War on Iran... US-Israel dropped 12,000 bombs, hit 10,000 targets, 1,937 dead
‘Guyana will never see without ring-fencing’ fair share of profits
…AFC pours cold water on ExxonMobil’s claims costs will be repaid by year-end
Teen girl killed in Moblissa crash
Unidentified teen found floating in Demerara River
competition for top construction award Canadian gold project in Guyana leads global
surpass 1,500 MW by 2030 GPL: demand expected to
Guyana’s peak electricity
…AFC pours cold water on ExxonMobil’s claims costs will be repaid by year-end
TheAllianceForChange (AFC) does not believe Guyana will ever enjoy its full 50 per cent profit share and repay ExxonMobil for its investments in the Stabroek Block without implementingaring-fencing provision.
This mechanism would requireeachprojecttopayits owncostsandallowGuyana toenjoy50percentofallthe revenue generated at each project, minus operating expense.
Based on Exxon's recent pronouncements, Guyana has repaid the company for six of the seven projects
sanctionedtodate,withonly US$5 billion more remaininginthecostbank.
This means that Guyana couldhavebeenreceiving50 per cent profits already on the four projects currently producing oil, had a ringfencing provision been in place.Intheabsenceofringfencing,Exxonisallowedto take a whopping 75 per cent of all revenue generated to clearcosts.Notonlythat,but the company also takes 12.5 per cent profit. In other words, Exxon gets 87.5 per centofGuyana'swealtheach month.
According to the 2016
EMGLCountryManager, Alistair Routledge
Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), Guyana receives 12.5 per cent profit and 2 per cent royalty from all production. Further, the country's share would only increase after repaying Exxonallofitsinvestment. Recently, Exxon's Country Manager, Alistair Routledge revealed that the cost bank would be cleared by year end due to high oil prices.Afewshortmoments
Guyana's peak electricity demand to surpass 1,500 MW by 2030 – GPL …projects rapid growth of new customers, expanding industrial and residential sectors
Guyana's electricity peak demand is projectedtoreach1,575megawattsby2030, according to Kesh Nandlall, head of executive management at Guyana Power andLight(GPL).
Speaking at a recent Public Utilities Commission (PUC) hearing, Nandlall shared, “As of September 2025, peak demand is 221.5 MW… for 2026, it is expected by September that peak demand willreach286.4MW…Peakdemandisset toincreaseto1,575MWby2030.”
He highlighted that the company has witnessedrapidgrowthinitscustomerbase, adding 182 MW last year to meet capacity needs.
“Fromourcustomerbase…in2025,we endedupwith244,000customers,whichisa 51% increase from 2024…while we are seeing that growth, the demand for each customer has grown more…. which tells us also that the demand is coming from larger customers and foreign customer demand,” Nandlallexplained.
Recent reporting shows that Guyana's electricitygenerationhasdoubledinthepast fiveyears,movingfrom120MWin2020to 236MWbytheendof2025,representinga 100%increase.
Atthe2026EnergyConferencehostedat the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown, Nandlall emphasised GPL's efforts to provide reliable electricity across the Demerara Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS). He noted that total power generationincreasedfrom903GWhin2020
later,heannouncedplansfor an eight project and the possibility of a ninth. These projects would inflate the cost bank and further delay thecountry'sabilitytoenjoy alargerportionofrevenue.
To this end, executive member of the AFC, Dr Vincent Adams said the countrymanager
“From the time he (Routledge) arrived, he has been disrespecting G
intelligence. This here is an impossibility.”
believe
s Exxon's total costs to be recovered can reach as high asUS$100billion.
Tothisend,hereiterated calls for the government to publish the quarterly reports
being submitted by ExxonMobil so that the country can clearly see how much costs are being recovered,howmuchispaid
towards capital and operationalexpensesaswell as profits for each side and thetotalrevenuegenerated.
but he can't guarantee that Guyana will be getting its 50/50share.”
Kesh Nandlall, head of executive management, GPL
to1,485GWh,a65%riseovertheperiod. Nandlall detailed several capacity additions:
46.5MWatGardenofEden(fossilfuel)
28.9MWatColumbia
36MWpowershipintheBerbiceRiver
60MWpowershipintheDemeraraRiver
18MWsolar,including10MWinBerbice and8MWinEssequibo
Currently, the DBIS has about 260 MW of reliable, firm electricity, excluding solar
“We have over 300 MW installed, but maintenancerequirementsmeansomeunits are periodically offline. In 2026, we expect theDBIStoexceed285MW,”Nandlallsaid.
Looking ahead, GPL anticipates tremendous growth in power consumption.
“Fromourcurrentpeakdemandof236MW, we estimate a 600% increase in generating capacity by 2030, driven by growth among existing customers, new housing developments, and the expanding industrial sector,”theCEOexplained.
The former head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pointed out that Routledge during an event in New York told the gathering that all of its expenses would be cleared by the end of 2026. Dr Adams noted that this event was held before oil prices soaredtoUS$100perbarrel. As such he questioned the veracity of the statements madebyExxon.
In fact, Dr Adams made it clear, “As long as there is no ring-fencing, it cannot happen.It'snotonlytheeight project, you've got three more or two more.” He
Meanwhile, interim leader of the party, David Patterson believes the statement by the country manager was meant to “placatethegeneralpublic.”
Most disturbing to him was the fact that Routledge could not say when Guyana wouldreceiveits50percent share as stipulated by the PSA.
He explained, “What I found most annoying with his statement was that he is ononehandclaimingthatin 2026 or sometime shortly that the cost bank will be filled and they will be fully repaid, yet he looks you in theeyeandlooksandtellsus
Pattersoncontinued,“As prescribed,thePSAisalegal document, they keep hiding behind sanctity of contract fromdayonesoononehand they are saying to you we can't touch this contract- it's the holy grail- but here is Routledgesayingtoyouthat we will be paying off our entire cost bank-if you believe him or not but when we finish paying off this entire cost bank accordingtohim,thereisno guarantee that he and his company will uphold the sanctity of the contract which says that when the costoilisreceivedthereisa direct50/50split. He says oh, well he doesn'tknowwhatthesplitis goingtobe.”
Patterson believes that Exxon and government may adjust the PSA formula to a 70/30 split. He therefore noted that Exxon should tell Guyanese why, if it believes in the sanctity of contract, how the company is unable to say if Guyana and Exxon canshare50/50.
Two weeks after the Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL) assured consumers of its “strict regulatory and compliance framework” to safeguard consumers from “undue market volatility”, the stateownedentityhasslappedon extra costs on all of its fuel products with no official noticetoconsumers.
Since last Thursday consumers told this publicationthatpricesatthe pumps soared pass $200 per litre of gasoline, which continued to fluctuate. Over the weekend, GUYOIL's website advertised gasoline at $190 per litre; $198 per litre of diesel, $155 for kerosene and $215 per litre of its Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel(ULSD).
While other service stations increased their fuel prices two weeks ago, GUYOIL maintained its prices, selling gasoline for $170, diesel for $190 and keroseneat$155perlitre.
At the time, GUYOILin astatementsaiditis“guided by a strict regulatory and compliance framework that ensures transparent pricing while saf
g
consumers from undue marketvolatility.”
As such, the company notedthatitwillcontinueto work closely with the relevant regulatory authoritiestoensurethatfuel supplyandpricingacrossits network of service stations remain “stable, fair, and consistent with national policy.”
Additionally,theGuyana Chronicle reported on March 14, 2026 that senior minister in the office of the Presidentwithresponsibility forFinance,Dr AshniSingh reiterated government's support to ensuring stable pumppricesamidescalating oil prices. The state agency reported that “stability has been a deliberate effort by the government to protect citizens from rising global costs.”
Last week, President
IrfaanAli during an address at the 136thAnnual General Meeting of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry(GCCI)highlighted financial challenges being experienced by GUYOILas a result of the ongoing MiddleEastconflict.
He explained that the oil company at the time was operatingatadeficitandwill needtoatleastbreakevento helpstabilisethemarket.
Theheadofstatedidnot respond to questions by this newspapersentlastweekon whether government would increasethepriceoffuel.
The price of petroleum products has climbed due to thewarinIran.OnFebruary 28, the state media in Iran confirmed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed at his office in the Israeli-U.S.
attacksonIran.
Al Jazeera reported that I
interceptions in several countries where airbases with U.S. assets are hosted, includingKuwait,Qatar,the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
M e a n w h i l e , t h e GuardianreportedonFriday that more than 1,000 cargo ships, mainly oil and gas tankers, have been blocked from transiting the strait of Hormuz by the Israeli-U.S. waragainstIranafterTehran closed the key maritime passage.
The shortage of fuel supply is likely to continue, thereby affecting global prices as several oil and gas facilities have been bombed which can take years to be rebuilt.
Twenty community policing groups (CPG) liaison and executive officers completed a trafficking in persons (TIP) training seminar to strengthen their capacity to detect and respond to human trafficking andmigrantsmuggling.
The one-day seminar, hosted by the Ministry of Home Affairs through the Ministerial Taskforce on Trafficking in Persons(MTFTIP),broughttogetherofficers from Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven and Ten The training, dubbed “Introduction to Trafficking in Persons and Response Mechanisms,” was held at the Guyana Police Force Training Centre on CampRoadonWednesday
Coordinator of the Ministerial Taskforce on TIP, Daniel Griffith, stressed the importance of equipping frontline officers with the knowledge and tools needed for early detection of trafficking and related formsofexploitation.
TIPtrainingattheGuyanaPoliceForce TrainingCentre
He noted that strengthening reporting mechanismsand improvingaccess to victim supportservicesremaincriticalinthenation's fight against trafficking in persons. The training covered key areas such as the
definition of trafficking in persons and migrantsmuggling,formsofexploitationand indicators of trafficking, and the application of the Trafficking in Persons Act 2023. Participants were also trained in victim identification for adults and children, safe reportingmechanisms,andtrauma-informed care.Additional sessions addressed the role oflawenforcementandcommunitypolicing groups, inter-agency collaboration, and the link between drug use and criminal activity Interactive discussions and practical exercises formed part of the programme, allowing participants to build skills in identifying victims, responding appropriately, and utilising referral systems forrecoveryandsupport.Theinitiativeforms part of the government's ongoing efforts to strengthen national capacity to combat trafficking in persons, enhance victim protection,andimprovecoordinationamong key stakeholders. Presentations were also delivered by representatives of the Ministry of HomeAffairs, the Guyana Police Force's TraffickinginPersonsUnit,theOfficeofthe DirectorofPublicProsecutions,theMinistry of Human Services' Counter-Trafficking Unit, and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit. (DPI)
There's much regard for Mr. Alistair Routledge, AmericanoilmaninGuyana.
Exxon doesn't put
weaklings, dummies, misfits, or lamebrains in charge of a country operation. Not when big billions are involved. Not when fancy verbal footwork becomes an inseparable part of the Guyana oil walk. Alistair has developed the deftness of Ali at slipping a question that packs a punch. Thesamenimblenessoffoot and mouth when a sharp, probingrightcrossheadsfor hishead.
Exxon's 2025 Annual Report proudly informed readers that “Additions to proved reserves include 2.1 G O E B ( b i l l i o n o i lequivalent barrels) from extensions and discoveries primary in the United States and Guyana and 0.1 GOEB related to United States acquisitions.”
Clean as whistle and clearerthanabullhorn. But there was Mr Routledge doing his best imitation of a rover How many of those
new 2.1 billion barrels of proved reserves are from Guyana? Somebody in GT mistakenly thought that he was born yesterday, and prematurely. Not he; no sirree! Try this for versatility, adaptability, and the crafty I copyright him theOilFox.
Instead of a straight answer through a straight number, he did a number on his questioner and all Guyana.
Mr Routledge decided thatitwasbesttoproceedon a roving expedition. From Exxon'sGuyanaheadmanto Exxon's roving ambassador So that he cannot be pinned to a point, or a number He commenced to give a
“resource” and “reserves.”
From Texas cow country to whatcouldbehisthinkingof anilliterate,backwoods,and gonzocountry It'sGuyana. If that's his probable thinking, then Guyanese have just been insulted beyond measure The questioncouldnothavebeen
simpler How much of that additionof2.1billionbarrels ofoiltoExxon'sinventoryis fromGuyana?
Exxon's 2025 Annual Report can present an addition to proven reserves, only for Guyanese to discover that Mr Routledge lost his skills at subtraction. A total of 2.1 billion came fromU.S.andGuyanafields, but the man who once informed natives of Exxon's “world class accounting systems” is unable to take that same 2.1 billion and subtractallnewU.S.oiland say that these remaining barrels are from Guyana. Unableorunready?
Dr Routledge now remindsmeoftwothings. A chemo drip and Dr Ashni S i n g h ' s “ n a t i o n a l development priorities” involving oil billions withdrawn from Guyana's OilFund.
The slow trickle of chemotherapy drops cannot be separated one from the other, which is why many hopefulpatientsarriveinthe mortuary(shocktosystems).
And,intheGuyanascholar's case, the billions are so mixedupthatthebesthecan doistomix-upthemindsof Guyanese some more. By now, Guyanese and Americansshouldhaveafair appreciation of why Drs. Routledge and Singh are among my most treasured friends.
Who needs to push anybodytogetmadatthem?
Then, there was this other magic moment Unerringly, Mr Exxon movedfromrovertoDrifter, those of illustrious musical lore. “It doesn't move to 'proved' (resources) until you fund a project.” Thus,a newdimensionisintroduced into Guyana's oil lexicon. Will somebody tell me that he didn't say so? It boggles themind,brutalisesthesoul, that a man of Routledge's class and sterling ability could stoop to such depths. Oncetheoilisfoundit isproved.
Whether one gallon of oil or a billion barrels, it is proved, it is there. It is still oil and cannot be unproven. Whether commercially feasible or a loser of an oilfield, it is still a tangible, visible, voluble field of oil.
Havingfornicatedtheminds of Guyanese, perhaps Guyana's share of that new 2.1 billion barrels in the Exxon Annual Report is reserved for fracking possibilities later Recall, some quantities of found oil left back, but revisited later when circumstances facilitate. Did people in the OfficeofthePresidentwrite that slop for Mr Routledge topresent?
By Mr Routledge's
logic, when Exxon announced the first oil discovery in Guyana, fundingwasinhand. makes itproven.Similarly,thelater announced discoveries Something is wrong when bank reserves take precedence over proven oil reserves. Funding gives oil viscosity and sulphurous texture When Alistair Routledge's transforms into arover,that'sthegiveaway (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has released new clinical guidelines for the managementofpatientswith severe yellow fever and Guyanahasbeencitedasone of seven countries in the Americas that recorded Yellow Fever deaths last year
The guidelines aim to strengthen the capacity of health workers and support timely, life-saving care, PAHOsaidinapressrelease. Yellow fever is a mosquitoborne viral disease that can cause outbreaks with a high number of cases and deaths in a short period of time.As there is no specific treatment, early detection of s u s p e c t e d c a s e s , identification and close monitoring of patients at higherriskofseveredisease, and timely referral to intensive care units are critical to reducing complications and saving lives.
“Thisguidelineprovides evidence-based clinical recommendationstosupport decision-making and improve the care of severe yellow fever cases,” said Ángel Rodríguez, PAHO advisor on clinical management of emerging diseases. “It also serves as a key tool to strengthen preparedness and response across health services in the
Americas.”
The new guidance complements PAHO's 2023 clinical management guidelines and is part of the Organisation's regional responsetothepublichealth emergency recorded between 2024 and 2025, when the average case fatalityrateforyellowfever reached 45% It brings togetherupdatedclinicaland e p i d e m i o l o g i c a l information, along with practical recommendations oncasedetection,diagnosis, initialmanagement,severity classification, and comprehensivepatientcare. Yellow fever is caused by a virus of the Flavivirus genus and is transmitted through mosquito bites. In the Region, the sylvatic (jungle) cycle primarily involves mosquitoes of the Haemagogus and Sabethes genera, while urban transmission can occur through Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus Severe casescanrapidlyprogressto serious complications such as acute liver failure, requiring specialised intensivecare. In recent years, the disease has re-emerged as a growing public health concern in the Americas. Since 2024, outbreaks have been reported in several South American countries, including in areas outside
the traditional Amazon basin, confirming an expansion of risk zones. In 2025, a total of 346 confirmed cases and 143 deaths were reported across seven countries in the Region: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Venezuela.Inthefirstseven weeks of 2026, 34 human cases and 15 deaths have already been confirmed in Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, andVenezuela.
Whilethereisnospecific treatment for yellow fever, vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure.
A single dose provides lifelong immunity Most confirmed cases and deaths reported in 2025 and 2026 o c c u r r e d a m o n g unvaccinated individuals PAHO continues to support countries in strengthening e p i d e m i o l o g i c a l surveillance, expanding vaccinationcoverageamong at-risk populations, and improving the capacity of health services for early detectionandtimelyclinical managementofseverecases. The new guidelines aim to contributetotheseeffortsby providing health teams with a practical, evidence-based tool to deliver safe, standardisedcareandreduce mortalityassociatedwiththe disease.
Saturday's flooding across Georgetown was not just the result of heavy rainfall, it was a damning indictment of chronic mismanagement.
After nearly 24 hours of intense rain, streets were submerged, but the real culprit lay in clogged drains, debris-choked trenches and a system that simply failed. Warnings had already been issued about days of sustained rainfall, yet the city appeared predictably unprepared.
Residents were left wading through stagnant water, raising health concerns and disrupting livelihoods—an all-too-familiar scene in a capital that should know better.
This is not an act of nature alone; it is administrative negligence. Georgetown cannot continue to flood every time the skies open.
Until drainage infrastructure is modernised and maintenance treated as a priority—not a photo-op the city will remain trapped in a cycle of avoidable disaster.
ISLAMABAD/TEL AVIV, March 29 (Reuters) - Iran said it was ready to respond to any U.S. ground attack, accusing
Washington of preparing a land assault while seeking talks, as regionalpowersmetinPakistanon Sundaytotrytobringthetwosides together
The initial discussions in Islamabad with Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt focused on proposals to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping, sources familiarwiththemattersaid.More talkswillbeheldonMonday.
Iran's effective blockade of oil andgasshipmentsthroughthestrait since the U.S. and Israel began attacking the country on February 28 is spreading economic pain aroundtheworld.Foodandenergy security and supply chains were among issues discussed in Pakistan, Egypt's foreign ministry said.
As the conflict entered its secondmonth,Israel'smilitarysaid ithadlaunchedover140airstrikes on central and western Iran, includingTehran,overthe24hours toSundayevening,hittingballistic missile launch sites and storage facilities,amongothertargets.
A chemical plant in southern Israel near the city of Beer Sheva was hit by a missile or missile debrisasIsraelfendedoffmultiple salvos from Iran, prompting official warnings to the public to stay away due to "hazardous materials".
Another missile hit open ground near homes in Beer Sheva, locatednearseveralmilitarybases, injuring 11 people. The war has killed thousands of people and
affected countries across the MiddleEast,withmajoraluminium plants in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates damaged by air strikesovertheweekend.
The UAE, which has faced more Iranian missile and drone attacks than any other country, is seeking reparations from Iran for attacks on civilians and vital facilities and clear guarantees to preventanyrepetition,anadviserto thepresidentsaid.
Pakistan has offered to host peace talks, but the United States, Israel and Iran have set out maximalist positions to end the warfare,complicatingthepathtoa solution.
Iran's parliament speaker MohammadBaqerQalibafaccused theU.S.ofsendingmessagesabout possible negotiations while at the same time planning to send in troops, adding that Tehran was ready to respond if U.S. soldiers weredeployed.
"AslongastheAmericansseek Iran'ssurrender,ourresponseisthat we will never accept humiliation," hesaidinamessagetothenation.
Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis joined the conflict on Saturday launching their first attacks on Israelandraisingtheprospectthey could target and thus block a secondkeyshippingroute,theBab el-Mandeb Strait Analysts say renewed attacks there would pile further pressure on the world economy
U.S.MARINESSTART ARRIVINGINMIDDLEEAST
Washington has dispatched thousandsofMarinestotheMiddle East, with the first of two contingents arriving on Friday
aboardanamphibiousassaultship, the U.S. military has said. The Washington quoted U.S. officials as saying the Pentagon was preparing for weeks of ground operations in Iran, adding that it was not yet clear if President DonaldTrumpwouldapprovesuch plans.
Reuters has reported that the Pentagon has considered military options that could include ground forces. Trump faces a stark choice between seeking a negotiated exit or escalating militarily that risks a protracted crisis, and would likely weigh further on his already low approvalratings.
"President Trump has poor options all around to end the war," said Jonathan Panikoff, former U.S. deputy national intelligence officerfortheMiddleEast."Partof the challenge is the lack of clarity related to what a satisfactory outcome would be," Panikoff added.
Washington said last week it had offered a 15-point ceasefire
plan,withaproposaltoreopenthe StraitofHormuzandrestrictIran's nuclearprogramme,butTehranhas rejected the list and put forward proposalsofitsown.
ISRAELHITSDOZENSOF TARGETSACROSSIRAN
An Israeli official said Israel wouldcontinuecarryingoutstrikes againstIranonwhatweredescribed as military targets, adding there was no intention to scale back the campaign ahead of any possible talks between Washington and Tehran.
Abuilding housing Qatar'sAlAraby TV in Tehran was hit on Sunday, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported, with video showingwallsandwindowsblown outofthemulti-storeyblock.
"The missile hit. The ceiling and everything fell on our heads. Unfortunately, we couldn't continue to work. It was a real miracle we survived," said Al
Araby camera operator Mohammadreza Shademan "Therewasnomilitarytargethere."
Smoke rises following an Iranian missile strike, as the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran continues, in Southern Israel, March 29, 2026.
With U.S. midterm elections due in November, the increasingly unpopular war has weighed on Trump's Republican Party. Demonstrators took to city streets across the U.S. on Saturday in protestsagainsttheconflict.
Trump has threatened to hit power stations and other energy infrastructureifIrandoesnotopen theStraitofHormuz,thoughhehas extended a deadline by 10 days throughApril6.
A European diplomat warned that any further military escalation could make it harder to bring the two sides together, potentially delaying the possibility by weeks, ifnotlonger Iranian threats against ships have kept most oil tankers from attempting the waterway Iran has agreed to let an additional 20 Pakistani-flagged vessels pass through the strait, with two ships permittedtotransitdaily,Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said, calling it a "harbinger of peace".
The Civil Defence Commission (CDC)iswarningofpossiblefloodingas heavy rainfall is expected to intensify across Guyana from Sunday through Tuesday
In a statement on Sunday, the CDC said the hydrometeorological service advisedthatpersistentrainfallcouldlead tosignificantflooding.
Thecommissionisurgingresidentsto takeprecautionarymeasures,particularly inflood-proneandlow-lyingareaswhere thesoilisalreadysaturatedduetorecent heavyrainfall.
Thegovernmenthasdeployedspecial teams, including engineers and technical personnelnationwidetomonitordrainage infrastructureandensuresluices,pumps, andcanalsarefullyoperational.
Theseeffortsarepartofacoordinated responsetominimiseflooding.
Citizensarehoweveradvisedtoavoid areas susceptible to flooding, exercise cautionwhenwalkingordrivingthrough pooled water, and ensure drains and waterways are kept clear The CDC also recommends securing important documentsandhouseholditems.Weather
projections indicate mostly cloudy skies with intermittent showers on Sunday, with rainfall between 10 and 30 millimetres On Monday, inland and southern regions are expected to see heavier rainfall, ranging from 30 to 60 millimeters, while other areas may receive between 10 and 25 millimetres. Showersareforecastfromearlymorning through the afternoon. Conditions are expectedtoeaseslightlybyTuesdayand Wednesday, with cloudy skies and scattered showers producing between 10 and 20 millimetres of rainfall The Hydrometeorological Service further forecastedthathillyregionscouldfacean increased risk of mudslides, while thunderstorms may bring strong winds and lightning, adding to already hazardousconditions.
The CDC is urging the public to remain vigilant and monitor official updates.
More than one hundred young entrepreneurs joined policymakers and private sector leaders on Friday evening for the inaugural Entrepreneurs Connect: March Mixer – an event designed to position young Guyaneseatthecentreofthe country's rapidly expanding economy
Theeventwashostedby the Guyana Youth Entrepreneurship Chamber (GYEC) at the GAICO Construction Building on New Market Street Organisers described the
President, Khishan Singh, articulated the Chamber's core mandate plainly “Our goal is to give young e n t r e p r e n e u r s t h e opportunity,mouldthemand givethemeverybitofaccess we can to ensure Guyana staysontrack,”hesaid.
Delivering the feature address, Chief Investment OfficerDr PeterRamsaroop
energyofouryoungpeople,” headded.
Dr Ramsaroop also underscored the importance of networks and mentorship in building businesses that last, cautioning that individual ambition alone is i
structured collaboration and sharedknowledge.
G
event as the start of a structured,long-termpushto anchor young Guyanese professionals within the economy
The event, chaired by GYEC Senior VicePresident Juliana Lopes, focusedonmobilisingyouth for national economic development, with speakers emphasising collaboration, mentorship and access to opportunity
GYEC Junior Vice-
said, “If I was 18, 19, 20 or 21 today, I would not leave this country,” pointing to expanding opportunities acrosssectorsandagrowing demandforlocaltalent.
“What we are seeing in Guyana today, and what is projected over the next decade, is unlike anything you will find elsewhere. If you're sitting here thinking aboutleaving,Icantellyou: We need you. We need the labour,theexpertise,andthe
Director, Dennon Lewis in his address stated, “Tonight marks the beginning of partnerships that will create opportunities, businesses that will shape industries, and leaders who will define generations.”
Further, the Chamber credited its President, Dr Rosh Khan, for driving the organisation's vision, which aims to bridge youth entrepreneurship with (Continuedonpage 16)
The body of an unidentified male teenager was discovered floating in the Demerara River near Kingston, Georgetown, on Saturdaymorning.
AccordingtotheGuyana Police Force, the body was found at approximately 10:40 hrs behind the Marriott Hotel. The deceasedisbelievedtobeof African descent and in his earlyteens.
Preliminary reports indicate that pedestrians walking along the Kingston Seawall jetty spotted the bodyandimmediatelyraised the alarm. The body was retrieved and pronounced deadbyamedicaldoctor An initial examination revealed novisiblesignsofviolence. The remains have been transported to Memorial Gardens Funeral Home for identification and a postmortemexamination. Police stated that CCTV footagefromtheareawillbe reviewed as part of the investigation, which is ongoing.
Residents of Essequibo in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) will soon have access to a field hospital, PresidentDr MohamedIrfaan Ali announced on Friday evening.
The president made the announcement while hosting U S Air Force medical professionals at a closing reception at State House on Main Street, marking the successful completion of the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) 2026mission.
LAMAT missions form part of a broader health security cooperation initiative led by Air Forces Southern (AFSOUTH),integratingU.S. militarymedicalserviceswith host nation providers like Guyana At the reception, PresidentAlirevealedthatthe U S SOUTHCOM has donated a field hospital to the GuyanaDefenceForce(GDF), valued at U S $1 million dollars.
“The next time you come, we are going to establish that field hospital with all of the services inside in Essequibo,” President Ali told the gathering A similar programmewillalsoberolled out in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) to ensure residents there receive the best medical care they can get.
“These are two regions I reallywantyoutogotoandto helpthepeoplethereandwork with our enormous local team,”thePresidentsaid,“and let me say how proud I am of ourlocalteaminthehealthcare system.” Over the two-week mission,U.S.militarymedical professionals worked alongside local hospitals and clinics to deliver specialised care to Guyanese, including primarycare,minorsurgeries, dental procedures and ophthalmology care. Technical teams also repaired medical equipment to ensure hospitalinfrastructureremains sustainable long after the missionconcludes.
President Ali credited the mission with strengthening Guyana's healthcare system and expanding access to care for thousands of citizens. “I say on behalf of a grateful nation,thankyoutoallofyou forthismissiontoGuyana,”he
President Irfaan Ali
said. “Over the past few days, your work has moved beyond hospitals, health centres, clinicsandconsultationrooms andintothelivesofourpeople –andthatisimportant.”
The president also acknowledged the University of Miami's support during the two-weekmission,addingthat his government will finance a training programme for the country's local health workforce.
He further stressed that healthcare and national securityaredeeplyinterlinked.
“Your work has demonstrated how strengthening health systems is an investment in humanwell-being,whileatthe sametime,enhancingnational security,” he remarked. To address gang-related activity in Guyana, President Ali proposed an initiative for LAMAT mission members to work with the Ministry of Education to help teachers identifyhigh-riskstudents.He described the overall mission as a partnership built on genuine purpose and mutual respect.
“This mission reflects the enduringrelationshipbetween Guyana and the United States,” the President said.
“Through this mission, we have built something meaningful, something that strengthens both our countries.” U.S. Ambassador toGuyana,NicoleTheriotalso delivered remarks at the reception Among those attending were the Chief of DefenceStaff,BrigadierOmar Khan and Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, among otherofficials.(DPI)
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NewYork / Rome — The Chief Economist of the Food andAgricultureOrganisation oftheUnitedNations(FAO), Máximo Torero, warned that the ongoing disruption to the Strait of Hormuz trade corridor is triggering one of the most severe shocks to global commodity flows in recent years, with significant implicationsforfoodsecurity, agricultural production, and globalmarkets.
Speaking at a United Nations daily press briefing, Torerohighlightedthattanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has collapsed by more than 90 percent within days of the escalation. The vital artery for global trade typically carries around 20 millionbarrelsofoilperday— approximately 35 percent of global crude oil flows— alongside one-fifth of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) and up to 30 percent of internationally traded fertilisers.
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energy shock. It is a systematic shock affecting agri-food systems globally,” Torero said. He emphasised that the Gulf region accounts fornearlyhalfofglobalsulfur trade, a critical input used to produce sulfuric acid for processing phosphate rock intofertilisers.Disruptionsto sulfur supply risk fracturing global phosphate fertiliser
“I
production,includinginmajor producing countries.
Shipping constraints have been compounded by surging insurance costs.
Following the expansion of high-risk zones in early March, war-risk insurance premiums rose from 0.25 percent to as high as 10 percent of vessel value, with coveragenowresettingevery
seven days. Even in the event of de-escalation, normal shipping conditions may take months to resume, Torerowarned.
Rising input costs and risks to agricultural production
The Chief Economist pointed out that the disruptions are already Continued on page 17
From page 6 custody for more than 72 hours, they have to go to the court,” he said.
Slowe pointed out that Payne’sarrestonaFridaydid not justify any delay in ensuring his timely court appearance.
“Even if he was arrested on a Friday and kept over the weekend, he should have been placed before the court firstthingMondaymorning,” he explained. “I understand that court is not held at Cove andJohnonMondays,buthe could have been taken to Vigilance.”
Beyond the issue of detention, Slowe also stressed that Payne’s death in custody represents a serious failure on the part of thepolicetoupholdtheirduty ofcare.
“He should not have died in police custody,” Slowe asserted. “If a person complains that they are feeling unwell, he should havebeentakenimmediately Police are not doctors.” He added,“Ifthepolicehaddone what they were supposed to do,hewouldhavebeeneither put on bail or he would have been placed before the court onedaybeforetheexpiration of the 72 hours.”
Slowe also raised concerns about the transparency and credibility of the ongoing investigation, particularly the role of the
Office of Professional Responsibility. He argued that such cases should involvethePoliceComplaints Authority from the beginning.
“The Office of Professional Responsibility was not set up for this type ofinvestigation,”Slowesaid. “This matter requires the involvement of the Police ComplaintsAuthoritybylaw If the proper body is not engaged from the outset, it can affect the integrity of the investigation.”
He went on to question the competence and public confidenceintheOPR.“Office of Professional Responsibility was never set up for this type of thing.
This too brings to bring another issue. This requires theinvolvementofthepolice complaints authority, by law
Ifyouarenotdealingwiththe matter from the inception, thingscanhappenwhichwill impedetheinvestigations.So again, I am not too confident that the OPR can conduct a proper investigation’’, he said.
Slowe concluded by stating that the police must be held accountable for Payne’s death, regardless of the medical explanation provided.
“If this man had a condition which would have eventually resulting in his death, he should not have died in police custody Police are responsible for his death. Even if they want to argue they might not have inflicted injuries, the fact that he died in police custody is an indictment on the police force,” Paul explained.
From page 14 privatesectorinterestsandnationaldevelopmentpriorities. Among those attending were Minister Keoma Griffith and Member of Parliament James Bond, alongside private sector representatives including Women’s Chamber of Commerce President Josephine Tapp, Guyana Manufacturing Services Association (GMSA) Executive DirectorGovindraRaghubansi,BerbiceChamberPresident SamanthaReid,AmChamGuyanaExecutiveDirectorRichard Leo,andIDBCountryRepresentativeLorenaSalazar Friday’s mixer is the first in a series of planned engagements as the Chamber is actively seeking new members,youthentrepreneurs,professionals,andcorporate partnerstoparticipateinfutureinitiatives.Thoseinterested maycontactGYECatguyanayouthchamber@gmail.com.
Nearlyoneyearafterthe tragic and controversial deathof11-year-oldAdriana
S u e r i a Y o u n g e , investigations into the circumstances surrounding herpassingremainongoing, with key questions still unanswered, according to the family's lawyer Dr DexterTodd.
Adriana, a resident of Hyde Park, Parika, died in
A p r i l 2 0 2 5 u n d e r circumstances that continue to trouble both her family and the wider public. The young girl was reported missing on April 23, 2025, duringafamilyoutingatthe Double Day International Hotel and Bar in Tuschen, EastBankEssequibo.
According to reports, Adriana was last seen at approximately 13:01 hrs on thedayshedisappeared.Her grandmother had reportedly observed her swimming in the hotel's pool shortly beforeshewentmissing.
Despite immediate concern and searches, Adriana was not found until the following day—nearly 20 hours later—when her body was discovered in the same swimming pool Reports indicated that her bodywasfoundinanupright position, raising serious
concerns, particularly since thepoolhadreportedlybeen searchedearlier
A p o s t - m o r t e m examination conducted on April 28, 2025, by international pathologists determinedthatAdrianadied as a result of drowning. However, the unusual circumstances surrounding the discovery of her body, combined with unanswered questions about the initial investigation, fuelled widespread public scepticismandoutrage.
Thecasehadsincedrawn both national and international attention, with many questioning the handlingoftheinvestigation by the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
In July 2025, the GPF had stated that its investigation was complete and that the case file had been submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) That file included a report prepared by retired Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer Leonard McCoshen, who had been brought in by the governmenttoassistwiththe probeandspentseveraldays inGuyanabeforepresenting hisfindings.
Adriana Younge
However, in another update, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum indicated that the investigation remains active. Speaking on the GPF's podcast *SafeguardingOurNation*, Blanhum disclosed that, in the interest of transparency, the police had shared Adriana Younge's autopsy report with the family's attorney—anactionhenoted was contrary to standard operatingprocedures.
Providing a further update on Friday, the family'sattorney,Dr.Dexter Todd, expressed frustration over the lack of progress in the case. Speaking on the programmePolitics101with Dr DavidHinds,Toddstated that despite the length of time that has passed, the investigation is still incomplete.“Up to this day, thepolicestillaresayingthat theinvestigationisongoing. Up to two weeks ago, when we checked they had not completed all their statements,” Todd said. “To this day, nothing has been said—notevenareportfrom the Director of Public Prosecutions to indicate that this matter is nearing an end”Todd also addressed theissueofasecondautopsy,
A 19-year-old was killedinanaccidentalong the Linden-Soesdyke Highway on Saturday March28. Thedeceasedhasbeen identified as Sarah Simon of Moblissa. According to the police, the acciden occurred around 09:45hrs in the vicinity of Rubin Sawmill and involved minibus BAK 9272, driven by a 22-year-old man of Moblissa.Itwasreportedthat the minibus was proceeding south along the eastern side oftheMoblissaPublicRoad at an alleged fast rate of
negotiating a left bend, the driverreportedlylostcontrol of the vehicle. The vehicle turned turtle several times before coming to a stop on theeasternparapet. As a result of the
accident, both the driver andSimonwerepickedup in an unconscious condition by publicspirited citizens and transported to the Linden HospitalComplex. Simon was pronounced dead on arrival, while the driver was admitted. The teen's body was transferred totheLindenSeniorCitizens Association Funeral Home, for a post-mortem examination.
Police said the vehicle has been lodged for examination by a licencing andcertifyingofficer.
which was conducted by an independent foreign pathologist after Adriana's parents expressed dissatisfaction with the initialfindings.Accordingto him, that examination has also failed to provide definitiveconclusionsdueto alackofcriticalinformation.
“About the issue of the second autopsy, the second autopsy completed to the state in which doctor pathologist is saying, 'I am not going to write a full report and come to the conclusion of drowning if I don'thaveallthesequestions answered',”Toddexplained.
He revealed that the
n
examinations and submitted severalquestionstoboththe commissioner of police and the crime chief. However, those queries remain unanswered.“When we look at the police's investigation, the police's investigation
untonow,couldnotcoveror answermorethanhalfofthe questions,” Todd said. “For example,tilepattern,noone took,notevenatileoutfrom thatpool.”
He further noted that certain marks observed on Adriana's body have not been adequately explained.
“You have a situation where you have no type of conclusion in relation to certain marks seen on the body, bec
se the pathologistisnotable,isnot able to relate that to certain things within the pool,” Dr Toddstated.
As the case nears the one-year mark, Adriana Younge's family is still searching for answers, insisting that several key issues remain unresolved. With the investigation ongoing and important evidence yet to be properly addressed, questions continue to surround the circumstancesofherdeath.
Guyana's expanding mining sector has gained international attention, with the Oko West Gold ProjectownedbyCanadianfirmG Mining Ventures (GMIN) advancingtothesemi-finalsofthe InEight Project Championship – a global competition recognising complex,high-impactconstruction developments.
The Oko West project is estimated to hold 4.64 million ounces of proven and probable reservesatanaveragegradeof1.89 gramsofgoldpertonne.
The project is expected to produce about 350,000 ounces of gold annually over a 12.3-year minelife.
The project which is being
those selected projects compete in bracket-stylematchupsacrossfour roundsofpublicvoting.
Attheend,theprojectthatbest demon
ingenuity,complexitynavigated,or overall impact delivered is crowned champion and celebrated foritsoutstandingachievement.
GMIN in announcing the n
recognition as a milestone for the project and is encouraging public support as it competes against large-scale developments from the United States, Norway and Australia. Oko West is competing in the semi-finals against projects including the SunZia Wind and TransmissionprojectintheUnited States, the New Bodø Airport in
commercial production beginning in2028,”InEightshared.
Italsooutlinedthatdeveloping aprojectofthisscaleinarelatively
significantlogisticalchallenges.
Thefirmadded,“Limitedlocal supply capacity required the project team to coordinate large
procurement while managing complex transportation and workforce mobilisation efforts
Successfully navigating these constraintsrequiredearlyplanning, structured logistics coordination, and careful alignment with local cultural and business practices to ensuresmoothprojectexecution.”
Kaieteur News reported that GMIN has been recognised as one of the Toronto Stock Exchange's top-performing companies, amid a strong year for gold producers
developed by GMIN in Region Seven, Cuyuni Mining District, was among eight nominees competing in the bracket-style contest, which highlights excellence in planning, execution andinnovationacrossmajorcapital projectsworldwide.
Okohasnowenteredthesemifinals and leads with 80% votes of thefourprojectsstillintherace.
The competition is catered for InEight customers around the world. Of the nominated projects,
Norway, and the New England Battery Energy Storage System in Australia.
The Oko West Gold Project is expectedtobecomeoneofthemost significant new mining operations intheregion.
The project is backed by an initial investment exceeding US$972 million and development will include both open-pit and undergroundmining,supportedby a dedicated 56-megawatt power plant.
Initial construction works has already begun. GMIN is set to commencepre-productionopenpit mining in the first three months of 2026, with the assembly of the initial mining equipment fleet alreadyunderway.
Production is expected in 2027 and commercial production anticipatedin2028.
“Through disciplined project m
coordination, G Mining Services has maintained steady project momentumwhilemanagingsupply chain risks and supporting workforcegrowth. With construction ramping up and major permits secured on schedule, the project continues progressing toward construction comp
drivenbyrisingprices.
Initsannualreview,LaPresse
performance of precious metals companies in 2025, pointing to GMIN as a compelling growth story, citing the company's execution track record and the clear path forward for its flagship Oko West Gold Project inGuyana.
