Kaieteur News

Under Secretary ofEconomic Affairs:

Beijing talks with trade truce, Iran war at stake

U.S. now eyes

Guyana bauxite

…wantstosurveymininglandsusingadvanced

‘Sandyin,DwightJohnout’

...asPres.AlisacksseveralREOs

President IrfaanAli and Vice President Bharrat

met on Wednesday with REOs, Permanent Secretaries and other officials where the president issued a stern mandate regarding the management of public funds.

Police hunt four in shooting death of Cuban national

Parents struggle to send children to school as transportation cost soars

Defense, main witness clash in heated Henry boys murder trial technologiestoidentifyotherminerals

U.S. now eyes Guyana bauxite

…wantstosurveymininglandsusingadvanced -UnderSecretary ofEconomicAffairs

technologiestoidentifyotherminerals

The United States Government is eyeing Guyana's bauxite mining industry, seeking to also survey mining lands to identifyotherminerals.This is according to Under Secretary of Economic AffairsJacobHelberg.

Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday afternoon at the U S Embassy in Georgetown, Helberg told reporters that Washington's plans to participate in Guyana's bauxite industry were discussed during a meeting withPresidentIrfaanAli.

“We talked about the opportunitiesaroundbauxite and expanding Guyana's economic activities in the

bauxite sector with

additional private investment. We also talked a b o u t w a y s t h a t infrastructure investments, especially in roads and potentially autonomous trucking technology, can actually be catalytic to get more Guyanese bauxite on the global market,” the U.S officialstated.

Guyana's bauxite industry recorded robust growth in 2025, expanding

Bauxite mining in Guyana

byanestimated53.4percent with total production reaching 3.9 million tonnes.

Last year, export revenues climbing to US$144 1 million.Helberg noted that bauxite was a key focus becausereservesarealready known and investors are already active in the sector He said too, “So we did talk about things that were perspective, but obviously because the reserves of bauxiteareknownandthere are already investments today, we talked a fair amount about those. But I thinkgenerallyspeaking,we bothunderstandthatGuyana is a country with a lot of naturalresources.”

Speaking of Guyana's

untapped natural resources

potential, Helberg underscoredthatitwouldnot be a leap to consider that there are more types of minerals that could be availableifpropersurveying of Guyana mining lands is conducted.

He said that it was also put to PresidentAli, that the U.S could play a role in surveying mining lands where the land still needs to be surveyed in a more extensive way, where large amounts of new reserves or other types of minerals are believedtobelocated.

Ultimately, he said that part of U.S strategy is to focus on bringing more foreign investment into Guyana, and to make it easiertoundertakeadvanced types of surveying technologies.

“If Guyana is a hub for foreign investment, there will be a lot more foreign companies here, there will be a lot more capacity to do things like surveying if we get the first part right,” he

noted.

U.SUnderSecretaryofEconomic Affairs, Jacob Helberg

Helberg further outlined that while Guyana has a lot of natural resources, the countryneedstofindwaysto getitsresourcesintooff-take agreements and onto the globalmarkets.

Helberg added, “So that led to a discussion on logistics and ways that Guyana can actually be a logistics hub for northern Brazil, which densely populated, into the northern part of South America in order to allow ships to go to Panama much more efficiently than the current

graph today that currently forces that trade in northern Braziltogothroughareally substantial multi-week detour Ithastheopportunity to connecting Northern Brazil to the Caribbean through Guyana really has anopportunitytoshrinktime delays by several orders of magnitude.”

The Under Secretary labeled his discussions with the Guyanese head-of-state as very positive and noted that he believes it could actually be unlocked easily with the right level of businesscertainty.

KaieteurNews

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

EDITORIAL

Guyana must wake up

Senegal is making headlines and rightly so. Under the leadership of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the West African nation has terminated concessions for several oil blocks,signalingadecisivemovetoassertcontroloverits naturalresources.FromtheDienderandDjiffereblocksto the Kayar deep and shallow offshore blocks, Senegal is actively resizing, renegotiating, and reclaiming contracts deemedexcessivelyfavourabletoforeignoperators.

PrimeMinisterOusmaneSonkohasemphasisedthatthe countrywillnolongersigndealsinignoranceofitsstrategic priorities. Senegal is not waiting 25 years to regret inequitable contracts. Instead, it is aligning its oil and gas exploitation with national development goals and energy needs.Itisbold,itissovereign,anditisvisionary

Meanwhile,hereinGuyana,wefindourselvesinstark contrast. President Irfaan Ali has repeatedly affirmed the sanctityoftheExxonMobilStabroekBlockcontract,adeal that critics, including the current and past governments have long acknowledged as skewed in favour of the multinational consortium. Under this agreement, Guyana waivestaxes,absorbscosts,andseesonlyafractionofthe profits—12.5% plus a 2% royalty—while Exxon and its partnersrecoverupto75%oftheirinvestmentsbeforethe State receives a share. This is a lopsided deal by any measure, yet the government refuses to revisit it, citing investorpredictabilityastheparamountconcern.

Predictabilityiscertainlyimportant;noinvestorwantsa government constantly changing the rules. But what is predictability worth if it comes at the expense of fairness, development, and the long-term economic welfare of the country? Senegal has proven that it is possible to renegotiate deals, protect national interests and maintain investor confidence. By resizing blocks, reassessing fiscal terms,andreclaimingconcessionswherecontractsfailthe nation, Senegal has created a framework where both the State and investors can thrive, while the citizenry benefits fromfairer,moreequitableresourcemanagement.

Guyana,bycontrast,isessentiallyallowingdecadesof potentialwealthtoslipaway Whileouroilreservesarevast and production skyrocketing, a rigid adherence to past agreements leaves the country vulnerable to lost revenue, unmet development goals, and growing public frustration. Senegalshowsusthatsovereigntyovernaturalresourcesis notjustrhetoric,itisaction.Bytakingcontrolofcontracts, renegotiating terms, and prioritising national interest, Senegal is safeguarding its future. Guyana, by clinging to outdated deals, is squandering an opportunity to do the same.

It is not too late for Guyana. The government must urgently adopt a proactive approach: review existing contracts,identifyclausesthatunderminenationalinterest, and renegotiate terms where necessary This is not about antagonising investors; it is about ensuring that Guyana’s citizens reap the rewards of the resources extracted from their soil. The State should establish clear parameters for future agreements: fair taxation, reasonable royalties, shared risk, and clauses that ensure local content and domestic energy security Deals should be transparent and aligned with our economic priorities, not those of foreign corporations.

Senegal’s strategy also highlights the importance of flexibility Contractsshouldnotbeimmutable;theyshould evolve with changing circumstances, global markets, and national needs. By terminating and resizing concessions, Senegaliscreatingamodelthatprotectssovereigntywhile attracting responsible partners who are willing to operate within strategic frameworks. Guyana should follow suit. Maintaining a rigid stance on sanctity of contract, especially when the contracts are demonstrably unfavourable, is a policy that favours multinational profit overnationalprosperity

The time for half-measures is over Citizens are watching.Thepotentialforouroilwealthtotransformlives, build infrastructure, create jobs, and fund education is

CEO of GuySuCo has been a failure

DEAREDITOR,

It was my intention to wait for GuySuCo’s First Crop declaration before drafting this letter, however, trusted contacts inside the company have enlightened me that there might be an earlyclosuretothecropdue to various issues in both factoryandfields.

As I write, the total standsatapaltry18,689MT Rose Hall has ground out about 2,785 MT against a 6,000 MT target (TC/TS: 16); Uitvlugt is winding down with 4,816 MT vs 4,700 MT (TC/TS: 13); Albion sits at 8,042 MT against 11,000 MT (TC/TS: 15); Blairmont is at 3,046 MT against 7,500 MT (TC/TS: 16) Even if a decision is made to extend the crop, the corporation’s target of 30,000 MT is unlikely to be met, and the publicwillbetolditisdueto adverse weather conditions. More so, look out for the gloriouspressrelease,which will state that it has been years since the corporation has made even this meagre amount at a first crop…but thefactof“cost”willbeleft out.

Mr Editor, what more proof do we need? The current CEO is not merely incompetent; he has failed spectacularlybothonandoff the field and should be removedimmediately Iamaproponentoffacts, writing from a position of knowledge.Mr Cheongwas always the wrong choice for GuySuCo, a “reward for the boys”thathasnowpoisoned management. The optics are obvious:alignwiththeparty line, wear the red shirt, and you’re rewarded at the country and corporation’s expense. One just needs to o n l y e x a m i n e t h e performance of his cane lands prior to his appointment to understand thathewasneveragoodfit.

Recall before the

elections when Dr Mohammed Irfaan Ali v

sited Albion, then managed by Mr. Hutton Griffith, who was doing an exceptional job. Workers wanted him gone and demanded the return of an ostensibly incompetent

estate manager The PresidentreassignedGriffith and installed Mana, sending Griffith to Head Office to

work alongside the CEO, a positionheexcelledindueto h i s e x t e n s i v e agricultural/sugar background. Albion has since collapsed and can now be called the largest and worst performing estate, and yet Mana remains in that seat (anotherpoliticalboy).What isnowevenmorealarmingis thefactthatIamtoldthatthe CEO is now pushing to formallyplacesomeonewho is entirely unfit to perform the tasks Mr Griffith was doing while at Head Office. WhereistheHeadofHuman Resources on this?Where is the Board of Directors in all this? Is the CEO allowed to dothis?Letusbeclear,there was never no such position and given the fact that the Board was under a rigorous mission to scale down Head Office how is this being deemedacceptable?MaybeI would give and take if the personwassuitablyqualified forthepost,butIguessother thingsruleinthisscenario.It is time the Head of Human Resources step up to the plate and actually do his job instead of utilizing his time sending frivolous reports

every single day What a waste!

Heads of Departments and Estate Managers no longerattendboardmeetings becausetheCEOanswersfor everything.

Two board members, who I am close with, are utterly fed up…confirmed this, and I’ll illustrate with a concrete example: the corporation recently sold nearly13,000MTofsugarto bulk at US$290, and top officials claim they were unaware.

Mr Editor, if we must pretend the administration truly believed in this CEO, then the public deserves the h a r d n u m b e r s f o r 2020–2026:

Ÿ A r e a h a r v e s t e d (hectares/acres)

Ÿ Cane yield (tonnes per hectare)

Ÿ Sugar yield (tonnes per hectare or tonnes cane to tonnessugar)

Ÿ Total sugar production (tonnes)

Ÿ Factory performance indicators (crushing days, throughput)

Ÿ Quality metrics (pol, Brix/sugarcontent,fibre)

Continued on page 5

Guyana’s booming economy marred by brain-drain

DEAREDITOR,

I write with deep and critical concern regarding the latest United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report, which reveals that Guyananowrecordsoneofthehighest rates of intellectual flight (brain drain) intheworld.

This finding is profoundly troubling, especially as it comes at a time when our nation is experiencing unprecedented economic growth under theAliadministration.

Editor, while the government is toutingtheoil-drivenboom,theUNDP report exposes a parallel crisis: our brightest minds—doctors, engineers, scientists, educators, and other professionals—are leaving in alarming numbers They cite lack of opportunities, inadequate research infrastructure, limited professional advancement, and concerns about governance and public sector inefficiency A “square peg in a round hole”syndrome.

Editor, an economy that fails to retain and attract its own talent is buildingonsand.

This Ali administration must

confrontahardtruth:economicgrowth without human capital retention is unsustainable.

Theverypeopleneededtodiversify the economy, strengthen public institutions, and drive innovation are departingforCanada,theUnitedStates, the UK, and elsewhere. The long-term cost—in lost tax revenue, reduced servicedelivery,andweakenednational resilience—will far exceed short-term fiscalgains.

TARGETED REMEDIATION.

I, therefore, urge the Ali administration to consult with the Speaker of the House, Honourable Manzoor Nadir, in urgency, by calling Guyana NationalAssembly to order to fill the still open constitutional appointments so that taxpayers and the general public can benefit from such and the Opposition can hold the government accountable for misstepsfinancialorotherwise.

Thereaftertakeboldstepsby:

1.Launchanationaltalentretention strategy with specific, measurable targets, including a presidential advisory council on diaspora and local talent.

2.IncreaseR&Dfundingtoatleast 1% of GDP, creating competitive

enormous—butitcannothappenunderthecurrentstatusquo. We need bold leadership, transparent renegotiation, and policies that prioritize Guyana’s long-term interests above immediate investor appeasement. Senegal has shown the way:action,notrhetoric,securesenergysovereignty.

Guyanamustwakeup.Revisitingcontracts,renegotiating terms,andassertingcontroloverournaturalresourcesisnota threattodevelopment—itisthepathtoit.IfSenegalcanact

research grants, innovation hubs, and public-privatepartnerships.

3.Reformpublicsectorbyengaging the various unions and craft compensationandcareerprogressionto attract and retain top professionals, especially in health, education, and engineering.

4. Create/ maintain a “return and thrive” programme offering tax incentives, startup capital, and reintegration support for Guyanese abroad.

5. Regularly publish brain drain metrics in a transparent, publicly accessible dashboard, with annual reportingtoParliament.

Editor,Guyana’spromisewillnotbe fulfilled by oil alone. It depends on the engineers who design our infrastructure, the doctors and nurses whostaffourhospitals,andtheteachers who shape our next generation. Let us notbuildawealthycountrythatnoone withoptionswantstolivein.

I call on the government, private sector, and civil society to treat this UNDP warning as a national emergency The time for rhetoric is over;actionisoverdue.

Yourssincerely, JonathanSubrianEsq.

decisively,thereisnoreasonwhyGuyanacannotreclaimits economicdestiny Thegovernmentmustact,anditmustact now Otherwise, decades of opportunity may pass, leaving ourcitizenstowonderwhyouroilrichesenrichedeveryone elsebutus.

The choice is clear: follow Senegal’s lead or continue down a path that sacrifices sovereignty for the illusion of investorcomfort.Thenation’sfuturecannotwait.

Norton objects to Kaieteur News article and Editorial on ring-fencing

DEAREDITOR,

The recent Kaieteur News article headlined “Aubrey Norton finally agrees on ring-fencing upcoming projects” and its editorial attacking PNCR

Leader and APNU

Chairman, Mr Aubrey C. Norton on ring-fencing is misleading and contradicts KaieteurNewsownarticleof February13,2023headlined “Conditions are ripe for higher royalty, ring-fencing provisioninExxoncontractNorton.”

In that 2023 article, it proved clearly that Norton supports ring-fencing. The recent writings of Kaieteur News are clearly false, malicious and compromises Kaieteur News credibility at atimewhenitissupposedto be the only independent daily and should be worried thatitmadeafalseclaimand a distorted reading of the publicrecord.

The editorial wants the public to believe that it is onlyafterthe2025elections that Mr Norton found his voice on ring-fencing. This view is proven false by Kaieteur News’ own reporting of February 13, 2023, which recorded Mr Norton’s support for higher royaltyandtheinclusionofa ring-fencingprovisioninthe ExxonMobilcontract

In that 2023 report, Mr Norton stated clearly that any measure necessary to ensurethepeopleofGuyana enjoy added benefits from their oil wealth would receiveAPNU’ssupport.

One is forced to wonder what motivated Kaieteur News, since this editorial is not objective journalism. Is Kaieteur News pursuing some hidden political agenda?

APNU’s 2025 manifesto and the APNU policy paper on the oil and gas sector, all public documents also contradictthatclaim.

APNU, in its manifesto, set out plans to maximise revenues from Guyana’s oil resources, review the 2016 PSAto secure more benefits for Guyana, invite

ExxonMobil to review the PSA, establish a Petroleum Commission,andengagethe Stabroek Block Partners underArticle32.1ofthePSA to maximise benefits for the Guyanesepeople.

Those commitments were in line with APNU’s earlierpositioninsupportof ring-fencingandafairerdeal

contracts.

The Kaieteur News editorial that suggests that the APNU and Mr Norton only recently discovered the need for a better oil deal is false, malicious, ridiculous, andunprofessionalandmust be withdrawn with an apology that is advertised in Kaieteur News asprominent asthefalseclaim.

ItiscuriousthatKaieteur News would dedicate an entire editorial to attacking the views of a man it claims no longer has relevance, whilesayinglittleornothing about the silence and inaction of those who hold executivepower If Mr Norton is so irrelevant, why devote an entire editorial to him? That is not analysis That is targeting.

APNU’s position has been clear The Guyanese people must receive a fairer share from their oil resources.

Ring-fencing is one measure necessary to address a particular weakness in the contract since it would disaggregate theprojects.

W i t h o u t t h i s disaggregation, costs from one project can be used to delay the full benefits from another, thereby postponing the revenues that should be available to improve the livesofGuyanesecitizens.

This is not a sleight-ofhandaccountingissue.Ithas major consequences for Guyana’s development. It affects how much money is available for better wages, improved healthcare, hightech schools, safer communities, modern infrastructure,andrealrelief

for struggling families that need direct cash transfers to cope with the rising cost-ofliving.

APNU will not be distracted by editorials such as Kaieteur News’ or by other machinations of nefarious actors, known and unknown.

Attempts to personalise nationalissuesorrewritethe public record will be rejected, and debunked, while the APNU stays focused on fighting for the peopleofGuyana.

APNU respects the right of Kaieteur News, or any media house for that matter, to criticise APNU, Mr Norton, or any political actor

However, criticism must befairandfactual.

Kaieteur News cannot simplyignoreitsownpublic record when that record is inconvenient.

It cannot pretend that a position publicly stated in 2023wasonlydiscoveredin 2026. Kaieteur News cannot rewrite2023inordertoscore apointin2026.

And it cannot attempt to hold the Opposition more accountable than the Government for decisions onlytheGovernmenthasthe powertomake.

The core issue remains: Guyana’s oil wealth must benefit the people of Guyana, not a narrow circle oflocalelites;normustitbe s i p h o n e d o f f b y multinationalsbecauseofthe unwillingness of the PPP government to address the weaknesses in the existing contract.

While we welcome ExxonMobil investment in Guyana,APNUreiteratesits firm commitment to ringfencing ExxonMobil’s oil projects, securing a fairer return for the people of Guyana, and ensuring that the nation’s petroleum resources are managed for the benefit of Guyanese today and those who will comeafterus.

Sincerely,

People’s National CongressReform

Names, Numbers, and Power:Why the System Turned on Dr. Jadoopat

DEAREDITOR, T h e r e i s a n uncomfortable truth at the heart of Guyana’s extractive sector—one that powerful interests would prefer buried, redacted, or quietly erased. That truth is this: transparency was not only a c h i e v e d , i t w a s documented, published, and madeaccessibletothepublic under the stewardship of Dr RudyJadoopat.

As National Coordinator of the Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GYEITI) from 2017 to 2022, Dr Jadoopat didwhatfewinpublicoffice have dared to do he o p e r a t i o n a l i s e d transparency. Not as a slogan, but as a system. Not as rhetoric, but as verifiable data.

Under his leadership, Guyana did not merely subscribe to the EITI International Standard; it implementedit.TheGYEITI National Secretariat was not just established it was structured, managed, and driventodelivermeasurable c o m p l i a n c e w i t h international requirements for accountability across oil and gas, mining, forestry, andfisheries.

ButitisintheAnnexesof the GYEITI Reports where therealstorylies.

Those Annexes did not deal in abstractions. They namednames.Theydetailed dates They identified acreages, locations, and licence numbers They exposed, in plain data, the architecture of Guyana’s e x t r a c t i v e economy particularly the sprawling and notoriously opaquegoldminingsector

And therein lay the problem.

B e c a u s e w h e n transparency is real, it becomesinconvenient.

The disclosures did not discriminate.Theyrevealed: connections individuals, associates, and entities tied to influence and power FiguressuchasSuZhiRong, Ivor English, Joe Harmon, Simona Broomes, Ramzan Ali, Jagmohan and others emerged not through speculation, but through documented records The Alphonso family reportedly holds claims to over one millionacresofgoldmining concessions.Itisalsoalleged that they are part of the Multi-Stakeholder Group and serve as financiers of

political parties and their leadership Additionally, they are said to have the ability to influence State officials, including appointments and the removal of GGMC officers with whom they are not aligned.

Thedataspokeforitself, anditdidsopublicly

For the political and economic elite, this was intolerable.

Transparency, when it begins to illuminate networks of privilege and proximity, is no longer celebrated it becomes a threat.

What followed raises seriousquestions.

Jadoopat’sremovalfrom

Continued on page 6

CEO of GuySuCo has...

Frompage4

Ÿ Recoveryrate(percent)

Ÿ Sugarsalesonthelocalmarket

Ÿ SugarsalesontheexportmarketexcludingthebulkUSA contract

This isn’t about personal attack; this is about accountability and truth. The CEO’s arrogance has driven away colleagues, most recently the last Chief Industrial Relations Manager The corporation cannot afford another season of mismanagement. Who is holding the CEO accountable?It’sasadstateofaffairs,andonecanonlyhope forbettersensetoprevail.

Sincerely,

E.Joseph

PM stands firm on CARICOM dispute: ‘Expel us if you want’

(Trinidad Express)

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says CARICOM can expel Trinidad and Tobago from theregionalbodyifitwishes to do so, but moving forward,thiscountrywillnot recognise Dr Carla Barnett as CARICOM SecretaryGeneral after her tenure expiresinAugust.

The Prime Minister was responding to questions from the Express yesterday, where she made it clear that T&T remains committed to CARICOM and is not withdrawing, but it will not stay silent on what she said was the dysfunctional and chaoticstateofthebodyand Barnett’sreappointment.

Trinidad and Tobago maintains that Barnett’s reappointment, which was decided on during the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in St Kitts and Nevis in February 2026 without T&T being present whenthedecisionwasmade, was not formally placed on the agenda for plenary discussion during the conference, and this was in breach of the revised Treaty ofChaguaramas.

Last Friday, a virtual R

CARICOM was held where Montserrat requested that the issue of the controversy

reappointment of Barnett be

discussed.

TheExpressunderstands that it was a tense meeting where ten leaders from the 15-member CARICOM bodywerepresent.

Trinidad and Tobago’s representatives from the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs raised objections, noting that the PrimeMinisterandMinister of Foreign and CARICOM AffairsSeanSoberswerenot present because of the official visit of India’s MinisterofExternalAffairs, D

parliamentaryobligations.

In the end, the majority present accepted that Barnett’s reappointment at a

Names, Numbers, and Power: Why the...

Frompage5 his position did not occur in a vacuum. It coincided with growing unease about the breadth and accessibility of the information released. More troubling are the reported alterations to previously published datasets columns removed, including critical fields such as “Date Granted” for concessions. These are not cosmetic edits; theystrikeattheintegrityoftherecord.

Such actions, if verified, suggest not routine data management, but deliberate sanitisation.

Andhereliesacriticalmiscalculation.

The data was never confined to a single server or website It was downloaded, archived,anddistributed.Localstakeholders, international organisations, and oversight bodies already possess the raw datasets.The attempt to retroactively obscure or modify public disclosures is not only futile—it invitesdeeperscrutiny

Becauseintheageofdigitaltransparency, erasureisnoteasilyachieved.Itis,however, easilydetected.

What Guyana now faces is not simply a question of governance, but of credibility Theinternationalcommunity,includingEITI oversightmechanismsandalliedinstitutions, iswatchingclosely—notjustwhatissaid,but whatischanged,removed,orconcealed. Transparency cannot be selectively applied It cannot be embraced when convenient and dismantled when uncomfortable.If Guyana is to maintainany claim to accountability in its extractive industries,thentheintegrityofitsdisclosures mustbedefended—notdiluted.

The work done between 2017 and 2022 set a benchmark. The question now is whether that benchmark will be upheld—or quietlyundone.

Sincerely, HemKumar

retreatinNeviswouldstand, and come August when her term expires, she will continue.

Trinidad and Tobago is against the manner in which the reappointment occurred, as Sobers stated previously that he was disinvited from theretreatonthemorningof the event, and there was no input from T&T and other countries which were also notrepresented. S

CARICOM chairman Dr Terrance Drew asking for information such as notes from the retreat and also noting the text message disinviting him from that meeting.

The Prime Minister, in a socialmediapostlastmonth, criticised CARICOM after revealing that Barnett authored a statement issued by Drew defending her reappointment.

She also called out the “deliberate and disgraceful silence” of CARICOM foreign ministers, stating they were privy to proof in the form of a WhatsApp message which indicated Sobers was disinvited from the Nevis retreat where Barnettwasreappointed.

Askedyesterdaywhether shereceivedanyresponseto her questions about the Secretary-General authoring theCARICOMpressrelease or the text message sent to Sobers disinviting him from

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar

the retreat, Persad-Bissessar saidshedidnot.

“No,theyarestillhiding from providing responses. It’s really shameful that the entire group knows that Barnett did disinvite Minister Sobers via WhatsApp, but they still persist in continuingwithdishonesty

“Everyone also knows that Barnett authored c h a i r m a n D r e w ’s CARICOM press release to clearherselfanddeliberately left out her WhatsApp messagedisinvitingMinister Sobers that’s still on the COFCORWhatsApp group, bytheway,”shesaid.

The Express asked the Prime Minister what is T&T’s position since, reportedly, a majority of CARICOM member states

s u p p o r t B a r n e t t ’s reappointment.

S h e r e s p o n d e d : “Trinidad and Tobago only recognises Barnett as SG untiltheendofhertermthis A u g u s t 2 0 2 6 A l l CARICOMleaderscoulddo as they please, but Trinidad and Tobago will not recognise her as SG for a

nextterm.That’snotgoingto change,”shesaid.

“We have already made that clear We do not recognise her after August 2026 This is our final position,”sheadded.

Askedaboutsuggestions that the matter should be taken before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Persad-Bissessar said Trinidad and Tobago does not use the CCJ as its final court of appeal, and her Government will never move to make the CCJ the country’s final court of appeal.

Asked whether it was disrespectfulforCARICOM to press forward with discussing Barnett’s reappointment last Friday when both she and Sobers were unable to attend, Persad-Bissessar said she was unbothered and CARICOM can expel T&T iftheysowish.

“They are free to do as they wish. I’m not bothered. We have already made our position clear; they are free toexpelusfromCARICOM

Continued on page 17

Parents struggle to send children to school as transportation cost soars

By Khadidja Ba

Guyana currently boasts the title of the fastest-growing economy in the world, yet for the thousands of citizens gathered dailyattheGeorgetownbusparks, that wealth feels worlds away As public infrastructure and oil revenues dominate national headlines, a crisis of greed and indiscipline is unfolding on the roadways, where a total lack of oversight has allowed minibus operators to hold commuters' hostage The most egregious allegations centre on the Route 44 (East Coast) park. Parents and workers allege a calculated "stayaway" tactic designed to manufacture desperation. "They stay away from the town just like two or three or four hours before peoplecomehomefromwork,"one commuter explained. "They wait until between 5:30 and 6:00 PM when the park is so filled and peoplearesodesperatetogethome thattheywouldpayanything.That is when they pull in and call exorbitant prices, sometimes $200 to $300 more." For parents, the "hustle" is becoming a barrier to education. "I have to find fares for five children to go to school, and I stillhavetofindlunch,"onemother shared.

"Itisverytough.Somepersons arereallyeatingonemealadayjust to make sure the children can travel. The drivers don't care; they might want to beat you up for a hundred dollars," another mother told Kaieteur News on Tuesday as

shewaitedforabus.

The Union Speaks: "We Will NotSupportThis"

Eon Andrews, President of the UnitedMinibusUnion(UMU),sat downwithKNtoaddressthechaos, distancing the union from the "recalcitrant" operators. "We are not aware of any increase.We will notsupportanyunilateralincrease. The union will never support it," Andrewsstated.

He revealed that the UMU has long been advocating for a structuredoverhaul.Specifically,a proposal for the Management of CityofGeorgetownBusParkswas submitted to the Mayor and City CouncilasfarbackasFebruary25, 2021. That proposal warned that without government intervention, the health of the sector would deteriorate—a prediction that has nowseeminglycometopass.

Bus fare rate sheet which is supposed to be placed in every bus Bus fare in a Route 40 Kitty bus (Photographed by citizen)

goesdown,sowewillneverusegas as a bargaining chip," Andrews said. He argued that while drivers d

government must subsidise specific areas so costs are not passedtoconsumers.

"NoControllingAuthority"

The UMU President highlighted a systemic collapse in regulation,pointingtotheMinistry

of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and the Consumer AffairsDepartment.

"Guyana has no law that really dictates fares enough. There is not the price-controlling anything to these people," Andrews lamented. He recalled a more disciplined era when the Ministry employed "secret shoppers" to check hospitality and fare compliance.

Regulatory Authority to monitor, control, and coordinate public transport. It proposed that this executivebodywouldhandle:

"One has to take into considerationthatsince2008,these providers have been having a windfall.Evenwhengaswasdown, they still had four in a seat and sometimes six children they never drop their fares when gas

"Since Ms Thinnes [former DirectorofConsumerAffairs]left, those that are there now seem to feelthattheyarenotabletotakeon her headache... they just shelved everythingcreatedbyMs.Thinnes whileshewasthere."

The 2021 UMU proposal explicitly called for a Single

· Issuance of Public Operating Permits (separate from a standard driver'slicence).

Mandatory training in customer service, defensive driving,andHSSE.

· Enforcement of a Code of Conduct.

·AFareStructurethatconsiders

vulnerable groups like senior citizens, disabled persons, and schoolchildren.

TheConflictofInterest When asked why the Guyana Police Force has failed to curb overloading and price gouging, Andrews pointed to a "network" reaching into the ranks of the authorities."Itisdifficultwhenyou have so many policemen and certaingovernmentpeoplewhogot (Continued on page 16)

UNDP 2024 Report: Violence, Overcrowding, and Inequality Drive School Dropout by 3rd Form

Despitea$14.1billionbudgetaryallocationin 2024 for the education sector, the average Guyanese student still drops out of the school systemmidwayGradeNine(thirdform)level.

This early departure from the academic track suggests that the financial injections overseen by theMinistryofEducationhaveyettotranslateinto improvedstudentretention.

TheUnitedN ations Development Fund (UNDP) in its 2024 report characterizes the issue as a systemic failure, noting that until education acts as a genuine vehicle for social equity and upward mobility, the chasm between the government's budgetary efforts and actual institutionalcapacitywillremainunbridled.

The results of the report “...are a consequence of persistent inequality in access to quality education, education, as many students attend schools with insufficient resources and face challenges such as overcrowding, underqualified or unmotivated teachers, and often significant levelsofviolence”.

Aprimarydriverofthistrendistheinequality inaccesstoqualityinstruction,particularlyinthe hinterlandandriverainareas.Thereporthighlights that students are not merely dropping out due to academic struggle but are pushed out by a deteriorating school environment defined by (Continuedonpage16)

An insult to our intelligence

We are told that the reason regular government press conferences have disappeared is because the administration has moved from “campaign mode” into “implementation mode.” In other words, governing has apparently become too demanding an occupation to permit the inconvenience of accountability

This explanation, now being ladled out to the public,wouldbecomicwere it not so offensively contemptuous. One waits in vainforthepunchline.

For this is rather like a captain explaining that he cannot report on the voyage because he is too busy steering the ship. The very actofgoverning—spending public money, awarding contracts, implementing policies, negotiating agreements, exercising power — is precisely why governmentsindemocracies holdpressconferences.

The press briefing is one ofthemechanismsbywhich thegovernedarepermittedto interrogate the rulers. But in Guyana, access to ministers has become as difficult as making an appointment to see the President. On top of that, certain sections of the media are treated with open irritation bordering on hostility State advertising revenues are withheld with

the pettiness of a boss who withholds overtime because hedoesnotliketheshoesof hisstaff.

Meanwhile ministers somehow discover ample time to appear on podcasts.

ThePresidentparticipatesin carefully curated teatime interviews This is the PPPC’s idea of press freedom, something that they copied from the APNU+AFC during the period2015to2020.

Interestingly, despite being too busy to host regular press conferences with the full media corps, time was found to publicly lambaste the Stabroek News as “anti-government ”

Evidently there exists sufficient space in the governmental diary for denunciation, selective e n g a g e m e n t , a n d propaganda management — but none for standing before the full media corps and answering unscripted questions.

And what of the postCabinetpressbriefings?Has the Republic suddenly exhausted its supply of competent officials? Are there no public servants capable of performing the role once executed by Dr Roger Luncheon? Was he thatindispensable? We now inhabit a bureaucracy swollen with

Dem Boys Seh...

super-salaried officials, strategic communications advisers, consultants, advisers and all manner of strange designations Yet apparently none can be trusted to stand behind a lectern after Cabinet meetings and explain government decisions to the taxpayers financing their salaries.

T h e e x c u s e i s preposterous in the strictest dictionary sense. It is so manifestly ridiculous that it insults the intelligence of anyone expected to believe it.

Whatmakesthesituation even more grotesque is the growing impression that the country is now being administered worse than a cakeshop.

Everyimportantdecision appears to emerge from through a process in which one man kneads the dough, another applies the frosting, and the rest stand around clutching aprons, nodding

vigorously at every instruction as though governance itself were a recipeforspongecake.

Meanwhile the public is expected to believe this is collective governance rather than a political bakery in w h i c h d e m o c r a t i c institutions are reduced to littlemorethandeliveryboys carrying orders already

Crossing over now require zebra

Crossingoverusedtobeaseriousthing. In de old days, when somebody seh they “crossover,”todeothersidepeopleusedto whisperandaskifdepersongoingtoheaven or hell. Nowadays crossing over become so common, Guyana might as well paint zebra stripesacrossdewholecountry

Everywhereyuhturnsomebodycrossing over And not ordinary crossing over either Peoplecrossingoverwiddespeedofaman runningfromrainafterborrowingumbrella.

One gentleman spend years cussing one sideofdestreet.Accordingtohim,dedrains stink over there, de lamps dark over there, anddepeopleovertherecouldn’torganisea fishfrymuchlessavillageday

Suddenly, one morning, de same man crossing over smiling so broad yuh would think he discover hidden treasure buried by Dutchpirates.

Dem boys seh de crossing over nowadays got more twists than a snake in bush. Some people crossing over so quietly that even dem own neighbours don’t know tilltheyseedemsittingindifferentcompany lookingwell-fedandmoisturised. And de excuses does get more creative everyday

Onemansehhecrossingoverbecausehe “following de future.” Another claim he simply “responding to changing realities.”

Dem boys seh when ordinary people changing realities, is because GPL cut de

preparedelsewhere.Andthe mediahasbeencomplaining aboutlackofaccess.

But the media itself cannot entirely escape indictment Starved and desperate for information, sectionsofthe press lastyear andtheyearbeforedutifully trooped to Freedom House for weekly briefings hosted by the General Secretary of the ruling party gatherings at which government business was discussed with the lines betweenpartyandStatewere indistinguishable. It was a spectacleworthyofabanana republic.

Ademocraticpresscorps c a n n o t c o n t i n u e participatinginthischarade. If government business is to be discussed, then let it be discussed at official g o v e r n m e n t p r e s s conferences open to the entiremedia.The press must stop attending press

conference hosted by the ruling party if government business is discussed there.

By attending these sessions, the press is rewarding the abuse of incumbency and encouraging the doctrine of partyparamountcy

And while the subject of unhealthy political habits is under review, perhaps someone might discreetly remind ministers that the Vice President is not a Maharaja. He is a minister among equals within a constitutional government, not a viceroy deserving of public genuflection. As a Ministeramongequals,heis not entitled to special welcomes reserved for a Head-of-State.

S u c h t h e a t r i c a l elevations of officeholders mayappearharmless.Itmay at times appear as political pageantry complete with flattery and choreographed reverence. But it points to a

governing culture increasingly uncomfortable with scrutiny by the independent press, and increasingly enamoured insteadwithdeferencetoand the concentration of authority in a few exalted personalities.

For the public, the implications are grim Democracy cannot survive in a system in which power speaks only to its admirers and treats scrutiny as insolence.

Governments unwilling to face questions eventually ceaselistening.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

currentanddemhadtomovebycousin.

Oneauntietelldemboysshefrightento greetanybodynowbecauseshedon’tknow which side of de road they standing on by eveningtime.Shesehonefellowwaveatshe fromonecornerMondayandbyWednesday hedehpondeoppositepavementpretending heneverknowshe.

Onedaydemwearingonecolourjersey And de next thing yuh know de colour change.

Dem boys seh de whole thing resemble Georgetown traffic Nobody indicating beforechanginglanes.Everybodysqueezing in wherever space open. And somehow de people who once seh crossing over was immoralanddisgracefulnowstandingbyde roadside with welcome drinks and broad smiles.

Soon Guyana gon need official crossing wardens. Maybe de authorities can install little pedestrian buttons. Yuh press one and wait till de coast clear before stepping across.

But dem boys notice one thing. Nobody ever crossing over to hardship. Nobody crossingovertoconfusion.Somehowevery crossover seem to lead straight to comfort, brightlights,andbetterrefreshments.

And it is amazing how often conscience improves when de pasture greener on de otherside.

Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

H@RD TRUTHS

Sanctity of contract

Sanctityofcontracthasa resonant ring. In isolation.

Sanctity of contract placed

next to sanctity of sovereignty doesn't have a leg on which to stand. It pales. It must fade. For what does sanctity of contract do to sanctity of sovereignty, other than transform free men into serfs, slavery's apprentices? To honour sanctity of

contract as Guyana's supreme deity, help it

supersede Guyana's sovereignty, is to void all of itsorgansoflibertyandselfdetermination.

To degrade parliament, pledge, and people to the i m m a t e r i a l , t h e contemptible. It borders

dangerously on the treasonous. To surrender without a finger lifted. To sellwhat'sunsaleable. So,I think. So,Istand. Why should sanctity of contractresideontheloftiest pedestal? Unapproachable. Unreachable. Inviolableand untouchable. By tainted humanminds,shieldedfrom stainedhumanhands. Irisk being denounced a heretic: in Guyana sanctity of contractisgreaterthanGod. In thinking of this, something flickers to life, grabs hold, shakes back and forth. It must be shared. Sanctity of contract has power But is rendered impotentbysovereignty Or else,whatisGuyana,ifnota corporatecolony?

powers paralyzed. Wealth discovered, yet it doesn't belong. For all that it's worth. For all the effort expended to wrest the most outofit(whilefairtoothers). I table another position Seems that national wealth, national governance, was slipped from the ambitions of Caracas and handed to Texas.Probing further, what canbeholierthansanctityof sovereignty

somethingheldmoresacred, whathaveIdone?

Some may see a long leap. Check where Guyana istoday:Exxonstandslikea frightening, domineering stallion over this entire country Apeopled worked over Apeople and all their

The immaculacy of national motherhood. For which blood has already been shed, and may have to be,comelaterdays. Whensacredsovereignty becomes a subsidiary station, fades into oblivion, beforetheweightofsanctity of contract, then what? A sacrosanct, non-negotiable, line is violated. In yielding to the paramountcy of

Men and women have laid down their lives in defence of sanctity of sovereignty Menhavepaid bitter prices for despoiling the flag, that fluttering emblem of sovereignty Men have lost their lives for severingthatumbilicalbond. Because they betrayed that bond. Becausetheysoldthat sacredsovereigntyforcheap conveniences, base silver Norationale,noproposition, no evasion, can take the Humpty Dumpty fallacy of sanctity of contract, and make it ascend above sanctityofsovereignty

For I think, that comes tooawfullyclosetotreason's fires.Consider this: Guyana battles in an international forum. Guyana'sdelegation represented this country splendidly, countering as only the vulnerable can, exuding the confidence of fighting for a righteous cause.

Ilaud,for it is vested in the hallowed nature of sanctity of sovereignty

Why fight one to surrender to another?

Guyana wages its battlesagainstaleviathanfor consecrated territory This wealthypatrimonyofforests and rivers, mountains and plains,whichourforefathers seeded with their sweat, blood.

Ifonlytooffertributeto their memories, enduring struggles, sanctity of sovereigntymustoverpower sanctityofcontract. It is incomprehensible that what should be pledged to sanctity of sovereignty is pledged to sanctity of contract. Only to sacred sovereignty must fealty be sworn. Never such homage tosanctityofcontract.

Sanctity of sovereignty must never be relinquished. Nomatterthestrengthofthe powers that are arrayed

against, that have the upper hand, that wrap a deathlike grip around Guyana's neck. No matter the scurvy interests of those who tied this albatross around the heads of those who are so craven that they sell the sacred patrimony for a penny

Then citizens are sold a storywritteninthecowardly, lacking in mojo and manhood. Isayittoday,say it forever: sanctity of contract travels alarmingly close to treason in contemplation, in mention, and in production. Thus, I think.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

Guyana to benefit from pandemic protection with new Regional vaccine deal

G u y a n a a n d i t s Caribbeanneighboursareset to benefit from a landmark agreementaimedatsecuring faster access to life-saving influenzavaccinesifanother globalpandemicstrikes.

The Pan American Health Organizat

(PAHO) on Tuesday announced a historic agreementwithCSLSeqirus aimedatsecuringareserved share of pandemic influenza vaccines production for countries in Latin America andtheCaribbeaninthecase of a future influenza pandemic.

T h e a g r e e m e n t establishesamechanismthat reserves a fixed percentage of the company's global pandemic influenza vaccine output for participating PAHO Member States Participating countries will have the option to access an initial reserved allocation of vaccines.

“This agreement is a direct response to the hard lessons of COVID-19 and a major step forward in strengtheninghealthsecurity and pandemic preparedness across the Americas,” said PAHO Director Dr Jarbas

Barbosa “Through our Regional Revolving Funds, countries are joining forces tosecureareservedshareof vaccine production, helping protect those at risk when it mattersmost.”

According to PAHO, under the agreement, CSL Seqirus will lead the development of pandemic influenza vaccines and facilitatetechnologytransfer efforts, drawing on its decades of experience in influenza science and largescalemanufacturing.

Through collaboration with Argentina's Sinergium Biotech, part of the productionwilltakeplacein Argentina, strengthening local manufacturing capacity and supply chain resilience, another key lesson drawn from the COVID-19pandemic.

"This agreement puts pandemic preparedness best practices into action, bringing together reserved d o s e s , r e g i o n a l manufacturing capability, and a long-term publicprivate commitment,” said David Ross, Executive Vice President and General Manager, CSL Seqirus

“We'reproudtoestablishthis kind of partnership in Latin America and the Caribbean forthefirsttime.

Based on previous collaborations for influenza vaccine supply and the consistent annual demand supported by the PAHO Regional Revolving Funds, regional production is expanding. This agreement alsohelpslaythefoundation for building future production capabilities withintheregion.

“This agreement builds on a long-standing collaborative relationship we have maintained with PAHO since 2021 and with CSLSeqirussince2010.The infrastructure and human resource capacities developedatSinergiumover thepast15yearsnowenable us to guarantee countries in the region access to quality productstorespondtofuture pandemics, in line with the regional strategies defined by PAHO. For Sinergium, it isasourceofpridetobeable to contribute in such a significant way to public health in the region,” said AlejandroGil,Presidentand (Continuedonpage16)

‘Sandy in, Dwight John out’

...asPres.AlisacksseveralREOs

Former APNU Vice Chairman Samuel Sandy has been named as the new Regional Executive Officer (REO) for Region 10 replacing Dwight John according to sources, following a meeting at the Office of the President on Wednesday.

The appointment KaieteurNewsunderstandsis p a r t o f a b r o a d e r administrative reshuffle that also sees Mary Samaroo acting in the role of acting REO for Region 6. When

actively monitor regional procurement processes and detect irregularities Vice President Jagdeo reinforced this stance, stating that every expenditure must be strictly measured against its direct contribution to national development and citizen welfare.

Meanwhile,Leaderofthe Oppos

M

government's decision to remove all ten regional ex

unprecedented and raises

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo gesticulates during a meeting with public officers on Wednesday as President Irfaan Ali looks on.

reached for comment on the transition, the outgoing Region 6 REO, Narindra Persaud,toldKaieteurNews, “Iamunabletosay.”

The new appointments were formalised during a session led by President IrfaanAli andVice President Bharrat Jagdeo. The meeting included Cabinet members, Permanent Secretaries, and officials from the National Procurement and Tender

Administration Board (NPTAB), where the President issued a stern mandate regarding the managementofpublicfunds. Addressing the incoming officers, President Ali emphasised that "sacred trust" accompanies public office. He warned that any breaches in procurement procedures, including involvement with multiple companies or circumventing transparency laws, would result in immediate removal fromoffice.

The Government also announceditwillnowutilize artificial intelligence to

questions about political victimisation"andthelengths they go to with election gimmicks."

Mohamed said: "Never before in the history o f G u y a n a h a s a n administration moved every single REO at once, and the public deserves to know why."

However, the opposition leader said, information reaching his office is that "these positions were quietly promised to individuals who crossed over and pledged political loyalty to the PPP aheadoftheelections."

Mohamed said: "At the endoftheday,alloftheREOs take instructions from Ministers While the government continues to ignore the growing allegations of corruption surroundingseveralministers andseniorofficials.IfthePPP is truly concerned about accountability and good governance, why not remove the corrupt ministers instead of targeting REOs across the country," the statement concluded.

U.S. monitoring Venezuela’s

ICJ position closely

...says talks will remain private

WithInterimVenezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez telling the world court that the country's position on the Guyana border controversy will not change, despite the court determining the issue,

United States Under

SecretaryJacobHelbergsaid that Washington is closely monitoring the case and is engaged in “private conversations” where it believes the most progress couldbemade.

At a press briefing on Wednesday at the U S Embassy in Georgetown, Helberg was asked whether, in the context of energy security and hemispheric stability, especially in light of Rodríguez' statement at the International Court of Justice(ICJ)–ifWashington would play a mediating role should Venezuela continue

refusing to accept the outcomeofthecase.

“We're monitoring events at the ICJ very, very closely,” the U.S official said, adding that the U.S governmentunderstandsand agrees that security is a preconditionforprosperity

“And ultimately, a lot of those conversations right now will be private, and we believe that we can, make progress through private conversations,” Helberg said.

The Venezuelan government has made its position clear that it will not accept the outcome of the border controversy case and the court's determination of the validity of the 1899 arbitral award which gave the country control of the resource rich Essequibo region.

Operating offshore GuyanaisAmericanoilgiant ExxonMobil alongside partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited In the block measuring 6.6 million acres, the consortium has already unlocked over 11 billion barrels of oil equivalentresources.

Venezuela is claiming more than half of Guyana's territory, the resource-rich Essequibo region. Exxon and several other foreign companies' operations are located in the Essequibo region.

In aTruth Social post on Tuesday, May 12, President DonaldTrumppostedamap of Venezuela with an inset American flag and the caption “51st State.” The White House also shared a screenshot of Trump's post

onX–USATodayreported. Trump's post came roughly 24 hours after he told Fox News correspondent John RobertsonMonday,May11, that he was now “seriously considering a move to make Venezuelathe51ststate.”

United States Under Secretary Jacob Helberg

Berbiceman sentencedto 18yearsforrape of12-year-old

Sentenced to 18 years, Robert Campbell.

Thirty-seven-year-old Robert Campbell was on Wednesday sentenced to 18 years in prison, weeks after he wasconvictedofsexualactivitywithachild.

The sentence was handed down by Justice Simone Morris-RamlallattheBerbiceHighCourt.

Atthecommencementofthetrial,Campbelltoldthecourt thathewasnotguiltyoftheoffense,forwhichhewasinitially out on bail. A12-member jury was empanelled onApril 8, 2026 for the matter OnApril 14, the jury returned a guilty verdictagainstCampbell."Itwasliesagainstme,"Campbell hadexpressed.AttorneySamanthaBrownappearedonbehalf ofCampbell,whileProsecutorMarisaEdwardsledthestate's case.The matter dates back toApril 30, 2020, where it was alleged that Campbell, a welder of Rosignol, West Bank Berbice,sexuallypenetrateda12-year-oldgirl.

Inherimpactstatement,thevictimsaidsincetheincident, she has suffered immense emotional instability, that she is bombarded by negative thoughts and has developed trust issues.Shealsostatedthatshefeltstrongurgestoinflictharm onherself,havingdonesoonseveraloccasion.

Campbell was initially given 19 years, from which two yearsweredeductedformitigatingfactors.Oneyearwasalso added for the aggravating circumstance that he knew the victim.Hewillbeeligibleforparoleafterservingatleast15 years.

MurderedBerbice taxidriverdiedfrom multiplestabwounds, lungfailure-autopsy

A p o s t - m

t e m examination performed on the body of Oswain Lawson, of Lot 46 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam,Berbice,showed that the father of two died from multiple incised stab wounds which resulted in hemorrhaging and a collapse ofhislungs.Thepost-mortem was done by government pathologist, Dr Vivekanand Brijmohan on Wednesday, a (Continuedonpage17)

Police hunt four in shooting death of Cuban national

TheGuyanaPoliceForce

(GPF) on Wednesday issued wanted bulletins forfourmeninconnectionwiththe murder of 23-year-old Dainier Vegas Infante, a Cuban national who was shot dead at a Queenstown, Georgetown bar on Sunday

The four men have been identified as Baraka Haraohn Bayneuzzi Garnett, 20; Mikhail

Mario Joseph,26; Nicholas Daby, and 19-year-old Javon Hodge Police are urging that if anyone knows the whereabouts of the wanted men, that contact be made withthenearestpolicestation.

It was reported that the Infante ofAlexanderVillagewasshotdead around 05:45hrs. on May 10, at a bar along Forshaw Street, Queenstown.

ReportsarethatInfanteworked

at the bar as a janitor. The police reported that based on preliminary investigations Infante was at the bar when four men arrived at the location.

They started a conversation withtwomenseatedoutsideofthe bar A short while later, Infante cameoutofthebarandapproached the men. Police stated that one of thempulledoutahandgunandshot himintheneckarea.

The shooting was captured on CCTVfootage.

The video recording showed that Infante fell to the ground and startedbleedingfromthewoundin hisneck.

His killer entered a white vehicleandescapedwhiletheother menescapedinseparatevehicles.

Police stated that Infante was pronounceddeadatthescene. His body was removed and

taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral home for a post mortem examination.

Thepolicefurtherrevealedthat through the use of its command center, a motor car linked to the incident was identified and intercepted and a 45-year-old woman of Little Diamond East Bank Demerara was arrested. The carwasalsoseizedandisinpolice custodyasinvestigationscontinue.

Defense, main witness clash in heated Henry boys murder trial

ByShermonHawker

Cross-examination intensified at the Berbice High Court on Wednesday as defense attorney Dexter Todd and prosecution witnessAkash Singh engaged in a fiery courtroom exchange during the ongoing trial into the 2020 killings of cousins Isaiah and Joel Henry

The two waged an unrelenting back-and-forth, with Todd drilling his points in accusing Singh of being untruthful The witness promptly pushed back with much sturdiness against the lawyer's insinuations. None of the men budged from their position, as the two accused sat and watched on pensively

Todd is leading the legal battle to vindicate Anil Sanchara, 39, called 'Magga', of D'Edward Village West Coast Berbice, and Vinood Gopaul, 35, called 'Dan Pole' and 'Rasta'ofYakasari, Black Bush Polder, Corentyne, Berbice, both of whom have pleaded not guilty.Todd's cross-examination of Singh continued on Wednesday in the widely followed trial into the killings of the Henry boys, after proceedings were paused Tuesday by presiding Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall. During Tuesday's hearing, Singh repeatedly told the court he was unable to answer several of Todd's questions, citing lapsesinmemory

However, when crosse

Anil Sanchara and Vinood Gopaul, the two accused of murdering Isaiah and Joel Henry back in 2020

Wednesday, Singh responded to Todd almost point-for-point, appearing far more forthcoming than he had been the previous day, when he frequently claimed he couldnotrecalldetails.

Toddsuggestedtothecourtthat Singh's recollection of events was strategicallyfabricated,addingthat heneverwentintotheCottonTree Backdam to plant weed with the two accused. Singh argued that he was present, and was even tasked with demolishing camp after the trio had executed the two cousins.

TheattorneyputforwardthatSingh was beaten by the police upon arrest in January of 2021, which Singhdenied,"nopoliceneverhurt me."Whenitwasputtohimthathe was heard screaming, Singh dismissed it instantly, "I was screaming? I never scream. Wuh I

screaming fuh? Nobody ain't do menothingfuhIscream."

The lawyer inserted that the reason Singh was unable to recall criticaldetailsof2020wasbecause he was lying, and that the weedplanting activity was a ruse presented to the court, "because youwerepromisedbythepolice."

"Everything wuh I telling everybody is true. I know I was in Cotton Tree Backdam to plant marijuana with Gopaul and Anil Sanchara,"Singhemphasisedtothe court.

Pressing further,Todd inquired if Singh was promised a change in fortune for his testimony against GopaulandSanchara.Theattorney askedifhewasassuredofwalking free. Singh himself is currently in police custody in relation to the offense, but he maintained that he

was not given any offers for his testimony Instead, Singh noted thathecametopresentfactstothe court.

Singh confirmed that upon arrest, he was taken to the CID headquarters in Georgetown. Todd asked the key witness if he in his statement to the police, disclosed being beaten at the CID. Singh submitted that he did say he was beaten, but noted that it was only due to being threatened by Vinood and Sanchara into saying so. The two men, he added, pushed allegations of being assaulted by the police, and they wanted him to holdsimilarclaims.

He explained that from the inception, he was an unwilling accomplice who was threatened with death by the two, which even prompted him to not make disclosures about the threats to the police,prisonofficers,norwhenhe appeared at the Blairmont Magistrate'sCourtbackin2021.

Wrapping up his crossexamination, the defense counsel probedSinghonwhetherhearrived at the Berbice High Court on We

y, Georgetown.Singhstated,"Icome out of jail," while not offering detailsofwhichfacility

ThedefenseheldthatSinghdid not appear in the capacity of an inmate, but was secured by the police under unknown arrangements.

Re-examinedbytheprosecutor, thewitnessexplainedthathecould notdisclosehislocation,asGopaul would constantly find ways to call andthreatenhim.

As the main witness, Singh's testimony was by far the most extensive, as the prosecution has signalled intention to utilise 44 witnessesforthetrialintothe2020 killings.

The matter continues on Thursday

Govt. seeks new contractor for Kato school dorms, after collapse of $285M contract

After awarding a $285 million contract in 2021 for the construction of the Kato SecondarySchooldormitory, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Eight is now seeking a new contractor to complete the project after the initial contractfailed.

The region in an invitation for bids published in Wednesday's Guyana Chronicle stated that the completion of the dormitory

is estimated to cost $120,730,286. Bids for the project are expected to open on May 20, 2026 at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board.

In September 2021, Region Eight Regional Executive Officer, Peter Ramotar signed a $285 million contract with Reiaz Akbar General Construction Services to construct the dormitory Thefacilitywhich was set to accommodate some 300 students was

expected to be completed withinthreeyears.

F o r m e r L o c a l Government Minister, Nigel Dharamlall had witnessed the signing of the contract. The Department of Public Information reported at the time that the minister informedthecontractor,“Itis our expectation that the project will be completed on time. The Kato Secondary School had some issues before… we would not like to negotiate beyond the contracted completion period.”

That contractor however, failed to meet the ministry's expectation because the dormitory is still incomplete and now five years after the 2021 contract, the governmentisseekinganew contractor to execute the works. Regarding the Kato schooldormitory,theproject was also flagged in the AuditorGeneral's(AG)2024 report.

The report stated that an awardfortheconstructionof Kato Secondary Dorms was madein2021bytheNational Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) in the sum of $285.437 million against an engineer's estimate of $300 million. “As at 31st December

2024,thesum of $249.995 was paid to the contractor,” the report disclosed.

The Auditor General detailed that based on physical verific

OP:EDTheRuleofLaw CannotbeSelective, CredibilityBeginsatHome

By Amanza O.R. Walton, MP

Guyana's case against

Venezuela before the International Court of Justice represents one of the most significant modern defenses of territorial integrity, treaty enforcement, and the rule of lawininternationalrelations.

Before the Court, Guyana's legal team has methodically demonstrated why Venezuela's claim to Essequibolackslegalmerit,is historically unsustainable, and is incompatible with

established principles governing international borders and State conduct.At its core, Guyana's position rests on a simple but critical principle that disputes between nations must be resolvedthroughlaw,treaties, and legitimate international mechanisms, not unilateral assertion or political aggression.

The implications of this case extend far beyond Guyana and Venezuela. The issues before the Court touch

and concern the very foundation of the modern international order They are relevant to territorial disputes elsewhere in the world, including Belize and Guatemala, Ukraine and Russia, and tensions throughout parts ofAsia. The stability of nations and the international legal order dependsheavilyuponwhether borders, treaties, and international institutions are respected consistently, even whenoutcomesarepolitically inconvenient.

That is precisely why Venezuela'sposturebeforethe Court has raised such serious concern.

While participating in the proceedings, Venezuela has continued to question the jurisdiction and authority of the International Court of Justice itself, effectively advancing the dangerous proposition that international legal institutions are legitimate only when outcomes align with political preference. Such an approach weakens confidence in the very systems designed to preserve peace and lawful dispute resolution between states.

Equallytroublinghasbeen Venezuela's reliance on selectiveinterpretationsofthe 1966 Geneva Agreement while often minimizing the Agreement's own language preserving the existing boundary unless altered by mutual agreement between the parties. That omission is not minor, it goes directly to

the credibility and coherence of the argument being advanced.

The consequences of prolonged institutional instability and disregard for constitutionalorderarevisible across Venezuela today Venezuela was once among the wealthiest nations in the hemisphere, strengthened by extraordinary natural resources and immense economic potential Yet history has repeatedly shown that resource wealth alone does not guarantee national stability, democratic durability, or prosperity Without strong institutions, constitutional governance, accountability,andrespectfor law, even the most resourcerich states can descend into crisis.

Thatlessonisonewehere inGuyanaarenotatlibertyto ignore.

As our country undergoes historic transformation through oil wealth and expanding international influence, the importance of strong democratic institutions becomes even greater, not less. Justasmoneymagnifies the character of a person, oil wealth magnifies the character of a State. Where institutionsarestrong,nations prosper sustainably Where institutions weaken, instabilityeventuallyfollows. That is why we Guyanese must remain vigilant about ourowndemocratichealth.

No government can credibly insist upon respect for international law abroad while appearing increasingly indifferent to constitutional n o r m s , d e m o c r a t i c accountability, and the consistent application of law at home. The rule of law cannot become a principle invoked externally while weakened internally Yet, this is precisely what the current Irfaan Ali led Administration isdoing It has now been an extended period since our Parliament has functioned (Continuedonpage16)

VACANCY WANTED

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Sand Truck Driver needed. Call:621-5282

Wanted one watchman, seven days a week. Contact 612-2125.

1 Handy-man with a small family to work and live on farm. $170,000 per month. Call617-4662/627-9945.

One groundsman needed, $120,000 a month & 1 man to pluck chicken $7,000 daily. Call 617-4662 / 6279945.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

1 Honda CRV, includes TV, musicsystem,alarm,reverse camera,spoiler,lowmileage, PTTSeries(firstowner).Call: 649-0956.

SERVICES

Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada&UK:Graphicsdesign,advertisements,wedding archrentals.Tel:626-7040.

Layers Chick Beak cutting (debeaking).Call627-7835

PROPERTYFORSALE

Apt.buildinginGrove&Diamond, Seaforth Street, Charlestown&LaPenitence Public Road. Contact Ray's Realty627-9685

One clerk for TSI Eccles office English 1, Maths 2 call 615-9132oremailapplication totechserigy@gmail.com

Driver must be able to assist inworkshopatEccles,age2350,Car/Vanlicence.Call6159132.

Maid for East Bank area call 615-9132.

One(1)Plumbercall:615-9132

Vacancy for Cashiers, Sales Attendant, Drivers. Email: survivalsupermarket16@ gmail.com.16VlissengenRd. Newtown,Kitty

Construction company seeks JuniorAccountsClerk,Maths & English required, Bel Air Village,email:latchmiekumar @amcomguyana.com or whatsapp:758-4277

AilialAggregates Inc Vacancy forAssistantSecretary, Drivers, Chef, Managerapplyviaemail: Ailialaggreates@outlook.com

General Domestic (4 day work) & experiened handyman, apply at Keyfood Trading,McDoomnexttothepost office.

LAND FOR SALE

La Grange W.B.D road to river,SilverHill20acres,Craig (9 acres) Spring Gardens (Dora) 20 acres, Long Creek &TucanDrive.ContactRay's Realty627-9685.

TRUCKTIRES295/75R22.5 $40KEACH.FORMOREINFORMATION CALL / WHATSAPP: +592-6883201. FOR SALE

FORRENT Furnish Apartment for rent. Call:621-5282

OP:ED The Rule of Law Cannot be Selective...

From page 15 withtheregularityexpectedin a healthy parliamentary democracy.Parliamentaryoversight,debate,committeework, scrutinyofpublicexpenditure, and representative governance are not ceremonial exercises.

They are constitutional safeguards designed to protect the people of this countryfromexecutiveoverreach, institutional stagnation, and democratic erosion. This is whytheproperfunctioningof Parliamentanddemocratic institutions must concern every one of us as Guyanese, irrespectiveofpoliticalaffiliation.

Parliamentarydemocracy

cannot function effectively when the National Assembly does not meet for prolonged periods and when standing and sectoral committees are left inactive despite the immense national issues confronting the country

AtatimewhenGuyanais asking the international community to defend our sovereignty,territorialintegrity,and constitutionalorderbeforethe highestcourtintheworld,our own democratic institutions must also visibly reflect seriousness about law, accountability, and governance.

Because credibility matters.

Anation’smoralauthority abroad is always strength-

ened by the strength of its democraticlegitimacyathome.

ThePPPgovernmentcannot seek protection under internationallawinternationally whiledenyingourcitizensthe equal,fair,andconsistentprotection of law domestically They cannot champion constitutionalorderabroadwhile being selective in their commitment to constitutional responsibility at home.

The world is watching us not only because of the Venezuela controversy, but because of what kind of state Guyana is becoming during thisdefiningperiodofourhistory

Venezuela should ultimately respect the authority

of the International Court of Justice.

Likewise,theAliGovernment must demonstrate, throughactionandnotmerely rhetoric, that it remains committed to parliamentary democracy, constitutional governance, institutional accountability, and the rule of law.

Lawlessness, whether international or domestic, cannotbecomenormalized.

Strong nations are not built merely on natural resources,economicgrowth,or politicalpower Theyarebuilt on functioning institutions, democraticlegitimacy,constitutional fidelity, and respect forlaw

Parentsstruggletosendchildrentoschoolas...

From page 8 buses. There are a lot of recalcitrantranks...it’sahustle.”

This lack of enforcement persists despite past governmentefforts,suchasthe2010 initiative to colour-code hire cars yellow That plan failed because it was not compulsory by law and incentives were not forthcoming. The UMU’s2021frameworksuggestedasimilarbutmorerigorous standard: colour-coding minibus routes with uniform stripes of zone-specific colours on a national base

colour (like white) to ensure commuters know exactly which service they are entering.

ACallforStateIntervention

As the government budgets for new infrastructure, Andrews argues that the “big bus” solution often touted willfailduetoGuyaneseculture and road layouts. Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill announced in early 2025thatbusesforthedifferently-abled would be introduced, but these are yet to be seen on the roads.

The UMU proposal suggested that the government should encourage larger vehicles through fiscal concessionsforimporters,provided they meet standards for passenger comfort and accept electronic payments.”The government has a responsibility to take care of its citizens,” Andrews said. He is calling for a return to a government-managed ticketing system for the vulnerable, similar to Barbados. “Our aged, they drive past them. The only time these buses

pickthemupiswhentheroad is very slow. People are being punished.”

The UMU is now urging Minister Susan Rodrigues and current tourism officials tore-examinethe2021Management Proposal and the 2018FrameworkforTransformation.Untilaregulatoryauthority is established to enforce the Code of Conduct, Andrews warns that the ‘aggression’ of service providersmaysoonleadto“casualtiesorseriousinjuries”onthe nation’s saturated roads

UNDP 2024 Report: Violence, Overcrowding, and...

From page 8 severeovercrowdingandsignificant levels of violence. Furthermore, the presence of underqualified or unmotivated teaching staff exacerbatesthelackofengagement, makingtheclassroom an unappealing space for those already facing socio-economic pressures at home. During that year, the government of Guyana dedicated $4.9 Billion to the School FeedingProgrammeand$9.2 Billion to the Because We

Caregrant.

The Ministry of Education’s own “Education SectorPlan(ESP)2021–2025” supports these grim findings, admitting that the inability to retain students is a “waste of resources” with long-term consequences for the nation’s human capital.

The data reveals a staggering gender and regional disparity; while primary schoolretentionremainshigh at 93% nationally, secondary schoolsurvivalratesplummet

tojust42%overall.

This crisis is particularly acute among male students, only 32% of whom reach the final grade of secondary school, compared to 52% of their female counterparts.

Geographically,thedivide is even more pronounced, with Regions 1, 2, 7, and 8 showing significantly lower efficiency rates than the national average.

Even though tuition is nominally free, the Ministry

acknowledges that the “considerable costs” associated with transportation and supplies at the secondary level frequently force families to pull children out of school. Consequently,whilethegovernmentaimedfora70%secondary completion rate by 2023 in alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals,therealityremainsthat most Guyanese youth are entering adulthood without a completed secondary education.

Guyana to benefit from pandemic protection with...

From page 10

CEO of Sinergium Biotech

S.A. Reached after an internationalcompetitiveprocurementprocessandayear-long negotiation, the agreement seeks to shorten the time

needed to secure vaccines during a public health emergency, when global demand surges and competition for limitedsuppliesintensifies.It isamongthefirstarrangement of its kind designed specifi-

cally to improve access for middle-income countries, whichhavehistoricallyfaced significant disadvantages in globalmarkets. By enabling countries to pooldemandandnegotiateas a bloc, PAHO’s Regional Revolving Funds give Latin America and the Caribbean theabilitytosecuretermsand conditions comparable to those available to higher-income countries, helping improve equitable accessin a highlycompetitiveglobalmarket.

PAHOwillallocatethereserved doses based on epidemiologicalevidenceandpublic health risk, with priority given to the most vulnerable populations. By reserving supply in advance and establishingclearallocationmecha-

nisms, the agreement shifts theregionfromareactivetoa more proactive approach to pandemic response.

“For the first time, countriesoftheAmericasarepositioning themselves on more equal footing in a future globalhealthemergency—notas individual markets, but as a region,” Dr. Barbosa added. “This agreement shows what is possible when we act together to leverage the power of pooled procurement.”

As avian influenza and other zoonotic threats continue to emerge, PAHO emphasized that preparedness mustremainaconstantpriority. Influenza viruses—particularly those with zoonotic origins—remain among the most likely causes of future pandemics.

High Court orders City Hall to remove vendors from in front GPHC by May 31

The mayor and council members during a visit to GPHC vendors in January

The High Court on Wednesday ordered the Town Clerk of Georgetown Mayor and City Council to remove all vendors who operate in the vicinity of the Georgetown PublicHospitalCorporation(GPHC)byMay 31. Failure to remove, the vendors would be held in contempt of court and their property seized.

Justice Deborah Kumar- Chetty presided over the matter The judge granted an Order of Mandamus – an order of the court compelling a government official, lower court,orpublicentitytoperformamandatory legal duty. The hospital brought litigation against the Mayor and City Council over its failure to clear the streets, pavement and pathwaysleadingtothehospitalofhazardous vendingandunnecessaryencumbrances.

In a Fixed DateApplication (FDA) filed byattorney,SaseGunraj,theGPHCsaiditis seekinganadministrativeorderofmandamus pursuant to section 8 (1) (c) of the Judicial Review Act, compelling the city council to act.

TheGPHCaskedthecourttohavethecity council to urgently remove or cause to be removed, the food, beverage and other vendors and hucksters who have set up mobile trucks, carts, stalls, and other encumbrances including but limited to vehicles, push-carts, drays, barrels, boxes, dust-bins, pallets, structures and all things left,placedorstoredonthestreet,parapetand pavement outside the perimeter of the hospitalfacility

The hospital emphasised that the mobile

food trucks, food carts and stalls severely encumber its surroundings. The GPHC is situated in North Cummingsburg, a ward within the limits of the city and is bound by MiddleStreet,EastStreet,LamahaStreetand ThomasStreet.

The Judge ruled that by way of “…Section 8 (1) (c) of the Judicial Review Act,Chapter3:06oftheLawsofGuyanaand Part56:01(1)(a)(iii)oftheCivilProcedure Rules,2016,compellingtheRespondent,the Town Clerk of the City of Georgetown, its servants and/or agents by virtue of the MunicipalandDistrictCouncilsAct,Chapter 28:01,LawsofGuyana,toremoveorcauseto be removed, the food, beverage and other vendors and hucksters who have set up mobiletrucks,cartsandotherencumbrances including but not limited to vehicles, pushcarts,drays,barrels,boxes,dustbins,pallets structuresandallthingsleftplacedorstored on the street parapet and pavement outside theperimeterofGeorgetownPublicHospital Corporation on: a) Lamaha Street between Thomas Street and East Street; and b) East Street between Lamaha Street and New Market Street; and c) New Market Street between Thomas Street and East Street; and d)MiddleStreetbetweenThomasStreetand EastStreet.”

Costs were not awarded. However, the courtmadeitclearthatfailuretocomplywith the terms of the judgment will result in persons being held in contempt of court and also being liable for imprisonment or have theirassetsconfiscated.

PM stands firm on CARICOM dispute...

Frompage6 if they wish to do so.They are free to work withusiftheywishtodoso.Lifegoesonin Trinidad and Tobago, with or without CARICOM.Theworldstopsfornoone,”she said.

NotdependingonCARICOM

Asked how she proposes to resolve this issue without any conflict, she said this country is working by exploring other marketsandexpandingtrade.

“We are not sitting and depending on CARICOM as a trade market. We are actively working to expand our trade network with the Middle East, South America, India and Africa,” the Prime Ministersaid.

Asked if she will be attending future meetings, Persad-Bissessar said: “Trinidad andTobagohasalwaysbeenrepresentedby someone at CARICOM meetings, except whenwearesentWhatsAppmessagesbythe GSdisinvitingus.”

It was reported that Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, was seeking to

Murdered Berbice taxi driver died...

Frompage12 dayafterthetaxidriverlosthislife.

He was identified by his cousin, Junior Lindslay Marks, 47, and the process was witnessed by the police. The body was subsequently handed over to relatives for burial.

According to information reaching this publication,Lawsonwassportingatacorner shopwithsomeofhisassociatesonMonday evening at Edinburgh Village, East Bank Berbice. Hours later, he was wounded allegedlybyamaleindividual,andsoughtto

flee the location. In the process, his vehicle crashedintoaroadsidestallandendedupina trenchalongthesaidpublicroad. Lawson’sbodywasremovedfromhiscar, andmultiplegappingstab/chopwoundswere observed on him. Police in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne)confirmedthearrestofa 21-year-old male suspect, a contractor of Edinburgh Village, East Bank Berbice, as investigationscontinue.

Persons familiar with the incident told this publication that Lawson was stabbed whilehewasseatedinhiscar.

bring about mediation to the ongoing impasse between T&T and CARICOM.

AskedwhetherdiscussionswithHolnesshad made any headway, Persad-Bissessar said:

“Prime Minister Holness is someone who I have the greatest respect for He is a good friend to Trinidad and Tobago. I prefer that details of our conversations remain confidential.”

As to if she believed that T&T is being sidelined as CARICOM members push forwardandrallyaroundBarnett,thePrime Minister maintained that the body is dysfunctional.

“TheentireCaribbeanpopulationcansee now how dysfunctional and chaotic the CARICOM is. Imagine, they have no meeting minutes, no performance appraisals, none of the documentation we requested. CARICOM members are free to support or not supportTrinidad andTobago in the future. CARICOM is not a political union, it’s a common market. If eventually they don’t want us in the common market, theyarefreetodoastheyplease,”shesaid.

Trump, Xi set for Beijing talks with trade truce, Iran war at stake

Gantry cranes stand near stacked shipping containers at Yangshan Port outside Shanghai, China, May 7, 2026. REUTERS/Go Nakamura

(Reuters) - U S President DonaldTrumpheadsintoaseriesof meetingswithChina’sXiJinpingin Beijing on Thursday, aiming to secure economic wins, maintain a fragile trade truce and navigate thorny issues such as the Iran war andarmssalestoTaiwan.

With approval ratings badly dented by his war in Iran,Trump’s hotlyanticipatedtriptoChina-the first by a U S president to America’s main strategic rival since his last visit there in 2017hastakenonaddedsignificance.

Joining him on the trip is a group of CEOs including Elon Musk and Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang,alateadditionwhoboarded Air Force One during a refuelling stop in Alaska en route to the ChinesecapitalatTrump’srequest.

Many of those executives, including Huang and Musk, are seeking to resolve issues with China, and Trump has said he will urgeXito“openup”ChinatoU.S. business.

But the power dynamic has shifted since Trump’s last visit in

2017 when China went out of ‘its way to lavish Trump and buy billions in U.S. goods, said Ali Wyne, senior advisor for U.S.China relations at International CrisisGroup.

Backthen“Chinawastryingto persuade the United States of its growing status... This time around it’s the United States, unprompted, of its own volition, that is acknowledging that status,” Wyne said, pointing out Trump revived the term ‘G2’, referring to a superpower duo, when he last met Xi on the sidelines of an APEC meetinginSouthKoreainOctober

This week’s meetings will provideplentyoffacetimebetween the leaders: they are scheduled to hold talks at The Great Hall of the People,tourtheUNESCOheritage siteTempleofHeavenandattenda state banquet on Thursday, before taking tea and lunch together on Friday, according to the White House.

ButTrumpentersthetalkswith aweakenedhand.

U.S.courtshavehemmedinhis

ability to levy tariffs at will on exports from China and other countries. The Iran war has also boosted inflation at home and escalated the risk that Trump’s Republican Party will lose control of one or both legislative branches inNovember’smidtermelections.

TAIWAN

But for Xi, U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, the democratically governedislandclaimedbyChina, willbeatoppriority

China reiterated onWednesday its strong opposition to the sales, with the status of a $14-billion package awaiting Trump’s approval still unclear The United States is bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, despite a lack of formal diplomaticties.

“Trumpdoesn’treallyhavethat many of the cards to play But I don’tthinkthatTrumpactuallysees thesituationthatway,”saidRonan

Fu, an assistant research fellow at Taiwan’s top government think tankAcademiaSinica.

“I don’t think that Trump is going to just let Beijing basically askforwhatevertheywantandthen the US will make any concession thatBeijingrequests.”

Xi has a reciprocal visit tentatively planned for later this year, which would be his first visit totheUnitedStatessinceTrumpretookofficein2025.

U.S. Senate blocks latest bid to rein in Trump Iran war powers, support grows

(Reuters) - U.S. Senate Republicans on Wednesday blocked the latest Democratic-ledefforttoend the Iran war until it is authorized by Congress, but the measure edged to passage as a third Republicanvotedtoadvance thebill.

The Senate voted 50-49 not to advance the war powers resolution, nearly along party lines Three Republicans joined every Democratbutoneinbacking the measure sponsored by Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon.

It was the seventh such vote since the start of the war, and it received the highest level of support so far

It was the seventh time this year that President Donald Trump’s fellow Republicans in the Senate had blocked similar resolutions.

An American flag flies outside the U.S. Capitol building at sunset, as members of Congress work to resolve a dispute over immigration enforcement and avert a looming partial government shutdown. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper]

Republicans Rand Paul of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voted in favor of moving ahead, while Democrat John Fetterman of Pennsylvania voted with Republicans to blockit.

The vote was the first in the Senate since the conflict hita60-daydeadlineonMay 1 for Trump to come to Congress about the war Trump declared then that a ceasefire had “terminated” hostilitiesagainstIran.

Under a 1973 U.S. war powers law passed in responsetotheVietnamWar, a U.S. president can wage military action for only 60 daysbeforeendingit,asking Congress for authorization or seeking a 30-day

e x t e n s i o n d u e t o “unavoidable military necessity regarding the safety of United States Armed Forces” while withdrawingforces.

Democrats disputed Trump’s assertion that the deadline did not apply because of a ceasefire, the conflictisongoing.

“There’s not a cessation of war hostilities,” Merkley told reporters before the vote, citing the U S blockade of Iranian ports and strikes on Iranian ships and Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on U S ships and tankers

“Both sides are still engagedinhostilities,andso Idon’tacceptthatthe60-day clockissuspended,”hesaid.

Merkley and other Senate Democrats said they planned to bring up another war powers resolution next week, and every week until thewarendsorTrumpcomes

t o l a w m a k e r s f o r authorization.

Democrats in the House have also introduced war powers resolutions, also blockedbyRepublicans. Democrats have called on Trump to come to Congress for authorization to use military force, noting that the U.S. Constitution says that Congress, not the president, can declare war They have warned that Trump may have pulled the country into a long conflict without setting out a clear strategy Republicans - and the White House - say Trump’s actions are legal and within his rights as commander-inchief to protect the U.S. by ordering limited military operations.

Some congressional Republicans have accused Democrats of filing the war powers resolutions only because of their partisan oppositiontoTrump.

Hustlersanddeniers

The PNCR/APNU can keep pretending defections are a “distraction,” but politics is not therapy, it is arithmetic.

Every person crossing over to the PPP carries family, influence and votes.

Yes, some defectors are hustlers chasing relevance and Bharrat Jagdeo surely knows it. But dismissing the exits while the party base erodes is the kind of arrogance that buries political movements. Norton's statement sounded less like leadership and more like denial wrapped in defiance.

The APNU says its struggle is about “people, principle and country,” yet supporters are openly crying that if the party is to grow, Norton must go. That sentiment is no longer whispered in corners; it is becoming mainstream. A party unable to unite itself cannot convince a country it is ready to govern. Ignore the warning signs now and the next elections could become an obituary, not a contest.

DemeraraCricketCluball-rounder

JonathanVanLangeinillustriouscompany

Statistician Charwayne Walker has informed that the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) executives and members have congratulated all-rounder Jonathan Van Lange on scoring a century on his Regional First Class debut versus the West Indies AcademyattheAntiguaRecreationgroundin StJohn’s.

Walker notes that Van Lange is the first playerfromtheDCCtoachievethisfeatand has moved into illustrious company in the process.

Van Lange joined his compatriots ChatterpaulPersaudwhoplayedforthethen

East Indians Cricket Club, now Everest. Chatterpaulscored137onhisRegionalFirst ClassdebutvsBarbadosattheGCC,Bourda in 1937. Georgetown Cricket Club’s Carl Hooper scored 126 on his Regional First Class debut vs Barbados at the Mecca, KensingtonOvalin1985.

Sudesh Dhaniram scored 103 on his Regional First Class debut vs Barbados at GCC,Bourdain1987.

WalkerfurtherinformedthatVanLange’s present teammate, Matthew Nandu scored a century,125,onhisRegionaldebutin2024vs theBarbadosPride.

Superbet renews support for One...

Frompage27 streamlined registration process and a phased approach to squad submissions. Captains can securetheirteam’sspotright awaywithaG$35,000entry fee and finalise their talent pools closer to their respectivezonalstartdates.

Registration forms are currently available through the tournament’s social media channels and via direct WhatsApp contact at +592-635-2235.

Financial incentives have reached an all-time high for this season, with cash prizes guaranteed for every team reaching the

Thursday May 14, 2026

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

You're likely to find people somewhat irritating today, Aries.It'sasthoughnothingis good enough and nobody seems to know exactly what he or she wants. You'll reign supreme within this conflict anddissatisfaction.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

You may have felt an oppressive mood hanging in theairwhenyouwokeupthis m o r n i n g , Ta u r u s Unfortunately, that haze of misunderstandingandconflict islikelytolastallday

GEMINI(May21–June20)

The mood you're in today is the stuff of which memorable encountersaremade,Gemini. You'llbewaryatfirst,perhaps even somewhat hostile to someonewhodarestointrude onyourfreedom.

CANCER(June21–July22)

More than ever before, you'll feelasthoughit'stimetotake matters into your own hands andbuildyourfuture,Cancer You're fed up with living on hope and putting your happinessoffuntiltomorrow

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Leo,thisisanidealmomentto address once and for all the questions that have been on your mind for the last few weeks Pay particular attention to questions that touchonyoursentimentallife.

VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)

Somethingiscomingtoanend concerning your lack of confidenceinyourself,Virgo. You've been hesitant to stand in the spotlight for quite a while now, perhaps feeling youweren'tquiteready

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

It's possible that the last few weeks have allowed you to become a little bit clearer concerning certain questions you have about your vocation, Libra. You may even have a little more clarity about your feelings.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

These last few weeks have been good for your equilibrium, Scorpio. It was a question of becoming a bit more involved in life than usual,andshowingwhatyou're capableof.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

It's never very agreeable to have to question oneself, Sagittarius,butthisisthemain objective of today's celestial aspect.You'llsoonbelaunched intonewadventures.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Thegreatperiodofmeditation thatstartedforyouafewweeks agoisnowfinished,Capricorn. This means that you are going tohavetogetbackintothereal worldagain!

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Ifyouhavegrievancestovoice aboutyourlovelife,thisisthe day to speak up Indeed, anythinglessthantotalhonesty won't be tolerated today You can expect to confront the “other," friend, or family member,onthebasisoftruth.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Are you thinking of switching careers, Pisces, or traveling to the other side of the world?

Perhapsyoujustwanttopulla “Greta Garbo” and stay home with the shades drawn tight. It must be that you sense your needforachangeofscene.

quarter-final stage of their zone Rewards begin at $25,000 for losing zonal quarter-finalistsandscaleup significantly, with zonal winners pocketing $500,000 before advancing to the NationalFinals.

Thestakesatthenational level are even higher, as teams will compete for a $2,000,000 grand prize, while the runner-up takes home$1,000,000.

In addition to cash, the four national finalists will earn the right to represent Guyana at the Global T10 TapeballBlast.

Individualbrilliancewill not go unnoticed, as the

tournament MVP is set to walk away with $150,000 andamotorbike.

Specialised awards for the leading run-scorer and top wicket-taker include $100,000 and a new televisioneach,ensuringthat personal milestones are rewarded alongside team success.

Thetournamentitinerary kicks off with a 16-team leg in Berbice on August 8–9, before moving through East Bank/West Demerara and Essequibo in subsequent weeks. In a strategic move t o m a x i m i s e f a n engagement,thecompetition will pause during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL)festivities.

Action will resume postC P L w i t h t h e Georgetown/East Coast Demerara leg, leading toward the historic national grand finale on October 11, which will be hosted for the firsttimeattheAnnaRegina National Stadium in Region Two.

Badminton, Squash...

Frompage26 beingtopoftheirgameinthe CaribbeanwhereGuyanahas been very dominant over the pastyears.

ServicetimeonThursday will be 17:00hrs and the categories are Men’s & Women’s Singles, Men’s & Women’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles, Boys & Girls U19, Boys & Girls U19 Doubles, andU-19Doubles.

T20 Softball Cricket and Female 12/12 tournaments willbecontestedonSaturday and Sunday at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary from 10:00hrs on Saturday and 09:30hrs on Sunday

Master’s40Years&Over and Master’s Over-50 along with the female segment would be played with all finalsonSunday

Meanwhile, Tennis players will add their racquets to the fray from Sunday and thereafter, daily until Sunday 24th Five categories will be played at the National Park Courts from10:00hrs.Weekdayplay willserve off from 15:30hrs. The categories are Men’s & Women’s Open, Novice Male & Female, and Junior Boys.

Athletics, Basketball, Dominoes, Hockey, Table Tennis and Volleyball would alsobecontested,thismonth.

GBA 4-day tourney serves off today at National Gymnasium

Keen competition is anticipated among the top junior Badminton players.

TheMinistryofCulture,YouthandSport (MCYS)/Independence Sports Festival will spike off the opening phases of the Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) 4-day tourney as part of the multi-category tournamentattheNationalGymnasium.

Among the 10 sports disciplines, Badminton will feature in Guyana’s upcoming 60th Independence Diamond Jubileecelebrations.

Frompage21 hourshasallowedustosustainandgrowthis initiativeentirelythroughself-fundingsince itsinception,”Hussainstated.

Looking ahead, Hussain revealed that several major golf events are scheduled for thecomingmonthsatWestsideGolfCourse, including:

The National Junior Golf Championship, expected to attract internationaljuniorgolfers

TheNationalLongDriveChampionship

The 4-day tourney spikes off today with the Open Singles, Under-23 Singles, Doubles,andMixed-Doublescategories.

Among the upcoming beats to feature alongside Badminton will be Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Dominoes, Hockey, LawnTennis,Squash,SoftballCricket,Table TennisandVolleyball.

ThetournamentwillconcludeonSunday May17.

The$1MillionHole-in-OneChallenge

The National Chip, Putt & Drive Championship

The Guyana GolfAssociation continues to demonstrate that strong partnerships, dedication, and a commitment to placing children first in sports development can create transformational opportunities for youngpeoplethroughoutGuyana.

Five years later, the programme continues to grow stronger and inspire the nextgenerationofgolfersnationwide.

Dooley linked to Bangladesh job after sudden Golden Jaguars exit

ByRawleToney

The sudden resignation of Thomas Dooley as Head Coach of Guyana’s senior men’s national football team, the Golden Jaguars, may be tied to a potential move to Asia, with reports emerging from Bangladesh linking the veteran tactician to the vacant head coaching position of their national men’sprogramme.

Dooleyofficiallysteppeddown from his role with Guyana on Tuesday, bringing an abrupt end to what the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) described as a promising nine-month tenure with thenationalprogramme.

In a public statement, the federation announced that Dooley had left the Golden Jaguars “to pursuenewopportunitiesoutsideof Guyana, bringing his nine-month tenurewiththeFederationtoaclose afterjoiningtheteamonSeptember 9,2025.”

The GFF also thanked the former US Men’s National Team captain for “the experience, commitment, and expertise he brought to Guyanese Football, and wisheshimsuccessinhisnewrole andendeavours.”

While the federation stopped shortofdisclosingtheexactnature of those opportunities, reports out ofBangladeshsuggestthe65-yearoldisbeingstronglyconsideredfor the head coaching role with the

Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF).

Bangladesh, currently ranked 181st in the FIFAWorld Rankings compared to Guyana’s 150th position, is in the process of recruiting a replacement for Javier Cabrera, and Dooley reportedly remains one of the leading candidatesonan11-manshortlist.

According to reports out of Bangladesh,theBFFisbelievedto be prioritising a coach with significant international and Asian football experience ahead of upcoming international assignments, qualities that place D o o l e y f i r m l y w i t h i n consideration.

“Thomas Dooley is on our shortlist. Now, the matter of coach appointment is entirely being looked after by the President himself. I know he will announce on 15 May,” said Kamrul Islam Hilton, chairman of the BFF technical committee, the BangladeshTimesreported.

BFF President Tabith Awal is reportedly personally directing the final phase of the recruitment process, signalling the importance the federation is placing on the appointment as preparations continue for the next international window Dooley’s international coaching résumé includes guiding the Philippines to their first-ever AFCAsian Cup appearance, while also serving as assistant coach to

former German international and World Cup winner Jürgen Klinsmann with the United States nationalteamsetup.

ThoughhistimeinGuyanawas relatively brief, Dooley oversaw a period of encouraging results for theGoldenJaguars.

During his tenure, Guyana maintained an unbeaten run in competitive friendly, recording victories over Bonaire (2–1), Antigua and Barbuda (4–1), Dominica (2–0), and Belize (3–1) between November 2025 and March 2026. The federation, in referencing those performances, stated they reflected “steady progressunderhisguidance.”

Dooley,whosucceededJamaal Shabazz after the Guyanese tactician returned to club football with Slingerz FC, reportedly informed players and staff of his resignation yesterday, coinciding withhisbirthday

Inafarewellmessagecirculated to players and members of the national programme, Dooley expressed appreciation for the opportunity to lead the Golden Jaguars.

“Dearplayers,dearstaff,Iwant to let you know personally that I have made the decision to resign frommypositionasHeadCoachof the Guyana National Team, effective immediately,” Dooley wrote.

“Thiswasnotaneasydecision,

becauseIhavegreatrespect for you as players and as people. I appreciate the commitment, effort, and trust you have shown duringourtimetogether.”

The former defender, who captained the United States at the international level and represented the country at the 1998 FIFA Wo r l d C u p , a l s o commendedtheplayersfor their professionalism and commitment during his tenure.

“Iwanttothankeachof you for your hard work, yourprofessionalism,andthepride you have shown in representing Guyana. It has been an honour to workwithyouandtobepartofyour journey,” the statement continued.

“Your journey is not over; it is just the beginning Believe in you individually and as a team. Soon you will be back in the Nation’s LeagueAandbackfightingforthe GoldCup.”

Dooley concluded his message by encouraging the programme to remain united and ambitious movingforward.

“I wish you, the staff, and the team nothing but success moving forward Keep believing in yourselves, keep pushing each other,andcontinuetorepresentthe country with pride. Thank you againforeverything.”

His departure now leaves the GFF facing another critical decision regarding the direction of the Golden Jaguars programme, especially with important regional and international competitions approaching.

Dooley’sarrivalinGuyanalast September generated considerable attentionbecauseofhispedigreeas both a player and a coach, and his appointmentwaswidelyviewedas part of the federation’s effort to elevate the standard and competitiveness of the national programme.

However, after just eight months in charge, his sudden exit has once again left uncertainty surrounding the future direction of Guyana’s senior men’s national teamandthesearchforitsnexthead coach.

The Guyana Golf Association (GGA) is celebrating another historicmilestoneasgolfcontinues to expand rapidly within the nation’seducationsystem.

Through its exclusive partnership with Nexgen Golf Academy, Westside Golf Course, and the Ministry of Education, the association has successfully

completeditsfifthconsecutiveyear of participation in the CSEC Physical Education programme withremarkablenationalgrowth.

A total of 302 students across Guyana selected golf as their PhysicalEducationelectiveforthe 2026 CSEC examinations — a significant achievement for a programmethatbeganin2021with

justfivepilotschools. Today, the programme has expandedintonineofGuyana’sten

s, demonstrating the increasing popularityandaccessibilityofgolf among the nation’s youth. This year,studentsfromRegions2,3,4, 5, 6, and 7 participated in the programme, with Anna Regina

Secondary School leading the nation with an impressive 54 studentsenrolledingolfstudies.

President of the Guyana Golf Association, Aleem Hussain, expressedgratitudetotheRegional

Headmasters and Headmistresses, Physical

sponsors, and volunteers whose dedication helped make the programmeasuccess.

“My family, friends, sponsors, andvolunteersarethebackboneof this golf programme Their continued support through

equipment,andcountlessvolunteer Continued on page 24

2026/27 West Indies 4-Day Championship…GHE vs. WIA Day 4

Looknauth 2nd innings 6-fer steals show on final day, as Eagles cruise to come from behind win by innings and 21 runs

ByCliftonRoss

Arguablyoneofthemore intense, mountainous comefrom-behind wins in contemporary Regional 4Day cricket history, was etched in the books after the Guyana Harpy Eagles ran roughshod over the West IndiesAcademy(WIA),who imploded during their second innings only to lose by an entire innings and 21

runs thanks to some brilliance from spinner RichieLooknauth.

Guyana completed one ofthebiggestchases/winsin 4-Day cricket, after seemingly staring at their first possible loss when the highly-talented WIA lads would get proceedings underway with an impressive 1st innings score of485allout.

Skipper Rivaldo Clarke who dropped a classy 180, alongside all-rounderAmari Goodridge who scored 123

Centurion Johnathan Van Lange.

backbone of the innings, which put the champs under some pressure as they required almost 500 runs in order to keep themselves in

Anthony Providence inspires West Coast Warriors to victory with all-round performance

Anthony Providence produced a brilliant, all-round performance to inspire West Coast Warriors to an exciting, 13-run winoverRowRangersinthecontinuationof the 2026 Commonwealth Cricket League 30-overDivisiontournamentinNewYork.

PlayingonSundayatVanCortlandtPark, Providence struck an impressive 59 to help his team tallying up a competitive 227-8 fromthe30-overs.

The Trinidadian then returned with his off-break to snatch 3-33 (05) as Row Rangers were dismissed for 214 in the penultimateover

Warriorscontinuedtotopthepointstable withthreeconsecutivevictoriesnow Inthis contest, Providence received solid support from former Demerara Inter-county player Avi Dhanpaul and Chandrapaul Persaud with54and52respectively

Providence opened the innings with RajendraPersaud,whomade13,whilesoon after inform batter Youghestir Bachan departedcheaplyfor9.

However, Providence and Persaud revived the innings with a third-wicket alliance posting up 53 runs. Providence occupied the crease for 47 balls clobbering foursixesandthreefours.

Warriors, who won the toss and decided to take first strike, suffered a low-order collapse as the last four wickets fell for 29 runs.

Mohammad Fayez Ullah was the chief wicket-takerforRowRangersgrabbing3-24 from four decent overs while Arpon Babu collected2-43(05).

When Row Rangers batted, skipper and opener Akram Chowdhury showed

Anthony Providence

resistance by hitting a top-score of 46. Saifullah Shoborno scored a measurable 38 to keep the fight while Dipta Das was also combativemaking29.

Apart from Providence’s outstanding bowlingperformance,seamerandUS-based Guyanese Javid Shafeek nabbed three wicketsaswellbutheconceded40runsoff 5.3overs.

Kenly Adams chipped in with two wickets to be supportive along with leggy Brandon Cabose who had accounted for a victimduringhissix-overstint.

Meanwhile, the five-team, round-robin competition will continue on Sunday West CoastWarriorsaresettotradepuncheswith PunjabPura.

the match before having to put in tremendous work in order for their bowlers to have something to play around with in the second innings.

Three 1st innings wickets apiece from, leftarm spinners Gudakesh Motie and Veerasammy Permaul,backedbyapairof wickets from seamer Thaddeus Lovell and Nial Smith, signalled possible forthcoming magic from the slowerbowlersbytheendof thegame.

Puttingtheirshouldersto the wheel, the Eagles would respond like the champions theyare,postingarecord1st innings 663 all out after opener Matthew Nandu etched his name into the 1st class batting record books, with a majestic 237; his maiden score of 200 runs or moreatthislevel.

West Indies Under-19 all-rounder Johnny Van Lange also made a huge debut impression, scoring a breezy 133 his first at this leveltoo,astheduopiledon a 255-run partnership to not onlyhelptheEagleswipethe huge deficit, but to add a significant chunk of runs to the board; which in the end provedtoomuchfortheWIA boys. WIA with the tables turned, now having to clear more than 100 runs off

before having to officially put some runs on the board and look for a draw, succumbed to the guile of Looknauth; who turned out tobethefinaldayhero.

After scoring a vital 77, his maiden fifty in 4-Day cricket,whichhelpedstretch the lead during a nice partnershipwithMotie(48); the off-spinner would then take full advantage of the 4 day old surface, applying himselfwiththerightlength as he would go onto make light work of the WIA batting order; who looked like a completely different team as compared to their firstinnings.

Looknauth’s2ndinnings returns of 6-36 from just 12 overs triggered a WIA collapse of 157 all out in 42 overs leaving almost the entire afternoon session intact.Lovellbagged2-56to endthematchwith4scalps, while Motie added 2 more wicketsforjust27runstohis collection, finishing the matchwith5wicketsintotal.

O n l y G u y a n e s e Mavendra Dindyal (41), Giovonte Depeiza (34), Mebki Joseph (28), Clarke (24) andGoodridge(22) got out of the blocks for the Academy, who lost the matchwithanentireinnings remaining.

Badminton, Squash, Softball Cricket and Tennis athletes set to compete Guyana 60th Independence Diamond Jubilee Sports Tournaments

in style with ten (10) sport disciplines rolling out what’s expected to be excitingcompetitions.

The best athletes in the respective disciplineswillbeshowcasingtheirtalentsin thesetournamentsandwillallberewardedas theyseektoinktheirnamesonthetrophiesup forgrabsinthisonceinalifetimeopportunity asweobservethismilestone.

Badminton will be contested ta the NationalGymnasiumfromMay14-17where ten (10) categories of athletes will compete from 17:00hrs on Thursday and Friday and 13:00hrs on Saturday and Sunday, the final day

The categories are Men’s & Women’s Singles, Men’s & women’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles, Under-23 Men’s Singles, and Under-23Women’sSingles.

Squash will be contested at the National Racquet Centre from Thursday to Sunday

where

GCA/Enline Security Logistics Inc... Under-17, 50-over tournament…

Apple’s scorching 250 headlines incredible weekend of action

A mind-boggling double-century from West Indies Under-19 player, Shamar Apple helped him etch his name into local cricket books despite interruptions from Mother Nature, which ended a numberofpossibleexciting encounters this past weekendacrossthecity Apple came out with Guns Blazing during his maraudingknock,sharinga 7th wicket 180-run stand withAfrazKhan(20*)who played a moderate hand, to help Transport post a monster 412-7 after 50 overs.

The Windies U-19 glovemanslammed20sixes and 22 fours, surging to his maiden 250 off 115 balls as he scorchedtheMalteenoesbowling attack.

up the victory for his team at Bourda.

Bladen Hall Multilateral and Company Road Primary claim NSC Relay titles

More than f i v e hundred and twenty-five students competed in the National Sports Commission (NSC) Inaugural East Coast Demerara Relays organised by Sports OrganiserRobinPhillips.

The days’ event was held at the Lusignan Community Centre ground which attracted Ten Secondary schools and EightPrimaries,with both boys and girls showcasing their talent is somecloseraces.

The final results show; in the Primary schools’ department Company Road came out on top with 34 points, in 2nd position Friendship on 25 points and Helena 3rdwith20points.

For the secondary schools, Bladen Hall Multilateral came 1st with 93 points, 2nd was President’s Collegeon71,andtherewasajoint 3rd place winner on 39 points with Good Hope and Annandale Secondary’slockedinthetally

Beside the schools receiving trophies, each member of all the events 1st 2nd & 3rd places were presentedwithmedals.

Meanwhile, Organiser Robin Phillips would like to extend gratitudetoalltheschools,teachers, parents and NSC staff team led by Assistant Director of Sport, Melissa

whowas

Superbet renews support for One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast

WhileApple’sknockwasthe headline of the match, Mickel Johnson made (37), National Youth all-rounders Reyaz Latif (35) and Emmanuel Lewis (23) playeddecentknocks.

Deshawn Ramnauth (2-41) and Nathaniel Ramkellawan (261) led Malteenoes’ bowling effort before rain stopped play with their team stuck on 49-1 in the9thover Shane Shivbarran hit a trifecta of fours in his 22 off 20 with Shane Kissoondeo (20), the othersignificantscorer Meanwhile, in another dominant showing by the GeorgetownCricketClub(GCC) ladsdisposedoftheGTXIaftera near ton from former Youth batsmanTrilokNanan,whichset

Nanan fell for 97 after stroking 11 fours during his 83ballstayoutinthemiddlewhich essentiallyguidedGCCto234all outwithroughlyanoverleft.

Opener Neerav Persaud (48) missedapossiblefifty,ashedug induringthe2ndwicketstandof 145alongsideNanan.

Aaron Persaud (17) and skipper Ravaldo Pereira (11) were the other batters into double-figuresasGTXIbowlers controlled the second half of the innings,afterGCClookedsetfor amassivescoreat157-1after26 overs.

GT XI bowling was solid thanks to efforts from Aditya Khan (2-25) and Ajay Kissoon (2-38) and others. However, the rain interrupted play with the score stuck on 23-2 after just 7 overs.

In a significant boost for grassroots cricket in the Caribbean, Superbet Guyana has officially recommitted as a primary sponsor for the fourth season of the One GuyanaT10TapeballBlast.

The long-standing partnership, which has become a cornerstone of the tournament’s growth, was finalised ahead of the 2026 season opener scheduled for August 8 in Berbice. In a statement, Superbet emphasised that the renewal stems

from a desire to reward its loyal customer base while fostering athletic development across the country

The betting firm noted that the partnership has consistently delivered success, and they expressed pride in aligning their brandwithaneventthatresonatesso deeply with the Guyanese sporting public.

Tournament Director John Ramsingh welcomed the continued support, highlighting the synergy

between the sponsor and the tournament’sevolvingambitions.

“Having a partner like Superbet returnforafourthyearisatestament to the impact this tournament has madeonthelocallandscape.

Their commitment allows us to dream bigger and provide a professional platform for Tapeball cricketers who are often the heartbeat of our communities,” Ramsinghremarked.

The2026editionintroducesa Continued on page 23

Looknauth 2nd innings 6-fer steals show on final day, as Eagles cruise to come from behind win by innings and 21 runs 2026/27 West Indies 4-Day Championship… GHE vs.WIA Day 4