Kaieteur News

Israeli air strikes on Lebanon kill 41 people in 24-hours; over 1 million displaced drives

Youths arrested after armed robbery of Unity shopkeeper

Air guns, pistols, police vest found during operation at Garden of Eden

Chinesecompanyseekslicences forsixfishingvesselsinGuyana

Nearly eight years after establishing its seafood processing operations in Guyana, Chinese-owned Grandeast Seafood Inc is now seeking approval to operate its own fishing vessels, citing an inconsistent supply of raw materials as a key constraint to its operations.

InaletterdatedFebruary19,addressedto the Chief Fisheries Officer of the Fisheries Department within the Ministry of Agriculture, Grandeast Seafood Inc requested approval for the vessels as part of effortstostabiliseitsseafoodproduction.

Grandeast, which has been operating in Guyana since July 3, 2018, is a subsidiary of HongDongFisheriesCo.,Ltd.,aChina-based companywithexperienceinoverseasfishing operations.Thecompanysaidsinceoperating in Guyana it has invested approximately US$20 million in establishing a modern processing facility and supporting infrastructure.

According to the letter, the plant has an annual production capacity of 5,000–6,000 metric tonnes of fish and 10,000–12,000 metric tonnes of shrimp for both local and

export markets However, since its establishment, production has only reached about 2,500 metric tonnes of fish and 700 metrictonnesofshrimp.

Grandeast exports has primarily been directed to China and Jamaica, with 2,450 metric tonnes of fish valued at US$4 million and 670 metric tonnes of shrimp valued at US$6million.

Thecompanyoutlinedthatitholdsawide range of approvals and certifications, including licences and permits related to fi

environmentalcompliance,andtaxation,and stressed that it operates in accordance with bothnationalandinternationalregulations.

Despite this, Grandeast highlighted supplyshortagesasamajorchallenge.

“One of the main challenges currently faced by the company however, is the inconsistent supply of raw materials, which has resulted in under-utilization of the licensed processing facility Despite having the capacity to process significantly higher volumes,productionisconstrainedbylimited (Continuedonpage6)

...Guyana's treasures being auctioned off

A friend said to me, Glenn, the day people realize that eddo, cassava andricewiththatcashgrant, will never tek them out of poverty… is the very day they will stop voting like their future is for sale to the highest bidder on election day

Lookatthatheadline,

ACanadian firm, that is sitting on over 92,000 squarekilometersofmining land, is now seeking investors to extract more than 20 million pounds of uranium yes, from Guyana, and is presenting thiscountrytotheworld,as a mining-friendly country with a pro-mining government.

Idon'tthinksomeofyou are fully grasping what that means.

This Canadian firm is advertising to the world, that our Guyana's forest/ our treasure box is wide open, and have a system with government, that allowsthemtocometekwha them want and go, just mek sure the Guyanese people get some plantain, yam and breadfruit for a meal when the day comes, and it's all yours Yes, that company was here searching 12 years now, and none of us knew, until one of my reporters came across that investor storyonline.Hmm

Yuh know Guyana, this isnotjustabouturanium,it's aboutapattern. Ourgold… webauxite…wetimber,and that oil out there was all advertisedthesamewayand soldforcassava.Yes,allour

resources leaving in the US Billions monthly, while the country continues to grab loans to keep its people nose,abovewater

How much longer this barefacedness,thiseyepass, t

management of our natural resources will continue? Whenareyougoingtostand upandsayenoughisenough people?eh.

How much more of our resources will we, the owners allow the foreigners to dig out, cut down and pump out, before you the rightful owners say and do something?

Yuh know, at some point, we as a nation must pause and reflect—not just onwhatthecountryhas,but on what we are receiving from it all. Because until that moment comes the question will remain: when will enough… be enough? Please remember, true progress is not about what yougettoday,it'saboutwhat yousecurefortomorrow

Decomposed

First quarter report...

Record high oil production in Guyana drives industry-leading profits for Exxon

Guyana's Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessels (FPSOs) have been singled out in ExxonMobil's2026firstquarterreport for their unmatched performance, whichtheglobalenergygiantdescribed as “industry leading” pushing the company's earnings for the first three monthsofthisyeartoUS$4.2B.

The report published on Friday states, “Net production in the first quarter reached 4 6 million oilequivalentbarrelsperday,withGuyana setting a new quarterly production recordofmorethan900thousandgross barrelsofoilperday.”

As such, the company told shareholders that earnings for the quarter totaled US$4.2B or $1.00 per shareassumingdilution.

Thereportalsoexplains,“Earnings excluding identified items were $4.9 billion, or $1.16 per share. Earnings were $8.8 billion, or $2.09 per share, excluding identified items and unfavorable estimated timing effects thatunwindinsubsequentperiods.”

Meanwhile, cash flow from operatingactivitieswasUS$8.7billion, or US$13.8 billion excluding margin postings, which primarily fluctuate with the fair value of underlying derivatives. Shareholder distributions of $9.2 billion included $4.3 billion of dividends and $4 9 billion of share repurchases, consistent with the company's previously announced plans.

According to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Darren Woods, “This quarter demonstrated

Exxon puts the spotlight on Guyana's Prosperity FPSO- taking the cover page of its 2026 first quarter report.

Thedecomposedbodyof an unidentified man was discovered on Friday at Capoey Lake, Essequibo Coast,RegionTwo.

According to a report from the police, the discovery of the man was madearound18:10hrs.

P r e l i m i n a r y investigations revealed that ranks, after receiving a report,wenttoCapoeywhere a decomposed body was observed lying face up and motionless on the lake's bank Police said the body was partially submerged in water and clad in black

u n d e r w e a r U p o n examination,atattoobearing the word “ANIMAL” along with the image of a jaguar, was seen on the upper left arm, police reported The bodywasremovedandtaken to the Suddie Public Hospital, where it was certified dead by a doctor on duty.Itwasthentakentothe Hospital'smortuary,whereit awaits identification and a post-mortemexamination.

As police continues its investigation into the discovery, Kaieteur News understands that the man is notaresidentofCapoey.

that ExxonMobil is a fundamentally strongercompanythanitwasjustafew years ago, built to perform through disruption and across market cycles. Events in the Middle East tested that strength with the safety of our people remainingourtoppriority

Thoseevents also underscored the importance of reliable, affordable energy products and the value of the capabilities we have built to deliver them.” He added that the underlying business delivered strong results, reflecting the benefits of the strategy executed by Exxon Mobil consistently since2018.

Woods highlighted that the company has grown “advantaged volumes, optimized our operations, reduced structural costs, and strengthened our earnings power” Consequently, the CEO noted that the result is a more resilient, lower-cost business, grounded in advantaged

assets, disciplined capital allocation, and execution excellence “That foundationgivesusadurableplatform to grow earnings, cash flow, and shareholder value through 2030 and beyond,”heassured.

Inthefirstquarterof2026,thefour FPSOsintheStabroekBlock,operated byExxongeneratedacombinedtotalof approximately920,000barrelsperday (bpd).

Three of the vessels have been optimized by the company, producing above the initial design capacity In March, the operator revealed plans to pushthefourthproject,Yellowtailfrom 263,000bpdto290,000bpd.

Exxon'sreportsaid,“Guyana1Q26 FPSO performance is industry-leading in operational availability against Solomon Associates' most current benchmarkingreport,datedApril2026. Solomon defines industry-leading as thetoptwoperformers.”

Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur News

Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: DR. GLENN LALL - TEL: 624-6456

Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS

Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Press freedomMore pressures, more ground lost

The PPPC Government must hate international bodies that expose Guyana’s raw realities Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, World Population Review Corruption Index, and now World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters without Borders have allhadtheirshareofgovernmentpushback.

SomeofGuyana’strueconditionsareoftentoodangerous to be ventilated by local journalists, with either independent mediahousesorprofessionalsattackedanddegradedoverthe years.

The latest World Press Freedom Index catches some of th this,whichledtoGuyanafallingthreespotsto76 placeinthe ranking of 180 countries. It is a ranking that no government that claims to be a bright example of democracy could be proud of, and no leader who is for an unfettered press would bepleased.

Press Freedom in Guyana couldn’t even make it to the th halfway mark, the 50% level, but stands well below at 76 th place, 14 spots under 90 place. It is an indictment of where pressfreedomisinGuyanaunderthePPPCGovernment,and thedifficultiesexperiencedbyindependentmediahousesand journalists to gather information and share that with an information-starvedpublic.

A ban on cameras in parliamentary chambers during proceedings, lawsuits weaponized against journalists trying to do their jobs and do justice to their profession, and the withholding of ad payments. The government has cleverly usedthelattertopushonemediahouseoutofbusiness.

StabroekNewswasarespectedmediapresenceinGuyana that grew from small beginnings to a force for fearless reporting and press freedom. For years, it fended off attacks from government leaders and mouthpieces, but it had to bow out when the government essentially froze almost $100M in overdueadvertisementpayments.

Overdue not by a few weeks or months, but on a continuing basis, and for long periods. Stabroek News’ plight, well-supported by the evidence on the ground pointed to a well-calculated and well-practiced program that had one objective:knockingitoutofthelocalmedialandscape.

This paper itself is no stranger to efforts by the PPPC Government’s to muzzle it, and diminish its contributions to andimpactonthepublic.

We are currently owed a significant amount that is occasionally paid in drips and drabs, then followed by completestoppagesinpaymentsforlongperiods.

Guyana has a PPPC Government that often loudly celebrates how respectful it is of the Constitution, and observant it is of democracy’s norms. Reality, on the other hand, emphasizes that it conducts itself so poorly so consistently that it makes itself into a big deceiver, with nothingbutfarcicalclaims.

Until government ministers and leaders appreciate that they are servants of the people, that the press is not their lackey, and that democracy thrives on credible information freely available, then it will continue to repeat their weaknessesandexposetheirfears,

Given the contexts in which the independent press operates in Guyana, it doesn’t surprise when the government continues to fall in theWorld Press Freedom Index. Just as it fails to improve in any significant manner relative to measurements and indexes that focus on other areas of governance.

How could arms of the independent media function properly and fully when the Guyana Broadcasting Authority Board is compiled without consultation, and lacks bipartisan representation? How does the independent media report to citizens when the president rarely holds press conferences? Whenvoicesdifferentfromthegovernmentaresidelinedina policymaking and standards body, and questions cannot be asked of the head of government, those alone should convey thestateofpressfreedominGuyana.

Heritage is irreplaceable

DEAR EDITOR,

It is with extremely deep concern that the Guyana Heritage Society learnt of the recent cutting of protective mangroves and bulldozing, as well as preparation for helicopters to land, around the fragile 1749 site of Fort Zeelandia, a gazetted national monument located on Fort Island in the Essequibo River, in preparation for our 60th Independence flag-raising ceremony- a big event to be held on a smallisland.

While, according to press reports, one reason cited for holding the event there,“thathostingtheceremonyonthe island carries profound meaning and serves as a powerful reaffirmation that Essequibo is, and will remain, an integral part of Guyana” is absolutely fine theoretically, the practical ramifications and dangers of holding such an event on an old and fragile historic site seem to have been overlooked.

Were experts and the authorities responsibleforournationalmonuments andmangrovesconsultedbeforethesite preparation began, or even at the time whenthesitewasfirstbeingconsidered astheflag-raisinglocation?

Dr Allyson Stoll, a noted

Guyanese academic, historian and heritage preservation expert, explained the significance of the damage in a recent Facebook post. She related that Fort Zeelandia- a gazetted National Monument- has stood on Fort Island since 1749, built by Winkels [highly skilledartisanslaves].

The fort, she further says, survived neglect, erosion, flooding, looting, and more neglect; the mangroves and vegetation took more than 25 years to grow, as witnessed by her, lending a protective barrier and preventing further erosion of the ramparts and bastions there, and that, formerly, the brickwork stood in the river

She also warned against the consequences of heavy machinery on the mud ramparts Added to this are the obvious effects of crowds on the site, (hopefully not taking ‘souvenirs’),

vibrations affecting the buildings, and lossofvegetationfrombulldozing,such as grass which stops the ground from being washed away Surely Guyana has way too few historical heritage buildings left, for us as a country not to be taking their preservation ultraseriously

It was nonetheless heartening to see that citizens are in favour of heritage preservation, judging from the many highly upset and concerned citizens’ voicesworriedaboutdamagetothefort.

Since the Guyana Heritage Society wouldliketobeapartofthe

Continued on page 6

ItisobviousthatthePPPCGovernmentishamperedbyits morbidfearsoverfreedomofthought,freedomofexpression, andfreedomofreporting.

It does not know, or care, how to approach dissenting voices, it dreads having a different point of view in State entities setup to provide balance and what offers fair

representation of the facts to the nation. The outlook is grim, with the PPPC Government bent on using its unassailable seven-seatparliamentaryadvantagetofulfillitsambitionsfor total control of Guyanese life. The inevitable result is that more freedoms are lost, more indexes expose Guyana’s press freedomandotherrealities.

Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox

Ministry of Health Obstructs Abortion Law

DEAR EDITOR,

May 4, marks 31 years since the National Assembly passed the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act and in so doing empowered mid-level healthcare workers to provide, early term, nonsurgical abortions. Our doctor-centered, top-down Ministry of Health has opposedthatprovisionfromdayone.

We took the Ministry to the High Court and in 2016 won an unequivocal declaration establishing that indeed “medexes, midwives, nurses, pharmacists and any other appropriately trainedandregisteredmid-levelmember of the health profession” could lawfully provide the service. FPAG v AG, 2013 No.849/SADemerara

That was ten years ago. Yet the Ministry of Health continues to refuse to implementthisimportantprovision. Thisprovisionisirrelevanttowomen who can afford access to private physicians But it is exceedingly importanttothepoorwomenwholivein anyofseveralhundredremotevillagesin the hinterland. In 2022, more than a quarter of a century after our law, the very conservative and very cautious World Health Organization issued its

, https://www.who.int/publications/i/item /9789240039483.Inthatevidence-based document they urged member states to doexactlywhatourlawallowed27years earlier: empower mid-level healthcare professionals to provide medication abortion But apparently our distinguished medical leadership in the Ministry of Health has greater scientific sophisticationthanWHO.

Our great leaders will probably contend that they are more careful than WHO and they are mindful of the risk of ectopic pregnancies. Ectopic pregnancy is a 2% risk. What is the risk of unsafe abortion in the hinterland, 2%, 20%, 30%...? This is about the status and power of doctors. By radical contrast the central organizing model of the WHO’s Guideline is “client-centred,” the diametric opposite of our doctor-centred healthsystem.

In Guyana, doctors run the show They intimidate all other health professionals. It is no wonder therefore, that no mid-level health association has sought to exercise its lawful right – not MEDEX, not Pharmacists’, not Midwives’, and not Nurses’.The leaders

of these bodies fear that if they tried to assert their rights, doctors would ruin theircareers. And there is another layer Some of them are themselves ambivalent regardingwhetherabortionishealthcare, a crime, or a sin. Although Guyana decriminalizedabortionagenerationago the stigma of abortion remains as strong as ever Religious leaders play a major roleinsustainingthiscultureofcruelty

Only a week ago, the parliament in England expunged the records of all women ever convicted of abortion there g o i n g b a c k t o t h e 1 8 0 0 s https://www theguardian com/world/20

convicted-abortions-passes-ukparliament. This is a remarkable public apology They are admitting what we have always known that the criminal abortion law was ineffective, unjust and harmful. What an admission! What a confession!Bottomline:whetheritisthe power of doctors, the fear of mid-level providers, or the power of the church, what we know for sure is that our health serviceisnotclient-centred.

Sincerely, ASPIRE

Labour Day and the working class

DEAR EDITOR,

ThecountryobservedLabourDaylastFriday Thestate of the working class is met with mixed reviews. Salary has not been keeping pace with cost-of-living increases.There is a need to increase salaries across the board as well as to raise the minimum wage — at least to $100,000 monthly thatcanbarelymaintainafamilyoffour Eventhatamount is not sufficient, but it is still higher than $60,000 that can hardlysupportafamilyfortwoweeks.

Our political leaders should give serious thought on raising the minimum wage. Dr. Jagan was supportive of a livable wage and would have found money to raise minimumwageacrosstheboard.

Politicians and labour leaders, like Jagan, for example, who champion workers and have been or were engaged in long-term activism to uplift their lives often have an astute understanding of the life of the working class. And they seek to improve the life of the working class by raising minimum wage and creating employment. Politicians like Jagan foreground workers’rights. They side with workers overthebusinessowners.

The working class and the country are better off because of trade unions and worker movements and politicians who cared about them — be it the 8-hour working,universalsuffrage,healthinsurance,andmore.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Chinesecompanyseekslicencesforsixfishingvessels...

From page 2 and irregular access to fish and shrimp, affecting operational efficiency, employment continuity, and thecompany'sabilitytomeet export demand, ” the companystated.

To address this issue, the firm proposes to deploy six company-owned fishing vessels to ensure a more reliable supply of fish and shrimp, improve utilisation

of its existing investment, andmaintainoutputlevels.

Grandeast said the vessels would operate in compliance with Guyana's fisheries laws and in areas thatdonotconflictwithlocal fishermen. It added that the initiative could create jobs and provide training opportunities for local crews, contributing to skills development within the sector

The company also noted that while it does not operate subsidiaries outside of Guyana, it leverages the global experience of its parent company to manage itsoperations.

Grandeast is led by General Manager and DirectorJunyuWu,whohas more than 30 years of experience in fisheries

alongside Director Tao Huang, who oversees administrative operations, and Secretary Xingjian Dong, responsible for

Heritage

From page 4

import/exportactivities

The company said it remains committed to sustainable operations and regulatorycomplianceandis prepared to provide any additional information required by authorities as its applicationisreviewed.

is irreplaceable

national conversation (and not the national shoutingmatch),wehopetheirandourvoices willbeheardandconcernsattendedto.

IF it is not too late to shift the venue in favour of preserving the very few heritage siteswehaveleft,(theexcusethatmoneyhas alreadybeenspentontheeventwillnotbring thefortback-bettermoneylostthanthefort), thenhopefullyremedialworkswillbecarried out immediately after the event, including restoration of the invaluable mangroves which have so far protected Fort Zeelandia fromdisappearingintotherisingsea.

The Guyana Heritage Society recommends that heritage conservation principles are utilised -in the actual practicewhen executing any works at all whatsoever at or even near such sites, including the protectionofthecenturies-oldmaterialsused by the incomparably skilled workers of those times,withbothworkandmaterialslastingto thisday,asatestamenttoboth.

We also recommend that technical

considerationandinputbemandatorilymade intotheinteractionofsucholdmaterialswith new and often incompatible materials which willaffecttheintegrityofsuchsites.

We further take this opportunity to advocate strongly for the continued preservation and continuous and scrupulous monitoring over the coming years of that brave Chateau Margot chimney that still stood when everything else crumbled aroundit,(eventhoughtheiconicviewfrom the Public Road has been lost), but were somewhat relieved to hear that the mall developers are keen on the site’s preservation

Wefinallyrecommendthat-fromnowonall our heritage sites (as well as intangible heritage) receive an extremely special focus from the authorities as they deserve, and as ourindependentnationdeserves;thathelpfor their preservation and protection and respect forthemasnationaltreasuresbeforthcoming. Heritageisirreplaceable…

The Guyana Heritage Society

By Christopher Ram

The Thirteenth Parliament of Guyana, elected st on 1 September 2025, has held three business sessions in eight months. And that figure is generous It includestheBudgetandtwo formalities. On any honest reckoning, the Thirteenth Parliament has transacted one piece of real legislative business since the country wenttothepolls.Thatisthe l o w e s t l e v e l o f parliamentaryactivityinthis

The Road to First Oil - Every Man, Woman and Child must become oil-minded

The Resource Curse Has Arrived. Dutch Disease Avoided.

country since 1966

President Ali, in his second term, has made history of a kind no head of government should want. The slide is dangerous - for democracy, for accountability, and for everyone except the Presidenthimself. Sadly,withthenoiseand distractions and the weakening of the press, the averagecitizenwillmissthe danger signs. In fact, the official narrative runs in the opposite direction. Higher oilprices,drivenbyhostility led by Israel, America and

Iran, are presented as a windfall for oil producing countries such as ours. Just as an aside, we produce crudeandimporttherefined product, and fertiliser, and mostofwhatpassesthrough a Guyanese kitchenmeaning that the benefit from a higher crude price is partly offset by the higher cost of everything else we must buy back from the worldmarket.

Against this background itmightbeusefultoconsider two phenomena associated with resource-rich, rapidly

developing and poorly managed countries - the Dutch disease and the ResourceCurse.

By the narrowest of definitions, the Dutch disease has been contained. The exchange rate has been managed even as it made foreign currency scarce, subsidiesandhandoutshave masked a real cost of living still out of reach for tens of thousands,andtheminimum wage has been frozen while foreign labour is importedsome say trafficked - to do the work Guyanese find unacceptableatsuchmiserly rates. Yet the President tells workers about wealthcreation opportunities through his government's much-touted investment opportunities.And only this week,aricesubsidyofthree billion dollars was announced - by no less than thePresidenthimself.

The exchange-rate stability, the subsidies and the headline numbers on traditionalsectorsprojectan image of competent stewardship - that we have kept the Dutch disease at bay But they tell us nothing about the strength of the institutions responsible for managing the wealth. It is precisely in that gapb e t w e e n v i s i b l e macroeconomic stability and invisible institutional decay - that the resource cursehastakenroot.

The evidence sits in the National Assembly Successive Parliaments since Independence have, in the eight months following each general election, sat many times more than the Thirteenth - by factors ranginguptosixtimes.Even during our most constrained transitions, post-1992 and post-1997, the National Assembly met several times more How much real legislative business each of thoseParliamentstransacted is a separate question requiring sitting-by-sitting examination. What is not in questionisthattheymet,that they convened their committees, that they discharged the deliberative function The blighted Thirteenth has done none of thosethings.

In the process, the Ali Parliament has made all its predecessors look like d e m o c r a t s a n d constitutionalists - even

thosethatwereneither He has effectively suspended the deliberative function of the legislature at theprecisemomentwhenoil revenues and public expenditureareaccelerating, a n d m a j o r f i s c a l commitments are being announced by executive d e c

n T h e consequences cascade. The Standing Orders provide for about a dozen committees:

Committee,theConstitution Reform Committee, the C

Parliamentary Management Committee,thefourSectoral Committees on Natural Resources, Economic Services, Foreign Relations and Social Services, and the S e s s i o n a l S

B

ause Parliament has not properly convened, none of them has been appointed. There is no accountabilityordemocracy inanysense. This is not an oversight. Itisbypresidentialdesign. Even those bodies that exist are dysfunctional. The expensive and top-heavy Constitutional Reform Commissionhasbeensilent. The Commissioner of Informationremainsinplace becauseado-nothingpostis what the President seems comfortable with The PublicAccountsCommittee, bytraditionandbyStanding Order chaired by a member of the main Opposition, has not been appointed and cannot meet. It is therefore unable to examine years of Auditor General reports covering public expenditure in the range US$4 billion to US$5 billion between 2020 and2025.Itisalsounableto examinewhetherthecurrent Auditor General is beyond the legally permissible age fortheoffice.

There is a further structural problem at the apex of the public finance system. The Office of the Auditor General is constitutionally required to audit every Ministry, D e p a r t m e n t a n d government-owned or controlled entity, including theMinistryofFinance.Itis amatterofpublicknowledge thatthereisspousaloverlap.

The conflict is not theoretical. It is structural, permanent, and deliberate. Meanwhile, boards across

the State are stacked with yes-men and yes-women u n d e r c a r e f u l l y choreographedchairs.

None of this would be sustainable without external acquiescence. It has been granted in full. The British and the Canadians, vocal monitors of Guyana's electoral standards only months ago, have conveniently forgotten the ruling party's abuse of state resourcestosecurePresident Ali his second term. The Americans have gone further The United States Ambassador is publicly pressing the country to abandon its decades-old relationships with Cuba and C h i n a , w h i l e a representative of that same government refers to Guyana as occupying America'sbackyard.

The watchdogsdomestic and foreign - have become lobbyists and supporters. Where Western capitals and domestic professionals once raised institutional standards, they now have other priorities. Oil, gold, forestry and moneyarefarbetterchoices than democracy in some backyard country Jobs and revenue back home are far more important than some esotericprinciple.

Meanwhile, to confirm the resource curse, the President goes solospeaking on every topic and for every Minister. His advisory Cabinet has been reduced to an audience of convenience. Policy is announcedpubliclybeforeit is approved at Cabinetwithoutawhisper,becauseit hasalreadybeenannounced. This is how the resource curse arrives - whether in Hungary or in some poorly led countries. Not by leaps, but by gradual steps. Until oneday,youwakeupandit's gone.

This column first appeared on chrisram.net and is reproduced with the kindcourtesyoftheauthor

Workersmustinsistontheirrightfulshare

The government has i s s u e d i t s invitations—Expressions of Interest, the document is beingstudiedbythosewhose cup is already overflowing. These persons regard opportunity not as an entitlement And yet, curiously absent are the men and women – the workers –whose labour underwrites thenationitself.

No prospectus for them.

No structured avenue for their participation No serious attempt to enlist the savings of ordinary Guyanese, who, taken together, have quietly accumulated billions in the nation’s banks—funds that languish in low-interest accounts, idle not for lack of ambition but for lack of access to the opportunities that are being given to the favouredbourgeoise.

Hereiscapital,ownedby the small man, waiting for a door that is never opened. Instead, the government has chosen to knock, once again, on the doors of the already affluent.

The fertilizer plant and gas bottling facility are, by all reasonable expectation, engines of profit. They are industrial annuities One would think such assets, born of the people’s national resources and sustained by public policy, might first be offered to the public itself. But that would require a different philosophy of governance, one that sees citizens not as spectators to development but as its rightfulshareholders.

Instead, we are treated to a familiar arrangement, one that Guyanese have seen before in ventures like the Guyana Marriott Hotel Georgetown and the Berbice RiverBridge. These projects were dressed in the language of national progress but their fina

was structured in ways that concentrated ownership among a narrow syndicate. The risk, meanwhile, is generouslysocialized.Loans are extended, often with the quiet backing of public institutions such as the National Insurance Scheme, or drawn from the Treasury itself. In effect, the public finances the bulk of the venturebuttheprivatesector reaps most of the rewards. It is capitalism with a safety net,butnotfortheworker

The arithmetic is as elegant as it is troubling. Publicmoneylowerstherisk

investment irresistible to those already equipped to invest. The profits, when they arrive—as they almost c

w upward,reinforcingapattern of ownership that is less an accident than a design Meanwhile, the average worker is invited to take comfort in words that sound impressivebutdonotdeposit dividends into his or her bankbook.

If the President is sincere in his stated desire for workers to own assets—and there is no reason to doubt

Dem Boys Seh...

workers not given the first option to invest in the gas bottling plant and the fertilizerplant?Whywasthe architecture of participation not built before the gates were opened to the capital of rich investors? Why must inclusion always arrive late after the lucrative positions havealreadybeenclaimed?

The answer, though seldom spoken aloud, is not difficult to discern The economy has long been cornered by a class that understands the power of a c c e s s a c c e s s t o information, to capital, to decision-makers. And as new opportunities emerge, particularly those fueled by oil revenues, that same class is moving with practiced efficiency to grab more and moreandmore.

Guyana, in this light, beginstoresembleafattened calf, one that is nourished by national resources, prepared for slaughter, and served to thosewhohavelongheldthe carvingknives.

Thetragedyisnotmerely e c o n o m i c ; i t i s

psychological A people accustomed to exclusion may begin to accept it as natural. They may come to believe that ownership is a privilege reserved for the rich,thattheirroleistowork, towait,andtobegratefulfor whatever crumbs fall from the table This is how inequality perpetuates itself. Not only through policy but through perception and the inevitable acceptance of this perceptionasreality

And let us dispense with

Columbusfindabettingshop

Dem boys seh the government finally discover gambling in Guyana like Christopher Columbus discover America. Next thing yuh know, dem gon plant a flag outside a betting shop and declare, “The eaglehaslanded!”

But leh we be serious—well, serious like how yuh serious when yuh playing $200 quick pick and telling yuhself is “just for fun.”Gamblingain’tnewinGuyana.Itolder than some of dem trees on Main Street Avenue. Is just that now, after the cash grant start vanish faster than free sponge cake at Christmas,thebigdiscoverydonemake.

Dem boys seh some people treatthe cash grant like is a fast-track ticket to prosperity: collect Monday, gamble Tuesday, regret Wednesday, borrow Thursday, and start the cycleagainFriday Islikeanationalworkout routine—excepttheonlythinglosingweight isyuhbankaccount.

And it ain’t just the small man punting a lil number No sah. Behind closed doors, the “big boys” playing poker like is the Olympics of risk-taking. One million dollar per hand! Dem nah blinking. Meanwhile, somebody else outside trying to stretch $5,000 till month end and praying the rice

the comforting illusion that “civilsociety”willridetothe rescue. Many of its most visible actors—though not all are themselves entangled in the same networks of influence and advantage. Their advocacy, while eloquent, often stops short of challenging the structures from which they benefit. The same can be said, with regrettable frequency, of some of our politicalleaders.

Ifthereistobeadifferent outcome, it will not be delivered as a gift. Workers must insist upon their place. Not at the margins, but at the

centeroftheeconomiclifeof the nation. At least ninety percent of these national projects should be made available for public ownership, structured in a way that allows ordinary c i t i z e n s t o i n v e s t meaningfully And if the c a p i t a l c a n n o t b e immediately raised, then let the government do what it has already done in other contexts: deploy oil revenues not as fleeting cash grants,butasequity—shares held in trust for the people, dividends accruing over time,wealthbuiltratherthan spent.

Anything less is a continuation of the same old arrangement, one that is faithful to the habits of exclusion. The question is not whether Guyana can afford to broaden ownership to workers. It is whether it canaffordnotto.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)

don’trunoutbeforenextpayday

The real joke is how gambling shop sprout up faster than bora in rainy season. Every corner got one. If you miss yuh bus, don’t worry—you could place a bet while waiting. If yuh forget yuh lunch money, no problem—doubleornothingbeforemidday! Guyana turning into one big casino, minus thefreedrinks.

Dem boys seh the government now sounding alarm bells. But is like hearing the fire truck after the house done burn. People been gambling out grocery money, rent money, school money—everything except sense.Andsense,asusual,isinshortsupply

Some people gambling like is a career path. Dem wake up studying numbers like is CSECmaths.Ifdisciplinecouldwinjackpot, half the country would be millionaires already

So now the big discovery done make. Gambling exists! Next revelation might be thatwaterwet.

Until then, dem boys seh if yuh see Columbus passing again, tell he don’t bother—by the time he reach, we done place webets. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

H@RD TRUTHS

BY GHK LALL

How about some peace of mind for Guyanese?

Where there's darkness, nervousness roams. Where there's uncertainty, anxiety hovers. Increasingly vocal U.S.AmbassadortoGuyana, Nicole Theriot has ventured with'investorsneedpeaceof mind.'Isalutethisversionof theAmericanambassador Guyanese know where the U.S. government stands. No mystery, no secondguessing, no thinking necessary SincetheGuyana oil conversation-contract, good faith, partnership,

representation-has been so heavily,dangerouslytiltedin investors' (Exxon's) favor, hightimesomeonespokefor Guyanese.

SinceneitherPresAlinor VP Jagdeo, nor the Opposition to any great degree, has done so, that dutyfallstoafewGuyanese. Reportingforduty Allwell and good for peace of mind forinvestors.Iendorse.Now how about some peace of mind for the Guyanese owners of 11 billion barrels

of oil? Peace of mind over whatever else that's concealed from them, and inhibits them from knowing the full range of their nationalpatrimony?

For starters, and for Guyanese peace of mind: in itshastetolockGuyanainto a gouging, enslaving, lopsided deal, that exponentially enriched itself, did Exxon share with Guyana's representatives, thewholeStabroekBlockoil picture, as then known? Put

differently, did Exxon withhold vital discovery information, re: the total number of barrels found prior to the signing of the 2016 contract? Frankly, did Exxonoperateingoodfaith? From every indication, Guyana was operating in ignorance and trapped in darkness, which were deepened by its haste to executeadeal,andpresenta thrilling fait accompli to Guyana Unconfirmed reports suggest that Exxon allegedly did not conduct itself according to Marquis of Queensbury rules. Nor what reflected American exceptionalism.

Second, for Guyanese peace of mind: what is the true level of proven oil reserves currently? With over a half dozen new discoveries announced, and Exxon's own annual report sharing some terse details, why is Mr Alistair Routledge doing his best Fred Astaire imitations to avoidgivingaclear,upfront answeronhowmuchoilhas beenfound,sofar?

A responsible and reliable (as proven) oil partner would be the first to say: no commercially feasible stocks of oil have beenfound;orthisisthebest estimate from those discoveries. It would end all inquiries and speculations, or any suspicions about possible duplicity on Exxon's part Bec

exemplary in the shaky and silky, Guyanese peace of mindhashemorrhaged.

Third, and harder pill to swallow,wasthereactionof Exxon's personnel on an offshore rig to Guyanese personnel When Exxon's people blocked auditors recruited by Guyanese to checkonGuyana'sinterests, that left a bitter taste. It stirred concerns about why Guyana's principled partner, Exxon,hadtodoubleup,and what secrets it just had to hide?

Trustworthy partners usually operate in an open book manner with all their otherpartners.Exxon'sother partners, CNOOC and Hess Corp (now Chevron) do not l

information deficits. Why, therefore,partnerGuyana,is dealtwithsosuspiciously,so troublingly?

This isn't conducive to Guyanese peace of mind. Especially, when the memory is still bright (and burning) of the shenanigans surroundingthatIHSMarket audit that documented

US$214 million in findings, only for that to plummet mysteriously to US$3 million.Mr Routledgedidn't do Exxon any favors, when he weighed-in with a kind wordforthescapegoatfound to tie to that audit caper, Dr Gopinath “Bob” Gossai Nice job, Bobby Nice friends as cornermen, BrotherBob.

Fourth, regarding investor“peaceofmind”and “dangerous signal” and a “bad idea” from Excellency Theriot, those must be unprecedented Can a Guyana ambassador do the same in the U S ? Or anywhereelse?

P e a c e o f m i n d Excellency Theriot broke her fast to share her piece. Investorsmusthavepeaceof mind. It's a two-way street, Excellency Would mean muchforGuyanesepeaceof mind, when clarity and honesty are forthcoming on myearlierrepresentations.

The views expressed in this article are those of the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper

Youths arrested after armed robbery of Unity shopkeeper

Two young men were on Saturday arrested by police for an alleged robbery underarmscommittedonashopkeeperat Unity,Mahaica,EastCoastDemerara.

According to a police report the incidentoccurredaround12:05hrs.

Reports are that the 32-year-old shopkeeper was in her shop when two suspects, aged 20 and 21 of Cummings Lodge and Sophia respectively, approached her and demanded money Thementhenreportedlybegansearching through drawers and other areas of the shopforcash.

The woman reportedly ran from the shop, during which the suspects discharged a round in her direction. She subsequently fainted and was taken to a hospital by persons in the area, police disclosed.

Afirearm which was recovered from the incident.

“The suspects then attempted to flee; however,theywerepursuedbypersonsinthe area along with police ranks. During the pursuit,theyreportedlycollidedwithamotor car and were apprehended by ranks,” the policereported.

US$39.5B in oil already pumped from Liza 1&2 but Guyana only received US$5.9B

Half of the oil in the country's firsttwooilprojects-LizaOneand Liza Two- have already been pumped by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), the operator of theresource-richStabroekBlock.

Since production activities commenced in 2019, the two projectshaveproducedacombined totalofapproximately564,410,000 barrels.

An analysis done by this newspaper, using data on the Ministry of Natural Resources websitefoundthatLizaOne,witha reserve of 452 million barrels

already produced about 277,460,000barrels.

Similarly,LizaTwo'sreserveof 570 million barrels has been depleted already with about 286,950,000barrelsproducedupto theendofApril,2026.

Atanestimatedoilpriceofjust US$70 per barrel, it could be deduced that a whopping US$39.5Binoilhasbeenproduced bytheoilgiant.

Because of the lopsided deal thecountrysignedin2016,Guyana only received profits amounting to US$5,887,294,038 from the two

projects, according to the Natural Resource Fund First Quarter (2026)Report.

Thismeansthatlessthanhalfof thereservescurrentlyremainatthe two projects which commenced operation in December 2019 and February2022,respectively.Those projects, according to the secret Field Development Plans (FDPs) were in

d to con

nue producing for 20 years each Observers believe that the current pace of production by the oil giant could drain the resources well before the estimated project life. Government previously explained thatproductionwillslowtoensure both facilities remain operable for itsfull20-years.

Data reviewed by Kaieteur News indicates that Liza One has approximately174,540,000barrels remaining.

Additionally, only about 283,050,000 barrels remain at the LizaTwoproject.

Handedscraps

With just US$5,887,294,038 deposited into the Natural Resource Fund or the country's oil accountforthetwoprojects,ofthe

Guyana's third FPSO, Prosperity

massive US$39 5B pumped, Guyana has no doubt been handed theshortendofthestick.

Not only does the Exxon deal handGuyanaameager2%royalty and 12 5% of profits but the contract also lacks a key provision that could have helped the nation rake in early benefits from the sector

The previous administration

failed to implement a ring-fencing provision, a blunder the present governmentoncevowedtocorrect. Thisprovisionwouldhavestopped ExxonMobil from using profits generated at one project to fund another

In the absence of ring-fencing Exxontakestherevenuegeneratedhalf of which should have already beenallocatedtoGuyana-andpays

todevelopotherprojects. The country could have been receiving its full 50% profits from revenuegeneratedtodayatthefour projects producing oil- Liza One, Liza Two, Payara and Yellowtail. Instead,thecompanytakes75%of the country's oil to pay for its upcoming developments, Uaru, Whiptail, Hammerhead, Longtail andHaimara.

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCIES!

In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Dr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecencies in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation.

MONDAY –APRIL 27, 2026

Oil wealth, empty pockets

The warning from

Businessman, Glenn Lall cannot be ignored. Guyana's oil story, anchored by ExxonMobil operations in the Stabroek Block, is increasingly defined by a troubling paradox: soaring production alongside persistenthardship.

Attheheartoftheissueis the so-called 50% profit

share, reduced in practice to 12.5% during cost recovery

Without ring-fencing, new projects continually delay Guyana's access to greater revenues, locking the nation into a cycle of diminished returns.More alarming is the reality that while billions flow offshore, national debt continues to climb This contradiction demands urgentscrutiny Responsibility does not rest with ExxonMobil alone. Successive governments

must answer for a deal that appears structurally flawed. If oil wealth cannot ease the burden on citizens, then the promise of prosperity rings hollowanddangerouslyso.

TUESDAY –APRIL28, 2026

Borrowed billions, waived wealth

While Guyana floats on billionsofbarrelsofoffshore crude, it is sinking deeper into debt, e

troubling contradiction at theheartofitsoilera.

In 2025, Government waived US$525M in taxes for ExxonMobil, even as it signedaUS$527Mloanwith the US EXIM Bank for the Gas-to-Energy project Under the 2016 PSA, most revenue is already absorbed through cost recovery, leaving limited gains for citizens Yet instead of strengthening fiscal returns through renegotiation, the Statecontinuesborrowingto fund projects oil wealth shouldsupport.

National debt has climbed to US$7.7B and is projected toward US$10B. Promises of “better contract administration” have faded, replaced by dependence and fiscal strain that undermine true sovereignty Citizens a r e l e f t fi n a n c i n g infrastructure through loans while the real oil wealth

q u i e t l y e x i t s u n d e r preferential terms that demand urgent national r e n e g o t i a t i o n n o w immediately

WEDNESDAY –APRIL29, 2026

Delcy and her brooch

Guyana cannot afford silence or softness at a time whenitssovereigntyisbeing tested in full public view as Venezuela President Delcy Rodriquez struts across the Caribbean with a distorted mapofhercountry President Irfaan Ali is right to sound the alarm by writing to the chairman of CARICOM, Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew Venezuela's tactics are no longer confined to legal arguments; they are being paraded across regional platforms in plain sight.CARICOM has repeatedly affirmed its “unwavering support” for Guyana'sterritorialintegrity, but support must go beyond statements. When symbols of annexation are displayed at official engagements, that lineisblurreddangerously

This is precisely how claims are normalized, quietly, incrementally, and with regional complicity if left unchecked Guyana's c a s e i s b e f o r e t h e International Court of Justice.Thatprocessmustbe r e s p e c t e d w i t h o u t interferenceortheatrics.The region must decide: stand firmly with Guyana, or risk underm

n

ng the very principles that protect all smallstates.

THURSDAY –APRIL30, 2026

Ram's warning

The alarm raised by Christopher Ram over the Government's investment invitation for the proposed fertilizer and gas bottling plants cannot be brushed aside. What is presented as

opportunity bears the troubling markings of illegality, opacity and recklessness.

By routing expressions of interest through National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, the State appears to stretch p

y, according to Ram Even more disturbing is the bypassing of NICIL, a body designed precisely for such ventures The promise of guaranteed returns, absent proper disclosures under the Securities Industry Act, should set off national alarm bells. Are Guyanese being invitedtoinvestortogamble blindly? Government must explain why established safeguards are ignored A

arrangement risks public funds under a veil of convenience.

SATURDAY – MAY 02, 2026

Labour pains

Guyana marked Labour Day yesterday, but the reality facing workers is far fromcelebratory.

At a time when wages remain low, working conditions are uneven, and the promise of decent works is under strain, the trade union movement stands fracturedandineffective.

Rivalries, political alignments, and leadership struggles have weakened what should be a unified voiceforlabour

Workers are left exposed while economic expansion, particularly in oil and construction, accelerates without parallel gains in protectionsorpay

This division serves neither the sugar worker nor the public servant nor the young private-sector employee struggling to make ends meet A house divided cannot defend rights Trade unions must ur

y redisco

er solidarity, independence, and purpose. Without unity, Labour Day risks becoming a hollow ritual rather than a rallying call for justice, dignity, a fair reward for honestworks.

The Waterfalls Waterfalls

Guyanese are discovering the benefits of holistic health through yoga — Instructor

Founder of Yoga Hub, Teerandai Haripersaud

‘The Little Gift Box’ offers fresh flowers, customized gifts in time for Mother’s Day

An eesa Ajudya

The gorgeousAneesaAjudya takesprideinhonoringtheresilienceand richculturallegacyofherancestors.Aneesaisa payrollspecialistwithintherealestateand constructionindustrybasedintheUnitedStates.She holdsadegreeinmarketingfromtheUniversityofGuyana. Thisweek’sbeautyfindsjoyinlife’ssimplepleasureswhether it’sexperimentingwithnewrecipesinthekitchen,staying activeandpushingherselfinfitness,gettinglostinagood book,ordiscoveringnewplacesandexperiences. Her favoritequoteisbyMahatmaGandhi: “Anation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.”

A Pin, a Principle, and the Integrity of the Caribbean

BySirRonaldSanders

There are moments in international affairs when a seeminglysmallactrevealsa much larger contest of principle The recent controversy over the wearing, during official

engagements in the Caribbean, of a brooch

depicting Guyana’s Essequibo region as part of Venezuela is one such moment.

It would be easy, and politically convenient, to dismiss the issue as trivial. Some have suggested that concern over the display amounts to little more than sensitivity to matters of personal attire That characterisation is not merely dismissive; it is misleading.

The matter is not about dress.Itisaboutconduct.

When a Head of Government displays, in official engagements with other states, a symbol that asserts a territorial claim against a neighbour, that act ceases to be personal expression. It becomes an instrument of state policy. It is intended to communicate,

to reinforce, and to normalise a position that is verymuchindispute.

That dispute is not abstract It is currently before the International Court of Justice, to which Guyanahasturnedforafinal andbindingdeterminationof the validity of the 1899 ArbitralAwardthatfixedthe boundary between the two countries.

Venezuela now asserts that its position is grounded in international law and in theGenevaAgreement.That claim requires careful scrutiny The Geneva Agreement did not determine sovereignty, nor did it invalidate the 1899 Award It established a mechanism for the peaceful resolution of a controversy

- Territorial claims are decided in court, not worn on a lapel

and, ultimately, the pathway thathasledthemattertothe Court It is therefore incorrect to suggest that the Geneva Agreement justifies unilateral assertions of territorial entitlement while theveryquestionitaddresses is before judicial determination. In that context, it is difficult to reconcile assertions of fidelity to international law with conduct that appears designed to shape perceptionsofamatterthatis sub judice. A state cannot

credibly submit a controversy to judicial s e t t l e m e n t w h i l e simultaneously seeking, t h r o u g h s y m b o l s , legislation,oradministrative acts,toadvancetheoutcome it desires outside the courtroom.

Thewearingofabrooch, displayingEssequiboaspart ofamapofVenezuela,ispart of a wider pattern It accompanies legislative measures purporting to annex the territory, the appointment of officials for it, and a sustained narrative of sovereign entitlement Takentogether,theseactions suggestnotrestraintpending adjudication, but a parallel

effort to consolidate a claim bypoliticalmeans.

In this connection, the response of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) assumes particular importance.

CARICOM’s statement of 28 April 2026 was measured, but it was also clear It reaffirmed the sovereign right of Member States to engage with external partners. But it placed that right within a framework of collective obligationundertheRevised Treaty of Chaguaramas Most significantly, it

u n d e r s c o r e d t h a t Community platforms must not be used, directly or indirectly, to advance or appear to legitimise claims thatarebeforetheCourt.

That formulation is a quiet but firm assertion of regional discipline, even amid claims of disunity in theintegrationmovement.

T h e C A R I C O M statement protects the integrity of the judicial process It preserves the unityoftheCommunity And it signals that, while CARICOMwillnotinterfere inthebilateralrelationsofits members, neither will it allow its forums to become

inrhetoric.Itwasadefence of principle at a moment whenambiguitycouldeasily havetakenhold.

instruments in the prosecution of a territorial claimagainstoneofitsown. Thatlatterpointmustnotbe discounted.

President Irfaan Ali’s response, in writing to the Chair of CARICOM, was therefore both justified and necessary It was not an overreaction,noranexercise

I worked with Delcy Rodríguezbetween2015and 2017whenIopposedefforts by some member states of the Organization of American States to impose measures against the Venezuelan government outside the established rules of the Organization. I did so outofrespectforprocedure, law,andfairness.Irespected herasaformidableadvocate for her government in a difficult and contested period.Butthismatterisnot about personalities, political alignment, or attire. It is aboutprinciple,process,and respect for a matter now beforetheCourt.

The broader issue is whether all parties will match their stated commitmenttointernational law with conduct consistent withit.

Ifthecontroversyistobe resolved peacefully, finally, and in accordance with

international law, then the process before the Court must be allowed to proceed free from actions that risk prejudgingorpoliticisingits outcome That requires restraint, not symbolism; discipline,nottheatre.

Alapelpincannotaltera boundary Buttheconductit representscaneithersupport or undermine the principles bywhichthatboundaryisto bedetermined.

In this instance, the Caribbean has chosen, quietlybutfirmly,tostandon thesideoflaw

( T h e A u t h o r i s Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United States and the Organization of American States, and Chancellor of the University o f G u y a n a T h e Chancellorship is not a paid position The views expressed are entirely his own.)

In Guyana, political dominanceisbuiltof i n s t i t u t i o n a l

betrayal Institutional betrayal is an effective tool used by every successive government and authorities to suppress, oppress and keep every citizen in check.

In my view, a significant

portion of Guyanese institution is dysfunctional, unstable and toxic; one where preying on the weak and vulnerable are done by those masking their own weaknessasstrength.

InstitutionalBetrayal

Institutional betrayal stems from harm caused whentrustedinstitutionsfail to safeguard the interest of thepeople.

I n s t i t u t i o n a l betrayal/trauma also occurs whenaninstitutionsuchasa workplace, government, school,church,police,court, or healthcare system, actively denies wrongdoing, abuse or cover up harm to individuals who depend on it.

This trauma leads to the breach of trust when a supportive entity ignores complaints, covers up wrongdoing, or retaliates againstitsvictims.

In Guyana, the slow or ineffective processes in the administration of justice by the judiciary, executive arm, the police force and connected people often lead todistrustforinstitutions.

Examples like churches

not staking against injustices and social ills

E t h n i c R e l a t i o n s

Commission has a perceptionofpunishingone group of people and the

G u y a n a E l e c t i o n s Commission is being perceivedinfavorofcertain group of people by the race compositionofitsleaders

Postcolonialtrauma

Following independence in 1966, post-colonial

struggles, political instabilityand allegationsof electoral manipulation affectedpublictrust.

It’s now 60 years after and the Guyana Elections Crisis of 2020 and 2025 is a clear example of this

ongoing distrust in institutions.

The Guyanese psyche has been shaped by longterm structural experiences.

Under Guyana’s colonial past especially under United Kingdom’s rule institutions were

Towards a better life with your psychologist Institutional betrayal in “One Guyana”

This framework was built extensively after independence.

EthnicandSocial Dimensions

Guyana’s multi-ethnic population includes six ethnic and cultural groups but the motto, “One People, OneNation,OneDestiny,”is an apparent farce. The government, past and present which is part and parcelofinstitutionaltrauma often falls short in its bid to unify these groups, often favouring one group above theothers.

When institutions are seen as favoring one group, mistrust spreads across generations Institutional betrayal fosters group-based mistrust This fear of unequaltreatmentreinforces stereotypes,reducesnational cohesion. It also heightens ethnic insecurity and the collective anxiety about fairness.

Every Guyanese knows one person or a family that has been marginalized, mistreated, punished, abandoned, by the institutions that are suppose to support their well being. Wheninstitutionsrepeatedly fail, people learn not to rely onthem,evenwhentheyare supposedto.

Generationaltrauma

Institutional betrayal often becomes generational trauma across life span of every generation just like what we are experiencing in Guyana with the police violence and miscarriage of justice.

Political unrest occurs five years at the time of elections People often believe that nothing will change. You hear phrases like “systems don’t protect people like us”. “Justice is selective. “This grows into the full-blown Guyanese crisis.

IndividualMentalHealth

Institutional betrayal affects not just communities butindividuals.Paranoiaand suspicion by ethnic groups and vice versa are prime example.

InGuyana,thetwomain ethnic groups, the Afro Guyanese and Indo Guyanese have distrust for each other, neither race wants or feels conformable beinggovernbytheother

A n x i e t y a n d hypervigilant people may feel constantly alert or

designed to control populationsratherthanserve them.

unsafe even in routine situations I have seen people’s nervous system crash or triggered at the name of the Vice president and President Granger. I have seen medical professionals extremely fearful when a person of another race is under their healthcare.

Learned helplessness becomes a reality when repeated, failure leads people to stop trying to change their circumstances. In this instance, the older generation is stuck on race voting and supporting politiciansthataremalignant narcissists. The impact of institutional trauma on the younger population has proventoreducemotivation. Passive coping with alcohol anddrugsdependence,starts at school age. When justice systemsfailrepeatedly,hope declines.

Peoplethink“Thereisno pointreporting”or“Nothing will improve”. This is the h o p e l e s s n e s s a n d helplessness that can drive the incidence of depression andsuicideinoursociety ImpactonYouth Young people growing up in environments of institutionaldistrustdevelop cynicism about authority Children learn early that rules are negotiable since they see it practiced by politicians, and institutional leaders. They see systems thatareunreliable.

And, if schools are perceived as unfair or ineffective, motivation declines This results in r e d u c e d a c a d e m i c achievementandlaterleadto lower aspirations and brain drain (migration of skilled labour).

Institutional Betrayal contributes to brain drain, identity fragmentation and diasporanostalgia.

Many Guyanese seek opportunities abroad in places like: United States, Canada United Kingdom The psychological drivers are for fairness, desire for reliable institutions. Escape fromsystemicinequality Institutional betrayal affects national growth When trust is low, citizens

avoid paying taxes, businesses avoid formal systems.

Corruption becomes normalized and civic participation declines Psychologically,peopleshift from collective thinking to

individualsurvivalmode.

PsychologicalHealing

Reducing institutional betrayal requires systemic and psychological changes. Transparency and open communication builds trust. Public accountability, independent investigations, community engagement are key characteristics and should be embedded Guyanese governance, from community to national levels Institutions must c o l l a b o r

h communities rather than imposeauthoritywithoutthe inclusion.

Guyanese governance

also requires traumainformed approaches where schools becomeanoasisinthe desert, the court bringsreliefandhelps relegate nervous systems.

By Dr. Telford Layne Jr. PsyD, MSc. Postgrad, BSc. Clinical and

Developmental Psychologist - Psychoanalyst Unwrapping Gift -Clinic

The police must be trained and empowered not only toserveandprotectbutenjoy thebestofcollaborationwith the community In modern Guyana as we are in periods of po

economic growth, and oil d

psychological impact of

becomingmoreneeded. If trust improves, social cohesion strengthens, natio

development accelerates And mental health improves, but if betrayal continues distrust deepens; social divisions widen and migration increases.

WEEK-IN-REVIEW

SUNDAY

VPJagdeoex-tenantMr.Su’s daughterbagsmajorcontract forWalesgasproject

In the corridors of power in Georgetown, some names are whispered with fear, others with reverence, and one Su Zhirong with the distinct, lingeringscentofanationalscandal thatthisadministrationisdesperate tobury

Whilethegovernmentpreaches

about “transparency” to international investors and the Guyanese public, the 2022 VICE Newsexposé, “Guyana For Sale,” pulledbackthecurtainonamurky worldwherenationalresourcesare allegedly traded like commodities in private living rooms At the center of this web sat Su Zhirong the businessman, the “tenant,” and the alleged bridge between foreign capital and the highestofficeintheland.

The world watched in shock as undercover cameras captured Su

Zhirong thinking he was speaking to a group of Chinese investors explaining the mechanics of doing business in Guyana It wasn’t about competitive bidding or technical merit;accordingtoSu,itwasabout the“servicefee.”

Intheviralundercoverfootage, Suwasheardclaimingthathecould “getanythingdone”becauseofhis intimate proximity to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo. See full interview with Vice News reporter here: (Su/ bribery from 1:05:00) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v =EFHF8IpQFnk

Su essentially described a system where he would act as the middleman, collecting “fees” to ensurethatstatecontractsandland concessions were “fast-tracked.”

Most damning was Su’s assertion that the “boss”—a clear reference totheVP—tookthelion’sshareof thesepayments,whilehe,Su, took asmallercutforhis“troubles.”

ProximityandPlausible

Deniability

When the scandal broke, the VicePresidentadmittedtoknowing Su, even acknowledging that the Chinese national was a tenant in one of his properties Yet, he claimed total ignorance of Su’s extracurricularactivities.

But this begs a barrage of critical questions for the VP: How does a foreignnational,residingin a property owned by the Second Citizen of the country, represent himselfasa“bagman”forthestate for years without detection? If Su was merely a “rogue tenant,” why was he granted such unfettered access to the VP’s private residence, where undercover journalists witnessed the two interacting? Is it standard governmentpolicyfor“tenants”to

broker billion-dollar infrastructure dealsintheVP’slivingroom?

TropicalConstruction: TheSuFamily’sNewFrontier

While Su Zhirong remains a ghost,hisfamily’sinfluenceisvery muchaliveandwell—cementedin the very foundation of the US$2 billionGas-to-Energyproject.

Investigative records have identifiedTropical Construction & Building Supplies Inc. (TIN: 150633-608) as a prominent civil contractor for Phase One of the project. But who owns this entity? Official company registry records obtained and reviewed by this publication provide the smoking gun.

Share Certificate Number 01, stamped by the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority of Demerara on June 3, 2025, explicitly confirms that the beneficial ownership of the companyrestswithnoneotherthan Su Zhirong’s daughter, Jiayi Su The document officially certifies Jiayi Su as the owner of 510,000 ordinarysharesofthecorporation.

Extraordinaryaward

But how did Tropical Constructionevengetitsfootinthe door? Impeccable sources close to the project have revealed a highly irregular and deeply troubling maneuver. Tropical Construction was never includedintheinitialbid documents presented to the GTE Task Force They were entirely absent from the original technical evaluations Instead, they were convenientlyslippedinthroughthe backdoor handed the lucrative civilworksportfoliodirectlybythe primary contractors, LindsaycaCH4.

Today, this entity continues to render multi-million-dollar services to Lindsayca-CH4 on the Gas-to-Energy site, effectively actingasamassive,unaccountable sub-contractorcompletelyshielded frompublicprocurementscrutiny

Despite the father ’s

radioactive cloud of bribery allegationshangingoverthefamily name, Jiayi Su was somehow able

Video footage showing VPJagdeo in his living room in a conversation with Chinese investors, explaining that he “assist from the government side.”

to secure this critical role in the nation’s most expensive infrastructure gamble And the results have been as predictable as theyarecatastrophic.

Sources deeply embedded within the civil works at theWales site have confidentially expressed their utter bewilderment to this publication regardi

arrangement According to these insiders,thehiringoftheSu-linked entity defied all engineering and logistical logic. In fact, they report that from the exact moment TropicalConstructionwasbrought on board, the pace of the project actually slowed down, grinding to an agonizing crawl Yet, paradoxically, the money just kept flowingoutunabated.

Delayswithoutpenalty

The civil works at Wales are currently the primary drivers of massivedelaysandballooningcost overruns Yet, Tropical Construction appears to enjoy a “seamless immunity.” While other contractors face penalties for delays, Jiayi Su’s entity remains untouched,shieldedfromthefiscal consequences that should follow suchgrossunderperformance.

This begs a new, even more disturbing set of questions for the architectsoftheGTEproject:

-HowwasacompanymajorityownedbyJiayiSu,thedaughterofa questionable “middleman,” ever gotclearedbytheGTETaskForce?

- Did Winston Brassington, as theheadoftheproject,overlookthe glaring nepotism to ensure the “service fee” machinery continued tohum?

Exxonnolonger investinginGuyana’soil projects - Glenn Lall ...country’s debt growing as production ramps up

Let me show you how

ExxonMobil is no longer an investor in Guyana, but is instead using Guyana’s own oil to enrich itself, while the country is left waiting, and the politicians remain silent.

TheoilcontractGuyanasigned clearly states that the country will receive 50% of the profits But there is a condition: that share comes only after ExxonMobil recoversitsinvestment.

Under that same agreement, Exxonisallowedtotakeupto75% oftheoilrevenueeachdaytorepay those costs. The remaining 25% is then split equally between Exxon andGuyana.

In simple terms, Guyana only receiving 12 5%, while ExxonMobil walks away with 87 5% of the value from every barrel both to recover its costs and asprofit.

Letthatsinkin.

Andthepromisewasthis:only after Exxon fully recovers its investment will Guyana begin to receiveitsfull50%shareofprofits.

That is what is written in the contract.

THE PATTERN THAT TELLS THE STORY

Let us now look at what has beenhappening.

Exxon began with Liza Phase One The 75% cost recovery arrangement kicked in As Guyana’s oil started paying off the cost of that project, expectations grew that the country would soon begintoreceiveitsfull50%share.

ButjustasLiza1movedtoward being paid off, Exxon announced Liza2.

And just like that, the same arrangement continued. Guyana’s oil from Liza 1 began paying for Liza2, keepingthe country locked atthat12.5%share.

ThencameLiza3and4.

Now,oilfromLiza1and2had to pay for those projects as well again delaying Guyana’s move to itsfull50%.

ThencameLiza5and6.

What that means again, the oil from Liza 1,2,3 and 4 was being used to finance 5 and 6 while Guyana remained at 12.5%. after that was paif off they announced Project7whichalmostpaidofftoo,

And now, even before Guyana canmovetoitsfullshare,Projects8 and9havebeenannounced.

A SYSTEM THAT EXTENDS THE WAIT

Sowhatishappeninghere?

EverytimeGuyanagetscloseto reachingitsfull50%share— anewprojectisintroduced.

Every new project brings new costs.

Every new cost extends the recoveryperiod.

And so the country remains stuck year after year at that same12.5%.

WHO IS REALLY FINANCING THESE PROJECTS?

Hereistherealquestion:

If Guyana’s oil is paying for Liza2… andLiza3… andLiza4… andLiza5and6… andevenProject7…

then who is really financing thesedevelopments?

Exxon’sinitialinvestmentmay havestartedwithLiza1.

But every project after that is being funded by the oil produced fromGuyana.

Yet,Exxoncontinuestotakethe majority 87 5% share, while Guyanaremainsatthebottomwith 12.5%

THE COST TO THE COUNTRY

And while all of this is happening,thecountrycontinuesto borrow Year after year, Guyana is takingonnewdebt,payinginterest, and handing citizens small cash grants that do little to ease their dailystruggles.

THE NUMBERS THAT CANNOT BE IGNORED

WhenGuyanabeganproducing oilinDecember2019,thecountry’s debtstoodataboutUS$2.6billion.

From then to now 2026 over US$60billionworthofoilhasbeen produced.

And where does Guyana stand today?

With approximately US$10 billionindebt.

Thinkaboutthat.

Afteryearsofproduction,after US billions in oil, instead of the

debtgoingdown,ithasclimbed.

AQUESTION THAT DEMANDS AN ANSWER

This is the reality facing Guyana:

Billions in oil wealth leaving the country…and increasing debt remainingbehind.

So tell me, what kind of progressisthat?

**Whenthewealthgoes…and the debt comes, who is really benefiting?

MONDAY

Chevronshareholderfaces questionsonlopsidedoil contract,lackoffullliability coverageinGuyana

The Oil and Gas Governance Network(OGGN),aUSbasednonprofit organization raised serious questions with Berkshire HathawayInc,amajorshareholder Continued on page 21

Frompage20 ofChevron-whichnowownsHess Corporation- raising questions about the lopsided Stabroek Block PetroleumAgreement.

Berkshire Hathaway owns major companies like GEICO and Dairy Queen with large stakes in Apple and Coca-Cola among others. The company owns over one million shares in Chevron, representing about just over 6% of the oil company’s stock. Chevron recently bought over Hess which holds 30% shares in Guyana’s oilrichStabroekacreage.

According to its Berkshire Hathaway’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics ‘obeying the law,bothinletterandinspirit,isthe foundation upon which the Company’s ethical standards are built.’

In a letter datedApril 18, 2026 and addressed to GregAbel, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Fortune 500 American company representatives of OGGN weighed into Berkshire for expressing deep prideinitstaxcontributionswhich amounted to a staggering US$26 8B paid to the United States.

The Guyanese activists explained, “There appears to be a stark ideological clash when evaluating Chevron, which constitutes a massive pillar of Berkshire’s equity portfolio

Following Chevron’s 2025 acquisition of Hess, it inherited a highly lucrative 30% working interest in the Stabroek Block in Guyana.”

To this end, they pointed out that underArticle 15.4 of the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) governing the Stabroek Block, the oil consortium does not pay out-of-pocket corporate income taxes to the Guyanese government. Instead, Guyana is contractually obligated to settle these tax liabilities on the companies’behalfusingthestate’s ownshareofprofitoil.

In underlining the absurdity of this provision, OGGN stated that theconsortiumwasrequiredtopay total income taxes amounting to US$5.23Bbetween2020and2024 while Guyana’s total earnings amountedtoonlyUS$6.27Bduring thesameperiod.

OGGN said, “Rather than the consortium paying this massive sum out of its own profits, the developing nation absorbed the entire US$5.23 billion tax bill on their behalf—a staggering reality when compared to the country’s total take-home revenue for that exactsamefive-yearperiod.”

It added that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) would thenissueanofficialtaxcertificate which can then be used to claim ForeignTaxCredits(FTCs).Tothis end, the activists reasoned that while Chevron may be following the“letter”ofitsforeigncontracts,

this massive wealth transfer arguablyviolatesthe“spirit”ofthe ethicalstandardsandfaircorporate citizenshipchampionedinOmaha.

“How would this zero-out-ofpockettaxarrangementreadonthe front page of the local paper?

Beyond these staggering tax disparities, this ideological clash

extends to the realm of environmental liability,” the nonprofitorganizationcontinued.

The Network reminded that Berkshire’s Audit Committee Charter explicitly requires the discussion of policies governing the company’s exposure to risk, includingenvironmentalandsocial risks.“Yet,theconsortiumoperates in Guyana through a limited liability subsidiary, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), heavily shielding the parent companies (including Chevron) massive assets. Rather than doing what is right, moral, and obligatory to the rule of law in honoring its legal imperative to provide a parent company guarantee covering all costsforcleanupincaseofamajor oilspill,theconsortiumuncaringly reneged on this legal requirement with change in Guyana’s Government in 2020, and has aggressively negotiated to cap its guarantee at a mere US$2 billion. To put this in perspective, the Macondo spill in the Gulf of MexicocostedupwardsofUS$145 billion,”OGGNflagged.

The letter goes on to explain that the ExxonMobil-led consortium not only appealed a local ruling for full liability coverageintheeventofanoilspill but it “illegally” violates the Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and standard international practices by exceeding safe production limits, flaring of tens of millions of standard cubic feet of toxic produced gas daily and dumping “billions of barrels of toxic and radioactive produced water” overboard.

OGGN was keen to note that while it welcomes development, includingoilproduction,itbelieves these activities must be carried out

in a responsible, safe and environmentallysoundmanner

Giventheissuesflaggedabove, the group said that Guyana, the Caribbean and Latin American is faced with the potential to suffer financ

atastrophe resulting from a major oil spill, while Chevron and its partners profit off of the plight of these countries.

Consequently, the Network explained,“Thiscreatesaprofound paradox. While the parent holding company in Omaha proudly writes record-breaking checks to the IRS and embraces its financial obligations, a significant driver of Berkshire’s portfolio value is actively benefiting from multibillion dollar, zero-out-of-pocket tax arrangements and legally shielded environmental liabilities financed almost entirely by a developingnation.”

GivenBerkshire’slongstanding commitment to intellectual honesty, OGGN asked how does the management team internally reconcile this philosophical disconnect? The body further queried,“Isthereathresholdwhere the aggressive optimization strategies of portfolio companies begin to conflict with the core valueschampionedinOmaha?”

AboutOGGN:

OGGN was founded in 2017 and is composed of Guyanese at homeandabroad.Itisregisteredas 501(c)(3)non-profitinNewYork. Thegroup’smissionistoadvocate for the rule of law, environmental protection, and strict financial norms when it comes to oil exploration and production in Guyana.

GlennLallsoundsalarmon Exxon’s‘87.5%grab’ ...saysGuyaneseremainpoor amidoilwealth

KaieteurNewsPublisherGlenn Lallhasonceagainraisedconcerns about ExxonMobil contract delivering blistering critique of Guyana’soilsectorwhileaccusing both government leaders and oil giant of presiding over what he

describes as a system designed to keep the country rich on paper but poorinreality

In a fiery and emotionally charged commentary on Kaieteur Radio last Monday night on his Glenn Lall Show, Lall warned that unless Guyanese citizens wake up to what he called “a deliberate design,” the consequences would be irreversible and self-inflicted. He said for years, Guyanese have been told that oil would transform thenation.Accordingtohim,since first oil in 2019 from the Stabroek Block, successive administrations have touted rapid economic growth, global recognition, and a future of shared wealth. “Indeed, Guyana has recorded some of the fastest GDP growth rates in the world, driven largely by offshore oil production, but beneath these glowing statistics lies a troubling contradiction If oil was truly transformingGuyanapeoplewould not still be struggling to eat, pay bills,andsurvive.”

The50%illusion Lall further zeroed in on the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA)signedbetweenGuyanaand ExxonMobil and its partners. The contractstatesthatGuyanareceives a50%shareofprofitsaftercostsare recovered. But according to Lall, thisiswherethedeceptionbegins.

He explained that under the agreement,ExxonMobilisallowed to take up to 75% of daily oil production as “cost oil” to recover its investment The remaining 25%—termed “profit oil” is then split equally between the company and Guyana. The result, he said Guyana effectively receives just 12.5%oftotaloilproductionduring the cost recovery phase. “That is nothalf,”Lallemphasised:“Thatis halfofaquarter.”

Kaieteur News has previously reported on this structure, pointing out the absence of key safeguards suchasring-fencing,whichallows companies to charge costs across multiple projects, prolonging the period before Guyana sees larger revenues Lall has argued that ExxonMobil has created a cycle that prevents Guyana from ever reaching the point of full profit

sharing.

He pointed to the successive development of projects: Liza Phase 1, Liza Phase 2, and subsequent developments such as Payara and Yellowtail as evidence ofarollingsystemofcostrecovery According to him, just as one project nears repayment, new projects are introduced, adding fresh costs to the ledger This, he says,keepsGuyanalockedintothe 12.5%bracket.Lallhaspreviously warned about the lack of ringfencing provisions in the PSA: meaning costs from new developments can be deducted against revenues from producing fields. He has argued before that this allows ExxonMobil to continuously defer higher paymentstothecountry

“This is not investment anymore,” Lall declared. “This is ouroilpayingfortheirexpansion.”

Still on the issue of ringfencing, he said this provision would prevent companies from using costs from new projects to offset profits from existing ones. “Without it, revenues from producing fields can be used to finance future developments, effectively delaying the country’s accesstohigherprofitshares.”

Lall insists that introducing ring-fencing could immediately change Guyana’s financial trajectory “The contract does not prevent it,” he argued. “It can be done.” Not just Lall, but several other oil experts and transparency advocatesbothlocallyandoverseas have urged the government to renegotiateorstrengthenoversight mechanisms.

BILLIONS OUT, DEBT UP

Turning his attention to Guyana’s ballooning debt Lall pointed out that between 2020 and 2026, more than US$60 billion worth of oil has been extracted fromGuyana’swaters.“Yetduring the same period, the country has climbed from approximately US$2.6 billion to around US$10 billion.” However, Lall questions thelogicofrisingdebtinthefaceof unprecedented oil revenues “When a country earning billions keeps borrowing more, something isdefinitelywrong...”

The businessman alleged that project costs themselves may be inflated a claim that, if true, would further disadvantage Guyana.Highercostshesaidmean more oil diverted to cost recovery, reducing the share available to the country Kaieteur News has previously reported on concerns raised by experts regarding the auditingofoilexpenses.Whilethe government has initiated audits of ExxonMobil’s claims, questions remain about capacity, transparency, and enforcement Guyana contracted auditors have also flagged discrepancies in costs recoveredbyExxonMobil,which Continued on page 22

Frompage21 is yet to be resolved. “If costs are inflated,”Lallsaid,“thenGuyanais notonlypaying,butoverpaying.”

Lall stopped short of blaming ExxonMobil alone, placing significant responsibility on Guyana’s political leadership past and present. He argued that both major parties, including the People’s Progressive Party and the People’s National Congress, bear responsibility for the terms of the agreement and its continued implementation “This is not accident.Thisischoice,”hesaid.

Kaieteur News has long maintained an editorial stance criticalofthePSA,describingitas lopsided and unfavourable to Guyana.Beyondthenumbers,Lall returned repeatedly during the commentary to the human impact. He painted a picture of ordinary Guyanese families still struggling despite the country’s oil wealth an observation that resonates in many communities where the cost of living remains high and inequality persists.“Thewealthisleaving,”he warned “But the struggle remains.” Lall ended with a stark warning:ifcitizensfailtorespond, theymustaccepttheconsequences.

TUESDAY RamcallsGovt. investmentofferillegal -warnsinvitationtofinance gasbottle,fertiliserplants breachsecuritieslaws, exposesinvestorstorisk

Theadvertisementissuedbythe Government of Guyana (GoG) through the Office of the Prime Minister(OPM)invitingthepublic to invest in the Guyana Ammonia andUreaPlantInc.(GAUP)andthe GuyanaGasBottlingandLogistics Company Inc. (GGBLC) is illegal accordingtoCharteredAccountant andAttorney,ChristopherRam. Inhisweeklycolumnpublished bythisnewspaperonSunday,Ram continued part two of his commentary on the “illegal” advertisementbygovernment. He said the invitation directs prospective investors to forward their expressions of interest to the chair of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB)inanapparentexpansion of the statutory functions of that body

The Lawyer explained, “It is a public invitation of investment capitaldressedupasaprocurement notice, inviting members of the public to commit money on the basisofagovernmentpromiseona venture that is like a financial plagueonthecountry.” RampointedoutthatthePPP/C enactedtheSecuritiesIndustryAct, (SIA) to protect the public by ensuringthatadequateinformation is provided to allow informed decision-making and risk-taking To this end, he said in failing to

meetthosestandards,theinvitation is “reckless, dangerous and unlawful.”

Theattorneysuggestedthatthe identity of investors will not be “private”ashehighlightedtherole of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) in advising NPTAB on identifying the source of funds as partofatestformoneylaundering.

Additionally, he said, “Section 2 of the Companies Act defines a public company as one whose issued shares or debentures are or were part of a distribution to the public within the meaning of Section531orareintendedforsuch distribution Section 3 of the Securities Industry Act adds a second limb: a company is also a publiccompanyifitis“theissuerof asecuritythatisbeneficiallyowned bymorethanfiftypersons.”

Both statutes treat the public character of a company as a consequence of how its securities areofferedandheld,notalabelthe government attaches to it, Ram argued. He pointed out that each investorintheGAUPisrequiredto provideatleastUS$5milliononthe US$300M plant, meaning at least 60 persons are required, however each investor can pledge more financingtowardstheinitiative.

As such, Ram explained, “The moment beneficial ownership crosses 50, the SIA treats the company as public, with the expansive duties that follow. Second, the offer is made publicly and directed to “local and foreign” investors, including the diaspora.

ThatfallssquarelywithintheSIA’s definition of “offer to the public”. The advertisement seeks shelter behind the statements that “all information provided is only indicative”andthatthedocumentis “only a preliminary Expression of Interest.” The Act offers no such escapehatch.”

According to him, a “private company”inwhichthegovernment exercises control is still a government company Likewise, a private company whose securities are offered to the public is by statutoryeffectapubliccompany

The attorney has not only advised the OPM to seek legal advice on the issue but cautioned investors to be careful about pursuing this option offered by government. “Such an investment is dangerous and frankly, insane. No serious investor should ignore thatasymmetry,”Ramcautionedas he pointed to the bypassing of NICIL in this arrangement with Cabinettakingdirectcontrol.

“That decision must arouse suspicion and concern. NICIL exists to hold and manage State investments within a recognised framework of governance and accountability. To bypass it and create a company by Cabinet introduces a parallel structure with notrackrecord,noclearoversight, and no obvious rationale,” the Lawyersaid.

He pointed out that the arrangement outs the financial burden on the public without the

accompany such investment such as regulatory protection, clear and independent oversight, clear governance,andenforceablerights. Instead, what is offered is a “guarantee” of return unsupported by the disclosures and safeguards requiredunderthelaw,accordingto thelawyer

Just over a week ago, Kaieteur News reported that the OPM invited investors, both local and foreign, to submit Expressions of Interest for financing the Guyana Ammonia and Urea Plant Inc (GAUP) is estimated to cost US$300M and the Gas Bottling project which is expected to cost another US$40M. It said investors can provide up to US$5M and US$1M respectively with a government backed guaranteed 10%

investment.

Govt.toscrap advancedemurrage -givesimporters21-daygrace period,amidportcongestion

Faced with mounting shipping bills, upfront demurrage payments and costly delays, businesses in Guyanacouldsoonseereliefasthe government moves to eliminate advancedemurrageandintroducea 21-daygraceperiodbeforecharges apply, measures authorities say could ease the financial strain on importers and stabilise the cost of goods.

The proposals were outlined during a stakeholder consultation hosted yesterday by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) under the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation on laytime and demurrage, held at Duke Lodge in Kingston, Georgetown, that brought together shipowners, brokers, charterers, agents, managers, operators and shippers.

Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar said the move is aimed at addressing rising import costs driven by port congestion and current billing practices.“Imaginethatyouhaveto pay advance demurrage,” Indar said. “The laytime for the vessel is

Asection of the gathering at yesterday’s consultation.

72hours,butoncethatexpiresyou begin to pay demurrage. This is carryingupthecostofimportation inthecountry.”

He added that port activity has surged sharply in recent years without corresponding infrastructure expansion. “In 2020 wehad2,513portcalls.Attheend of 2025, we had 3,700 - a 65 per cent increase. But there was not more built out of commercial wharfing facilities,” he observed, noting that congestion and scheduling delays are translating directly into higher demurrage costs that are ultimately passed on toconsumers.

Indar said the government is now working on a policy framework to implement the 21day window before demurrage applies and to remove advance payments, which he described as administratively burdensome for importers.

Legal Officer at MARAD, Tiffany Hohenkirk, said the consultation was intended to test the proposals and examine their implications. “A vessel arrives on time, all of the documents are in place,butcargooperationstakejust a little longer than expected. One day becomes two, two becomes four, and suddenly what should have been a routine port call turns into tens of thousands of dollars in demurrage,”shesaid.

Hohenkirkcautioned,however, that eliminating advance demurragecouldshiftfinancialrisk toshipowners,whomayrespondby increasingfreightrates.“Thereisa possibility that the intended cost savingsmaybeneutralizedoreven result in higher overall shipping costs,”shenoted,addingthatwhile ending advance demurrage could bring benefits such as reduced upfront costs, greater flexibility andmorepredictablepricing,there are also risks, including higher freight rates, reduced vessel traffic and potential declines in port competitiveness.

Chairman of the Shipping Association of Guyana, Komal Singh, pointed to congestion as a central issue and criticised the growinguseofadvancedemurrage charges.“Youneedtopayacouple days of demurrage in advance… thenyouhavetogothroughavery long process to get that money refunded.Thatshouldnothappen,” hesaid.

Businessman Nicholas Boyer questioned whether infrastructure gapsareattherootoftheproblem. “Do we have a challenge in the infrastructure?” he asked, noting thatimportvolumeshaveincreased significantly without matching expansioninportcapacity Hesaid inefficiencies along the logistics chain, from shipping lines to customs approvals, also contribute todelays.

VicePresidentoftheGuyana Continued on page 32

There was a time when knowledge itself created advantage. The person who knew more, who had access to better information, who

earned a number of “subjects”, who could code, calculate,analyze,design,or write faster than everyone else, stood apart. In many fields,thatadvantageshaped

careers, businesses, reputations, and social mobility

That era is changing quickly Today, a teenager with access to ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or any of the other large language models can write an essay, debug code, design a flyer, generate a business plan, summarize a report, build a simple application, and prepare a presentation in minutes Artificial intelligence has not made everyone brilliant, but it has madecapabilitymorewidely available than at any other timeinhumanhistory

That shift forces a new question, especially for youngpeopleinGuyanaand acrossthedevelopingworld; wheneveryonecanproduce, who gets chosen? The answerwillnotrestonprice alone.Itwillnotrestonlyon technical skill. Increasingly, the person who gets chosen willbethepersonwhocanbe trusted. This is the central challengeoftheAIage.

The 2025 Stack

Overflow Developer Survey found that 84% of respondents were already using or planning to use AI tools in their development process Across writing, design, marketing, research, education, engineering, and business strategy, AI is loweringthebarriertoentry

Tasks that once required yearsoftrainingcannowbe attempted by almost anyone with an internet connection andthecuriositytobegin.

That is good news for countries like Guyana. A child in Berbice, Linden, Bartica, Lethem, Essequibo, or Georgetown can now learn, build, test, and create at a level that would have been almost impossible a decadeago.

Butaccesstotoolsisnot the same as adoption.

Decades after email became b a s i c t o m o d e r n

Advancing Education, Technology & Innovation in Guyana…

When Everyone Is Smart, Who Gets Chosen?

communication, there are stillcitizenswhohavenever meaningfully used it. Some do not have email installed on their phones. Some have an address only because someonecreateditforthem.

In many cases, this is not laziness. It is connected to literacy, poverty, limited exposure, age, geography, culture,fear,habit,orsimple disinterest.

We see the same pattern with mobile apps created to make life easier in Guyana. Apps are launched. Press releasesareissued.Officials pose for photographs. But manyoftheseplatformslater languishbecausecitizensdo not download them, do not trustthem,ordonotseethem as part of their daily lives.

Technology does not transform societies by itself. People have to be prepared, persuaded, trained, supported,andincluded.

That is why AI may widen the gap between citizensinsteadofclosingit. For those who are curious, literate, connected, and already comfortable with technology, AI will be an amplifier It will help them write better, code faster, research deeper, and compete beyond their local environment. But for those who do not engage, AI will not simply pass them by It may push them further behind.

The worker who usesAI to improve communication and problem-solving will become more competitive.

Even among those who do engage, the marketplace will become crowded. AI will produce a flood of acceptable work Not perfect.Notexceptional.But acceptable. There will be more apps, more designs, more business plans, more essays, and more proposals than ever before When everyone can create something,peoplewillbegin toaskdeeperquestions.

CanIrelyonthisperson? Will they finish what they s t a r t e d ? D o t h e y communicate clearly? Do they stand behind their work? Will they show up when something goes wrong?CanItrustthemwith my money, my project, my child, my data, my reputation, or my business? These are human questions. That is why the future will reward brand, trust, relationships, quality, and communication. These are no longer soft extras. They are survival skills A personalbrandisnotalogo. It is not a clever slogan. A brand is the accumulated evidenceofhowyoubehave overtime.Itisthememoryof yourreliability

For young people, this matters deeply The future will reward finishers. It will reward people who can take an idea from concept to completion. AI can produce quickly, but it cannot guarantee excellence Excellence still requires judgment, revision, testing, honesty, feedback, and care. This is where education systems must pay attention. If we continue to train children only to memorize, obey,andrepeat,wewillfail them.AIcanalreadyretrieve information faster than any child It can summarize, translate, generate, and explain The human advantage now lies elsewhere.

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 found that analytical thinking remains one of the most sought-after core skills among employers. It also identified resilience, flexibility, leadership, and social

The small business owner who uses AI for marketing, bookkeeping, and planning will gain an advantage Meanwhile, the citizen who remains outside the digital world will face a harsher e c o n o m y , w h e r e expectationsrisebutsupport doesnotalwaysfollow This is the danger AI may make inequality sharper It may widen the educational divide between children whose parents and teachers encourage digital exploration and those who are told to stay away from technology That is why the AI conversation in Guyana cannot be only about apps, p l a t f o r m s , a n d announcements.Itmustalso be about literacy, trust, p u b l i c e d u c a t i o n , community training, and culturalacceptance.

influence among the most important skills for the future of work. Technical ability matters, but human capability will increasingly determinewhoadvances.

That is why confidence matters.Confidencedoesnot mean arrogance. It means clarity It means a young person can stand before others and explain an idea, defend their thinking, ask questions, receive feedback, admit what they do not know, and return with a better version. In Guyana, too many children are trained to be quiet in the presence of authority Too many are punished for questioning.Butthemodern economy will not reward silence.Itwillrewardyoung peoplewhocanthink,speak, collaborate, persuade, and lead.

For many families, especially working-class families, networking can sound like something reserved for elites But networking is simply the discipline of building and sustaining meaningful relationships. Many young people are talented, but talentoftenremainsinvisible withoutconnection.

Too many have been trained to treat relationships as temporary conveniences, reachingoutonlywhenthey needhelp,thendisappearing when the need has passed. Thatisnotnetworking.Real networking is a lifelong commitment to nurturing relationships that matter It means contributing as well

as benefiting, showing up consistently, offering value, and becoming the kind of person others are willing to recommend, support, and trust.

At STEMGuyana, this insight shaped our approach from early We understood that it was never enough to teach children coding and robotics in isolation. The larger goal was always to help children learn how to workinteams,explainideas, build confidence, form relationships, compete with dignity,recoverfromfailure, and take ownership of their work. That approach now feels even more urgent. The future does not belong to those who can simply use technology It belongs to those who can combine technology with discipline, character, judgment, and presence.

Guyana is entering a period o

mous economic opportunity Oil revenues, infrastructure expansion,andnewbusiness activitywillcreateopenings. But if our young people are not prepared to distinguish themselves, many of those openingswillgotoothers.

The national challenge today is even bigger than

motivatedyoungpeople.We must also bring along those whoarenotyetengaged.We must reach the child whose parents do not understand technology We must reach theadultwhoisembarrassed to admit they cannot use read. We must reach the

smallbusinessownerwhois afraid of online payments. We must reach the rural c o m m u n i t y w h e r e connectivity exists on paper butnotinpracticaldailylife. If we do not, Guyana will become two countries. One will use AI to move faster, learn faster, earn more, and access wider markets. The otherwillremainoutsidethe systems that increasingly determine opportunity That cannotbeourfuture.

Theanswerisnottoslow down those who are ready The answer is to widen the circle of readiness. Digital literacy must become a national development priority AI literacy must enter community centers, teacher training programs, and small business support systems. Parents must be helped to understand the toolstheirchildrenareusing. Teachersmustbesupported, notshamed.

Workers must be retrained. Citizens must be shown, patiently and practically, how technology canservetheirlives.

Thesocietythatsucceeds will not be the one that merely announces digital transformation.Itwillbethe one that prepares ordinary citizenstoparticipateinit.In the end, when everyone is smart, the question is no longer only who can do the work.

The question is who we choosetotrustwithit.Andin Guyana, there is one more urgentquestion.Whowillbe preparedtoparticipateatall?

MindYour Business

The Psychology of Fear-Based Parenting DisciplineorPunishment?

- WHEN CORRECTION TEACHES

BEHAVIOR BUT FEAR SHAPES THE CHILD

By Dr. EonAndre George, PhD, EdD

Welearnveryearlyinthe Caribbean context that “discipline” was not a calm conversation. It was sudden, sharp, and physical A mistake could bring whatever was closest to hand. A belt pulled from a waist. A stick from the yard. Aslipper, a pot, even a quick punch or slap in your upper back that knocks the air out of your chest, leaving you frozen, unsure whether to cry, gasp, or brace for what might come next. In those moments, the body reacted before the mind could catch up. There was no time to thinkaboutwhatwentwrong or how to fix it. The focus shifted instantly to survival, to enduring the moment, and more importantly, to rememberinghowtoavoidit inthefuture.

Formany,thiswasnotan isolated experience. It was part of growing up. It was how correction was delivered and how respect was taught. Parents acted quickly, often believing that immediate, forceful response would prevent future mistakes And in many cases, it seemed effective. The child stopped. The behavior changed. The householdremainedinorder However, beneath that surface level of obedience, somethingdeeperwastaking place. While behavior was being corrected, emotional patterns were also being formed, patterns that often remained long after childhoodhadpassed. The Difference Between Discipline and

Punishment

To understand this fully, it is important to distinguish between discipline and punishment, because although they are often used interchangeably, they function very differently

Discipline is intended to teach. It focuses on helping the child understand expectations, consequences, and better ways to respond. Punishment, particularly when it is driven by fear or frustration, is focused on s t o p p i n g b e h a v i o r immediately

In many homes, the distinction was not always made clear A child who broke something, spoke out of turn, or failed to follow instructions could be corrected quickly and physically, often without explanation. The behavior stopped, but the reasoning behind it was not always understood.

For example, a young boy who forgets to complete achoremaybebeatenbefore he can even explain. The next day, he remembers the chore,butnotbecausehehas internalized responsibility He remembers the pain. The lesson,therefore,isnotabout understanding. It is about avoidance. This is where fear-based conditioning takes hold. In simple terms, the brain begins to link a behavior with a painful or frightening outcome, and over time it avoids that behavior, not because it understands it is wrong, but because it wants to avoid the feelingthatfollowed.

How Fear Shapes the Child

Asthispatterncontinues,

the child begins to associate mistakes with threat rather than opportunity This shift is subtle but significant Instead of asking, “What did I do wrong?” the internal question becomes, “What willhappentome?”

Psychologically, this engages the body’s stress response system, often referredtoasthefight,flight, or freeze response. This is the body’s natural survival mechanism. When danger is detected, the brain signals the body to prepare. Heart rate increases, muscles tighten, breathing changes, and thinking becomes narrowerandfaster Thegoal is not reflection. The goal is protection.

In that state, learning is limited. The brain is not focused on understanding or problem-solving It is focused on getting through the moment. This explains why, in many situations, children do not respond thoughtfully in the moment. They react.Aspilled drink, a broken item, or a simple mistake can trigger an immediate freeze. The child becomes still, silent, and alert. That reaction is not about the object or the mistake. It is about what experience has taught them toexpectnext.

Over time, this repeated activation shapes how the child engages with the world. Some become overly cautious, hesitant to try new things for fear of getting it wrong. Others become reactive,especiallywhenthe pressure feels constant. In both cases, behavior is being shaped, but so is emotional response.

The Emotional Impact Beneath Compliance

While fear-based environments often produce outward compliance, the emotional cost beneath that compliance is often overlooked. A child who appears well-behaved may actually be operating under constantinternalpressure. Some children adapt by becoming highly controlled. They monitor their behavior closely, trying to avoid mistakes at all costs. Over time, this can lead to anxiety andperfectionism,wherethe

fear of failure becomes stronger than the desire to succeed.Theirachievements may be visible, but their emotional experience is tense and fragile. Others respond differently Instead ofbecomingcontrolled,they begin to resist. The pressure builds quietly until it finds expressionthroughdefiance, irritability, or withdrawal. What is often labeled as disrespect or “hard ears” mayactuallybearesponseto repeatedemotionalstrain.

In addition, social learning theory helps explain how these patterns extend beyond childhood. This theory suggests that children learn not only from what they are told, but from what they observe and experience.Whencorrection is consistently delivered throughaggression,thechild may begin to see aggression as a normal and acceptable way to respond to problems. In this way, the behavior is not only received, it is reproduced.

When Fear Becomes Internal

Perhaps one of the most lasting effects of fear-based parenting is that it does not remain external. Over time, it becomes internal The child grows, but the voice of correction stays with them. Even in the absence of authority, the pressure remains. Thoughts such as “Don’t mess up,” “Don’t get it wrong,” or “You should know better” become automatic This is what psychologists describe as internalized anxiety It means that what was once external pressure from parents or caregivers has now become self-imposed pressure within the individual.

As individuals move into adulthood, this can manifest in different ways. Some may struggle with overthinking, constantly second-guessing decisions. Others may find it difficult to relax, always feeling as though something is expected of them. In some cases, there may be a persistent fear of judgment, even in safe environments. Whatbeganasdisciplinehas now shaped how the individual relates to

themselves.

AParent’s Perspective

At the same time, it is important to recognize that many parents did not act out of cruelty, but out of what they knew and what they feared. A parent who was raised in a similar environment may believe that strict, immediate correctionisnecessary They may recall their own upbringing and conclude that it “kept them in line.”

Now,facedwithraisingtheir own child, they repeat what feelsfamiliar

However, beneath that repetition is often fear Fear that the child may go astray Fear that without firm control, opportunities may be lost Fear that the struggles they endured may be repeated. In that moment, the reaction is not just about the behavior It is about preventing a future they are trying to protect their child from This reflects i n t e r g e n e r a t i o n a l transmission, which simply means that patterns, beliefs, and ways of responding are passed down from one generation to the next, often without being questioned or re-examined.

Rethinking Correction

Understanding these patterns does not mean removing discipline. Children need structure, guidance, and boundaries. The question is not whether correction should happen, buthowitshouldhappenand whatitshouldproduce.

Whendisciplineincludes explanation, consistency, and respect, children are more likely to develop internalunderstanding.They begintoconnectactionswith c o n s e q u e n c e s i n a meaningful way They also learnthatmistakesarepartof growth, not threats to their safety This creates a shift from fear-based compliance to understanding-based behavior

Toward Healthier

Discipline

Effective discipline balances firmness with connection It sets expectations clearly while maintaining communication and support It corrects behavior without attacking identity. This approach supports emotional regulation development, which refers to a child’s ability to understand, manage,andrespondtotheir emotions in a healthy way Instead of suppressing feelings out of fear, they learn how to express and controlthemappropriately

Over time, children raised in this way become more confident in handling challenges. They are not just avoiding mistakes. They are learning how to navigate them.Childrenwhofeelsafe are more likely to communicate openly Children who understand expectations are more likely to follow them This

obedience.

Understanding Behavior Through Context

When these patterns are viewed more closely, behavior begins to make more sense. What appears as obedience may sometimes be anxiety. What appears as silence may be fear. What appearsasdefiancemaybea response to pressure that has builtovertime.

Understanding this does not remove responsibility, but it adds depth. It allows for responses that address not just behavior, but the emotionalexperiencebehind it. Because in the end, the goal is not simply to raise children who comply out of fear. It is to raise individuals who understand, regulate, and grow beyond the patternstheyinherited.

Every belief has a history

Everyreactionhasaroot.

Understanding them is wherewisdombegins.

Zoe Kravitz and Harry Styles planning two weddings and already talking babies: sources

Page Six - Less than a month after Harry Styles slipped a massive $500,000 diamond on fiance Zoë Kravitz’s ring finger, the couple is already planning two weddings, sources have revealedtoPageSix.

The transatlantic couple raised eyebrows by getting engaged after just eight months of dating, but sources say their plans are alreadyfullsteamahead.

“I know for a fact Zoë wouldwanttodosomething in New York because of her dad,soifanythingit’sgoing to be two weddings,” a source close to the Kravitz family told Page Six, referringtoKravitz’rockstar fatherLenny

“Dad still lives in downtown [Manhattan]. It could be at the Fouquet’s Hotel If she does two [weddings] it would be one in London and one in New York.

After eight months of dating,the‘Aperture’singer, 32,andthe‘CaughtStealing’ actress, 37, have turned up

the volume on their

relationship with an engagement that’s rocked popculture.

“ S h e w o u l d d o downtown over Brooklyn,” whereZoëhasanapartment, “becausehelikesdowntown and she would do that for him.”

The source added pop star Styles who recently released single ‘American Girls’—hasreallyhitthings off with ‘American Woman’ singerLenny

“IknowZoëputtogether the meeting with Harry and her father a while ago.They did a whole meet-and-greet. Obviously, Lenny loves Harry

“One thing about Zoë, she will date whoever she wants, but if they’re not getting along with her dad, eventually they’re going to falltotheside.”

‘CaughtStealing’actress Zoë,37,isalreadyinthecity as she is sitting on the host committee for Monday’s MetGala,butwhiletherehas been a lot of fuss Styles, 32, would be her plus one, insiderssayhe’snotgoingto makeit.

Harry has not attended the Met Gala since 2019 when he was a co-chair, and insiders note he really doesn’t love big public events.

Instead, Zoë is expected to join her close pal, YSL creative chief Anthony Vaccarello,ontheredcarpet.

Besides, Harry is

preparing to start his worldwide ‘Together Together’ tour, to promote hisnewalbum,‘KissAllthe Time. Disco, Occasionally,’ starting in Amsterdam on May 16. It will include 30night residency at Madison Square Garden in NewYork Citylaterinthesummer

But while both of the power couple are now back towork,it’safteraperiodof relativecalmwheretheyable to grow their relationship in private in Italy, after Harry moved to Rome during a two-year break after his lengthy “Love On Tour” wrappedupinJuly2023.

“Ifanythingit’sgoingto be two weddings because I know for a fact Zoe would wanttodosomethinginNew Yorkbecauseofherdad,”the source close to the Kravitz familysaid.

The ‘Aperture’ singer andthe‘BlinkTwice’actress werefirstspottedtogetherin Augustlastyearlinkedarmin-arminRome.

That same month, they were also scene making out in London, parading their PDA “like teenagers,” The Sun reported. At the time, insiders thought the sparks were nothing more than a fling.

Then, in September 2025,asourcetoldPageSix atthetimetheywentfrom“0 to 60,” with the source saying: “Harry wouldn’t havegonepublicwithZoëif it wasn’t anything” and it’s soserious.

“This is the happiest Harryhaseverbeen,he’sjust having a great time,” the source said in September, 2025 of the “Adore You” singer’s admiration for the “BigLittleLies”star Kravitz and Styles were first spotted together in August, 2025. Soon after they continued the love fest in London making out “like teenagers,”TheSunreported

atthetime.

Rumors of their engagement were started by the actress photographed kissing Styles inApril while wearing the yellow gold bezel set cushion-cut diamond, estimated to be worth more at least $500,000.

People around Styles told Page Six last month he andKravitzwouldhavekids soonerratherthanlater

“Hereallywantsababy,” a spy told Page Six in January “He’s been telling hisfriendsthat.”

During his hiatus, Harry also became an uncle when his sister, Gemma, had her firstdaughter

Headded:“Mysisterhad ababyandatanyothertime in my life I would have missed a lot of that. To be theretogettoknowmyniece as she’s growing up, it’s so obvious to me what’s real,” he told the UK’s Sunday TimesinFebruary

A source close to the KravitzfamilytoldPageSix LennyisafanofStyles.“He definitely approves of Harry,” a source close to the KravitzfamilysaidofStyles. He also said how drinking coffee in Italy, running marathons and becoming an uncle has helped him get perspective and enjoy the smaller things in life during hiscareerhiatus.

“When I was in Rome, thecityjusttaughtmehowto slow down. I was so used to everything moving so quickly,butthenIremember going to a café and having a coffee and thinking, ‘I don’t remember the last time I sat down and had a coffee,’” he toldthenewspaper

ForKravitz’part,shehas largely been single since callingoffherengagementto “MagicMike”starChanning TatuminOctober2024after threeyearsofdating.

The source close to the

After wrapping ‘Caught Stealing’Kravitzandhercostar Austin Butler briefly sparked real-life romance rumors after they were seen kissing on set in October 2024, but sources later dismissed it as nothing serious.

Still, the engagement to Styles caught Tatum off guard,asourcetoldPageSix lastweek.

was briefly married to Karl Glusman for 18 months between2019and2021,The reasons for the couple, both actors, calling it off have never been revealed but Kravitz later called their ending“sad”but“beautiful” andsaidtheyremainongood terms.

Kravitz family said they outgreweachother

“The people she dates she’sseriousaboutthem.But she’s definitely more of the creative free spirit, ‘I know what I want.’ Whereas he was more regimented,” the sourcesaid.

The‘21JumpStreet’star shared an emotional and interestingly timed poem on social media which read in part: “My brain and heart divorced / a decade ago / about who was to blame about how big of a mess I have become / Eventually, they couldn’t be in the same roomtogether.”

“He was surprised when he heard the news, like anyone would be,” the insidertoldPageSix.“IfZoë ishappy,he’shappyforher.”

Before Tatum, Kravitz

“They’re not going to find their way back. She’s [Kravitz] very serious about Harry,” a source close to the KravitzfamilytoldPageSix.

Being linked to anA-list actress is nothing new for Styles. The Brit — who s k y r o c k e t e d i n t o superstardom in boyband OneDirection—hasdateda bevy of high-profile celebrities including Taylor SwiftandKendallJenner

However, the musician’s most publicized relationship was perhaps his two years with Olivia Wilde, 42, who directedhiminher2022

Continued on page 40

Frompage22

Customshouse Brokers & Clerks Association, Christopher Matthias, highlighted inconsistencies in how shipping lines calculate free time before demurrage.

“Some lines tell you that the free days commence when the vessel arrives in port,somesaywhenitcomes alongside the wharf, some say when it starts to discharge and others say when it is finished discharging,” Matthias said. “So you don’t know when your actual free days commence.”

C u s t o m s b r o k e r Rajendra Rajcoomar said administrative errors also contribute to delays and costs “Sometimes the shipping line does make mistakes in terms of the manifestandittakesthreeto fivedaystobecorrected,”he said “Why should the importer suffer because of t h e i r m i s t a k e ? ” A representative of Trident Marine Trading Inc. raised operational concerns, including delays caused by limited pilot availability at the Bharrat Jagdeo DemeraraRiverBridge.“We have a problem where our vessel has to be stopped… and wait until there’s pilot availability This costs us d e m u r r a g e , ” t h e representative said, adding that there are only six local pilots available to guide vessels.

WEDNESDAY

Canadianfirm developingUranium projectinGuyana - sitting on 92 Sqkm of land, with 20.6M pounds of proven reserves - tells investors Guyana is a mining-friendly country, with a pro-mining Govt.

U92 Energy Corp , a Canada-basedfirmthisweek

announced that it is advancing a 20 6 million pounds (Mlbs) uranium project located in Region SevenGuyana.

In a detailed corporate update on phase one of the drilling and technical advancementforitsflagship Kurupung uranium project,

U92 highlighted that Guyana’srapidriseasoneof South America’s most

a t t r a c t i v e m i n i n g jurisdictions, with a promininggovernment.

Uranium is described by the International Atomic EnergyAgency (IAEA) as a

naturally occurring radioactive element that servesastheprimaryfuelfor nuclear power plants worldwide–thatbelongstoa special group of elements called “actinides ” As an actinide uranium is 70% denser than lead and found widely in rocks, soil, and water. It is primarily used to produce electricity, providing a highly concentrated energy source where one small pellet can equaltheenergyoutputof88 tonnes of coal. IAEA states that uranium special properties make it the main source of fuel for nuclear reactors. In fact, a chickeneggsizedamountofuranium fuel can provide as much electricity as 88 tonnes of coal.

In its ‘Why Invest’ U92 outlined that it controls a majorlandpackageofabout 92 2 square kilometer in Guyana with proven mineralization.U92saiditis excited to build on the project’s historical Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE), comprising 10 6 Mlbs indicated at a grade of 0.072% and 10Mlb Inferred at a grade of 0.067% UO, while advancing a set of high-priority, previously untested targets across the project area, within its two explorationlicences.

U92 also noted that the project positions it to capitalise on a structural supplydeficitandtheglobal expansion of clean nuclear power

Back in March, U92 entered into a commercial agreementwithOrbitGarant for phase one 5,000 metre diamond drill programme at the Kurupung uranium project. In its most recent updat

, the company confirmed that the diamond drill rig assigned to U92 is currently in Guyana The companyanticipatesthatthe rig will be available for mobilisation to site in the near term to commence phase one drilling on highprioritytargetsattheproject.

The Canadian firm has already submitted the required environmental application for drill pad preparation, and that field teamsareonsitetocomplete camp infrastructure, including construction of a fuel storage facility in accordance w

applicable requirements It was also revealed that key machineries have been sourced to support access road upgrades and drill pad construction.

Commenting on the company’s progress, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of U92 Adam Clode said, “We

ing strong, coordinated progress across site development and drill mobilization, as we advance towardsourfirstholesinthe current drilling campaign at Kurupung We are very excited about our upcoming drillprogramaswebuildon the Company’s historical MRE, with the objective of incorporating the phase one drilling into a pitconstrained,updatedmineral resource estimate in the secondhalfof2026.”

According to Clode, the company’s focus is on ensuring that all elements of the programme, from target definition to operational readiness, are in place to support efficient execution once drill mobilisation is complete He said the objective is to deliver meaningful results and buildinglong-termvaluefor itsshareholders.

In parallel with site development and drilling preparation, U92 is also advancing its technical understanding of the Kurupung project through ongoingdataintegrationand interpretation work The company disclosed that this exercise has confirmed the prioritisation of highconfidence, high-priority drilltargetsfortheupcoming programmeandbeyond.

Moreover, U92 said its technical team has been working with Watts, Griffis & McOuat (WGM), to reinterpret historical drilling data, geological mapping, and available geophysical datasets across the project area The company explained that this work buildsonmorethan129,000 metres of historical drilling completed on the licences at the Kurupung Project, along with an extensive historical drilling database across multiple deposits and target areas.

With over 14,000 metres

of historic drilling, which is notincludedinthehistorical MRE, the firm said it is refiningitsgeologicalmodel to support future drill targeting The company underscored that particular emphasishasbeenplacedon structurallycontrolledzones associated with known uranium mineralisation, including areas along strike from previously identified deposits within magnetic low corridors, as well as underexploredtargetswhere prior drilling intersected significant uranium mineralisation. U92 said it will provide further updates as mobilisation progresses, a n d

commences.

historical uranium resource estimates are from two

y Alexander & Breede (2009) and Workman & Breede (2012). These estimates are considered historical, have not been verified as current mineral resources, and should not be relied upon. The company noted that sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as a current mineral resource, and the Company does not treatitassuch.

Guyanaoildrives

CNOOC’sUS$5.7Bfirst quarterprofitsurge

April 28 (Reuters)China’s CNOOC Ltd (600938.SS), a 7.1% rise in first-quarter net profit on

oil equivalent (boe) in the firstquarter,up8.6%froma yearearlier, with production increasing from both domestic and overseas operations Domestic net production was 140 million boe, up 7% year-on-year, with projects including Kenli 10-2 in the Bohai Basin off north China contributing.

Overseas net production was 65 1 million boe, up 12.3% year-on-year, mainly due to contributions from projectssuchasYellowtailin Guyana The company’s unaudited oil and gas sales revenuewas97billionyuan, up 9 9% year-on-year CNOOC, as one of ‘world’s lowest-cost offshore producers, reported all-in production costs of $28.41 perbarrelinthefirstquarter, up from 2025 whole-year costat$27.

First-quarter capital spending came in at 33.02 billionyuan,up19.1%yearon-year, due to the accelerated deployment of exploration and adjustment wells and faster capacity construction CNOOC’s ‘share price is likely to be supported in the short term by geopolitical tensions and global supply disruptions, while the Iran conflict is unlikely to affect its production, according to Fitch‘Ratings.

“CNOOC’s overseas business accounts for about 35% of its oil and gas assets and 31% of sales volume, with Canada the largest contributor and limited MiddleEast`exposure,”said sy Guo, Associate ctor at Fitch Ratings energy ministry told Reuters another 10% comes from solar power making it one ofthemostrenewableb

Tuesday as the Iran war, pushed up global oil prices and the offshore oil and gas majorincreasedits Net income for the January-to-March period was 39 14 billion yuan (US$5.73billion),compared with 36 56 billion yuan a year earlier, according to a filing with the Hong Kong StockExchangeonTuesday CNOOC Ltd, the listed arm of China National Offshore Oil Company, reportedtotalnetproduction at ‘205.1 million barrels of

ctricity tems in Europe OOC’s Hong Kongd shares have risen 06% year-to-date, outperforming the Hang Seng Index ( HSI), opens new tab, which has gained 0.19%.($1=6.8356Chinese yuanrenminbi)

THURSDAY

WorldBankurges Guyanatoguardagainst volatilerevenuesand spendingsurges

The World Bank in a recent assessment of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) noted that Guyana’s rapidlyexpandingoil-driven Continued on page 33

Frompage32 economy must be carefully managed.

The bank flagged that while someCaribbeancountriescontinue to struggle with high debt, oilproducingstateslikeGuyanafacea different but equally complex challenge-managing volatile revenues as government spending accelerates.

The report noted that countries benefiting from oil production like Guyana must avoid procyclicality where spending rises sharply duringperiodsofhighrevenuesbut becomes difficult to sustain when pricesfall.Itnotedthatpublicdebt trends remain uneven across the Caribbean and Central America While several countries have reduced debt-to-GDP ratios through economic growth and fiscal consolidation, helping to stabilisepublicfinancesandbolster fiscalcredibility,otherscontinueto face significant sustainability challenges.

“Some highly indebted Caribbean economies continue to face challenges in achieving durable debt sustainability, while oil-producing countries such as

production.

“This expansion has been accompanied by rising fiscal revenues, improved external balances, and a declining public debt-to-GDP ratio, although the paceofgrowthalsounderscoresthe importanceofstrengtheningpublic investment management, building institutionalcapacity,andensuring thatoilwealthtranslatesintobroadbasedandinclusivedevelopment,” thebanknoted.

U.S.Ambassadorsays Americancompaniesneed peaceofmindinGuyana …urges reform of Guyana’s tendering process

United States Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot is calling for reforms to Guyana’s tender system, outlining that clearer and m

processeswouldprovideAmerican and other international investors with greater confidence when investinginGuyana.

Speakingonarecentepisodeof the Energy Perspectives podcast, Theriot said American companies s

Guyanaconfronttheparalleltaskof managing revenue volatility and avoiding procyclicality as public finances expand rapidly,” it was stated.

The findings highlighted divergent economic trends across the region. The bank noted that among commodity exporters, TrinidadandTobagoandSuriname experienced sharp economic contractions during the pandemic due to falling international commodity prices, but has since seen a rebound alongside price recovery

However, it highlighted Guyana for its exceptional performance, recording sustained and rapid Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth since 2020, driven by the scaling up of offshore oil

couldreallyaddalotofvalueandit wouldbeawinforallofus…those things would give U S and international companies a peace of mind, so that they know when they’re dealing with Guyana, they know exactly what the requirementsare,whattheyneedto do, and how it’s going to work,” Theriotadded.

Ambassador Theriot’s commentscomeamidgreatforeign interest in Guyana as the country experiences rapid economic expansion,fuelledbyitspetroleum sector

She previously raised concerns affectingAmericanfirmsoperating in Guyana and indicated that the United States Embassy in Guyana is working to eliminate double taxation for American companies operatinghere.

The Ambassador said that American companies operating in Guyana have complained that they are required to pay taxes twice –once in Guyana and then in the UnitesStates.

addressdoubletaxation.

FRIDAY

Exxontightensnooseonpublic consultationsfor8thoilproject …new format restricts collective discussions …questions limited to select panel ...participants forced to move from table to table for answers

Two of the information desks that were set up for citizens to pose questions or concerns.

specialists, but can also seek follow-ups or clarity where necessary-offereddeeperscrutiny onissuesofinterest.

This recent meeting took a different approach, removing this transparentmethodandreplacingit with three desks where questions could be quietly raised and addressed. No microphones were used,meaningtheteamcouldhave beenfacedwiththesamequestions multipletimesandprovideanswers thatmayonlyscratchthesurface.

Participants were directed to three desks - environmental, emergency, and socio-economic for their queries or concerns to be addressed, following a brief presentation by Acorn Public feedback is crucial to the already conducted EIA as this would prompt a revision of the draft document, upon expiration of the ongoing ‘60-day public comments period’.

transparencywhenenteringforeign markets.

“U S companies are always looking for security, for reassurance to know that when they’re investing or when they’re partneringinaforeigncountrythat the regulations and the rules and what’s going to happen is very clear,”shenoted.

Theriotadded,“IthinkGuyana could do itself a huge favour, not just for U.S. companies, but for all international companies if they looked at modernizing the tender process.”

The U.S. envoy also pointed to specific improvements such as digitizing submissions and strengthening oversight of major publiccontracts.

“I think that’s something that

“We do not have a bilateral tax treaty. That is something that my office, my embassy here, has been working very closely with Washington on We’re trying to convince them that this would be useful Because, you know obviously, if you’re a U S company,youdon’twanttohaveto paytaxesbothinGuyanaandinthe United States That’s patently unfair,”shesaid.

Theriot outlined thatAmerican companies are expanding rapidly across several sectors in Guyana but noted that the absence of a bilateraltaxtreatywithGuyanaisa keyconcernforinvestors. Shesaid now that Guyana is becoming a popular destination for U S investment, she thinks that it’s natural that there will be areas the country should revisit including lawsandregulations.

Guyana currently has double taxation agreements with Canada, the United Kingdom, CARICOM and the UnitedArab Emirates, but notwiththeUnitedStates.Instead, the two countries have a Tax Information ExchangeAgreement, which allows for the sharing of financial information but does not

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) the operator of the StabroekBlockhasimplementeda new strategy for its “public consultations” that restricts an indepth disclosure on proposed projects.

On Tuesday afternoon, the companyalongwithitsConsultant, Acorn International of Houston, Texas and the Environmental ProtectionAgency(EPA)metwith citizens at the Umana in Georgetowntodiscussthefindings from the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the eight proposedproject-Longtail.

This study is done after consulting the public to hear their concerns and questions and is a legal requirement for oil projects, given the potential to affect multiple receptors such as air quality, marine life and water qualityandevenland.

Usually,themeetingsallowthe public,inatransparentway,toraise questions or concerns with the use of a microphone for the benefit of the attending audience This ensuresthateveryoneinattendance not only hears the questions and

Kaieteur News spoke with a few persons that attended the “public consultation” all of whom expressed frustration with the new system. “They just sent me to this desk because they said it’s not a question for them, now he is sending me to another desk,” said an energetic young lady who attended with two of her friends. Her question was perhaps a troublesome one that sought answerstowhowouldcompensate fishermen for losses as a result of any impact from the oil and gas activities.

Another young lady that attended from the University of Guyana (UG) said she felt the meeting was a “brainwashing ceremony” She said, “I was listening to them speak before you started asking questions about the dischargesintotheoceanandit’sso clear that they cannot answer your questions because the EPA guy couldnotsaywhatmeasuresarein place.Ithinktheyaretryingtosell usadreamaboutallthegoodthings the project can do for us but it’s reallylikeputtingcattowatchmilk becausetherearen’tanysystemsto verifywhattheyaretellingus.”

Concernswerealsoraisedatthe Continued on page 34

Frompage33

“environment desk” about how changes in temperature can affect marinelife,butwerenotanswered. Marine water temperature can change due to the offshore discharges by Exxon during its projectrelatedactivities.

While interacting with other participants, they also vented frustration over the language barrierbyoneoftheofficials,who seemed to have a French accent, making it extremely difficult to understandtheresponsesprovided. Persons also complained of being unabletoheartheresponsestotheir queries as other discussions were ongoingsimultaneouslyaroundthe room The new conduct of the meetings, according to Exxon officials,isintendedtoallowmore persons the opportunity to raise questionsandconcerns.

GDFpilotsindeadlycrash lackedratingstoflyBell412in lowvisibility- leakedreport

The two pilots onboard the GuyanaDefenceForce(GDF)Bell 412 helicopter in December 2023 which crashed and claimed the lives of five persons lacked the necessarycertifyinginstrumentsto operate the aircraft through low visibility

This was revealed in the draft final report into the deadly helicoptercrash.Thereporthasnot yet been made public by the government of Guyana or the agencies responsible for investigatingthecrash.

OnDecember8th,2023fiveof seven occupants of the Bell412 helicopter died when the aircraft crashedinthejunglebetweenArau and Ekereku in Region Seven. Those who died are: the pilot-incommand, veteran aviator Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles, Colonel Michael Shahoud, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome, Staff Sergeant Jason Khan and Brigadier (ret’d) Gary Beaton Meanwhile, Lieutenant AndioMichaelCrawford,apiloton board the aircraft, and Corporal Dwayne Johnson survived the crash.

The report said that pilot LieutenantColonelCharlesandcopilot Lieutenant Crawford, were trained and type rated on the helicopter and had valid pilot and medical licences and were in good health.

However, the report noted that “Neither pilot possessed a valid instrument rating for the Bell 412 Epi helicopter or any other type of helicopter or aircraft and may not have been adequately prepared for an Inadvertent Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IIMC).”

“The perusal of the captain’s records indicated that he did not holdanInstrumentRatingforover 25 years (last instrument rating

Pictures of the Crash Site.

(Compliments of The Guyana Defence Force)

expired in 1998). The helicopter was being utilised in the Private Category for military and State purposes,”itwasstated.

The findings also pointed to a steep cockpit gradient due to the wide disparity in experience and military rank between the captain and co-pilot. It stressed that there was a need for proper cockpit and crew resource management and adequateinstrumentratingtraining forflightcrewontheBell412EPi. Itwasstatedinthefindingsthatthe “cockpit gradient” was very steep by both experience and military rank and that cockpit resource management and cockpit managementwas“unacceptable.”

Notwithstandingthepilots’lack ofinstrumentratingfortheBell412 helicopter,thereportstatesthatthe aircraft itself was in excellent working condition prior to and duringtheaccidentflight.

“The helicopter had no known defect (except for the weather radar), and the engines, rotors, electrics, and avionics were operating optimally up to the time of the accident,” the report compiled by Aircraft Accident Investigation Department of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)said.

MeteorologicalConditions.

It said that, “The helicopter entered low scattered clouds in a mountainous area which subsequently became dense and opaque (IIMC) The helicopter impacted trees about 38 nautical miles northwest of SYOC, fell to the ground, caught fire and was burntdown.”

Further, the report highlighted thattheaircraftwasnotlistedonthe GDF’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC) as it was operated in the “Private Category” and not governed by the restrictions of a commercial AOC or by the conditions of the GDF Flight OperationsManual.

Itwasfoundthatpriortoandup tothetimeofthereport,theGCAA had “no flight operations inspector current”ontheBell412helicopter to adequately carry out regulatory surveillance and oversight activities.

Onthedayofthedeadlycrash, the aircraft had been transporting militarypersonnelalongwithcargo consisting of provisions, such as sugar, rice, salt, wheat flour, and other“unknown”items. However, the report outlines that, “The true payload of the helicopter for the accident flight was not known; consequently, the investigation team was unable to determine if being overweight was a factor and may have contributed to the accident.”

synchronized, not exhibiting anomalous behavior or fluctuations.Thisisconsistentwith proper delivery of power from the engines to the main and tail rotor systems. It was further stated that the engine and rotor performance remained stable, and there was no evidence of mechanical failure However,aboutaminutebeforethe endoftherecording,bothautopilot systemsdisengagedsuggestingthat eithe

e inadvertently switched off, or both autopilotsfailed.

Notably,thereportnotesthatin accordance with Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation,itisnotthepurposeofthis investigation and the Final Report toapportionblameorliability The sole objective of this investigation and the Final Report is the prevention of accidents and incidents. Times in this report are dual indicating both Guyana Standard Time (GST) and Universal Time Coordinated (UTC).

SATURDAY

“Oilwealthisnotafavour; itisaright”–SeepaulNarine tellsMayDayrally ...workers bemoan living paycheck to paycheck

By Telesha Ramnarine

The helicopter was designed andcertifiedtobeflownbyasingle pilotunderinstrumentflightrules.

“It was also designed to be flown by two crew, with two pilot seats, two sets of controls, two autopilots and two sets of flight instruments, such as the helicopter couldbefullycontrolledandflown from either the right or the left pilot’sseat,”thereportstateswhile noting that in “normal operations” the captain is seated in the righthand seat, and generally flew the helicopterwiththeassistanceofthe copilotintheleft-handseat.

At the time of the accident, Charles was the pilot flying (PF) and pilot-in-command (PIC) and seated in the right-hand pilot seat, whereas the co-pilot was navigating and performing pilotnot-flying (PNF) duties and seated intheleft-handpilotseat.

According to the report, the aircraft departed Base Camp Ayanganna in Georgetown on an unscheduled military resupply missionandmadearefuellingstop at Olive Creek before continuing west to Arau Approximately 25 minutes after leaving Olive Creek, the helicopter flew from Visual Flight Rule (VFR) conditions

An emergency locator transmitter (ELT) signal was received at approximately 11:19 hrs on December 8, 2023, the approximate time of the accident. However, due to the rough and heavily forested terrain and the heavy clouds on the mountainside in the vicinity of the accident, the extraction of the rescue team and thesurvivorswasdelayeduntiltwo daysaftertheaccident.

Also,theaccidentinvestigation team was unable to visit the accidentsiteandthewreckagedue to the dangerous terrain and inclement weather It was determinedthataccesstothesiteby the investigation team would pose seriousanddetrimentalriskstothe safety and life of the investigation team.

Captain Charles and four passengers died, while the co-pilot andthirdcrewsurvivedwithburns andotherminorinjuries.Asforthe helicopter, this was severely damagedafterimpactinglargetrees andsubsequentlyburntoutbypostcrashfire.

Moreover,flightdatarecovered from the cockpit voice and flight datarecorderrevealedthatmostof the recordings were obscured or masked by the helicopter engine and rotor noise. It was also stated that there here was no recording fromthecrew’smicrophone.

It was found that the performance remained stable for both engines and appeared

Twenty-seven-year-old Annesia Nedd lives paycheck to paycheck. She saves a little from weekly salary to meet her $40,000 rent- an amount that is considered quite modest for a one-bedroom apartmentinthecity Asshejoined others yesterday for a May Day rally at the National Park, she summed up her reality this way: “We are out here surviving. Who knows,knows.”

As an employee of the Guyana National Shipping Corporation (GNSC), Nedd shared that had it not been for the few instances of overtime funds she receives, she reallydoesn’tknowhowshewould get by “I am managing, and I am trying,”shesaidwithadeepbreath, at the FITUG (Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana) Labour Day March and Rally

“It’s completely stressful and frustratingattimes,”sheexpressed in an interview with Kaieteur News “It’s frustrating to know there is so much going on in the country, but there are persons still stuck and not benefiting from the wholething.It’sreallysad.”

As a young woman trying to studyandmoveherwayupinlife, she is hoping that the authorities willconsidermakingtheprocesses for certain things simpler, such as obtaining a house lot Having applied for one about eight years ago, she said to date she has not heard from the ministry “I would ratherpayamortgagethanarent,” Continued on page 35

Frompage34 she shared, adding, “In this economy, I don’t think it’s right or fairforanyonetostartafamilyright now Itisn’tfitforthat.”

Another employee, also 27, of CampbellvilleinGeorgetown,who preferred to remain anonymous, raised similar concerns, but noted that trade unions - such as the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union(CCWU)whichsheisapart of - are trying for workers However, the biggest help to her wouldbearaiseinpay “Pricesare risingeveryday,soIwouldbeglad foraraiseinsalary Oursalariesare still not doing enough for us,” she shared “Presently, most of my money go to rent because I don’t have my own land. I’m currently working on that. Along with food and so, by the time I am finished spending on that, I don’t have anythingleft.”

She believes measures can be implementedtoensurethatsmaller individuals also benefit from the expanded economy, rather than only those in higher positions, suggestingthatauthoritiesconsider a pay increase or providing allowances to offer additional support.

Against this backdrop of mounting concerns from workers, authorities at the rally sought to address these issues. President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) Seepaul Narine spoke about the value of workers’ labour, remindingthemthattheydeserveto share fully in the wealth they have createdinthecountry

“Because you have given so much,youdeservetosharefullyin thewealthyouhavecreated.Thatis theheartofourmessagetoday Not asafavour Notasacharity,butasa right,”Narineexpressed.

“Guyana is changing New roads, new bridges, new hospitals, newschools.Butletusneverforget the workers’contributions in all of this Every brick, every beam, every bag of sugar, every grain of rice, every patient healed, every child taught – that is your labour,” hecontinued.

He encouraged honest conversation about the issues plaguing workers and urged them not just to complain, but to help in finding solutions together “The costoflivingcontinuestopresson ourfamilies.Yes,wageshaverisen. Yes, taxes have been reduced. But pricesforfood,rent,transportation and utilities have also risen. Many households still feel the pinch,” he observed.

Narine shared several recommendations for the government to consider, including a continued review of the national minimum wage. While sugar workershavesecured$100,000,he notedthatmanyothers,particularly

those in the informal sector, still require protection. He called for a minimum wage that reflects the true cost of a “dignified” life. He also urged enhanced price monitoring and targeted relief for basic food items, pointing out that rising costs for essentials such as flour, rice, and cooking oil place a heavyburdenonworkingfamilies.

Additionally,Narineadvocated foracceleratedaccesstoaffordable housing for low-income workers, emphasising that stable housing is essentialforoverallwell-being.He further highlighted the challenges faced by rice farmers, including volatile market prices and the impacts of climate change, calling for continued government support through fair pricing, improved access to export markets, and the establishment of a Rice Workers SupportFund.

He also pointed out how thousands of domestic workers labour in homes, markets, and casualworkwithoutcontracts,NIS (National Insurance Scheme), and sick leave and he applauded the government’s efforts to protect theseworkers.

Regarding oil in Guyana, Narine called for greater public disclosureofoilrevenues,“notout of mistrust, but out of a shared desire for accountability,” noting that when workers see where the moneygoes,trustgrows.

CCWU’s General Secretary, Sherwod Clarke spoke about the n e e d t o s t a n d a g a i n s t discrimination in all its forms. He stated that the commitment to dignity and respect for workers must apply to every worker, withoutexception.

He expressed the union’s solidarity with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender workers andneighbours,andhighlightedits endorsement of the Guyana Together initiative, which calls for the repeal of outdated laws criminalising same-sex intimacy

“Thisoutdatedlawisastainonour country’s global reputation and continues to inflict real damage on gay and trans citizens.That is why today we are calling for the extension of non-discriminatory protection to create a stronger, more inclusive Prevention of DiscriminationAct.”

Meanwhile, homage was paid at the rally to the Haymarket affair martyrs of 1886, who gave their livesfortheeight-hourworkday;to Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, known as the father of trade unionism who first organised dockworkers; and to the sugar workers of 1948, including the Enmore Martyrs, along with those who were beaten, arrested, and blacklisted for simply demanding respect. Attention was also drawn to fallen workers of GAWU who diedinworkplaceaccidents,aswell

asthosewhoretiredintopoverty

EPAfailstosaywhat mechanismsinplacetoverify Exxon’soffshorewaste discharge ...says answers would be provided at the end of 60-day period

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Tuesday could not state the mechanisms that are currentlyinplacetoindependently verify that the offshore discharges byExxonMobilintotheoceanmeet requiredinternationalstandards.

Exxon currently has four Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessels (FPSOs) that produce oil in the Stabroek Block. Thesevesselsgenerateandoffload hundredsofthousandsofbarrelsof waste daily into the ocean Guyana’s ability to independently verify the quality of these discharges has been a burning concern for citizens, particularly those with keen interest in the environment.

Duringapublicconsultationfor the company’s eight proposed project, Longtail, held at the Umana Yana in Georgetown, this newspaper raised questions about the safeguards in place to ensure that the information provided by the company, with regards to dischargeofwaste,isaccurate. Whilerespondingtoaninquiry

waters without ensuring best practices are followed. “It doesn’t seem like if they have anything in placetoensuretheytreatthiswaste because he couldn’t answer the question,”thestudentsaid.

Thepublicconsultationshosted by Exxon, its consultant and the EPAhaveoftenbeendescribedasa “farce” held merely to tick legal boxes on the journey to acquire a new Permit. This is particularly so since numerous questions have been unanswered during these sessions that are intended to provide the public with assurance that these developments will be conducted in accordance with international standards to safeguard the country and its environment.

In a statement issued by the regulatorin2023,somethreeyears ago, the EPAassured that it would never allow any discharges that could be described as “hot, greasy water” from ever occurring in Guyanesewaters.Inresponsetoan articlepublishedbythisnewspaper, the EPA explained, “We use continuous independent satellite monitoring to detect even the slightestoilsheenonthewatersand thermalimagingtodetecteverygas flaring We ensure that our standardsarebeingmeteveryday.”

fromamemberofthepublicatthe environmental desk, Exxon’s consultant, Acorn International assured that offshore waste is treated before it is dumped overboard Further, it was explained that some waste is required to be transported onshore fortreatmentbeforeitisdumped.

“Anything that is discharged into the environment has been treated safely to Guyanese EPA thresholds Anything that is not deemed in accordance with those thresholds are stored onboard the FPSO and taken off of the FPSO, essentially offloaded to be further treated onshore,” anAcorn official explained at the environmental desk.

Consequently, Kaieteur News askedaboutthesystemsinplaceto ensure the discharged waste meets therequiredstandards.

Atthatpoint,anofficerattached to the EPA, was summoned. He onlystatedhisnameasMichaeland explained to the public that the meetings were held so that questions could be raised and addressedbytheendofthe60-days period which is currently ongoing andconcludesonMay20.

Students at the venue were in deep shock at the response providedandtoldthisnewspaperin asubsequentinterviewthattheEPA seems to be “putting cat to watch milk” by allowing Exxon to discharge waste into Guyana’s

The regulator outlined that ProducedFormationWater(PFW), sometimes called Produced Water (PW) is water trapped in underground formations that is brought to the surface during oil and gas extraction This water contains components such as salts dissolved from the formation, oil, inorganic and organic compounds, naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) and chemical additives from well drilling Producedwaterisalsousuallyvery hot and can be deadly to marine

environment.

Tothisend,EPAexplainedthat the discharges are made into the ocean after the treatment to meet strict dis

requirements.

In addition to the satellite technology being used to monitor these discharges, the Head of the agency,KemrajParsramsaiditalso “receives live feed” of produced water releases from the FPSOs which are monitored constantly While this is not an independent measure to verify standards are met, the EPA said independent sampling of water quality is also conducted.

Hewaskeentonotethatdespite this close oversight, the agency is committed to increasing its monitoring of discharges from the

GNBS VERIFICATION SERVICES: SAFEGUARDING CONSUMERS AND PROMOTING FAIR TRADE

In today’s market arena, where products and services

areexchangedonadailybasisacrossmultiplesectors, accuracy, fairness and consumer protection are essential.

TheGuyanaNationalBureauofStandards(GNBS),asthe NationalMeasurementInstitute(NMI),playsacriticalrolein providing verification services through its Legal Metrology Department. By law, under the 1981 Weights and Measures Act,allmeasuringinstrumentsusedintrademustbeverified byGNBS.

GNBS verification services focus on ensuring that measuringinstrumentsusedintradeandlawenforcementare accurate and comply with national standards These instrumentsareusedineverydaycommercialtransactionsand directly influence the quantity of goods or services received byconsumers.AmongthekeyinstrumentsverifiedbyGNBS areweighingscalesusedinmarkets,supermarketsandshops to ensure consumers receive the correct quantity of goods purchased.Fuelpumpsatthegasstationsarealsoverifiedto confirmthatmotoristsarereceivingtheexactamountoffuel theywouldhavepaidfor

TheBureaualsoverifiesmoisturemeters,whichareused in the agriculture sector to measure the moisture content of paddy Accurate moisture measurement is essential for determining quality and pricing Additionally, the compartments of tanker wagons used for transporting petroleumareverifiedtoensurethatthevolumesdeliveredto businesses and consumers are accurate, thereby preventing shortagesoroverchargesinbulktransactions.

Metering devices used in utility services, such as electricity meters, are verified to ensure accurate billing to consumers.TheBureaualsoverifiesspeedgunsandcameras to ensure that speed measurements recorded for traffic enforcement are accurate and reliable. Further, GNBS Inspectorshaveacrucialroleintheverificationofmetersused on the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels,toensureprecisemeasurementsofcrudeoilproduced andtransferred.

When these instruments are verified, GNBS affixes an official verification seal or sticker, assuring consumers that theequipmenthasbeencheckedforaccuracyandiswithinthe acceptabletolerance.

Forbusinessesinvolvedintrade,compliancewithGNBS verification requirements is not only a legal obligation but also a key factor in building trust with their customers. Accurateinstrumentsreducedisputes,improvetransparency and enhance customer confidence Businesses that consistently use verified equipment are more likely to retain loyalcustomersandmaintainastrongreputation.

Verificationservicesalsopromoteequityintrade,creating alevelplayingfieldandsupportingethicalbusinesspractices across all sectors. When businesses use accurate measuring instruments, no party gains an unfair advantage through under-orover-measurements.

Consumers are also encouraged to play an active role by checking for GNBS verification seals and reporting any malpractice orsuspected inaccurate or unverified measuring devices.Publicvigilanceandreportinghelptostrengthenthe effectiveness of the verification system and promote accountabilityintrade.

Additionally,intheareaofMetrology,GNBScontinuesto play a leading role not only locally but also regionally in advancingmeasurementstandards.

From May 11-15, 2026, GNBS will host the Sistema Interamericano de Metrologia (SIM) Mid-Term Council and Quality System Task Force (QSTF) Meetings in Guyana. Metrology events like these will bring together regional and international stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, enhancequalitysystemsandadvancemeasurementstandards acrosstheAmericas.

Finally,onMay20,GNBSwilljointheglobalcommunity to observe World Metrology Day, under the theme:‘Metrology: Building trust in policy making’. This theme highlightstheimportanceofaccuratemeasurementsin generating objective evidence for informed and transparent decision-making.

For more information on GNBS Legal Metrology services, visit wwwgnbsgyorg, call 219-0062–66, or WhatsApp692-4627.

TokaVillage,Reg.NinewinsCaribbeanTourism OrganizationCommunity-BasedTourismAward

Guyanacontinuestogain regional recognition for its commitment to sustainable and community-led tourism, with Toka Village (Inni Lodge), Region 9, being named the winner of the Community-Based Tourism Award at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Sustainable Tourism Awards2026.

According to the CTO, the award recognises the

thattheprojectdemonstrated clear alignment with key evaluation areas, including community leadership and empowerment, social, cultural and economic benefits, authenticity and visitor education, and sustainability and long-term communityvalue.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Hon Susan Rodrigues,

c o n g r a t u l a t e d t h e

strength of communitydriven tourism development inGuyanaandhighlightsthe impact of locally led initiatives in creating authentic and sustainable visitorexperiences.

The judges commended thecommunityforitsstrong ownership and participation throughtheleadershipofthe Toka Tourism Committee and Village Council. The submissionalsostoodoutfor its community-led signature

experiences and the

establishment of a

sustainable financial ecosystem that extends beyond pottery to include

culinary experiences, creating diversified income opportunitiesforresidents.

Particular praise was

given to the active involvement of elders and women in preserving traditional knowledge and cultural practices, as well as the growing interest and participation of young people in cultural revitalisation efforts within thevillage.

The judges further noted

community on the achievement, noting that the awardreflectsthesuccessof Guyana’s approach to sustainable and inclusive tourismdevelopment.

“This recognition is a proud moment for Toka Village and for Guyana Community-led tourism continues to play an important role in preserving our culture, empowering local communities, and creating opportunities for sustainable economic growth,”MinisterRodrigues said.

“DuringmyvisittoToka Village,Ihadtheopportunity to immerse myself in the experience firsthand, especially the traditional pottery-making process that has been passed down through generations. What stoodoutmostwasthepride, passion, and sense of togetherness within the community The people of Toka should be proud of what they have built and the exampletheycontinuetoset fortheregion,”sheadded.

Tourism Authority, Kamrul Baksh, also welcomed the recognition, noting that community-owned tourism productsremainakeypartof Guyana’stourismstrategy

“Toka is a strong example of what is possible when communities take the lead in developing and sharing their culture and traditionsauthentically Ican say without any uncertainty that the people ofToka have been committed to seeing thisjourneythroughwithus. We are proud to see them

being recognised at the regionallevel,”Bakshsaid. Thisawardreflectsyears of work by the Guyana Tourism Authority in partnership with the people ofTokaVillagetostrengthen and develop a sustainable community-led tourism product that preserves culture while creating economic opportunities for residents Visit Rupununi a n d C o n s e r v a t i o n International-Guyana were alsoimportantearlypartners Continued on page 40

Director of the Guyana

Number the Stars

Once upon a time, in a quaint village nestled between tall mountains and a shimmering lake, lived a nine-year-old girl named Elsa. Elsa had a unique hobby—she loved to count the stars. Every night, after finishing her dinner, she would rush to her bedroomwindow,wherehertelescopestood, andgazeupatthenightsky Hermotheroften told her bedtime stories about the stars, saying each one had its own tale, its own adventurewaitingtobetold.

One particularly clear night, as Elsa peered through her telescope, she noticed something unusual. In the vast expanse of twinkling lights, a new star had appeared. Thisstarwasbrighterandmorecolorfulthan any other she had ever seen. It twinkled in shadesofblue,purple,andgold.Curiousand excited, Elsa whispered to herself, “I must findoutmoreaboutthisstar.”

The next day, Elsa visited the village library, a cozy building filled with ancient books and maps. Mr Finch, the friendly librarian, greeted her with a warm smile. “What brings you here today, Elsa?” he asked.

Elsaexplainedaboutthenewstarshehad seen. Mr Finch listened carefully, his eyes wideningwithinterest.“Ah,youmighthave seen the legendary 'Wishing Star',” he said. “It is said that only those with the purest heartscanseeit,andwhenitappears,itgrants a single wish to those who believe in its magic.”

Elsa's eyes sparkled with excitement “Can I make a wish on the star?” she asked eagerly Mr Finch nodded. “You can, but there'sacatch.Tomakeyourwishcometrue, you must first find the Star Key, a magical object hidden somewhere in the mountains. Legend has it that only the bravest and

kindest souls can find it. Once youhavetheStarKey,you'llbe abletounlockthepowerofthe WishingStar.”

Determined to find the Star Key, Elsa packed a small bag with some food, a water bottle, a notebook, and her favorite pen. She set out early the next morning,followingthetrailthat led up the mountains. As she walked,theairgrewcooler,and the path became steeper Elsa sang her favorite songs to keep herself company and stay brave.

Mother's Day DIY bouquet

After a long climb, Elsa reached a clearing surrounded bytallpinetrees.Inthemiddle of the clearing stood a large rock with a strange symbol carved into it—a star with a keyholeinthecenter Elsaknew shehadfoundtherightplace.Shekneltdown and examined the ground around the rock, lookingforanyclues.

Suddenly, a soft voice whispered, “Are you looking for something?” Elsa turned aroundandsawasmallcreature—aglowing, silver fox with eyes like the night sky “My name is Luna,” the fox said “I am the guardian of the Star Key Only those who show kindness and bravery can receive it. WhydoyouseektheStarKey?”

ElsatoldLunaabouttheWishingStarand her dream to make a wish. Luna listened quietly, nodding her head. “You have a pure heart, Elsa,” the fox said. “But before I give youtheStarKey,youmusthelpsomeonein need Look around you Nature always whispersitsneeds.”

Elsathoughtforamoment,thennoticeda nearby tree with branches drooping and leaves turning brown “The tree looks thirsty,” she said. Remembering the water bottle in her bag, Elsa gently poured some water at the base of the tree. As the water soakedintothesoil,thetree'sleavesbeganto perk up, and a soft breeze rustled its branches. Luna smiled. “You have shown kindnesstonature.Youaretrulydeservingof the Star Key.” The fox tapped the rock with her paw, and a small compartment opened, revealingagoldenkeyshapedlikeastar Elsa took the Star Key, feeling its warm glow in her hands “Thank you, Luna,” she said gratefully “NowIcanmakemywish!”Luna nodded. “Use it wisely, Elsa. The Wishing Stargrantswishesthatcomefromtheheart.” To be continued...

Step1:Gatherallthematerialsneededfor thistutorial:

Apieceofgreenandredcrepepaper

Apieceofpinktissuepaper

3brownpipecleaners

3rubberbands

Plasticsheet

Hotglue

Whiteglue

Purplesatinribbon

Asmallpieceofpaper

Blackpen

Step 2: Fold the pipe cleaners into two equalparts Twistthefoldedpipecleaners

Step3: Cuttheredcrepepaper Thewidth ofthisshouldbeatleast8centimeters Unfold the crepe paper and divide this into three equal parts. You should have three strips of redcrepepaperbynow

Step4:Foldtheredstriplengthwise This willserveastheflower'spetals

Step 5: Sandwich one end of the pipe cleanertothefoldedredstrip

Step 6: Start wrapping the crepe paper around the end of the pipe cleaner Continue doingthis until you reach the end of the red strip.

Step 7: Tie the base of the petal using a

STAR BATTLE

Your smiles brightened my worst times, Your hugs put joy in all my days, Your love will stay with me forever And touch my life in precious ways. The values you taught me, The care you have always given, The wonderful love you always shown, Enriched my life as if I was in heaven. I will ever Love you, Mom!

“Each puzzle is divided into 10 different regions. Each region, row and column contains exactly two stars. Stars may not be adjacent to each other (not even diagonally)."

rubberband

Step8:Fixthespacingofthewrappedred crepepapertomaketheflowermorerealistic

Step 9: Do the same for the next two flowers When you are done, it should look likethis

Step10:Cutastripfromthegreencrepe paper This should be at least 4 centimeters wide Cut several triangular spaces on one side of it.This will serve as the sepal of the flowerandthiswillbewrappedimmediately atthebottomoftheredpetal.

Step11:Wrapthegreencrepepaperonthe immediate bottom of the flower Make sure that the pointed end is oriented on the topmostpart.Usewhiteglueforpermanently stickingthis.

Step 12: Do the same procedure for the remainingtwoflowers

Step 13: Cut three medium rectangle shapedpiecesfromthepinktissuepaper

Step 14: Cut a medium rectangle shaped piecefromtheplasticsheet

Step 15: Hot glue the two flowers permanently Make sure that one flower is tallerthantheother

Step 16: Glue the third flower, but this time,makesurethepositionislowerthanthe secondone.

Step 17: Arrange the sheets accordingly basedonthefollowingorderstartingfromthe bottom:plasticsheetandthreetissuepapers arranged in random positions The orientationoftheplasticsheetandthetissue papershouldbeinadiamondposition.

Step18: Foldtherightsheettowardsthe centeroftheflower

Step 19: Fold the right sheet again towards the right side, thereby opening a windowtotheflowersbody

Step20:Dothesameontheleftsideofthe sheet Holdthesheetsonthecenterwhenyou haveachievedtheproperfoldingofit.

Step21:Holdthesheetstightlytogether withtheflowersandfixtheunnecessaryfolds onthetopandonthesidesofthebouquet.

Step 22: Wrap the purple ribbon around thesheetsandtheflowerandtieabowfromit

Step 23:Write your special message for yourmomonapieceofpaper

Step 24: To finalize the look, insert your small message on the side of the flower bouquet

T o d a y w e a r e

celebratingwhatmanyfeelisone ofthemostimportantoccasionsin any person's life. Apart from the fact that we could not have been here without our mothers, it is easy to find so many ways we couldthankthemforalltheyhave doneforus.

Themajorityofparentsdonot really need their children to give themanythinginreturnforallthe sacrificestheymadetowardstheir children'supbringingandwelfare, and you will find that the things that would give them most satisfaction would be to know that you havedoneyourbesttomakethebestof yourself.

MakeMothers'Day themostimportant celebrationinyourlife

help to make their life worth livingwhentheymaybefeeling uselessandnotwanted.

More than anything else mothers have a natural desire to beabletotakeprideinwhattheir childrendoandbecome,inhow they have learnt the lessons that they have tried to teach them in theirgrowingyears,andinliving according to the values which theyhavetriedtoimparttothem.

Mother...

You filled my days with rainbow lights, Fairytales and sweet dream nights,

A kiss to wipe away my tears, Gingerbread to ease my fears.

You gave the gift of life to me

And then in love, you set me free.

It would be hard to estimate the workofthe15orsoyearsofcare,hard work and self-sacrifice, not to mention themoneyandotherresourcesthatyour mother has expended on you from infancy to near adulthood. In reality, she gave to you something you can neverhopetomatchinreturn. Whilea child is first indebted to his Creator as the source of his life, a child owes his

mother a deep debt of gratitude for playing her part in starting his life and allthejoysandhappinessthatwouldgo withthat.

How then can a child express this gratitude?

We know that all the world's possessions cannot buy life, and you cannot put a price on human life. Children should therefore feel obligated to give their mothers what they can, and one of the first things is thattheyshouldendeavourtolovethem aslongastheylive. Inthiswaytheycan

Inapracticalsense,children should be obedient to their mothers, but of course this does not include anything that you have come to believe is wrong. If this happens, then you should be careful to show respect to them in telling them of your disagreement while giving them a reason. Itwouldbegoodtoremember when this occurs that you will one day be a parent, and try to deal with your mother as you would want your own childtotreatyou.

Try to do what is in your power today to make your mother happy, and alsoplantoactinthefutureinwaysthat would make her proud of you and satisfiedthatshehasdoneherdutyand nurturedagoodperson.

I thank you for your tender care, For deep warm hugs and being there

I hope that when you think of me

A part of you You'll always see

I know that I cannot love you enough, For making me glad when things were rough; For this I promise to love you always, And make your happiness my main endeavour

Continuedfromlastweek’sedition

Danny showed it to Emily She blushed and said, “I wrote thatforyou.Iwantedyoutofindit,butIdidn'tknowwhereit went!”

Dannysmiledsowidehischeekshurt.“Well,Ifoundit.”

Thebackpackhummedhappily.“Missioncomplete.Quests finished.Today,youhaveprovenyourselfworthy.”

TheEndoftheDay

Afterschool,Dannytrudgedhome,hisbackpackstillonhis shoulders.“So…areyougoingtotalkeveryday?”heasked.

The backpack chuckled. “Only when you're ready for another quest. For now, I'll take a nap. Carrying your smelly gymshoesisexhausting.”

Danny laughed out loud. For the first time ever, he was actuallyexcitedtoputonhisbackpackthenextmorning. Because who knew? Tomorrow might bring another adventure.

Zoe Kravitz and Harry Styles...

Frompage31

directorialdebut‘Don’tWorryDarling.’

Atthetime,Wildewasinthemidstofaverypublicsplit fromexJasonSudeikis,50,thefatheroftheirtwochildren.

PageSixalsoreportedhowHarryisallegedtohavehada fling with his co-star Florence Pugh before hooking up with Wildeonset.

“Zoe is very free spirited. She’s very in her own kind of style–she’seccentric.She’sherownperson.Shelovesdoing herownthing.Harrydoesn’ttrytostopher,”asourcecloseto theKravitzfamilytoldPageSix.

GettyImages

“Florenceissoniceandsweet,butwhenOliviacastHarry shealreadyhadathingforhim…theystartedhookingupand itwasamess,OliviawasendingthingswithJason.Sheacted likeanasshole,”saidasourceatthetime.

Become a Page Six Hollywood Insider for FREE for the best stories, commentary and analysis in the business of entertainment.

Daily newsletters, weekly podcasts and exclusive events willbringyouallyouneedtoknowtostayintheknow

This led to a very public spat where Pugh limited her promotionaldutiesforthemovieandevenrefusedtoposefor photoswithWilde.

Styles told Rolling Stone in 2017 being public about his lovelifewasneverhisthing.

“I’venevertalkedaboutmylifeawayfromworkpublicly and found that it’s benefited me positively There’s always going to be a version of a narrative, I just decided I wasn’t goingtospendthetimetryingtocorrectitorredirectitinsome way.”

He split from Wilde in 2022 due to long distance and shiftingfocuses.

Meanwhile,thesourceclosetotheKravitzfamilytellsus KravitzismoreinlinewithStyles’easy-goingwaysandthe pairclick.

“Zoë is very free spirited. She’s very in her own kind of style–she’seccentric.She’sherownperson.Shelovesdoing herownthing.Harrydoesn’ttrytostopher.”

Toka Village, Reg. Nine wins...

Frompage37

inhelpingtoshapethevillage’stourismjourney Theawardwinningsubmission,preparedandsubmittedbytheGuyana Tourism Authority in close collaboration with the village, highlighted the growth of Inni Lodge, the preservation of traditional pottery-making, culinary experiences, and the strong systems of community ownership that continue to makeTokaVillage a leading example of community-based tourismintheCaribbean.(GuyanaTourismAuthority)

35 bid to construct Onderneeming Industrial Estate Access Road in Region Two

The Ministry ofTourism, Industry and Commerce has received 35 bids for the construction of Onderneeming Industrial Estate Access Road in RegionTwo.

While no engineer's estimate was provided for the project, the National ProcurementandTenderAdministrationBoard(NPTAB)disclosedthatthe contractorsbidbetween$74millionand$125millionfortheproject.

MinisterofTourism,IndustryandCommerce,SusanRodrigueswhenshe posted the initial Invitation for Bids (IFB) for the road project via her Facebook page last month briefly stated that, “This project supports improvedinfrastructureandaccesstokeyindustrialareas.”

This project forms part of the ministry's $26.2 billion budgetary allocationthisyear

Belowarethecompaniesandbids: MinistryofTourism,Industry&Commerce Construction of Onderneeming Industrial Estate Access Road, Region Two.

Bidder AmountTendered

JALumberyard&ContractingServices

MohamedRamzanalliKhanConstruction

TechnoconInvestmentsProcurement&General ContractingSolutions

KALInvestmentsInc -

AndrectEngineering&Construction

KaizenIndustries

SaamGeneralContracting

KarnassaInvestmentIncorporated

BhowanTrucking&ConstructionServices

A.G.Enterprise

CL&SonsContracting

ExpertedgeConsultancy

VSEngineering&Investment

Lallchan'sConstruction&GraphicsService

R.SmithConstruction&ContractingServices

K&JPersaudContractingService

HolisticContracting&ProcurementInc

D.Chowkai&SonsConstruction

H.RamlallGeneralConstruction

F&AMohamedConstruction

GavkoConstruction&SuppliesInc.

IcanEngineering&Construction

Maxart

MahindraA.RamkissoonConstruction

Malika'sConstruction&Logistics

$104,793,150

$96,860,715

$90,764,747

$115,889,970

$117,451,950

$108,735,323

$117,181,470

$104,197,800

$79,643,865

$109,761,756

$96,497,835

$95,609,850

$107,196,495

$122,000,000

$91,241,850

$122,316,600

$120,233,400

$96,608,340

$104,603,520

$91,964,198

$107,896,005

$79,022,790

$108,480,645

$125,000,000

ConstructionofPerimeterFenceatBelvedereIndustrialEstate,RegionSix.

Bidder

BuildersEngineering&ArchitecturalConsultancy

SherryConstructingEnterprises

Armo'sConstruction&Supplies

AE&NGeneralContracting

AngeliqueEnterprise

J&ALumberYard&ContractingServices

R.SmithConstruction&ContractingServices

KarnassaInvestmentInc.

PersaudEngineering&HydraulicServices

HolisticContracting&ProcurementInc

D.Chowkai&SonsConstruction

AndrectEngineering&Construction

N.RamnarineConstruction

RameshBarkerConstruction

RDSMEnterprise

M&M&DaughtersGrocery

Malika'sConstruction&Logistics

Kamarang Toshao rebuts

govt’s ‘blockade’ claims

…PRODUCES 2023 LAND APPROVAL LETTER SENT TO AMERINDIAN AFFAIRS MINISTRY

Toshao Alma Marshall of Kamarang-Warawatta, Region Seven hasprovideddocumentedevidencethat disputesclaimsmadebytheMinistryof Healthandgovernmentofficialsthatthe village council or the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) have been “blocking” the development of a specialtyhospitaldistrict

The controversy centers on statementsbytheministrythattheAPA influenced the village to stall the project The Ministry in its statement accusedtheAPAPresidentandformer ToshaoofKamarang,LemmelThomas ofbeingdishonestabouttheworkdone by the ministry in indigenous communities.

“Oneofthemostrecenteffortsby the government to further modernise thehealthcaresysteminthehinterland wasactuallypreventedbyMr Thomas and his agency; the Amerindian PeoplesAssociation,whodiscouraged the community leadership of Kamarang, Upper Mazaruni, from approving to construct a modern hospital in the community, which would have taken access to specialised surgical and specialists care, reducing referral of indigenous patient to the city of Georgetown, creating at least four hundred additional jobs for young Amerindian youths, and improvingpatientsoutcomes.

AmountTendered

$22,469,895

$22,049,895

$23,314,053

$21,280,056

$20,492,556

$20,446,125

$25,000,000

$23,906,400

$23,348,220

$28,716,450

$28,201,950

$23,801,400

$16,063,320

$21,805,056

$19,180,056

$22,493,651

$25,000,000

Documentary proof showing that in 2023 the village agreed to 10 acres to be used for the hospital

10acres

That stalled project would have required community participation, materials from the communities, which would have generated muchneeded revenue and would have improved the livelihood of the Amerindian people in the upper Mazaruniregion7,”theMinistryofHealthsaid

The statement by the ministry followed Thomas’ presentation at the United Nations Permanent Forum onIndigenousIssues(UNPFII),wherehehighlighted adeepening healthcrisisamongGuyana’sIndigenous populations

AddressingtheforumonTuesday,April21,2026, duringadiscussiononIndigenoushealthinthecontext of conflict, the APA warned that “institutional discrimination” and “cultural exclusion” continue to definenationalhealthpolicies Whileacknowledging the government’s recent investments in hospital infrastructure and professional staffing, the APA argued that these measures fail to address the systemic inequities that have persisted for generations.

The president’s testimony painted a harrowing picture of the physical barriers to care, noting that elders must still trek through mountains, valleys, and riverstoreachbasicmedicalfacilities

The intervention detailed how men are left vulnerable to life-threatening emergencies without access to anti-venom, while women are frequently forced to cross international borders to find safe birthing conditions Furthermore, the APA raised an urgentalarmregardingthementalhealthofIndigenous youth, reporting that a rise in suicide cases is being neglectedbythecurrenthealthcareframework.

LiketheAPAPresident,ToshaoMarshallinarecent interview with Kaieteur News, presented a different narrative from that of the Ministry of Health - one of communityconsensus,proactivelandallocation,anda lackofofficialcommunicationfromthestate

According to Marshall, the village held a general meeting during a visit from a high-level government team to discuss the project While the Ministry of Health reportedly requested 15 acres of village land, thecommunityreachedaconsensusin2023toapprove

“Iindeedfoundaletterintheofficethatstatedthat amountoflandwasreleased,”Marshallstated,noting that she has the documents ready to defend the council’sposition

“I don’t know where this information is coming from, politically,” Toshao Marshall told Kaieteur News

The Toshao expressed frustration over being “attacked” with these allegations during the last NationalToshaosCouncil(NTC)meeting,specifically citing a confrontation with Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira. “I said, you have to get facts before you can accuse me or the village council of blocking development. This is not true,”Marshallrecounted.

TheAPAissuedascathingpressreleaseonMay1, rejectingtheMinistry’sassertions TheNGOclarified thatitplaysnoroleintheinternalgovernanceorlandusedecisionsofvillagecouncils

“TheMinistry’sclaimsareintendedtomisleadthe public and make the APA a scapegoat for its own deficiencies,” the statement read The APA further challengedtheministrytoproduceanyrecordshowing the organization discouraged the hospital’s construction A primary point of contention for the Kamarang Council is the lack of feedback regarding the10acresthatweregranted ToshaoMarshallnoted thatdespitethevillage’scooperation,therehasbeenno officialwordonwhytheprojecthasnotprogressedon theallocatedsite

“Therewasnoacknowledgementlettertosaythe 10 acres of land you released is unfit, nothing whatsoever,”Marshallsaid “Ihavemydefensethere tomake,”sheremarked

TheToshaoiscurrentlyreviewingvillageminutes andrecordsofmeetingswithcontractorstofinalizea report Whilethegovernmenthighlightsinfrastructure investments,theAPAandlocalleadersemphasizethat “infrastructurealoneisnothealthcare”

DuringrecentinterventionsattheUnitedNations PermanentForumontheRightsofIndigenousPeoples (UNPFII),advocatespointedtodysfunctionalreferral systems,ill-equippedfacilities,andrisingsuiciderates in hinterland communities as evidence that current policiesarefailingtomeetactualneeds

Launch of Four Points by Sheraton Guyana … A Story of Pride, Place, and People

There are moments when you attendaneventexpectingtoobserve a space, but you leave having experiencedsomethingdeeper That wasmyexperienceattheopeningof the Four Points by Sheraton Guyana.

Yes,itisabeautifulpropertyand an important addition to Guyana’s growinghospitalitysector Butwhat stayed with me was not only the design or the occasion. It was the people, the pride, and the sense of belonging that I witnessed throughouttheevening.

Ihadtheopportunitytovisitthe property about a month before its officialopening FromthemomentI stepped into the lobby, I was impressed.Itisspacious,yetwarm and welcoming. That blend is not easy to achieve. Large spaces can often feel distant, but here there is an intentional softness that invites youin.

What stood out most was the thoughtful incorporation of indigenous design elements At the reception and throughout the interiors, you see the beauty of our heritage reflected in subtle but meaningful ways It is not overwhelming, but it is present. It ensures that Guyana is not just a location,butanidentitywoveninto theexperience.

Asacreative,Iamalwaysdrawn to spaces that honor culture while embracingmodernity Thisproperty doesthatwithintentionandrespect Iamalsolookingforwardtothe developmentofthegiftshopwithin theproperty.Formanyvisitorswho cometoGuyanaforconferencesand business engagements, there is often very little time to explore beyond their schedules A thoughtfully curated gift shop provides an opportunity for guests to take a piece of Guyana with them.

Ienvisionaspacethatshowcases local craftsmanship, not only jewelryandclothing,butalsolocally made products that reflect our culture, our creativity, and our story Itbecomesmorethanaretail space. It becomes an extension of our identity and an opportunity for local entrepreneurs and artisans to beseenonawiderstage.

But what truly defined my experience that evening was an unexpectedencounter

As I was entering, I heard someone call out, “Miss Noel” I turnedandsawafamiliarface,oneI hadnotseeninyears ItwasRacquel, someonewhohadoncebeenpartof my Confident Becomes You programme. At that time, she was navigating challenges, finding her way,andworkingthroughherown

journey

Now, standing before me, she wasradiant

She was in her chef’s uniform, andtherewasaconfidenceabouther that immediately stood out. We embraced, and in that moment, I couldseethegrowth.Notjustinher appearance,butinherspirit.

She shared with me that when she first started, she referred to herself as a cook But within this environment, she was affirmed and addressed as a chef. That shift mattered. It changed how she saw herself.Shesaiditwasthefirsttime shehadworkedinaplacewhereshe felttrulyrespected

Thosewordsstayedwithme

Later in the evening, after the formal proceedings, we moved to the poolside. Racquel had left earlier,andthenshereturned,having changed out of her chef’s uniform. Shecamebackbeautifullydressed, elegant, confident, and glowing. It was the most beautiful I had ever seenher

She said to me, “I came back becauseIwantedtospendsometime withyou,MissNoel”

In that moment, the connection went beyond the event It became personal

As we spoke, she shared how much those earlier moments of encouragement had made a difference in her life It was a

reminder that what we pour into othersdoesnotdisappear Itgrows, it evolves, and it shows up in momentslikethese.

Throughout the evening, I watched her interact with others. Each time she introduced herself, she did so with pride. “I am one of the chefs here.” There was ownership in her voice. There was confidence.

At one point, someone asked about the food, and she spoke proudly about the dishes she prepares, including local favorites Thatsenseofprideissomethingyou cannot teach overnight It is cultivated.

When people feel valued, they showupdifferently

This reflects something I have long believed and actively practice throughmyJoyatWorkprogramme It is built on the understanding that when individuals feel seen, respected, and appreciated, they bringadifferentlevelofenergyinto their work. They engage more deeply They take pride in what they do. They feel a sense of belonging.

Creating that kind of environment requires intention It requires leadership that connects, culturesthatuplift,andsystemsthat recognize people not just for what theydo,butforwhotheyare.

I have seen this kind of

continues to reflect warmth, professionalism, and grace. It was also wonderful to reconnect with my friend from Suriname, NataschaDerandamie,whowillbe joining as Director of Sales and Marketing.

Seeing these connections come together speaks to the level of collaboration and growth occurring withinourcountry

Yes, the infrastructure is impressive,andthehotelwillplayan important role in hosting conferences and supporting Guyana’s continued development. These are critical as we position ourselves globally and welcome moreinternationalengagement.

But beyond the physical space, somethingelseisbeingbuilt

Aculture

A culture where people can grow,evolve,andstepintoagreater sense of identity Where someone movesfromsaying“Iamacook”to confidentlydeclaring“Iamachef.”

Thatshiftmatters

leadershipbefore

InGuyana,throughleaderssuch asStanleyMingofMing’sProducts and Services, and in Egon’ leadershipattheMarriottSuriname, there is a consistent thread. From the individuals responsible for maintaining the space to those in executive leadership, there is a sense of dignity and respect that is sharedacrossalllevels.

Thatconsistencyispowerful

It sends a clear message that everyrolematters,everyindividual is valued, and every contribution is recognized Whenthatbecomespart oftheculture,ittransformsnotonly the workplace, but the people withinit.

Thisiswhyexperienceslikethe launch of the Four Points by Sheraton Guyana are so important They demonstrate what is possible whenvision,leadership,andpeople cometogetherinalignment.

Itbecomesmorethanamoment

Itbecomesamodel Onethatcanbe builton,expanded,andexperienced acrossdifferentspacesandregions

It reminds us that excellence is not confined to one place It can be cultivated, shared, and experienced acrossborders

It was also a pleasure to see familiar faces within the team Imarah Radix, who many would rememberfromMissGuyana,ispart ofthesalesandmarketingteamand

I also appreciated the culinary experience Ihadtheopportunityto taste a chicken puff with a curry flavor, which reflected a thoughtful blending of influences It is encouraging to see efforts being made to incorporate local flavors while maintaining international standards.

Iextendmycongratulationstothe owner, Mauricio Van Dam, and GeneralManager,JoergDelin,along withtheentireteam,forbringingthis visiontolife.Whathasbeencreated is not just a hotel, but a space of opportunityandpossibility.

I look forward to seeing its continuedgrowthandimpact,andI canalreadyenvisionhostingoneof myfashioneventsthereinthefuture

AsIreflectontheevening,what stayed with me most was not the grandeur, but the humanity It was seeingsomeonestepintoconfidence and pride. It was witnessing what happenswhenpeopleareplacedin environmentsthataffirmthem.

The Four Points by Sheraton Guyana represents growth, opportunity, and possibility But more than that, it shows what can happen when excellence meets intention and people are empoweredtothrive.

Let us continue to foster environmentsofcareandsupportfor others,aswecelebratethisbeautiful journey called life beyond the runway

Occupational health and safety month feature…

Guyana’s Troydel Williamson carries his passion for workplace safety across the seas

ByStaffWriter

When Guyana’s Troydel Williamson recalls his first days in the GuyanaFireServicebackinOctober 2014, he remembers the weight of responsibility that came with the uniform.“Itwasn’tjustaboutfighting fires,” he reflects. “It was about protectinglives,preventingtragedies, andbuildingtrustinthecommunity.”

That sense of duty became the foundationofacareerthatwouldtake him from Georgetown to Belfast, from local fire stations to internationaloilandgasprojects,and from a young recruit to a respected voiceinglobalhealthandsafety GLOBALSTANDARDS

After serving in operations and the Fire Prevention Office, Williamson’s path led him to Schlumberger through Strategic Recruitment.There,heworkedunder the Facilities Department while completingtheNEBOSHtheglobally recognised National Certificate courses will help candidates to

develop the knowledge and essential skills necessary to implement health and safety best practices, his first formal step into the world of occupationalsafety

His next chapter unfolded at Guyana Shore Base Inc., where he served as a Quality, Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (QHSSE )Advisor. “That was where I really deepened my knowledge of international safety standards,” he says. “I was given opportunities to investigate incidents and prepare documentation, which sharpened my skills.”

The combined experiences at the FireService,MorganInvestment,and Guyana Shore Base opened doors abroad. Williamson was recruited by the JJ Denholm Group in the United Kingdom, where he worked as an EHS Advisor on the SeaRose FPSO project at Belfast’s historic Harland andWolff shipyard, the birthplace of the Titanic. Leading investigations anddocumentationefforts,hegained not only technical expertise but also leadershipexperience.

RECOGNITIONINTHEUK

When that contract closed, Williamson transitioned into JJ Denholm’sLogisticsDepartment.As Continued on page 50

Guyanesearediscoveringthebenefitsof holistichealththroughyoga—Instructor

Yoga, a discipline that began thousands of years ago in India, is being reintroduced to modern Guyanese society not just as exercise,butasameanstohealing, resilience, and holistic well-being. Its origins trace back to ancient

India, emerging from sacred texts such as the Vedas and later systematized in theYoga Sutras of Patanjali.

Teerandai Haripersaud, a certified RYT500 traditional yoga instructorandfounderofYogaHub - a non-profit organisationt is making yoga accessible across the country–useshersessionsaround Arrival Day (May 5) to reflect on heritage and the journey from India, along with practices like

breathing,andlightstorytelling.

She told The Waterfall Magazine “Cultural elements are shared in an inclusive way, allowing participants to connect with the history of yoga while enjoying its physical and mental benefits,” she shared in an interviewwiththispublication.

The instructor noted that traditionally, yoga was never just about physical postures; it was a comprehensive system aimed at achieving self-realisation through

meditation, ethical discipline, breathcontrol,andmindfulness.

Over time, she said, as yoga spread globally, it evolved - often emphasising physical fitness and stressrelief.

In Guyana, however, Haripersaud noted that “yoga is takingonitsownidentity,retaining its spiritual roots while embracing the needs of a modern Caribbean society.”

For her, yoga is not a trend or

(Continuedonpage49)

Celebrating Love, Legacy, and Elegance

The 33rd Mother and Daughter Pageant slated for next Saturday

As Guyana proudly commemorates its Diamond Jubilee of Independence, the Supa Stylistics,incollaborationwiththe Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Government of Guyana, is set to host the highly anticipated 33rd Mother and DaughterPageantunderthetheme: “The Enduring Sparkle of Love; Shining Through Generations”

This beloved annual event, which has been a cherished

traditionformanyyears,continues to highlight the unique bond between mothers and daughters while showcasing elegance, creativity, and cultural pride. Over thedecades,thepageanthasgrown into one of Guyana's most celebrated family-centered showcases of fashion, talent, and generational connection. Mother and daughter pairs will compete across three exciting divisions: the KFC Senior Category, the SAB Properties Middle Category, and

the Igloo Junior Category, each promising to be decked out in the verybestoffashionandstyle.

The event takes place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the National Cultural Centre, with red carpet arrivals beginning at 6:00 PMandshowtimeat8:00PM.

Thisyear'sChung'sGlobaland Thermopin Red Carpet adds an extra layer of excitement and glamourtotheevening.Patronsare encouraged to arrive early to fully enjoy the pre-show atmosphere.

Theredcarpetsegmentistypically broadcast live on NCN, offering attendees the opportunity to be interviewed, showcase their fashion,andbepartofanationally recognized moment of style and celebration.Early arrival is also highly recommended as the auditorium lobby will be transformed into a vibrant showcase space featuring booths fromavarietyofsponsors.Patrons can explore an array of products and services, engage with brands,

and enjoy complimentary samples and interactive experiences before theshowbegins.

Tickets are priced at 5000, 5500, and 6000 and are available now at the National Cultural Centre.

The Supa Stylistics invites the public to be part of this extraordinary evening that celebrates not only beauty and fashion, but also the enduring strength of family bonds and nationalunity

‘The

Little Gift Box’ offers fresh flowers, customized gifts in time for Mothers ’ Day

ByStaffWriter

Inspired by her mother's resilience, 28-year-old Hebron Edwards decided to take a leap of faith five years ago and started her ownbusiness–TheLittleGiftBox.

The Little Gift Box which officially launched on August 1,

Some of the fresh flower arrangements The Little Gift Box has to offer.

certainty,butshehadaclearvision which is to create meaningful giftingexperiencesthathelppeople celebrate life's special moments in athoughtfulandbeautifulway

According to the young woman, entrepreneurship, for her was inspired by resilience This

2020,Edwardsinaninterviewwith this publication said it all started from a vacant room at her home. Shesharedthatatthetime,shedid not have all the resources or

resiliencesherecalledwasthatshe grewupwatchingmymotherwork tirelessly through challenges to provideforherfamily

“I witnessed both her struggles

and her determination, and those experiences shaped my mindset. They taught me that success is not aboutavoidingsetbacks,butabout persevering through them That foundation became the driving force behind my decision to start my own business,” Edwards explained.

Forthosewhohavenotheardof The Little Gift Box, the business over the years has evolved beyond gifting.TheLittleGiftBoxhasnow expanded its of erings to include freshflowers,customizedgifts,and servicesthatsupportbothpersonal

andcorporateclients.

WithMother'sDayrightaround the corner,The Little Gift Box has several packages they are offering forthisoccasionandothers.

Additionally, Edwards stated the business has grown into multiplelocations,servingawider community and building a trusted brandknownforquality,reliability, andcreativity

Highlighting the business growthandsupportovertheyears, Edwards said what started as a small home-based venture quickly g

consistency, and strong customer relationships She disclosed that within the first year, it expanded into a physical storefront, “a milestone that represented not just business growth, but proof that hardworkandbeliefinyourvision can transform humble beginnings intosomethingimpactful.”

S p e a k i n g o n h e r entrepreneurialjourney,sheshared that like many others, there have beenchallenges.

According to her, there were moments of uncertainty, financial (Continuedonpage50)

Urgent action needed as Indigenous languages face decline in Guyana - IPC

Authorities are warning that without urgent action, some of the country's Indigenous languages could disappear, taking with them centuriesofhistory,identity, andculturalknowledge.

It is in this context that the Indigenous Peoples' Commission (IPC) convened a Stakeholders Workshop on April 30 to discuss the status and survival of Indigenous languages The workshop was held at Herdmanston LodgeinGeorgetown.

The one-day forum broughttogetherIndigenous

researchers, and youth representatives as part of activities marking the International Decade of IndigenousLanguages. The workshop opened

networking, followed by a brief ceremony led by Chief Executive Officer Neil Bacchus, who welcomed participantsandunderscored the urgency of preserving

Deputy Chief Education Officer Marty De Souza during his presentation at the workshop

Guyana'slinguisticheritage. In his welcome remarks, Commissioner David James outlined the purpose of the gathering, emphasising that Indigenous languages are

communication but vital expressions of identity, history, and worldview

delivered by Marty De

EducationOfficerwithinthe Ministry of Education, and AnilRobertsoftheMinistry ofAmerindianAffairs. Both officials highlighted the role

of policy and education in safeguarding Indigenous languages, with calls for stronger integration into schoolcurriculaandnational developmentstrategies.

A presenta

n session led by facilitator Ovid Williams provided an overview of the state of Indigenous languages in Guyana. Languages such as A

Patamona, Akawaio, Carib, Arecuna, Warrau, and Wai

(Continuedonpage50)

Israeli air strikes on Lebanon

kill 41 people in 24-hours; over 1 million displaced

Aljazeera - Israel has launched multiple strikes across southern Lebanon, killing at least 10 people in further violations of the “ceasefire” declared two weeksago.

Lebanon’s Ministry of Healthsaidthelatestwaveof attacks on Saturday increased the total recorded overtheprevious24hoursto 41. The overall death toll since March 2 is 2,659, with 8,183injured.

Quoting the health ministry, Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) said three people were killed in an Israeli attack on the town of Shoukine in Nabatieh district.

An earlier attack on a car in the village of Kfar Dajjal killed two people Three others were killed when a homewashitinthevillageof Lwaizeh. A strike on the villageofShoukinkilledtwo

people,NNAreported.

Israeli forces carried out an air strike near al-Quds roundabout in the city of Nabatieh, and warplanes attacked the town of SiddiqineinTyredistrict.

Israel continues to violate the ceasefire that began on April 17 and was later extended until midMay Israel claims its attacks target the pro-Iran Lebanese group Hezbollah, but many ofthedeadwerecivilians.

More than one million peopleinLebanonhavebeen registered as displaced since theoutbreakofthewar Hezbollah says attacks will continue

Despite the rising death toll, Hezbollah on Friday pledged to continue attacks on Israeli forces inside Lebaneseterritory

Thegroupsaidittargeted multiplegatheringsofIsraeli soldiers and vehicles in several front-line towns in

southern Lebanon The attacks included artillery strikes on troops near Moussa Abbas complex in Bint Jbeil and the village of Hula. Drones were used to attacksoldiersinBiyyada.

Hezbollah has recently been using small drones controlled by fibre-optic cables to hit Israeli tanks. Three Israeli soldiers have beenkilled.

Attack drones also targeted military hardware, including a Humvee truck in the town of Taybeh and a MerkavatankinRishaf.

The latest war between Israel and Hezbollah began onMarch2,whenHezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel two days after the United States and Israel attacked its main backer, Iran. Israel has since carried out hundreds of air strikes and launched a ground invasion of southern Lebanon, capturing dozens

of towns and villages along the border A 10-day ceasefire declared in Washington started on April 17andwasextendedbythree weeks.

Reporting from Beirut, Al Jazeera’s Rory Challands said the ceasefire exists in name only “Essentially, it’s a diplomatic construct. The realityisthat,certainlydown in the south, the war continues, and, in fact, it is expanding,”hesaid.

On Friday, China’s envoy to the United Nations told reporters at the UN

headquarters in New York that there is no real ceasefire inplace,onlya“lesserfire”.

“ItisincumbentonIsrael to stop this bombardment of Lebanon,” Fu Cong said, as China assumed the rotating presidency of the UN SecurityCouncilforMay

Reporting from Amman in Jordan, Al Jazeera’s Jack Barton said Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is coming under intense pressure from all quarters to abandon the ceasefire.

“The majority of the

Smoke rises in Habboush following Israeli strikes, as seen from Nabatieh, Lebanon.

[Stringer/Reuters]

Israeli public is against it. The opposition is against the ceasefire. And all week, the army has been saying they are ready to re-engage, to broaden the conflict if they getthegreenlight,”hesaid.

“On Friday, senior officersweretellingmultiple Israeli media outlets that they were frustrated, that they believe the ceasefire was causing harm for Israeli soldiers, who are seeing dailyinjuriesnowfromthese first-person view fibre-optic cable drones increasingly usedbyHezbollah.”

Iran offers Strait deal; Trump dissatisfied but prefers non-military path

D U B A I / W E S T P A L M BEACH, May 2 (Reuters) - An Iranian proposal so far rejected by U S President Donald Trump wouldopenshippingintheStraitof Hormuz and end the U.S. blockade ofIranwhileleavingtalksonIran’s nuclear program for later, a senior IranianofficialsaidonSaturday Trump,whohassaidrepeatedly that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon, said on Friday he was not satisfied with the latest Iranian proposal, while Iran’s foreign minister said Tehran was ready for diplomacy if the U.S. changes its approach.

Trump also said on Friday that “on a human basis,” he did not prefer the military course of action and told Congressional leaders he did not need their permission to extend the war beyond a deadline set by law for that day because the ceasefire had “terminated” hostilities. “Do we want to go and just blast the hell out of them and finishthemforever?Ordowewant to try and make a deal?” he told reporters at the White House when askedabouthisoptions.

LateronFriday,duringaspeech in ‘Florida, Trump said the United States would not end its

confrontation with Iran early “and thenhavetheproblemariseinthree moreyears.”

Whilesayingrepeatedlyheisin no hurry, Trump is under domestic pressure to break Iran’s hold on the strait,whichhas chokedoff 20%of theworld’soilandgassuppliesand pushed up U.S. gasoline prices. Trump’sRepublicanPartyfacesthe risk of a voter backlash over higher prices when the country votes in midterm congressional elections in November

TRUMP SPENDS DAY ON GOLF COURSES

Trump spent Saturday in Florida - at his Mar-a-Lago resort and the Trump National Golf Club in nearby Jupiter, and also visited the dentist. In the evening he was due to visit another of his golf resorts, Trump National Doral outsideMiami,whichishostingthe

PGACadillacChampionship. Reuters and other news organizationsalreadyreportedover the past week that Tehran was proposing to reopen the strait before nuclear issues were resolved. The official confirmed thatthisnewtimelinehadnowbeen spelled out in a formal proposal conveyed to the United States through mediators. Iranian media said Tehran’s 14-point proposal included the withdrawal of U.S. forcesfromareassurroundingIran, lifting the blockade, releasing Iran’s frozen assets, payment of ‘compensation, lifting sanctions and ending the war on all fronts, includingLebanon,aswellasanew controlmechanismforthestrait.

The United States and Israel suspendedtheirbombingcampaign against Iran four weeks ago, but appear no closer to a deal to end a

war that has caused the biggest disruption ever to global energy supplies, roiled global markets and raised worries about the possibility of a wider global economic downturn. Iran has been blocking nearly all shipping from the Gulf apart from its own for more than two months. Last month the U.S. imposed its own blockade of ships from Iranian ports.Washington has repeatedly said it will not end the war, which has ‘led to the deaths of thousands of people, without a deal that prevents Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, the primary aim Trump cited when he launched strikes in February in the midst of nuclear talks. Iran says its nuclear programispeaceful.

Speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss confidential diplomacy, the senior Iranian official said Tehran believed its

latest proposal to shelve nuclear talks for a later stage was a significant shift aimed at facilitating‘anagreement.

Under the proposal, the war would end with a guarantee that Israel and the United States would not attack again. Iran would open the strait, and the United States wouldliftitsblockade.Futuretalks would then be held on curbs to Iran’snuclearprograminreturnfor the lifting of sanctions, with Iran demanding Washington recognize its right to enrich uranium for peacefulpurposes,evenifit‘agrees tosuspenditsnuclearprogram.

“Under this framework, negotiations over the more complicated nuclear issue have been moved to the final stage to create a more conducive atmosphere,”theofficialsaid.

Separately, the head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee said on Saturday the life of jailed Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi was in the hands of the Iranian authorities after her health“deterioratedseriously,”and called for her to be released to her dedicated medical team. Reuters could not independently confirm hercondition.

Guyanese are discovering the benefits of...

From page 45 profession, but a lifelong journey Her introduction to the practice began in childhood at her local mandir, where she learned b a s i c p o s e s b e f o r e eventually guiding others in her community Even as a young girl, she displayed a natural inclination toward leadership, often leading sessions on the mud dam in herneighborhood.

She said that early curiosity grew into a deeper pursuit during her teenage years, when she immersed herself in Hindi, Vedic scriptures,andself-study

Adefiningmomentcame on September 21, 2000, when she responded to an invitation to observe World Peace Day That experience marked a turning point, leading her into nearly 15 years of transcendental meditation practice with the Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga movement in Georgetown. So, what began as personal exploration gradually turned intoacommitmenttosharing yoga’sbenefitswithothers.

P r o f e s s i o n a l l y , Haripersaud built a career in science, working for over two decades as a Laboratory Coordinator and Senior Biochemistry Technician at Texila American University With a background in biochemistry, she developed an understanding of the human body, which would later inform her approach to

yoga as both a preventative and complementary health practice.

However,theCOVID-19 pandemic became another turning point. During this period of global uncertainty, theyoginideepenedheryoga training through institutions such as the Swami Vivekananda Culture Centre Guyana and Maharshi Dayananda Gurukula in India and the United States. This phase marked her transition from practitioner to teacher, and ultimately, to communityleader In 2020, she founded Yoga Hub, an organisation focused on promoting the transformative power of yoga through education, outreach, and inclusive programming.

GROWING CULTURAL IMPACT

What began as a small initiative has since grown intoanationwidemovement, reaching more than 23,000 individuals across schools, youth camps, workplaces, and community spaces over thepastsixyears.

Yoga Hub’s work extends far beyond traditional classes The organisation integrates mindfulness,movement,and emotional support into its programmes,particularlyfor youngpeople.

As a trained gatekeeper for suicide prevention, Haripersaud uses yoga as a tool for mental health

individuals manage stress, build resilience, and develop self-awareness.

She asserted “Yoga is m

l exercise,” she shared. “It is a way to reconnectwith yourself, your breath, and yourpurpose.”

Within the IndoGuyanese community, yoga has long held cultural and spiritual significance, influenced by traditions from India and teachings suchastheBhagavadGita.

Today, while many still practice yoga as a path to innergrowthanddevotion,it is also widely embraced for its practical benefits,

flexibility, stress relief, and overallwellness.YogaHub’s p r o g

e a c h individuals of all ages, religious backgrounds, and soci

Sessions are held in schools, parks, temples, and even open community spaces, reflecting a commitment to accessibility.

One of Haripersaud’s most ambitious initiatives has been integrating yoga into the formal education system. In 2023, she made thebolddecisiontoleaveher longstandingcareeratTexila American University to focus entirely on teaching yoga in schools. She joined Camille’s Academy, where she introduced structured yoga programmes across

four campuses - Crane, Diamond, Lusignan, and Soesdyke.

She couldn’t be happier attheresults.

HOLISTIC EDUCATION

In 2025, Camille’s Academy was awarded “Best School with Holistic Education” at the World School Summit in Malaysia, becoming the first school in the Caribbean to integrate yoga into its curriculum and receive such recognition Beyondschools,YogaHubis involved in research and collaboration.

The organisation is currently conducting studies on student well-being and the impact of mindfulness in academic settings, in partnership with Camille’s Academy Additionally, it is working with Toronto MetropolitanUniversityona cross-analysis of care for children and youth between service providers in Ontario andGuyana.

Through collaborations with the University of

Guyana, medical students h a v e e x p l o r e d t h e application of yoga therapy intreatingconditionssuchas diabetes, hypertension, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

As an elective rotation in the Bachelors of Medicine, Bachelors of surgery programme at the University of Guyana, Dr Mohanee Motilal did Medical Yoga Therapy with Yoga Hub focusingonboththephysical and mental well-being of patients of various ages, geographical locations and cultural backgrounds, to treat symptoms of various medical conditions affecting our population including diabetes, hypertension and PCOSandalsoexploringthe psychological effect of meditationandrelaxation.

Dr MohaneeMotilalwas awarded “More than Medicine Award” due to her involvement with Yoga Hub throughout her medical schooljourney.

“Yoga not only offered

me the stability required during the journey but it expanded my experience of ways in which holistic wellbeing can be achieved formypatients.”

Haripersaud said her work is also connected to community engagement Through partnerships with organisations such as the IshaFoundation,theGuyana Hindu Youth Camp, and the Chinmaya Mission Guyana, Yoga Hub continues to e x p a n d i

h , programmes often include e

ments of

ural education, particularly around Indian Arrival Day, where participants reflect on heritage, practice mindful breathing, and engage in storytelling.

Haripersaud’s efforts have not gone unnoticed as thisyear;shewasnamedone of Guyana’s 25 Influential Women Leaders. “Every time someone learns to breathe through stress, to pause, to reconnect - that is success,”sheexpressed.

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UrgentactionneededasIndigenouslanguages...

From page 47 Wai were discussed, with varying levels of vitality While some remain widely spoken in certain regions, othersareclassifiedasendangeredorcriticallyendangered due to declining numbers of fluent speakers.

Among the major challengesidentifiedweremigrationfromhinterlandcommunities to urban centers, limited use of Indigenous languages in formal education, and a lack of teaching resources and documentation. Participants also pointed to reduced intergenerational transmission, as younger generations increasingly adoptEnglishastheirprimary language.

Stakeholdersweredivided

Guyana’s

From page 44 the only Guyanese professional on the HSQE team, he quickly earned recognition and was promoted to SHEQ Officer. His responsibilities spanned Belfast Harbor, HamiltonShipping,andWilliams Reid, with site visits in the Republic of Ireland and Cork.

intoworkinggroupstoexamine key issues in depth and group discussions focused on three main areas: the current status and documentation of languages, the challenges to their survival, and strategies for revitalisation.

In the session on documentation,participantsnoted that while some research and recordings exist, significant gapsremain.

The group examining challenges to survival highlighted the social and economic pressures influencing language decline. Urbanisation, access to education, and changing lifestyleswereallcitedasfactors contributing to reduced use of Indigenous languages indailylife.

Meanwhile, the revitalisationgroupexplored practicalsolutions,including the introduction of language teaching in schools, community-based classes, and the use of digital tools such as mobile applications and online dictionaries. Recording oral traditions and storytelling sessions with elders was also identified as a main step in preserving linguistic heritage. Key proposals included thedevelopmentofanational Indigenouslanguagespolicy, increased funding for research and documentation, and the integration of Indigenous languages into early childhood and primary education. Participants also calledforstrongercollabora-

tion with universities and international partners to support linguistic preservation efforts.Theexpectedoutputs include a preliminary status report on Indigenous languages in Guyana, a set of stakeholder-driven recommendations, and the formation of a collaborative network to support ongoing preservation efforts.

The workshop forms part of Guyana’s contribution to theglobalpushtoprotectlinguisticdiversityundertheInternational Decade of Indigenous Languages. The UnitedNationsinitiativecalls on countries to take urgent and sustained action to preserve,revitalise,andpromote Indigenous languages around the world.

Troydel Williamson carries his passion... cranes.

A

LIFESTYLE, NOT A JOB

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nevermakeit,”herecalls.“But safety is more than risk assessments or procedures. It’s a lifestyle. It’s our responsibility as leaders to ensure employees return to their families’safe,whileproviding a safe place and system of work.”

For him, being Guyanese

iscentraltohisstory.“Icarry myrootswithmeeverywhere I go,” he says. “I’m proud of the knowledge and experience I’ve gained, but even prouder of the commitment I’ve made to my profession. Safety is about people, and that’s something I’ll never forget.”

Guyana’s Troydel Williamson...

From page 44 theonlyGuyaneseprofessionalontheHSQE team, he quickly earned recognition and was promotedtoSHEQOfficer

HisresponsibilitiesspannedBelfastHarbor, Hamilton Shipping, and Williams Reid, withsitevisitsintheRepublicofIrelandand Cork.

His commitment and capability led Scruttons to sponsor him for the NEBOSH NationalDiplomainOccupationalSafetyand Health. He went on to complete ISO 14001, 45001,and9001certificationswiththeBritish Standards Institute, achieving Lead Auditor status in ISO 14001. Along the way, he attended seminars, met with the Health and Safety Executive of Northern Ireland, and gained firsthand experience with ship-toshore and RTG cranes.

A LIFESTYLE, NOT A JOB

Today,heisaproudmemberoftheInstitution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI).Hisjourneyhasnotbeenwithoutchallenges.“IrememberpeopletellingmeIwould nevermakeit,”herecalls.“Butsafetyismore than risk assessments or procedures. It’s a lifestyle. It’s our responsibility as leaders to ensure employees return to their families’ safe,whileprovidingasafeplaceandsystem ofwork.”

Forhim,beingGuyaneseiscentraltohis story.“IcarrymyrootswithmeeverywhereI go,” he says. “I’m proud of the knowledge andexperienceI’vegained,butevenprouder of the commitment I’ve made to my profession.Safetyisaboutpeople,andthat’ssomethingI’llneverforget.”

Air guns, pistols, police vest found during operation at Garden of Eden

The Guyana Police Force on Saturday reported that during an operation at Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara on Friday several air guns, airsoft pistols, handcuffs and a policevestwerediscovered.

According to reports, police acting on information received, went to a location at Garden of Eden between 22:00hrs and 22:20hrs where a search was conducted at a garbage heap located on the southern parapet near a trenchinthearea.

Eye Lash Health Post

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony on Friday joined residents of Eye Lash Village in Region One to commission a newly constructedhealthpost.

A c c o r d i n g t o information provided by the ministry, the health post f o r m s p a r t o f t h e government's commitment to equitable healthcare accessacrossGuyana.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony commissioned the Eye Lash Health Post in Region One.

Thepolicedisclosedthatduringthe exercise, ranks discovered one green duffle bag containing “one Vintage Marksman Repeater .177 calibre BB gun, one BSA 240 Magnum .22 air pistol, one G3 Nightingale airsoft pistol with magazine, one Brass Eagle Samurai paintball marker gun with tank, one bottom half of an airsoft pistol frame with magazine, two pairs ofhandcuffsandonebulletproofvest.”

T h i s n e w s p a p e r understands that the newly commissioned facility is designed to provide essential primary healthcare services to residents within the community, and it includes a clinical section for patient care and a living quarter for healthcare workers, ensuring that medical personnel are readily available to serve residents.

The police stated that no arrest was made following the discovery The

items were taken to the Grove Police Station, where they were lodged pendinginvestigation.

Minister Anthony in his r e m a r k s a t t h e commissioning ceremony said that the establishment of the health post reflects the government'songoingefforts to expand healthcare services, particularly in hinterland and remote communities.

The Minister noted that residents will now have easier access to vital services including vaccinations for c h i l d r e n , m a t e r n a l healthcare, and treatment for common illnesses, including malaria.

During his remarks he alsocommendedtheregional health team for their initiative in identifying the n e e d a n d w o r k i n g collaboratively with the Ministry to make the project a reality.“This facility will significantly improve the quality of healthcare availabletothepeopleofthis community,” the Minister said.

Chase’s Academic roll over Santa Rosa Sec’ to secure 2026 Massy Distribution Under-18 School’s Football title

Chase’s Academic Foundation delivered a c o m m a n d i n g a n d unforgettable campaign in the 12th Annual Massy Distribution Secondary Schools Under-18 Football Tournament, capping it off with a ruthless 6–0 demolition of Santa Rosa Secondary in Saturday’s final at the Ministry of Educationground.

From the opening whistle, Chase looked unstoppable Just two minutes in, Dianni Hardy sliced through Santa Rosa’s defense to create the first breakthrough, setting the tone for what would become a one-sided affair The momentum quickly shifted into overdrive as tournament MVP Shaquan David took controlofthecontest.

David was simply sensational He struck a clinical hat-trick, including two calmly converted penalties that pushed Chase into a dominant 3–0 lead. But it was his thunderous strike in the 43rd minute that truly stole the spotlight—an explosive effort widely hailed as the “goal of the tournament,” giving Chase a 4–0 cushion heading into halftime.

The second half brought no relief for S a n t a R o s a Immediately after the restart, Nyron Barrow delivered a perfectly weighted long ball into the box, where Onasi Dunn rose to nod home Chase’s fifth Mark Glasgow then added the finishing touch in the 77th minute, burying the sixth goal to seal a resounding victory and yet another Massytitleforthebluecladchampions.

Sunday May 03, 2026

ARIES(Mar 21–Apr 19)

Thepromiseofapromotionor raise could be on your mind today, Aries. You might try to visualize the next steps and anticipate tasks that take more effort and concentration than you'reusedto.

TAURUS(Apr 20–May20)

You might decide to spend a largepartofthedayworkingon a project that requires a lot of mental energy Plans to spend sometimewithaclosefriendor lover might not turn out to be quitewhatyou'dhoped

GEMINI(May21–June20)

A gloomy guest could arrive today,Gemini,andlikelyneed some cheering up. Do the best you can, but don't try to do it bycookingameal.Theresults ofyoureffortsmightnotbeall thatexciting.

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Pivotal career matters may need to be thought through today Alot could be at stake at work in the very near future. Whatever tasks you need to tend to could require a lot of effortandconcentration.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

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AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Some strange and rather gloomy dreams could come your way tonight. They could, if you let them, catapult you into a rather depressed mood during the day Writing them down might help exorcise the negativeemotions.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

A lack of communication with an unhappy family member could have you feeling a little downhearted You might wonder if you've done something to offend this person.

MVP Move! Chase’s captain, Shaquan David nets hattrick in 6-0 rout to help seal 2026 Massy U18 Football championship.

Santa Rosa, once again, had to settle for the runner-up position after a difficult outing inthefinal.

Earlier in the day, West Ruimveldt Secondary secured third place with a 4–2 penalty shootout victory overCharlestownSecondary afterregulationtimefailedto separatethetwosides.

The tournament itself was a showcase of attacking football, producing an impressive 290 goals across the competition Shaquan David stood above all, finishing with 17 goals to claimboththeMostValuable Player and Golden Boot awards, while Chase’s Fabio Kowlessar earned the Golden Glove for his standout performances betweentheposts.

Wi t h 3 2 s c h o o l s competing, Chase’s dominance throughout the tournament underscored their status as Georgetown’s premier secondary school footballprogramme.

The event also drew notable support, with Ministers Steven Jacobs, Sarah Browne-Shadeek, and Colin Croal in attendance, highlighting the growing importance of school footballinGuyana.

Backed by Massy Distribution and supported

by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the Demerara Mutual Group,

Education, the tournament

once again proved to be a major success, further cementing its place as a cornerstoneofyouthfootball developmentinthecountry

One Guyana T10 Tapeball to start August 8; national finals set for Oct. 11 at Anna Regina

The Caribbean tapeball landscape is set for its most lucrative chapter yet as FL Sport officially unveiled a significantly bolstered prize

s t r u c t u r e a n d t h e comprehensive schedule for the fourth season of the One GuyanaT10TapeballBlast. This premier cricket

extravaganza is scheduled to bowl off on the weekend of August 8-9 and will culminate in a historic national grand finale on

October 11 at the new Anna ReginaNationalStadium.

The competition begins in Berbice with a 16-team cap for its opening leg, then movestotheEastBank/West Demerara zone on August 15-16 and the Essequibo zoneonAugust22-23.

The tournament will briefly pause to prepare for the Caribbean Premier League(CPL)inGuyana.

A c t i o n r e s u m e s following the conclusion of the CPL, with a revamped f o r m a t f o r t h e Georgetown/East Coast DemeraraZone.

Moving away from the traditional compact two-day schedule for the capital region, organisers have extended this leg to four playing dates, with the Round-of-32 and Round-of16 slated for September 2627, followed by the quarterfinals and zone finals onOctober3-4.

Tournament Director John Ramsingh expressed high expectations for the upcoming season, noting that the event continues to grow in both popularity and prestige.

Ramsingh emphasised the commitment to bringing the game to the people,

highlighting that registration is open to any team for any zone.

While match venues are being finalised with an eye toward utilising the country’s premier facilities, theorganisersconfirmedthat admission for all fans will remain free of charge throughoutthetournament.

The financial stakes for Season IV have reached unprecedented levels for the format FL Sport has introduced a tiered payout structure designed to p r o f e s s i o n a l i s e t h e tournament and reward teamsfordeepruns.

Each zone winner will now pocket $500,000 and advance to the National Finals to compete for a $2 milliontopprize.

Under this revamped structure, the national champion will walk away with $2.5 million, while the national runner-up will earn $1.5million.

Beyond domestic glory, the stakes are heightened by the announcement that zone winners will earn an automatic qualifying spot in the upcoming Global T10 Tapeballtournament.

Losing finalists at the zone level will receive $200,000; semi-finalists will earn $50,000; and, for the firsttimeinthetournament’s history, losing quarterfinalists will receive $25,000 Individual brilliance will also be handsomelycompensated.

The tournament MVP will receive $150,000 and a motorbike, while the leading run-scorer and wicket-taker will each earn $100,000 plus atelevision.

A d d i t i o n a l c a s h incentives are set for the Player-of-the-Final, the best economy rate, and the highest strike rate, alongside various non-monetary prizes forstatisticalleaders.

Registration for the 80team straight knockout tournament is scheduled to go live on Friday, May 8, with an entry fee of $35,000 perteam.

Organisers remind prospective participants that spots are filled on a firstcome, first-served basis, with payment serving as the only confirmation of a team’s place in the most anticipated tapeball event of theyear.

In a bid to remain playercentred, rewards have been expandedevenforthosewho fallshortofthepodium.

Odyssey Sightseeing Tours T20 Competition…

Balgobin’s 120, Rajroop 5-fer highlight opening round play

T h e O d y s s e y

Sightseeing Tours T20

Competition recently continued with crucial victories being obtained by severalteams.

At Uivtught, Goed FortuinwonagainstLeonora by 6 wickets. Batting first, Leonora made 128 all out in 18.4 overs. Micheal Subadar top scored with 45 as Shazam Ally supported with 17 while bowling for Goed

Fortuin was led by Chaitram Rajroop with 5 for 5 in 3.4 overs while Fawaz Esau supportedwith2for11. Goed Fortuin responded with 129 for 4 in 17 overs.

Aaron Shewpersaud continued his impressive form with 55 while Damain Thomassupportedwith43as Deopersaud Lalta bagged 2 for38.

In another showdown, WestCoastWarriors(WCW)

scored a 35-run win against La Grange. Batting first, WCW made 154 for 8 in the 20 overs. La Grange were only able to muster 118 for 9 at the end of their allotted overs. At West Meten Meer Zorg Community Centre Ground, VNS Cricket Club won against Leonora B Batting First , Leonora B made154alloutfrom the20 overs thanks to a solid stand from Mahendra Singh (50)

head holds talks with

President of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC), Mohamed Shairaz Roshandin, used his attendance at the Miami Grand Prix this weekend to advance discussions on motorsportdevelopmentintheregion.

During the event, Roshandin met with Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, where they explored opportunities for growth across theCaribbeanandLatinAmerica.

AccordingtoRoshandin,themeeting wasproductiveandforward-looking.

“I took the opportunity on the sidelines of the Miami Grand Prix to meet with President Ben Sulayem. We had very fruitful discussions on the advancement of the sport in the region, where it needs to go, and I can say the future of Caribbean and Latin American racingisbright,”hesaid.

as Mohan Chaitram (2-13), Mohamed Wazidali (3-16) andSatishDiaram(2-28)did wellwiththeballforVNS.

VNSrespondedwith156 for 2 in 14.2 overs as Safraz Khan (40) and Ricardo Joseph (35) led the chase. Windsor Forest Viper then scored a 27-run win against VNS in the second match of thetournament.

Batting first, Windsor ForestViperposted130for6

in the allotted 20 overs and restricted the opposition to VNS all out for 103 in 18.2 overs.

Ushadavera Balgobin scored an entertaining 120 against the host, West Meten Meer Zorg, as Windsor Forest Center scored 201 - 9 inthe20overs.

The host, badly missing the service of Pameshwar Ram due to Demerara under 19 duties, could only muster

82 all out from 16 overs.

Bowling for the eventual w i n n e r, P a r m a n a n d Suknanan bagged 2 for 1, Kishaun Tracy claimed 2 for 9, Lalta Suknanan snared 2 for 11 and Raylex Payne recorded2for38. Meanwhile, Zeelught Cricket Club gained a walkover from West Demerara Renegades, while Region 3 Police gained a walkoverfromCorneliaIda.

GMR&SC President Mohamed Shiraz Roshandin (left) shakes the hand of with Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) President Mohammed Ben Sulayem

unprecedented levels of infrastructural development.

The engagement follows GMR&SC’s recent agreement to host the upcoming GT3 Americas Challenge, a move expected to signal a transformative period for local motorsport.

TheintroductionoftheGT3seriesisseen as a major step forward, supported by

Work is ongoing to upgrade the South Dakota Circuit to meet GT3 standards, a developmentthatisalsoexpectedtoboostthe overall direction and growth of motorsport in Guyana.

The GT3 Americas Challenge is scheduledforJuly11–12,2026.

Guyana’s men’s 3x3 basketball team made a strong showing at the Caribbean Clash 3x3 Lite Quest in Suriname, but their journeyendedinthesemi-finalsaftera21-17 defeattoSt.Maarten.

The team, represented by Akil Hughes, Travis Belgrave, Nikkoloi Smith, and Shelroy Thomas, had a mixed yet impressive performance throughout the eight-team twodaytournament. Theirmostexcitingmoment came in the quarter-finals, where they fought through a nail-biting 22-20 overtime victory over Team Georgetown from the USA, with Belgravehittingthegame-winner

That win saw them picking up a spot in the penultimate round, where they hoped to keeptheirmomentumgoing.

WithaspotintheFIBA3X3Challengerin Brazilontheline,theteamfelljustshort.

On the opening day, Guyana’s team showed promise, winning two out of three gamesinthegroupstage.

They bounced off their campaign with a narrow 15-14 victory over Suriname, then followed it up with a solid 21-17 win against

TrinidadandTobago.

Those victories gave the squad a boost of confidencegoingintotheirfinalgroupmatch, but unfortunately, they suffered a 15-20 loss to St. Lucia, which ultimately left them in secondplaceinthegroup.

Despite the disappointment of being knocked out in the semi-finals, the team's overallperformanceinSurinameisapositive sign for the future of 3x3 basketball in Guyana.

According to the GBF, the tournament was not just an opportunity to test their skills, but also a critical part of the team’s preparations for major upcoming events, including the Commonwealth Games and the Central American and Caribbean Games, where Guyana will make its debut in 3x3 basketball.

TheGuyanaBasketballFederation(GBF) has been instrumental in pushing for the development of the sport in the country, and the tournament in Suriname was part of their strategy to prepare the team for the internationalstage.

Town Week Inter Ward Football...

Blueberry Hill/Alleys/Valleys/ Christianburg crowned inaugural Champion

B l u e b e r r y Hill/Alleys/Valleys/Christia nburg was crowned the inaugural Champion following a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout win over

H a l f M i l e / O n e Mile/Scheme, in the Linden Town Week Inter Ward footballfinal. Held at the new Bayrcok

National Stadium and promoted by the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation in collaboration with the governing Upper Demerara Football Association, the champion finished the tourneywithanunblemished record.

On a night which saw football fans throng the

newest sports facility across Guyana, the holiday mood was evident from the opening kick after the two teams were introduced to a team of special invitees, which included Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr and Linden Town Clerk Lennox Gasper

The expectant Wismar crowd showed up in their numbers, overflowing the red and blue stands, which added much to the holiday atmosphere.

The inform Clinton Charles would be the one to openthescoringwhenheput his side Half Mile/One Mile/Schemeintoa1-0lead, from a jabbing shot which scored in the 39th minute, andcausedmuchcelebration fromtheirsupporters.

Both sides were seeking to gain control in their open play, but neither really dominated, and when the firsthalfended,itwasstillin favour of Half Mile/ One Mile/ Scheme by that single strike.

When play resumed in the second half, both sides were willing to gamble on plays, but this effort did not result in changes to the scores. However, with six minutes to end regulation play from a buildup inside the 18-yard box. Anxiety was spread across the two stands as the experienced Colwyn Drakes would tuck home the equaliser in the 84th minute for the eventual champion.

In the next six ensuing minutes, there were gasps as chances went awry to the disappointment of the jubilantspectators.

The referee then ruled that there would be no extra time play, but penalties woulddecidethewinners.

After four shots by the two sides, the scores were tied 3-3, but Half Mile/ One Mile/Scheme would not score their last shot as

Blueberry Hill notched up a successful goal to finish as victors 4-3, which sparked celebrationsfortheirfans.

With the champions getting $1M compliments of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament was Kendolph Lewis from the winning Blueberry Hill/ A l l e y s / Valleys/Christianburg side, who received a trophy and $100,000, which was donatedbyBernard’sVariety Store.

For being runners-up, Half Mile/ One Mile/ Scheme collected $400,000 and a trophy, whileAmelia’s Ward/ Kara Kara/ Bamia got $200,000 for beating West Watooka/ Canvas City in the third-place playoff game, as thelosersgot$150,000.

The Highest Goal Scorer was Marcus Tudor with five goals representing Half Mile/OneMile/Scheme.He

collected $56,000 from the donorLennoxGasper

The best Goalkeeper awardwenttoDelonAdams, and he collected a pair of gloves compliments of Ian Deviera and $50,000 from Bella’sLumberYard.

Jamal Bentick of Amelia’s Ward / Kara Kara / Bamia received the Best Goal celebration from ‘Grandpa’ Harvey, with the Youngest Player Award going to 16-year-old Travon Guillaume, who played for Amelia’s Ward/Kara Kara/ Bamia He was awarded $20,000 and a trophy donated by Unique Essentials.

The player with the most goals from Blueberry Hill wasShaneLuckie,whogota voucher from United Statesbased Rawle Johnson. The player who netted the first goal of the tournament was ClintonCharles.Hereceived $100,000 from Bella’s LumberYard.

PanAm Draughts 2026: Guyana puts forth strong performances

Championship concluded at the Dalian National Mind Sports Complex, University Complex, Paramaribo, Suriname Sunday last, as Guyana’s National Draughts players Jiaram and Floyd Cumberbatch put forth strong challenges against the international players. Eleven countries contested the biennial event. Allan DaSilva from Brazil wonthetitleforthesixthtime.Cumberbatch made seven points in the regular 10x10 games and ended in the 8th position among 32contestants.

Jiaram with eight points (8) in the blitz competition ended in 7th position among the 46 players that contested the blitz Cumberbatchdidnotcontesttheblitz.

12 females stood off in a separate

tournamentwhile10under-20youthsplayed in an intense competition. Guyana was not abletosendfemalesandyouths. According to the President of the local body, Jiaram, things are in process through the Hon. President of Guyana to construct a Draughts school for the training of these categories. Should all go well, the 24th Games (2028) in Jamaica would see all categoriestakingpart.

Cumberbatch, who had his first PanAm outing, said it was a great experience and wouldbepreparingforanotherouting,while Jiaram’s first PanAm outing was in Costa Rica2024.

Both players were awarded certificates and medals for their involvement by the PAMDCCandtheSurinameDamBond.

MCYS/East

Bank Inter Village Football…

Quarterfinals set for Sunday and Tuesday; semifinal spots at stake

Following six days of epic roundrobin action, its now down to the knockout stage of the inaugural MCYS/East Bank Inter VillageFootballTournament organisedbySportsExtra.

Earning the right to advance by virtue of placing as the top two villages from the four groups were, Kuru Kururu and Agricola (group A), Swan and Herstelling (group B), Grove and Upper Soesdyke (Group C), and Timehri and Kaneville (groupD).

The Eccles EE Ground will once again host the matches on Sunday May 3rd andTuesdayMay5th which are expected to be ding dong battles and will also test the fitness and resilience of players who will now be contesting 90 minute matches.

Alltheteamswhichhave advanced have earned their spots with Kuru Kururu, Grove and Swan the only teams that have kept a clean recordtodate,Swandrawing one match. These are the villagestowatchastheylook verysolidunits,nonetheless, the other villages are also in withachanceofbookingone ofthefoursemifinalspotson theline.

Sunday’s opening clash brings together Kuru Kururu which toped group A with

twowinsinasmanymatches putting all on the line when they take on group C runnerup, Upper Soesdyke. Kuru Kururuwillbeledbyveteran Marvin ‘Munro’ Joseph and Kevin Scott, both scoring a doubleeachsofar Leroy Evans who has scored their other goal will also add support to their victory quest Upper Soesdyke will start as the underdog and will have to come big to topple their opponent. They will have to improve in the attacking third as they have only scored a single goal to the opponents’five.

Sunday’s feature clash is a potential humdinger with Swan,oneofthefittestteams taking on a seasoned challenger, Agricola The tournament’s second leading goal scorer, Abraham Webb with a hat-trick of goals will have to maintain his accuracy if they are to continuetheirpositiverun. He’ll have support from

Timothy Adrian and Anderson Webber amongst other players. Agricola had to draw on all their experience after losing their first match to topple Mocha in their final group game which allowed them to s q u e e

o t h e quarterfinals They’ll depend on Kelvin Gordon, Shamar Sampson, Demanie Cort and Jamal Fiffe to lead theirbidforawin.

On Tuesday, Grove, the mostclinicalvillageonshow so far, scoring nine goals while conceding two, will take on neighbouring village, Kaneville, a young but confident team in the m a i n e v e n

marksman, Domini Garnett (4goals)willonceagainlead Grove as they eye a place in the semis. Kevin Padmore, Rayfield Hilliman, Akeem Jarvis and Jamal Cordis will all lend support. Kaneville will look to Deno Cupidore, Tyequan Robinson and

HermanGilltoleadanupset. Openingplayat7pmwill see Herstelling and Timehri locking horns with another potential epic expected Timehri stormed back from the brink after losing their first game to top group D, whilst Herstelling won their first match but went down in theirsecond.

Nyron Barrow, who netted both goals Timehri scored in the tournament so far will seek to repeat his heroics but will have to contend with the likes of MalcolmHendricks,Johenni Mendoza and Jonathan Conyers. Two exciting days of play awaits with the rewards being four spots in

the business end of the tournament. The tournament has been made possible throughthekindsponsorship of the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport, Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Housing, Bounty Farm Ltd., Fitness Express, Republic Bank, Star Rentals, and The TrophyStall.