly anticipated Super Middleweightbout.
Thenightconcludeswith Olympian Keevin Allicock going glove-to-glove with Dominican Republic’s Yendy Rodriguez in what promises to be a showstoppingfinale.
Officials agreed that the December 26 card is a symbolic rebirth of Boxing Day fights, as well as a blueprint for the region, signaling a bold new era for Caribbeanboxing.
Frompage27 session, debutant Jake Weatherald opened for Australia but his stint was short-lived as he was given out lbw for a second-ball duck to Jofra Archer, who took2-11innineovers.
Consistently bowling at speeds of nearly 150 kph, Archer and Wood set the tone for the tourists, ably supported by Stokes and Carse, who pitched in with
2-45.
Archer soon had
Labuschagne, opening for Usman Khawaja who had beenoffthefieldfortoolong at the end of England’s innings, chopping onto his stumps for nine trying to leaveashortball.
Thelocalswereroughed up by several body blows, with stand-in skipper Steve Smith, who made 17, and Khawaja, who scored two,
ultimatelydepartinginquick successiontoCarse.
S t o k e s q u i c k l y accounted for Green, Starc andAlex Carey who scored 24, 12 and 26 respectively, completing his sixth test “five-fer” when Scott Boland on zero edged the balltoBrook.
Scores:Australia123for 9(Stokes5-23)trailEngland 172 (Brook 52, Pope 46, Starc7-58)by49runs.
Frompage26 female, Kay-Ann Ghanie is competing in the junior class.OnSundayNovember 23rd, competition will be at the 500 yards (2 sighting shots & 10 rounds), 600 yards (2 sighting shots & 7 rounds) and 900 yards (2 sightingshots&10rounds). The championship will end onSundayNovember30.
This competition has effectivelycommencedthe nation’s preparations for
the 2026 edition of the West Indies Fullbore Shooting Championships which will be hosted in Antigua & Barbuda from April 25 to May 1
Additionally, a 20-member English Rifle Team will be visitingoneweekbeforethe West Indies Championships to compete against the Guyanese.
Followingaretheoverall scoresandaggregatef romdayone.
Kay-Ann Ghanie
The floodgates opened overattheSirFrankWorrell Memorial Ground, forcing the match between the Guyana Harpy Eagles and the Windward Islands Volcanoes to be abandoned withoutaballbeingbowled, further adding to this season’s mixed start to each triple-headerround.
This is the second game rain has ruined for the Eagles, following their opening round contest barely getting past the first innings before being called off.
MotherNaturesparedno expense as Torrential showers poured specially across the St Augustine area,resultinginanumberof inspections before officials made the call to terminate any hopes of play between the Harpy Eagles and Volcanoes.
Joshua Bishop bagged 3-50 bowling for the Pride, who eventually sped to 139-3 after23.3overs.
OverattheQueen’sPark Oval,weatherwasabitmore welcoming as the Barbados Pride hammered Leeward Hurricanes by a 7-wicket margin. Nathan Edward (49) and Jahmar Hamilton (45)toiledastheHurricanes were coincidentally blown awayforjust138runsinthe 26th over Pacer Akeem Jordan snared 5-29, while
Captain of the
GuyanaNational R i f l e Association (GuyanaNRA) Fullbore section, Dylan Fields,isholdingaslimlead afteronedayofcompetition in this year’s edition of the national championships taking place at the Timehri RifleRanges.
Set to continue on Sunday and end next Sunday, Fields is just three points ahead of Sherwin
FelicienandveteranLennox Braithwaite, the latter two separated by v-bulls Following the opening day of action, which saw the riflemen and lone female competing at the 300, 500 and 600 yards ranges, Felicien and Peter Persaud were the other two shooters torecordpossibles. The both accomplished it at 500 yards, 35.1 and 35.3,respectively.Thelone (Continuedonpage21)
Acenturystandbetween skipper Kyle Mayers (55) and Zachary McCaskie (60) did the trick for Barbados whosecuredamuch-needed win and some points; given the ongoing battle with the weather
Meanwhile,Guyanawill be optimistic the weather holds up with their next encounter set for Sunday November 23, a Day/Night match versus the home side Trinidad and Tobago Red Force.(CliftonRoss)
B B C S p o r tChampionship leader Lando Norris said he would be “fighting for pole” in qualifying at the Las Vegas Grand Prix after setting the pace in practice on the first dayofaction.
In a session interrupted and then curtailed by a suspected loose manhole cover, the McLaren driver was 0.029 seconds ahead of Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc third, 0.161secs off thepace.
Norris’ team-mate and title rival Oscar Piastri was 14th and 0 891secs off Norris, but that was not representative as the Australiandidnotgetaclean runonthesofttyresbecause of the red flag for the track problems.
Norrisis24pointsahead of Piastri with three races to goandcanputhimselfonthe brinkofthetitlewithastrong resultthisweekend.
Tr a c k o ff i c i a l s investigateissues
Piastri was one of a number of top drivers who did not set representative times on the soft tyre owing to the interruptions, along with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, Mercedes’ GeorgeRussellandFerrari’s LewisHamilton.
Piastri was two places behind Norris in the first session,wheretheMcLarens
finished sixth and eighth, and 0 192secs adrift for pace,continuingthetrendof recentraces.
But the Australian, who has not beaten Norris since hewontheDutchGrandPrix attheendofAugust,said:“I feelOK.P1wasprettygood. Some things to work on but overall I felt like it was a prettygoodsession.
The problem with the manhole cover emerged at Turn 17, the final corner,
condition to resume the session”.
But officials who had stayed at the location to monitorthesituationsawthe covermovingascarspassed over it when the session resumedandtheredflagwas thrownagain.
The problem revived memories of the first Las Vegas race in 2023, when Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari was wreckedbyaloosemanhole cover, the problem was
about 20 minutes before the endofthesession.
Governing body the FIA said a marshal had seen “a possible loose manhole cover”, so the session was stopped.
The site was inspected and the session restarted aftera15-minutedelay,with theFIAsayingitbelievedthe cover was “in a suitable
found to be repeated around the track, and practice did notfinishuntil04:00.
However, further investigation following the session was said by sources to have found there to be no problem with the manhole, whichwasboltedtight.
TheFIAisyettoprovide afurtherupdate.
And the scheduled
qualifying session for the female-only F1 Academy feeder series ran as scheduledafterwards.
Th e d elay s an d disruption meant a sense of the competitive picture was only partially formed, especially as there was no time for the race simulation runsthatnormallytakeplace in the final minutes of the session.
For what it’s worth, Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg wasfourthfastest,aheadof the Racing Bulls of Isack HadjarandLiamLawson.
Mercedes’ George Russell was seventh fastest, with Williams’ Alex Albon, Verstappen and Hamilton completing thetop10.
Antonelli continued the strong form that saw him score a second-place finish in Brazil two weeks ago for Mercedes, who started the weekend favourites after Russell’s dominant victory lastyear
But Russell cautioned againstpresumingtheteam could repeat the same feat thisyear
Verstappen was fourth fastest in the first session, 0 307secs off pace-setter Leclercandhighlyunusually behind team-mate Yuki Tsunoda. He said: “It has been OK, just difficult to understand what to do with theseinterruptions.
PERTH, (Reuters)Australia trailed England by 49runson123-9attheendof an extraordinary opening day of the Ashes series on Friday at Perth Stadium, where bowlers had very much the upper hand and a remarkable19wicketsfell.
M i t c h e l l S t a r c ,
spearheading the home attack in the absence of the injured Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, took a career-best7-58asAustralia dismissed the tourists for 172beforetea.
The large visiting contingent in the crowd of 51,531 were soon in full
voice, however, as England skipper Ben Stokes led a pacecounter-offensivetorip through the Australian batting order and claim his own five-wicket haul with figuresof5-23.
Nathan Lyon, who was three not out, and debutant quickBrendanDoggett,who hadyettoscore,willresume on day two looking to cut a fewmorerunsoffthedeficit.
“We discussed that to a couple of their right-handed batterstryandusethecrease, try and go close to the stumps,andslightlywiderat times,” England seamer BrydonCarsesaid.
“Obviously a really nice feelingtogetthemoutwitha planthatweputinplace.”
The action-packed opening day, which saw more wickets fall on any single day of an Ashes test since 1909, evoked memories of the first day of last year’s test between Australia and India at the samestadiumwhen17firstdaywicketsfell.
After opting to bat first,
The Guyana Netball Association
(GNA) is expressing sincere congratulations to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commissionforhostingsuchaprestigious s p o r t s a w a r d s c e r e m o n y
Thisfirstofitskindgalawassplendid,the atmospherewasfantasticandthemoments, m e m o r a b l e
While our President, Ms.Ailene Bowman received the Female Sports Official of the yearaccolade,apleasantsurprisewhichwe are grateful for, the GNA takes this opportunity to congratulate all the other awardees for their outstanding achievements which led to them being rewarded at this highest level
All the recipients, we are sure, felt appreciated and valued for their sacrifice dedication to the development of sports in v a r i o u s c a p a c i t i e s
The Government of Guyana led by His Excellency President Ali has shown that theyareseriousabouttherealdevelopment of sports and have been investing in infrastructure, equipment and travel for i n d i v i d u a l s a n d t e a m s . Sport is on a great platform in our nation andcanonlygetbettergoingforwardunder the leadership of Hon. Charles Ramson Jr MP,andHon.StevenJacobsMP TheGNA isonboardwithyou.
Englandwerestunnedinthe opening over when Zak Crawley was tempted into a drive by an angled Starc delivery,whichedgedtofirst slip,anddepartedforaduck.
Starc followed up by trapping Ben Duckett legbefore with a full inswinger for21.
His 100th Ashes wicket camewhenhehadJoeRoot, looking nowhere near scoringhisfirsttesthundred DownUnder,outfornought to a ball that found Marnus Labuschagneatthirdslip.
Ollie Pope scored 46 before giving all-rounder Cameron Green his only wicket while Starc got his fourth when Stokes was clean-bowledonsix.
Doggett picked up his maiden test wicket when top-scorer Harry Brook was caught-behind for an aggressive 52, before Starc returnedtocelebratehisfifth
Ashes five-wicket haul and 17th overall when Gus Atkinson was caught in the slips.
Starc rounded out his first seven-wicket haul by removingJamieSmithfor33 and sending Mark Wood backforaduckasEngland’s dogged adherence to the aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach saw the last four wicketsaddonly12runs.
“We know how England wanttotakethegame,”Starc told reporters “Their approach of being aggressive, that creates opportunities and I thought webowledquitewellevenin a period where it felt like it waskindofhelter-skelter.”
WEATHERALDSTINT SHORT-LIVED
Lateinthesecond
(Continuedonpage25)
