Venezuela’s new leader, facing internal division, moves to tighten her grip on power
‘Smallbone, bigloss’
robbery under arms found hiding in ceiling, arrested
Teen wanted for murder, Govt. rollouts eHealth Record System at Festival City Polyclinic
…Pres.AlisaysGuyanaemerging aspremiertourismdestination Plaza Court Hotel opens on Main Street
“Parliament is the cornerstone of
Displaced Palestinians carry jerricans through tent shelters along the Gaza City shoreline as strong winter winds batter the Palestinian enclave [OmarAl-Qattaa/AFP]
Over80 percent of Gaza's infrastructure lies in ruins as residents endure precarious living conditions and limited aid.
Aljazeera - Sitting in his Gaza City tent, Mahmoud Abdel Aal expresses his frustration and worries, as conditions in the Palestinian enclave remain
u n c h a n g e d s i n c e t h e implementationofaUnitedStatesbrokered ceasefire deal between HamasandIsrael.
“Thereisnodifferencebetween the war and the ceasefire, nor betweenthefirstandsecondphase of the deal: Strikes continue every day,”AbdelAaltoldtheAFPnews agency “Everyone is worried and frustrated because nothing's
Palestinians navigate through the ruins of residential buildings in Gaza City, devastated by the ongoing war. [DawoudAbuAlkas/Reuters]
changed.” Israeli attacks have persisted across Gaza, with at least 463 Palestinians killed since the ceasefire began in October last year
Following US Middle East
envoy Steve Witkoff's announcementofthesecondphase of President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan on Wednesday, more than 14 people were killed in the coastal territory, according to Gaza'scivildefenceagency Amid a landscape of destroyed
buildings and rain-damaged makeshift camps, Palestinians convey overwhelming bitterness. Though Israeli strikes have decreased in intensity since the ceasefire,dailybombingscontinue.
members of the Houli family walking through rubble after five relatives died in an air strike on theirDeirel-Balahhomeincentral Gaza Daily living conditions remain extremely precarious for (Continuedonpage10)
The Government ofGuyana(GoG) has consistently refused to ring-fence the Stabroek Block projects, hindering the early flow of massive revenues into the country, in the hope of earningmoreinthefuture.
Instead of the measly 12.5% profit, Guyana could have already been enjoying
its full 50% profits from the Liza One and Liza Two projects. With the reserve at the fields now running low, stakeholdersaredoubtfulthe country would ever see the promised 50% profit share fromthoseprojects.
Already, the operator of the block, ExxonMobil has produced about 500M barrelsfromthetwoprojects
A25-year-oldgoldminer ofPortKaituma,RegionOne was on Friday arrested after he assaulted a police constable Police in a statement on Saturday said that an investigation has been launched into “an alleged felonious wounding involvingaPoliceConstable attachedtothePortKaituma Police Station, which occurred on Friday January 16, 2026 about 12:50hrs at thePortKaitumaWaterfront, NorthWestDistrict.”
which holds about one billionbarrelsintotal.
With just about half of the total reserve for the two developments remaining, Guyanaispoisedtocontinue receivingtheshortendofthe stick- 12.5% profits, instead ofitsfull50%profits.
Guyanalost
Atanaverageoilpriceof US$75perbarrel,US$37.5B in oil has already been produced (500M barrels).
Itwasduringattemptsto arrest the suspect, that the constable was assaulted and injured.
“The suspect was restrained, arrested and escortedtothePortKaituma Police Station where he remains in custody assisting withtheinvestigation.
The Constable was examined and treated at the Port Kaituma Hospital and w a s s u b s e q u e n t l y discharged,”policesaid.
TheGuyanaPoliceForce (GPF) in the statement reminded the public that assaulting police in the lawful execution of their duties is an offence which wouldnotbetakenlightly
P r e l i m i n a r y investigations revealed that police ranks were at the locationtoconductenquiries into a separate matter when theminerbeganbehavingin adisorderlymanner.Hewas repeatedly warned to keep the peace, but ignored the warnings.
The two projects carry a pricetagofUS$9.5Bandan average production cost of US$25perbarrel.Assuch,if the US$12.5B production costs is also removed, US$15.5B in profits would have been available for splitting between the partners.
Further, using the 50/50 profit share model, Guyana could have already seen US$8BinrevenuefromLiza OneandLizaTwoalone,had a ring-fencing provision beenactivated,inadditionto its2%royaltyofUS$740M. Instead, the country has earned about US$8.5B from oil produced at Liza One, Liza Two, Payara and Yellowtail.
This mechanism would have allowed the country to enjoy 50% of the profits, after the operator recovers costs.
Foregoingrevenue
In October 2023, when Brent crude prices averaged US$91, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo told reporters that by not ringfencing the projects, governmentwas'givingupa small bone for bigger bones inthefuture'.
He explained, “We admitted that we are foregoing revenue now in exchangeformassivefuture
income, because it's going into new projects that will increase production and so even with the same share of the 50/50 plus the two percent royalty that the future income, because of the bigger scale will be massive in Guyana's case and we are deliberately foregoing that in this period for that purpose and then tryingtograbthisbonenow could cause you to lose all the bones, the bigger bones toointhefuture.”
With oil prices now hovering around US$60 per barrelandislikelytofurther
decline, Guyana's share of profitsinthefuturewillalso reduce since the country would be receiving less for thesaleofitsoil.
The 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with Exxon stipulates that 75% of oil produced monthlycanberecoveredby the operator to cover expenses.
The remaining 25% is thensharedequallybetween the Government of Guyana (GoG) and the oil company as profits, with the country receiving an additional 2% royalty
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
TheCEOofExxonMobil,DarrenWoodsisbolderthan a US Navy Seal. President Donald Trump did the heavy liftingonVenezuela,andallbuthandedUSoilcompanies thehundredsofbillionsofbarrelsofoilonaplatter,anditis not good enough. Venezuela poses too many legal and financial risks and is ‘un-investable’ without certain guarantees. TheTexas-headquartered oil giant refuses to taking the bait that the US will provide all the protection needed. Darren Woods wasn’t budging, and he has now made himself a marked man in the eyes of President Trump.
ThefactisExxonMobilhaslostbillionsinVenezuelawhen itsassetswereseizednotonce,buttwice Onecanappreciate thecompany’sresistancetogettingburnedathirdtime One can appreciate further the posture of ExxonMobil’s Woods whenhehasGuyana’soilinthepalmofhishand Itisaccurate tosaythathehasthesamepowerandcontrolovertheGuyana Government Guyana’soilisofahighquality,anditischeap, almostfree GuyanesewereinformedrecentlythattheLiza1 andLiza2oilfieldswillstarttorundryinthreeyears Wehave saidseveraltimesbefore,oilisadepletingasset,willnotlast forever It is compulsory, therefore, that the best stewardship possible is part and parcel of this national wealth. Oil discoveries involving commercially viable quantitiesusedtobeannouncedinaregularstream. Inthe past few years, discoveries of such type, also have vanished.ThequestioniswhatdoGuyaneseknowabouttheir oil? HowmuchoilisintheStabroekBlock? Wheredoesthe truelevelofoilreserves(numberofbarrelsofoilequivalents) stand? And, how much oil is ExxonMobil really pumping daily? Cantheofficialproductionfiguresbetrusted,whenoil activityisoccurringalmost200kilometersfromshore? When ExxonMobil is the only entity that has the answers to these questions,whywouldanyoilcompanyhead,andespecially oneasfastonhisfeetasWoods,plungeintotheVenezuelan minefieldbecausethepresidentguaranteedprotection?
ExxonMobil has the luxury of saying ‘hold on for a minute’,becauseithasaprofitableportfolioofoilassetsspread acrossdifferentlocations,withGuyana’soilbeingthecrown jewelinthecompany’scrown Woodsdidn’tcomerightout and say so, but he is looking for comprehensive insurance coverage,intheeventthatdevelopmentsinVenezuelaheadin the wrong direction In other words, protection for the company’sinvestments(plant,property,andpeople)anditis readytogofullspeedaheadtoLakesOrinocoandMaracaibo
ItisedifyinghowExxonMobil’schiefwenttogreatlengths toprotecthisowninterests Today,Guyaneseshouldputaside partisanship and polarization and recall how much ExxonMobilfirstbalked,thenplayedgameswithfullcoverage protectionforGuyanaintheeventofamassiveoilspillwhere oilactivityishappeningatafeveredpace Woodswillnotrush to invest inVenezuela’s huge chest of oil because he smells danger. WhenGuyanesefeltthesamewayrelativetoanoil spill,ExxonMobilevengotthePPPCGovernmenttobetrayits ownpeople,andsidewiththecompanyinyetanotherselloutof thiscountry’smostprizedpossession.
WoodshasthecushionofGuyana’ssweetoilthatisso cheap that it is almost free, so he can take his time and deliberateaboutVenezuela’sheavyoilduetorisksfeared. When Guyanese were concerned (and continue to be) about the risks of a catastrophic oil spill, ExxonMobil waved away their anxieties, and still had the gall to call itself a faithful partner One that can be depended on becauseitistrusted,hasdonemanythingstoearnthattrust. ThelongandshortofExxonMobil’spositiononVenezuela isthatitwantsmore,itwantsallguaranteesaboutallthatit canget,beforeitcouldthinkaboutmoving.
When Guyanese ask for more from their own oil, having been victimized by a deal that reeks of lopsidedness, they get mocked and knocked down for an answer Venezuelaisaproblem;Guyanaisawalkover
DEAREDITOR, A lot have been said about alleged dictatorships, democracy,andbyextension decency in Guyana.The old folks say; “the proof of the puddingisintheeating”,for now I refer to two issues which may suggest that this administration is moving away from the cardinal principles that define a truly democratic society First is thisrecentissuesurrounding the Honourable Minister Rodrigues, His Excellency theHeadofStateissatisfied with the Minister’s explanation, and brief statements allegedly made by the minister on this matter, is now of public interest.
At this time, I am assuming that Minister Rodrigues is a paragon of
virtue and morally straight. However, our Head of State and his Cabinet must recognise that the present environment leads the majority of citizens to believe that corruption at all levelsistheorderoftheday It will serve the President andhisCabinetingoodstead if the information known to the President and which has caused him to express faith in the minister is in every detail made available to citizens. When we accept high public office, we ought to know that we can not shelterundersecrecynorthe right to privacy, that is the price we must pay, or rather theburdenwemustcarryfor holdinghighpublicoffice. Foremphasisallrelevant information must be made available, so that concerned
citizens feel satisfied that everything is above board, particularly since public funds may very well be involved. Was the money acquired from a parent, a spouse,orasaresultofsome holy or acceptable concubinage?
Beyond all this, if the PPP wishes to make true its talk of transparency they could have engaged the servicesoftheombudsman.
Thesecondmatteris,the fragmentation of one of the pillarsofourdemocracy,that istheparliament.
Weweretoldearlierthat the speaker, Mr Mansoor Nadir, was out of the country, he has since returned and is again out at some conference in India. I have no doubt that his absence would provide the
powers that be another excuse for not summoning the non-government members of parliament to elect a leader of the opposition.Thisisludicrous. In the absence of the Speaker, the deputy speaker can preform such functions. But beyond that, the substantive speaker can summon a meeting virtually from where ever he may be. It is now universal practice that decisions by virtual meetings are as binding as face-to-facemeetings.
Inthesetwomatters,our modern-day oracles, must stop treating the public as a bunch of idiots, and remember that the majority of Guyanese are not non composmentis.
Sincerely,
ElderHamiltonGreen
, Guyana, like other territories,isabletobroadcast (liveandotherwise)television programs (including cricket)
and to communicate (electronically) through satellites,spacecrafts,orbiting wayaboveearth Thesespace equipmentordevicesalsoare responsible for phone conversations and internet accessaswellastotakeand send pictures instantly from far distances and assist in weather forecasting, among otherbenefits.
Without satellite link up, Guyana won’t have quality TV,phone(mobileorcellular and even land), and internet services Guyana first started TVbroadcastinginmid1980s byVieiraandRexandlaterby Sharma Others came much later Dishes download programs and rebroadcast them Only during the mid1990s Guyana started having quality TV and live broadcasting; this has been made possible largely to satellite downlinks and uplinksandlarge‘dishes’to broadcast outside and or insideofthecountry.Inthat decade and into the 2000s, TV was available largely through antenna. Over the last decade or so, with satellite service, TV has beenavailablethroughcable (central office downlinks from satellite) although many people in rural areas and the poor still have antennaaccessTV
Guyana, unlike wealthier countries, does not have its ownsatellites
Onlyafewcountries(like USA, Russia, France for the EU, India, and a few others) havesatellitesandfewerhave the capability, capacity, technicalknow-howtolaunch and or operate satellites or
spaceprograms Guyanarents timeor‘space’fromsatellites owned and or operated by major space companies of developed countries Currently, Guyana partners with satellite companies in Spain (as part of EU investment) and USA(Elon Musk’s Starlink) for services; at various times, different satellite providers providedservices.Thecosts, terms, and conditions of rentingorpurchasingsatellite servicesarenotknown;butit is not cheap Both the government and the private sector have rented satellite time or ‘space’ The government reported that the rented satellite services strengthen internet access for its services, education, and banking, among other areas Privatesectorutilizessatellite f o r p r o v i d i n g telecommunications, cable, and WiFi services Satellite services link hinterland and the coast. Underdeveloped countries like Guyana cannot afford to own and or manage satellites — a high tech industry even though several Guyanese scientists and engineers are known to be employed in high tech companieslinkedtosatellites operation, the space industry, andTVbroadcasting in USA andCanada Itisaveryhighcost operation Guyana and other developing countries in Africa, Latin America, Caribbean, Asia, etc) rent space or time with satellites managed by Americans and Europeans Of late, some have turned to China and India which tend to offer lower rates than the developed countries. India has provided satellites link upvirtuallyforfreetomany poor countries in Africa, Asia, and the Indian Ocean.
Guyana and the Caribbean have not accessed India’s satelliteservices.
Several commentators, including a few Guyanese like Freddie Kissoon, were critical of India spending large amounts of resources on space technology and building and launching satellites and exploring the moon and mars. They don’t understand geopolitics. The spaceprogramisamatterof identity and security for India. India cannot rely on developed countries or Russia for its security India has to defend itself and developitsownsatellitesfor defense and must remain competitive with arch rival China When India was attacked by China in 1962, Western countries did not cometoIndiarequest.When India sought to purchase a super computer during the 1980s and 1990s, it was denied, it was denied. India has developed its own supercomputers and its own missiles for defense and space programs India’s Brahmos is the fastest missile and scientists are workingtoimproveonit.
Also, India has very advanced space technology from which it has been able toearnrevenues;itisalmost s
indigenous,andtheprogram has been opposed by the developed countries. It is a matterofprideforthenation and its diaspora that Indian can build and launch satellites — and spectacular missions to space In addition, India uses its satellites to aid developing countries and provides the lowest rates to launch satellites. India’s space journey has been met with spectacular success. India
launched over 400 satellites (including for USA, Europe, Japan, Singapore, UK, Canada, among two dozen others)sinceitsspaceprogram beganfivedecadesago India launched a record 104 satellites in one mission in 2017;theclosesttothatrecord was 37 satellites by Russia India was able to reach Mars orbit,thefourthtodoso Ithas earned substantial revenues from launching satellites India’scostofgoingtospace and the moon is one seventh thatofdevelopedcountries
That is why companies prefertohaveIndialaunchtheir satellites India has provided weather forecasting to poor countries to assist in agriculture Indian satellites predictcyclonesandmonsoons andprovideinternetservicesto outlyingandunderservedpoor areas The satellite and space programservesIndia’snational security interests as well as needs of other developing countries in Africa, Asia, MiddleEast,IndianOceanthat find costs of western satellites prohibitive Had India chosen to rent satellite space for b r o a d c a s t i n g a n d telecommunications, WiFi, cellular, etc from western nations as it did prior to the 1980s,itprobablywouldhave cost ten times what India currentlyprovideslocallywith herownsatellites
Guyana should look at costs on whether to access Indiasatelliteservicesforits digital infrastructure as several African and Asian countries and others have been doing. Off course, for geo security reasons, it is always best to have a tie up with American companies, particularly one like Starlink.
Yourstruly,
VishnuBisram
Guyana needs anti-corruption laws, real penalties, and genuine justice
DEARE
, MP Mohamed’s WIN has quickly become a significantforce,controlling twoofGuyana’stenregions andaquarteroftheNational Assemb
y Regional politician June ShurlandGittens urges WIN’s collaboration with the main opposition, PPP/C, in C u y u n i / M a z a r u n i , demonstrating a willingness toworkacrosspartylines.
WIN’s momentum is d
ed grassroots organizers, including Mohamed and his sisterHana,whoareinspired by their father’s legacy and committed to representing allGuyanese.WINisopenly aimingforthepresidencyby 2030.
The party is unique in welcomingordinarycitizens into politics, as seen with aspiring city councillor “Doggie” and socialiteturned-parliamentarian Odessa Five prominent women, including June, Hana, Natasha, Tabitha, Dawn, and others, highlight WIN’s commitment to women’s leadership in our Houses, whether Regional ofNationalwithinjustthree months of its founding. In contrast,thePPPandAPNU has consistently sidelined capable women, of leading that party, reflecting e n t r e n c h e d m a l e dominance, which is apparently done in an undemocratic fashion at their(s)electionmeetings,as documented and exposed in the media by statements made by many of their formermembers.
WIN’s inclusivity extends to its alliance with ANUG, selecting a strong femalecommunityadvocate Nandanie as its House representative. WIN rejects elitism, racism, and sexism. Mohamed’s leadership combines ambition, humility, and dedication, signaling a potentially transformative era for Guyana.
However, recent corruption scandals such aspreferentiallanddealsfor presidential associates and Ministerswiththeirhandsin the Kitty—demand urgent action. Only independent, external investigations can ensure accountability, as local authorities lack credibility Guyana needs anti-corruption laws, real penalties, and genuine justice—not just new courts and symbolic measures. We brag of having built many new courts and hired over a dozenjudicialofficers,soall we want is our moneys worth, bring cases of corruptioninthemforthose hired to deal with, not just haul small timers up the stepsofthemforthosehired
(Continuedonpage19)
How many more trips must the Speaker make before the Leader of the Opposition is elected?
DEARE
, How long are Guyanese expected to tolerate what seemstobecontemptbythe Speaker, and the President, in the way that the importance of a functioning Parliamentissidelined?
Though the speaker has said nothing why he is delaying, (or as is widely believed), the selection of
theLeaderoftheOpposition, the President has made statements that really insult the integrity and test the loyalty of the people who supportedthePPP/C.
Can Guyanese be faultedforbelievingthatthe delay is directly linked to the ongoing extradition hearings?
How many more
overseas trips will the speaker have to be on if there are lengthy court sessions b
ore the extraditionrequestisfinally settled?
The India conference may reawaken/instill the necessary non-partisan trait inthespeaker
Letprayersbegin. FaiyazAlli.
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–
JANUARY12,2026
Oilobsessionandpower
Washington's Venezuela policy is no mystery It circles, stalls and postures, butalwaysdriftsbacktooil.
DonaldTrumpsaysthequiet part aloud: rebuild Venezuela's facilities and “keeptheoil.”
That is not diplomacy; it
is appetite dressed as strategy The Orinoco's vast reserves have become an
d consequence.
History warns against suchintoxication.Midaslost reason for gold; empires have bled for less The United States needs oil to
grease its economic and military machine, but need doesnotconferownership. WithUSassetshovering in the Caribbean and talk of taking30–50millionbarrels, this looks less like partnership than instalment payment under duress Middle East entanglements taughtcostlylessons,yetthe same logic returns closer to
home Call it leverage, s e c u r i t y o r realism keeping another nation'soilisstillextraction itself.
TUESDAY–JANUARY 13,2026
LecturesfromWestern diplomats
ThecallsfromtheUnited States, Canada, Britain and the European Union for the swift election of Guyana's Leader of the Opposition should embarrass, not reassure,thoseinauthority
When foreign diplomats are compelled to remind local officials of basic constitutional duties, something is seriously amiss More than two months after the ceremonial opening of Parliament, the National Assembly remains effectivelyparalysed,notby law or logistics, but by deliberateinaction.
The election of a Leader of the Opposition is a routine, perfunctory matter Its prolonged delay, without explanation from the Speaker and amid silence from the government, raises troubling questions about political interference and democratic intent Parliament cannot function properly without an opposition leader, and democracy cannot thrive when constitutional processes are selectively stalled.
Guyana does not need
lectures from diplomats. It needs its leaders to respect the Constitution, convene Parliament, and allow electedrepresentativestodo the jobs voters assigned them. Delay only deepens suspicionanderodestrust.
WEDNESDAY–JANUARY14,2026
Soundbites,sugarand inaction
For years the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has symbolised chronic mismanagement, mounting losses and broken promises.
President Irfaan Ali has repeatedly vowed to “stop therot,”warningthat“heads will roll” and assuring the nation that accountability is coming.
Yet those warnings have become little more than politicalsoundbites.Despite c o n t i n u e d p o o r performance, missed production targets and declining confidence, no meaningful action has followed.
Management remains largely intact, structural reform is elusive, and transparency is scarce. The result is a demoralised industry where the workers arewalkingaway,convinced that nothing will change. Still, billions of taxpayers' dollarscontinuetoflowinto GuySuCo,withlittletoshow in return Support for workers and communities is
vital, but endless bailouts without reform are not compassion they are negligence. If leadership is serious, accountability must move beyond rhetoric Guyanadeservesresults,not recycledthreats.
THURSDAY–JANUARY 15,2026
Oilfieldsdryingup
Guyana is burning through its oil future at a reckless pace, and the government is watching silently as ExxonMobil drainstheLizaOneandLiza Two fields years ahead of schedule.Projectssoldtothe nation as 20-year lifelines are now set to run dry in barely half that time, the result of aggressive extraction approved by the state. Worse still, Guyana haslittletoshowforit.Inthe absence of ring-fencing, Exxon continues to deduct up to 75 per cent of production to finance other projects, even as oil prices slidesharplyfromtheir2022 highs.
ThepromisethatGuyana would “forego revenue now” for “massive future income” is looking increasingly hollow as reserves shrink and prices fall.
This is not strategic patience; it is fiscal surrender Guyana is losing oil,time,andleveragewhile being told to wait for bones thatmaynevercome.
Matthew Ramlochhand, the SoesdykeLinden Highway miner who was killed at BarakatLanding,CuyuniRiver,diedfroma perforatedheartandlungsduetotwoincised wounds.
Apost-mortem (PME) examination was conducted on Ramlochand's body on Wednesday by Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh at the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home.The body has since been handedovertorelativesforburial.
On January 17, Kaieteur News reported that the suspect in connection to the murder atBarakatLandingwasarrestedonFridayby police.Police in a statement said that 27year-oldRamlochandwaskilledonJanuary 11, 2026, at Barakat Landing. The porkknocker was reportedly stabbed by a 38-
year-old miner of Half Mile, Wismar, Linden. He was told of the allegation and arrested.“Two Venezuelan nationals, both females aged 37 and 27 years respectively, who were present at the location, were also arrested,” police said Investigations revealed that the stabbing incident involved Ramlochandandhisbrother
“Inquiriesrevealedthatthetwobrothers, who are employed as pork knockers in the area,becameinvolvedinaheatedaltercation with another male at the landing during the eveninghours,”policesaid.
It was reported that during the altercation,thesuspectarmedhimselfwitha pairofscissors,dealingbothsiblingsseveral stabs about their bodies and made good his escape.
There is a curious focus by the world’s media. It picks the bright, the flamboyant, the scandalous. But when bombs fall in the south, when the night sky over Caracas is torn by explosions and the cries of thewounded,toooftenthere is only a hushed mention — a paragraph, a dispatch, a flickeronthewire.
The great engines of international journalism have, in these past few weeks, behaved as though the most extraordinary episode of militarised force in the Americas in recent times had occurred on another planet. That silence speaks.
On January 3, 2026, the UnitedStatesmilitaryforces mounted a strike on Venezuelathatculminatedin the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife,CiliaFlores.Thiswasa dramatic operation the U.S. government framed as law enforcement backed by
militaryprecision. Yet by any reasonable measure, this was not a measured police action. It was a military assault: bombardments across northern Venezuela, strikes oninfrastructure,andspecial forces advancing into Caracas.
Amid this inferno, 32 Cuban military personnel lost their lives, defending, according to Havana, their ally’s sovereignty In Cuba, they were mourned as heroes In the broader hemisphere, their deaths barelyregistered.TheCuban government declared a periodofnationalmourning, draping flags at half-mast and commemorating the dead as comrades in arms, yet few in the global press echoed the gravity of this mourning.
Beyond those 32, Venezuela’s own defence minister has acknowledged additional fatalities among Venezuelan soldiers,
bringing total reported deaths in the dozens. Even t h e s e f i g u r e s a r e conservative compared to some independent reporting that suggests the toll — including civilians — could be substantially higher Yet the chorus of concern, the globe’s moral alarm bells, remainmuted.
Wherearethefront-page investigations into shattered families? Where are the columns demanding accountability? Where is solidarity — even symbolic — from nations that profess to uphold humanitarian values?
Onewouldthinkthatthe death of more than 60 souls in a foreign intervention — civilians, soldiers, allied militarypersonnel—would be a story that haunts editorial boards. Instead, it flickerslikeaninconvenient footnote Headlines have been dominated by geopolitics: who gains control of Venezuelan oil,
Frompage05 toadjudicateonpettylarcenycases. Bangladesh under Sheikh Hasina is a warning: soft penalties and judicial manipulation fueled corruption and public backlash. Guyana must respect opposition voices and ensure all parties have a fair role in governance Without accountability, public trust is lost, fueling calls from the
diasporaforU.S.annexation,evenleadingto the formation of the GoAMERICAparty in 2025. Leadership requires decisive action Politics is not a game—Guyana’s future depends on genuine commitment Reformationisrequired.
Regards, M.ShabeerZafar
Dem boys seh the new Demerara River Bridge really doing its job—most ofthetime.Off-peakhours, yuh could glide across like yuh in a tourism ad. But come morning rush or evening knock-off, Eccles Roundabouttransforminto a national test of patience, wheretimeslowdownand everybody suddenly very reflective about life choices.
The bridge traffic now must use Heroes Highway, and dem boys seh Heroes Highwaydoingheroicduty indeed heroically holding traffic in place.As yuh approach Eccles Roundabout during peak hours, the crawl begins. Not a full stop, mind you, just enough movement to keep hope alive and tempersboilingatthesame time. It is during these sacredhours—7to9inthe morning and 4 to 6 in the
evening that Eccles Rounadabout asserts itself as the main chokehold of theEastBank.
Dem boys seh the government realize a little latethatanoverpassatthis junction woulda been a bright idea before opening a bridge that invite more vehiclestotheparty Butis only after the music start and everybody sweating that somebody notice the room too small. Ribbon cut, bridge open, congestion arrive on schedule.
Now we seeing work happening on the eastern and western sides of the r o u n d a b o u t B i g equipment, plenty earth moving, and plenty theories floating around. Some people seh is private development.Otherssehis government work to ease congestion. Official word? As scarce as parking in
w h o m a n a g e s t h e transitional government, what Washington’s next strategywillbe.Humanlife, beneath these dry analytical debates, is seldom the humanstory
And here, in the silence, iswhereweirdnessbecomes moral failure. Cuba — a nation used to standing apart, used to carrying its grievances into the open winds of global scrutiny — declared mourning Its
citizens, its leaders, acknowledged loss The gestureitselfwasanappeal: we are part of a shared humanity; these losses matter Yet that appeal echoedunanswered.
Closer still, consider the silence — not just in distant capitals but in Georgetown.Guyanadidnot issue even a statement condemning what some reports have called a massacre. Oneaccounttold ofAmericantroopscameout firing to kill, not to disarm. In a region that has known the heavy footprints of outsidepowers,thisabsence of solidarity is not just diplomatically discreet. It is emotionallycold.
And yet, across the globe,thenarrativehasbeen allowed to settle into something distant: an
American strike, a controversial capture, an issue for specialists in internationallaw Butforthe families of the 32 Cubans returnedhomeincoffins,for theVenezuelansoldierswho fell under shrapnel, for the unnamed civilians caught in theblastradius,thiswasnot anabstraction.
There are journalists who know this. There are analysts who, in quieter forums,speakofwarcrimes
and violations of sovereignty Legal scholars have noted that the operation’s scale, the crossborder use of force, and the deployment of military means raise grave questions under the UN Charter and international humanitarian law Yet such skepticism findsonlyafractionofspace in mainstream reporting, pushedtothemarginslikean unwelcometruth.
For a modern media saturated with imagery and outrage,thelackofsustained attention to this episode suggestsadeepermalaise— selective empathy, prioritised violence, and a willingness to overlook death when it suits certain geopolitical interests. If the dead of Russia, Ukraine, Gaza, or Myanmar command our headlines and
our horror, why do the dead of Caracas and Havana not stir the same collective conscience?
Deathsinconflictmatter regardless of who pays homage,regardlessofwhich governments choose to proclaim days of mourning. Each life extinguished by shell or bullet or drone is a life that should cause the world to pause The reportage that can illuminate, the voices that can humanise, are not happening here — at least notwidelyenough. This is not just a geopolitical miscalculation. It is a moral oversight. The muted response to the carnage witnessed in Venezuela and Cuba reveals something about how we choose to pay attention — and equally, how we choose notto.Andthatsilence,inits own way, is a story worth telling.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Georgetown during weekdays.
Demboyssehwithmore vehicles hitting the road every day new imports, second-hand specials, and monstertruckbigenoughto block out the sun peakhour pressure gon get heavier If an overpass coming, tell we If traffic lanes expanding, tell we If the plan is for citizens to adjust their work hours and develop spiritual resilience, atleastannounceitproperly
Because outside of peak hours, things manageable But during rush time, Eccles Roundabout reminding e v e r y b o d y t h a t development without planning is like speed withoutbrakes.
Dem boys seh all we asking for is clarity Not m i r a c l e s j u s t information.
Talkhalf.Leffhalf.
I think it is. Since the arrival of oil, Guyana has crawled on its belly, instead of soaring like an oil producer closing in on a millionbarrelsaday The2 percentmoneymadeamush of the minds of leaders. All they can think of is how to get on the right side of Exxon, stay there. It is a happy affair for national leaders to grovel before an oil power for purposes of their own personal power Butwhatkindofconditionis an entire country put in and leftin,whenitsinterestsand priorities,itspeopleandtheir aspirations, are pawned to pleaseasuperpower?
Theredoesnothavetobe a document, or the actual words uttered but, for all intents and purposes, Guyana has been reduced to alackeystateundertheheel of the present sole superpower, the rampaging US. When leaders of a country feel constrained, avoid taking any liberties, about standing on their own feet, and going their own way, then what have they reduced their country to, if notavassalstate? Apieceof paper is not needed, for actions speak the language. It is a language that brooks neither argument nor pushback; contentiousness,
for sure, but pushback is minedterritory Fromevery indication, the PPP Governmenthassignedonto apactthatswearsallegiance to the US. Asmall country like Guyana needs a strong shadow in close proximity, butitdoesn'thavetobeatthe price of selling the soul of this sovereign state It doesn't have to be lock, stock,andbarrel. Ithinkthat this country's leaders went too far too quickly and too irresponsibly They went overboardintherushtosew up their own political security and continuity Nowitisnext-to-impossible toextricateGuyanafromthe
quicksand it's in, that envelopsit.
Takeaway the national oil wealth, still not fully fleshedoutordisclosed,and nobody knows that Guyana and Pres. Ali exist. If they do,theydon'tcare. Itisthat simple, undeniable. Attach oil to Guyana and the president is the world's sweetheart. President Ali being who he is, feels better at making himself into a Caesar Whether a sweetheart or a sawdust Caesar, Excellency Ali should know the oil gives Guyana a tremendous amount of leverage, if not some palpable power But
having gone the otherway,andtaken theeasywayoutwith theoil,towit,vassalage to an oil superpower, that has its own crippling conditions that cannot be easily walked back. The trouble is that vassalage to Exxon extends tovassalagetotheUS. Isn't that what has become blindingly obvious in the largest theater in the world today? Venezuela….
Pres. Ali is a theatrical natural Yet with US operationsintheVenezuelan theater in full swing, he has limited himself to the equivalentofone-liners,and is content to stick to the shadows One online newspaper said in a caption thatheis'mum.' Itcouldbe that the condition of ZechariahofGospelfameis morefitting,exceptfromhis own situation, there is no reliefforGuyana'spresident. Having tied the US bundle tootightly,henowenjoysall the standing of a vassal prince.
Specialrelationshiptook overtheheadsofmanyinthe PPP Government, and now they have to sit on their handsandnodtheirheadsin robotic agreement with whatever has gone on, and unfolds, in Venezuela. In sum,whentheshowfocuses on the moves of the 'Big Boys', the stars, the once convenient extras are forced to take a backseat, left with
clapping and stomping of feet. I make the point that that is where Guyana stands now,thankstotheoverreach of the PPP Govt : a convenient extra that is expected to be a hearty cheerleader
Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo is a creature that smells trouble, know how to keep his head low Attorney General Anil Nandlall-he of rule of law, and international law-finds himself becalmed and unabletosummonasyllable about the protocols and demands of that same internationallaw Ishouldn't havetoremindDr Nandlall, but proud Kshatriyas never willingly submit to the yoke of vassalage. No matter what is involved, including lifeitself. Whathasbecome chandelierclearisthatallthe chatter about sanctity of contract (and honorable people) was camouflage Developments in Venezuela emphasized how much Guyana is a vassal state. Kneeling Creeping Scraping. Honorablepeople inmotion.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Frompage2
mostPalestinians,withmorethan80percentofinfrastructure destroyed,accordingtotheUnitedNations.
Water and electricity networks and waste management systems have collapsed. Hospitals operate minimally when functioning at all, and educational activities exist only as occasional initiatives. According to UNICEF, every child in Gazarequirespsychologicalsupportaftermorethantwoyears ofgenocidalwar
“We miss real life,” said Nivine Ahmad, a 47-year-old living in a displacement camp in southern Gaza's al-Mawasi area,asshehopestoreturntoherhomeinGazaCity
“I pictured living with my family in a prefabricated unit, with electricity and water instead of our bombed home,” she said.“OnlythenwillIfeelthatthewarisover.”
In the meantime, she urged the world to put itself in the shoesofthePalestinians.
“Weonlyhavehopeandpatience,”shesaid.
…President Ali says Guyana emerging as premier tourism destination
DPI – Guyana is rapidly emerging as one of the Caribbean and South America's premier tourism destinations, President Irfaan Ali opined on Saturday at the opening of the Plaza Court Hotel on MainStreet,Georgetown.
Driven by strategic i n v e s t m e n t s i n infrastructure, safety, and human capital, the president said the country's tourism expansion is no longer aspirational but firmly underway, with new hotel developments that signal Guyana's readiness to compete in the global tourismmarket.
“Guyana is not waiting for a tourism boom. The boom has already begun,” President Ali said, before stating, “We are not speculatorsanymore.Weare coming for the market, and we are coming to be successful.”He emphasised that the growing number of hotels must operate collaboratively, noting that the sector is collectively selling a single product:
BrandGuyana. “You are not selling separate brands. You are selling one product, one brand — Product Guyana,” the President said, noting, “ T h a t r e q u i r e s collaboration, shared standards, and shared accountability.”
President Ali identified safety, service and experience as the three pillars of a successful tourism sector, outlining government investments to supporteachone.
He noted that enhanced security infrastructure on Main and Lamaha Streets, the Stabroek Market area, Kingstonandsectionsofthe seawall have significantly strengthened public safety, whilecontinuedinvestments in technology have modernised monitoring and responsesystems.
To strengthen service quality, the President announced continued work toward a world-class Hospitality Institute to upgrade skills across the sector and ensure Guyanese
A19 year old
weld
om Annandale New HousingScheme,EastCoast Demerara (ECD), who was wantedforattemptedmurder and robbery under arms was onFridayarrested.
The teen, Kobie Isiah Benjamin, for whom a wanted bulletin was issued on Friday was apprehended by police, “in connection with an alleged Attempted Murder and Robbery Under
workers meet international servicestandards.
O n t
experience, President Ali highlighted improvements in airport processing, public spaces, historic corridors
recreational areas, all contributing to a seamless tourismproduct.
“Tourism does not happen in brochures It happens on runways, in ports, in hotels, and in communities that are accessible, prepared and proud,”hesaid
The president also revealed that Guyana is attracting increased interest
organisationsseekingtohost conferences and major
engagements with multiple groups planning to bring large delegations to the countrythisyear
He credited the private sectorforitsconfidenceand investments, reaffirming the
environment for businesses to thrive, create jobs and raiselivingstandards.
“We want our private sector to be successful, profitable and expanding,”
President Ali said “That success must translate into opportunities, growth and better wages for our people.”
L o o k i n g a h
, President Ali said Guyana's
Arms incident.”The Guyana Police Force (GPF) in a statementsaidthatactingon information received on F
d Benjamin's home where he was found hiding in the ceiling. Benjaminwaswantedin connection with the January 12 Triumph, ECD shooting of Shaheen Amanat called 'Ryan'. Amanat was shot in his head. Investigations are ongoing.
The new Plaza Court Hotel on Main Street
being
unprecedented investments in roads, bridges, ports, airports, hinterland airstrips
infrastructure.
As he marked the opening of the Plaza Court Hotel, the president said the development represents a clear signal of Guyana's readiness for the global
tourismstage.
“Brick by brick, runway by runway, room by room, we are laying the foundation for shared prosperity,” he said
P r e s i d e n t A l i congratulated the investors and workers behind the project and encouraged continued partnership betweenthegovernmentand theprivatesectorasGuyana advances its tourism and developmentagenda.
President of the Guyana Teacher's Union (GTU) Coretta McDonald on Friday said that there is need for a meeting between the officials of the Ministry of Education and the Guyana Teacher's Union (GTU) to address the appointment of teachers and their promotions.
McDonald was asked on Friday by reporterstosayherunion'sapproachto thebackdatingofappointmentsaswell as what compensation it will seek via Teaching Service Commission (TSC) relativetoteacherswhorequiredduring theperiodtherewerenopromotions.
The GTU head said that the union believes there should be at least two promotions this year to compensate teachers who were not promoted over the last three years. She disclosed that the GTU has written both the minister of education and the TSC requesting a meeting.
McDonald said that the TSC will not act until the GTU and the Ministry of Education meet to examine collectively the list of vacancies and sure it is seamless. She explained that both parties have to agree on whether therewillbechangestothecriteriafor promotionsafterwhichadirectivewill besenttotheTSCforaction.
“So, the longer the ministry delays themeetingwiththeGuyanaTeacher's
Union, it means that our teachers are goingtobeinjeopardyagain,andmany moreteacherswillretirenotbeingable toattainpositionsthattheylongedfor,” shestressed.Further,theGTUpresident saidthatonthematterofrenumeration packages,PresidentIrfaanAliwillhave to be directly consulted since neither the Chief Education Officer nor the PermanentSecretaryareabletoaddress thematter
“We did that before writing his excellency… requesting to have a meetingwithhim,andwelistedaseries
of issues that we wanted to discuss. That too has not been responded to favorably…you're talking about the compensatory pack for retired teachers… retired educators. We're talking about delayed promotions; we spoke about the agreement and we spoke about regular meetings. Those were the issues that were sent to his excellency,”sherevealed.
McDonald said she is disappointed about Minister of Education Sonia Parag's non-response to the Union's letter to her requesting an urgent meeting following her recent appointment.
She said the union also wrote the Chief Education Officer requesting a meeting but no date has been agreed upon.
“The PS was also written to reference the agreement that was signed in 2024. To date, we have not been able to meet with them. But you know what is strange? The ministry wouldwritetotheGTUrequestingour presencewhentheyhaveconsultations, when they want something else to be done. But to deal with matters that are ofinteresttoourteachers,they'renotso inclined to do that,” McDonald lamented.
The GTU president said that teachers' interests are not being placed firstbutinsteadofficialsoftheMinistry of Education are focused on personalities.
C a n a d i a n H i g h
Commissioner to Guyana Sébastien Sigouin in a Facebook post on Friday remindedthat“Parliamentis the cornerstone of democracy ” The High Commissioner's statement followed closely that of otherenvoyswhoalsospoke of the importance of democracytonations.
“In recent weeks, there has been renewed public discussion in Guyana about theroleofParliament.Those whofollowmesawinoneof mypreviousposts,leadingto International Human Rights
Day, my belief that Parliament is a cornerstone of democracy — a place where accountability is exercised, differing views are expressed peacefully, and the interests of citizens
are debated through constitutional means,” Sigouinsaid.
The Canadian diplomat reminded that his role as the High Commissioner of Canada entails engaging with a wide range of actors across society, including government, figures in the opposition, civil society, communitiesandtheprivate sector
“This is because of my longstanding support for democratic governance, humanrights,andtheruleof law Engagement does not imply endorsement; it
reflects a genuine commitmenttodialogueand toinstitutions,”headded.
The High Commissioner said that Canada's approach has always been guided by respect “Respect for s o v e r e i g n t y , f o r constitutionalprocesses,and for the principle that strong institutionsareessentialtoa resilient democracy These principles will continue to guide my work, and the approach of the country I have the privilege to represent,”Sigouinstressed.
On January 12, Kaieteur News reported that, in invited comments to Stabroek News, diplomatic representatives from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and the EuropeanUnionallweighed inontheissue.
U n i t e d S t a t e s
Ambassador to Guyana, NicoleTheriot,said:“Weall recognise the importance of a functioning opposition as partofanylegislativebody I join my EU and British colleagues in encouraging the convening of Parliament and the election of the Leader of the Opposition as soon as possible so all those elected by the people of Guyana can begin p e r f o r m i n g t h e i r constitutionally designated duties.An active Parliament is important for Guyana's continued growth and
development which will benefit all the people of Guyana.”
B r i t i s h H i g h Commissioner to Guyana Jane Miller similarly emphasised that both government and opposition parliamentarians occupy a “critical role” in the legislative process, and called for the election of a leader of the opposition to takeplace“withoutdelay.”
Miller told Stabroek News that Guyana's system of governance depends on theactiveparticipationofall electedmembers,notingthat the appointment of a leader of the opposition is a p r e r e q u i s i t e f o r parliamentarians to fully execute their constitutional duties. She also said there is a vital link between a robust legislature and a flourishing democracy, adding that she “eagerly awaits” the formal opening of the national assembly
At that time Sigouin, called for the protection and strengthening of democratic principles, good governance andtheruleoflaw Hestated: “The appointment of the LeaderoftheOppositionand the scheduling of parliamentary sittings are matters for Guyana's constitutional actors to resolve in accordance with the law I am confident that Guya
traditions and institutions willaddresstheseissuesand ensure that Parliament can carry out its important work on behalf of the people of Guyana.”
European Union Ambassador to Guyana, Luca Pierantoni, said he would be “rather surprised” if parliament does not resume sitting within the next couple of weeks, expressing confidence that thelong-outstandingissueof appointing a leader of the opposition would be resolved once parliamentary businessrecommences.
Stakeholders have been calling on Speaker of the NationalAssemblyManzoor Nadirtocallameetingofthe members of the Opposition so that the Leader of the Opposition can be elected and parliamentary matters proceededwith.
Further,theWeInvestin Nationhood (WIN) party, which secured the most votes in the parliamentary opposition, has been repeatedly calling on the speaker to convene a meetingsothatitsleader,the presumptive Leader of the Opposition, could be elected.
statements made by the western diplomats in Guyana and reminded that the timely convening of parliament and the election of a leader of the opposition a r e e s s e n t i a l t o a c c o u n t a b i l i t y , representation and the proper functioning of democratic governance, warningthatcontinueddelay obstructs constitutional responsibilities and denies citizens the full benefit of theirdemocraticrights.
Frompage7 integrated.“So, there will be no difference with getting treated in Lethem and then in Georgetown or wherever you are living because all would be on the same platform. Andthenwewillworkwiththeprivatesector to integrate this so that as a country, everybody's record would be available,” the ministersaid.
The party welcomed the
WIN has accused the speaker of undermining the functioning of parliament in an effort to prevent WIN's leader, U S sanctioned Azruddin Mohamed, from
Further,speakingaboutpatient'sinformation being kept confidential, the Minister referenced the Data Protection Act, which imposesafineof$20millionforindividuals found sharing patient's information, and a $100millionfineforinstitutionsinvolvedin theseactivities.
“So, this thing is not a joke, people's information must be kept confidentially and that is why the penalties for breaching that confidenceisgoingtobevery,veryhigh,”Dr
being sworn in as leader of theopposition.
The13thParliamentwas convened on November 3, 2025,whengovernmentand opposition MPs were sworn in.
Since then, no date has beenannouncedforSpeaker Nadir to preside over a sittingtoelecttheopposition leader
Thepartycurrentlyholds the majority of opposition seats in the National Assembly, with 16 MPs. A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has 12 seats, while Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) holds one.
Anthonemphasized.
Additionally, the minister said he understandsthattheEHRsystemisnewand will take some getting use to.As a result, he asked that the technology be embraced as it comeswithmanybenefits.Meanwhile,Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GPHC, Mr Robbie Rambarran also spoke of the importance of the EHR system and how it will improve the delivery of healthcare services.
HesharedthatinApril,officialswillmeet tohavesomeofGPHC'sservicespaperless.
Noting that the new Campbellville PolyclinicwillopensometimeinMayandthe newIndustryPolyclinicwillbecompletedby year end, Rambarran disclosed “So by the end of the year, we should have all the facilities including Georgetown Public Hospitalpaperless.”
Me etthe simplygorgeous Candaycia ‘Candy’Richeson, aself-taughtcook, youtuber,entrepreneur, mom,andwife.While Candyispassionateabout food,contentcreationandher family,shealsoenjoys traveling,fashion,gardening andjustgettingcreative.To enjoymoreofhercontent, peoplecanfollowheron socialmedia@Candytha glamcook.
BySirRonaldSanders
When powerful states act, small states are tempted to personalize the action. Whensmallstatesfragment, powerful states do not need toexplainthemselves.
That is the lesson CARICOM should draw fromtherecentU.S.decision to impose partial visa restrictions and to pause the issuance of certain immigrantvisas-commonly known as “green cards” - to nationals of several countries, includingAntigua andBarbudaandDominica.
Across the region, a misleadingnarrativequickly tookhold.Oppositionparties andpoliticalactorsrushedto portray the U.S. action as a s a n c t i o n a g a i n s t governments in power, each tailoring the claim to domestic political a d v a n t a g e S o m e governments stayed silent. One appeared to exult, pleased that neighbours had beennamedwhileithadnot.
That reaction revealed more about Caribbean weakness than American intent. The truth, supported byU.S.statementsanddata, isthatthisisnotadiplomatic punishment directed at Caribbeangovernments.Itis a domestic U S policy decision, driven by internal political and financial considerations that extend farbeyondtheCaribbean.
Adomesticpolicy,not aCaribbeanrebuke
The U.S. review rests on twostatedconcerns.
First,publicexpenditure. U.S.authoritieshavepointed to data showing that a significant proportion of immigrant households eventually draw on public assistance.PresidentDonald Trumphasbeenexplicitthat immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and must not become a burden on American taxpayers. One may debate the policy, but it is neither novel nor unlawful within U.S.immigrationpractice.
Second, demographic and political distortion
Overstayers who remain in the United States illegally are nevertheless counted in population totals that shape congressionalrepresentation and federal funding. In a polarizedAmerica,thisisnot a technical matter; it goes to political power and legitimacy
These concerns explain why the pause applies to immigrant visas, not to
tourist, student, or business travel. They also explain why the list of affected countriesisglobal,spanning Africa,Asia, LatinAmerica, EasternEurope,andmuchof the Caribbean This is domestic policymaking; not diplomaticretaliation.
The numbers underline thepoint.U.S.datashowthat across CARICOM the percentage of immigrant households receiving public assistance is fairly high: AntiguaandBarbudaat41.9 per cent; Dominica at 45.1 per cent; Saint Lucia and Guyana at 41.7 per cent; Belize at 41 8 per cent; Grenada at 40.7 per cent; SaintKittsandNevisat39.1 per cent; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines at 38.1 per cent;TrinidadandTobagoat 37.1 per cent; Jamaica at 36.7 per cent; The Bahamas at 34 0 per cent; and Barbados at 33.9 per cent. Haiti sits higher still at 52.3 per cent. These figures are n o t j u d g m e n t s o n governments; they are actuarial inputs into U.S. domestic assessments of “publiccharge”risk. WhyB1–B2visas arealsoaffected
There is, however, another issue that must be addressed honestly: the restriction on new B1–B2 visitor visas forAntigua and BarbudaandDominica.
This measure is tied primarily to concerns about visa overstaying, unlawful residence, and the use of publicservices-particularly healthcare - without payment These concerns intersectwithCitizenshipby Investmentprogrammes,not because such programmes are illegitimate, but because U.S. law-enforcement agencies believe identity verification must be strengthened.
President Trump stated this plainly in his Proclamation, noting that CBI programmes have historically been susceptible to risks, including the concealment of identity or assets to evade travel or financial restrictions Enhancedbiometricsystems areintendedtoaddressthose risks.
It is also widely understood that nationals of several other CARICOM countries - though not formally listed - are already experiencing heightened scrutiny and informal visa refusals. pending agreement on improved biometric arrangements. This is not
selective punishment; it is a demand for deeper verification.
Sovereignty cutsbothways
Another truth must be stated plainly The United Stateshasthesovereignright to regulate entry to its territory, to pause visa categories, and to deport persons who are unlawfully presentanddependentonthe public purse Every CARICOM state exercises the same authority.We deny entry Wedeportoverstayers. We enforce immigration laws when national interest requiresit.
To deny the U.S. this right would be hypocritical and diplomatically unsound. The issue is not authority; it is how consequences are managed, especially for lawful travellers who complywiththelaw
Wherethe Caribbeanfaileditself
If the U S action is understandable - even if debatable - the Caribbean responsehasbeenweak.
T h e r e w a s n o coordinated CARICOM position, no early joint clarification, no collective insistence on fact over fiction. Instead, there was silence, finger-pointing, and p o l i t i c a l t h e a t r e Governments calculated how to protect themselves individuallyratherthanhow to protect the region collectively
That fragmentation had predictableresults.Whenthe U.S. State Department later published its broader list, it became clear that 11 of the 14 independent CARICOM states were affected Fragmentation did not buy protection;itmerelydelayed recognition.
This is the CARICOM contradiction laid bare. We consult, but too often do not conclude We proclaim unity, but practise unilateralism when pressure comes Self-censorshipanticipatingwhatapowerful partnerexpectsandadjusting behaviour accordingly - has replacedcollectiveresolve.
Fragmentation does not preserve sovereignty It surrendersit,piecebypiece.
Abetterpath
What is needed now is neither outrage nor interCaribbean recrimination CARICOM governments should consult to agree on a common framework for engagement with the United S
overstayers from lawful travellers; separates individual “public charge” assessments from national reputation; and addresses biometric and identity-
, technicallysoundsolutions.
Any cooperation offered should be transparent, voluntaryandcapped.Ifnot, eachcountrywillcontinueto dowhattheyaredoingnow–everymanforhimself.
When small states
q u a r r e l a m o n g themselves over another country’s domestic policy, they do not influence outcomes; they merely endurethem.
Sovereignty for small states is not defended by silence, or by opportunism, or by celebrating a neighbour’sdiscomfort.Itis defended by coherence, discipline,andthecourageto speak with one voice when factsmattermost.
(The author is the
Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United States and the OAS, and Dean of the OAS Ambassadors accredited to the OAS. Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronald sanders.com)
SUNDAY Trumpthreatens Greenlandtakeover -warnsof‘easywayorhard way’overArcticstrategy
Aljazeera - United States President Donald Trump has threatened to “take” Greenland, whether the self-governing territory of Denmark “likes it or not”, saying it is strategically importantintheArcticregion.
On Friday, Trump said the US needed to take over Greenland to prevent Russia or China from occupying it, and accused the Danish authorities of failing to adequately secure the waters around Greenland – a claim rejectedbylocalpoliticians.
“We aregoing to do something onGreenlandwhethertheylikeitor not Because if we don’t do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland, and we’re not going to have Russia or China as a neighbour,”Trumptoldreportersat the White House while meeting withoilcompanyexecutives.
“Wedon’twantRussiaorChina going to Greenland, which – if we don’t take Greenland – you’re going to have Russia or China as your next-door neighbour That’s not going to happen,” he said. “I would like to make a deal, you know,theeasyway Butifwedon’t doittheeasyway,we’regoingtodo itthehardway.”
Recent US attacks on Venezuelaandtheabductionofthe South American country’s president, Nicolas Maduro, have spurred heightened concerns around what Trump may be planningforGreenland.
Greenland’s foreign minister said earlier Friday that the Greenlandic government should “take the lead” in planned talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as the United States continues to threaten to take over theautonomousDanishterritory
“WhenitcomestoGreenland,it should be Greenland that takes the lead and speaks with the United States,” Vivian Motzfeldt said, according to Danish broadcaster DR.
She said the Greenlandic government should be able to engage in dialogue with other countries independently of Denmark.
“Whatwouldbewrongwithus holding meetings with the United Statesonourown?Iassumethatwe [Denmark and Greenland] share certaincommonvaluesandpolicies that both countries stand by,” Motzfeldtsaid.
Asked if she would prefer to hold next week’s meeting with Rubio wit
Rasmussen, Motzfeldt refused to commentandstressedthatthetalks
Greenland
and Denmark have rejected Trump’s offer to buy these semi-autonomous territory. (Reuters)
willbeheldjointly
“Greenland has been working toward statehood, which would require us to conduct our own foreignpolicy Butwearenotthere yet. Until then, we have certain lawsandframeworksthatwemust follow,”shesaid.
FutureofNATO
Rubio held talks with NATO chief Mark Rutte on Friday as the transatlantic military alliance has sought to deflect Washington’s interest in Greenland by emphasising efforts to boost securityintheArctic.
A NATO spokesperson said Rutte spoke with Rubio “on the importance of the Arctic to our shared security and how NATO is workingtoenhanceourcapabilities intheHighNorth”.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that an armedUSattacktotakeGreenland couldspelltheendforNATO.
But the head of NATO’s forces in Europe, US General Alexus Grynkewich,saidearlierintheday thatthealliancewasfarfrombeing in“acrisis”.
“There’sbeennoimpactonmy workatthemilitaryleveluptothis point Iwouldjustsaythatwe’re ready to defend every inch of alliance territory still today,” Grynkewichtoldreportersduringa visittoFinland.
“SoIseeusasfarfrombeingin acrisisrightnow,”headded.
Motzfeldt, Greenland’s foreign minister, also said she had “good expectations” for the upcoming meetingwithRubiobutunderlined thatitis“tooearlytosayhowitwill end”.
“From our side, it is clear that GreenlandneedstheUnitedStates, and the United States needs Greenland That responsibility must be taken seriously,” she said, reiteratingtheneedforareturntoa trust-based relationship with Washington.
PresidentTrump made an offer tobuytheislandin2019,duringhis firstpresidentialterm.He was told
brushedasideanddismissedbythe minister “who instead chose propaganda over planning and excusesoverexecution.”
“Year after year, billions of taxpayers’ dollars are poured into (GuySuCo) with little to show but mis
management, labour shortages, factory inefficiencies, and weak leadership The 2025 production shortfallisnotanactofGod—itis the direct result of poor policy choices, weak oversight, and a stubbornrefusaltoreformafailing model,”Jordanadded.
The MP accused Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha of
On Saturday too, President I r f a a n A l i e x p r e s s e d disappointment that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) failuretomeetitstargetlastyear In a brief statement via his Facebookpage,hesaidthathemet with the Board of Directors and Managementof(GuySuCo),where he voiced his dissatisfaction “with the performance of estates’ management and their inability to achievethe2025targets.”
“The President informed management that every estate will be held accountable for achieving its targets, and that beginning with the first crop of 2026, estates that fail to meet their targets will see changes,”thestatementadded.
thenthattheislandisnotforsale.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is to hold talks withDenmarknextweek.
There has been heightened interest in Greenland’s natural resources – including rare earth minerals,uraniumandiron–which arebecomingeasiertoaccessasits icemeltsduetoclimatechange.
Scientists think it could also have significant oil and gas reserves.
‘Poorpolicies,weakoversight’ doomedGuySuCo–MPJordan ...asPres.Alilamentsmissed 2025target
ShadowMinisterofAgriculture and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP) Vinceroy Jordan on Saturday said that the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo) failure to meet its 2025 target is a result of government’s continued useofafailedmodel.
In a letter to the editor, publishedinSunday’seditionofthe Kaieteur News, Jordan made it clear that the government cannot continue to use the sugar industry asabottomlesspitforfunds.
“The failure of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to meet its 2025 sugar production target is not surprising it is disappointing, costly, and entirely predictable What is shocking, however,isthecontinuedrefusalof the Minister of Agriculture to accept responsibility for this ongoing national embarrassment. (GuySuCo) has consistently revised its initial targets for every yearithassetsincetakingOfficein 2020tothepointthatitevenrevised itsrevisedtargetsandstillfailedto meetsame,”hesaid.
Jordan reminded that he has repeatedly issued warnings in the National Assembly that the corporation was bound to fail because of the approach taken by thegovernment.Instead,hesaidhis warnings were ignored, arrogantly
delivering, while offering bright projections to citizens, with the reality on the ground telling an entirelydifferentstory
Rehabilitation of estates has been slow and ineffective, while mechanization continues to be inadequate, he said. Management accountability has been virtually non-existent with continued demoralisationofworkers.Inspite oftheseblatantfailuresJordansaid the minister “continues to behave as though GuySuCo’s collapse is someone else’s fault,” Jordan added.
Thepoliticianreiteratedthatthe government cannot “continue to treat the sugar industry as a bottomless pit for public funds whileofferingnoclear,credible,or realistic recovery plan Sugar workers, their families, and the widereconomydeservebetterthan recycled excuses and empty assurances.”
Furthermore, he said that the failuretomeetthe2025production target, vindicates what the opposition has been saying all along that without competent management, serious reform and honest leadership the corporation willcontinuealongafailingpath.
“The Minister of Agriculture must stop deflecting blame, come clean with the nation, and take full responsibility for this failure. The time for excuses is over Accountability is long overdue,” Jordanadded.
During the first six months of 2025, the sugar growing industry wasestimatedtohaveexpandedby 136.7percentwhencomparedwith thefirsthalf2024.Thecorporation produced15,954tonnesofsugarin the first crop of 2025, compared with only 6,739 tonnes during the same period in 2024 The 2025 Mid-Year Report said heavy rainfall, labour shortages and cane quality affected further expansion fromoccurring.
Notwithstanding, the governmentsaiditwastargetingan o v e r a l l p r o d u c t i o n o f approximately 101,000 tonnes of sugar for 2025, with the second crop being traditionally the larger ofthetwocrops.
However, sugar exports for the first half of 2025 dropped by $US3.6Mor4.063metrictonnes,in spite of the price increasing by $US0.4. This is according to the BankofGuyana’s(BoG)HalfYear Report.
The report said that the export earnings for the time frame in question amounted to US$3.6M, which is 47.2 percent or US$3.2 millionbelowwhatwasearnedfor thesameperiodendingJune2024.
“Thisoutturnwasattributedtoa 47.2 percent decline in the volume of sugar exported despite a 0 1 percent increase in the average price for the commodity The volume of sugar exported amountedto4,533metrictonnesor 4,063 metric tonnes less than the recordedexportforthesameperiod in2024,”thereportsaid.
The CARICOM region was responsiblefor95.9percentoftotal sugar exports, in comparison to 25.8percentin2024.Additionally, the United States of America (USA) under the USA Bagged accountedfor0.6percent.
Eventhoughtheaverageexport pricesawanincreaseof0.1percent which translates to US$0.4 taking prices to US$784 77 per metric tonne, when compared with US$784.37 per metric tonne at the end June 2024, overall exports for thefirstsixmonthswerelowerthan 2024. In December 2024, Kaieteur Newsreportedthatdespitepouring Continued on page 17
Frompage16 billions into the sugar company withlittleresultssinceitreturnedto government – the PPP/C
Administration warned of a management shake-up if the underperforming state entity does notmeetitstarget.
President Ali, during an interviewwithreporterssaidthathe is aware of the challenges facing the corporation but is also cognizant of the management’s underperformance.
“We sat down with them [and] they brought together an investment plan that is needed to keepthefactoryefficient.Wehave supported that investment plan [and]Ihavemadeitveryclearthat if the target for 2025 (first and secondcroptarget)isnotmet,then heads will roll,” PresidentAli was quoted in a Department of Public Information(DPI)pressrelease.
The ailing sugar corporation has,overtheyearsseencontinuous decline in performance in terms of production,buthasseenbillionsof dollars from the nation’s coffers being plugged annually into the industry
In the 2024 mid-year report, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh said the industry is estimated to havecontractedby60.4percentin the first half of the year, with productionof6,739tonnesofsugar reported by the sugar company Thisperformancewasattributedto the carried over impacts of drierthan-usualweatherconditions.
Additionally, the Government saiditsinterventionsintheindustry are aimed at diversifying and modernising the sugar industry, while reducing the cost of production.The same report stated that some 2,734 hectares of land
were converted to support mechanised cultivation and harvestingofsugarcaneattheRose Hall, Albion, Blairmont, and Uitvlugt estates, bringing the total land converted to 8,400 hectares. Moreover, six additional cane harvesters were expected to be operational by the end of 2024, increasingthefleettoten.
MONDAY
RamwarnsGovt.against excessivespendingasoil priceslikelytodipfurther
As Guyana joins other oil producing states in preparing for a steep dive in revenue flow from production,stemminglargelyfrom an illegal act by U S President, Donald Trump to not only abduct President of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro,buttakeoverthecountry’s resources, careful fiscal managemen
importantthanever
Flagging the implications for Guyana and the need for the country to implement
disciplined sequencing of major projects was chartered accountant andattorney,ChristopherRam.
InhisSundaycolumnpublished by Stabroek News, the lawyer pointedoutthatoilpricesarelikely todropto$50perbarrel,andwhile the startup of more Floating ProductionStorageandOffloading vessels (FPSOs) will partly offset the lower price per barrel, Guyana can easily find itself borrowing more to finance or continue its aggressivedevelopmentagenda.
Ram explained, “A US$50 oil environmentisnotacrisisscenario, but if not properly addressed can become one. Even as the mid-year report acknowledges heightened global uncertainty and oil-price volatility,italsorecords,inboastful terms, accelerating expenditure, expandedcommitments,andrising recurrent obligations. The implicit assumptionisthattoday’srevenues will persist long enough to absorb tomorrow’s costs History, including Guyana’s own, offers littlesupportforthatconfidence.”
He pointed out that much of government’sspending,nowbeing normalised,isstructuralratherthan temporary and includes wages, transfers, subsidies, and large capital projects with high and continuing operating costs, with new and growing discretionary fundsandvaguelinedescriptions.
“Once embedded, they reduce fiscalroomandforcegovernments to respond to shocks through borrowing, drawdowns, or abrupt retrenchment.Asgovernmentsface criticisms from their constituents, they spend more, not less, to appeasethemevenifsuchspending iscarriedoutwithoutanyregardfor the law or concern for accounting andtransparency,”Ramsaid.
The chartered accountant arguedthatthePresidentIrfaanAli administration treat annual increases in the national budget as an occasion to “crow” , as development, and as an article of faith.
Large, highly visible projects suchasSilicaCityandthePalmyra stadium are embraced as symbols of progress, alongside talk of another bridge in Berbice, another gas-to-shore project, and yet anotherstadium,accordingtohim.
The lawyer said that each project is presented rarely within a coherent medium-term fiscal f
accounting or long-run burden Notably, Ram warned, “In an economicdownturn,theseprojects become white elephants even as theycarrymaintenancecosts.What makes this posture especially troubling is, as noted above, the risksarenotunrecognised.”
While the recent mid-year report cited the oil price volatility, Ram believes recognition is not enough but imposes a duty to act, which should be outlined in the budget.
Inpointingtotheimportanceof avoiding wasteful spending, the chartered accountant pointed out that a sustained fall in oil prices w
consequences He explained, “Fewer oil dollars mean less foreign exchange entering the economy, increasing pressure on imports and the exchange rate Combined with constrained spending, this raises the risk of inflation even as growth slows, while delayed projects and tighter cash flows increase the risk of job losses, particularly in construction andservices.
To this end, Ram urged government to wean itself off its reliance on spending steroids. The columnist said reasoned, “Years of aggressive fiscal stimulation may haveproducedattractiveoutcomes andheadlinegrowth,buttheyhave alsodulleddisciplineandrestraint. Endless injections of expenditure are no substitute for planning, sequencing, or endurance What Guyana’s public finances now require is the fiscal equivalent of Ozempic – a firm and sustained doseofappetitecontroltocurbthe
compulsion to spend simply because there is no obvious restraint.”
Without that restraint, excess willcontinuetobesoldasprogress, until today’s choices harden into structural costs that are economically damaging and politicallyimpossibletoreverse,he added.
CubadefiantafterTrump saysislandtoreceivenomore Venezuelanoilormoney
HAVANA/HOUSTON, Jan 11
(Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday said no more Venezuelanoilormoneywillgoto Cuba and suggested the Communist-run island should strike a deal with Washington, ramping up pressure on the longtime U.S. nemesis and provoking defiant words from the island’s leadership.
VenezuelaisCuba’sbiggestoil supplier, but no cargoes have departed from Venezuelan ports to the Caribbean country since the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces in earlyJanuaryamidastrictU.S.oil blockade on the OPEC country, shippingdatashows.
Meanwhile, Caracas and Washingtonareprogressingona$2 billion deal to supply up to 50 millionbarrelsofVenezuelanoilto the U S with proceeds to be deposited in U S Treasurysupervisedaccounts,amajortestof the emerging relationship between TrumpandinterimPresidentDelcy Rodriguez.“THEREWILLBENO MORE OILOR MONEYGOING TO CUBA – ZERO! I strongly suggesttheymakeadeal,BEFORE ITISTOOLATE,”Trumpwroteon his Truth Social platform on Sunday. “Cuba lived, for many years,onlargeamountsofOILand MONEY from Venezuela,” Trump added Cuban President Miguel Diaz-CanelrejectedTrump’sthreat on social media, suggesting the U.S.hadnomoralauthoritytoforce adealonCuba.
“Cuba is a free, independent, and sovereign nation Nobody dictates what we do,” Diaz-Canel saidonX.“Cubadoesnotattack;it hasbeenattackedbytheU.S.for66 years, and it does not threaten; it prepares, ready to defend the homelandtothelastdropofblood.”
The U S president did not elaborateonhissuggesteddeal.
But Trump’s push on Cuba represents the latest escalation in his move to bring regional powers in line with the United States and underscores the seriousness of the administration’s ambition to dominatetheWesternHemisphere. Trump’s top officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have made no secret of their expectation that the recent U S intervention in Venezuela could push Cuba over the edge U S officials have hardened their rhetoric against Cuba in recent weeks, though the two countries have been at odds since former leader Fidel Castro’s 1959 revolution.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno RodriguezsaidinanotherpostonX on Sunday that Cuba had the right to import fuel from any suppliers willingtoexportit.Healsodenied thatCubahadreceivedfinancialor other “material” compensation in return for security services providedtoanycountry Thirty-two members of Cuba’s armed forces and intelligence services were killed during the U S raid on Venezuela. Cuba said those killed were responsible for “security and defense”butdidnotprovidedetails on the arrangement between the twolong-timeallies.
Cuba relies on imported crude and fuel mainly provided by Venezuela, and Mexico in smaller volumes, purchased on the open markettokeepitspowergenerators andvehiclesrunning.
As its operational refining capacity dwindled in recent years, Venezuela’ssupplyofcrudeand
Continued on page 18
Frompage17
fuel to Cuba has fallen. But the SouthAmericancountryisstillthe largest provider with some 26,500 barrels per day exported last year, accordingtoshiptrackingdataand internal documents of state-run PDVSA, which covered roughly 50%ofCuba’soildeficit.
HavanaproducevendorAlberto Jimenez, 45, said Cuba would not back down in the face of Trump’s threat.“Thatdoesn’tscareme.Not at all The Cuban people are prepared for anything,” Jimenez said. It’s hard for many Cubans to imagine a situation much worse. The island’s government has been struggling to keep the lights on. A majoritylivewithoutelectricityfor much of the day, and even the capital Havana has seen its economy crippled by hours-long rollingblackouts.
Shortages of food, fuel and medicinehaveputCubansonedge and have prompted a recordbreaking exodus, primarily to the UnitedStates,inthepastfiveyears.
Mexico has emerged in recent weeks as a critical alternative oil suppliertotheisland,butthesupply remains small, according to the shippingdata.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum last week said her country had not increased supply volumes, but given recent political events in Venezuela, Mexico had turned into an “important supplier” of crude to Cuba US intelligence haspaintedagrimpictureofCuba’s economicandpoliticalsituation,but itsassessmentsoffernoclearsupport for Trump’s prediction that the island is “ready to fall,” Reuters reported on Saturday, citing three peoplefamiliarwiththeconfidential assessments.TheCIA’sviewisthat key sectors of the Cuban economy, suchasagricultureandtourism,are severely strained by frequent blackouts,tradesanctionsandother problems The potential loss of oil imports and other support from Venezuela could make governing moredifficultforDiaz-Canel
Havana resident and parking attendantMariaElenaSabina,a58year-old born shortly after Castro took power, said it was time for Cuba’s leaders to make changes amidsomuchsuffering “There’sno electricity here, no gas, not even liquefiedgas There’snothinghere,” Sabina said “So yes, a change is needed, a change is needed, and quickly”
TUESDAY
Guyana’spopulation nears1million -malesnowoutnumberfemales -Reg.3secondmostpopulated -foreign-born populationat3.07%
After more than three years of anticipation, the preliminary
findings of the Guyana National Population and Housing Census 2022weremadepubliconMonday offering the most comprehensive snapshot of the country’s demographic and housing landscapeinadecade.
The results provide data on the population size and distribution, householdcomposition,population density, sex ratios, local and foreign-born populations, and building stock. It should be noted that these findings will be further refined and expanded in a final reporttobereleasedatalaterdate.
The preliminary report was presented by the Bureau of Statistics to Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal,GreaterGeorgetown. Populationcount
OnCensusDay,September15, 2022,Guyana’spopulationstoodat 878,674, representing an increase of131,719personsor17.63percent when compared with the 2012 census count of 746,955
Accounting for natural growth and net migration since 2022, the Bureau estimates the population roseto956,044bytheendof2024, placing Guyana close to the onemillionmark.
Allregionsrecordedpopulation growth between 2012 and 2022.
Region Four (Demerara–Mahaica) remains the most populated, accountingfor39.58percentofthe total population with 347,759 people. Region Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara) has now replaced Region Six as the second most populated region, with 143,884 residents or 16.38 percent of the population Region Eight (Potaro–Siparuni) continues to be the least populated, with 13,598 peopleor1.55percent.
R e g i o n S e v e n (Cuyuni–Mazaruni) recorded the highest intercensal annual growth rate at 5.14 percent, followed by Region One (Barima–Waini) at
3.49 percent and Region Three at 2 93 percent Notably, coastal regions accounted for 765,852 people, or 87 16 percent of the population, while hinterland regionsrecorded112,822residents, representing12.84percent.
Localandforeign-born population
The foreign-born population includes persons not Guyanese at birth who reside in Guyana, including those who later became citizens through naturalisation Locals are defined as persons born in Guyana or abroad to Guyanese parents.
In 2022, locals accounted for 96 93 percent of the resident population, while the foreign-born population stood at 3.07 percent. This represents an increase from 2012, when locals accounted for 98.90percentandtheforeign-born population 1.10 percent. The Bureau noted that some foreignbornresidentsremainunaccounted forduetoundocumentedstatus.
Householdcountandsize
The census recorded 271,946 households nationwide, up from 204,625 in 2012. Region Four had the highest number of households at 112,876 The national average household size declined to 3 23 persons per household, compared with 3 65 in 2012 A general reduction in household size was observedacrossallregions.
Populationdensity
National population density increased from 3.47 persons per squarekilometrein2012to4.09in 2022 Region Four remains the most densely populated, with 155 81 persons per square kilometre, followed by Region Threewith38.32.RegionNinewas the least densely populated, with 0.52personspersquarekilometre.
Populationbysex
The preliminary findings show thatofthe878,674personscounted in2022,malesaccountedfor50.18 per cent (440,882) and females 49 82 per cent (437,792) This resultedinasexratioof101males
course.”
Further,theBureauofStatistics acknowledged the high level of publicanticipationsurroundingthe census data but stressed that adequate time was required to ensure accuracy and reliability It outlinedthatacensusisconducted every 10 years to support policymaking, resource allocation and analysis of demographic trends.
The 2022 exercise was Guyana’s first census conducted using Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) technology through tablets, marking a significant advancement in data collectionandprocessing.
LizaOne&Twoontrack todryupinthreeyears ...189M barrels remaining in Liza 1, 266M in Liza 2
per100females,reversingthe2012 positionwhentherewere99males per100females.
In hinterland regions, the sex ratiowassignificantlyhigherat113 males per 100 females, compared with 99 males per 100 females in coastal regions. Both geographic areasrecordedincreasesinthemale populationcomparedwith2012.
Buildingstock
Guyana’s national building stock grew by 42 02 percent, increasing from 219,509 buildings in2012to311,742in2022.Coastal regions accounted for 88 58 percentofthebuildingstock,while hinterland regions (Regions One, Seven,EightandNine)represented 11.42percent.
Ofthetotalbuildingsrecorded, 80 99 percent (252,474) were occupied. Buildings under construction accounted for 4.47 percent (13,942), while 1.41 percent (4,381) were classified as dilapidated. The remaining 13.13 percent, or 40,945 buildings, were recorded as vacant, closed or not stated.
Region Four recorded the highest number of unoccupied buildings at 21,319, followed by Region Six with 9,377 Region Eight recorded the lowest number at817.Themostsignificantgrowth in building stock occurred in Region Seven (105 17 percent), followed by Region One (92 88 percent) and Region Eight (88.5 percent). Region Six recorded the lowestgrowthrateat22.89percent.
Moreover, Chief Statistician andCensusOfficer,ErrolLaCruez in his address, disclosed that more than 2,000 temporary staff were engagedforthecensusexerciseand highlighted the support received from international and regional partners, including the Caribbean CommunityStatisticalUnitandthe United Nations Economic CommissionforLatinAmerica.
Forhispart,MinisterSinghsaid work will continue as preparations aremadeforthereleaseofthefinal report, which “will come in due
The blistering extraction rates in the Stabroek Block led by American oil giant, ExxonMobil haveslashedtheprojectedlifespan of Liza One and the Liza Two developments. What should have beena20-yearprojectlifeforeach development has been reduced in half as the oil remaining will only lastforanotherthreeyears’time. Data available on the Ministry of Natural Resources website indicates that in 2025 Liza One produced an average 140,000 barrels per day (bpd) or 51 1M barrels during the year Further, based on previous reports of the remaining resources in early 2025, it can be deduced that only about 188,940,000barrelsremainatLiza One. At current production levels, thelifeofthatprojectcouldcometo anendinjustoverthreeyears.The Liza One project, which commenced oil production in December 2019, has a reserve of 452millionbarrelsofoil(MBO).
Similarly, the Data Centre on the ministry’s website shows that about250,000bpdwasproducedat Liza Two in 2025 or a total of 91,250,000barrelsduringtheyear At current production levels, the 255,750,000 barrels remaining couldbedepletedinalittleovertwo years.
The Liza Two project has a reserve of about 570 MBO. That project commenced production in February 2022 ExxonMobil in consultation with the government has increased oil production at the two developments which have resultedinthereducedprojectlife. Despite the ramp up, Guyana has not benefitted from larger revenues in the absence of a ringfencingprovision-thissinceExxon deducts 75% of monthly production to meet its expenses. Notably,oilpricesoverthepastfew years surged in light of global developments including the Russia-Ukraine war The price per barrelhoveredaroundUS$100in Continued on page 30
My 22-year-old son, at the age of 16, told me on a casual discussion we were having, “ Dad, you are not emotionally supportive of me. The old school in me wants to ask him why he thinks he has a mother However, I was more stunned thatmy son, not my daughters, wants emotional supportfromhisfather Iwas awakened.
There is still a societal expectation that this kind of labour falls to women, caregivers, service personnel, and other disadvantaged groups
Emotional labour is a growing rate of divorce and the breaking up of relationships. Women are initiating it. Emotional labour is disguised as poor relationship quality and burnout. The conclusion is thattherelationshipbenefits menmorethanwomen.
Emotional labour is unpaid and usually unrecognised. Women bear the brunt of emotional labour It is an essential quality in relationships, familiesandworkplaces,but one that must be shared. Emotional labour is the unpaid, and often undervalued, support, care, and comfort we give to others at the expense of our owncomfort.
Whenwearecomforting a sick kid, scheduling our partner’s appointment, or even when they never remember, we are outlaying emotional labour It might also look like appeasing the i n - l a w s , m a k i n g reservations,orexplainingto an individual why their joke wasoffensivetoothersinthe room. It also shows up at work when we are the ones making sure everyone feels included, or picking up the birthday cards for office celebrations.Furthermore,if youworkataplacethathasa “the customer is always right”policy,youaretrading in a great deal of emotional labour
The problem is not in providing comfort to others.
I want to support my daughterwhensheissadand do not mind scheduling my partner’s appointment or sending the card The challenge comes when I am theonlyonedoingit.Whenit becomes my other job. For women and marginalised groups, emotional labour tasks are often expected yet
undervalued. That labour is also delivered on top of our responsibilitiesandpersonal needs.
I n r o m a n t i c relationships, emotional labour—theefforttomanage one’s own emotions, anticipate others’ emotional needs, and respond to their emotional challenges—can have significant adverse effects,particularlywhenthe burden is unevenly distributed.Thefollowingis the experience of those who are emotionally labouring the most in a relationship, mainlywomen.
Burnout and Chronic Fatigue: Constant emotional management leads to a state of being “emotionally drained” or “running on fumes, ” resulting in profound mental and physicalfatigue.
Loss of Self and
Authenticity: Individuals, oftenwomeninheterosexual relationships, suppress their own needs to maintain harmony, eventually losing touch with their personal identity and genuine emotionalresponses.
Mental Health Issues: Overloadislinkedtochronic stress, anxiety, depression, and high cortisol levels, which can lead to long-term health complications like highbloodpressure.
Cognitive Dissonance:
U s i n g “ s u r f a c e acting” faking emotions while hiding true feelings creates internal conflict,resultinginfeelings of inauthenticity and alienation.
Growing Resentment: The partner carrying the heavier load often feels undervalued and invisible, leading to deep-seated resentment that erodes the foundation of the relationship.
Emotional Distance and Disconnection: When one partner is depleted, their capacity for genuine listening and connection decreases, causing a breakdowninintimacyanda senseofbeing“shutout.”
Conflict Cycles: Defensiveness from the partner who provides less labour can escalate minor issuesintomajorarguments.
DecreasedRelationship Satisfaction: Research indicates that persistent inequality in emotional labourisastrongpredictorof relationshipdissolution.
Performing Desire: Partners (predominantly women) may feign sexual interest or fake orgasms to avoid hurting their partner’s feelings or damaging their partner’s sense of masculinity
Tolerating Discomfort: Emotional labour can manifest as suppressing physical pain or discomfort during sex to prioritise a partner’spleasureoverone’s own.
Reduced Pleasure: Engaging in sexual activity for relational maintenance rather than personal desire leadstoloweroverallsexual andrelationalsatisfaction. Protectingyourself
1. Date men who are emotionally available and emotionallyintelligent.Your unhealed childhood trauma will make emotionally immature men attractive, trauma response one, and want to fix them, trauma responsetwo.
2.StarttheConversation bynamingit:Gentlyexplain youfeeloverwhelmedbythe “invisible load” (planning, remembering, checking in) and want to share it. Choose acalm,non-stressfultimefor thistalk.
3.BeSpecific:Insteadof “do more,” say, “I would loveitifyouhandleddinner planning on Tuesdays and Thursdays”.DealwithKyah when she starts throwing tantrumsorscheduletimeto unwinddailyafterwork.
4.Todealwithemotional labour, set firm boundaries (learn to say “no”), practice mindfulness (deep breathing, meditation), prioritiseself-care(exercise, hobbies, rest), validate your own feelings (do not suppress them), and seek support(friends,therapist)to prevent burnout and regain control. It is also crucial to communicate needs, especially in relationships andwork,andtofindoutlets forgenuineexpression.
PartnersSupport
1.Tohelpwithemotional labour,husbandscanstartby having open conversations tonametheimbalance.
2. Take Ownership of Tasks: Identify Invisible Loads: Notice tasks like remembering birthdays, scheduling appointments, or managingconflict.
3.Initiate:Donotwaitto be asked; volunteer to take over entire domains, like managing pet care or family
socialcalendars.
4.FollowThrough:Once you own a task, handle all aspects, including the decision-making, to relieve yourpartnerofthestress.
5 Build Emotional Awareness & Support: Tune In: Pay attention to your partner’s moods and body language,notjustyourown.
6.Ask&Listen:Askhow they are doing and be receptive to difficult conversations, creating a safespace.
7. Show Appreciation & Build Connection: Say “Thanks for handling that!” to reinforce positive changes.
8. Be Vulnerable: Share your own struggles and feelingstobuildunity,rather than expecting your partner
tofixthingsforyou.
9 Give Space: Sometimes emotional support means giving your partner space to self-regulate, showing you trust them to managetheirneeds.
By Dr. Telford Layne Jr. PsyD, MSc. Postgrad, BSc. Clinical
10.Byshiftingfrom “helping” to “sharing” and “owning,” husbands build partnership, reduce resentment, and foster a deeper, more balanced connection
Children’ssupport:
1.TeachChildrentoHelp (andManageTheirOwn) Identify & Name Emotions: Help kids recognise their feelings (happy, sad, frustrated) and thoseofothers,usingbooks, games,ordailycheck-ins.
3.TeachCopingTools
If we are emotionally healthy and in a relationship with someone who is also, we can empower our children to be emotionally aware, supportive, and healthy, which will benefit usgreatly
Thesuccessandhealthof yourrelationshipdependsin emotionallabour
2. Validate Feelings: Let them know it is okay to feel strong emotions, even if the behaviour is not okay (e.g., “I see you are angry, but hittingisnotallowed”).
Public schools in Guyana
donotgettochoosetheir students the way private schools do That simple fact matters, yet it is missing from the current conversation around the Ministry of Education’s plan to introduce performance-based reportcardsandrankschoolsbased onoveralloutcomes.Whenschools areevaluatedwithoutregardtowho they serve and what those students bringwiththemintotheclassroom, rankings risk telling us far more about inequality than about school effectiveness.
The Ministry of Education has announcedthat,beginningasearly as 2026, schools will receive performance-based report cards designed to strengthen accountability and encourage improvement across the system. Thereportcardswillassessschools as institutions, not individual students, and will consider factors such as curriculum delivery, teacher attendance, and how resourcesareutilized.Schoolswill continue to be categorized within existing classifications such as Alist, B-list, and national schools, largelyinfluencedbyoutcomestied to the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA). The stated goalistoensurethatinvestmentsin
development.
Accountability is important
But accountability only works whenitisfair
Guyana is not an equal society, and our schools do not operate on equal ground According to estimates cited by the InterAmerican Development Bank, more than 50 percent of Guyanese live in poverty, with about 32 percent living in extreme poverty
In a country of fewer than one million people, this means hundreds of thousands of children are growing up in households where basic needs compete daily witheducationalpriorities.Poverty affects nutrition, early childhood exposure to language and numeracy, access to books and technology, time available for parental support, and the ability to pay for private lessons that have become a quiet but powerful force shapingacademicoutcomes.
The NGSA system assigns students to secondary schools based primarily on exam scores. Those scores, however, are not producedinavacuum.Theyreflect years of accumulated advantage or disadvantage Children from familieswhocanaffordconsistent,
high-quality lessons over many years enter the exam room with a fundamentally different preparation profile than children whose parents cannot. When we thenuseNGSA-linkedoutcomesto rank schools, we are not simply measuringwhathappensinsidethe school walls. We are measuring parental income, household stability, and access to out-ofschoolsupports.
Inthatcontext,schoolrankings risk becoming a mirror of social inequalityratherthanameasureof teaching quality or institutional effectiveness Schools that consistently receive students with highNGSAscoreswillcontinueto look “successful.” Schools serving children who enter secondary school already behind will appear to struggle, even if teachers and administrators are making meaningful progress with the studentsinfrontofthem.
This problem is not unique to Guyana In the United States, decades of reform efforts and hundredsofbillionsofdollarshave been poured into improving math outcomes through testing, accountability systems, and instructional interventions Yet national math performance has s h o w n o n l y m a r g i n a l
improvement, with persistent gaps linked closely to socio-economic status.
Large-scaleanalysesrepeatedly showthattest-basedaccountability, whendetachedfromsocialcontext, delivers limited returns and often misidentifies the source of educational failure or success.The lesson is clear Measuring outcomes without addressing underlying inequality produces data,notsolutions.
Against that backdrop, the Ministry of Education’s 2025 reportthattherehasbeena15-point improvement in the number of students passing math at NGSA level deserves careful attention. If sustained and independently validated, this would represent an extraordinary result by internationalstandards.Aroundthe world, education systems struggle for incremental gains in mathematics, often measured in low single digits over long periods of time. A shift of this magnitude would attract serious interest from education researchers globally It would raise important questions about what specific instructional, curricular,orsystem-levelchanges contributed to that improvement andwhethertheycanbereplicated orsustained.
But even strong system-wide gains do not erase the reality that schools start from very different places.
Rankingschoolsasthoughthey all operate under the same conditions risks demoralizing teachers in high-need schools and rewarding circumstances rather than effort. Public schools are tasked with serving every child who arrives at their gate. Any accountability framework that ignoresthattruthisincomplete. If we are serious about improving education, we must be honest about what our metrics actually measure Without adjustingforpoverty,priorlearning gaps, and access to external support, school rankings will not telluswhoisteachingwellorwho isleadingeffectively Theywilltell us which communities are better resourced That may be uncomfortabletoconfront,butitis farmoredangeroustoignore.
Accountability should illuminate how much value a school adds to a child’s learning journey,notsimplywherethatchild started Until our evaluation systems reflect that distinction, we risk mistaking inequality for performance and calling it progress.
Faciliators and Organisers of the Bird Training Course – from right Dr. Jason Weckstein, Waldyke Prince, Dr. Raquel Thomas (Iwokrama), Lydia Roberts (Iwokrama), Dr. Brian O’Shea and Josh Engel
The Iwokrama International Centre has been in discussions since 2024 with the Academy of Sciences of Drexel University based in Philadelphia, USA for collaborations in research and training.
The first collaboration kicked off with the six-day training in BirdingTourGuidetrainingcourse held at the Iwokrama River and SuramaEcoLodgesonJanuary7to 12, 2024. The training brought together birding naturalists and guides from various organisations, communities and partner lodges including Surama Ecolodge, Atta Rainforest Lodge, Karanambu Lodge, Yupukari-Caiman House, Protected Areas Commission, Guyana Tourism Authority, University of Guyana, Environmental Management Consultants EMC, Kanashen Village, KatoonaribVillage,Toka Village, South Rupununi ConservationSociety,SophiaPoint Research Centre along with Iwokrama’s guides, rangers and onevolunteer
Expertfacilitationofthecourse was provided by Dr Jason Weckstein of Drexel University, Dr BrianO’SheaofNorthCarolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Mr JoshEngelofRedHillBirdingand localtopbirdingandtourismguide WaldykePrince.
Along with intense bird identification sessions, the course also covered aspects such as bird ecology, bird diversity and families, tourism aspects such as bird guiding skills, tools of the trade (use of birding apps etc), What makes Guyana an attractive
destination for birders, birding tourismbusinessstrategiesetc.
Dr Weckstein of Drexel University was very impressed by the passion of the participants for birding that he expressed ‘I had so much fun co-teaching this talented and diverse group of naturalists from around Guyana Their enthusiasm, knowledge and love fornaturewereinfectious.’
Guyana’s top tier Tour Leader Waldyke Prince aka Wally also added ‘whatever was the original intentionofthecourse,itsurpassed that in the objectives due to camaraderie and wealth of knowledge that the participants brought with them Both the traineesandthetrainerslearntalot
fromeachother,andfromDay2,it wasrealizedthatitwasa‘Trainthe Trainers’ course for some participants.’
Dr Raquel Thomas, Director, Resource Management and Training, Iwokrama expressed excitement about the partnership withDrexelUniversity
She asserted “This is just the beginning of a long-term collaborationwiththeAcademyof Natural Sciences of Drexel University on training and research. In March, we expect an InternationalCourseAbroad(ICA) alsotoberunatIwokramaandlater this month (January) a team to explore research cooperation will visit.”
Dr. Thomas further stated “There was huge interest in this Birding Tourism course but unfortunately we only could accommodate20participants. We will definitely explore the possibility of offering this course againin2027,fundingpermitting.
This initiative also supports the Guyana Tourism Authority’s accreditation process for Guiding inGuyana.”
Participants expressed that the coursenotonlyofferedknowledge sharing but also put tour guides fromdifferentregionsintouchwith each other There were also discussionsaboutthekeyneedfora Tour Guides Association of Guyana.ItishopedthatthisCourse networking will offer some encouragement to make this a realityin2026.
TheCentrewouldliketothank the Ministry of Tourism and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) for its continued valuable partnershipin2026. Iwokramahas a Memorandum of Understanding withtheGTAsince2023.
On another note, this year, 2026,isyetanotherspecialyearfor Iwokrama- Iwokrama will be
With Certificates at a simple presentation ceremony held on the final night
celebrating 30 years since the passage of the Iwokrama Act, which was assented to by Dr CheddiJaganin1996.
Themediawillbekeptupdated on activities planned to celebrate thisimportantmilestone.
Following the acceptance by the Commonwealth of an offer by theGovernmentofGuyanain1989 by late President Hugh Desmond Hoyte, the Iwokrama International Centre (IIC) was established in 1996 when late President Cheddie Jagan assented the Iwokrama Act of1996underajointmandatefrom theGovernmentofGuyanaandthe Commonwealth Secretariat to manage the Iwokrama forest, a uniquereserveof371,000hectares ofrainforest“inamannerthatwill lead to lasting ecological, economicandsocialbenefitstothe peopleofGuyanaandtotheworld ingeneral”.
The Centre, guided by an international Board of Trustees, is unique providing a dedicated well managed and researched forest environment. The forest is zoned into a Sustainable UtilizationArea (SUA) and a Wilderness Preserve (WP)inwhichtotesttheconceptof a truly sustainable forest where conservation, environmental balance and economic use can be mutually reinforcing The IIC collaborates with the Government ofGuyana,theCommonwealthand other international partners and donors to develop new approaches and forest management models to enablecountrieswithrainforeststo market their ecosystem services whilst carefully managing their resources through innovative and creative conservation practices. In more recent years, the Centre has received support from corporate partners such as Exxon Mobil (Guyana) Limited who has funded the development of its Science Programme and continues to provide an annual contribution to the implementation of this Programme.
Twenty local communities (approximately7,000people)who Continued on page 40
Behind every strong and
competitive business lies a foundation of quality, competence and confidence. At the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), a wealth of knowledge, experience, and technical expertise come together to help localbusinessesandorganisationsstrengthen this foundation and succeed in an increasinglycompetitivemarketplace.
Through its Technical Assistance Programme,theGNBSplaysacriticalrolein guiding businesses as they implement nationalandinternationalstandards.
This strategic support leads to improved operational efficiency, enhanced consumer confidence,andlong-termsustainability
At the centre of this effort is the GNBS Business Development Department, which delivers targeted technical assistance designedtobuildorganisationalcompetence andelevatebusinessperformance.
Qualityandconsistencyarenottreatedas optional enhancements; they are embedded within the GNBS’s own operations and reflected in the services provided to its clients.
The GNBS is certified to the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System standard, ensuring that businesses receive structured,reliable,andhigh-qualitysupport throughouttheirjourneytowardcertification. With more than 20 years of experience in delivering management systems technical assistance,theBureauworkscloselywithits stakeholders from start to finish, offering
solutionstailoredtoeachorganisation’ssize, sectorandspecificneedsratherthanadopting aone-size-fits-allapproach.
The Business Development Department iscomprisedofacadreofhighlytrainedand competent technical officers who combine technical expertise with practical, hands-on experience.
These officers work directly with client organisations to train employees on applicable standards, develop required documentation and management systems, and guide implementation within their dayto-dayoperations.
This comprehensive approach reduces uncertainty, minimises delays, and ensures that employees are well equipped not only to achieve certification but also to maintain and continually improve their systems over time
For businesses committed to pursuing technicalassistance,theprogrammetypically spanssixtotwelvemonths,dependingonthe scope and complexity of the standard being implemented.Theprocessfollowsaclearand structured framework designed to maximise continuoussuccess.
The journey begins with the completion of aTechnicalAssistanceApplication Form, whichcanbeobtainedfromtheGNBSorits websiteatwww.gnbsgy.org.Oncesubmitted, the application is reviewed, and an appropriate technical officer(s) is assigned. Aninitialengagementfollows,duringwhich adetailedproposaloutliningcosts,timelines, and processes is prepared. Upon agreement
and signing by both parties, the programme formallybegins.
The GNBS offers technical assistance across a plethora of internationally recognised standards and certification programmes, including ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems, ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety, ISO 22000 Food Safety Management Systems, ISO 14001EnvironmentalManagementSystems, ISO/IEC 17020 Inspection Management Systems, ISO/IEC 17025 Testing and CalibrationLaboratories,ISO15189Medical Laboratories-Requirements for Quality and Competence, and Hazard Analysis and C
requirements.
Additionally, technical assistance is available for businesses pursuing the GNBS Made in Guyana Certification Mark Programme, the Laboratory Certification Programme, and the GYS 901 Certification Programme.
Make that bold step to reach out to the GNBS, as it continues to support organisations in building robust systems, strengthening competence, and embedding quality into everyday operations, empowering them to grow with confidence, credibilityandcompetitiveness.
For more information, contact GNBS at Telephone: 219-0064-66, WhatsApp us at +592-692-4627, or visit our website at www.gnbsgy.org.
Once upon a time, in a cozy little cottage at the edge of a busy village, there lived a kindhearted old woman named Granny Agnes. Granny Agnes was known far and wide for hergentlespiritandhermagicalpotofsweet porridge.
Every day, Granny Agnes would place her magical pot on the stove and fill it with freshwaterandahandfulofoats.Withawave of her wooden spoon and a sprinkle of fairy dust, she would say some magic words, and thepotwouldbegintobubbleandsimmer.
As the sweet smell of porridge filled the air,GrannyAgneswouldscoopoutbowlsof hot porridge for herself and her neighbors. Theporridgewassodeliciousandsatisfying thatpeoplefromallpartsofthevillagewould come knocking on Granny Agnes's door, hopingforatasteofhermagicalcreation.
One day, as Granny Agnes was stirring herpotofporridge,sheheardasoftknockat her door When she opened it, she found a young girl named Mary standing on her doorstep,hereyeswidewithwonder
ForCupid'sArrows
Arrow shafts: wooden craft sticks, paper straws, dowels,orpencils
“Please,GrannyAgnes,”saidMary,“I've heardtalesofyourmagicalporridge,andI've cometoseeifit'strue.”
Granny Agnes smiled warmly and welcomedMaryintoherhome.Sheshowed herthebubblingpotofporridgeonthestove andinvitedhertohaveataste.
Maryeagerlyacceptedabowlofporridge andtookacarefulspoonful.Themomentthe smooth porridge touched her lips, she knew shehadnevertastedanythingsodeliciousin her life.With each bite, she felt warmth and comfort spreading through her body, filling herwithhappiness.
Fromthatdayon,Marybecamearegular visitor to Granny Agnes's cottage, always eagerforanotherbowlofsweetporridgeand the company of her kind-hearted friend. Together, they shared stories, laughter, and moments of joy, creating loved memories thatwouldlastalifetime.
As the years passed, Granny Agnes's magical pot of sweet porridge continued to bringhappinessandcomforttoallwhotasted it And though Granny Agnes eventually grew too old to take care of her pot, her legacy lived on, with Mary sharing the gift of sweet porridgewithfuturegenerations.
Two little kittens, one stormy night, Began to quarrel, and then to fight; One had a mouse, the other had none, And that's the reason the quarrel begun.
"I'll have that mouse," said the bigger cat; "You'll have that mouse? We'll see about that!" "I will have that mouse," said the elder son; "You shan't have the mouse," said the little one
I told you before 'twas a stormy night When these two little kittens began to fight; The old woman seized her sweeping broom, And swept the two kittens right out of the room.
The ground was covered with frost and snow, And the two little kittens had nowhere to go; So they laid them down on the mat at the door, While the old woman finished sweeping the floor
Then they crept in, as quiet as mice, All wet with the snow, and cold as ice, For they found it was better, that stormy night, To lie down together than to quarrel and fight.
And so, in the cozy little cottage at the edge of the busy village, the legend of Granny Agnes's magical pot of sweet porridge lived on, reminding all who tasted it of the power of kindness, generosity, and the simplejoysofsharingamealwith lovedones.
The End!
Follow-upquestions:
What made Granny Agnes's porridgesospecial?
How did Mary feel when she firsttastedtheporridge?
Why did Mary continue to visitGrannyAgnes'scottage?
Arrow tips: red/pink cardstockorfoamhearts
Fletching (feathers): craftfeathersorcutpaper/felt forarrows
Decorations: glitter, stickers, sequins, ribbon, washitape
Adhesive: craft glue / gluestick/tackyglue
Tools: scissors, markers orpaint
FortheQuiver
Tube base: cardboard tube (from kitchen roll) or crafttube
Decoration materials: cardstock, foam sheets, stickers,gems
Quiver strap: ribbon, stringoryarn
Extras: tissue paper or cardshredtofillquiver
Tip: Pick materials in Valentine's Day colours (red, pink, white) to make it extra festive (BakerRoss)
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prepare the Arrow Shafts
1 Choose your arrow “shaft” material wooden sticks,strawsorpencils
Match or pair the words from the following list.
2 If you want coloured shafts, paint them or wrap
tape/ribbonandletdry
2.MakeArrowTips
1 Cut a triangle or heart shapefromcardstockorfoam tobeyourarrowhead
2 Foldslightlyalongthe middleifyou'reusingthicker cardstocksoitsitsneatly
3 Glue the arrowhead to the front end of each arrow shaft
3. Add the Fletching (FeatherEnd)
1 Usecraftfeathersorcut paper/feltintofeathershapes
2 Glue them to the back endoftheshaftoppositefrom thearrowtip
3 Repeat for each arrow soyouhaveasmall“quiver” ofarrows Optional: add glitter or stickersforextradecoration
4.DecorateYourQuiver
1 Take a cardboard tube (likeakitchenrolltube)asthe quiverbody
2 Coveritwithcardstock ordecorativepaper glueit inplace
3 Add stickers, gems, or heartshapestopersonalise
4 Attachastrapbygluing or taping ribbon/string to oppositesidesnearthetop
5.AssembleandPlay
1 Stand or lean the decoratedquiverupright
2 Place all your finished arrowsinside
3 It'snowreadytouseas Valentine's décor, pretend play or for gifting friends (BakerRoss)
Variations&Tips
Arrow pencils: Decorate pencils like arrows and use for school Valentine exchanges (DIY&Crafts)
Heart arrowheads: Cut heartsinsteadoftrianglesfor a w h i m s i c a l l o o k (gluedtomycraftsblogcom)
Interactive tags: Attach small cards with messages like “You've been struck by Cupid'sarrow!”
Iexpectthatallourreadershave already made their New Year resolutions, and are now determined to maintain these so as to make the best of the coming twelve monthssothat,bytheendofthisperiod, theyhavestartedtoseethefruitsoftheir efforts.
Oneofthefactorsthatwouldhelpin thisendeavouristomakesurethatyour self-esteem, that is, how you view yourself,ishealthy.
Someofthequalitiesapersonmust have if he/she is to possess this selfesteemtomoveforwardare:-
1.Arealistic view of self, with the ability to identify one's strengths and weaknesses, with the intention of reinforcing the strengths and working toremovetheweaknesses.
2.Sensitivitytoone'senvironment, how one relates to it, how one's existence and behaviour affect it, and how it affects oneself, and the things onecandotowardsitsimprovement.
3. A personal philosophy, i.e. the ideas one has about oneself and the people and things around, and a clear sense of the principles which direct one'sactions.
4. A healthy attitude about the
resultsoneachievesineverydayliving as well as any special endeavours –looking at success with humility and satisfaction,andfacingfailurewiththe determinationtotryharder
5. Willingness to explore for ways toprofitandlearnfromone'smistakes.
6.Maintenanceofone'sexpressions and behaviour within socially accep table standards a n d n o t
When we make the effort to help others we will find that we think better of ourselves.
merelyforone'sownbenefit
7.Willingnesstopersevere,evenin thefaceofhardshipandfrustration.
8. Readiness to accept that others havetherighttotheirownopinions,and toactfortheirbenefit,eventhoughthey conflictwithone'sown.
These are the qualities we all need so as to have a proper perspective of ourselves,whichwillgiveusthepower andtheself-confidencetodealwithall our problems and achieve our goals. We shall be dealing with each of these characteristicsintheweeksahead.
We shall also be treating with the characteristics which are displayed by thosewholackself-esteem,sothatyou take effective measures to deal with these.
by Bibi Fazeela Khan
Each digit from 1-9 occurs once within each row, column, and jigsaw block. Digits in squares separated by white circles are always consecutive Digits in squares separated by black circles have a 2:1 relationship All other pairs have neither of these attributes. There is only one solution.
Life is a test, it's not easy at all, Sometimes we slip, and sometimes we fall; But it is okay, my friend, to err is naturally human, So look to the future, and do the best you can.
Sometimes we see the need to reach out a helping hand, Sometimes we want to, but we just can't; When “Sorry” isn't quite enough to say, Then it's okay to just get on your knees and pray
He knows us by our number and name, He knows we're imperfect, and that's no shame; He judges the sincerity of our prayers, Grants us our needs, and removes our cares.
It matters not what THEY say, May times they just want to ruin your day; Gossip and slander is their only way, But what goes around comes around, what may
So, it's okay, my friend, don't be afraid to try, The goals you seek will be attained by and by; The falls you suffer should be taken with a smile, They only make it sweeter as you run the last mile
Frompage18 2022, the highest in the last five years. Since then, brent crude oil prices have been sliding, with the currentratenowatUS$62abarrel.
The recent move by President Donald Trump to abduct Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduroandtakeoverthecountry’s oil resources could see the price dropping further to about US$50 per barrel according to international media reports. With less oil to be produced by Guyana, giventheshortenedlifespanofLiza One and Liza Two, the country couldexpectasignificantdeclinein revenue flow Moreover, new projects to come online will be subjected to the lower oil prices which can affect the nation’s developmentagenda.
Ring-fencingandGov’t Ring-fencing’ simply means that each project would pay for itself. Since 2023, Guyana could have been enjoying higher profits fromthefirstthreeoilprojectshad ring-fencingbeenimplemented.
Instead, Exxon has been utilisingresourcesthatshouldbein Guyana’s purse to finance the Stabroek Block activities In October 2023, when Brent crude prices averaged US$91, Vice President and chief policy maker for the sector, Bharrat Jagdeo explainedthatGuyanaisforegoing revenue now to gain massive profitsinthefuture.
He said, “We admitted that we are foregoing revenue now in exchange for massive future incomebecauseit’sgoingintonew projects that will increase production, and so even with the same share of the 50/50, plus the two percent royalty that the future income,becauseofthebiggerscale will be massive in Guyana’s case and we are deliberately foregoing that in this period for that purpose and then trying to grab this bone nowcouldcauseyoutoloseallthe bones, the bigger bones too in the future.”
The current state of affairs
however casts doubt on his projection of “massive” future revenues.
WEDNESDAY
Crossbordermigrationsoars… Venezuelansaccountfor largestchunkof400% increase–Censusdata
Since 2012, cross-border migration from Guyana’s neighbouring countries has increased sharply to almost 400% as of 2022, with Venezuelans accounting for the largest share of migrants. This is according to the preliminaryfindingsoftheGuyana National Population and Housing Census2022,releasedonMonday
According to the census data, the number of migrants from Venezuela, Suriname and Brazil roseby384.4percent,movingfrom 3,193migrantsin2012to15,467in the2022census.
However, the report notes that there were various challenges in countingmigrants,whichledtoan understatementoftheirpopulation.
Notably, when the census
figures are compared with administrativerecordsithighlights the challenges Administrative datashowthat19,709Venezuelans wereregisteredinGuyanabetween 2018 and 2022, compared with 12,654Venezuelansrecordedinthe census At the same time, the administrative records do not accountformigrantswhomayhave returnedtoVenezuela,died,orused Guyana as a transit point to other countries, nor do they capture the number of undocumented migrants.
The report also noted that the United Nations has estimated that thenumberofVenezuelanmigrants in Guyana stood at approximately 40,456 as of mid-2024, underscoring the likelihood that a substantial number of migrants werenotcapturedduringthecensus exercise.
Further, the census findings indicate that Venezuelans made up 81.81 percent of the total migrant population from the three neighbouringcountriesin2022.
In previous censuses, Venezuelans represented the
smallest group of migrants, but by 2022 their numbers had surged by 1,452.64 percent. Migrants from SurinameandBrazilfollowed,with Brazilians accounting for the smallest share, although their population still grew by 23 83 percentsince2012.
The report links the surge in Venezuelanmigrationtothesocioeconomic and political situation in Venezuela, which has prompted sections of the population to leave thecountryinsearchofrelieffrom ongoinghardships.
“Further study is warranted to provide a more accurate representation of the number of migrants in Guyana, particularly t h o s e w h o m a y b e undocumented…notethatthedata presented in this table does not account for migrants who are among the no-contact population,” thereportstates.
Couplefounddeadincityhotel, murder-suicidesuspected
An ex-couple was on Tuesday discovered dead at a city
knifeandaquantityofasuspected substance, were recovered at the location and secured for forensic examination.
They were both pronounced dead at the scene by a doctor from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.
Moreover,CCTVfootagefrom the premises was reviewed and several persons have since been contacted and questioned The bodies were escorted to the Memorial Funeral Parlour Mortuary, for post-mortem examinations as investigations continue.
THURSDAY
UKfirmsecuressubsea pre-commissioningcontract forExxon’sWhiptailProject -Georgetownfacility tobeestablished
United Kingdom-based energy services company EnerMech has been awarded a contract to carry out subsea pre-commissioning works for ExxonMobil Guyana Limited’s sixth oil development
guesthouse, where they both work inasuspectedmurder-suicide.
The bodies of Loriann (only name given), a 31-year-old housekeeper whose address is currentlyunknown,andCyrilSaul, a 36-year-old security guard of Lime Street, Wortmanville, Georgetownwerefoundinseparate rooms at the guesthouse on Lime Street,Wortmanville,Georgetown.
According to the police, the formercoupledeathcomesjusttwo months after they separated. The police also reported that Loriann and Saul were the only staff members on duty during the overnight period. The incident is believed to have occurred between 05:00hrs.and08:15hrs.
Police ranks who responded to the scene discovered the woman lying motionless in one of the rooms with visible injuries, while themanwasfoundunresponsivein a separate room Several items, includingafirearm,ammunition,a
offshore Guyana – the Whiptail project.
EnerMech disclosed in a LinkedInpostonWednesdaythatit was hired by Italian firm Saipem whichhadsecuredacontractinlate 2023 for works on the US$12.9 billion project, located in the StabroekBlock.
Un
t, EnerMechwillprovidesubseaprecommissioning services, including flooding,cleaningandhydrotesting of subsea infrastructure, umbilical monitoring and post-installation testing Notably, EnerMech also signalled continued investment in Guyana,notingplanstoestablisha new facility in Georgetown and deploy advanced equipment to supportoffshoreenergyoperations, allowingforfastermobilisationand improvedoperationalefficiency
EnerMech Chief Executive Officer(CEO)CharlesDavison,Jr said,“Thislatestawardforour Continued on page 31
Frompage30
Energy Solutions team is another important milestone in our Guyana growth story It underscores the trust that leading offshore contractors like Saipem continue to place in our people, technology and track record.”
ExxonMobil Guyana in November 2023 awarded Saipemthemaincontractfor the Whiptail Development. That contract had formed part of two offshore awards announced by Saipem for projects in Guyana and Brazil, together valued at approximately US$1 9 billion.
Saipem’s scope of work for Whiptail includes the design, fabrication and installation of subsea structures, risers, flowlines and umbilicals in water depths of about 2,000 metres The company had saiditwillutilisespecialised vessels, including FDS2, C o n s t e l l a t i o n a n d Castorone,whilefabrication support is to be provided throughitsGuyanaOffshore Construction Facility at the PortofGeorgetown.
Moreover, EnerMech highlightedthattheWhiptail awardrepresentsitsfifthprecommissioning scope in Guyana, following work on the Liza PhaseTwo, Payara, Yellowtail and Uaru developments.
Currently, there are four developments producing oil from the Stabroek Block: Liza Phase 1, Liza Phase 2, Payara and Yellowtail. The fourth project, Yellowtail
achieved first oil in August 2025 and has brought the Stabroek Block’s daily oil production to 900,000 barrels with the Yellowtail Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel reaching its initial capacity of 250,000 barrels perday(bpd).
In addition to the four projectscurrentlyproducing, Exxon has three others sanctioned Uaru, Whiptail, andHammerhead.TheUaru and Whiptail projects Guyana’s fifth and sixth developments are each expected to produ
approximately 250,000 bpd, with start-up targeted for 2026and2027,respectively Hammerheadproject,the seventh development which received
nment approval back in September 2025 is expected to add around 150,000 bpd when it begins production in 2029. Additionally, Exxon has filed an application for an eighth development, Longtail, which is currently undergoing regulatory review
Teenshotduring botchedrobberyoutside BrickdamCathedral
A 13-year-old boy was on Wednesday shot during an attempted robbery on Brickdam, in front of the CathedraloftheImmaculate Conception,Georgetown.
Police said the teen and an accomplice attempted to rob two brothers, aged 81 and 79, both of Robb Street, Georgetown.
P r e l i m i n a r y investigations revealed that as the elderly men were proceeding to conduct official business, one of the two suspects, who was armedwithaknife,allegedly rode up on a bicycle and attempted to snatch a haversack being carried by oneofthem.
The victim raised an alarm, attracting the attention of members of the publicwhointervened.A25year-old licensed firearm holder who was in the vicinity discharged his weapon in the direction of the suspects The 13-yearoldsuspectofAlbouystown, Georgetown,wasstruckand fell to the ground, while the secondsuspectescapedinan unknowndirection.
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) were summoned and the injured teen was taken to the GeorgetownPublicHospital Corporation, where he is receiving medical attention for a gunshot wound to his gluteusmaximus.
Police said CCTV camerasintheareaarebeing reviewed The firearm involved was secured and lodged pending further investigation.
SpeakerfliesouttoIndia -ascallsgrowforelection ofoppositionleader
Amid mounting calls for Parliament to be convened fortheelectionoftheLeader of the Opposition, Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir has once again departed the countrythistimetoIndia. Nadir is currently in India attending the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC)
So far during his trip, SpeakerNadirengagedwith several senior parliamentary officials, including Richard Balfe, a member of the United Kingdom House of Lords; Lindsay Hoyle, SpeakeroftheUKHouseof Commons; and Om Birla, Speaker of India’s Lok Sabha.
Nadir’s participation in theCSPOCalsocomesamid calls from Western diplomatsforhimtoconvene a meeting of the opposition parliamentarianstofacilitate the election of a Leader of the Opposition The 13th Parliamentwasconvenedon November 3, 2025, when government and opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) were sworn in However,sincethen,nodate has been announced for a sittingtoelecttheopposition leader. We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), led by Azruddin Mohamed, holds the majority of opposition seats in the National Assembly with 16 MPs. A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) holds 12 seats, while the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) hasoneseat.
When questioned late lastyear,PresidentIrfaanAli hadrevealedthatNadirisout of the country at that time, noting, “I’m sure that the speaker and the National Assembly, would convene a meeting at the appropriate time and have that process completed.”
Recently, diplomatic representatives from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and the EuropeanUnionallweighed inontheissue.Inastatement o n T h u r s d a y, W I N acknowledged the call this time by the French Ambassador to Guyana, Olivier Plançon, urging that
Leader of the Opposition as soon as possible so all those elected by the people of G u y a n a c a n b e g i n p e r f o r m i n g t h e i r constitutionally designated duties.An active Parliament is important for Guyana’s continued growth and development which will benefit all the people of Guyana.”
B r i t i s h H i g h Commissioner Jane Miller similarly emphasised that both government and opposition parliamentarians occupya“criticalrole”inthe legislative process, and called for the election of a leader of the opposition to takeplace“withoutdelay.”
Guyana’s Parliament be allowed to function as constitutionally intended, includingtheappointmentof a Leader of the Opposition and the convening of parliamentary sittings without further delay In his comments on the ongoing parliamentary impasse, Ambassador Plançon told Stabroek News, “I am confident that Guyana’s democratic traditions and institutions will address these issues and ensure that Parliament can carry out its important mission on behalf ofthepeopleofGuyana.”
He further emphasised the constitutional nature of the matter, noting, “I would also say that those are matters for Guyana’s constitutional actors to resolve in accordance with thelaw.”
W I N n o t e d t h a t Ambassador Plançon’s remarksareconsistentwitha broader and sustained position expressed by Guyana’s key international democratic partners, collectively known as the ABCEU, who have repeatedly underscored the importance of Parliament, constitutional order, and democraticaccountability
Thepartyalsonotedthat the continued absence of a functioning Parliament undermines transparency, weakens democratic institutions, and denies the people of Guyana their right to representation and oversight United States Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, for her part had said, “We all recognise the importance of a functioning opposition as partofanylegislativebody I join my EU and British colleagues in encouraging the convening of Parliament and the election of the
C a n a d i a n H i g h Commissioner to Guyana, Sébastien Sigouin, also weighed in, calling for the protectionandstrengthening of democratic principles, good governance and the rule of law He stated: “The appointmentoftheLeaderof the Opposition and the scheduling of parliamentary sittings are matters for Guyana’s constitutional actors to resolve in accordance with the law I am confident that Guyana’s democratic traditions and institutions will address these issues and ensure that Parliament can carry out its important work on behalf of thepeopleofGuyana.”
European Union Ambassador to Guyana, Luca Pierantoni, said he would be “rather surprised” if parliament does not resume sitting within the next couple of weeks, expressing confidence that thelong-outstandingissueof appointing a leader of the opposition would be resolved once parliamentary businessrecommences.
Guyana’seconomy strong,butskillsgap, inflationrisksloom - new IDB report
Growth in Guyana is expectedtoremainstrongin the medium term, but upskilling the labour force remains a major challenge, according to the InterAmerican Development Bank(IDB).
In its latest Caribbean Economics Quarterly, titled How Are External Forces Impacting Trade, Growth, and Investment in the Caribbean, the IDB said Guyana’s economy continues to be underpinned byrisingoiloutputandnonContinued on page 32
Frompage31 oil sector expansion, with average growth projected at 14 percent between 2026 and 2030. The bank noted that the government has recognisedtheneedtosignificantly expand human capital and has introduced free tertiary education, funded thousands of scholarships, andsupportedvocationaltraining.
However, in the short to medium term, Guyana faces downside risks. These include the potential emergence of Dutch Disease, reflected in real effective exchange rate appreciation, reducedcompetitivenessinnon-oil sectors, slower growth, and inflation While the IMF’s 2025 Article IV report found no clear evidence of Dutch Disease, it flagged warning signals such as increasingoilsectorconcentration, sustained high government spending,risinginflation,currency appreciation, and changing growth and labour patterns in non-oil sectors such as gold mining and agriculture.
The report highlighted that fiscal resources remain abundant, withoilrevenueslargelyfinancing planned government spending of nearly 25 percent of GDP Revenues are projected to exceed US$5billion,or20percentofGDP, by 2025 However, not all oil earnings are being withdrawn, as a significant share is being saved in the Natural Resource Fund to manage oil price volatility, ensure intergenerational benefits, and create fiscal space to respond to economicshocks.
According to the IDB, public investmentspillovershaveboosted the services sector and could support future manufacturing
growth. Infra
strengthening,andhumanresource investment have driven non-oil
larly in construction.Largepublicprojects, includingroads,bridges,hospitals,
a n d t h e g a s - t o - e n e rg y project—expectedtocutelectricity
costs by 50 percent have underpinned recent growth Manufacturing has also shown strong momentum, with doubledigit growth over the past two years, supported by improved
energy supply, regional connectivity, human capacity development,anddigitisation.
OilPriceRisksPartlyOffsetby ProductionGrowth
The bank said the impact of declining oil prices on Guyana is expected to be partly offset by rising production volumes. Global policy uncertainty and weaker oil demand growth are weighing on prices, with the World Bank projectinga12.9percentdeclineto US$68 per barrel in 2025 and US$60 per barrel in 2026, levels expectedtopersistthrough2030. Iftheseprojectionsmaterialise, Guyanacouldfaceloweroilprofits,
reduced government revenue, and scaled-back investment plans
However,oilproductionisforecast toincreaseto1.5millionbarrelsper day by 2029, driven by three new projects.Thiswoulddoublecurrent output and maintain profitability, provided prices remain above Guyana’s break-even level of US$28perbarrel.Investmentinthe oil sector is projected to reach US$77 billion between 2019 and 2028.
Despite the United States imposing reciprocal tariffs of 38 percent on Guyana, the IDB said overall trade is unlikely to be significantly affected. Oil, which accounts for an average of 91 percentofexportsbetweenthetwo countries, is exempt from these tariffs. Other exports such as gold are also exempt, while aluminium is subject to a lower 25 percent tariff Together, gold and aluminium represent a small share of bilateral trade However, the bankcautionedthatthetariffscould hinder Guyana’s economic diversification efforts, particularly inagricultureandmanufacturing. At the same time, global trade tensions and policy uncertainty could push up import prices, especially for food, intensifying inflationary pressures. Food prices in Guyana rose by 8.2 percent in August 2025 and are expected to drive inflation to 3.6 percent, up from 2 9 percent a year earlier Guyana’s terms of trade have also deteriorated, reflecting higher importpricesandfallingoilprices. Theindexdeclinedby32.4percent in 2023 and 0.3 percent in 2024, before stabilising at 47 percent in September 2025. If this trend persists, it could further fuel inflation, increase demand for foreign currency, and complicate the central bank’s efforts to stabilise the exchange rate and manageDutchDiseaserisks.
Meanwhile, overall, in the Caribbean, the report said that economies in the region have demonstrated notable resilience in the face of global economic headwinds. Strong performance in tourism and energy has anchored regional growth, although significantdownsideriskspersist.
The report noted that the Caribbean remains vulnerable to external shocks, highlighting that potential weakening of labour marketsinNorthAmerica,cautious investor sentiment, and evolving global supply-chain patterns are among the key risks that could dampen growth prospects “The Caribbeanhasnavigatedacomplex g
landsc
p
with commendable stability, but we must remain vigilant,” said Anton Edmunds,IDBgeneralmanagerfor the Caribbean “This report provides a clear-eyed view of the challenges ahead, while also h
h Investments in tourism, reliable energy, and technology-focused foreign investment can build greaterresilienceandsecureamore prosperousfuturefortheregion.”
The report notes that the downward t
en
n global commoditypriceshaseasedcurrent accountpressuresforoil-importing c
G
, w
yana’s expanding oil sector continues to d
ive robust growth, with promising prospects for Suriname’soilsectorinthecoming years Tourism-dependent economies such as The Bahamas and Barbados demonstrated strong performance in the first half of 2025, supported by buoyant travel demand.
TherecentimpactofHurricane MelissaonJamaicaunderscoresthe severe disruptions that natural disasters can inflict on critical sectors, including agriculture, mining, and tourism, with broader implications for the entire region’s
economy Despite the challenges, the report identifies significant opportunities for the Caribbean Diversification within tourism and services,renewedinterestinenergy resilience, and technology-focused foreigndirectinvestment,whichis expanding globally The Caribbean’s increasing geographic diversification in trade also offers some insulation from global tensions.
SATURDAY
Let“good-senseprevail” …APNUcallsforresumptionof Parliament,electionofLOO
TheAPartnership for National Unity(APNU)ishopingthat“good senseprevails”andPresidentIrfaan Ali will soon name a date for the sittingoftheNationalAssemblyto facilitate the election of an oppositionleader.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, PNC General Secretary Sherwin Benjamin said the p r o l o n g e d a b s e n c e o f parliamentarysittingsbreachesthe constitution and weakens democraticoversight.
“The constitution of Guyana requires a functioning parliament. When there is no functioning parliament, the constitution is breached and the entire society suffers,”Benjaminsaid.
He noted that it has been more than two months since the first sitting of the 13th Parliament and no subsequent sitting has been convened, resulting in reduced scrutinyofgovernmentactionsand weakenedrepresentation.
The 13th Parliament was convened on November 3, 2025, when government and opposition membersofparliament(MPs)were sworn in. However, no date has since been announced for a sitting toelecttheleaderoftheopposition. Notably, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN)ledbyAzruddinMohamed, holds 16 opposition seats in the National Assembly, APNU holds 12, and the Forward Guyana Movement(FGM)holdsone.With WIN holding most opposition parliamentary seats Mohamed is thepresumedoppositionleader
During the question-and-
answersegment,Benjaminsaidthe constitution provides clear guidelines on how the opposition leader is elected, noting that the government must be held accountable.
“Failing which the affected parties should take the resource to the court,” he said, outlining the possibility of the combined oppositiontakinglegalaction.
Further, Benjamin rejected claims that the absence of Speaker oftheNationalAssemblyManzoor Nadir from Guyana is preventing progress, stating that the deputy speakercanfacilitatetheprocess.
For months now there have been calls for the speaker to convene the meeting to allow for the election of the leader of the opposition. However, Nadir is currently in India attending the conference of speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth(CSPOC).Histrip comesamidcallsfrom western diplomats for parliament to reconvene and the meeting of opposition parliamentarians to facilitatetheelectionofaleaderof theopposition.
“So, there is no reason to say that this meeting cannot be done because the speaker has traveled. The question becomes whether we want to honor the constitution of Guyanaornot,”hesaid.
HeaddedthatwhileAPNUand WIN have not yet met to discuss legal action, the option remains on the table “No, we have not contemplated that. But it doesn’t mean that that action will not be taken.Wewanttoexplorethistothe natural end. We are hoping that good sense prevails on the part of the government and failing which, then a decision will have to be made,”Benjaminsaid.
While President Ali recently denied delaying parliament to prevent the election of the opposition leader, APNU MP Coretta McDonald at the press conference accused the government of deliberately delayingtheprocess.
“The issue here is that the government is doing what they wanttodo.It’sawholelotof Continued on page 33
Frompage31 delaying tactics, and the government is just bent on delaying that process,” McDonald said She cited the bypass of constitutional consultation with an opposition leader and pointed to the recent swearing-in of the teaching service commission by
President Ali, which
occurred without the required consultation with anoppositionleader
AlbionEstateworkers bemoanlatepaymentof wages,incentivesduring meetingwithWINleader
Workers attached to the Albion Sugar Estate, Corentyne, Berbice on Friday vented their frustrations about not receiving timely payment of wages and incentives promisedtoleaderoftheWe InvestinNationhood(WIN) partyAzruddinMohamed.
Mohamedwasinvitedby the workers to hear their grievances after what they say has been a failure of the estate’smanagementtofulfil promisedmadebyPresident IrfaanAliduringavisittothe estate.
Several workers confirmedanarrangementin
“Thewholefactofhaving the national assembly, the government has to be able to saytoSpeakeroftheNational Assembly, we are ready to have a sitting These are the issues that are going to be discussed on that day and with that, the clerk would send the necessary information out to all members of parliament, and then we’ll have a sitting of Parliament During that sitting of the national assemblyiswhenthespeaker will now summon a meeting of the opposition members and have that process completed But here again, it’s the government who’s delaying the process, and I cansay,incollusionwiththis Speaker of the national assembly”
place that gives four days out-of-cropinsteadofsix.
“(President) Irfaan (Ali) come and tell us $6,000 for six hours work Now the managementcomingandtell us 6-4 hours work for the same $6,000 And a next thing: they gave us an increase,andthe$6,000wuh (President) Irfaan (Ali) give us, they still giving us the $6,000 without the increase. Theytekbacktheincrease,” aworkerlamented.
Another male worker bemoaned the unfavorable economic impact of the unstablepaymentsystem.
“For the whole holiday w e d i d n ’ t g e t n o money…GuySuCo provides four days’ work a week for you. $6,000. They said 9% add in to the same &6,000, we still getting $6,000. We got to pay NIS, got to pay tax, you got to send your children school, you got to get food in yuh pot buddy,” hesaid.
In addition to that, he highlighted that the workers had anticipated their oneweek holiday with pay, but they are yet to receive their pay slips and are wholly uncertain as to their wages today
The workers stated that management communicated itslackofsufficientfundsfor theone-weekholidayandthe four-daywork.
Anotherissueraisedwas that of canes not being retrieved from the
designated area after their harvesting In addition to this, the workers mentioned that they are not afforded a precise figure of the weight to be able to assess their performance. As such, they believe their wages are d e t e r m i n e d b y management’sdiscretion.
“Most of the time when you cut cane at estate, you don’t know exactly what you’reworkingfor You just cutting this cane, leffin’this cane on the ground, them men this come and pick up thecaneandloaditandcarry it there and they give you what they feel like. So, you don’t know exactly what you’re working for in this place them men giving cane cutters what they feel like,”anotherfrustratedcane harvesterexplained.
Other concerns mounted pertainedtobeinginjuredon thejobandnotreceivingdue
compensation, and collectionlessthanwhatwas toiled for One worker said that his peers are not lazy noting that with the rising costofliving,theyshouldbe adequatelycompensated.
“Indeed, that have some peoplewhowanttoworkand some who don’t want to work. Point taken, but the people that want to work, why is it that you’re underpaying the people them? Cost of living going up every day You want to pay people $5,000 a day…thatcan’tpaypeople,” hecontended.
In response to the concerns raised, Mohamed told the workers that they deserve to be properly compensated while noting that he remembers the promisesmade.
“I can recall, the presidentvisitedtheestateat Albion, and he promised six
days out-of-crop, they promised the retroactive fromJanuarytoAugust,they promised incentives, they promised to raise salaries, and presently, all the promises are false promises,” the WIN leader posited while committing to continue advocating for the workers.
GobinHarbhajan,WIN’s representativeinRegionSix told the workers that the matter needs to be properly ventilatedinParliament.
“As you know, what’s happening right now in Parliament, we can’t go to representyouthere,wehave tocomeinthestreetsanddo it elections finished in September, up to date we have not gone into Parliamenttoevenrepresent any of you here,” the WIN MPstressed.
Meanwhile, Albion Estate’s Manager Yutishwar Manna and Agriculture Manager James Thomas arrived while Friday’s meeting was underway and informed that the workers willreceivetheirretroactive, holiday pay and other outstandingpaymentssoon.
Albion, like many other communities along the Corentyne corridor, is a prime People’s Progressive Party(PPP)supportbase.
Efforts to contact representatives of the Guyana Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) wereunsuccessful.
Richard John
ByShermonHawker
It has been nearly four years since Shellon Williamson disappeared in the Canje River, taking with her the essence of a bona fide sisterhood now splintered, and a family circle that aches, pooling every morsel of strengthtonavigatetheirdailylives withouther
In what bore semblances to a Shakespeareantragedy,themother of three perished alongside her lover in 2022, when a boat they wereinwascompromisedbyahole inthebottomthatinnotimerapidly took in water She was only three years removed from 30, and her partner,RichardJohn,29.Newsof the calamity ripped the hearts of manyinthecommunityofAngoy’s Avenue that themed her entire childhood, while John’s family buckled in grief. They were fortunate to have his remains to huddlearoundonelasttimebefore committing him to the ground, but for the family of Shellon, what compoundstheiranguishtenfoldis that there was no chance of affordingheraformalsendoff. The ill-fated boat was docked, andJohnwasrecovereddaysafter, butShellonwasneverseenagain.
Arealitywithoutclosure
Iyana Williamson, her younger sibling, had accepted without denialthathersisterisnomore,but would have preferred a physical tomb in which to lay her, than the fathoms of water that more than likelyhavedevisedforherawatery grave.With not an inch of closure, her sister with whom she had the strongest ties went under, but the blunt pain of losing her in that manner stays afloat in her heart as eachdayturns.
LeavingNewAmsterdam Shellon grew up in Angoy’s Avenue in New Amsterdam, Berbice,bundledamongsiblings,a set up dominated by females Owing to a few missteps, her motherarrangedforhertorelocate to Linden, where she stayed for an extendedperiodatanoldersibling. Not only did she leave behind her other siblings and her mother, but John, who was her high school boyfriend. Shellon reviewed the contents of her new chapter and determined that no one would authorherstory Atleastnotallofit. Sheabsorbedhernewenvironment and set about life in the mining town.
In time, she would birth three children to a man with whom she lived in Linden. It would seem as
was smoothlyreadjustingto lifein theBerbicesocietyonceagain Her stint there lasted for a few months. Meanwhile, the sisters’ bond would kindle; Shellon would visitIyanaseveraltimesforherhair tobecombed.
Asshewentbackforthesecond or third time for Iyana to style her hair,sherelatedtohersisterthatshe had visited Richard’s family to familiarize herself with them, and thatshestayedforsometimeatthe family
though she was anchored there. Despite being relocated, her heart and mind stayed with her sweetheart Richard, of Edinburgh Village, East Bank Berbice. The distanceonlyservedupmotivation for strengthening their bond, and communication was consistent betweenthetwolovers. Ifonlyshehad stayedinLinden...
was her little family, and they all lodgedathermother’sresidencein Angoy’sAvenue.
In2022,Shellonreturnedtoher community, there to remain for gooditseemed.Accompanyingher
Revisiting the painful period, Iyana told this publication that she and her sister were close-knit, and as such, Shellon, the eldest of the two, would bequeath to her all of her most intimate information. It was by virtue of this connection that Iyana learnt of the still simmering relationship with her sister and Richard. She did not approve the background engagement, and conveyed on more than one occasion her displeasure with the path her sister wasventuringonto.
“WhenItoldherthatwhatshe’s doing is wrong- I told her that she has three children, and that (with) what she is doing, she will end up ruining her life. She tell me leh I don’t study she, leh I study me. I saidok…”
Iyana cautioned her sister that hercoursecouldprovedamagingto her life, but never imagined her words would be prophetic, for in a few days from her admonition, Shellon’s life would end, circumstantially due to the sequence of choices all aligning with her desire and determination tobewithRichard.
The two were not afforded enough time with which to spend theabundantcurrencyoftheirlove foreachother
Seeminglygoodfortunes
Upon her return home, Shellon and Richard reunited officially after years of being socially and physically detached She successfully secured a job at OutbackAdventures,arecreational park and resort in Gangaram Village, East Canje, Berbice, and
Thereafter, Iyana would demonstrateherhairdressingskills on her sister’s head for the fourth time or thereabout, and that would betheverylasttimeshewouldhave a physical interaction with her beloved sister. So much for being close-knit,forwhyShellondidnot disclosetohermosttrustedsibling her travel plans is a mystery Iyana wouldneverbeabletosolve.
“A day she come- It was a Friday- she said ‘Iyana comb my hair, I’m going out’, but she never tell me she’s going river I said alright good, I aint geh nothing to say She go home. The next day mommyaskedmeifIseeShellon,I said no I did not see Shellon. She saidShellongoawaythenightand themain’tseesheback.”
It would have been best if she had stayed in Linden, Iyana somberlyposited.
Tragedybefallstwolovers
On Friday, April 29, 2022, ShellonandRichardwereon-board a four-member vessel bound for a journey up the Canje Creek Reports on the incident stated that notlongafteritleft,shehadraised analarmtothecaptainofthevessel, Dennis John, the brother of Richard, that water was pouring in from a huge hole in the bottom of theboat.
Theincidentoccurredataround 20:45 that fateful evening, while the members on board were preparing a meal. News of water leaking into the boat at a fast rate whippedthepassengersintoinstant panic, and the three men which included another brother of Richard, and the lone female, Shellon, all sought the best option for safety in that do-or-die situation.Thecaptainrelatedthata massive amount of water was alreadyinthevesselbythetimehe sprangtohisfeet.
In fear and desperation, he attempted to climb to the highest point while the boat turned over His brother, who was said to be behindhim,disappearedalongwith Continued on page 40
Under the theme “Expressing Our Culture Through InnovationandCreativity,”Mashramani2026wasofficially launchedlasteveningattheRailwayCourtyard
ThelaunchbroughttogetherhundredsofGuyanesewho gathered to witness the vibrancy, colour, and rich cultural expression,showcasedthroughadynamicdisplayoftalent, creativity,andperformance.
Theeventfeaturedalivelyminiparade,theunveilingof costumes from various government ministries and private entities,andanelectrifyingsuperconcertheadlinedbysome ofGuyana’stopartistes.
The 2026 theme highlights the importance of preserving Guyana’sculturalheritagewhileembracingnewandcreative expressions that continue to evolve the Mashramani experience Fromcostumedesigntomusicandperformance, thelaunchdemonstratedhowculturecanbehonouredwhile beingreimaginedinfreshandexcitingways
AstheMashramaniseasonofficiallybegins,thecalendar ofactivitieshasbeenpublished,settingthestageforweeksof cultural engagement, creativity, and talent Excitement continues to build as preparations intensify for what promisestobeaMashramanicelebrationlikeneverbefore.
Mashramani remains a powerful symbol of Guyanese identity,unity,andresilience,celebratingthecreativityofthe peopleandthespiritofcelebrationafterhardwork
Canadian gold producer G Mining Ventures Corp.'s (GMIN) Oko West Gold Project in Guyana is positioned to more than double the company's
c
p r o d u c t i o n a t i t s Tocantinzinho Gold Mine (TZ) in the State of Pará, Brazil.
GMIN has reported that its Tocantinzinho mine fourth-quarter production totalled 47,346 ounces and produced 171,871 ounces of gold for the full year ended December31,2025.
By contrast, the Canadian miner is targeting average annual production of 350,000 ounces of gold fromitsfullypermittedOko WestGoldProjectinGuyana roughly twice the output achieved at Tocantinzinho lastyear
“ To c a n t i n z i n h o delivered a strong fourth quarter, successfully closing its first full year of commercial production,”
President and Chief
Executive Officer Louis-
Pierre Gignac said “Continued optimization initiatives are driving improvements in mine and plant productivity These strong operational results were achieved alongside a solid safety performance, with only two lost time incidents,resultinginaLost Time Injury Frequency Rate of0.15.”
According to the company,theBrazilianmine processed 4,086 kilotonnes of ore in 2025 at an average grade of 1.44 grams per tonne of gold, with recoveries averaging 90.6 percent.Theaveragemining rate increased to 64.7 thousand tonnes per day in the fourth quarter, representing an 18 per cent rise compared to the previous quarter following the commissioning of addit
g equipment.
Gold sales amounted to 172,093 ounces for the full year
The production update comes as GMIN advances development of Oko West, whichisestimatedtocontain approximately 5.4 million ouncesofgold.
In December, this publication reported that
GMIN secured a 20-year mining licence from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission(GGMC)forits 100 per cent-owned Oko WestGoldProjectinRegion Seven.
The licence, which took effectonDecember5,2025, authorisesfulldevelopment, operation and commercial
productionatthesite.AtOko West, GMIN is targeting an average annual production of 350,000 ounces of gold over a 12.3-year mine life. GMIN is set to commence pre-production open pit mining in the first three months of 2026, with the assembly of the initial mining equipment fleet
Production is expected in 2027. GMIN is among five Canadianminingcompanies collectively controlling an estimated 15 5 million ounces of gold across
development in Guyana
These projects, spanning across Guyana's mining regions, are progressing through exploration, feasibility studies, and permitting Many of the companies have praised Guyana's mining-friendly policies and are banking on these projects to drive substantial growth for their shareholders.
Analystshavepointedto Oko West as the company's keygrowthdriver
Kaieteur News reported thatGMINGMIN)hasbeen recognised as one of the Toronto Stock Exchange's
top-performing companies, amid a strong year for gold producers driven by rising prices.
In its annual review, La Pressehighlightedtherobust performance of precious metals companies in 2025, noting, “The past year was one for gold. Producers of precious metals benefited from the rise in the value of an ounce of gold on the markets. The yellow metal can be seen as a hedge at a time when tariffs, as well as economic and geopolitical uncertainty, remain in focus ”The publication pointed to GMIN as a compelling growth story, citing the company's execution track record and theclearpathforwardforits flagship Oko West Gold ProjectinGuyana.
Analyst Rabi Nizami of NationalBankFinancial,ina report said G Mining, “remains a very compelling growth stock given the management team's now p r o v e n e x e c u t i o n capabilitiesandaclear,fully permitted and financed path that will demonstrate the success of a larger-scale project at Oko West, in Guyana.”
According to the report, GMINsharessurged280per cent in 2025, with all 13 analysts officially covering the company maintaining a “buying” recommendation onthestock.
Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony on F r i d a y commissioned a new $54 million healthcentreatMabura,Region10.
According to information provided by the ministry, the new facility forms part of the government's ongoing efforts to expand and strengthen healthcare services in hinterland and riverine communities.
This newspaper understands that the in addition to the health centre, the minister and his team also commissioned a $30 million staffquarters,whichisexpectedto enhance staff retention, ensure the consistent presence of medical personnel,andsupportthedelivery of continuous healthcare services, particularlyinthisremotelocation.
The Mabura Health Centre, is fullystaffedandequippedwiththe necessary amenities to deliver essential healthcare services to residents within the community andsurroundingareas.
The facility is designed to improve access to primary healthcare, reduce travel time for
services directly at the health centre, significantly improving the timeliness and quality of care. He noted too that telemedicine services will soon be introduced at the facility, allowing patients to benefit from specialist consultations and advanced medicalsupportwithouttheneedto travellongdistances.
During his remarks, he also informed perso
opportunities will be made availableinthenearfutureforthose interested in pursuing nursing and
Minister of Health, Dr. FrankAnthony (second row left) joins regional officials, students and other healthcare workers during the ribbon cutting exercise at the new Mabura Health Centre.
patients,andensuretimelymedical attention for families living in Maburaandnearbysettlements.
The new health centre is set to offer a range of services including outpatient care, maternal and child health services, basic emergency care,andhealtheducation.
The facility is also equipped to support preventive healthcare and early intervention, contributing to
improved health outcomes within the community MinisterAnthony, duringhisremarksattheceremony said the new health centre underscores the government's strong commitment to strengthening the healthcare system across all regions of the country
He explained that the facility playsastrategicroleinsavinglives,
particularly in responding to accidentsandmedicalemergencies thatoccurwithinthearea.
“What we are trying to do is something extraordinary We want to ensure that the same services available on the coastland are also accessible in the hinterland,” he said Dr Anthony further emphasisedthatresidentswillnow have access to basic laboratory
programmes, which would further strengthen the human resource capacitywithintheregion.
“The commissioning of the Mabura Health Centre and Staff QuartersformspartoftheMinistry of Health's wider strategy to m
e infrastructure, improve working c
SeniorMinisterintheOfficeof the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, on Saturday met and engaged with leading representatives of the private sector at the Ministry of Finance.
The engagement allowed representativesoftheprivatesector to raise and discuss issues of interest as government intensifies preparationsforBudget2026.
Senior representatives of the Private Sector Commission, Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Women Chambers of Commerce and Industry Guyana, Tourism and HospitalityAssociationofGuyana, Guyana Manufacturing and ServicesAssociation Ltd., Guyana Association of Bankers, and GuyanaGoldandDiamondMiners Associationattendedthemeeting.
Also joining the engagement was the Commissioner General of theGuyanaRevenueAuthority,Mr GodfreyStatia,andateamofsenior officials from the Ministry of Finance.
The Ministry of Finance in a statement said that Dr Singh reassured the representatives of private sector that the government is committed to maintaining an environment that is conducive to increased private investment, job creation,andincomegeneration.
“We want more people working, earning, accumulating savings, and wealth, investing and prospering,” Dr. Singh was quoted as saying while assuring attendees that the government is committed to doing all that is necessary to ensure that Guyana remains an
diversifiedprivateinvestment.
appreciation for the government's continued engagement and recognized the government's efforts to drive economic transformation and foster a more competitivebusinessenvironment, theministrysaidinitsstatement.
The private sector bodies also reiterated its commitment to working with the government to continue developing the country's economicpotential.
This year's Budget will be the first Budget presented to the Parliament following the People's
Progressive Party/ Civic's (PPP/C's)re-electiontooffice.
Meanwhile, last week Kaieteur Newsreportedthatthegovernment is yet to engage the opposition partiesonthisyear'sbudget.Leader of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Aubrey Norton on Fridaytoldreportersthatwhilehis party has not been engaged on the budget, he is certain that the skewedallocationofresourceswill continue.
He explained, “The fundamentalproblemwefaceisthe skewed allocation of resources, into programs and projects that allow family, friends and favorites togetrich.”
Nortonbelievesthatachangein this pattern would be difficult, addingthatthisyear'sbudgetisnot likely to be produced on equity According to him, this means, that those with less in the population would get less while those getting more are likely to benefit from more.
“They are going to continue downthesameroadthattheyhave been going. And so, I can say to you,Ididn'texpectthemtoconsult us, because if they consult us, we willputtothemthethingswehave inourmanifesto,whichisbasedon puttingthepeoplefirst,”theformer OppositionLeadersaid.
Norton argued that while the government has a tendency of refusing to consult, it has been implementinganumberofpolicies proposed by the party in its manifesto.
“A number of things they are doing now came from our manifesto and so, they have this tendencytorejectwhatyousee,or notcommentonit,butthengoand bring it under a different name or approach. I expect them to do that again,”henoted.
Further, he argued that the government lacks ideas and is instead focused on ensuring
resources flow to themselves and associates.
To this end, he pointed out, “Theycanonlybecomeinvolvedin meaningfulconsultationiftheyare prepared to make the changes, and to ensure that Guyana is governed in a way that the resources from Guyana go to a wide cross section oftheGuyanesesociety.”
Norton is adamant that this year's budget will not address povertyinaholisticmanner,asthis would not serve the interest of the People's Progressive Party (PPP). He reasoned that a number of recommendations so far made by the party have been ignored by government Consequently, he said, “I expect the same old budget.”
Likewise, Leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party Azruddin Mohamed told this publication that his party has not been consulted on crafting the fiscalplan.
More than 50 participants benefited from a one-day certification workshop and conference titled, 'Reshaping Your Mindset for Success', hosted by prominent U.S.-based Guyanese figureReverendDr.Joy-Agnessof JoyEventsInternational.
Theevent,aimedatmotivating young entrepreneurs to elevate both their business outlook and personal mindset, was held on MondayattheWorldTradeCentre on High Street, Kingston, Georgetown.
The conference brought together 55 participants and was designed to inspire, educate and empower entrepreneurs, professionals and visionaries to push beyond their limits and confidentlywalkintheirpurpose.
Attendees were exposed to a diverse panel of speakers, including Head of the Diaspora Unit at the Ministry of Foreign AffairsRosalindaRasul;Salesand Marketing Director of the Ramada Princess Hotel, Petal Ridley; SelwynCollins;EvieGucharin;Dr Linda Felix-Johnson; Wesley Kirton; and keynote speaker Preston Bailey Throughout the sessions, speakers emphasized the importance of dedication, hard work and maintaining a strong supportnetwork.
Speaking with Kaieteur News, Reverend Dr Joy-Agness highlightedthepurposebehindthe conference and the inspiration that
fueled its creation. She explainedthattheevent focused on internal growth, noting that success begins with mindset and develops through passion and focus.
“Growth starts from the inside out It's a thought, I'm thinking of this, thenitbecomesapassion,andthen there's focus. Now, when you're passionateaboutsomething,you're going to give it your all, and once you'regoingtogiveityourall,you becomefocused,becauseyoudon't want that passion to die.You don't wantthingstogohaywire,soyou're goingtodefinitelyworktowardsit. And this is what you do,” she explained Agness further encouraged participants to remain resilient and seek support when challenges arise. “This conference isaboutpushingpeopletothenext level, making sure that everything isokay,anddon'teverfeelthat,oh,
I can do it. And if something happens, I can't do it, I'm putting my hands down. Find somebody that's going to help you to get up, stand up and make it happen,” she said.
Reflecting on past successes, she shared that two entrepreneurs emerged from her first Guyana conference in 2017 and expressed hope to see even greater outcomes in the future. She also revealed planstohostanotherconferencein GuyanainMarch2025.
Meanwhile, Head of the Diaspora Unit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Rosalinda Rasul
underscored the importance of understanding one's unique path to success. She cautioned participants against pursuing dreams that belong to others, stressing that individual purpose and personal development are key oundations for meaningful achievement. “You're structured differently It means that your path and your purpose is different. So sometimesyouhavetobecautious, when you're chasing success, that you're not chasing a dream or a vision that belongs to someone else,butratheritshouldbeyours,” she advised.Petal Ridley followed with a presentation focused on building a strong foundation for success She highlighted the importance of aligning goals with purpose, practicing social graces and protocol, and committing to continuous learning. Ridley also outlined the SMART approach to goa
setting Spe
ific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant
demonstrate how these principles shapedherprofessionaljourney.
“What am I speaking to people about? My thoughts immediately went to if you're reshaping your mindset for success, we have to startwithfoundation,”shesaid.
The third speaker, Evie Gucharin, a leader in the technology sector, shared an empowering message focused on individuality and purpose Gucharin, who works extensively withyouth,women,andmicroand small enterprises across Guyana andtheCaribbean,isthefounderof Tropical Transitions Inc. and Java Coffee Bar Inc., and serves as the chapter lead for Girls in Tech, where she champions STEM educationandroboticsforgirlsand women. During her presentation, she emphasized that success is deeply personal and cannot be copied,urgingparticipantstoresist thetemptationtoreplicatesomeone else's journey Building on earlier discussions, she highlighted the importance of making intentional personal decisions and cultivating meaningful relationships along the pathtosuccess.
“On the road to success, the relationships you build will help youmakethosedecisions.Success is personal, it cannot be emulated. Youcannotlookatanotherperson's success and say, that's who I'm goingtobe,”shesaid.
Jan17(Reuters)-Inthe 12dayssincetheU.S.seized
Venezuelan President
Nicolas Maduro, interim President Delcy Rodriguez has been working to consolidate her own power, installing loyalists in key positions to protect herself from internal threats while meeting U.S. demands to boostoilproduction.
Rodriguez, 56, a quiet but rigorous technocrat who was vice president and oil minister,hasnamedacentral banker to help run the economy, a presidential chiefofstaffand,crucially,a new head of Venezuela's feared DGCIM, the military counterintelligence agency built over decades with Cubanassistance.
Major General Gustavo Gonzalez,65,willnowhead the agency, a move three sources with knowledge of thegovernmentdescribedas
an early gambit by Rodriguez to counter what manyinVenezuelasayisthe biggest threat to her
leadership: Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela's hardline interior minister withclosetiestothesecurity services and the dreaded “colectivos” motorcycle gangs which have killed oppositionsupporters.
"Sheisveryclearthatshe
doesn't have the capacity to survive without the consent of the Americans," said one source close to the government. "She's already reforming the armed forces, removing people and namingnewofficials."
Interviews with seven sources in Venezuela, i
d politicians, reveal in previously unreported detail the fault line at the heart of Venezuela'sgovernmentand the risks it poses to Rodriguez as she tries to consolidate internal control while meeting Trump administrationdictatesonoil sales. The sources spoke on the condition of anonymity forfearofretribution.
The tightrope Rodriguez is attempting to walk was evident in her first major speech since taking office.
Addressing parliament in a national annual address on Thursday, she called for unity,stressedherbonafides as Maduro's loyal deputy, and vowed to forge a new chapter in Venezuela's politics with increased oil investment.
V e n e z u e l a ' s communications ministry, which handles all press inquiriesforthegovernment and individual officials, did
not respond to a request for commentforthisstory
I am profoundly, profoundlyconfidentthatwe will have an orderly transition.
The White House responded to emailed questions from Reuters by referringthenewsagencyto recent comments made by Trump. In an interview with Reuters on Wednesday, Trump said Rodriguez "has beenverygoodtodealwith" and that he expected her to visit Washington at some point.
Rodriguez - nicknamed "thetsarina"forherbusiness connections - has broad influence over the country's civilian levers of power, including the crucial oil industry, and now also enjoys the backing of the UnitedStates. That backing appeared to be reemphasized on Thursday when Rodriguez met with CIA director John RatcliffeinCaracas.
Theothermainfactionis ledbyCabello.
Cabello, who also heads the ruling PSUV socialist party,isaformersoldierwith a weekly four-hour show on state television, which has run for 12 years. His first public act after Maduro's capture was to appear on screen dressed in a flak jacket and surrounded by armed guards as he led a chant of, "To doubt is to betray.”
Officials in the Trump administration had contact with Cabello months before the operation to seize Maduro and have also been in communication with him since, four sources familiar withthemattertoldReuters, warning him against using the security services or colectivos to target the opposition.
Cabello, who was jailed in Venezuela for backing eventual socialist President Hugo Chavez in a failed 1992 coup, is under indictment in the U.S. and hasa$25millionrewardfor hiscapture.
So far Cabello has been conciliatory towards Rodriguez, saying they are “veryunited”andhearrived at Thursday's national addressalongsideRodriguez and her brother Jorge, the head of the national assembly But sources with
knowledge of their relationshiptoldReutersthat Cabello remains the biggest threat to her ability to govern.
In Caracas, security forces are skittish. A few hours after Rodriguez was sworn in, there was a brief burst of anti-aircraft fire outside the presidential palace that some feared couldbeanotherU.S.attack. Instead, reports suggest it was a miscommunication between police and the presidential guard, which shot down police drones. The government said the craft were spy drones, withoutexplainingwhothey belongedto.
Across the country, people are reeling from the shock of Maduro's capture and unsure whether to be hopeful or scared. In some places, local socialist party branches have asked members to spy on their neighborsandreportanyone celebrating Maduro's downfall, according to three party members who spoke onconditionofanonymity I n t h i s t e n s e environment, Rodriguez mustpersuadepartyloyalists that she is not a U.S. puppet who betrayed Maduro. She must also stabilize an
(Continuedonpage40)
The Government of Guyana throughtheMinistryofHealthand the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), on Saturday officially launched the National Electronic Health Record (EHR) System, which is currently being piloted at the Festival City Polyclinic.
The Electronic Health Record system, commonly referred to as eHEALTH, represents the first phase of implementation under the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Healthcare Network Strengthening Programme The IDBisprovidingUSD$3.3million in funding for the implementation oftheEHRsystem.
In March 2025, the Health Ministry signed a contract with RioMed Limited, a UK-registered company, to develop and implementthenewEHR.
The National EHR system is designedtoprovidecomprehensive and secure digital platform for capturing, storing, managing, and sharing patient health information.
Through its integrat
functionalities, the system will enhance the quality and continuity of patient care, streamline healthcare processes, and improve
address said that Guyana has long had the vision of having electronic health records. He recalled that in the early 2000s, a consultant who was funded by the IDB visited Guyanatoexaminethesystemand provideadvice.
From then to now, the minister said that several factors hindered thegovernmentfromrollingoutthe electronicsystem.
“Over the last couple of years, andjustcomingoutofCOVID,we decided that this is something that is very important because we recognise that during COVID, to
managepatients,andtounderstand what was going on with patients acrossthiscountry[wasdifficult].”
“Sowerecognizethathavingan electronic health record system is absolutelyimportantandassoonas wefinishdealingwithCOVID,one of the government's first priority was how can we implement this digital health record system,” he saidonSaturday
MinisterAnthonynotedthathis ministry recognizes the inconvenience persons face when visiting public health institutions and thelong hours waitingto geta holdoftheirrecords.
However, he said that with this new system, those times would be reduced to seconds making the processtoseeadoctorandreceive careseamless.
“Wearegoingtoreleaseanapp, soyougoonyoursmartphoneand you will be able to get all of your recordsonyourphones,thatisvery important because we want these things to be accessible,” Dr Anthony disclosed.As the EHR is rolled across the public sector, the minister disclosed that efforts are going to be made to engage the privatehospitalstohavethesystem (Continuedonpage12)
Wanted house lot to buy & land with unfinished building. We pay cash. Call: 2160671 / 692-8464. Whataspp 622-0267.
Job opening: Truck Driver, AC Technicians, Excavator and Skid Steer Operators. To apply send application via WhatsApp: 689-1111/ 608-2114.
Male & female needed to work at supermarket in the Interior. Must be 18 years & older. Call: 674-9999.
Live in Domestic wanted. Must know to cook and clean. Call: 699-8486.
Reputable transportation service is seeking experienced Chauffeur with mini bus and hire car license. Call: 645-0025.
Live in Maid wanted. Robb St. Call: 762-3155
Wanted one Maid. For more information please Call: 680-1282.
Wanted to work in the interior;Jetman, Marrackman,Cook . Call 660-5010 .
Wanted experience & reliable sales girls,cook,porters physically fit and dependable.Contact:6941170.
Male & Female to work at a car wash located in Campbellville. Call: 669-4676 / 604-1980.
Mercedes Sprinter food truck for sale. In excellent condition, spacious, clean & well maintained. Price: 5.5M neg. Contact:6201857.
1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, spoiler, low mileage, PTT Series (first owner). Call: 649-0956.
PROPERTY FOR SALE
Prime Property for Sale. Supenaam Public Road Essequibo Coast. Close to the Speedboat Landing. Contact Agent 592-7044645 / 592-680-0236.
General Domestic (4 day work) & experiened handyman, apply at Keyfood Trading Mc Doom next to the post office.
Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, age 23-50, Car/ Van licence Call 615-9132.
One clerk for TSI Eccles office English 1, Maths 2 call 615-9132 or email application to techserigy@gmail.com
COOK/BAKER AND PITMEN for interior location . Applicants must be experienced. Call: 2312250.
Farmer needed. Linden Soesdyke Highway. Housing provided, secure & comfortable roadside property. Good Salary. What's app = 592 636 2333
From page 39 economy that saw prices for basic goods soar in the days since the U.S. attack, as well as wrestle some degree of control over the sprawling military-linked patronage networks that have developed over decades of Chavismo rule.
Venezuela has as many as 2,000 generals and admirals, more than double the number in the United States, a military superpower with 20 times more active duty and reserve troops. Senior and retired officers control food distribution, raw materials and the state oil company PDVSA, while dozens of generals sit on the boards of private firms.
Many officials are able to run their regional fiefdoms as they see fit - ordering patrols or checkpoints by soldiers under their command - and some parts of the country and capital Caracas have seen increased activity by security services since Maduro’s capture.
REPRESSION ‘ALREADY HAS A NAME’
Gonzalez, the new head of the military counterintelligence agency DGCIM, has
over his long career in Venezuela’s government worked closely with Cabello, particularly during two stints as head of the separate civilian spy agency.
Yet it is to Rodriguez that Gonzalez owes his most recent posts. In 2024, Rodriguez tapped Gonzalez for a top job at the state oil company, Venezuela’s most important company and the engine of the country’s economy.
Questions still remain over how much control Gonzalez will be able to exert over DGCIM. Cabello’s allies within the agency could undermine him, the three sources with knowledge of the government said.
One source with knowledge of the inner workings of the security services said Gonzalez’s DGCIM predecessor General Javier Marcano struggled to control the agency.
“The role of boss of repression already has a name… Diosdado,” this person said. “Marcano was coordinating with (civilian) militias and with the colectivos, but he had serious difficulties controlling DGCIM because his designation was nominal.”
Reuters could not reach Marcano directly and all formal communication with officials in Venezuela is handled through the communications ministry, which did not respond to a list of questions related to this story.
The colectivos, closely connected to Cabello, could also make the country ungovernable by implementing a socalled “anarchization” strategy, which was first designed to fend off U.S. intervention but could be directed against Rodriguez, the source close to the government told Reuters. That strategy would
mobilize the intelligence services and colectivos to plunge Caracas into disorder and chaos.
Cabello could also slow the pace of prisoner releases that have been hailed by Trump. They have been proceeding much more slowly than demanded by families and rights groups, creating a potential pressure point for Rodriguez.
Outside of Venezuela, however, pressure on Cabello continues to mount.
“For the Trump administration to achieve a real transition in Venezuela, sooner or later Diosdado Cabello must face U.S. justice,” U.S. Representative Maria Elvira Salazar said on X this month. “When Diosdado is brought to justice, it will be a decisive step toward a democratic transition in Venezuela and the release of all political hostages.”
Wales Public Road, W.B.D, Parcel 21 (0.467 acres) 20,342 sq ft. Available Long term 2025 years. Sign on property. Phone/Whatsapp: 615-2270/ 628-8619.
Wales Public Road, W.B.D, Parcel 25 (0.494 acres) 21,388 sq ft. Available Long term 20-25 years. Sign on property. Phone/ Whatsapp: 615-2270/6288619.
Malgre Tout, W.B.D, (South of Masjid)-Lot "C" (1.347 acres) 58675 sq ft. Available Long term 20-25 years. Sign on property. Phone/Whatsapp: 6152270/628-8619.
Versailles, W.B.D, (South of Aracari Hotel)-Lot 167 (4.6606 acres) 203,016 sq ft. Available Long term 20-25 years. Sign on property. Phone/Whatsapp: 6152270/628-8619.
T RUCK TIRES 295 / 75R22.5 $40K EACH. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL / WHATSAPP:+592-6883201. FOR SALE
Restaurant, Bar, Pool, Gym. Stay 7 nights, 1 FREE! Call: 264-2946.
1 to 4 bed rooms furnitured,short term $50 USD, $600 monthly Parking 6 cars . E.C.D Whatsapp & Cell ; 622-8985 , 609-1191 , 648-1787.
Spacious 3 bedroom bottom flat for rent.Eccles188 BB 2nd ave E.B.D . 645-0656/ 233-2223 .
Family Fun Aracari Resort! Crystal clear pool, safe kids & adult sections, Music & food. W.B.D. Call: 2642946-9.
Visa Application:U.S.A, Canada & UK:Graphics design, advertisements, wedding arch rentals.Tel:6267040.
From page 35 Williamson, who he had reportedly turned back to check on. The tugboat that departed with four individuals was pulled to shore, but the couple was not fortunate. They vanished into the chilly waters of the night. Sometime later on, word would reach the respective families, all suspended in shock and grief.
“My mother called me and told me Shellon meet up in accident and that she drowned...” Iyana recalled to this publication. Shellon was not a swimmer, a fact which at that time struck down any desperate hope that she could be alive and elsewhere.
The Guyana Defense Force (GDF) Coast Guard and ranks from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), along with divers launched an extensive recovery exercise beginning not too far from the Canje Bridge where the incident unfolded, to locate the bodies of those who by then were feared dead, but to no imme-
diate success. Two days later, however, they recovered the body of Richard. Of Shellon, however, there was no sighting. Grief, suspicion and uncertainty
For a brief moment, Iyana entertained some suspicious views that quickly formed in her mind, none of which she acted on or held with full measure of conviction all the same. “Something not too right. If they found him, they are supposed to find her. Something fishy happened there,” she contended. With no amount of closure, she even toyed with the idea that her sister was probably killed and thrown overboard. All mere conjectures by one in grief and without a sense of finality on the death of her sister. Home is where the hurt is Almost four years since that tear-framed day, Iyana related the anguish fresh on hearts of the family, who reflects as though it occurred yesterday. Time played no supportive role in healing that
wound, but only to measure how long it has been without her. For Iyana, seeing her sister lowered in a casket and handing her a proper funeral, as shattering as that would have been, would have been much more tolerable than the present reality of her just vanishing out of frames of their family portrait.
She pains to see that others relevant to the tragic incident have since moved on.
“It really hurt me to see that my sister just go down just so without no proper investigation, and the people that went with them living their lives free, drinking freely. I did really need justice for my sister although we didn’t find her body.” Their mother, by all natural expectation, is grief-stricken most of all.
“My mother does take it on. I could see. Every day she does put up Shellon on her Facebook page….I miss her really bad. It left a shock to me how she died and they never find her...”
From page 24 are shareholders and participants in the IIC’s sustainable timber, tourism, research operations and forest management activities through complex co-management and benefit sharing arrangements; Scientists and researchers engaged in ground breaking research into the impacts of climate change on the forest and measuring the scope and value of its ecosystem ser-
vices; and A portfolio of sustainably managed and certified business models using innovative governance systems which include participation of the private and public sectors and the local communities, earning income from the forest and its natural assets whilst employing international social, environmental and economic best practice, whilst still keeping abreast
of the ever changing thinking on funding for environmental projects in the face of climate change and the perennial scarcity of international finance. This alliance and the Centre’s work programmes are committed to showing how a rain forest can be used for real sustainability, real climate change protection and real community benefit.
he Guyana Sugar T
Corporation (GuySuCo) is seeking a number of pickups and crew trucks for its operation.
The bids which opened recently at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) revealed that GuySuCo is seeking the supply and delivery of four 4WD Single Cab Pick Up andfournewcrewtrucks. Similarly,theMinistryof Agriculturealsotenderedfor the supply and delivery of
Belowarethecompaniesandtheirbids:
MinistryofAgriculture
SupplyanddeliveryofvehiclesLots1-3.
Supplyanddeliveryoffournew4x4 (4WD)6WheelDoubleCap7CrewTrucks.
Hinterland Electrification Company Inc. invited bids for the supply and delivery of two long bed trucks for transportingconcretepoles.
MinistryofPublicWorks
ConsultancyservicesfortheassessmentofExistingStrategies GuidanceandStandardsusedinRoadDesignConstruction andMaintenanceFollowedbytheDevelopmentorUpdateof TechnicalStandardsorOtherDocuments forRoadTransportSectorinGuyana.
GuyanaSugarCorporation
Supplyanddeliveryoffour 4WDSingleCabPickUps.
HinterlandElectrificationCompanyInc.
Supplyanddeliveryoftwolongbed truckfortransportingconcretepoles.
Consultancyservicesfor ComprehensiveRoadSafetyAssessment StudiesandCapacityBuilding.
(Cricinfo) - The BCB and the ICC have not yet reached a resolution over Bangladesh’srefusaltoplay their 2026 T20 World Cup matches in India due to security concerns, despite the tournament starting in threeweekstime.
The two parties had a
meeting on Saturday after which the BCB issued a statement saying they will “continue engaging in constructivedialogueonthis matter” The 2026 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, is scheduled to begin on February7.
“During the discussions, theBCBreiterateditsformal requesttotheICCtorelocate Bangladesh’smatchestoSri Lanka,” the board said in a statement. “The Board also shared the Bangladesh government’s views and concerns on safety and security of the team,
Bangladeshifans,mediaand otherstakeholders.
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
Today you will have all the energy you need to deal with long-term family problems. Indeed, you'll probably clash with some of your relatives. But this situation won't cause anyseriousissues.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
You enjoy caring for others andyouinterveneregularlyin their lives to guide them. Ironically, today you're the one who needs advice. You'll probably need to get away from it all in order to get a clearviewofyourownlife.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
We all have to make compromises in order to live in contemporary society.You may have strong beliefs, but it's difficult to combine your idealsandasociallife.
CANCER(June21–July22)
You'vealwaysfelttheneedto free yourself from society You need to feel independent at any cost. You may need to face certain relationship problemsatthistime.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
You may feel annoyed about the attitude of some of your groupoffriends.Unlikethese people, you're very openmindedandyoucandealwith situations as they arise Indeed, you have a natural ability to adapt to every situation.
VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)
Today, Virgo, you'll be submerged under a lot of emotions. In a way, you'll be revisiting your childhood
Youmaybeveryedgy Thisis agooddispositioninwhichto analyzeyourlife.
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
You really know how to seduce,Libra.Thereisaspark inside of you that spreads naturally to those around you. You have a big reservoir of sensitivity and emotion that couldgrowtoday
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)
You're a very active person, Scorpio, but today you'll probably be disappointed. If you ask those around you to help with your activities, they most likely won't understand yourneeds.
SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)
Nothing much is happening today, yet you seem worried and tense. You'll have to use this day to your advantage. Think about your life. You'll also think about the needs of yourrelativesintheyears.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
You often need to thrive on personal emotions.Today will benoexceptiontotherule.For instance, you could try to captivate the attention of peopleyouadmire.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) You shouldn't try to fight the feelings that run through you today Don't even try to rationalize them These feelingsareprobablyrelatedto emotions dating back to your childhood You shouldn't avoidoranalyzethem.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
You'll be lost in your thoughts today, analyzing your life and relationships.You'll be asking yourself if your existence is meeting your standards. You will ponder what to expect from the future and from the peoplearoundyou.
“The discussions were conducted in a constructive, cordial and professional manner, with all parties engaging openly on the relevantissues.Amongother points, the possibility of moving Bangladesh to a differentgroupasameansof facilitating the matter with minimum logistical adjustmentswasdiscussed.”
BangladeshareinGroup C at the T20 World Cup along with England, Nepal, WestIndiesandItaly,andare currently scheduled to play their first three matches in Kolkataandtheirfinalonein Mumbai.
“TheICCdelegationwas represented by Gaurav Saxena, General Manager, Events and Corporate Communications, and
Andrew Ephgrave, General Manager, Integrity Unit
Gaurav Saxena was unable to attend the meeting in person as his visa was received later than anticipated and therefore joined the discussions virtually Andrew Ephgrave attended the meeting in person.”
T h e B C B w a s represented at the meeting by board president Aminul Islam, vice presidents Shakawath Hossain and Faruque Ahmed, director and chairman of the cricket operations committee Nazmul Abedeen and CEO NizamUddinChowdhury
The problem of Bangladesh playing in India arose once the BCCI instructed Kolkata Knight RiderstoremoveMustafizur fromitsIPL2026squad.No
reasonhasbeenspecifiedfor that decision, though relations between the two countries have deteriorated oflate.
Following Mustafizur’s removal, the Bangladesh government banned the broadcast of the IPL in the country, and the BCB sent a letter to the ICC refusing to play its T20 World Cup matches in India, a stance it has stuck to during several subsequent meetings with theICC.
Arisk assessment report for the T20 World Cup, compiledbyanindependent security agency, and accessed by ESPNcricinfo, says the threat to teams playing in India is in the moderate-high band, but there is “no information to indicate a direct threat againstparticipatingteams.”
Guyana skipper
S h e m a i n e
C a m p b e l l e scoredanunbeaten50,while her bowlers continued to deliverexceptionallywellas thechampswrappedupa4wicketwinoverJamaicalast night.
The champs produced another magical bowling performance, led by their three-headedmonsterinspin twinsAshminiMunisarwho picked up 3-11 and Plaffianna Millington who bagged 2-11, alongside seamer Sheneta Grimmond (2-28).
Shabika Gajnabi continued to take wickets
t h r o u g h o u t t h e competition, assisting her teammates with
f i g u r e s o f 1 - 2 2 , restricting Jamaica to a paltry 87-9 with just 8 extras from the 20 allotted oversinthefirstinnings.
Jamaica continued to struggle with the bat and
this match was no different as opener and senior batsman Rashada Williams toiled for his boundary-less23
Their best batter,
Stafanie Taylor was unfortunately run out after looking settled for herrun-a-ball23(2x4)
Abigail Bryce hit
three fours in the Jamaicans next best score of 17 but no other player managed to survive the onslaught from Munisar andcompany
Guyana then ended on 88-6 in the 16th over, thanks mainly to their skipper Campbelle, who
led the way with a composed innings of 50 not out off 42 deliveries including8fours
Opener Grimmond (14) punched two fours, as the Jamaican pair of Chedean Nation (2-28) and Kate Wilmott (2-17) failed to stop the champs
from reaching their target
Round 4 will see LeewardstacklingBarbados in the opener, followed by Guyana playing Trinidad andTobago in the afternoon
game; with Jamaica squaring off against Windwards in the final match of the round under lights. Yesterday’s other two games resulted in strong winsfortheLeewardIslands
and Barbados when the Women’s Blaze T20 Championships entered an excitingthirdround.
Leewards beat Trinidad and Tobago by 4 wicketsBatting first, Trinidad and Tobago were muzzled for 74-9 from their allotted overs, thanks to the in-form pairofDavroniqueMaynard (2-12) and skipper Amanda Edwards(2-20);wholedthe bowlingcharge.
The veteran line-up which also features Jahzara Claxton (1-6), all-rounder Shawnisha Hector (1-8) and Rozel Liburd (1-5) also chippedinwithwickets.
Edwardsthencompleted a solid all-round game, nailing 3 fours in her 27, finding help from wicketkeeper Reneice Boyce who stroked5foursinher28. Claxton (12*) played a good game by hitting a solitary six and four, which carried Leewards to 75-6 in 16 1 overs Off-break spinners Karishama Ramharack who bagged 3-12 and the v e t e r a n A n i s a Mohammed (1-19), Brianna Harricharan (120) toiled with the ball forTrinidad B a r b a d o s b e a t Windwards by 3 wickets - Seasoned all-rounder Afy Fletcher spanked 3 fours in her 35 off 32 balls, while Carena Noel hit a more moderate 16 off 29 (2x4) whichcarried Windwards to 86-8 off 20 o v e r s S e a s o n e d campaigner, fast-bowler Shamilia Connell was the star of the Barbadian attack, pulling in returns of 4-8 from her 4 overs
Unlike Barbados who gave just 6 extra runs, Windwards’ bowlers failed to hit their mark as they leaked some 24 extra, unnecessary runs in a low-scoring match Najanni Cumberbatch (15), who grabbed a wicket earlier returned hit three fours, alongside Allison Gordon (12*) backed by extras; got to 87-7 by the time the 20 overs
Fletcher had a great game despite the loss, bagging 2-14 while support from Abini St John (2-17) and Aldith Gasper (2-17) failed to stop the harrowing loss (Clifton Ross)
Recently, the
Guyana Sport
S h o o t i n g Foundation (G S S F) attended a strategic meeting with the Director of Sport, Mr Steve Ninvalle, at the officeoftheNationalSports Commission, together with the two Assistant Directors of Sport, Ms. Melissa DowRichardsonandMr Franklin Wilson,signallingarenewed
c o m m i t m e n t t o collaboration, transparency, and the sustainable development of sport shootinginGuyana.
Representing the Foundation at the meeting was Director Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon,wholed discussions on governance, membership growth, safety
standards, and the Foundation’s forward programme.
During the engagement, the Foundation reaffirmed
its commitment to accountability, sound financial management, and best-practice governance
The Foundation also has updated externally audited financialstatements.
Director Persaud-
McKinnon confirmed that training and practice sessions will resume, pending the availability of approved shooting ranges, as part of its p h a s e d r e t u r n t o structured athlete development
The importance of corporate sponsorship and institutional support
was highlighted as critical to the growth and
sustainability of the sport It acknowledged
all the companies coming on board in support of competitions, training, and operational needs
These partnerships underscore the central role of safety, discipline, a n d p r o f e s s i o n a l standards within sport shooting
The Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation also addressed participation trends within the sport While sport shooting remains a traditionally m a l e - d o m i n a t e d discipline, there has been a notable increase in female and women sport shooters in recent years
However, participation remains a challenge
D i r e c t o r Vi d u s h i Persaud-McKinnon outlined the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to encourage greater female involvement
“We are building a sport that is safe, wellgoverned, and inclusive Encouraging more women into sport shooting is not only about numbers, it is about opportunity, confidence, a n d l o n g - t e r m development,” PersaudMcKinnonnoted.
T h e m e e t i n g concluded with a shared commitment between the N a t i o n a l S p o r t s Commission and the Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation to continue engagement, improve access to facilities, and strengthen pathways as the Foundation advances its national development agenda.
(Cricinfo) - Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored 72 at better than a run a ball, and took an agile catch at the boundaryatacrucialstagein a match that featured everything - a stand-in captain just for the toss, some controversy, a batting collapse, rain, DLS drama and a thrilling finish Bangladesh looked to have everything in hand - 106 for 2 chasing a revised target of 165 in 29 overs - but somehow they fell apart, losingtoIndiaby18runs.
Thegamebeganasafull 50-over contest, and Sooryavanshi dominated it until he fell. When he was dismissed in the 27th over, he walked back with 72 of the115runsontheboard.
The other four batters combined had scored 35 off 93 deliveries While Sooryavanshi set the foundation, Abhigyan Kundu carried the team the restoftheway
He made a patient 80 in 112 balls to propel India to 238 after the first rain break had trimmed the innings to 49overs.
SeamerAl Fahad took 5 for 38 for Bangladesh, including the wicket of Kundu, but it wasn’t quite enough.
In the 239 chase, Bangladesh were 90 for 2 after 17.2 overs when rain reduced the game to 29 overs. On resumption, they were left with another 75 to getin70balls.
With dark clouds still aroundandBangladeshwell
aheadonDLS,Indiatriedto delay proceedings prompting umpire Lubabalo Gcumatointervene.
Twenty overs of playtheminimumrequirementto constituteafullgame-came and went and with no more showers on the horizon the two sets of players shifted focus to the task at hand.
Bangladesh had to switch fromprotectingtheirwickets toscoringtheremainingruns andintheendthedecisionto slow down, hoping for rain to halt the game, came back tobitethem.
Offspinner Vihaan Malhotra (4-0-14-4), b r o
w h e n Bangladesh had let the asking rate rise to 7.37, startedthebattingcollapse.
Captain Azizul Hakim, whowastoounwelltomake ittothetoss,waspartofthis collapse and his wicket for 51 off 72 balls signalled a major shift in momentum. Bangladesh lost eight wickets for 46 runs after being ahead of the game for most of it Chamuditha, Mahavithana blow Japan away… SriLankacouldnothave asked for a better start to their Under-19 World Cup campaign, as their openers allbutbattedJapanoutofthe contest. Viran Chamuditha’s magnificent 192 alone surpassed Japan’s eventual total, while Dimantha Mahavithana chipped in with a fluent 115. Together, they put on a monumental 328 for the first wicket, a
partnership that ended only in the 44th over when Mahavithanawasrunout.
While Mahavithana hit 11 fours in his 125-ball knock, Chamuditha batted at a strike rate of 134, smashing 26 fours and a six
At 326 without loss after 43 overs, Sri Lanka looked set for a 400-plus total;butoverthenextfour overs, they scored just 21 runs for the loss of three wickets. During that minicollapse, Chamuditha missed out on a double hundred when he fell at the startofthe45thover
Sri Lanka captain Vimath Dinsara, however, provided a finishing flourish with an unbeaten 44 off just 24 balls, setting Japan an improbable target of388
Japan never found any momentum in the chase Theylostawicketinthefirst over, and Sri Lanka kept them in check throughout. Hugo Kelly and Taylor Waugh added 50 for the fourthwicketafterJapanhad slippedto56for3inthe15th over, but the innings continued to stutter even as Kellyheldoneendup.
In Japan’s only real positive, Kelly finished unbeaten on 101 as his side huffedandpuffedto184for 8in50overs.
The next highest score was Kazuma KatoStafford’s 19, as Sri Lanka thumped Japan by 203 runs tobegintheircampaignwith abang.
The Banks Classic card is comprised of ten races.
Just two weeks remain before the highly anticipated start of the Guyana Cup Nomination Series, which hasthefirstmeet,theBanks Classic, carded for Sunday, February1,2026,atthePort MourantTurfClub.
The first event which was announced recently, is fully sponsored by Banks DIHLimitedandwillfeature ten competitive races, all of which will serve as qualifying events for the prestigious Guyana Cup 2026. The Banks Classic carries a combined total
p u r s e o f G Y D $12,750,000,makingitone of the richest single race daysinthelocalcalendar
As it is organised by the GuyanaCupCommittee in collaboration with the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred RacingCommittee(JJTRC), the event is expected to attract top stables, seasoned jockeys and passionate racing fans from across the country
The competitive atmosphere has already begun to build, with stables
fine-tuning training programs in pursuit of victory and the coveted Guyana Cup trophy Horse owners and trainers are
currentlyworkingfeverishly behind the scenes, ensuring their thoroughbreds are in peak condition as they prepare to vie for qualificationspotsandearly dominanceontheroadtothe GuyanaCup2026.
I n a d d i t i o n t o qualification opportunities, this date features Promoteradded bonus money, free entry incentives for winners andeligibilitytowardtrainer andjockeybonusesofGYD $500,000eachforqualifying
two horses across nomination days As a result, many leading stables are expected to showcase their top runners early in the season rather than waiting for later nominationopportunities
Thesponsor,BanksDIH, has once again underscored
their longstanding commitment to sport, communityengagementand nationaldevelopment.
The company’s involvement is expected to elevate the quality of the event while providing a boost to local horse racing and the wider Port Mourant community.
Below is a race-by-race summary of the February 1 provisional programme, including class, distance,
totalpurse,andfirstprize:
Race1–BanksDIH
Classic(Open)
Distance:1Mile
TotalPurse:GYD
$3,750,000
1stPrize:GYD
$2,000,000
Race2–SprintClassic (Open)
Distance:6½Furlongs
TotalPurse:GYD
$1,875,000
1stPrize:GYD
$1,000,000
Race3–FClass&
Lower/EClassNonWinners/Imported Maidens
Distance:1Mile
TotalPurse:GYD
$1,500,000
1stPrize:GYD$800,000
Race4–3-Year-Old
Guyana-Bred(NonWinnersofTwo)
Distance:6½Furlongs
TotalPurse:GYD
$937,500
1stPrize:GYD$500,000
Race5–LClass
Maidens&First-Time
Starters
Distance:6½Furlongs
TotalPurse:GYD
$937,500
1stPrize:GYD$500,000
Race6–GClass& Lower/FClassNonWinners/Imported3YO Maidens
…Port Mourant meets just two weeks away
Distance:7Furlongs
TotalPurse:GYD
$750,000
1stPrize:GYD
$400,000Race7–I
Class&Lower/ West Indian-Bred
Distance:1Mile
TotalPurse:GYD
$750,000
1stPrize:GYD
$400,000
Race8–J3&Lower
Distance:6½Furlongs
TotalPurse:GYD$
750,000
1stPrize:GYD
$400,000
Race9–LClassOpen
Distance:1Mile
TotalPurse:GYD
$750,000
1stPrize:GYD
$400,000
Race10–LClassNon-
Earners(2025–2026)
Distance:6Furlongs
TotalPurse:GYD
$750,000 1stPrize:GYD$400,000
…PortMourantmeetsjusttwoweeksaway The
