Aris Mining begins Puruni Bridge works ...as5.4millionouncesToroparu GoldProjectadvances
demands immediate restoration of Local Government Commission
Foreigncompaniesoperatingin Guyana's gold-rich mining sector pay as little as US$5 per acre annually for access to mineralbearing lands, a rate critics may view as remarkably low given the billionsofdollarsingoldresources beingdevelopedacrossthecountry
According to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC),theannualrentalratefor foreign companies holding largescalemininglicencesissetatUS$5 per acre, while local operators pay US$3peracre.
Mining licences are granted subsequenttoaprospectinglicence and are usually no larger than 12,800acres.Amininglicencecan be granted to local or foreign companies.Meanwhile,large-scale prospecting licences attract annual rental rates beginning at US$0.50 per acre in the first year and increasingovertime.
Medium-scale mining permits carryarentalrateofUS$1peracre annually The rental rate for medium-scale prospecting permits for the first year is US$0.25 per
acre, an additional US$0.10 per acreischargedforeachsuccessive year Mining permits for medium scale mining operations and prospectingpermitscoverbetween 150 and 1,200 acres each and are restricted to Guyanese ownership or by a joint venture between a Guyaneseandaforeigner,whereby the two parties jointly develop the property
Over the years Guyana's mineral wealth has attracted significant foreign investment, leadingtoalmostadozenCanadian companiesengagedingoldmining
here. Currently, Guyana has one producing large-scale gold mine, AuroraGoldMine(AGM)Inc.,the subsidiary of Chinese state-owned ZijinMiningGroupCo.Ltd.
This publication has reported that about 11 Canadian firms are currently advancing gold projects across Guyana's mining districts, collectivelycontrollingmillionsof ounces of gold at various stages of development – with some nearing goldproduction.
Most of these projects are located in Region Seven, the Cuyuni-Mazaruni Mining District,
a region recognised for its significantgoldpotential. For five of the 11 companies, the Proven and Probable Reserves and indicated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) amount to over 15 7M ounces of gold The remainingcompaniesarestillinthe exploration stage and have not reached the point of announcing resource estimates The five companiesare:GMiningVentures Corp.(GMIN),G2Goldfields,Aris Mining Corporation, Omai Gold Mines Corp. and Mako Mining Corp.
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
PerhapsMinisterofParliamentaryAffairs,GailTeixeira was partly right. The PPP/C government was planning to reconveneparliament,becauseithadnochoice.Ithadtogo back there to still, get the more billions needed. A government that sucks up money at the rate of a powerful high-speed vacuum. Only a government to whom the disgraceful has no meaning could approach parliament for $55B more, four months after this nation’s biggest budget ever Thathastobesomerecord.
It is part of an old budget con game that the PPP/C governmentplaysonGuyanese,abusesparliamentfor The billions are guaranteed, and upcoming debates a waste of time.Evenwiththeslendermarginofaone-seatmajority,no supplementaryfundingbillsubmittedbythegovernmenthas beendefeatedinthelastfiveyears. Thatone-seatmajority hasexpandedtoseven-seats,whichgivesthegovernmentan unassailable advantage. Members from the combined oppositioncantaketurnsbeatingthetable,heckleasmuchas theyfindpleasingandstill,theywouldmakelittleheadway. The disastrousWales Gas-to-Energy will get its $19B cash infusion. The Ministry of Agriculture’s National Drainage and IrrigationAuthority will be boosted by another $4.5B. The Ministry of Housing will grab $17.5B, the second biggest chunk of the supplementary $55B “to facilitate an expandedworkprogram.”And,sowilltheMinistryofHome Affairswith$60Mtospeedupsomeofitsworks. Weretherespectiveministers,technicalofficers,budget officers,andplanningofficersinHousingandHomeAffairs asleeponthejob?Theyhadagoodpartof2025andupuntil late January of this year to review and layout their work programs,andincludeanyadditionalcoststhatsuchwould incur Now,thegovernmentembarrassesitselfwiththisearly $55BFinancialPaperNumberOnefor2026(supplementary budget) and it is only early June. Where is the emergency development that makes such a move necessary? The manner in which the Wales Gas-to-Energy has been managed, has unfolded, it does not surprise that it would needtobesubsidisedbymorebillions.Whatissurprisingis that $19B is needed in one shot. When the current GY$ to US$ exchange rate is considered, the GY$19B comes very close to the US$97M that the Dispute Arbitration Award BoardfinalisedasthesettlementforLindsayca-CH4. Wecanlookatthis$19Binoneoftwoways.Acceptwhat thegovernmentsaysonitsface(“tofacilitateanaccelerated work program”), which could be the case, given the delays oversoilstabilitythatsloweddowntheproject.Or,billions to refill the GTE budget from which Lindsayca-CH4 was paiditsUS$97M.Aprojectthatbeganinmystery,continued withaseriesofdodgesandsecrets,hasnowdeterioratedto theshabby BillionsrolloutfromthelocalTreasury,billions roll in to the GTE. However, the promised half-priced electricity looks more of a question mark with each new development,mostofwhicharehiddenfromthepublic.This is another lesson for citizens of how their government squanderstheoilmoneythatflowsintothecountry There are costly experiments reeking of poor conception, uninspiringimplementation,andlittleintheformofexpert oversight. One constant is suspect political involvement in projectsofthismagnitude,butwhothendistancefromthem atthefirstsignofproblems. Anotherconstantisthatmoreis demanded from this country’s coffers, while ordinary citizens are starving, left to fend for themselves in an environment that never stops squeezing the breath out of them.
From the past five years, and the PPP/C government’s nowobvioustendencytosplurgeinthebillions,thereisone moreconstantofwhichweatthispaperaresure.Itisnowthe first half of June only, and already the first supplementary budgetisbeforeparliament.Thereisgoingtobeanothertwo supplementarybudgets,atleast,betweennowandyearend. What is unknown are the precise times at which the governmentwillputonitsbestfaceandreturntoparliament for more billions. The recent massive floods could be used laterasjustificationformoresupplementarymoneytohelp copewiththedamageinflicted.
Themostrecentsittingof theHouseofParliamentwas adisgracetowatch.Herewe have those accused of corruption on both sides of the house sounding like hypocrites. They are trying to put down each other for corruption while also trying to present themselves as someoneofhighintegrity
TheGuyanesepeopleare no longer fooled by this shamefulcharade!
The government is more interested in emptying the nation’s purse while neglecting their duties to thosethathaveputthemina position to serve.Additional funds have been requested under the theme of an “accelerated work plan” while the only urgency that truly exists is that of p
accelerated work plans are not all focused on this most
pressingpriority Itwouldbe better for the members of Parliament to come off their artificial high horses and allowanindependentagency toinvestigatetheaccusations ofcorruptiononbothsidesof the house.An agency which will help rid our people of those whose intentions are more focused on serving themselves instead of serving those who have placed them in a position of servicetoournation.Wethe Guyanese people must hold them accountable. The line between good governance and corruption has been crossedandthehonourofthe houseofparliamenthasbeen trampled upon and discarded.
The tragedy of the situation is that when the oil revenue has been exhausted inwastefulspendingthefew in government would have m a d e t h e m s e l v e s temporarily rich while the
people of our nation will be leftinpoverty Apovertythat couldhavebeenpreventedif the government had sincerely and honestly focusedonwhatisbestover the long term for our small country of close-knit communities.Greedmustbe dealt with and a clear message sent that it will no longerbetolerated.
We must hold those who are corrupt accountable Whether it is the person in thehighestofficeoftheland or the newly appointed public servant, an example mustbemadeofhimorherto deter others from doing the same.
Remember, service can turn into servitude if theft becomes the objective and the outcome. What is stolen musteventuallybepaidback one way or the other It is better to do that which is correct and not betray the people of our nation. We
have all pledged ourselves with hand upon heart, and it is this pledge by which we will each be measured Included as a reminder for our elected officials and thoseaspirantsamongus:
“I pledge myself to honour always the flag of Guyana,
And to be loyal to my country,
To be obedient to the lawsofGuyana,
To love my fellow citizens,
And to dedicate my energies towards the happiness and prosperity of Guyana”.
This pledge must be made before each sitting of the National Assembly if service to the people of Guyana and our Nation is thatwhichwillhelpguidethe actions of our elected officials.
Withutmostconcern, JamilChanglee
DEAREDITOR, Guyana possesses oil wealthmostcountrieswould envy Yet our corruption indexscoreis41outof100. We rank 135th globally in economic freedom. Our net migrationrateisminus8per thousandannually—people are physically choosing to leave rather than endure a system that extracts national wealth and concentrates it among the politically connected, including yours truly.InRegions1,6,7,and 10, communities wait for roads, schools, water ambulances, and electricity that Georgetown takes for granted Children in Issederu, Winiperu, Itaballi, and Agatash stop schooling after primary not because theylackabilitybutbecause government decisions about who matters have made
secondary education structurally inaccessible This is policy the measurable consequence of single-party dominance without genuine coalition accountability in a nation whoseConstitutiondemands something categorically better Region 10, home to 65,000Guyanese,stillhasno Regional Chair That is deliberate denial of representation When a regimecontrollingoilwealth
blocks regions from meaningful participation, constitutional rights exist on paper alone and democracy
beginsitsquietdeath.
PNC with the apparatus practised this identical methodology packing courts, police, and institutions along ethnic and class lines. The faces have changed.Thepatternhasn’t.
THE SPEAKER’S CHAIR ISN’T APARTISAN INSTRUMENT
This brings us to a constitutional principle that the current Parliament has placedunderacutestressand that every Guyanese citizen — regardless of party — mustunderstandwithclarity: the Speaker of the National A s s e m b l y i s n ’ t a government appointee. The Speaker is the servant of the entire Parliament and through Parliament the servant of the entire electorate.
TheexclusionofWaltonDesir from parliamentary committee service is therefore not a procedural technicality It’s a constitutional violation Walton-Desir represents the Forward Guyana Movement —the3rdlargestopposition party by parliamentary seat count following the 2025 election. She holds evident professional qualifications. She holds a constitutional entitlement, identical to every other elected MP, to meaningful parliamentary participation including committee service Her exclusion on the basis that
her party is new, small, or inconvenient to the a d m i n i s t r a t i o n ’ s parliamentary management strategy is constitutionally indefensible on every availableground.
The logic is elementary:
Parliament exists to represent the electorate Every citizen who voted for FGM is represented by Walton-Desir Excludingher fromcommitteeservicedoes not merely sideline one MP — it disenfranchises every Guyanese who placed their trust in that movement and every citizen whose democratic interest her committee participation
would have served
Partisanship has no constitutional home in the Speaker’s chair None. The moment a Speaker accommodates MPs whose cooperative disposition serves the administration while blocking MPs whose independence challenges it, theSpeakerhasceasedtobe an officer of Parliament and become an instrument of executive control That transformation is precisely what the 2026 comparative study documented in Tunisia, Turkey, and Venezuela as the procedural face of soft authoritarianism
— and Opposition Chief WhipTabithaSarabo-Halley is correct to forecast the structured parliamentary
The Bar Association, civil society, and Guyana’s international democratic partners must treat the Walton-Desir exclusion not as a parliamentary housekeeping matter but as the constitutional signal it demonstrably is Citizen inclusivity is a nonnegotiable constitutional obligation that attaches to every office of the Parliament, including and especially the Speaker’s chair
Mr Norton would serve the Opposition’s cause considerably better by directinghispoliticalscience training toward building the coalition that displaces this administration rather than targeting WIN’s leader His target is misplaced Misplaced focus is an advantage the incumbent doesn’t deserve to receive forfree.
5 minutes examining the current administration’s regional record reveals a government that has progressively lost clarity aboutwhoGuyana’sgenuine alliesareandwhoexploitsits vulnerability TheEssequibo question has been managed throughICJdependenceand diplomaticpassivitywithout buildingthebilateraltreaty
standoffs that this institutional capture makes inevitable.
Continued on page 5
sense of liberty I experienced for four decades is something I deeply miss
DEAREDITOR,
After living in America for 40 years without fear, I have spent the last 10 years inGuyanafeelingthatImust constantly watch what I say, write,anddo.
I feel compelled to be carefulaboutthewordsIuse, the opinions I express, and eventhepeoplewithwhomI associate, including those involvedinpolitics.
Thereisaperceptionthat criticising the country, politicians, the government, the President, the police, or influential individuals can lead to retaliation, i n t i m i d a t i o n , o r victimisation.
During my 40 years in America, I never felt the need to live this way I enjoyed the freedom to speak openly, express my views, and associate with whomever I chose without fear of retribution. Freedom of speech and freedom of association were rights I tookforgranted. Returning to the country of my birth has left me feeling that many of those freedoms have been diminished. The sense of libertyIexperiencedforfour decades is something I deeplymiss.
Yoursfaithfully, Acitizen
DEAREDITOR,
IrecallvisitingMathematicsSubjectCommitteestodeal with problem areas in content and teaching strategies to overcomedifficulties.
If these Committees are not functioning, then I humbly suggest that attention be given to the possibility of resuscitation.
YoursRespectfully, KrishnaNandPrasad
Frompage4 architecture and American partnershipthatwouldmake any eventual judgment enforceable.Regionalpolicy increasingly reflects patronage network priorities over sovereign national interests.
A Mohamed presidency delivers the reset this moment requires, grounded in CARICOM cooperative security, engagement with the U S , India, China, France, Canada, the U.K., andRussiaonGuyana’sown terms, and the unapologetic assertion of sovereign interests that a small state sitting atop world-class petroleum reserves is fully entitledtopractise.TheU.S., Canada, and the EU, in particular France and U.K., haveindicatedwillingnessto engageaWINgovernment.1 year into Mohamed’s leadership,thatconfidenceis nolongertheoretical. Against documented institutio
failure, Mohamed’s conduct stands incategoricalcontrast—and crucially, it predates any campaign. In August 2025, with no executive power, he personally navigated deliberately obstructed hinterland routes to reach communities the established parties had abandoned. He donates part of his parliamentarysalarytothose in need. He works 16-hour days. He defers publicly to his colleagues rather than s e e k i n g p e r s o n a l prominence. He has named specific governmental m i s c o n d u c t w i t h
documented evidence on at least5occasionsinthepast2 months identifying ministers whose corrupt lifestyles he has catalogued as LOTO while their fellow Guyanese stand in bread lines.
In law, behaviour consistent with a declared principle across 13 months of unscripted public life meets the standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt Mohamed’srecordrunsfrom 26th May, 2025 to today It can’t be manufactured for sillyseason.Italreadyexists and is the most reliable predictor of what his presidencywouldproduce.
THE COALITION THAT LOOKS LIKE GUYANA WIN’s leadership already reflects all of G u y a n a ’ s e t h n i c communitiesandmajorfaith traditions Hindu, Christian, Muslim, Indigenous, Afro-Guyanese, Indo-Guyanese, Chinese, Portuguese, and Mixed-race a s o p e r a t i o n a l constitutionalismratherthan symbolic gesture WIN’s young, tenacious AfroGuyanese woman, Prime Minister in waiting and constitutionally empowered to act as President in Mohamed’s absence, holds genuine institutional authority—notaceremonial title Leaders who don’t build this culture before assuming executive power don’tbuilditafter The coalition WIN has assembled APNU’s institutional experience and regional reach under
younger leadership, FGM’s internationally recognised democratic courage, AFC’s community connections, ALP’s grassroots village networks,andANUG’slegal and technical expertise — produces a parliamentary majority the current government’s fragile slim hold cannot withstand. 16 seats went to a party that didn’t exist in 2020. 1 seat went to another new party The electorate is already searching for something better and has been demonstrating that search at the ballot box. APNU must understand that the only credible path to electoral relevance is genuine coalition with WIN, not competitionagainstit.Every day of hesitation is an advantage the incumbent bankspermanently THE VERDICT AND THE X
In 1992, Guyanese overcame decades of entrenched 1-party rule and marked their X. Everything changed — not because of charisma or inherited party loyalty, but because the alternative was credible and therecordwasclear
That same courage lives in every Guyanese today The constitutional case is documented. The economic failure is indexed The foreignpolicydriftisvisible. The Speaker’s partisan m a n a g e m e n t o f parliamentary participation is a constitutional violation that every citizen regardless of which party they support should regard as a direct disenfranchisement of their democraticvoice.
Check the numbers
Read the Constitution. Look at the record of the man asking for your trust. Then make the rational decision theevidencesupports.
Guyana’s oil belongs to everyfamilyineveryregion of this republic not to the familiarcirclesofanysingle administration.Oneyearold. D o c u m e n t e d Constitutionally coherent Ready MarkyourX.Choose progress.ChooseWIN.Your future is on the ballot in 2030.
Regards, M.ShabeerZafar
Barrister-at-Law, Guyanese and Ontarian Bars
Commuterstravellingalongthe Linden-Soesdyke Highway will soon benefit from smoother and reducedtraveltimeasconstruction on the critical road network nears completion.
The US$161M landmark project overall construction works now stand at approximately 90 per cent complete, according to ConstructionManageratNamalco, VishalMaharaj.
Speaking to the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Saturday, Maharaj said significant progress had been made across all majorcomponentsoftheproject.
He explained that drainage infrastructure is also advancing steadily, with concrete drain
construction around 70 per cent complete. “We also have drainage works continuing. We have basket works to accompany the drainage and the different layers of paving takingplaceinconjunction.Weare working simultaneously with each other,”henoted.
Maharaj noted that work is being carried out in sections to maximise efficiency while adaptingtoweatherconditions.
“Based on the breaks in the weather,wearedoingkeyworksin variousplacestocompleteontime. Wearetryingtodoourbestwiththe c o n t i n
n w i t h o u t compromising the quality of the works,”hesaid.
Despite periodic rainfall, the
projectremainsaheadofschedule.
Electrical works have also commenced, marking another majormilestoneintheproject.
Contractors have begun installing light pole pedestals and powerboxesalongthecorridor Street lights are expected to be installedshortly Thecontractorhas already acquired 700 of the 1,300 street lights required The remaininglightshavebeenshipped and are expected to arrive in Guyanawithinamonthandahalf.
Meanwhile, the massive infrastructure project, once completed, will transform the Linden-Soesdyke Highway into a modern transport corridor capable of supporting increased traffic while improving safety and connectivity Itwillalsostrengthen economicactivitybetweenthetwo regions.
The upgrade is being executed through a joint venture involving
Thegovernmenthasrepeatedly urged contractors to complete the project ahead of its September 4 deadline.(DPI)
A23-year-oldfarmerhas confessed to the brutal murder of seven-year-old Adriel Aftab Mohamed and the attempted murder of 72year-old Halima Itwari of Zeelugt New Housing Scheme, after investigators
confronted him with compelling digital evidence linking him to the crime scene.
Thesuspectwasarrested Saturday, one day after the pre-dawn attack that left a young boy dead and an elderlywomanhospitalised.
DeputyCommissionerof Police and Crime Chief
We n d e l l B l a n h u m confirmed the confession to Kaieteur News on Sunday,
stating that the digital evidence proved decisive in breaking the suspect's resistance.
“Being unable to deny his presence at the crime scene, the suspect confessed to investigators the gruesome details of what he did when he entered the home and thereafter,” the CrimeChiefsaid. ATrailofEvidence Investigators built a formidable case noting that the knife recovered at the crime scene was confirmed bythesuspectastheweapon used in the attack. Clothing worn during the assault has sincebeenretrievedandwill be sent to the Forensic
Science Laboratory for analysis, along with other physicalevidence.
The suspect also revealedthatbeforeentering the victims' home, he had attempted to break into a nearby property. He was deterred only by sounds suggesting someone was awakeinside.
“However, he failed to enter the home as he heard movements which alerted him that someone was awake. And in his haste to leave before an alarm was raised, he left his slippers and a music player,” Blanhum told Kaieteur News.
Police recovered both items, which the suspect confirmed belonged to him a detail that further corroborated the digital evidence already in detectives'possession.
The suspect's employer revealed that the morning after the attack, the farmer arrived to work bearing a
fresh wound on his hand — one that had not been there thedaybefore.
“Thesuspectdidconfirm that the cut on his hand occurred while he was committing the acts,” the CrimeChiefsaid.
The murder occurred at approximately 04:45 hrs. on Friday, June 5, when Adriel and his great-grandmother were alone at their home. A relative arriving at around 05:05 hrs. discovered Itwari injured and the child motionless Emergency serviceswerecalled,andthe elderly woman was transported to hospital, wheresheremainsinastable buttraumatisedcondition.
“She is in a lot of pain, she is still traumatised and afraid of the whole situation,”arelativesaid.
The boy's great-uncle, Naseeb Mohamed, described the harrowing scene he encountered when he entered the darkened home.
“One of the neighbours calledmywifethismorning, minutestofiveandtoldherI mustcomedowntocheckon my mother because somebody is in the house. AndIcameandwhenIcame, I pushed the door and went inside, I put on the lights becausetheplacewasdark.I saw my mother lying on the ground,thefirstthoughtthat came to my mind was that shewasdead,andthenIlook up,alittlemoreinthehouseI sawmygreatnephewonthe ground,”herecalled.
Moving closer to the child, Mohamed said: “I see he had a cut to his neck and the whole place was filled withblood,alotofbloodall o
neighbours and rushed his mothertothehospital.
Adriel's father was working in Essequibo at the time of the attack. The boy lived in the home with his great-grandmother and his father
ss violence. “My mother is not arichwoman,andthensheis 72 years old and had stroke overayearnow Idon'tknow if it's a robbery or they just come to molest her or whateverthecasemightbe,” hesaid.
InvestigationOngoing
Adriel's body has been transferred to Ezekiel Funeral Home, where it awaits a post-mortem examination Relatives remembered the Zeelugt PrimarySchoolstudentasan energeticandfriendlychild. Authorities have not yet released the suspect's identity, pending the completion of the investigation. Because one victim survived the attack, thesuspectwillbeplacedon an identification parade as partoftheongoingprocess.
When it comes to parliamentaryprocedure,the issueofurgencyhasnothing to do with consequences. Parliamentary rules and precedentsguideSpeakersin makingadeterminationasto whether a matter is of definite, urgent and public importance. It is therefore advisablethatmemberswho arenotknowledgeableabout these rules should edify themselvesonthesubject.
In2016,thenOpposition Member of Parliament, Mr Komal Chand wrote to the Speaker of the National
A s s e m b l y f o r t h e adjournment of the National Assembly in order to debate a matter of definite, urgent and public importance. The matter which the PPP/C Member of Parliament wanted debated was the imminent closure of the Wales Estate by the APNU+AFCgovernment.
The then Speaker was satisfiedthateventhoughthe notice was received on the samedayoftheSittingofthe National Assembly, it did satisfy the requirements of notice being properly given.
The Speaker further explainedthat:“Amotionto adjourn the House on a matter of this nature is an extraordinary procedure and the Standing Order which guides the Speaker in this instance sets out three indispensable elements for consideration The matter must be definite, it must be urgent and it must be of
publicimportance.”
He went on to explain thatthereisnodoubtthatthe motion proposed was of public importance. There is nodoubtalso,heruled,thatit was definite. But he did not agree that it was urgent. He relatedthattheMemberwho hadproposedthemotionhad expressed a willingness to enterintotalksonthematter and then Leader of the Opposition has expressed a similar wish to talk with the government It was also observed that the closure of the estate was proposed for theendoftheyear
These facts led the Speaker to conclude that the requirement of urgency was not fulfilled. As such he concluded that the motion failed to meet the three criteria for wider debate and assuchwasdisallowed.
It was not the first time anditwascertainlynotgoing to be the last time that attemptsbytheOppositionto have an adjournment of the Assemblyinordertodebatea matterofdefinite,urgentand ofpublicimportance Indeed, if a record of such notices were done, it may very well reveal that many such applicationsforadjournment of the National Assembly weredisallowedonthebasis that they did not meet the criterion of urgency There were also many cases in which such motions were allowed.
Indeed, in 2007, there wasanincidentinvolvingthe
dislocation of vendors from the Stabroek Market. The then Leader of the
Opposition moved to have the matter considered as a definitematterofurgentand public importance. The then Speaker concurred that the business of the Assembly could be adjourned to consider the motion. The litmus test of when a matter can be considered ‘urgent’ was explained in the Indian Parliament in 1950. There the Speaker ruled that: “The crucial test always is as to whether the question proposed to be raised has arisen suddenly and created anemergentsituationofsuch acharacterthatthereisprima faciecaseofurgencyandthe House must therefore leave aside all other business and take up the consideration of the urgent matter at the appointedhour Theurgency must be of such a character that the matter really brooks no delay and should be discussed on the same day thenoticehasbeengiven.”
A Speaker of Guyana’s National Assembly had explained the meaning of urgency He said, “The matter must be a clear emergency It must have arisen suddenly in a manner of an emergency and should not have arisen over a series of weeks.” He went on to quote Erskine May as follows: “The matter must not be a grievance that is continuing which does not qualifyasasufficientmatter
Demboyssehdenewestideaintownisa shiny new community fish pond. Not just any fish pond, mind yuh. This one getting plenty water, plenty feed and plenty taxpayers’moneytomakesuredefishgrow fatandhappy
Now, nobody against helping small fry
Every big fish start off as a lil guppy If a fishermanneedhelpbuyinganetorafarmer need a few dollars to buy seed, that is good thing.Demboysseheverybodywantpeople toprosper Butsomepeoplescratchingdem headoverdenameofdepond.
If de main purpose is to help small fry swim, why call it de Great National Ocean Project? Is like opening a chicken shop and calling it an international wildlife reserve. Detitlesoundingbiggerthandemission. Thencomedenextworry
De pond designed in a way where fish could borrow bait without putting much on de line. Now, in a perfect world, every fish would return what it borrow But Guyana ain’tperfectandneitherisanywhereelse.
Demboyssehifenoughfishdecidethat repayment is optional, de pond could soon startlookinglikeadrytrenchinAugust. And that is where imagination start
o f u r g e n t p u b l i c importance.”
Therehavebeencasesin whichtheOrderofBusiness was adjourned to consider a matterofdefinite,urgentand publicimportance.Onesuch case was in relation to unstable electricity supply On the other hand, an application to suspend the business of theAssembly to consider the proposed takeover of the bauxite industry in Linden was denied, presumably on the ground that it did not meet the criteria of being urgent. In 2008 following floods in
the country, the then Leader of the Opposition proposed the adjournment of the NationalAssemblytodebate theflooding.Thematterwas deemedoneofurgentandof public importance and was allowed.
There has always been discontent whenever a Speaker disallows a motion for the adjournment of the business of the National
Assembly But each application has to be considered on its merit as to whether it meets the three “indispensable criteria ”
runningwild.
Peoplewonderingifonedaydecaretaker might announce that maintaining de pond too expensive. De water bill too high. De feedcosttoomuch.Defishnotcooperating.
Thensuddenlyanoticeappear:
“Special Opportunity! Slightly used nationalpondavailablefornewownership.”
Dem boys seh they remember seeing similar things before. De ending always interesting.Ofcourse,nobodysayingthatis whatwillhappen.Peoplemerelydiscussing possibilities, same way people discuss whether rain clouds might bring rain. Nobody can blame a man for carrying an umbrellawheneverheseecloud.Butitdon’t mean rain will fall. Still, de authorities should understand why citizens asking questions before de first bucket of water evenreachdepond.Trustislikefishscales. Easytoknockoffandhardtoputbackon.
So dem boys seh watch dis fish pond closely Make sure de rules strong enough thattaxpayersdon’twakeuponemorningto discover that de fish gone, de water gone, and somehow de pond belonging to some friendofsomebody Talkhalf.Leffhalf.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the
necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper)
Thereareanumberofrulings whichcanguidetheMembers in determining whether their motionsqualifyasmattersof definite and urgent public importance Once these are referredtoitwouldbeclearer that in most instances the Speaker’s rulings cannot be faulted
The men from Istanbul are giving Guyanese a free tutorial on how the real worldoperates.Theymayno longer count as a world power, but in Guyana they are the equivalent of one. Pay up, or else (for more
electricity)?What will it be, gents?The gentlemen in the PPP government are so cluelessthattheydon'tknow whathitthem,whattodo.It's cheap. Well, according to those controlling those two powerboats operating from
Guyana's rivers They supply 96MW in urgently neededelectricity It's$3.4M a day, or they are on their way Money talks. B-S walks.
Sadly, for Guyanese, the PPP is into B-s. Cast eyes
over to Wales. There it is: a grand scheme out of Freedom House and Govt House: a US$2B Gas-toEnergy (GTE) project, from Drs. Ali, Jagdeo, Phillips, Indar They were beside themselves to get started, and now they can't get it done. Enter the collectors from Karpower Pay up Don't muck with the men from the land of Ataturk. The PPP government gang goingthroughthemotionsof negotiation better get a load of how business is really done None of this sweetheart stuff (Darren Woods,AlistairRoutledgeet al),aboutthebrotherhoodof man, and how Guyana is a specially treasured oil basket. What's really being said under their breath is Guyana a special basket case. Recallthatfancyone: sanctity of contract. Exxon sayno,andsoGuyanago.
Now Karpower is showing the power in its hands, and the savviness of its head: tek a 25% hike for good times sake; $3 4M more a day, a big, beautiful 25 percent jack-up from the oldprice.
Thesefolksareasserious asaspearinthescrotum. It's all about money. Since the PPP government cansecretlyshelloutUS$97 million (plus US$2 million in tips for the attorneys), what's the trouble with $3.4MlousyGuyanadollars moreaday?Stopthecrying.
Take medicine like men. Mess up (f--- up) with the Wales GTE and t h e r e ' s t h e opportunity for Karpower to swoo and seize the moment. Talks?ThePPPmasterscan prattle all they want about negotiation,but$3.4Mmore a day is the condition set in stone, a foregone conclusion.
Guyana is on the ropes, which are now wrapped around the necks of its people No increase in money, say goodbye to the supply of 96MW electricity What is the PPP of Ali and Phillips going to do? Run to theCCJ?
Chase the two boats out of Guyana's waters? On second thought, there are some real tough guys in the PPP, who would do that for fun, regardless of the extra battering that already brutalised Guyanese electricity users would have toendure.
Theformulawasandstill issimple:gettheWalesGTE done,andKarpowerisdone. The company and its calculated shakedown of government and Guyana is lastweek'sgarbage. It is said that when it rains,itpours.Thisiswhatis happening to Drs Ali, Jagdeo, and Phillips. Wales hang up in the air, and Istanbul hanging Guyana's strongest sons by their
jewels. Talk about a twofisted whacking Better makethatthree,considering howmuchitisrainingandis not letting up; flooding widening Even my computer screen needs a windshield wiper Now, the richest people globally wondering if they are going to be faced with too much water under the house and too little light in the house. Ornoneatall.
These guys from Istanbul are really callous. Of course, it is nothing antiGuyanese, or anti-Ali and anti-PPP It's just business. How it is done Clearheaded. Hardnosed. Bareknuckled. Sharp elbowed. No prisoners. No friends, either Relay that, please, somebody to Guyana's businessmaster,Dr Sanctity of Contract Ali To my fellow Guyanese: Good news:doantekwurreez.The PPPwillpaythepeoplefrom Turkey the money: $3.4M a day more signed, sealed, delivered.
The views expressed in this article are those of the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper
Canadian mining company Aris Mining Corporationhascommenced key pre-construction activities for its large-scale Toroparu Gold Project in Guyana, including the construction of a bridge at thePuruniRivercrossing.
Inanupdatepublishedon June 4, Aris said work is progressingonseveralearly-
stage infrastructure initiatives, including road upgrades, camp expansion, and improvements to site access. The company also noted that it is expanding its
on-site workforce as development activities accelerate.
“We'realsointheprocess of expanding the project team at site,” the company said.Itfurthernotedthatthe
prefeasibility study is progressing well and remains on schedule for completion in the second half of 2026, supporting a potential construction decisioninearly2027.
The Toroparu Project alsolocatedinRegionSeven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), is one of the largest undeveloped gold deposits in Guyana. This project is being developed by ETK Inc. a subsidiaryofArisMining.
Theprojectisexpectedto produce an average of 235,000 ounces of gold per year over more than two d e c a d e s , y i e l d i n g approximately five million ounces of gold, 4.9 million ounces of silver, and 260 million pounds of copper overitsminelife.
WhileAris is embarking on a bridge at the Puruni River crossing, it should be noted that President Irfaan
Ali during a recent government outreach in Bartica, announced that that construction will begin in August on a US$6 million bridge across the Puruni River While the head-of(Continunedonpage18)
Local aviation company, Xen
Av i a t i o n & Services Limited has acquired a Britten-Norman BN2T-4SIslanderaircraftas part of its wider expansion plansanditscommitmentto improving aviation access, connectivity and service optionsinGuyana.
The aircraft recently landed at the Eugene F Correia International Airport, Ogle, and is now ready to be deployed into service.
The company made the announcement on Saturday, notingthatthearrivalmarks a major milestone as it continues to expand its operationsandstrengthenits ability to support domestic andregionalairconnectivity
The BN2T-4S Islander is an enlarged turboprop variant of the renowned Islander aircraft and is the first of its kind to be operated in Guyana.
Speaking on the arrival, the company's Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Ronaldo Alphonso said the acquisition of the aircraft represents a significant step forwardforthecompanyand the services it is now positionedtoprovide.
Alphonso said “As a company, we are currently expanding, and we remain committed to continuing to offer more services to the Guyanese community The arrival of this aircraft gives us greater capacity, flexibility and reach as we prepare to serve more communities and customers acrossGuyana.”
He also noted that the aircraft is well matched to Xen Aviation's long-term visionfordomesticaviation.
Alphonso added, “We believe this variant of the Islander is a perfect fit for our mission to introduce
The Britten-Norman BN2T-4S Islander aircraft
superior safety, comfort and choice to the Guyana aviationmarket,”hesaid.“It will allow us to better serve
everyday commuters, government agencies, international business
operators and other customers who require reliable air services at a competitiveprice.”
Moreover, William Hynett, Chief Executive of Britten-Norman, welcomed the milestone and noted the significance of the aircraft's deploymentinGuyana.
“We are delighted to confirm this order with Xen Aviation & amp; Services Inc., marking a significant milestone as the first BN2T-
“This new aircraft significantly expands the services and capabilities of Xen Aviation, ” Mr
4S Islander to be used for commuter services in Guyana,” Mr Hynett said. “TheBN2T-4Sisthelargest andmostpowerfulvariantin the Islander range, offering exceptional load-carrying capacity while maintaining our well-renowned STOL performance.Iamexcitedto see this aircraft thrive in its new role with XenAviation, providing essential services tothepeopleofGuyana.”
The Britten-Norman BN2T-4S Islander aircraft offers approximately 30 percent more interior space than the piston-engine
Islander and has a significantly increased Maximum Take-Off Weight
of up to 8,925 lbs, or 4,048 kg. Powered by twin RollsRoyce 250 B17F engines, each generating 460 horsepower and flat rated at 400 horsepower, the BN2T4S offers a range of up to 1,006 nautical miles, or 1,863km,withenduranceof uptoeighthours.
The aircraft also retains the Islander's well-known ability to operate in
challenging conditions, including short and unprepared landing strips, making it well suited for Guyana's geography and hinterlandaviationneeds.
Theaircraftisconfigured withamaximumof12seats andiscertifiedunderitsU.K. Type Certificate to carry up to 10 passengers with either single or dual crew, subject tolocaloperatorregulations.
It is also capable of being fully IFR certified and is equipped as standard with a Garmin glass cockpit based ontheG600TXiseries.The Garmin avionics suite includes full electronic engine instrumentation across Islander variants, providing valuable operational and engineering data to support safer, more efficientoperations.
The Britten-Norman aircraft which has already type certified in the United Kingdom, the European Union,theUnitedStatesand several other jurisdictions, recently secured Type AcceptancefortheBN2T-4S from the Guyana Civil AviationAuthority (GCAA) in preparation for the aircraft'sdelivery Notably, the BN2T-4S is also part of BrittenNorman's ongoing development programme, including its “Green Futures” initiative, with the aircraftexpectedtohavethe option to operate using SustainableAviation Fuel in thefuture.
The $1.6B project has drawn thousands of protesters — some wielding
NBC-Theprotectedbird hasemergedasthesymbolof a surging protest movement against a Jared Kushnerbacked plan for a luxury resort on the picturesque Adriaticcoast.
inflatable flamingos — to the streets of Albania's capital over fears the planned tourist complex threatens an ecologically
sensitiveareathatishometo pristine beaches and a varietyofprotectedspecies.
Large protests in Tirana this week saw chants of “Albania is not for sale,” as demonstrators clashed with police, who responded with water cannons Protesters gathered Thursday outside Prime Minister Edi Rama's residence chanting “revolution” and calling for hisresignation.
The project is being led by Affinity Partners, Kushner's investment firm. Itincludesplanstodevelopa stretch of coastline in the area of the protected VjosaNarta delta and the nearby uninhabitedislandofSazan, which was once a secret communistmilitarybase.
The 2 2 square mile island is roughly twice the size of New York City's Central Park, though only a portion of the land area will be built on under the proposal.
Critics of the plan have accused Rama of trying to gain favour with the White House with the project, which was approved just days before Trump took officelastyear
They also fear that it could affect the island's pristine beaches and critical biodiversity areas while displacing thousands of migratory birds that pass throughthearea.
It's also the country's only breeding ground for flamingoes.
“It's one of the most amazing habitats that we have when it comes to
protected areas and coastal wetlands,” Joni Vorpsey, an environmentalist and manager at the NGO Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania, told NBC News in aninterview “Whenyouare there,it'sexactlylikeafairy tale.”For Vorpsey and other Albanians, the Vjosa Narta area is a “magical hub,” where everything from dolphins and sea turtles to monksealscanbespotted.
Renderingsoftheproject that Kushner posted to Instagram years ago fueled concerns, but it wasn't until heavy machinery arrived in recent weeks at one of the sites on the Zvernec Peninsula that protests erupted “From the renderings we have seen, everything seems terrible,”
Vorpsey said “The construction will wipe out that part of nature there and will be a gate opener for the whole coastline to be developed inside the protectedarea,”hesaid.
Rama has defended the project, which he says will help boost his country's growing status as a tourist destination and benefit its economy He backed the project several times this week in posts on Facebook andhitoutatitscritics.
InareelTuesday,hesaid the project reflected an ambitiontocreatethe“most attractive destination of this sideoftheMediterranean.”
Ramaandthedevelopers appearaligned.
Ivanka Trump, Trump's daughter who is married to
Kushner, has promoted the projectseveraltimessinceit wasannouncedin2024.“It's an unbelievable, beautiful” private island in the middle of the Mediterranean, she told business podcaster David Senra in an interview last week. Developers have said their focus will be “responsible stewardship and environmental enhancement.”
Vorpsey said the plan was about “urbanizing and transforming completely a naturalarea.”
The plans announced by Kushner in 2024 also included an investment to build a luxury hotel at a formerarmyheadquartersin the Serbian capital, Belgrade.
The Belgrade project was cancelled after street protestslastyear
White House press spokesperson Anna Kelly told NBC News that Kushnerisa“volunteer”and his private business activities “have nothing to do with the President or the administration.”
Asked whether Rama's g o v e r n m e n t h a d greenlighted the project as a way to gain favour with Trump,shesaid:“Thisisthe same, tired narrative that Democrats have pushed againstPresidentTrump,his f a m i l y , a n d h i s administrationforadecade.”
Rama, Affinity Partners and Asher Abehsera, chairman of the firm developing the project, did not respond to requests for commentfromNBCNews.
The People's National Congress Reform (PNCR) has levelled yet another accusation against the government, asserting that the prolonged absence of a functioning Local Government Commission (LGC) is actively crippling local democracy and leaving local authorities powerless to handle escalating administrativemisconduct.
In a formal statement issued by PNCR GeneralSecretarySherwinC.Benjamin,the oppositionpartydeclaredthatmunicipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) across Guyana are experiencing "administrative paralysis" because the constitutionally mandated body tasked with overseeing human resources remains constituted.The PNCR, which shifted to the smaller opposition bloc in the National AssemblyfollowinglastSeptember'sgeneral elections, stated that the fallout from the missing regulatory body has moved past bureaucratic delays and is now directly impacting daily operations and public safety nets across local communities. The party alleges that several local government organs are currently unable to address severe disciplinary breakdowns among staff Without the Commission's oversight, local councils lack the legal teeth to penalise or terminateworkers.
The opposition party highlighted several compounding issues currently frozen in limbo,aswellasallegedcasesofthepilfering ofpublicfundsremainunresolved,incidents ofinsubordination,chronicabsenteeism,and derelictionofdutyaregoingunpunished.
"Local authorities cannot continue to operatewithonehandtiedbehindtheirbacks while critical personnel matters remain unresolved," Benjamin stated, warning that the current vacuum creates an environment where "disorder, uncertainty, and administrativeparalysisflourish."ThePNCR is framing the issue as a systemic, centralizing overreach by the current administration. The party contends that
blocking the functionality of the LGC strips democraticallyelectedlocalcouncilsoftheir management rights, violating both the spirit andletterofthelaw
Specifically, the party citedArticle 75 of theConstitutionofGuyana,whichexplicitly guarantees a system of autonomous local democratic organs "Local government cannot be truly autonomous if local authorities are stripped of the ability to manage their own human resources through the mechanisms established by law," Benjamin argued, calling the current status quo"unconstitutionalinpractice."
Framingthesituationasa"directassault" ongoodgovernanceandinstitutionalrespect, the PNCR has called for immediate state intervention to fully constitute and operationalizethebody
The government has not yet issued a formal response to the PNCR's latest criticisms regarding the LGC timeline "Enough is enough," Benjamin stated. "The functioning of the Local Government Commissionmustberestoredwithoutfurther delay.”
Reports of a COVID-19 outbreak at the GuySuCo Training College in Port Mourant,Corentyne,Region Six, have sparked concern among parents and relatives of students after more than 20casesweredetectedatthe institution.
Several students who tested positive have been placed under quarantine, whiletheremaininglearners have been sent home. The collegehasbeencloseduntil further notice as health authorities move to contain thespreadofthevirus.
Kaieteur News has confirmed that health officials identified over 20 COVID-19 cases on Thursday
Efforts to obtain official updatesfromseniorregional health authorities proved unsuccessful, as calls and
messageswentunanswered.
However, a health official, speaking on conditionofanonymity,said that following the discovery oftheinfections,allstudents wereimmediatelysenthome andthosewhotestedpositive
The GuySuCo Training College
were isolated in accordance with established COVID-19 healthprotocols. The official noted that noneoftheinfectedstudents have developed severe symptoms and that all cases (Continuedonpage18)
JERUSALEM (AP) Israel saidSundaythatIranhaslaunched missiles at it in the first such bombardment since a fragile ceasefiretookeffectinearlyApril, complicating mediation efforts for adealtoendthewar
Iran’s state broadcaster confirmed the launch of missiles andmultipleexplosionswereheard in northern Israel. Israel’s military saiditwasworkingonintercepting themissilesbut“thedefenseisnot hermetic,” adding that sirens sounded in several areas of the country
Tehran had warned of retaliation after Israel on Sunday struck Beirut’s southern suburbs without warning in defiance of Washington’s request days ago to stand down Israel called it retaliation for the Iranian-backed Hezbollah firing at northern Israel earlierintheday
Israel’sattackonBeirutcamea few days after the Lebanese and Israeli governments agreed to a ceasefire in U S -hosted talks, thoughHezbollahrejectedthedeal.
Thestrikeonaresidentialbuilding killedtwopeopleandwounded20, Lebanon’shealthministrysaid.
Iran had warned that an attack on Beirut would renew full-scale war across the Mideast, even as
Pakistan tries to restart talks between Tehran and Washington. Iranwantsadealtoincludeending thewarinLebanon.
Israel’s strikes and ground invasion in Lebanon in pursuit of Hezbollah,andthemilitantgroup’s resistance to disarming, have complicated an overall deal to end the war in the Middle East. Iran saysanydealmustincludeanendto fightinginLebanon.
The White House did not comment on Israel’s strike in Beirut Israel on Monday had announced it would strike the southern suburbs of Lebanon’s capital, but urgent talks via Washington halted that on the condition that Hezbollah stop targetingIsraelibordertowns.
Hezbollah did not immediately claim responsibility for firing at IsraelearlierSunday
Hezbollah wants the direct talks between Lebanon and Israel to end and instead supports Iran’s stance that an overall ceasefire deal between Tehran and Washington include the situation inLebanon
Mediationeffortsonthatlarger deal continued Sunday as Pakistan’s interior minister visited IrantotalkwithofficialsandEgypt said its foreign minister and his
Qatari counterpart discussed “proposed elements” of a potential agreement,withnodetails.
U.S. President Donald Trump did not comment on the war Sunday, but in an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” that aired after a Friday taping he said he would like to see a “more surgical attack on Hezbollah.” He also said he was “not demanding” that Lebanon be part of an overall ceasefiredealintheIranwar.
Meanwhile, Iran continued to assert its grip on the Strait of Hormuz and the U.S. continued its blockade of Iranian ports, with shipments of oil, natural gas and fertilizer affected and the global economyinpain.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces elections later this year, wants to press ahead with Israel’s offensive until he believes Hezbollah no longerposesathreat.
Pakistan’sinterior ministervisitsIran
Pakistan’sinteriorministerwas in Tehran on Sunday Mohsin Naqviwasdeliveringamessageto Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah MojtabaKhameneifromPakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir,accordingtoIran’sstate-run IRNAnewsagency Therewereno detailsonthemessage’scontents.
Khamenei has not been seen in public since he was named the Islamic Republic’s ruler after his fatherwaskilledonFeb28,thefirst day of the war Naqvi met with IranianInteriorMinisterEskandar MomenilateSaturdayandForeign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday, according to official Iranianmedia
Pakistani authorities have said Islamabad, with support from regional countries including Qatar, Turkey and Egypt, is working to helpbridgedifferencesbetweenthe UnitedStatesandIran.
In Cairo, Egyptian Foreign Minister Bader Abdelatty and Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani discussed “proposed elements”ofapotentialagreement between the U.S. and Iran, the Egyptian foreign ministry said, withoutdetails.
Wanted Cashiers & Supervisors, $170,000 per month.Call:695-5310/6174662.
Guyana is on track to expanditspublicelectricvehicle (EV) charging network to 24 stations by the end of 2026, marking another significant step in the country’s clean energy transition.
DeliveringremarksonbehalfofPrimeMinisterBrigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, ChiefExecutiveOfficerofthe Guyana Energy Agency, Dr Mahender Sharma announcedthatanadditional13 charging stations will be installed before the end of the year This brings the total number of public EV chargingfacilitiesacrossthecountry to 24.
SolarPVChargingInfrastructureprogramme.
Currently, seven publicly accessible EV charging stations have been installed at Amazonia Mall, Providence, GiftlandMall,GEA’sheadoffice, Ogle Airport, S and R Parking Lot in Parika, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport,andLittleRockSuites inNewAmsterdam.
Dr.Sharmaexplainedthat the expansion of EV infrastructurefallsunderGuyana’s commitmenttorenewableenergy, energy efficiency, and climateresilience,asoutlined in the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS)2030.
tives for EV owners and investors.
1 Honda CRV, includes TV, musicsystem,alarm,reverse camera,spoiler,lowmileage, PTTSeries(firstowner).Call: 649-0956.
Vacancy at Dyna's Embroideryand Screenprints: We are hiring anAccountsClerk.Tel#2262621
VacancyexistforMarketingRepresentativeEmail: info@splashminsresort.com
Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK: Graphics design,advertisements, wedding arch rentals.Tel: 626-7040.
Solar System for sale. Contact: 757-1581 / 7159392.
TRUCKTIRES295/75R22.5
$40K EACH. CALL/ WHATSAPP +592-6883201.
Dr.Sharmadisclosedthis onFridayatWindjammerHotelduringthegraduationceremony for participants of the ElectricVehicleSystemsand
To further encourage the transitiontocleanertransportation, the government has maintained a range of incen-
“For fiscal support, electricvehicles,regardlessofthe power rating, attract zero taxes and duty Additionally, theannualwrite-downallow-
anceapplicabletoallelectric vehicles has been increased to 50 per cent to encourage businesses to invest in ecofriendly vehicles,” he noted.
The expansion of Guyana’s EV charging is expected to strengthen public confidence in electric transportation while contributing to the country’s goals of reducing emissions and buildingamoresustainablefuture. (DPI)
A19-year-oldteachertold police officers on Wednesday that the marijuana they found in his car at Cullen, Essequibo Coast, Region Two, did not belong to him. Policewhileconductinga cordonandsearchexercisein theareaaround18:15hrs.that day approached the teacher and asked to search him. He consented and they found nothing illegal on him but when they searched his blackMazdacarbearingregistration number PAD 2574
From page 15 arecurrentlyasymptomatic.
Asked about the region's preparedness, the source explained that the Infectious Diseases Unit at the New Amsterdam Hospital remains on standby and is equipped to respond should any of the cases require medical intervention.
GuyanarecordeditsfirstCOVID-19caseinMarch2020 when a woman who had travelled from New York tested positive for the virus. She later died from related complications at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.
During the height of the pandemic, more than 74,000 cases were recorded nationwide and approximately 1,300 Guyanese lost their lives to the disease. The outbreak prompted authorities to impose lockdowns, curfews and other public health measures aimed at slowing transmission. Region Six was among the areas heavily affected, recording more than 7,000 confirmed cases during the pandemic'speak.
Although the World Health Organization has since declaredthatCOVID-19nolongerconstitutesaglobalpublic health emergency, health experts continue to caution that the virus remains in circulation and capable of causing outbreaks. The latest cluster at the GuySuCo Training College has renewed concerns about the continued presence of COVID-19 and the need for vigilance in educational and residential settings.
which was parked short distanceawayfromhim,abulky black plastic bag was found on the left-side rear passenger seat.
Police said the bag contained a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected tobecannabiswasinthebag. The teacher was shown the bagcontainingthemarijuana and informed that he is a suspect in trafficking the illegal substance.
He reportedly replied, “That is not mine. I left my
car unlocked and went out and returned and sat on the chairwherey'allfoundme.”
He was arrested. Police also found a Guyana Police Force(GPF)badgeaffixedto the driver's side roof of the car during a further search. When questioned about the GPF badge, the teacher reportedlysaid,“Apolicehad hired one of my cars and forgotitinside,andItookitand put it in this car.” Investigations are ongoing.
From page 11 state did not disclose details on the project, he noted that it is expected to take eight months to complete.
PuruniRiverisatributary of the Mazaruni River. The riverflowsthroughanareaof rich mineral resources and dense forested vegetation. Miningandforestryactivities are concentrated along the Puruni River and the Kartabu-PuruniRoad,andas such,theriverandroadserve as a means of access to the resources within the area.
The Kartabu-Puruni Road,whichtravelsfromthe TeperuCrossingatItaballiat themouthofMazaruniRiver, is intersected by the Puruni River
Notably, the KartabuPuruni Road is a part of the road network that connects to the Linden-Lethem access
Road. Currently, a pontoon system is used at the intersectiontofacilitatethecrossingofthePuruniRiver
Moreover, Aris has positioneditsGuyanaandColumbia-based gold projects Toroparu and Soto Norte as the key pillar in a broader strategy to reach annual gold production of one million ounces – placingAris among a small group of global gold producers operating at that scale.
Kaieteur News reported that that theToroparu project is expected to generate US$14.7 billion in gold sales based on a base gold price of US$3,000 per ounce over its 21-year mine life. The project’s Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) statesthatatabasegoldprice of US$3,000 per ounce, the projectisexpectedtocontrib-
ute US$2.2 billion in income taxes and US$1.2 billion in royaltypaymentstotheGovernmentofGuyana,bringing the country’s total projected earningstoUS$3.4billion. ETKacquiredtheproject through an agreement with GuyanesebusinessmanAlfro Alphonso.
Through an agreement between Alphonso and ETK Inc., referred to as the A&R Joint Venture Agreement, in March 2020, ETK exercised its option under that agreementandacquiredtheOption Interest, paying US$20 million to finalise the purchase. Meanwhile, the agreement allows Alphonso to retain rights to conduct alluvial mining on specific lands not tied to the Toroparu Project, along with access to certain roads and an airstrip builtbyETK.
The promise of a Development Bank capable of empowering small businesses and expanding economic opportunities is one that deserves public support.
However, the legislation tabled in the National Assembly raises troubling questions about accountability, transparency and political control.
The proposed framework places the appointment of every director, including the chairperson and deputy chairperson, in the hands of the finance minister, while excluding the Opposition, civil society and transparency advocates from any oversight role. Such concentration of authority over billions of dollars in public funds is unwise.
Equally concerning are the vague lending criteria, uncertainty over interest charges and collateral requirements, and loopholes that may allow non-citizens to benefit. The absence of explicit sanctions against corrupt officials seeking kickbacks further weakens public confidence. Development requires trust; trust requires independent oversight and strong safeguards.
A41-year-old cook, Shannon Success, of Lot 596 Onderneeming Sandpit, Essequibo Coast, Region Two, was fined $25,000 for refusingtotakeaBreathalyzertest.
Failuretopaythefinewouldresultinher beingimprisonedforthreemonths
Success appeared at the Anna Regina Magistrates' Court on Friday before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir where she pleaded guilty to the charge. The court heard that on May 26, she was asked by police to undergo a breathalyzer test when stopped along the Aurora Public Road, Essequibo Coast,RegionTwobutdidnotcomply
The Zone 2 (Regions One andTwo) team briefing for the Beharry Group of Companies Schools U-19 Cricket Tournament was successfullyheldlastFriday, with teachers, players, and
preparations for the highly anticipatedcompetition. Lead Coordinator, Azizi Christiani, welcomed the participants and expressed gratitude to the teachers and students for their attendance and commitment to the tournament. He highlighted
the importance of the competition in providing meaningfulopportunitiesfor young cricketers to develop their skills and showcase their talent Recently appointedGuyanaUnder-19 HeadCoach,AntonyAdams, was am
attendance and commended the Beharry Group of Companies for supporting such a significant initiative. Adams emphasized that tournaments of this nature p
identifying and nurturing emerging cricket talent acrossthecountry
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
Withoutadoubt,yourdaywill have important consequences forthefutureofyourlovelife. The doubts you may have today, especially concerning yourfeelings,arelikelytopush youtothinkaboutthingsbefore youmakeanydecisions
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
You're naturally involved in things and bursting with energy You're also trying to workonhowyourelatetoother people. However, you tend to want to get too involved in theirlivesathomeandwork.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
Todayyoumaybewondering justhowmuchyoushouldget involved in a certain conflict betweenfamilymembersorin your career. There's a lot of pressure on you to find an answertothisproblem.
CANCER(June21–July22)
Youneedtocutdownonstress and stop getting upset over nothing, Cancer Even if up until now you haven't been abletofigureoutwhatisreally bothering you, today you'll understand some of the mysteriesofyourpersonality
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
Those arrogant types really needtowatchoutaroundyou, Leo. Even if they don't mean you any harm, you head straight to the attack in order to make them understand that theydon'tintimidateyou.
VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)
This is an important day for you,Virgo,especiallyifyou're an artist. The work you have already begun is beginning to escapeyourgrasp.It'stimeto give it a name and its own identityintheworld.
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
Are you an intellectual or a poet,anovelistoraplaywright? Thecelestialenergyleavesyou alone with your anxieties and questions.Youaresureofonly one thing - words are the friendsyou'vedecidedtospend therestofyourlifewith.
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)
Have you been working yourself too hard and denying yourselfmanyofthepleasures thatyouseeothersenjoying?Is there a new pair of shoes calling to you from your favorite online store that you justcan'tletyourselfbuy?
SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)
Perhapsyourfamilyisfaraway and you miss them a lot, Sagittarius.Youneedtorealize that you can count on your friends. They'll able to prove theirloveforyouandshowyou that you're as important as the airtheybreathe.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
Thatlittlechildyouoncewere and that you're trying so desperately to forget is still causingyouproblems.Whydo you try so hard to deny that sweet and tender part of you that comes out even in your adultlife?
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)
You'll have all the inspiration you need to get to work on someoftheproblemsthathave been plaguing your group lately,Aquarius.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
Your family is encouraging youtoreconsidersomeofyour long-termplans,Pisces.Infact, someofyourlovedones'needs arechanging.Butthesolutions you come up with may not be enough.Justdon'tpanic.
Reflecting on his own journey in the sport, Adams noted that school cricket played a major role in his cricketing career. He encouraged the studentathletes present to embrace the opportunity before them and make every moment countastheyseektoadvance theircricketingambitions.
The interactive session also provided schools with the opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns, andshareideasregardingthe
tournament.Representatives from participating schools expressed their appreciation for the initiative and the opportunities it presents for youngplayers. Wi
concluded, schools signaled
Teams countrywide will be gearing up for the upcoming Beharry U-19 School’s Cricket Tournament.
theireagernessandreadiness to take the field as the competition enters the quarterfinalstage.
The Beharry Group of Companies Schools U-19
Cricket Tournament continues to provide a valuable platform for youth development while strengtheningthefoundation of school cricket across Guyana.
QuarterfinalFixtures
Saturday,June13,2026
ShebaGround
Waramuri vs Santa Rosa –10:30hrs
JoeJagmohanGround
CharityvsAnnaRegina–09:30hrs
Cotton Field vs Abram Zuil–13:30hrs
PomonaGround
Johanna Cecelia vs Aurora–10:30hrs
Despite challenging weather conditions, reigning RegionFourchampionsPresident’sCollegeonceagain showcased their quality, successfully defending their title in the East Coast Demerara leg of the BlueWater Girls’ U15 National Championship at the National TrainingCentreonSaturday
The competition opened with Annandale Secondary recording a convincing 5-0 victory over first-timeparticipantsLancasterSecondary President’s College then took centre stage, producing a dominant display with a 6-0 win over Annandale Secondary before concluding their campaign in emphatic fashion with an 11-0 triumph againstLancasterSecondary
Anotablehighlightofthetournamentwastherace fortheMostOutstandingPlayeraward,whichresulted in a tie between Presidents College standouts Neisa Lewis and Luiza Pugsley Both players delivered exceptionalperformancesthroughouttheRegionFour competition, earning the well-deserved recognition
after playing instrumental roles in their school’s successful title defence. The talented duo each netted five goals during the tournament, leading Presidents College’s attacking charge and further establishing themselves among the competition’s brightest young talents.
Adding to the excitement, Dora Secondary successfully defended their Region Four East Bank DemeraratitleonFriday,June5,defeatingFriendship Secondary2-0toretaintheirchampionshipcrownand continuetheirimpressiveruninthecompetition.
With skill, determination, and impressive performancesacrossboththeEastCoastandEastBank corridors, Presidents College and Dora Secondary reaffirmed their status as the teams to beat in Region Four, once again emerging as regional champions. Congratulations to all participating schools for contributing to another exciting day of girls’ football andshowcasingthecontinuedgrowthanddevelopment ofthewomen’sgameinGuyana.
(Reuters) - Formula One championship leader Kimi
Antonelli stayed ice-cool to win a chaotic and at times bewildering MonacoGrandPrixandextendhis run of victories this season to five onSunday The19-year-oldItalian builtaleadofmorethan20seconds after starting from pole in his Mercedes but that evaporated after first a safety car was deployed and then the race was red-flagged to repair a crumbling surface at the finalcornerwhereFerrari’sCharles Leclerchitthebarriers.
After a delay of around 40 minutes while repairs were carried out near La Rascasse, the race resumed with a standing start but just as in the day’s first start, Antonelli was unfazed as he put downeightfaultlesslapstobecome the youngest winner of the sport’s mosticonicrace.
Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton was runner-upforthesecondsuccessive Grand Prix with Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar a gutsy third, the second podium of his career confirmed wellafterthefinishwhenstewards clearedhisteamofaninfringement.
Hamilton,whoequalledthelate Ayrton Senna’s eight Monaco podiums,movedaboveAntonelli’s team mate George Russell into
second ‘place in the standings, 66 pointsbehind.
Russell suffered a damaging day as a drive-through penalty for failing to observe a five-second penaltyforspeedinginthepitlane meanthefinishedoutofthepoints for the second race in succession afterretiringinCanada.
He was one of five drivers penalised for speeding in the pit lane, including Alpine’s Pierre Gasly who finished third on the roadbutwasimmediatelydemoted to seventh after two five-second penaltiesfortheoffence.
Ayearafterfinishinglastonhis Monaco debut, Antonelli showed incrediblepoisetoshrugoffthered flag drama that meant he effectively had to win the race twice. “It’s been an incredible weekend and an incredible race,” said Antonelli, who was not even bornthelasttimeanItalianwonthe MonacoGrandPrix-JarnoTrulliin 2004.
“I wasn’t super keen on restarting but once the notification came out I just gathered my emotions and re-focused again. OnceIgotawayandwasP1intothe first corner I could enjoy the last fewlaps.”
Seven-time world champion
Mercedes’Andrea Kimi Antonelli celebrates with the trophy on the podium after winning the Monaco Grand Prix. (Reuters)
Hamilton, who had been the youngest Monaco winner when he wonin2008aged23,istotop‘the podium since joining Ferrari in 2025 but continued his resurgence at the age of 41. “That’s too many winsnow,buddy!”Hamiltonjoked withthenewyoungprinceofF1in thecooldownroom.
“Heverymuchkindofreminds meofmewhenIwasbackin2007,” Hamiltonremarkedlater SILVER ARROW
Antonelli was in a class of his own.Bytheendoflaponehehada
three-second lead and turned the race into a procession around the sun-bathed circuit, threading his silver arrow imperiously through tightandnarrowstreets.
Hisdominationwasunderlined by the fact he then built a 6.271 seconds winning margin ‘in the final eight laps after the race resumed with the day’s second standingstart.
Antonelli suffered a crisis of confidence during the European races last season after finishing 18th in Monaco, but he is now
beginningtolookinvincible. Everydriverwhohadwonfive racesinsuccessioninanF1season hasgoneontowinthetitle. His task was made easier on Sunday as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who started alongside ‘himonthefrontrow,stalledonthe grid and retired after a lap with a power unit issue. It was also a miserable day for reigning world champion and 2025 Monaco winner Lando Norris who retired after 46 laps when the electrical gremlins that dogged him in practicereturned.
Local favourite Leclerc received vociferous support from crowds wedged around the 3.3km circuit but his hopes of ‘emulating his2024winvanishedwhenhehit the barriers on the final corner on the resumption after the safety car wasdeployedfollowingacrashby Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll after 60 laps. Leclerc said an issue with hisbrakeshadcausedtheaccident, not the loose road surface on the final corner where Stroll’s crash triggered a baffling conclusion to therace.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri was fourthwithRacingBullsduoLiam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad fifth andsixth.
(Cricinfo) - With no play possible in the second ODI, both teams go into the third game wellrested. Perhaps this is a chance for the IPL returnees in particular to havecaughttheirbreath.
Therain,though,maynothave cleared in Kingston completely Accordingtotheforecast,showers arelikelyintheafternoonandalso possible in the evening, though theremaybedryspellsinbetween. Thereisachancethiswillbeastopstart match in which DLS calculationscomeintoplay
With a series win now beyond them,WestIndieswillbeespecially motivatedtoavoidbeingblankedat home. There is also the matter of their current 10th-placed ranking, which is not enough for them to gainautomaticqualificationforthe 2027 World Cup (cut-off is end of Marchnextyear).
They need every ranking point they can get over the next two months.SriLankaareslightlymore comfortable, at sixth position, and about12pointsclearofthecurrent cut-off. But they’ll want to build moreofacushionthemselves.
In the first ODI, Sri Lanka’s dominance in the middle overs is
Shai Hope was the top-scorer in the chase with 56 (Getty Images)
what had won them the match.
MaheeshTheekshanaandWanindu Hasaranga were economical on a helpfulsurface,whereWestIndies’ frontline spinner Gudakesh Motie had been hit out of the attack.And Sri Lanka’s top six also showed serioushustle,pickingupthetempo and keeping the runs flowing after Sri Lanka had had a poor powerplaywiththebat.
These remain two relatively
evenly-matched teams, however With a little more discipline from their bowlers, West Indies are capableoflevelingtheseries.
Although his Test average remains outstanding, Kamindu Mendis is yet to find a home in limited-overs cricket. Partly this is because his batting is so versatile, coaches and selectors have tended toyankhimupanddowntheorder astheteam’sneedsevolve.Sofarin
ODIs,hehasdonehisbestworkat No. 7 and 8, but he has now been askedtoopentheinningsalongside PathumNissanka.
Hisfirstinningsatthetopofthe order brought only 12, but Sri Lanka are unlikely to ditch the strategy after one game Can batting in the powerplay be the change he needs to kick his white ballcareerintohighgear?
Over a fledgling international career, Keacy Carty has demonstrated promise at No. 3, where he averages 45.18. What he doesn’thave,sofar,however,isthe
kind of body of work a long-term No.3shouldideallybuilt.Sofar,he has two tons apiece against England and Ireland, but is yet to put up serious numbers against other oppositions. Runs against an attackofSriLanka’squalitywould addtohisconfidence.
Rain will potentially dictate conditions on Monday If there’s rainaround,teamstendtopreferto chase.Notonlydotheyprefertobe batting while DLS calculations are inplay,butawetterballisalsomore difficult for bowlers to grip, particularlyspinners.
Maheesh Theekshana finished with miserly figures of 2 for 26 (Getty Images)
