Kaieteur News

Teacher killed after minibus flips into trench

ExxonMobil eyes major expansion with 35-well drilling campaign

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), acting as operator on behalf of its StabroekBlockco-venturers Hess Guyana Exploration Limited and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited

has applied to the Environmental Protection

Agency (EPA) for authorisationtodrillupto35 additional exploration and appraisal wells in the Stabroek Block, signalling

continued aggressive expansion of one of the world’s most productive offshoreoilfrontiers.

The application, details of which were published in an EPA project summary, marks one of the most expansivesingleexploration campaigns proposed for the blocktodate.

The proposed campaign covers the drilling and appraisal of up to 35 wells within the Stabroek Block, situated approximately 200 kilometresoffshoreGuyana, withoperationsscheduledto runfrom2028through2033.

Because final well locations have not yet been determined, four areas of interest have been identified withintheblockascandidate sites.

Some wells will be drilled for pure exploration purposes, while others may serveasappraisalwellsnear previously drilled areas, helping to delineate and confirmtheextentofknown hydrocarbonaccumulations.

Beyond drilling, activities may include Vertical Seismic Profiling (VSP), well testing, and sidetracking operations Upontheconclusionofeach well, plugging and abandonment procedures will be carried out in accordance with standard offshorepractice.

Allprojectactivitieswill occur entirely within the o f f s h o r e m a r i n e environment, with landbased logistics supported through existing marine shorebases.

InanoticedatedJune14, the EPAdetermined that the proposed campaign, considered in isolation, would not significantly affect the environment and onthatbasis,ruledthatafull Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is not required. The agency cited

the temporary and localised nature of anticipated impacts,whichitsaidwould remain confined within the boundaries of the Stabroek Block.

Potential environmental effectsidentifiedbytheEPA include impacts on marine water quality, air quality, marine fauna, and socioeconomicresources.

However, the EPA

stopped short of an unconditional clearance

Recognising the cumulative weight of ongoing and overlapping activities already underway in the Stabroek Block, the agency determ

d that a Cum

e Impac

Assessment (CIA) is r e q u i r e d a n acknowledgementthatwhile any single project may fall below the threshold for an EIA, the combined and compounding effects of multiple simultaneous operations in the same offshore environment warrantdeeperscrutiny

In accordance with Sections11(6)and(7)ofthe Environmental Protection Act, Cap. 20:05, Laws of Guyana, members of the publichave28daysfromthe dateoftheJune14noticeto submit written input to the EPA, identifying the questions and concerns they wish to be addressed in the Cumulative Impact Assessment.

Thewindowrepresentsa formal and time-limited o p p o r t u n i t y f o r communities, civil society organisations, and environmental advocates to help shape the scope of the environmental review beforeitisconducted.

STABROEK’S RELENTLESS EXPANSION

The application underscores the relentless pace at which ExxonMobil and its partners continue to advance exploration across theStabroekBlockalicence areathathasalreadyyielded more than 30 significant oil discoveries and underpins Guyana’s emergence as one of the fastest-growing oil producers in the Western Hemisphere. The proposed 35-well campaign, if authorised, would extend that exploration push well intothenextdecade.

Prospect areas for proposed Stabroek Block 35-Well Exploration/Appraisal Drilling Campaign

Kaieteur News

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EDITORIAL

Guns–anxiety,safety,trust

Gunsarebackinthenews,andtheyrepresentmorethan theseeminglyregularreportsofalonehandgunseized. Ten AK-47 weapons intercepted in Berbice, according to the GuyanaPoliceForce(GPF). Twenty-threeofthesametype foundwithaVenezuelandriver,Thetypeofweaponsandthe number of them are alarming. These are not pistols with limitedcapacity,butgunsthatcaninflictheavydamageon lifeandlimb. Fourmenhavebeenremandedtoprison,with the Venezuelan locked there now The GPF believes that more than these four, as alleged, are involved. There is a networkinoperation. Howmanyofsuchnetworks,howbig arethey,howdangerous,andwithwhatobjectives? These are questions that should leave everyone uneasy

The four men from the first bust are from across Guyana. Thatinitselfraisestheissuesofwhobroughtthemtogether, andforwhatobjectives. Thefactthattheserialnumbersof the guns have been tampered with indicates sophistication andallmannerofintent,nonelawful. Weatthispaperrecall whathassincebeendubbedthe2002MashramaniJailbreak. Thefivemenwhoescapedwereabletoacquireanarrayof sophisticatedweapons,andblazedatrailofhavocanddeath acrossmanycommunitiesofGuyana. OlderGuyanesehave horriblememoriesofthattime,andhowdifficultitwasfor the dangerous escapees to be located. Now, there is the Venezuelanaddition,andwhatthatsays.

Government is credited for beefing up the national law enforcement apparatus, through significant budget allocations. NewbuildingsfortheGPF,newvehicles,new equipment, new techniques and approaches to crimefighting, among other developments, have all been partofhelpingtheGPFtogetontopofcrime. GPFreports note that 'serious crime' is down. Do Guyanese feel safer? Are they prone to over imagination and burden themselves withunnecessarypsychologicalbaggage? Coulditbethat theyareontherighttrack,becausethenewsfromthestreet confirmsthatillegalgunsareeverywhere,andthattheirfear iswell-grounded?

ReportswereofsevenpistolsmissingfromtheCoveand John Police Station in April of this year When guns go missing from a GPF precinct that causes citizens to worry Wethinkthatthatreaffirmstheobvious. Whatmorearethey ignorantof,andwithhowmuchdangerinvolved? Amonth earlier, two pistols were seized by the GPF, one in Ruimveldt, the other in Corriverton. In the first month of this year, a .38 revolver was found in Linden, while two shotguns were seized in Chenapou. In the same month of January,16gunsseized. Foreveryillegalfirearmremoved fromthestreet,citizensbreatheasighofrelief.

Weatthispaperhavemixedfeelings. Thereisgratitude forthediligenceoftheGPF,ontheonehand. Ontheother hand,aretheseallthegunsthatarelooseonGuyana'sstreets and villages, and in the wrong hands, either criminal or otherwise? Theconcern,anditisabigonetograpplewith, ishowmanyillegalgunsarestillinvariousneighbourhoods of Guyana? Who have them, and what could they be plotting? Westillrememberthe30AK-47sthatdisappeared in 2006 from the armory of the Guyana Defence Force. Towards the close of 2010, 20 of the 30 AK-47s were recoveredbytheGPF NowthereistheVenezuelanfactor which adds a major dimension to the insecurity that Guyanese feel, and the question is how many of such Venezuelanmolestheremaybe,andleadingtowhere.

With old gun losses and new ones occurring in a continual stream, it could be said with conviction that too manygunsareinthewronghandsinthiscountry,andposes greatdangersforordinarycitizens. Whenreportssurfaceof assassinationplotsagainsttheheadofGuyana'sleadingdrug interdictionagency,CANU,thatdoesnotleavecitizensina good place. When guns disappear from army and police inventories, and with Guyana having porous borders alongside three countries, crime control faces new challenges. Official corruption at chronic levels does not help. Whototrust? Whofeelssafe?

African street protest and its political usefulness

DearEditor,

The PNC leader, Mr Aubrey Norton, recently outlined his position on street protests during an interview on KAMS TV's Guyanese Morning Time, hosted by Kidackie Amsterdam. His remarks have re-ignited discussion across the African community about the role and effectiveness of street protests as a political strategy My approach in discussing this matter is to a

discussion to any single individualorpoliticalleader

The question of African streetprotestanditspolitical usefulness predate Mr Norto

o the leadershipofthePNC. This is not to give him a pass on his stewardship on this important political matter. Rather, it is an effort to develop a broader understanding of a recurring challenge among African politicians and political organisations This is important since the problem can persist long after he departs from the PNC leadership or politics altogether

The history of Guyana has been one of resistance and protest. The right to street protest was won with the sweat and blood of our people and evolved as an important form of struggle. The colonial rulers were forced to concede that politicalspacetothemasses, theirorganisations,andtheir leadership. All the major politicalforces,tradeunions,

and, to a lesser extent, cultural and religious groups, have used street protests and demonstrations as effective means of drawing attention to their concerns and demands, while pressuring the authorities for change or concessions. In February 1964, the PPP staged a big 123-mile protest across Guyana, known as the “Freedom March,” to advance its then political objectives and goals. This wasanacceptedrealityinthe anti-colonial and early postindependenceperiod.

The anti-dictatorial forces of the 1980s relied heavily on street protests in their struggle against the PNCgovernment.

Both the PPP and the W P A u s e d t h e s e mobilisations to advance their political objectives and to promote the interests of the masses and the country. The WPA, however, never engaged in violent street protests.Rather,muchofthe violence associated with its activism was directed againstitbyPNCforces,the HouseofIsrael,orthepolice. The PPP's history of street protest presents a different picture.

At various points, particularly in the sugar belt and in some rural IndoGuyanese communities, protests associated with the PPP were accompanied by acts of violence and confrontation.

The legitimacy of street protestswasquestionedafter the effective Desmond

Hoye/PNC-led protests in 1997, and thereafter The PPP, Indian rights activists, and sections of the business community,citingattackson Indians and businesses, demanded an end toAfrican street protests as a political tool. It is important to note that it was not a call for the end of street protests in general, but only African protests.

I support the popular view among opposition supporters that the African community and its political

whitemailed” by the PPP, Indian Rights activists, city business,StabroekNews,the diplomatic community, and others who consistently criticised and opposed street protests.

These forces were promotingagendasthatwere not necessarily aligned with African interests or with the political and social challenges confronting the African community and its leadership. In the process, they su

eded in decapitating the community, depriving it of a major political instrument for effective politics in the face of an aggr

sively dominatingregimethatused state violence and victimisation as an effective political instrument for domination.

Over the years and more recently, I have paid keen interest to how African leadership and more particularlyAfricanpolitical leaders, or more correctly

African politicians in electoral political parties, dealwiththeissueofAfrican streetprotestswhentheyare p r e s s u r e d b y t h e masses/supporters or critics on their position The classical approach is to highlight the difficulties streetprotestsfaceduetothe regime's repressive and violent tactics, including arrests, beatings, shootings, andkillingprotestors,which isusuallydonemainlybythe police.TheyalsocitethePPP and government practice of infiltrating protests with their paid provocateurs, whosemainjobistoengage in violent and criminal acts targeting Indians and their businesses. It is this tactic that broke the back of the Desmond Hoyte street p r o t e s t s , t h e r e b y “whitemailing” the street protestsasdeliberateattacks onIndiansforpoliticalgoals. Ishouldalsoincludeanother, less publicly discussed explanation: the pressure exerted by the diplomatic community and by sections of the African middle class that are receptive to its influence.

Thenarrativewouldalso be incomplete without mentioning three additional arguments frequently advanced against street protests: (1) the lack of moneytosustainprotests,(2) people's reluctance to come out and support the protest, and (3) the belief that protestsareonlyworthwhile if they result in regime change Taken together, (Continuedonpage6)

How many more miners must die before action is taken?

DearEditor,

Like many Guyanese, I was deeply saddenedtolearnofthetragicdeathsof two miners who lost their lives in a mining pit cave-in Behind every workplace fatality are families whose lives have been changed forever wives who have lost husbands, children who will grow up without a father, parents who must endure the unimaginable pain of burying their sons, and communities left mourning the loss of hardworking menwhosimplywenttoworktoearnan honestliving.

These tragedies are becoming far too common, and each one leaves us askingthesamepainfulquestion:Could morehavebeendonetopreventit?

Mining remains one of Guyana's most important industries, contributing significantly to our economy Yet the workers who drive this sector forward often face dangerous conditions every

day They brave difficult environments to provide for their families and help buildournation.Theleasttheydeserve is the assurance that every reasonable measure is being taken to protect their lives.

I am therefore calling on the MinistryofLabourtotakestrongerand more visible action in safeguarding workerswithintheminingsector While investigations after accidents are important,preventionmustbecomethe priority

More frequent inspections, stricter enforcement of safety regulations, and continuous training for miners and operatorsareurgentlyneeded.

Toooften,safetyappearstobecome a major concern only after lives have beenlost.Wecannotcontinuetoaccept a cycle where tragedy is followed by condolences, investigations, and then anothertragedy Thelossofhumanlife shouldneverbecomeroutine.

The Ministry of Labour has both a legal obligation and a moral responsibilitytoensurethatworkplaces across Guyana, especially high-risk sectors such as mining, are operating safely

Workers should not have to choose between feeding their families and riskingtheirlives.

As we mourn the loss of these two miners,letusalsohonourtheirmemory bydemandingmeaningfulaction.Their deaths must not be reduced to another statistic They were fathers, sons, brothers, friends, and valued members oftheircommunities.

The time has come for a stronger commitmenttoworkplacesafety Every miner who leaves home for work deservestheopportunitytoreturnhome safelytotheirlovedones.

Yoursfaithfully, LorenzoJoseph UWPActivistRegion10

The expansion of Guyana's mining industry must be matched by a corresponding investment in technical capacity and oversight

DearEditor,

As I noted in my previous statement of June 4th,onthesafetyofworkers in our mining camps, backdams and interior locations, pointing out that Guyana has so far recorded 13 workplace fatalities and 64 non-fatal workplace incidents between January andApril 2026. By May, at least four mining-related deaths had already been recorded, including miner Ryan Roberts who died on May 17th when a pit collapsedonhiminChiChi Backdam in Chinoweing, Region7.

Twominersdiedtodayat St Elizabeth Backdam, Mahdia, Franky Hussain and Neunes Da Silva. Less than two years ago, on August 17, 2024, two other miners, Imran Blake and Sherwayne Joseph, were killedinapitcollapseatthe same location. Four lives lost at the same site, yet where is the accountability? Who owns this mining operation, and how was it allowed to continue without the highest level of scrutiny after the first tragedy? If proper monitoring, enforcement, and safety oversight had been in place following the 2024 deaths, wouldtwomorefamiliesbe mourning today? Guyanese deserveanswers.

We all accept that mining is a dangerous occupation What is

increasingly difficult to accept, however, is the recurring pattern of pit collapses, workplace accidents, and fatalities despitewhatthegovernment claims to be the best efforts from agencies such as GGMC.

The Ministry of Labour is responsible for protecting workers. The Guyana

Geology and Mines Commission is responsible for ensuring compliance withminingregulationsand safetystandards.Yettragedy too often appears to be followed by investigations, fancy speeches, and promises.

The expansion of

Guyana's mining industry must be matched by a correspondinginvestmentin technical capacity and oversight More mining engineers, geotechnical specialists, mine inspectors, occupational safety officers and trained technicians are notoptionaladditionstothe sector They are essential safeguards against loss of life. If we are to continue benefiting from the wealth generated by our natural resources,thenwemustalso ensure that those charged with oversight possess the personnel, training, equipment and resources necessary to execute their mandateeffectively

The question before the countryisnotwhetherthese agenciesexist.

The question is whether they have been adequately equippedandempoweredto prevent these tragedies before they occur

According to the 2025 organisationalchartsofboth the GGMC and EPA, staff shortages are reported in severaldepartments.

The public is also entitled to answers on matters that have remained unresolved for months. The Minister of Labour publicly indicated that the report concerning worker complaintsandlabourissues at Guyana Goldfields had been completed but that he was unable to review it because he and members of his staff were attending a training programme at the time.

Workers and the public wereassuredthatthematter would receive attention Months later, those workers are still waiting We thereforeask:istheMinister still attending that training programme? If not, what were the findings of the r e p o r t , w h a t recommendations were madeandwhatactionshave been taken? Similar questions remain regarding the investigation into the quarrying sector, including concerns raised last month about labour conditions and the treatment of Indian workers at a quarry in Region 7 The public deserves to know the

outcome of thes e investigations, who was held accountable and what corrective measures were implemented.

The men and women who labour in our backdams, camps and mining districts contribute significantly to Guyana's economic prosperity. They deserve more than condolences after tragedy strikes. They deserve the assurance that every reasonablemeasureisbeing taken to protect their lives before disaster occurs

i m p o r t a n t , b u t investigations without conclusions, findings without publication, as in the case of Goldfields, also promises without action ultimately erode public confidence.

The Ministers and their oversight agencies will not only be judged on how they respond after a worker dies, but on their ability, and if they possess the capacity, commitment, and resolve to preventthatdeathinthefirst place.

Sincerely

Hon K Sharma

Solomon MemberofParliament APNU Representative onNaturalResources

GROSSI FOR UN SECRETARY-GENERAL: A COMPELLING CASE

DearEditor, Vishnu Bisram's piece in today's Kaieteur News on the UN Secretary-General selection prompted me to briefly weigh in on the two strongest candidates: Rafael Grossi of Argentina and MichelleBacheletofChile.

Grossi is the candidate to beat.At64,hepossesseswhat multilateral diplomacy rarely produces — genuine crossregional legitimacy, bridging Latin America and Europe with endorsements from Paraguay and Italy More critically, he likely carries Washington's confidence u n d e r t h e T r u m p administration In any realistic accounting of how a Secretary-General gets confirmed through the Security Council, American backing is not one variable amongmany Itisthedecisive one Six years leading the International Atomic Energy Agency 181 member states,responsiblefornuclear safeguards and preventing military misuse of nuclear technology has given Grossi principal-level workingrelationshipswithall 5permanentSecurityCouncil members His personal leadership of inspection missions to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant during active hostilities in Ukraine demonstrated exactly the

institutional courage and operational credibility the Secretary-General's office demandsinaneraofgenuine global crisis across all three UN pillars: peace and security, development, and humanrights.

Bachelet, at 74, brings distinction as Chile's first female president, former DefenceMinister,andformer UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. However, a changedChileangovernment has weakened her domestic institutional base, and her documented sympathies with the Castro government introducefrictioninprecisely the Western Hemisphere corridors where she might otherwise have been strongest.

G r o s s i ' s c r i t i c s characterise his instinct for institutional continuity as timidity The more accurate reading is strategic prudence — in an era of fracturing multilateralism, a SecretaryGeneral who commands competing great powers' confidence without trailing ideological baggage is exactly what the United Nations needs to remain functional.

Grossi is the most electablecandidate.

Regards,

M. Shabeer Zafar, barrister

Opposition leader moves to replace APNU's GECOM commissioners

…nominates Forde, Dhurjon and DaSilva as Norton digs in

Opposition Leader, Azruddin Mohamed has written to the leaders of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU, Aubrey Norton of his preferred nominees to take up seats at the level of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

In a letter dated June 10, 2026,whichwasalsocopied to Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) party leader Amanza Walton, Mohamedrevealedthatheis considering advising the president to appoint lawyers Roysdale Forde SC, Siand Dhurjon and Damien Da Silvatorepresenttheinterest

of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) on GECOM.

In his letter, the opposition leader noted the increasing need for three new commissioners of GECOMtobeappointed.

According to Mohamed, the matter is to be treated with urgency in light of the nationalobligationplacedon GECOM for Local Government Elections to be conducted at the earliest opportunity

He reminded in accordance to Article 1 6 1 ( 3 ) ( b ) o f t h e Constitution, the purpose of the opposition leader's advisoryroleistoensurethat theparliamentaryopposition

ul representation and confidence within the electionscommission.

To this end, Mohamed said he is considering advising the president to appoint the three lawyers to represent the opposition at theleveloftheGECOM.

Heexplainedintheletter that “that constitutional purpose would be substantially undermined if the largest parliamentary opposition were indefinitely bound by appointments purportedly made at the instance of the former opposition leadership representing a different politicalmandate.”

“Itisunthinkablethatthe constitution contemplated a situationwheretheleaderof the opposition (or the president) would be constrainedtoworkwith,be advised by and advise GECOM commissioners appointed largely at the instance of an adversary political party or leader representing a different politicalmandate.”

The opposition leader saidthathehasbeenadvised and presently consider that t h e c o n s t i t u t i o n contemplates that the seats of the three oppositionadvised members of GECOM have become vacant by operation of law,

APNULeader, Aubrey Norton

on account of their tenures having come to an end and being spent in the circumstances of a new principal opposition and a c o m p l e t e l y n o v e l parliamentaryconfiguration.

“It is also important to consider that when the governing political parties changed after elections in 2015 and again in 2020, previously oppositionappointed commissioners didnotcontinuetorepresent the interests of the newly elected opposition but were effectively and implicitly 'car

nly the interests of the government of the day as though they were in effect governmentappointedcommissioners.”

Mohamed noted that the situation persisted acceptably only because of the then-prevailing two-

partypolitics.

He asserted “That is no longer the case, and Guyana now enjoys a more diverse political landscape representative of the nuanced political views of theGuyanesepeople.”

“Asyouwouldbeaware, the appointments of the previous commissioners, namely Mr Charles Corbin, Desmond Trotman, and Vincent Alexander, were adviseduponbytheprevious opposition leader from a different political party, and they do not reflect the makeup of the opposition's parliamentary configuration atpresent.”

According to the opposition leader, the wellknown track record of the said individuals has caused public confidence in those former commissioners to greatly diminish; this also fortifies my view that my officewouldnotsupportany effort to re-appoint the said i n d i v i d u a l s a s commissioners.

Nevertheless, he said he remainspreparedtoconsider any representations advanced in support of the reappointment of any or all of those individuals, as I havenotclosedmymindon thatissue.

“For all of the above reasons, while I have not made up my mind or

Opposition

Leader, Azruddin Mohamed

finalised my decision, I am considering advising the presidenttoappointthe[sic] individuals as the new c o m m i s s i o n e r s o f GECOM.”

The opposition leader notesthattheindividualsare m

consideration.

“I remain willing to consider any suitable alternative nominee proposed,asIhavenotcome to a final decision,”

Mohamedsaid

To this end, he has invited Norton to offer his views and to submit the names of any individuals, whomhewouldwishtohave appointed as GECOM Commissionersonorbefore 19thJune,2026.

“Following this, you or your duly authorised representative is invited to a consultative meeting at

10:30amon23rdJune,2026, at the WIN Headquarters at SerenityCourt,GreenAcres, Providence, East Bank Demerara,togivethismatter furtherconsideration.

Having regard to the national importance of this matter,theoppositionleader said he intends to submit a finalisedlistofnamestothe presidentandtoGECOMno laterthan26thJune,2026.

Meanwhile in an invited comment with this publication, Norton insisted that there is no vacancy for n e w o p p o s i t i o n commissioners within GECOM.

“AsIhavesaidbeforeno vacancy exists, as far I am aware unless the current commissionersdieorresign, those seats are filled,” Norton stated. He said that at this time there is nothing thatcanbedonetocausethe mentovacatetheseats.

African street protest and its political usefulness

Frompage4

these points constitute a fair representationofthecasemadebythose whoopposeorganizingstreetprotests. I readily acknowledge that these are genuine challenges associated with street protests. Yet the crucial question remains: do these difficulties justify abandoning street protest as a political weapon?

Now, let me narrate what our political leaders don't say about their attitudetostreetprotests.

They never admit that they are not thekindofleaderswillingtoriskarrest or to go to jail to promote resistance against the rulers Their personal comfort is paramount. Their politics is one of minimal risk, little sacrifice; whatever their political convictions, theydonotseemtobelieveinleadingby example.

For them, to borrow a popular expression, "saving their own skin" is the name of the game. This approach emboldens those in power by giving them greater space to repress that masses with impunity, secure in the knowledge that opposition leaders are unlikelytoplacethemselvesdirectlyin harm'sway

Leaders' unwillingness to stand up and not be intimidated by the regime's jails weakens the resistance culture of theirsupportbaseandthecountry This is not inspiring leadership All oppressiveregimesknowthatitiseasier togetawaywiththeuseofviolenceand repressionagainstthemasses,buttodo the same to leaders attracts more sympathy and condemnation at home and abroad. So, in their self-interest, they seek to avoid such actions by not escalating the tension and political struggle.

A serious opposition must be conscious of this dynamic and act accordingly It must be prepared to challenge those in power in ways that push them beyond their political comfortzoneandforcethemtoconfront choicestheywouldratheravoid.

Some African leaders and politiciansareusuallydishonestintheir approach to the usefulness of street protests in the struggle, hiding behind the argument that it is only useful if it results in bringing down the government.Theirfaultylogicisthatif a street protest will not bring regime change, it is pointless. I deliberately chose to use the word dishonest since

they are aware, have knowledge and experience that the political value of streetprotestsisnotrestrictedtoregime change.The usefulness of this political toolinthestruggleiswellestablishedin the annals of history, Guyana, and the world.Theevidenceshowsthatitsmain value is to highlight the people's concernsandtopressurethesystemfor change. It is time that our leaders stopped the game-playing on this importantmatter Iconcludebyremindingourleaders of a point I have made elsewhere. The African community must engage in peaceful street protests in our communities to demonstrate our concernstothewiderworld,showthose in power that we are not defeated, and allow the younger generation to experience our collective political strength. In short, we must prepare our people to be “battle-ready” for the ultimate engagement that lies ahead. This cannot be achieved overnight; it mustbeagradualprocess.Startingwith small protests, one stage at a time, we must reclaim our streets to get to meaningfulsocialandpoliticalchange. Yourssincerely, TacumaOgunseye

‘Guyana’ssecurityapparatusweak’

...Paul Slowe warns AK-47 seizures, bombings point to national security emergency

Former Assistant Police Commissioner Paul Slowe has sounded the alarm over Guyana’s deteriorating national security system,warningthattherecentseizureof33 illegalassaultrifles,coupledwithaseriesof bombingsandactsofsabotage,signalsafullblown national security emergency that has outgrownthescopeofordinarypolicing.

Speaking on the heels of successive law enforcementoperationsthatnettedatotalof 33illegalassaultrifles,Sloweassertedinan exclusiveinterviewwith Kaieteur News that thecountry’ssecurityarchitectureislagging

dangerously behind its rapid economic transformation. He called for immediate international intervention to dismantle what he believes is a highly organised, sophisticatedcriminalnetwork.

Therecoveryof33assaultrifleshassent shockwaves through local law enforcement. According to police reports, 32 of the 33 seized weapons had their serial numbers meticulously obliterated to conceal their origins. Slowe dismissed the notion that the cache was intended for low-level street crimes, pointing instead to a much larger

securitythreat.

“Well, definitely the fact that 33 assault rifles can be discovered in such a relatively short space of time is cause for serious concern.So,becauseyoudon’tknowifthisis justthetipoftheiceberg,youdon’tknowthe extentoftheproblem,soitisdefinitelyaneed forconcern.Wealsodon’tknowthemotive; wedon’tknowthereasonwhytheseweapons are in the country Is it that they’re just in transit,passingthroughtogosomeplaceelse, or is it that they are intended to remain in Guyana?”Slowestated.

The former assistant commissioner emphasised that the sheer volume of military-grade firepower elevates the situation from a routine law enforcement matter to an immediate national security emergency Henotedthatthenatureofthese firearmspointsdirectlytowardacoordinated enterpriseratherthanpettycriminals.

“Thisisnolongerastrictlypoliceorlaw enforcement issue.This has to be dealt with asanationalsecuritymatter,”Sloweasserted adding “… this is not, in my view, this type and quantity of firearms cannot be intended foranysmall-timecriminalactivities.Thisis, we’retalkingaboutarmingatleast,basedon what was discovered, 33 people. So, there ought to be some, maybe, some wellorganised gang... It can’t be any small-time criminal. It’s got to be some big network, again, because of the number and type of firearms.It’sgottobesomethingalongwith somenetwork.”

BORDERSECURITY

Meanwhile, Slowe said the shipments of thegunshaveexposedcriticalvulnerabilities in the country’s border security, ports of entry, and intelligence frameworks. While state agencies have suggested that the weapons were smuggled through official maritime wharves in Georgetown, Slowe pointed out glaring contradictions and apparent failures within the current state narrative.

“Well,thefactthatthenumbersof,were attempts,Iwouldsay,attemptsweremadeto conceal the number, the serial numbers of these firearms, then shows that whoever are bringing them in, there’s some level of organisationandthatwearetryingtoensure that the origins of these firearms are not known,”Sloweexplained.

Further, the former assistant commissioner said, “It would appear as though the security forces are somewhat reactive in that they will tell us that these things are some intelligence-led operation... Butifyouhaveaproperintelligencesystem, thenmaybetheyshouldbepreventedbecause theytooaresuggestingthatthesethingscame through the wharves. Well, if they came through the wharves, why were they not detected at that point and prevented from enteringintothecountry?”

Slowesuggestedthatthe“failureisatthe border; at the wharves.” He said that it is difficult to believe that the guns are coming throughthewharvesundetected.

When questioned on whether Guyana’s securityagencieshavesimplyfailedtokeep pace with the rapid transformation brought onbyaboomingoileconomyandincreased migration, Slowe agreed. He noted that traffickers appear confident that they can exploit these weaknesses, and raised the alarming possibility of past undetected

Former Assistant Commissioner, Paul Slowe

shipmentsorinternalcollusion.

“Definitely, the security forces have not beenequippedtothepointwherewecanhave any confidence that these battles such as these are intercepted or prevented from comingin.Thefactthatpeoplecanshipthat number of firearms, again, indicate that maybe the people who are trafficking these firearms are confident that because of the poor estimation of these many borders, we cangetawaywiththis.

Again,thequestionis,howmanysimilar shipmentshavebeenmadethathavenotbeen detected?There’saquestionthatwillalways be in the forefront or should be in the forefrontofthesecurityforces,”Slowesaid.

Rather than laying blame on a single agency, Slowe emphasised that accountability must be shared across all branches of state security and governance, urging a collaborative approach rather than politicalfinger-pointing.

“All of the agencies, starting with the government,thepolice,CANU,theGRA,all theagencies.Thisisnottolayblameandsay who’sinvolvedandwho’snotinvolved.This is a serious, serious national security issue. Alltheagenciesinvolvedinnationalsecurity, including the government, the central, the otherintelligenceagency,allofthemhaveto bearsomeresponsibilityandIhopetheywill cometogetherandaddressthisthinginavery comprehensivewayanddon’tattempttojust pointfingers,”Slowenoted.

Headdedthatinvestigatorscannotafford tobecomplacentorassumethatluckallowed themtocatcheveryweaponthathasentered the borders, stressing that the suspects currently in custody must be thoroughly interrogatedtouncoverthetruescopeofthe pipeline.

“I’mnotsayingit’sthetipoftheiceberg. You don’t know the extent of the problem. You don’t know if you have become so extremely lucky to intercept the only two shipmentsthatwerebroughtin.So,youcan’t tell the extent of the issue until a proper, thorough investigation is done. And I’d say an investigation of this nature will require international assistance,” Slowe said noting thattheremustbeanassumptionthatsimilar shipmentsweremade.

“Youcan’tjustputitdowntobeinglucky and you’ll be able to intercept all of the firearmsthatwerebroughtin So,intermsof evidence,itisthateasyforyoutogetevidence astowhethersimilarshipmentsweremadeor not They have arrested persons, they put multiple people into persons Let’s hope that theinterrogationthatwillfollowmightunearth the evidence to suggest or to give you the extentoftheissue,”henoted Slowe also refused to rule out the possibilitythatthesmugglingoperationwas aidedbyindividualsworkingwithinthestate apparatus, arguing that a professional investigation must aggressively probe for internalcorruption.

“Well,itcouldbecollusion.Andagain,I Continued on page 22

No right to a firearm permit exists

Years ago, there was a man who contended, "I need a firearm licence because I have a lot of money."

The then relevant officer replied,"Thenyoucanafford security next application, please."

The man had been so confident he would get a firearm licence that he bought a holster before applying. The only thing he ended up carrying was the rejectionletter

There is a growing tendencyinsomesectionsof society to speak about firearm licences as though theyareanentitlement.They arenot.

No citizen of Guyana, whether rich or poor, possesses a legal right to be granted a firearm licence. A firearm licence is a privilege granted by the State under carefully prescribed conditions.

Manypeoplebelievethat because they are successful businesspersons, transport large sums of money, or operateenterprisesinremote locations, they should automatically qualify for a firearmpermit.

Thatbeliefhasnobasisin law

The Firearms Act does not say that a person who handles cash is entitled to carry a gun. It provides a framework under which the Statemaydecidewhetheritis appropriatetograntalicence.

The distinction is important.Aright belongs to an individual and can generally be claimed as a matter of

law, while a licence depends on the exercise of lawful discretionbytheauthorities.

A businessman may genuinely face risks associated with his trade. However, the existence of risk does not automatically translate into a right to possessadeadlyweapon.

If handling large sums of money were sufficient justification, thousands of people across Guyana could make the same claim. Shop

owners, market and pavement vendors, gold dealers, contractors and cashiers would all argue that they need firearms for protection.

TheStatecannotfunction on the basis of everyone decidingthattheyneedagun. Public safety demands a more careful and restrictive approach.

Those who handle large amounts of cash have alternatives available to them. They can employ licensed security services, improve security systems, use electronic payments, install surveillance equipment and adopt safer businesspractices.

Thelawdoesnotsaythat the State must arm citizens whenever they feel vulnerable It says that applications must be assessed according to established procedures and considerations.

The very existence of a l i c e n s i n g p r o c e s s demonstrates that firearm ownership is not automatic. Ifitwerearight,therewould be little need for authorities toscrutiniseapplications.

The courts in many Commonwealthjurisdictions have repeatedly recognised that firearm licences involve discretion rather than entitlement Licensing authorities are expected to weigh public safety, security concerns and the suitability ofapplicantsbeforereaching adecision.

Indeed, courts have consistently held that a person does not acquire a vested right simply because he desires a firearm or believes he has a need for one The public interest r e m a i n s a c

n t r a l consideration.

InGuyana,theregulatory framework surrounding

firearms in the hope of making an unfair system appearfair

The State has an obligation to ensure that weapons do not fall into unsuitable hands Every additional firearm in circulation carries potential risks not only for the holder butalsoforthewidersociety

A government that simply hands out firearm licencestoallwhoclaimthey need protection would be a b a n d o n i n g i t s responsibility Such an approach would inevitably increase the number of weapons in circulation and potentially increase the opportunitiesformisuse.

The purpose of firearm

accountability and public safety. The establishment of the Firearms Licence Approval Board reflected a recognition that decisions involvingfirearmsshouldbe subjected to scrutiny and oversight.

Some persons allege favouritism, political influenceorcorruptioninthe licensing system. They use these allegations as the basis for contending that they are beingdiscriminatedagainst.

That argument is fundamentally flawed An alleged abuse of a system does not create a legal right where none previously existed.

And if there is no such entitlement, there can be no contentionofdiscrimination.

If corruption exists, the solutionistoeliminateit.The answer is not to expand the distribution of

DEM BOYS SEH

We gat plenty roadside legal experts

Deotherdayamangetstopbydepolice andstartbehavinglikehejustgraduatefrom Law School, pass de Bar Exam, and get appointChiefJusticeallinoneafternoon.

Assoonasderankwalkuptodevehicle, de man announce, “Officer, ah notice yuh bodycameraain'ton.”

De policeman seh, “Sir, licence and registrationplease.”

Demanseh,“Notuntildecameracome on.”

Dem boys seh by de time de man finish quoting Facebook legal advice, YouTube constitutional experts and three WhatsApp messages from Auntie Cheryl, he was sounding like he know more law than de police, de courts, and every lawyer from GeorgetowntoLethemcombined.

Now hear de thing. Body cameras are important. Dem boys support dem. They helpprotectdepublicanddepolice.Butde use of body cameras is a police regulation and operating procedure. It is not some magicallegalshieldthatturnseverycitizen intoatraffic-stopsuperhero.

Somepeoplecarryingonasifdelawsay, “Nocamera,nocompliance.”

Demboyssearchhighandlowandcan't findthatsectioninanyActofParliament.

If a rank gives a lawful instruction, de factthatheorsheforgottoswitchonabody camera does not suddenly transform you intoaconstitutionalfreedomfighter

You can make a complaint afterwards. You can report that de camera was not activated. You can ask questions. You can seekaccountability

But standing up by de roadside declaring,“Irefusetocooperateuntilderedlightblinking,”isastrategythatcouldcarry yuh from traffic stop straight into de lockups Dem boys seh Guyana got a growing population of roadside attorneys. Every traffic stop turns into a courtroom. Every cell phone owner becomes a legal scholar Every Facebook commenter suddenly has twenty years constitutional experience.At de end of de day, knowing yuh rights is good. But inventing rights as yuhgoalongisadangeroushobby

Because sometimes de loudest legal expertonderoadsideisdeverysameperson whogettin'delawcompletelywrong. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

inconvenience citizens. It is tobalanceindividualsecurity concerns against the collective safety of the nation. The licensing authority must be free to consider the broader public interest. It must also be free to refuse applications where it believes that refusal better servespublicsafety

T h i s i s n o t discrimination. It is the very essence of a licensing system.

The possession of firearms is a matter that affectseverycitizen.Forthat reason, the law properly reserves to the State the powertodecidewhomaybe entrustedwithsuchweapons.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the authoranddonotnecessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

N o o n e h a s a constitutional right to demandthattheStateplacea firearm in his hands. No one can insist that wealth, status oroccupationshouldcompel the authorities to issue a permit.

Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett for UN Sec Gen. – I endorse

Way to go, Excellency

Ali Excellency Carolyn

Rodrigues-Birkett is Guyana’s nominee for the prestigious and demanding role of United Nations Secretary General. Why not? Since everybody globallyhavetheireyesona wedge of Guyana’s riches, here’s an opportunity to do somehorse-trading.

A vote for Excellency Rodrigues-Birkett is a favourable ballot cast for a portion of Guyana’s patrimony Thereisplentyto share around The Ali government can be

depended upon to be generous Recall that politics, whether at the bottom-house level or the rooftops of the world is about quid pro quos (something for something). A fair bargain, I say Dependingonwhatisgotten forwhatisgivenaway TheGuyanaGovernment (PPP)maynotlikeGuyanese born Dr. Arif Bulkan in the roleofCCJjurist. Isreported to have stood in the way of hisascendingtoanotherrole in Europe that was a tribute to his perspicacity and sagacity Indeed, his mind

and the manner in which he employs it will always be twoperennialbestsellers.

The hope is that I am g

Excellency,Dr Ali,Guyana’s president Callofthecurs,sir Vehemence in politics is pardonable. Up to a point only ButthePPP’sthirstfor

viciousness that must accompany it to reinforce should have no place in Guyana’s politics. Let that be monopolised by Donald Trump Let him have exclusive rights to those

depravedstandards.

IfGuyanaisevergoingto comewithin100milesofOne Guyana, then PPP savagery against Dr Arif Bulkan should not be Who are the haters now, if not the PPP?

But there is Excellency Rodrigues-Birkett whose name is now entered in the UNSecGenrace. Isupport her nomination for several reasons. Notwithstanding her former flair for tableclimbing, political gyrating, and other such entertaining antics. What is past is past. There is her nomination to whichIlendmyvoice.

First, she is Guyanese Two, she is female -would make a groundbreaking SecretaryGeneral Thereisa femaleCARICOMSecretary General, Excellency Carla Barnett. Therewasawoman Commonwealth Secretary General, Baroness Patricia Janet Scotland. Excellency R

is Guyanese, a woman, and third she is also of Indigenousheritage.

She is also fairly astute Politically Recall how she praised former U S Ambassador Brendt Hardt (another devout Roman Catholic), days before her

sister ministers in the PPP scorched him with a so-called feral blast, and in his castle of all places. An unbeatable combination; a winner for whom I would vote eight days in every week. It’s the way that the PPP has practised voting, isn’tit?

After all the horrors that theSpaniards,Dutch,French, British(andnowAmericans) inflicted upon the Incas, Aztecs,Caribs,Arawaks,and other Indigenous peoples native to this hemisphere, it is time for some leveling of the scales, an executive and administrative repatriation ofsorts.

The US has a big say, holdsasignificantamountof sway in things of this nature (likeitdoeswiththeICJ),and it is a special friend of Guyana. So, I am counting for the U.S. to favour Sister Carolyn. Chinaisapartner, ally, and fellow traveler alongsideGuyana.

Thus, nothing prevents that superpower from the Orient to throwdown with thumbs up for Guyana’s choiceforUNSG Itshould be a lock. Naturally, it depends on what Guyana is offering in return. Get real,

Guyanese. Welcome to the real world. Pres. Ali has madehisname(suchasitis) as a willing soldier when it comestodealmaking. This ishisbigopportunitytogive a big hand up to Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett. She can dependonhim. Iam. In the spirit of One Guyana,IurgeallGuyanese to rally behind Excellency Rodrigues-Birkett’s nomination. Letusallshow Pres Ali, and the PPP, how it’s done Politics is cast out Bygone begone If only Guyana worked like this, Guyanese thought like this

What could be a better manifestation of Essequibo belongs to Guyana, EssequiboisOURS! Where is Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett fromifnotthestoriedshores of Essequibo. She is ours. Therefore, the UN SG job should be hers. Whoever seeks to do business here bettergetthatright.

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

Nat’l Cultural Centre set for restoration as design phase advances - Jacobs

The National Cultural Centre (NCC) is slated to undergo restoration and modernisation this year, as the government advancesthedesignandprocurementphases for the country’s premier performing arts venue.

Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, confirmed the development during a recent interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI).Heindicatedthattechnicalconsultants arecurrentlyfinalisingadesignphaseaimed

at overhauling both the external aesthetics andinternalinfrastructureofthefacility

“We recognise and understand that His Excellency has made it very clear that the National Cultural Centre is important to us, andwewanttoensurethatitisfullyrestored,” Jacobs stated He emphasised that the modernisation aims to deliver a venue that serves the diverse daily needs of local artists andorganisationswhileremainingapointof nationalpride.AccordingtoDPI,the Continued on page 13

Parliamentary absenteeism will not be tolerated –WIN MPs

OppositionMembersofParliament(MP) arepreparingtodeployadual-trackstrategy of local media scrutiny and international diplomatic pressure to combat what they characterise as persistent, deliberate governmentabsenteeism.

The move, spearheaded by We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) MPsVishnu Panday and OdessaPrimus,aimstobreakalong-standing gridlock paralysing crucial parliamentary oversight bodies, most notably the Public AccountsCommittee(PAC)andtheForeign RelationsCommittee.

For over two years, opposition figures have accused government members of weaponisingquorumrequirementsbyfailing toshowup,effectivelystallingthescrutinyof statespendingandforeignaffairs.

Panday, recently elected as the new Chairman of the PAC, has declared that tackling government attendance is his absolute first order of business. The stakes are high; a massive backlog of Auditor

General reports currently sits un-reviewed, leaving billions in public expenditures withoutlegislativeoversight.

“One of the corrective measures is that I will have very actively the media involvement,” Panday stated in an invited commenttoKaieteurNews,emphasisingthat public exposure is now the opposition’s primarydomesticweapon.“Themediahasan importantroleintermsofhavingtheseissues tobefullyventilatedandfullyhighlighted.I fully believe that that’s one of the ways we cangetimprovement.”

Panday announced that he will officially logmemberattendanceatthePAC’sveryfirst meeting, expected to be called next week. Shouldgovernmentrepresentativescontinue to miss scheduled sessions, the opposition plans to take the attendance data directly to thepublicthroughregularpressbriefings.

Thefrustrationisrootedinrecenthistory InAugust 2024, former PAC Chairman and formerAPNUMPJermaineFigueirapenned

a public letter revealing that over 40 PAC meetings had been cancelled solely because government members failed to show up, preventing the committee from reaching a quorum.

Meanwhile, WIN’s MP Odessa Primus who was recently elected to serve as Chairperson of the Foreign Relations Committee said that the opposition parties arestrictlyunifiedoncriticalnationalissues and are coordinatinga collaborativeagenda. Plans are underway to convene a strategy session next week that will include Forward Guyana Movement’s (FGM) leaderAmanza Walton to provide guidance based on her experience.

“In my estimation, two things readily come to mind in terms of important issues that need to be addressed, and that is the Venezuela-Guyana issue and a solid migration policy,” Primus said in an invited commenttoKaieteurNews.

She warned that the country’s current framework is entirely inadequate to handle shifting regional dynamics. “I just think we’realittlewildinverymanyrespectsasit relatestomigration,particularlywithpersons coming into Guyana, and how that works in termsofthemgettingtheircitizenshipandall thesesortsofthings.”

Characterising the legislative gap as an emergency, Primus stressed that the regulatory framework must be overhauled immediately. “That needs to be changed urgently,” she stated. “I believe that putting policies in place to regulate these sorts of things is quite necessary at this juncture. It wasnecessarybeforewegottothisjuncture, butit’sevenmorenecessarynow.”

The opposition MPs emphasise they are fullypreparedforaprolongedpoliticalbattle toenforceparliamentaryaccountability

“Nothingisgoingtobeeasyorasmooth run,asthey[thegovernment]arehell-benton beingdifficultandnotnecessarilyputtingthe bestinterestofthepeoplefirst,”Primussaid. “Andifithastobeafight,that’swhatithasto be.”

To counter executive resistance and

quorum manipulation, the opposition’s strategy will rely on bypassing internal parliamentary roadblocks by taking the gridlock directly to domestic and international platforms. Beyond local media campaigns,oppositionMPsarenowprepared tolookacrossborderstoforcecompliance. If localised transparency measures and public shaming fail to incentivise consistent government participation, the opposition plans to formally engage international democratic watchdogs and foreign diplomatic missions stationed in Georgetown.

“If it is that we have to write letters to protest,toputinformationoutinthemediaso people could know what the government is failing to do, if we need to engage the internationalcommunitytolendtheirsupport

Continued on page 22

T&Tfirm,localpartnerwincontracttorunGuyana’sNGLplant

TrinidadandTobago’sPhoenixParkGas Processors Limited (PPGPL), partnering with Guyanese firm GuyGas Inc., has been identified as the top-ranked consortium to operate and maintain the Gas-to-Energy (GTE)Phase1NaturalGasLiquids (NGL) Plant — a milestone Guyana’s push to harness its offshore gas reserves for d o m e s t i c e n e r g y transformation.

The announcement was madeTuesdaybytheOffice of the Prime Minister (OPM), which confirmed thatCabinethasgranteditsnoobjection to the commencement offormalnegotiationswiththetwo firms, with the goal of finalising an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) arrangementfortheNGLfacility

newspapers the Guyana Chronicle, GuyanaTimes,KaieteurNews,andStabroek News — under National Procurement and Tender Administration Board reference 124/2025/02.

ACompetitive,OpenProcess

The selection followed a rigorous open Request for Proposals (RFP) advertised in January 2025 across four national

Five proposals were received and evaluated by a dedicated Evaluation Committee, which assessedsubmissionsagainst administrative, technical, andfinancialcriteria.

The PPGPL-led proposal, with GuyGas Inc. as local partner, ranked first overall—earningthehighest technicalscorealongsidewhat the OPM described as “the most

commercialoffer.”

DefinedRoles,RegionalExpertise

Undertheproposedarrangement,PPGPL willserveasleadO&Moperator,bringingits establishedregionalexperienceinnaturalgas liquids processing to bear on the facility GuyGas Inc. will function as the local

Nat’lCulturalCentresetforrestoration...

Frompage11 upcoming physical works will target critical internal amenities, including comprehensive upgrades to the performers’ dressing rooms andpublicwashroomfacilities.

The project timeline dictates that the procurementprocesswilllaunchimmediately followingtheconclusionofthedesignphase. Jacobs confirmed that physical construction remainsontracktocommencebeforetheend of2026.

This upcoming phase of restoration is engineered to further reinforce Guyana’s culturalinfrastructureanddrivethesustained growth of the local creative sector by providing a highly functional environment forthenation’sculturalpractitioners.

In 2019, Kaieteur News reported that initialphasessawa$7millioninvestmentfor stage monitors, amplifiers, and line array speakers, which was followed by a $19 million state-of-the-art Public Address (PA) sound system. That structural push also encompassed critical electrical rewiring, the

purchase of new stage curtains, modern lighting system installations, and repairs to theNCC’sroofstructure.

This was followed by an interior modernisationprojectin2022,duringwhich the government oversaw the installation of 2,002 brand new theater seats in the main auditorium to replace the old chairs. That phase also successfully integrated updated acoustic panels, advanced theatrical lighting arrays, and enhanced security systems throughoutthespace.

Located on Homestretch Avenue in Georgetown, the National Cultural Centre originallyopeneditsdoorsonMay16,1976, and has since stood as Guyana’s premier location for cultural and theatrical entertainment.

The historic auditorium accommodates approximately 2,000 patrons, featuring a specialised stage built 48 feet (15 m) deep withanintegratedorchestrapit,a72-foot(22 m)wideopening,anda20-foot(6.1m)high prosceniumarch.

partner, with a specific mandate to support local content requirements and facilitate the transfer of skills and technical capacity to Guyaneseworkers.

The O&M scope covers Core Services and a Long-Term Maintenance Plan for the Phase1NGLPlant,withtheprecisetermsto befinalisedthroughnegotiation.

WhatthePlantDoes—and WhatThisDealDoesNotCover

TheNGLPlantisacentralcomponentof theintegratedGas-to-Energyfacilitylocated near Georgetown. It brings associated gas ashore from the prolific Stabroek Block to generate cleaner, lower-cost electricity for Guyana, while also recovering propane, butane, and pentanes-plus for both domestic useandexport.

TheOPMwasexplicit,however,thatthis O&M engagement is narrowly scoped. It doesnotextendtothesupplyandbottlingof LPG, the sale and marketing of recovered NGLs,orthedevelopmentofadditionalNGL storageandoffloadinginfrastructure—allof which are being advanced through separate procurementprocesses.

Separately, the OPM confirmed that Siemens Energy has been selected as the O&M operator for the project’s 300megawatt combined-cycle power plant and its balance of plant and auxiliary facilities. Siemens Energy will hold overarching responsibility for coordinating operations and maintenance across the integrated facility, with the NGL Plant’s operations slottedintothatbroaderframework. GuyaneseWorkforceattheCentre

Acentral condition of the engagement is an explicit commitment to Guyanese employment and capacity building. The arrangement is structured to maximise the number of Guyanese working at the facility from the outset, with a deliberate, phased transitionplanthroughwhichlocalpersonnel will progressively assume operational and maintenanceresponsibilities—supportedby structuredtraining,mentorshipprogrammes, and systematic skills transfer from the experiencedoperator Plant start-up is targeted for the first quarterof2027(Q12027).TheOPMnoted

Continued on page 14

Albionsugarworkersdowntools

...demand higher wages and back pay

Caneharvestersattachedtothe Albion Sugar Estate have intensified industrial action, refusing to return to work as they demand the payment of longoverdue retroactive earnings and improvedwages.

The workers, who gathered near the Corentyne estate for a second consecutive day on Tuesday, said they will not resume duties until the outstanding paymentsaremade.

“Since yesterday we strike and deh out hay, no minister or governmentofficialain’tcomehay yet. “How long we ain’t get this retroactive money, we not resumingwork.Wehavetogetour retroactivemoney.”

Those were some expressions offrustrationventedtoOpposition

Leader, Azruddin Mohamed, who alongside WIN Member of Parliament (MP), Gobin Harbhajan, visited the workers at thelocation.

According to Mohamed, President Irfaan Ali had promised theworkersthattheywouldreceive their retroactive and out-of-crop paymentswhenhevisitedthemlate 2025.

“Theretroactivewastobepaid since last year Since before Christmas. We are at the mid of June, halfway into the year They said when the crop finished, you will get the money Now the crop finished,nopayment.”

Cane harvesters also highlighted that wages are disproportionate to the demanding labor A sugar worker earns just

over$6000perday Thosegathered on Tuesday pitted that figure againstthecurrenteconomicstrain in Guyana, and collectively lamenteditsinadequacy

“We getting four days of work (out-of-crop), $27,000 a week WhenNISandunionduescut,that can’t take care of our family, with costofliving,”oneworkeradded.

Similar sentiments were expressedbyagroupofdisgruntled cane harvesters at the Rose Hall Estate.

The opposition leader asserted that the government has the resources, but is instead diverting itsusage.

“The retro money that them man gon’ pay now, they’re not paying 7-day retro. Seven days we work at the factory, they pay we (for) five days,” another worker expressed.

Another sugar worker stated

that at a meeting with the Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha sometimeback,theyweretoldthat the sugar corporation did not have sufficient resources to pay them, and that government will have to makethepayments.

Afrustrated Jermaine Crandon said,“In2024,theseventhofMay,I had an accident, and on to now I can’t get my money Over two years. And I have four children to take care of. (They are saying) today, tomorrow, this week, next week Up to now they can’t complete the paperwork for me to getmymoney.”

GUYSUCO continues to receive billions of dollars in government support annually to sustainitsoperations.

Justlastweek,aSupplementary Financial Paper was presented to the House by Finance Minister Ashni Singh, which sought $55

billion.FromthatsumGUYSUCO willbeboostedby$3billion. The money was requested almostfourmonthsafterthelargest national budget was passed by the PPP administration, and from which $13.4B was injected to the sugarcorporation.

Harbhajan clarified that the opposition is in favor of fundings thatareputtousefortheworkers He called on Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, to explain how the monies are used

“In2026,wedidn’tobjecttoit. He come with $13.4 billion, and now,theotherdayinParliament,he come back for $3 billion.We have no problem if that money is going to be paid to you guys. We’re not againstthat.”

Companyofficialscouldnotbe reached for comments on the matter

Chinese food and culture fair launched at UG to mark Dragon Boat Festival

TheUniversityofGuyana(UG) TurkeyenCampuswastransformed into a vibrant hub of cultural exchange on Monday, June 15, as nearly 200 students, faculty, and diplomats gathered for the Dragon Boat Festival Food and Culture Event Thefair,jointlyhostedbythe ChineseEmbassyinGuyanaandthe university, offered patrons a direct experience of Chinese heritage through traditional culinary arts andhands-onculturalexhibitions.

The event was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Yang Yang, University of Guyana Vice-Chancellor Dr Paloma

Mohamed-Martin, faculty representatives,andmembersofthe Guyana-ChinaAlumniAssociation

Ambassador Yang introduced

thesignificanceoftheDragonBoat Festival,notingthatfoodcarriesthe Chinesepeople’slongingforfamily, reunion, and a better life, and has becomeanimportantpartofChinese culture She expressed hope that participants could, through tasting Chinese food and taking part in culturalexperiences,getatasteofa more vivid, friendly, and real China.

During her keynote address, Ambassador Yang detailed how traditionaldishesserveasvesselsfor cultural values across generations

Thefairfeaturedanextensivespread of regional Chinese cuisine, allowing attendees to sample the distinct culinary traditions of both southernandnorthernChina

“The zongzi prepared for today

T&Tfirm,localpartnerwincontract...

Frompage13 thatengagingaprovenoperatoris intended to ensure the facility is commissioned and run “safely, reliably,andefficiently.”

DueDiligenceBeforeSigning

Before any agreement is executed, the arrangement will undergofurthertechnicalandlegal scrutiny including reviews by the Ministry of Legal Affairs and the Attorney General’s Chambers toverifythatcommercialterms, benchmarks, and structural

arrangements are reasonable, consistent with industry best practice,andcomparabletosimilar arrangementsinthesector

The Gas-to-Energy project remains a cornerstone of the government’s broader energy strategy: delivering reliable, affordable, and cleaner power to Guyanese households and businesses,whilecultivatinglocal expertise and unlocking opportunities across the energy valuechain.

isthemostrepresentativefoodofthe DragonBoatFestival,”Ambassador Yangexplained “Hargow,wonton, walnut buns and other dim sum reflectthedelicateandrefinedstyle ofCantonesecuisinefromsouthern China Baozi,soymilk,andbigbowl tea, on the other hand, carry the familiar taste of everyday life in northern China. These foods may taste different and come from differentregions,buttogetherthey show just how diverse, open, and fulloflifeChinesecuisinetrulyis.”

Theambassadordrewaparallel between China’s regional flavors and the multicultural culinary landscape of Guyana, noting that both nations express their diverse histories at the dining table “I believe our Guyanese friends can especially appreciate the beauty of such ‘diverse flavors,’” Yang observed. “Guyana also has a wonderfully rich food culture Different communities, histories, and traditions meet at the dining tableandtogethercreatetheunique flavors of Guyana. Pepperpot, for example,carriesstrongIndigenous traditions.Curryandrotirepresent authentic Indian flavors. Black cake, often enjoyed during festive occasions, highlights the local Caribbean character shaped by rum, sugar, and spices. And of course, the chow mein and fried rice that everyone knows so well arevividexamplesofhowChinese

culture and local Guyanese food traditionshaveblendedtogether.”

Beyondthefoodtastings,thefair featured interactive cultural booths where UG students and guests participated in traditional crafts, including paper cutting, crafting scented sachets, and the intricate processofwrappingzongzi.

Many participating students reportedbeingdeeplyimpressedby the richness and diversity of the culinaryofferings,expressingakeen interest in future travel and study opportunities to learn more about China’s ongoing development and heritage

Vice-Chancellor Dr Paloma Mohamed-Martin affirmed the significanceofthegathering,stating

that the traditional friendship between Guyana and China has a long history She noted that the occasionwasnotonlyacelebration ofthebilateralrelationshipbutalso an invaluable opportunity for studentsandcitizenstodeepentheir understanding of China’s developmentandculturalheritage.

The food and culture fair immediatelyfollowedaformalbook donation ceremony at the UG Library earlier that afternoon Ambassador Yang emphasised that thedualinitiativesweredesignedto engagedifferentsensestoachievea singular diplomatic goal: fostering deepermutualunderstandingamong youngpeople

Continued on page 21

The minibus partially submerged in a nearby trench along the Diamond New Interlink Road.

Tineka Hicks’body being removed from the scene of the accident.

Teacher killed after minibus flips into trench

Dead: Tineka Hicks

A 30-year-old secondary school teacher was killed on Tuesdaymorning,aftertheminibusshewastravellingin,lost control while overtaking, toppled onto its side, and plunged partially into a roadside trench, leaving several other passengers,includingstudents,injured.

The victim has been identified as Tineka Hicks of Great Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD), a teacher at Dolphin Secondary School. The incident occurred at approximately 08:30h.alongtheDiamondNewInterlinkRoad,EBD,under conditionsmadetreacherousbyheavyrainfall.

Accordingtopolice,theminibuswastravellingnorthalong thewesterndrivinglanewhenthedriverattemptedtoovertake anothervehicle Helostcontrolofthebusonthewetsurface, causingittotoppleontoitsrightside,skid,andcometorest partiallysubmergedinatrenchonthewesternsideoftheroad.

Hicks was found pinned inside the vehicle Despite the emergency response, she could not be saved and was pronounced dead on the scene Her body was subsequently takentotheMemorialGardenFuneralHome.

Six other occupants three students and three adults sustained injuries and were transported to the Diamond RegionalHospitalfortreatment Thedriveroftheminibuswas takenintopolicecustody,andinvestigationsareongoing.

NewsofHicks’deathpromptedanimmediateandheartfelt outpouring of tributes on social media from colleagues, students,andmembersofthepublicwhoknewher Dolphin Secondary School, in a statement posted on Facebook,saiditwas“deeplysaddenedbythissuddenloss.”

“Tinekawasavaluedmemberofourschoolfamilywhose presence,dedication,andcontributionswillbegreatlymissed by students, staff, and all who had the privilege of knowing her,”theschoolsaid.

Thelossaddstoatroublingpatternoffatalroadaccidentson Guyana’s public roads, with wet conditions and reckless overtakingamongthemostpersistentcontributingfactors

At least $792M for construction of New Amsterdam Market

The construction of a new market facility in New Amsterdam, Region Six is expected to cost approximately $792million.

TheprojectwhichisbeingexecutedthroughtheMinistry of Local Government and Regional Development was

Lot1

$290,942,159

Lot2

$284,805,959

Lot3

$210,904,302

AndrectEngineering&ConstructionInc.

CrownRoad&DrainageContractors

A.Ally&SonsSuperStore

Lot1

$291,073,409

Lot2

$284,910,959

Lot3$211,114,302

Lot4$145,422,008

Lot1$356,818,403

Lot2

$341,131,718

Lot3$280,367,955

Lot4$173,405,190

Lot1$371,581,235

Lot2$345,508,160

Lot3$287,258,041

Lot4$176,484,357

HDInvestments Lot1$271,210,198

$237,632,788

$189,092,278

$134,216,775

UrbanEdgeBuildersInc

I.KhanContractingServices

Amaya'sTrading

DBLGroupInc

$311,962,502

$285,810,013

opened at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) recently and has attracted some 42 contractors. With no engineer's estimate listed, the works will be done in four lots. Contractors interested in all fourlots,havebidbetween$792millionand$1.4billionfor theproject.

Kaieteur News understandsthattheprojectispartofthe $18billionapprovedinthenationalbudgetformarketsacross the country President Irfaan Ali had announced in August 2025, that the government would replace the decades-old NewAmsterdammarketwithanewmodernstructure.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand had said recently, that marketsremaincriticaleconomichubswithincommunities, providing livelihoods for hundreds of families, while ensuringaccesstofreshproduceandgoodsforresidents.

She said her ministry is working to improve the infrastructures, enhancing sanitation facilities, addressing drainage concerns, and creating a more organised and resilientspaceforvendorsandcustomersalike.

Singh&SonConstruction

OneInvestment

JKEnterpriseInc

6AEnterprise

$147,326,603

$189,292,278

$134,426,775

Kee-ChanonaGuyanaInc Lot1$426,681,320 Lot2$449,316,642 Lot3$332,141,638

ExtermaxPestControl

JosephDrepaulConstruction

MemorexEnterprise

NeminInternational

KaizenIndustries

Rishal'sConstruction&MaintenanceService

NPContracting&TransportationServices

Lot1$270,091,890 Lot2$234,389,805 Lot3$184,680,751 Lot4$133,385,364

Lot1

$318,991,890

Lot2$704,786,285

Lot3$226,261,801

Lot4$169,151,455

Lot4$188,160,357

Lot1$357,898,128

Lot2$318,801,608

Lot3$260,670,141

Lot4$165,333,525

Lot1$354,150,216

Lot2$320,497,092

Lot3$256,152,561

Lot4$168,294,525

Lot1$290,784,659

Lot2$284,595,959

Lot3$210,799,302

Lot1$308,400,873

Lot2$276,554,605

Lot3$203,016,551 Lot4$142,885,365

NKEnterpriseInc Lot1$282,974,580 Lot2$261,838,620

EmeraldsGeneralContracting&Distributors

Lot3$224,569,701

Lot4$159,508,650

Lot1$305,225,561

Lot2$258,387,052

Lot3$201,613,701

Lot4$149,580,743

A&KConstruction&MaintenanceServices Lot1$315,298,935 Lot2$284,272,053

Lot3$257,972,751 Lot4$167,659,590

StatixConstruction

NabiConstructionInc Lot1$420,826,861

Lot2

Man charged for raping sister-in-law granted $250,000 bail

ABlairmont, West Bank Berbice man who allegedly broke into his sister-in-law's home and raped her last Thursdaynight,wascharged for the offense and granted $250,000bail.

Lookesh Daljit, 38, of Lot 14 Blairmont, appeared attheBlairmontMagistrate's Court before Magistrate MichelleMatthias,fivedays after committing the act on hisbrother'swife.

It is alleged that on June 11, Daljit, also known as 'Willy', sexually penetrated the 26-year-old woman withoutherconsent.Hewas not required to plea as the charge was read in his hearing The prosecution statedthatitwasreadytogo forward with the matter, as investigationsarecomplete.

$320,960,128

A.AConstruction Lot1

$278,079,076 Lot4

KallGuyInc Lot1

$150,649,349

$282,029,580

$260,983,620

$159,088,680

Lot1

$290,673,318

JREngineeringSolutions

A.M Shaffi Contracng

BluePrintBuildersInc

H&SContractingServices

MajorConstruction&Supplier

F.KEnterprise

HolisticContracting&ProcurementInc

IndustrialFabricationsInc

R&PConstruction

Lot2

Lot3

Lot4

Lot2

Lot3

$282,537,918

$213,257,287

$159,115,824

$566,691,925

$374,135,381

Lot4$186,709,819

Lot1

Lot2

Lot3

Lot4

Lot1

$323,597,862

$296,897,743

$237,483,481

$157,856,769

$332,343,816

Lot2$261,645,685

Lot3

Lot1

Lot2

Lot3

Lot4

Lot3

Lot4

Lot1

Lot2

Lot3

$24,862,781

$291,073,409

$284,910,959

$211,114,302

$145,422,008

$227,619,642

$166,685,873

$315,575,169

$314,046,159

$223,223,451

Lot4$174,702,255

Lot1

Lot2

Lot3

Lot4

Lot1

Lot2

Lot3

AYNConstruction&GeneralServices Lot1

B.MPropertyInvestmentsInc Lot1

Lot4

$426,741,333

$429,827,618

$314,155,224

$369,132,656

$289,759,922

$282,448,561

$208,587,021

$152,626,152

$291,069,219

$211,014,031

$145,244,873

Vishal'sContractingCompany

D.Chowkai&SonsConstruction

Lot1

The accused, a cane harvester, was granted bail, withaddedconditionsthathe steer clear of the virtual complainantforatleast50ft. Failure to comply to those conditions will see a revocation of his bail, and him being detained for the durationofthecase.

The matter will resume onJune29,2026.

Thevictim,whoisaparttimeworker,livesalonewith her daughter On Friday, she toldreportersthatshewasin bed on Thursday evening when a sound woke her Upon investigating, she foundnothingandwentback to bed. Her daughter was asleeptoo.

Another sound, much like a footstep, would wake her up again, and she would then observe her husband's brother, Daljit, standing in h

immediately choked and threatenedtokillherandher daughter should she attempt toalertanyone,shesaid.

He then reportedly told her that it was his birthday, anddemandedtohavesexual intercourse with her as his birthday present, which she statedshepromptlyobjected to This angered the perpetrator, who then snatched her by her hair and choked her with more violence.

Sherelatedthatheplaced her on the floor, took both their clothing off, and ordered her to perform oral sex on him. As she refused, he nevertheless pinned her down and forced himself inside her The traumatised woman said she was fearful for her and her daughter's lives, which caused her to abide by his instructions to remainquiet.

Aftercompletinghisact, Daljit reportedly took a 'Sting' from her refrigerator and drank it, and before he left, he told her they must have another session. Also, shewasthreatenedthatifshe disclosed the incident to anyone,hewouldkillher

Afterheleft,shereached out to neighbors who assisted her to the hospital for medical attention A report was made to the Blairmont Police Station, andshortlyafter,herbrotherin-lawwasapprehended.

Speaking to this publication, the woman said she is afraid of what could possibly happen to her, now that her assailant is out on bail.

Chinesefoodandculture fairlaunchedatUG...

Frompage14

“Just now, we donated a collection of Chinese books to UG's Library, hoping to help more students learn aboutChinathroughreading. And now, we are bringing zongzi,dumplings,dimsum, and many other Chinese foodstoyou,hopingthatyou can also experience China through taste,” Ambassador Yangstated.

Reaffirming the

$179,173,534

$215,561,178 Lot4

Lot1

$314,046,159

embassy's commitment to localyouthdevelopment,the Ambassador concluded by pledging continued institutional support for the university “Young people are the

future of our countries, and they are also the future of China-Guyana friendship,” Yang said. “The Chinese Embassy stands ready to continue strengthening cooperation with the University of Guyana and to support more exchanges in education,culture,andyouth engagement. We welcome more UG students to learn more about China. We are also willing to provide more opportunities for you to study, visit, and take part in exchanges in China, so that youcanseetherealChinafor yourselves and share Guyana's stories with Chinesefriends.”

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11 bid to survey sites for six new...

The Ministry of Education has received 11 expressions of interest geotechnical and topographical surveys forsixnewprimaryschoolsto bebuiltinRegionsOne,Two, Four,Five,Six,and10.

Accordingtoinformation released by the National ProcurementandTenderAdministrationBoard(NPTAB),the 11biddersareCivilEngineering Lab Guyana; E&A Consultants Inc.; Innovative Engineering Consultancy Services; Automated EngineeringServices;CaribbeanEngineering&ManagementConsultants Inc.; Sizwe Jackson ConsultancyService;GREngineering Company; SRKN’gineering & Associates Limited; C.B & Associates Inc.; Beston Consulting Inc.;andDemeraraEngineering,P.L.L.C(USA).

Initsinitialadvertisement, the ministry noted that the Government of Guyana has received financing from the Inter-AmericanDevelopment Bank(IDB)towardthecostof the “Support for Education Recovery and Transformation” and intends to apply part for consulting services.

The IDB had approved the financing of US$90 million towards the Support for Educational Recovery and Transformation project back in 2023. Guyana’s loan was designed to expand access to safe and improved learning environments and enhance educationalservicesforvulnerablestudentsinGuyana,theIDB saidinapressrelease.

The six school sites that the ministry is seeking geotechnicalandtopographicalsurveyforistheParakeese Primary School in Region One; Suddie Primary School in Region Two; Cummings LodgeinRegionFour;Experiment Primary School in Region Five; Chesney Primary School in Region Six; and Sand Hill Primary School in Region10.

The notice states that the consulting services include: conduct a geotechnical site investigation inclusive of boreholes, laboratory testing and field surveys; produce a soils investigation report summarisingthefindingsand recommendations of the geotechnical investigation; and use the report as the ba-

‘Guyana’s

From page 8 say that is the reason why you have to have a proper investigation. I’m not saying there is, but you have got to investigate to rule out or to eliminate all those possibilities that there’s no collusion from state agencies or state individualsworkingonbehalf of the state,” Slowe stated.

To unravel the network, Slowe insisted that Guyana mustrelyonforensictechnologyandexternalagencieslike the FBI and Interpol to trace the weapons back to their source of manufacture in the United States.

5 Section X, Cove and John, South,EastCoastDemerara, hereby give Notice that I have applied to the Magistrate of the Georgetown.Magisterial DistrictforaCertificate under the Money Lenders Act, authorizing the grant to me of a Money Lenders License to carry on the business of a Money Lender under the title of IDEALPAWNSHOPoflot

5 Section X, Cove and John, South,EastCoastDemerara. NOTICEofanyobjections to the application should be sent forth with to the CLERKOFCOURTOF THEGEORGETOWN MAGISTERIALDISTRICT and a copy of any such Notice should be sent to the subscriber Applicant, Afese Subhanie. Dated at Georgetown,Demerara. This17thdayofJune,2026.

“Because I know in matters like these, the police will reachouttoInterpol,andthey are likely to have an involvement in terms of assisting in tracing the firearms, in terms of assisting in identifying. Because again, the state told us that the serial numbers wereobliterated.Buttheirprocess is to recover those numbers,andthatisthekeytoany

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sisthenecessarydataneeded for structural design, focusingonaproposedfoundation design to determine code complianceandacceptability for each of the proposed sites.Additionally, the document noted that the consulting firm will conduct a topographical survey of the floor plan and provide recommendations if the land is suitable for its intended purpose.

Further, the ministry detailed that the estimated implementation period is six weeks.

KaieteurNewsreportedin April, that the ministry announced plans to build a primaryschoolatParakeeseVillage.Thenewstate-of-the-art facility will be designed for 200 children from the mainlandandsurroundingislands.

“The project, one of six fundedbytheInter-American Development Bank (IDB), aims to eliminate the daily hardships faced by local pupils who must currently endure arduous commutes by road or boat to reach KamwattaPrimarySchool.By bringing high-quality facilitiesdirectlytothecommunity,

the ministry is decentralising educational resources to ensure that geography never dictates a child’s potential,” theministryreportedinApril.

BackinMay,theRegional DemocraticCouncilofRegion Five held a stakeholder engagement with residents to discuss the proposed construction of a primary school at Experiment and its anticipated impact on the community.“The consultationaimstoprovideimportant projectdetails,facilitatecommunityfeedback,andaddress socialandenvironmentalconsiderations associated with the development.

The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen and expand educationalinfrastructurewithin Region Five, while ensuring residents and stakeholders areactivelyinvolvedintheconsultation process,” the RDC stated in a Facebook post.

InApril, the Region Two Administrationheldaconsultation with residents and stakeholders for the new SuddiePrimarySchoolwhich will be located at Onderneeming.

security apparatus weak’

investigation.Oncethenumbers are recovered, Interpol and those agencies can trace manufacturing and all that. Another agency that they should involve is the ATFA, the American Tobacco and Firearms Agency They should have tremendous capacity,”Slowesaid.

Reflecting on what changes, he would recommendtoupgradethenational security architecture, Slowe pointed to structural reform, removing political interference, and managing security challenges related to the influxofforeignnationals.

“Youhaveissuesrelating to foreign nationals, the influxofforeignnationals,Venezuelans in particular, becauseinthisdiscovery,Ithink one Venezuelan is charged. So, these are some of the security issues that you’ll have to address immediately You have to try to move politics out of it, and look at what is bestfornationalsecurity,and have those things implemented as soon as possible,” Slowe stated.

Slowe linked the recent firearms discoveries directly toaseriesofhigh-profile,unresolvedactsofviolenceand sabotage across the country, arguing that successive administrations have failed to implement the deep personnelandstructuralchangesrequired to protect the state.

“The security apparatus in the country is weak. There’s no doubt about that. And I think they have not been facing the real issue of making sure that you have thenecessarychangesinper-

sonnel and in the structure of the security apparatus to makesurethatnationalsecurity takes precedence over everythingelse.Wehavehad so many incidents in recent times.You have the bombing of the Ruimveldt Police Station. You have the bombing of the GPL substation. You have the terrorist activity at the gas station in Regent Street. You have the discovery of the 10 assault rifles on theCorentyne...Imean,ifyou lookatthepicture,yourealise that it is very, very worrying. And therefore, these things havetobeaddressedinavery comprehensive way,” Slowe

warned.Despite the growing sophistication of these illicit networks, Slowe concluded with a note of reassurance regardingthesheerfirepower of state forces, though he raised a vital caveat regarding their operational readiness.

“The law enforcement agencies are well-armed. There’s no doubt about that. They’rewell-armed.Whether they are adequately trained, that’s another issue. But I don’t believe that the criminal networks that you have can outgun the law enforcementagenciesthatwehave,” Slowe stated.

Parliamentary absenteeism...

From page 12

in any defiance, any pushback, any setback, any unwillingness to do something, then that’s what we are going to have to do,” Primus warned. “I’m very much prepared to go there as it relates to the parliament, to politics.”

By presenting documented logs of parliamentary absenteeism to international partners, the opposition aims to highlightwhattheydescribeasamanufacturedlegislativegridlock designed to shield the executive branch from financial and political accountability This pivot to international channels marks a significant escalation in strategy. Opposition leadership emphasises that the oversight of national finances and foreign policy is too critical to the country’s stability to be derailed by partisan maneuvering, signaling that if the governmentwillnotfaceitscolleaguesinparliament,itwillhave to answer to the court of public and international opinion.

Recognising her own transition into high-stakes legislativeoversight,Primusindicatedsheisactivelyseekingexternalexpertisefromacrossthepoliticalspectrum,andfromthe diaspora, to ensure the committee functions effectively

“I am new in terms of being involved at this magnitude. It’salearningexperience,”Primusnoted.

“Whether it is Amanza, whether it is Carl Greenidge, whether it is whomever, I am at a place where I am willing to engage anybody with the necessary expertise and willingness to help to ensure that the job is done effectively This is not about me; this is for the people of Guyana. This is much bigger than me,” the parliamentarian said.

Rodrigues-Birkett to Face UN Membership

in Live-Streamed Dialogue Thursday

Carolyn RodriguesBirkett,Guyana'sPermanent RepresentativetotheUnited Nations and the country's official candidate for the post of UN SecretaryGeneral,willparticipateina formal interactive dialogue

w i t h t h e f u l l U N membership this Thursday, June 18, at 10 a.m. a pivotal moment in the selection

process to succeed Secretary-General António Guterres when his tenure expiresatyear'send.

The dialogue will be live-streamed via the UN WebTV Portal, opening the exchangetocivilsociety,the broader international community, and the global public.

Ahead of Thursday's engagement, Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett framed the dialogue as both an opportunity and a commitment.

“As I embark on this journey seeking to be the

n

Secretary-General, I begin theprocesswithaninformal Interactive Dialogue with the Membership of the UnitedNations,onThursday 18 June 2026,” she said. “This dialogue forms an important part of the selectionprocessforthenext Secretary-General.”

She added that she is eagertosharehervisionand engage with member states, civil society, and the wider internationalcommunityand pledged to maintain that same consultative approach if entrusted with leading the world body “I commit to maintaining a similar consultative posture once entrusted with the responsibility of serving as the world's chief public servant,”shesaid.

President Irfaan Ali

formally announced Rodrigues-Birkett's nomination last Friday in a video statement, describing

her as the “fit and proper” candidate to lead the United Nations at a defining momentinglobalaffairs.

The Head of State tied the nomination directly to Guyana's rising stature on the world stage. He pointed to the country's successful election to the UN Security Council and the completion of its 2024–2025 term as proofthatGuyanaiscapable of providing meaningful leadership within the global system, not as an aspiration, butasademonstratedfact.

During that Security Council tenure, Ali said, Guyanapressedconsistently for peace, dialogue, and respectforinternationallaw

Beyond the Council chamber, he noted that Guyana has carved out an increasingly prominent role on climate change, food and energysecurity,biodiversity, andtheinterestsofsmalland developing states arguing that the country has shown

economic growth and environmental stewardship neednotbeinconflict.

“Over the past several years, Guyana has emerged asaninfluentialvoiceonthe global stage,” President Ali declared. “Our successful election to the United Nations Security Council… have demonstrated to the world that Guyana can provideleadershipatvarious levelsoftheglobalsystem.”

President Ali made the casethatRodrigues-Birkett's biography matches the demandsoftheoffice.

She has served as Guyana's Permanent Representative to the UN since 2020, guiding the country's participation through its landmark Security Council term Beforethat,sheledtheFood a n d A g r i c u l t u r e Organisation's liaison office in Geneva from 2017 to 2020.SheservedasMinister ofForeignAffairsfrom2008

to 2015, and as Minister of Amerindian Affairs from 2001to2008aroleinwhich she championed the rights and welfare of Indigenous p e o p l

a transformative period for G

communities.

In total, her career spans more than two decades of public service across diplomacy, multilateral affairs, and government, a record President Ali said equips her with “the experience, expertise, judgment, and diplomatic skills necessary to perform ablyandeffectivelycarryout the duties of SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations.”

Thursday's interactive dialogueisoneoftheformal steps in the UN's selection pr

f

xt Secretary-General With Guterres' term ending December 31, 2026, the process is expected to

intensify in the months ahead as member states weigh candidates and the Security Council and General Assembly move towardadecision.

For Rodrigues-Birkett, Thursdayrepresentsherfirst major public test on the global stage as a declared candidate and a chance to signal to 193 member states what kind of SecretaryGeneralsheintendstobe.

$177M New Teaching Block Commissioned at Yarrowkabra Primary to ease overcrowding

The Ministry of

Education on Tuesday commissioned a new $177 million teaching block at

Yarrowkabra Primary School along the SoesdykeLinden Highway a direct response to years of overcrowdingattheGradeC institution, which has seen its student population grow to nearly double its original

t o a c c o m m o d a t e approximately 200 pupils from Grades Four to Six providing much-needed relief to a school that was originally built for 250 learnersbutnowenrolls415, supportedbyateachingstaff of21.

Regional Education OfficerKeaneAdams,inher opening remarks, explained

Adams said “The commissioning of the new wing will significantly reducetheovercrowdingand provide a more conducive environment for teaching andlearning.”

She added that the expanded footprint now positions the school to introduce additional facilities, including special

capacity Minister of Education Sonia Parag officiated the commissioning ceremony,

joined by Regional ExecutiveOfficerofRegion

Four Juan Edghill Jr and otherseniorofficials.

T h e n e w l y

commissioned wing comprises eight classrooms, acanteen,astaffoffice,anda dedicated Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND)room.Itisdesigned

that the school had undergone substantial growth in recent years, driving demand for educational services well beyond what the school's infrastructure was designed tohandle.

“Thesignificantincrease in enrolment created challengesforovercrowding and available learning spaces, making additional infrastructure not only desirable but necessary,”

n e e d s a n d m u s i c programmes, ensuring that learnersregardlessofability or circumstance have access toamoreroundededucation. Delivering the featured address, Minister Parag was direct about what overcrowding means in practice and why fixing it matters.

“If you're having overcrowding at a school, it means that a teacher is teaching a classroom of far

more than what is supposed to obtain It means that children will not be

comfortable in that environment. It means that learning may suffer or be disrupted,”shesaid.

Informallydeclaringthe block commissioned, Parag called on students to take pride in maintaining the facilityandurgedteachersto promptly report any maintenance needs to the Ministry

“Once we know, we will work with you to fix it and you have the entire regional structure here ready to committoyou,”shetoldthe gathering. “When you have moved on and gone, there will be another generation coming up behind you to benefitfromthis.”

The Minister also

commissioning is part of a

government expects to commission more than 18 schools this year and that Guyanaisontracktoachieve universal secondary access in2026.

“Educationisthecoreof any nation's development. Education will take you out ofpoverty Itwillensurethat inequality is equalised. So, these are the things that we areinvestingin,”shesaid.

Regional Executive Officer Edghill Jr used the occasiontooutlineabroader package of improvements already completed or underway at Yarrowkabra Primary. These include repainting works, repairs to

improvements to water supply to address longstanding pressure issues,

widening of the school's

construction of an external classroomshed,andongoing works to upgrade fencing, a secondary entrance, and sanitaryfacilities.

Edghill also announced that Starlink internet connectivitywillbeinstalled in the new wing bringing high-speedinternetaccessto the facility and expanding d

opportunities for students in thecommunity

“This commissioning is farmorethantheopeningof another building,” Edghill said. “It is a celebration of opportunity, a vision, and our unwavering belief that every child in Guyana deserves access to quality educationinanenvironment that nurtures excellence, creativity,andhope.”

Iran warns of a 'harsh response' as Israeli strikes kill 4 in Lebanon

IranhasaccusedIsraelof violating the truce in Lebanon 84 times since the m e m o r a n d u m o f understandingwasagreedto betweenTehranandtheU.S. and warns of a “harsh

response” if attacks continue.

Thewarningcomesafter Israeli forces killed four peopleinsouthernLebanon, and as US President Donald Trump slammed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying he has to be “more responsible” in

Lebanon, Aljazeera reported.

Meanwhile, Associated PressreportedthatIran'stop diplomat said Tuesday that the tentative deal to end the war with the United States would require Israel to withdrawfromLebanon—a condition Israel has already rejected and that could sink theagreement,leadingtothe resumptionofall-outwar

The deal, which is between the U.S. and Iran, has not been made public, andofficialshavesometimes offered contradictory interpretations of what is in it.WhileIsraelisnotpartyto the agreement, it is part of thewarafterjoiningtheU.S. in launching strikes on Iran on Feb. 28. Israel also has fought the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon and seized large swathsofthatcountry

Iranian Foreign Minister

AbbasAraghchisaidIsrael's continued occupation of southern Lebanon would violatethedeal.

“Withoutthewithdrawal of Israeli forces from the territories they occupied during this war, the war has not fully come to an end,” Araghchisaid.

A U S official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss outlines of the agreement, hassaidthedealdoesnotcall for an Israeli withdrawal.

And Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Israel would remain in Lebanon “as long asnecessary.”

The negotiations to end the war have been plagued by such disagreements before, leading to a prolonged but uneasy ceasefire that has failed to develop into a permanent endtohostilitiesandhasleft the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for the world's energy supplies, effectivelyshut.

Switzerland's foreign ministry said the signing ceremony for the deal will take place Friday at the Bürgenstock resort near the cityofLuzern.

Iran's call for an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon complicatesanydeal

Pakistanhassaidthedeal called for an end to military operations, including in Lebanon, as Iran long

A man who returns to his village following the announcement of an initial ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, flashed victory sign as he stands on the rubble of his destroyed home in Nabatiyeh town, southern Lebanon, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP Photo/ Hussein Malla)

insisted. ButAraghchi's call for an Israeli withdrawal addsanewwrinkle.

It puts Israel into a dilemmaasittriestodegrade H

undermining an agreement championed by its most important ally, the United States Israel invaded southern Lebanon after Hezbollah fired missiles across the border during the first week of the war Since then, it has expanded its military footprint to levels unseenindecadesandstruck targetsdeepinsideBeirut.

Though Hezbollah has beenweakened,itretainsthe ability to strike Israel, leavingopenquestionsabout the effectiveness of Israel's

campaign As of Tuesday evening, Netanyahu had not seen the memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran, said a person familiar with the situation, who spoke on condition of anonymitytodiscusscloseddoordetails.Anotherperson, whoalsospokeoncondition of anonymity to discuss private conversations between Israel and the U.S., saidIsraeliofficialshavenot asked U.S. negotiators for thememorandum.

Netanyahu's office did notimmediatelyrespondtoa request for comment. The White House declined to comment on whether

Netanyahu or Israeli officials have reviewed the agreement The Israeli

ambassador to the U S , YechielLeiter,toldNPRthat while Israel does not know the details of the deal, the apparent inclusion of Lebanon is “unnecessary andunhelpful.”

The extent of Israel's strikeshasattimesopeneda public fracture between its leaders U S President DonaldTrumptoldreporters Tuesday that he was “not happy with the way Israel hashandledthemselveswith Lebanon and with Hezbollah.”

“Itjustgoesonforever,” he said of Israel's strategy Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed nearly 4,000 people, including hundreds of civilians, and displaced morethan1million.

“Israel's fighting Hezbollah too long, and too many people are being killed,”Trumpsaid. Lebanese government welcomes prospects for a ceasefire

Israel and the Lebanese government have entered their own U S -mediated directnegotiations,ofwhich Hezbollah was not part Those talks have yielded several announced ceasefires that were never implementedontheground.

Lebanese officials initially tried to keep Lebanon separate from the U.S.-Iran negotiations, not wanting to be seen as beholden to Iran, but they have since welcomed the announcement that the deal to end the U.S.-Iran war would include a ceasefire in Lebanon.

Araghchi's latest comments appear to match the understanding of two regionalofficialswithdirect knowledge of the interim deal.The officials, speaking onconditionofanonymityto discuss the closed-door negotiations, said it would requireIsraeltoleavenearly alltheterritoryitoccupiesin Lebanon, minus a few hilltop points along the borderseizedearlier

The officials say Iran insisted the accord include Lebanon in the last days of the negotiations.The U.N. (Continuedonpage27)

Child rape, high-profile murders for Berbice High Court

…as June Assizes opens

Multiple high-profile murders and an expansive logofrapecasesarelinedup for hearing as the June Criminal Assizes officially opened at the Berbice High CourtinNewAmsterdam.

Justice Simone Morris officiallyinspectedtheguard of honor at the formal commencement, and is expected to preside over variousmatters.

The ceremony was attended by the heads of the JointServicesinRegionSix

(East Berbice-Corentyne), Mayor of New Amsterdam, Wainwright McIntosh, Deputy Mayor Kirk Fraser, and Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Six,RonaldHarsaywack. Over 40 persons are

expectedtofacecourtasthe June Assizes prepares to adjudicate about 19 murder cases.

The February Assizes saw the commencement of the long-awaited case into the murders of Isaiah and JoelHenry

Thatmatter,whichlasted forjustoveramonth,isnow complete, with the two accused, Vinod Gopaul and Anil Sanchara found guilty

September, 2020 killing

Sentencing is scheduled for laterthismonth.

Nottoodistantfromthat matter is that of Haresh Singh, 17, who was brutally killedinwhatmanydeemto be a revengeful murder in response to the Henry boys' shockingmurders.

Four men were arrested inrelationtoSingh's

Thismatterisexpectedtobe

heardintheJuneAssizes. There are also at least fivemanslaughterandseven attemptedmurdermatters. On the other hand, over 40casesofrapearefixedfor hearing.An alarmingly high percentage of child-based sexualoffenseswillbeheard at the court, with over 30 suchrelatedcasestobetried. Prosecuting these cases onbehalfofthestateisState CounselMarisaEdwards.

Iran warns of a 'harsh response'...

Frompage24

peacekeeping force in Lebanon known as UNIFILreported that Israel and Hezbollah are still exchanging fire but at a “significantly reduced level,” U.N. spokesperson Stephane DujarricsaidTuesday

Manyquestionsloomaheadofceremonial signing

Other major questions hang over the planned ceremonial signing.The agreement is meant to provide a meaningful truce in a monthslong war that has killed thousands acrosstheMiddleEastandraisedthepricesof fuel,foodandotherbasicgoodsfarbeyondthe region The agreement provides for the “immediate” opening of the Strait of Hormuz andtheliftingoftheAmericannavalblockade of Iranian ports, according to a senior U.S. official who spoke to reporters Monday on condition of anonymity to discuss outlines of theagreement.

AtleasttwooiltankersleftIranonTuesday andcrossedtheU.S.militaryblockadewithout being stopped, ship tracking websites show TheyrepresentedIran'sfirstcrudeoilexportsin two months, merchant shipping tracking websiteTankerTrackers.comsaid.

Thesitesaiditcorroboratedthedepartureof the Iranian-flagged tankers Diona and Hero II with satellite imagery and that they were carryingacombinedtotalof3.8millionbarrels of Iranian crude oil. U.S. Central Command

saidithadnocomment.

Next,theU.S.andIranwillbegin60daysof negotiations over Iran's nuclear program and the potential lifting of sanctions, Pakistani officials who helped broker the interim deal said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discusstheunpublishedtext.

The pact also includes the possibility of releasingIran'sfrozenfundsanda$300billion fundtohelprebuildIranifTehranmeetscertain benchmarks,seniorU.S.officialstoldreporters Monday Trump later said the United States would not “invest” funds in Iran.U.S. officials have not yet explained how they see the agreement addressing Iran's nuclear program, includingwhowillbeinchargeofverifyingthat Iran is in compliance and who will destroy or removehighlyenricheduraniumbelievedtobe buried under nuclear sites that were badly damagedbyU.S.strikeslastsummer.

Iranhasagreedtodiscusswaystopossibly “dilute or remove” the uranium, the regional officials said. However, it remains unclear whether Tehran would agree to that, particularlywithhard-linersopposed.

Trump said he's open to sending the emerging agreement to the U.S. Congress for review Republicans on Capitol Hill say they wantTrumptoprovidemoreinformationabout the agreement, with some expressing skepticism that the deal can deter Iran from pursuinganuclearweapon.

Priced out of World Cup, Vozinha's mother...

Frompage28 possession for 75% of the GroupHmatch. "His performance was

​wonderful, spectacular He managed to make an entire nation happy, which is a tremendous achievement for

Nilakshika, Nuthyangana...

Frompage29 outpacingevenNilakshikaduringastandthatyielded48runs off28deliveries.

New Zealand were scuttled by their own poor catching again.HadBreeIllingheldasitteratshortfineleginthe10th over, Nilakshika would have been out for only 1, and New Zealandwouldhaveclaimedfivewicketsinfiveovers.Their groundfieldingalsofellawayduringthelastfewovers,when Sri Lanka's batters were beginning to reverse pressure effectively

TheirbattinghadalsobeenreinedinbyatightSriLankan bowling effort, in which the spinners imposed themselves. Sophie Devine and Melie Kerr hit 45 each, but 150 for 6 always seemed a little light on a Southampton surface that wasalittleslow,butremainedlargelygoodforbatting.

ThelossmeansNewZealandhavelosttheirtwoopening matches, and must now treat games against England, Scotland, and Ireland as must-wins. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, are on the points table following their opening defeat at the hands of England. They will now prepare for the match againstWestIndiesonSunday Avictorytherewillsetthem upbeautifullyforasemi-finalspush.

our country It is ​difficult to describe exactly ⁠how I feel," said the keeper's brother, DavidsonEvora.

Near the family home in SaoVicente,raucouscrowds celebrated the draw into the wee hours on Tuesday, waving flags, dancing and honkingcarhorns.

"I have cried until I couldn't cry anymore. I am proud of you, proud of our people. Keep going, because this World Cup belongs to us," said supporter ⁠Magali Monteiro.

Might ​Vozinha's family try for a last-minute visa to see the rest of the Blue Sharks' group matches, which continue on Sunday againstUruguayinMiami?

Davidson Evora said it wasagoodidea,thoughthey hadnotyetmadeanyplansor reached out to the football federationforsupport.

Wednesday June 17, 2026

ARIES (Mar 21–Apr 19

You were once a creature of reason, Aries For you, e v e r y t h i n g h a d a n explanation, a reason to exist, andaplaceintheworld.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

How about changing roles today, Taurus? It's true that you aren't one for idle chat. Youprefertakingactionrather than talking about grandiose ideasthatnevergoanywhere.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Scientists are sometimes prettystrange.Theycanbeso engrossed in reality that they seemalmostabsentfromit,as iftheyfloatabovetheEarth.

CANCER(June21–July22)

As the real Cancer that you are, you aren't in the habit of talking without saying anything constructive. Sometimespeopleaccuseyou ofhavingnothingtosay

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Thepeoplearoundyouwould really appreciate it if you'd slow down and relax a little. You always seem to be runningaround,somuchso,in fact, that you've been neglecting the people close to you,especiallyyourfamily

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

You did the right thing to put off those important decisions and not give in to pressure, Virgo. You know well that sometimes it's important to relax and rest for the busy times ahead Today you'll feel refreshed and ready to tackle the world You see your problems from a different

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

You have a generous nature, Libra.Youknowhowtogive and devote yourself to solving the problems others thatconfideinyou.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21)

It'salwayslikethisatfirstwith you, Scorpio You know something is happening but have no idea what It's as if electricityflowsthroughyou

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

Are you sure that other people wouldn't like you to be in another space than where you are right now, Sagittarius, or even be a different person than the one youalwaysthoughtyouwere?

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

People will understand and appreciate your desire to stand out from the crowd today, Capricorn. This isn't a signofarroganceonyourpart. It'sjustthatyou'reparticularly perceptive right now and peopleneedyourgoodadvice.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

You love everyone on this planet, Aquarius, and this isn't the day to come bothering you with all the littledetailsofeverydaylife.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Communicationwithfriends who have traveled widely couldhaveyouhankeringto make a future visit to a distant place that you've a l w a y s w a n t e d t o experience.

Scores: Sri Lanka 153 for 5 (Nilakshika 54*, Nuthyangana 24*, Nensi 2-23) beat New Zealand 150 for 6 (Devine45,Melie45,Dilhari2-35)byfivewickets.

"It would be ​something wonderful, " he said, "because we are living through a historic and unprecedentedmoment."

Frompage29 chargewithabrace,opening thescoringinthefifthminute to hand Hikers an early advantage. Veteran Robert France doubled the lead in the 28th minute, ensuring Pepsi Hikers carried a comfortable2-0cushioninto halftime.

Old Fort eventually clawed one back in the 36th minute to inject some life intothecontest,butSamuels r e s p o n d e d a l m o s t immediately with his second goaloftheeveningtorestore the two-goal margin Trumaine Cole then added a fourth in the 47th minute, effectively putting the result beyond doubt before Old Fortnettedalateconsolation. At the final whistle, Pepsi Hikers emerged 4-2 winners to capture the 2026 Men's OutdoorHockeytitle. Meanwhile, during the post-match presentation ceremony,JamarjAssanahof Pepsi Hikers was named the Men's MostValuable Player, while Carolyn Deane received the Women's MVP award.

The Diamond Jubilee Hockey Cup brought the curtain down on the opening outdoor tournament of the year, with GCC Elite and Pepsi Hikers emerging as worthy champions after impressive campaigns in theirrespectivedivisions.

Mbappe becomes France's all-time top scorer in win over Senegal

BBC Sport - Kylian Mbappe became France's all-time top scorerwithasuperbdoubleasLes Bleus beat Senegal in their World CupopenerinNewJersey Mbappe broke Senegal's resistanceinthesecondhalfwitha low strike before rifling home a sensational long-range effort deep

intostoppagetime.

The Real Madrid forward's second strike lifted him on to 58 goals for Les Bleus - one clear of former record holder Olivier Giroud.

BradleyBarcolahadearlierput France 2-0 up before Ibrahim Mbaye pulled one back, but

Senegal's Ibrahim Mbaye scores their first goal in action with France's Theo Hernandez. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Caean Couto)

Kylian Mbappe scored twice against Senegal to take his tally to 58 goals in 99 international appearances. (Getty Images)

Mbappe's second of the game ended Senegal's hopes of a comeback.

It had been an underwhelming display by France prior to Mbappe's opener as Senegal created the better opportunities and were perhaps unfortunate not to break the deadlock in an impressivefirst-halfdisplay

Nicolas Jackson went closest for the Lions of Teranga when he rifledalowshotagainstthebaseof the post - which rebounded off goalkeeper Mike Maignan's foot and trickled narrowly wide of the upright.

IsmailaSarrshouldhavegiven Senegal the lead on the stroke of half-time but failed to steer his close-range effort on target after connecting with Sadio Mane's

cross.France, though, emerged for the second half with renewed purpose and were controversially denied a penalty when Mane appeared to catch Mbappe inside thebox.

Referee Alireza Faghani initially awarded a corner for France, but the majority of fans inside the stadium were expecting the official to award a spot-kick afterhewassenttohismonitorby the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

Faghani,however,decidedthat Mbappe had initiated the contact with former Liverpool forward Mane.

It ultimately mattered little, though, as France - and Mbapperesponded in style to secure all threepoints.

Priced out of World Cup, Vozinha's mother watches V son's heroics from home

PRAIA, (Reuters) - Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha stunned the world by shutting out Spain's formidableattackingline-upinthe islandnation'sWorld​Cupdebuton Monday but one woman was not theleastbitsurprised.

A day before the match, Vozinha's mother Ana Candida Evora went state television to confidently predict that no-one wouldmanagetoscorepastherson -afactshepointedouttoReuterson Tuesday as her countrymen

recovered from all-night celebrations after the 0-0 groupstagedraw

"I said that no ball would enter his goal, and that is exactly what happened," said Evora, a 59-yearold house cleaner "He is a great goalkeeper I am very proud to ​be Vozinha's mother, and I hope he continues to save every ball that comeshisway."

After the final whistle on MondayinAtlanta,the40-year-old Vozinha, whose real name is Josimar Dias, broke down in tears, in part because his mother had not beenableto⁠traveltoseehisheroics in person, he later told reporters,

citingavisaissue.

PRICEYVISABOND COMPLICATESTRAVEL PLANS

In January, Cape Verde was included on a list ​of dozens of countrieswhosecitizensneededto postbondsofupto$15,000toenter theUnitedStates,underregulations introduced by Donald Trump's administrationandintendedto​curb visa overstays Last month, Washington announced it was droppingtherequirementforWorld Cupticketholders,sayingitwanted to facilitate "legitimate travel for the upcoming World Cup tournament".

Bythatpoint,however,thehigh costs had already caused Evora to rule out even trying to make the 6,400-kmtriptoAtlanta.

"Iwouldhavelovedtotravel and watch the match but it was notpossible,"shesaid.

The​highcostsofgettingtothe WorldCupwouldbeaproblemfor peopleonthe10-islandarchipelago regardless of whether the bond requirement was in force, ​said Mario Semedo, president of the nationalfootballfederation.

Ana Candida Evora, the mother of Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha, poses for a photograph with other family members, during an interview with Reuters, at her home in Mindelo, Sao Vicente, Cape Verde, June 16, 2026. (REUTERS/Davidson Alves) V

"It is not easy for a Cape Verdean resident to travel to a Wo r l d C u p A i r f a r e , accommodation and match tickets all involve significant costs," he told⁠Reuters.

"There are certainly ways to manage immigration concerns while also creating conditions that allow supporters to travel. If a player's family member, for example, wants to attend the

tournament, every effort should be madetofacilitatethat."

A U S D e m o c r a t i c congressional leader called on the Trump administration to step in to helpEvora.

"No mother should miss the chance to see her child make history," House of Representatives DemocraticleaderHakeemJeffries saidonsocialmedia.

"IhaveaskedSecretaryofState

Marco Rubio to do everything in ​his power to ensure that she can ​attend(the)nextmatchonSunday."

'THISWORLD⁠CUP BELONGSTOUS' Despite having to watch from across the Atlantic, Vozinha's family said they were thrilled by hisperformanceashefendedoff27 goal attempts from European championsSpainwhocontrolled (Continuedonpage25)

GCC Elite thump Hikers in final as Pepsi Hikers

conquer Old Fort to claim Diamond Jubilee Cup titles

GCC Elite and Pepsi Hikers crowned themselves champions of the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) Diamond Jubilee Hockey Cup following a pair of enthralling finals in the Women'sandMen'sdivisions on Monday evening at the NationalStadium.

The tournament, which marked the first outdoor hockey competition of the 2026 season, was hosted by the Guyana Hockey Board with support from the Ministry of Culture, Youth andSports.

GCC E

comp

campaign in emphatic fashion, dismantling Hikers Women 9-1 behind a clinical attacking display and a hat-

Cadogan.

Having entered the final

commanding victories, GCC wasted little time asserting

standout Rebecca Ferreira openedthescoringwithinthe openingminutebeforeAlana

C

advantageinthe14thminute, slicing through the Hikers defence to give GCC a comfortable 2-0 lead at the endofthefirstperiod.

Hikers briefly threatened a response when Maria Munroefoundthebackofthe net in the 19th minute, but GCC quickly regained control Gabriella Xavier restoredthetwo-goalcushion in the 26th minute before Cadoganconvertedapenalty corner four minutes later to

send GCC into the halftime break firmly in command at 4-1.

The third qu

r belonged entirely to the champions. Princessa Wilkie struckshortlyaftertherestart before Cadogan added two more goals in the 38th and 43rdminutestocompleteher hat-trickandputonehandon thetrophyforGCCWomen.

Ferreira and Chung returned to the scoresheet in the final quarter to complete individual braces as GCC sealedadominant9-1victory and another Women's outdoor title.In the Men's final, Pepsi Hikers produced a disciplined performance to defeatOldFortTopForm4-2 andsecurethechampionship.

Shane Samuels led the (Continuedonpage27)

Title success for GCC Elite! GCC Women cap

campaign with 9-1 win …crowning themselves 2026

Nilakshika, Nuthyangana stun NZ

to seal famous win for Sri Lanka

win.

ESPNcricinfo - An outstanding fifthwicketstandandanevenbettersixth-wicket partnershipelectrifiedaSriLankachaseand propelled them to a tight final-over win againstNewZealand.NilakshikaSilvawas theprimaryarchitect.Havingarrivedatthe creaseat55for4,withtherequiredratesoon climbing above nine, she produced her finest international innings - a perfectlypaced54notoutoff37thatsawSriLankato victory with two balls and five wickets to spare.

Nilakshika had serious support in the two partnerships she was involved in. Kavisha Dilhari joined her for a 50-run standthatrepairedtheinnings,thoughNew Zealandwerestillfirmfavouriteswhenthey were parted with 45 still needed off 30 deliveries.KaushiniNuthyangana,whohad alreadyhadagoodgamebehindthestumps, then hit a nerveless 24 not out off 14, (Continuedonpage25)

Boos, cheers and a draw: Iran's World Cup opener reflects deep divisions

I N G L E W O O D , California (Reuters)Whistles drowned out parts of Iran's national anthem while other fans sang along, setting the tone for a World Cup opener that often felt more significant for political allegiances than the football ​onshow

Before a crowd of more than 70,000 in Los Angeles, home to the world's largest Iranian diaspora, supporters waved flags, chanted and revealed starkly different loyalties as Iran fought back twice to secure a 2-2 draw with New Zealand on Monday

Cheers greeted Iran's attacks and goals from much ofthecrowd,includingmany supporters carrying the lionand-sun ​flag associated with pre-revolutionary Iran. But some boos accompanied the national anthem and pockets ofsupporterscelebrated​New

Zealand's goals as enthusiasticallyastheirown.

The divisions in the stands mirrored the ⁠challengesfacingTeamMelli offthepitch.

Iran arrived at the tournament amid heightened tensions with host nation the ​United States, forcing the team to base themselves in

Iran fans and players celebrate after the match, Iran v New Zealand, at Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood, California, U.S. on Monday. (REUTERS/Matthew Childs)

Tijuana, Mexico, and commute across the border for aWorld ​Cup in which all three of their group-stage matches are being played on U.S.soil.

Some members of the Iranian delegation were also denied entry to the United

States.The opener came less than 24 hours after a framework agreement was announced to end months of ​war between Iran and the U.S.,aconflictthathadcasta shadow over the country's participation in the tournament.

Yetthepoliticalbackdrop appeared to have little effect on Amir Ghalenoei's side

once the match got underway New Zealand struck ⁠through Elijah Just, whofinishedoffaslickmove involving captain Chris Wood midway through the

firsthalf. Iran responded through an unlikely source. Right backRaminRezaeian,oneof the team's most influential performers, surged forward andlevelledwithacomposed finish.

Portugal eye fast start against DRC in bid for elusive World Cup glory

HOUSTON, (Reuters) -

Portugal's latest bid forWorld Cup glory begins in Houston today, ​Wednesday, when they take on the DemocraticRepublicofCongoina Group K clash against a side appearingattheirfirstglobalfinals in52years.

DR Congo played as Zaire when they took part in the 1974 WorldCupbutlostallthreegames, conceded14goalsandscorednone. They are unlikely to be so poor again.

Portugal have 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo ​aiming to win one of the last remaining pieces of major silverware to have eluded himinhis​illustriouscareer

Theyexitedinthequarter-finals atthehandsofanotherAfricanside, Morocco, at the ⁠2022 finals, while theirbestfinishisthirdin1966.

Apositivestartisimportantina pool that also ​contains Colombia andUzbekistan.

Theyhavelostonlytwooftheir last 15 World Cup group-stage

matches, but one of those was to ​SouthKoreain2022.

"We know the World Cup is a fast competition," Portugal defender Matheus Nunes said "There are only eight games, and when we play against all these nationalteams,Ithinktheyallhave alotofqualitynowadays.

"We have to approach every gameasif​itwereafinal,becausein theorytheremaybeteamsthatlook weaker, maybe on paper, but then ​on the field, it's a match, and in a matchanythingcanhappen.

"Ninetyminutesisalongtime, andwehavetobe⁠thanreadytowin everygame."

Portugal defender Ruben Dias trained separately, opens new tab from the rest of the squad on Mondayforundisclosedreasons.

Portugal are unbeaten in their last five World Cup group-stage matches against African opponents,recordingfourwinsand adrawsincea3-1losstoMorocco in1986.

With ⁠Iran striker Mehdi Taremi kept largely quiet, Rezaeian once again took centrestage.

The veteran delivered a pinpoint cross in the 64th minute that Mohammad Mohebbi guided home ​to makeit2-2.

The equaliser sparked celebrations among most of the crowd, though the ​atmosphere remained ⁠unlike that of a typical World Cup fixture.

For long stretches, the match seemed secondary to theemotionsswirlingaround it.Somefansarrivedwrapped in Iranian flags and chanting in support of Team Melli. Others used the occasion to voice opposition to the government in Tehran, creating a soundtrack of competing loyalties ​throughouttheevening. By the final whistle, Iran hadescapedwithapointafter twice coming from behind. But on a night shaped by ​diplomatictensions, war and a divided diaspora, football hadtosharethestage.

Just restored New Zealand's advantage shortly after the interval, again combining effectively with Woodas​thewingeremerged as the game's standout attackingforce.

DISRUPTEDPLANS

DRC have had a disrupted build-up to the tournament due to the Ebola virus ​outbreak back home.

Themajorityof​theirplayersare based in ⁠Europe and none play for clubs in the DRC, but were subjected to a 21-day stay in camp inBelgiumandSpainbeforebeing

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, Goncalo Guedes and Francisco Trincao during training. (REUTERS/Marco Bello)

allowedtoentertheUnitedStates.

They ​have since been well received in Houston and have looked relaxed and ready for ​the tournament, despite ⁠a 0-0 draw withDenmarkand2-1losstoChile infriendlies.

"We adapted to the situation," coachSebastienDesabresaid."We had to focus, as we have had to

adaptoften.Thatiswhatwedid. "We worked well, we played two tough friendlies and ⁠here ​we are.Now,itisanotherstepforus.It isup​toustoputupagoodshowing inthistournament."

DRCbookedtheirtickettothis year'sfinalsthroughtheWorldCup inte

tournament, ​defeating

RHTYSC 36th Annual Cricket Academy...

National Hardware, PRAMCORP

Consultancy and Data Technology contributes to Academy

The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS and it's ten cricket teams from Monday 13th of July would be hosting their 36th consecutivecricketacademy attheArea'H'Ground.

​The academy would be organised by the Poonai Pharmacy Under 11 and 13, Farfan and Mendes Under 15, Bakewell Under 17 and Intermediate Second Division,PepsiUnder19and Intermediate, Metro Females, and Namilco Thunderbolt Flour First Division and Under 23 teams.

In addition to the cricket academy, the teams would also be hosting the annual Grade Six Summer Camp at the same venue for students preparing for entrance into secondaryschool.

RHTYSC Secretary, HilbertFoster,disclosedthat plansforbotheventsarewell advanceandthatamaximum ofonehundredyouthswould be accepted in each of them. The academy would be led byacoachingstaffheadedby level three coach Winston ​Smith.

He would be assisted by coachesEonHooper,Balram Samaroo, Ryan Algu, and

Floyd Benjamin and several seniorofficialsoftheclub. RHTYSC Cricket Manager Robby Kissoonalal wouldserveastheacademy's Director and he stated that special emphasis would be placed on improving the batting,bowlingandfielding ability of every academy member

Additionally, a lot of classroom work would be done on a wide range of topics of importance to the young cricketers. Topics to be covered include History of Cricket, Rules of the Game, Peer Pressure, Drug Abuse, Importance of EducationandImportanceof Discipline.

​The club would provide all the necessary equipment, gears and stationery for the two weeks academy while over $1.5 million dollars worth of gifts and prizes would be shared out to participants.TheTopStudent would receive $500,000 worth of prizes including an electric bike, laptop computer, gold medallion, electronic tablet, cycle, household items, kitchen utensils and designer clothing.

The club would also

provide an educational package worth ($7000) seven thousand to each academy member under its Basil Butcher Trust Fund. Another $1.5 M worth of prizes would be distributed tomembersoftheGradeSix SummerCamp.

​Plans for the successful hosting of the two events were given a major boost whentheNationalHardware, PRAMCORP Consultancy and Data Technology presented a major donation to the organiser National Hardware Ltd donated cricket gear among several prizes, while PRAMCORP and Data Technology donated two hundred and thousand dollars worth of hardcoverexercisebooks.

​TheRHTYSCwouldlike toexpressgratitudetoEddie Boyer and Ramesh Persaud of National Hardware, Pramila Persaud of PRAMCORP and Rennie LewisofDataTechnology

Parents who are interestedinregisteringtheir children to the academy or the Summer Camp are advised that application forms are available at the Area 'H' Ground from 2 PM to6PMdaily

GBF secures certified Hardwood Court in major boost for basketball development

As Guyana prepares to host the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean PreQualifiers from July 8-12 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) has made alandmarkinvestmentinthe future of the sport with the acquisition of its own

certified hardwood basketballcourt.

According to a release from the Federation, the floor was purchased from NCAADivisionIinstitution, theUniversityofAlabamaat Birmingham (UAB), and represents one of the most significant infrastructure investments made by the GBFinrecentyears.

The hardwood floor will be installed at the National Gymnasiumandwillbeused exclusively for basketball activities, where it is expected to play a central r o l e i n G u y a n a ' s preparations for the

upcoming 10-country tournament, while also serving as a training and practice venue for visiting teams competing in the championship.

GBF President Michael

Singh described the acquisition as a worthwhile investment that aligns with the Federation's long-term vision of elevating the sport andeventuallyestablishinga dedicated basketball facility inGuyana.

"The purchase of this court is a major step for basketball in Guyana," Singhsaid."It'sconsidereda portable court, since the

Singh

Federation intends to decentralize indoor basketballplaying,wherewe can move the court. We can moveittoLindenorBerbice, once we have a covered space."

The portability of the court is expected to significantly benefit the development of basketball outside Georgetown, providing opportunities for players and communities in other regions to experience the game on a professionalgradesurface.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) basketball court, which was purchased by

Singh stressed, that the investment goes beyond competition and player development, highlighting the importance of athlete healthandsafety

"It'samajoradditionand good asset to us when it comes to playing basketball atahighlevel.

I t w i l l a l s o d o tremendously well for players because, for example, Suriname doesn't playbasketballonhardcourt anymore, to extend the longevity of the players, so

we have to play catch-up in thatregardwhenitcomesto players' health," Singh explained.

The GBF President further noted that the court meets international standardsandiscertifiedfor elite-level basketball competition.

"The court is certified, which means NBA and top professional players can use itaswell,"Singhadded.

For decades, basketball in Guyana has largely been playedonconcreteandother

hard surfaces, which can place additional stress on athletes' joints and increase the risk of injury over time.

The introduction of a certified hardwood court

marks a significant advancement in the local

basketball landscape, bringing Guyana closer to the standards utilized across

major international

c o m p e t i t i o n s a n d professionalleagues.

The acquisition also reflects the Federation's broader commitment to

strengthening basketball infrastructurethroughoutthe country

Singh revealed that the GBF intends to collaborate with both the Government and the private sector to p u r s u e a d d i t i o n a l investmentsthatwillsupport the long-term growth of the sport.

Among the Federation's goals is the establishmentof a basketball-only facility that would provide a permanenthomefornational team preparation, youth development programmes, coaching clinics, and domesticcompetitions.

"While we enjoy use of thecourtsattheSportsHall, because it's a shared space, we are forced to either be considerate or work along with the plans and schedule of the National Sports Commission. We hope to change that and see basketball having its own space,andIthinkthiscourtis a start in that direction,” Singhsaid.

The timing of the investment, Singh said, is particularly significant as Guyanapreparestowelcome teams from across the Caribbean for the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers.

The GBF president believes that hosting the tournament presents a unique opportunity to showcase the country's growing commitment to basketball and its ability to stage major international events.

SerenatoreigniteVenuspartnershipafterreceivingWimbledondoubleswildcard

LONDON, (Reuters) - American great Serena Williams will return to Wimbledon with hersisterVenus afour-yearabsenceaftertheAll EnglandClubgavethepairadoubleswildcardon Tuesdayandaddedafascinatingstorylinetothis year's tournament.Serena has 23 Grand Slam singlestitles,​includingsevenatWimbledon,and has also captured six doubles titles at ​the All EnglandClubplayingalongsideheroldersibling.

The 44-year-old made a long-awaited comeback this month at the Queen's Club Championships, playing doubles with Canadian ​teenager Victoria Mboko.That partnership was cut short after Mboko suffered a knee injury that ​ruled her out of Wimbledon.Williams is now gearing up for the grasscourt Grand Slam beginningonJune29byplayingdoublesinBerlin thisweekpartneringKarolinaMuchova.

Her last match at Wimbledon was ​in 2022 when she also needed a wildcard and lost to Harmony Tan ​in the first round.Wildcards are handed to players whose ranking does not allow

them automatic entry and ⁠usually reserved for high-profileplayersreturningfrominjuryorthose from the home nation But when Williams announced she was returning to the match court afterherdecisionfouryearsagoto"evolveaway from tennis" it was likely she would gain a Wimbledon​wildcard.

Among those receiving wildcards ​on the men's side were three-times Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka, who is set to retire at the end of the season, and former ​Wimbledon semi-finalistGrigorDimitrov.

Organisershavetwomoremen'ssinglesslots to ​fill, with ⁠2021 runner-up Matteo Berrettini in thereckoningalongsideDanEvans,NickKyrgios and Gael Monfils.French Open runner-up Maja Chwalinska of Poland was among the beneficiaries on the women's singles ⁠side, ​where one slot remains to be filled. A second ​batch of wildcardsisexpectedthisweek.Indoubles,Katie Boulter and fellow Briton Heather Watson were given​awildcardasapair

Young ready for Need for Speed Karting Debut Amaya Mohamed

Fourteen-year-oldAmaya Mohamed is counting down the days to her first competitive karting event as shepreparestolineupinthis weekend's highly anticipated Need for Speed Karting Championship.

T h e t w o - d a y championship, organised by Jumbo Jet Events, will be held on Friday and Saturday at the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club's Thomas Landsfacilityandisexpected to attract some of the country'stopkartingtalent.

For Mohamed, the journey into motorsport began earlier this year after attending the historic Nitro KartKlashevent.

"Ifirstgotintokartracing when I went to the Nitro ClashKartRacing.Irealized that it looked very fun and it looked interesting, so I decided to give it a go," the youngsterexplained.

Since then, she has been working hard behind the scenes, attending practice sessions and learning the fundamentalsofthesport.

"I'm trying my best to come as many days as I can and really push myself and work on my lines and know what I'm doing wrong and acknowledge all of my mistakes.I'mtryingtoperfect allofit,"Mohamedsaid.

Despite being a newcomer, she is embracing the challenge and looking forward to competing alongside more experienced racers."Iheardthatit'sgoing to be really fun, it's going to be competitive, and I can't waittoparticipateinmyfirst race.Honestly,I'mexcitedto race with all of them and I hopeIcanlearnfromthemifI haveanymistakes.Ijusthope theycanhelpme."

Mohamed will make her

debut at one of the richest karting events ever staged in Guyana.

More than GYD$17 millioninprizemoneywillbe contested across several divisions, including LO206 Briggs & Stratton Light, Heavy, Junior and Cadet, HondaGX200,IAME125cc, LO206 Rookie Over-35, LO206 Female, Supermoto SeniorandSupermotoJunior categories.

The marquee LO206 Briggs&StrattonLightclass willcarryawinner'spurseof G Y D $ 4 m i l l i o n (US$20,000), while several other divisions will offer GYD$2million(US$10,000) to the champion. Remaining categories will compete for prizes ranging from GYD$1 milliontoGYD$1.5million.

Adding to the spectacle will be the debut of a "VIP and Local Celebrities Arrive andDrive"category,whichis expectedtoprovidefanswith plentyofentertainmentwhile g i v i n g p

o m i n e n t personalities a taste of competitivekarting.

Veteran racers have also been accommodated through a dedicated Veteran Pro Drivers class for competitors aged50yearsandolder,with the winner set to receive GYD$2million.

O

categories will race on MG Red tyres, while competitors in the IAME 125cc division willutilizeMGYellowtyres. With substantial prize money, a packed programme of racing and the emergence of promising newcomers such as Mohamed, the Need for Spe

d Karting Championship is shaping up tobeoneofthemostexciting motorsport events on the localcalendar

Fourteen-year-old Amaya

during one of the practice sessions.

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