U.S. imposes sanctions
Saturday Edition October 10, 2026 - Vol. 21 No. 40
on ICC hours after former
Price $200
judge wins Nobel Peace Prize
Online readership
yesterday, 45,174
Gas-to-Energy project under fire as Sharma, Jordan question costs …say pipeline sits idle while and delays costing Guyanese billions Keron Atkinson, 3
The area where three-year-old Keron Atkinson reportedly drowned on Friday afternoon.
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Dead: Leslyn Major
Three-year-old boy drowns in Bartica
Linden Teacher killed in two-vehicle collision 2
Mohamed urges Govt. to swap Guyana's oil for refined fuel as prices soar
EU promises ‘tangible results soon’ on Schengen visa concerns - Ambassador
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Saturday October 10, 2026
Kaieteur News
strikes on Riyadh Linden Teacher killed Houthi airport killed three in two-vehicle collision Saudis as war escalates
The Linden teaching fraternity has been plunged into mourning following the death of 48-year-old Leslyn Major, who was killed in a tragic accident on Friday afternoon at Empire Drive, Ameila's Ward, Linden, Region 10. The circumstances surrounding the accident are unclear at this time but initial reports reaching Kaieteur News state that it involved a car and truck and Major was an innocent bystander. Police are yet to divulge any details about the accident. Major was reportedly standing alongside Empire Drive when she was struck by the car. Some reports are that the car was involved in an accident with the truck and the impact sent it flipping in Major's directions, while other versions are that the car's driver lost control in an attempt to overtake the truck. While police are yet to clarify the circumstances, Kaieteur News was able to confirm that the car driver is hospitalised while Major succumbed to her injuries while at the Linden Hospital Complex. A cell-phone recorded video of an unconscious Major lying on the roadway has since surfaced on the internet. She was seen bleeding from what seemed like head injuries. She was rushed to the hospital where she passed away. There has been an outpouring of tributes following the news of her tragic demise. Major was reportedly a senior teacher at the Christianburg Primary School in Linden. Some described her as a former nationals' athlete and a great coach.
Killed in an accident, Linden Teacher, Leslyn Major. Meanwhile the Department of Education in Region 10 said that it has lost a 'gem'. In a Facebook post the department wrote, “Her dedication, compassion and commitment to education and the well-being of children have left an indelible mark on our schools and communities” before adding “She will be remembered for her kindness, professionalism and the positive impact she made on so many lives”.
(Reuters) - Thursday's attacks on Riyadh airport killed three people, Saudi authorities said on Friday, as Yemen's Houthi group stepped up missile strikes on the kingdom and tried to shut down its airspace in an escalating war by the USIran conflict. The strikes, which also injured several people, damaged a Saudia Airlines plane and sent smoke billowing over the airport, led many airlines to cancel flights to the Saudi capital days before it is due to host a major meeting of global oil chiefs. Saudi airstrikes hit Houthi targets in the Yemeni capital Sanaa overnight, Houthi officials and affiliated media said, part of an intensifying air war against the Iran-allied group aimed at reversing its recent territorial gains, threats to international shipping, and attacks on the kingdom. A Saudi-led coalition backing government forces
Smoke and flames rise from King Khalid Airport, after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis said they attacked the airport, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, October 8, 2026, in this screengrab obtained from a social media video. Social Media/via REUTERS
Houthi supporters carry weapons as they gather in solidarity with the movement as fighting intensifies across several fronts, in Sanaa, Yemen, October 7, 2026. REUTERS/Mohammed al-Mahdi in Yemen said it had destroyed three missile launch platforms used by the Houthis a nd warned it would respond firmly to attacks on civilians. The Houthis, who have e n c i r c l e d Ye m e n i government forces in Yemen's third-largest city of Taiz and are trying to defend positions on the Red Sea coast against a Saudibacked offensive, had already killed three people with strikes on airports in the kingdom earlier this week. The Saudi civil aviation authority said air traffic at Riyadh airport had returned to normal and flight tracking site flightradar24 showed a gradual resumption of
flights, including from some Middle Eastern airlines. Saudia Airlines said one of those killed on Thursday was an employee of theirs. BITTER FIGHTING INSIDE YEMEN Yemen's civil war has rapidly emerged as the fiercest front in a wider regional conflagration triggered by the US and Israeli attack on Iran that started on February 28. The conflict is critical for global energy markets, with the Houthis firing on shipping in the Red Sea and its southern gateway the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, further squeezing Gulf oil supplies with Iran partly blocking the Strait of Hormuz. Last month the Houthis
staged a lightning advance down Yemen's Red Sea coast to take full control over the coastline around the strait, prompting Saudi Arabia to re-enter the longdormant conflict and back a g o v e r n m e n t counteroffensive.On Monday government forces took back territory around the Bab el-Mandeb coastline after intense Saudi airstrikes and fighting continues there. Saudi Arabia's ambassador to Yemen, who has managed the kingdom's engagement in Yemen for over a decade, said in a social post on Friday that Bab el-Mandeb had been cleared of Houthis. Reuters was not able to (Continued on page 9 )
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EU promises ‘tangible results soon’ on Schengen visa concerns C
ognizant of the hurdles citizens face when attempting to access Schengen visas to travel to European countries, EU Ambassador to Guyana, Luca Pierantoni said the EU has been working to achieve a smoother, hassle-free travel process. Ambassador Pierantoni said that the EU has been working intensively to facilitate people-to-people and business-to-business exchanges between the EU and Guyana, including by making travel to Europe easier for Guyanese nationals. He said given the concerns raised recently, he believes tangible results could be achieved soon. “We have taken the concerns expressed by the Guyanese government and civil society representatives very seriously, and we believe tangible results can be achieved soon. We will continue to build new political, economic and
- Ambassador cultural bridges between the EU and Guyana,” Ambassador Pierantoni said in a comment to this publication. President Irfaan Ali on Wednesday criticised visa barriers facing Caribbean travellers, noting that visa and biometric requirements are undermining tourism, regional connectivity and the hosting of international conferences. Speaking at the State of t h e To u r i s m I n d u s t r y Conference 2026 (SOTIC), held at the Atlantic Suites by Hyatt in Georgetown, President Ali compared the Caribbean's travel connectivity with that of other regions, particularly the Middle East and Europe. He pointed to the availability of electronic visas in the Middle East, pointing out that the Caribbean and its international partners must
modernise how visitors access the region. “The European Union is still backward in this region. We have to travel to Trinidad and Suriname to get biometrics to do it.” The Guyanese leader said the requirement for travellers to spend several days completing visa procedures makes it difficult to build tourism partnerships and attract visitors to major international events. “In a day of digitisation in AI, we have the EU that is operating from a stone age kind of operation, and they're our friends. We can tell them frankly, but it's the truth,” he said. “We can't have people have to go two days and three d a y s . We c a n ' t b u i l d partnership and friendship like that, where people gotta spend four days to get a visa before they travel to your country,” the president
EU Ambassador to Guyana, Luca Pierantoni added. He said the issue becomes even more significant when countries seek to host international conferences and other major events. He addressed the practicality of inviting people to conferences while requiring them to spend several days securing a visa
before they can travel. The president said modern technology should allow authorities to verify a traveler's identity and background quickly, rather than relying on lengthy processes. He told delegates that the region must decide whether it is prepared to take bold steps to improve
connectivity or remain on the defensive. Ali also stressed the need for Caribbean countries to determine together which major international events they want to attract, stating that regional cooperation is critical to making that possible. Using the Middle East as an example, he pointed to the ease of movement between countries across a wider regional network, including Greece, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, China and the Philippines, as well as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states such as Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. “That entire circuit flights almost every hour, between one hour flight to two and a half, three hours,” he said. The president said such connectivity was not accidental, but the result of countries investing in infrastructure and building an ecosystem that allows travel, business and tourism.
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Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL - Tel: 624-6456 Editor-in-Chief: Nigel Williams Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Time and Minister Edghill “I will speak at the appropriate time.” I will speak at “the right time.” I will speak at the appointed time.” That was Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill in three different verbalisations maintaining his distance from answering anything, offering anything at all, on the MV Barima tragedy. Edghill is trying desperately to erect a wall between he and the boat tragedy that killed 73 citizens officially, and likely dozens more. For a man who claims that God is on his side, his trust in that God to take care of him in a tight situation is seemingly on the cool side. And because he has made that claim, he opened the door for a deeper examination of his work related to his ministerial portfolio. Whatever the minister’s position on “the appropriate time” and “the right time” and “the appointed time” for him to clear the air on so much that remains unanswered, we take this position. The time is now for the minister to speak. There would be no better time. No suspicions that he needed time to mold his answers along clever political lines that conceal more, and inform less. This “appointed time” that he used as a defence for delaying saying anything, is that when President Ali releases him from giving an account of the lapses, gaps, and failures that led to the MV Barima’s last voyage and its death plunge? And his role as the minister responsible for the Transport and Harbours Department. It is a travesty of all that is lawful to charge three men attached to the T&HD, while the bigger fish are allowed to swim free. The minister’s use of the “appointed time” inserts God into the death of the boat and many that boarded it on that fateful day in July. We caution him to be careful with invoking God in what has every resemblance to what is godless. We have no idea how long Minister Edghill will keep up these dodging charades of his. The time for him to face the families and the public is long past. He definitely was not so nervous about speaking angrily and impatiently in the early hours and days of the MV Barima tragedy. What has changed since then? He may think that he is couching his involvement in a convincing manner. It is obvious that the minister, like so many at senior levels in the PPPC Government, are good at fooling themselves. The MV Barima is a tragedy that calls for the beginning of frank conversations, not the time for ministerial hedges and more PPPC Government smokescreens, using shifty language. Stability issues aside, why was the wharf to accommodate the MV Ma Liska unfinished after the spending of so much money and the passage of so much time? Why was the new boat used as the setting for fun for government-related people, and priority not given to putting it to ply a route that serves the poor communities in the hinterlands? Why the rush to charge three workers, when so much is still up in the air, two months later? Was charging those three boat workers the first hurried step to shift the blame for the deaths from where it rightly belongs? Why do projects that fall under the minister’s authority, often develop all these huge holes? There was the airport expansion project that lingered for years, wasted many millions. There is that wharf that could not be finished, because so much did not start out with the right groundwork laid. When matters go so terribly wrong, they should not first end up falling on the head of a boat captain and members of his crew, but on departmental heads and political heads. Minister Edghill, with all his buying of time, has to know that in most other countries, he would have been the first head rolled, and that would be the start. The fact that he is still around provides the clearest evidence on how degraded this country has become, how there is no respect for the people. The fact that he is comfortable playing around with “right time” and “appointed time” confirms how accountability is almost totally lacking in Guyana today.
The minister must make the decision in this case DEAR EDITOR, The Commissioner of Police appears to have more influence over the current scandal involving the Deputy Commissioner than the Minister with responsibility over the GPF. It is the Minister’s decision as to whether the Deputy Commissioner goes on leave while the investigation c o n t i n u e s . T h e Commissioner has a seat at the table, but the final decision must sit within the President’s Cabinet if there is a gap in the leadership
structure as there currently is. If the Minister cannot handle the influence of the Commissioner in this matter, then the Minister must seek guidance and assistance from the President and the Attorney General. It is also clear that when a mistake is made that the person making that mistake must own up to it and selfcorrect. There is no shame in adjusting one’s position quickly after a mistake is discovered. Trying to cover it up only makes the situation worse and conveys the
message that there is something being hidden. Thus, resulting in the public losing confidence in that person’s integrity, honesty, and ability to deal effectively with important matters. It is very disappointing to see that someone who does have in depth knowledge of the law appearing to be persuaded by a third party who would prefer to diminish the importance and gravity of the current allegations against a fellow officer. The current handling of the scandal is less than
adequate and swift changes must occur if the Minister and the Ali Administration are to save face. The voters, and especially the female voters, will not forget nor forgive any further mishandling of this serious matter. It may also be time for a new Commissioner to be appointed. The number of serious scandals involving the GPF has been one too many. The GPF needs stronger leadership. With concern, Mr. Jamil Changlee
We are moving back to the dark ages DEAR EDITOR, The President response on the debt burden Guyana is currently saddled with reminds me of my boyhood days when we would shake the carbon in a can and then apply some fire for it to explode. We were all excited when it made that deafening sound. Everyone cheers. However, sometimes it does not explode, we became sad
and says it was a “SUS”. Simply put, it was a failure. This is exactly what happened with the President speech on the debt burden – it was a SUS. Mr. President, we all learnt that when undertaking analytical work, one must be cognizant of the facts, but more specifically the comparative numbers must reflect the same base. In
other works, as the saying goes “you cannot compare apples with oranges”. Ms. Surujdai Juglall, in reviewing the Ministry of Finance Mid-Year Report 2026 nails the base of the argument. She posits that when comparing pre-oil GDP with post-oil GDP, one must be mindful to use the same base. In this case, the only
qualifying base is the pre-oil GDP. As Ms. Juglall correctly surmise, the current debt to GDP without oil production is over 150%. Let me repeat this, the current debt to nonoil GDP is more than 150%. Are we moving back to the dark ages you alluded to in your “SUS” remarks? Sincerely, Charles Sugrim
Incompetency at GPL and GWI have led to constant and water shortage throughout the country DEAR EDITOR, I am writing on behalf of myself and most Guyanese to express my deep concern regarding the persistent economic paradox facing the citizens of our beautiful Guyana with its huge forests and majestic waterfalls. While several global financial institutions recognised and celebrated our country as one of the world’s fastest growing economies, buoyed by enormous offshore oil discoveries and an unprecedented surge in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), yet the daily reality for ordinary citizens remains defined by high cost of living, and a poverty rate of 58 percent as reported by the International Development Bank (IDB) This is unprecedented for Guyana which has had a growth of 41% in its GDP due to its huge oil and gold reserves, and a monthly revenue of US$500 million from its oil sales and royalties. According to various sources the Guyana government is expected to receive oil revenues of more
than US$6 billion by the end of 2026, and this should be doubled by next year as oil production is projected to increase to an average of between 905,000 and one million barrels per day. It is undeniably accepted that Guyana is statistically recognised by foreign governments and financial institutions around the world for its immense wealth but continues to subject its population to poverty, massive daily blackouts, severe shortage of reliable potable water across the country. This begs the question “Is Guyana truly a land of many waters as we were taught?” If the answer is yes, then why for more than five decades have people been experiencing enormous potable water shortages. GWI and GPL have not only failed the people, but they are grossly incompetent. During the last two election campaigns, President Irfaan Ali and VP Bharat Jagdeo made several promises to end the blackouts, but five years later, there are still frequent
power outages throughout the country, which have disrupted businesses, damage household a p p l i a n c e s a n d fundamentally disrupted the daily lives of the people. The uncaring and corrupt egotistic Ali government has exhibited poor and inept leadership by refusing to compensate the people for their damaged appliances and spoiled food due to the frequent blackouts and voltage fluctuations. While GPL enforces strict payment requirements, it has not compensated businesses and house-holds for financial losses caused by blackouts. Furthermore, President Ali ought to know that the lack of clean running water in almost all the communities across the country have forced the citizens to compromise on basic hygiene and health; an indignity that should not exist because of the country’s massive wealth. President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharat Jagdeo have publicly stated that the Gas-to-Energy project will
end the blackouts, reduce electrical and gas bills by 50 percent but their promise has done little to alleviate the immediate hardships faced by the people. The truth is Guyanese are suffering, and they do not trust or believe either of them because they have not delivered on any of the promises they have made in the past. The fact that the Ali government boasts of a booming economy is meaningless because the huge oil revenues have not reduced or end poverty and blackouts. Instead of planning for predictable demand in electricity, executives have shifted the blame for the daily blackouts to the citizens for their use of air condition units, electric fans and lights during peak hours. Likewise, the people do not have unlimited access to clean water, thus leaving many of them to suffer, unable to wash clothes and even take a proper bath. In the rural areas of the country, people are using water from Continued on page 5
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‘One Guyana’ must be more than a slogan DEAR EDITOR, “One People One Space One Destiny”. This caught my attention as I listened to the address of the Prime Minister of Burkina Fasso to the General Assembly of the United Nations. The audience of international delegates, and indeed the world watching on television, were told that those words comprise the motto of the Confederation of Sahel States. The aspiration, in 2016, is to further galvanize the peoples of 3 African nations belonging to different tribes, into thinking and acting as One Confederation. Guyana’s national motto,
like others created in the 1960s as Great Britain relinquished colonial control over countries that today form the Commonwealth of Nations, reflects the coloniser leaving with goodwill and handing over to independent people the stable polity colonial management had created. Guyana’s “One People One Nation One Destiny” could easily have been Jamaica’s “Out of Many, One People”. Our national motto was not seriously intended to do more than congratulate the United Kingdom for giving the people of the former British Guiana, the English language, the English
Incompetency at GPL... From page 4 trenches and canals, which in many cases could be deemed unhealthy and could lead to a health hazards. From coast to coast, people are fed up, frustrated and furious with the government because of the hundreds of thousands of USD it has spent to secure two multi-megawatt power ships from Turkish owners yet widespread blackouts continue throughout the country. The country’s natural resources and oil revenues belong to the people and not to the family and friends of the ruling elite or PPP supporters. The nation deserves better treatment. Sincerely, Aubrey Retemyer
education system, a Britishstyled civil service and not driving on the right side of the road – but on the correct side! Unlike the AES’s motto coined in 2026 out of patriotically founded and supported military takeovers, our national motto neither generated nor fostered feelings of unity amongst Guyanese as One People over the past 60 years since Independence. It is good that we have continued to acknowledge that we are a land of 6 races – perhaps not the same 6 as in 1966 – for our Portugueseheritage brothers and sisters have never considered themselves White, although ever conscious that despite arriving as indentured servants, their European origin and pale skin afforded them many practical social benefits. Guyana’s 6th race today is in reality made up of
all whose heritage is any racial mix of Guyanese blood. Most ‘Puddagee’ Guyanese are indeed mixed with a drop of some other Guyanese heritage. To develop onward and upward from this good starting position towards a
true unity of Guyana’s sons and daughters, a unity that goes beyond the inherited British institutions that are an indelible part of what Guyana is, we need to truly aim to see ourselves as One Guyana. Yes, One Guyana encompasses it all – ‘One
People One Nation One Destiny’ – in an easy 2-word expression which when uttered or even thought of feels like Oneness...like togetherness...like just what it means; One Guyana. Yours truly, Ronald Bostwick
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U.S. imposes sanctions on ICC hours after former judge wins Nobel Peace Prize (Reuters) - US President Donald Trump’s administration-imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court on Friday, hours after one of its former judges won the Nobel Peace Prize, putting Washington on a diplomatic collision course with European allies. The court the move as an “assault on the rule of law and on the very foundations of the international legal order,” and called on its 125 member states to take action to defend it. “The Court cannot stand alone. Its fate now rests also in the hands of the states that created it,” it said in a statement. “This is not just about defending a single institution, but about safeguarding the international order grounded upon the rule of law. History will judge this moment.” T h e T r u m p administration has long been hostile to the court, founded in 2002 to prosecute war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, and has previously imposed sanctions on its prosecutors and judges. Friday’s move would go much farther, by
potentially punishing companies that provide services to the court itself. “President Trump will never allow the International Criminal Court `to prosecute Americans,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement, first published by Reuters. “That is why, today, the United States is sanctioning the International Criminal Court. We will ban transactions with this rogue court, cutting off their resources and crippling its ability to operate.” The US Treasury announced the sanctions with a six-month initial grace period, and some other exemptions that would allow some transactions for telecoms, software, payment of pensions and transactions related to detainees. Rubio said the sanctions had been structured to give the court and its member states an opportunity to address US concerns, and would be adjusted if those demands were not met. Wa s h i n g t o n h a s denounced the ICC over arrest warrants issued for Israeli officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and a past
investigation into actions of US soldiers in Afghanistan, which the ICC says is “deprioritized”. “The sanctions are intended to undermine the rule of law internationally and the work that an independent judicial institution is doing,” ICC Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan told Reuters. “Our work will continue across all our situations, our investigations and our prosecutions.” The ICC has issued arrest warrants against more than 70 people, including world leaders and major figures in global conflicts. In addition to Netanyahu, it has sought the arrest of Hamas figures. Others who were the subject of arrest warrants include President ‘Vladimir Putin, former Sudan President Omar al-Bashir and former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. Charges against Kenyan President William Ruto and former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta were withdrawn. NOBEL COMMITTEE CITES POLITICAL ATTACKS IN AWARDING PRIZE The court has received
strong backing in the past from its member states, which include all EU countries and all members of the NATO alliance apart from the United States and Turkey. It is based in the Netherlands, an EU and NATO member. The Nobel Prize awarded hours earlier to South African jurist Navi Pillay, who sat on the ICC’s Appeals Chamber from 2003-2008, was explicitly described by the prize committee as a gesture of support for such tribunals at a time when “judges and institutions of international law are `under political attack”. “An international legal system in which war criminals are held to account and the victims of abuse see justice served is a precondition for a peaceful world,” the prize committee said. US sanctions typically bar all US-based companies from any work with a sanctioned organization, forcing banks to shut accounts, insurers to end coverage and software companies to halt cooperation. T h e T r u m p
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Mark Schiefelbein/Pool via REUTERS
administration previously imposed targeted sanctions on court officials during his first term, which were rescinded under President Joe Biden. ‘Washington announced new sanctions just days after Trump returned to office in January 2025. Court officials have been preparing for months for the prospect of sanctions on the court itself, shifting office computers from Microsoft software to open-source equivalents and making new arrangements for banking and health insurance. The court’s registrar Osvaldo Zavala Giler called earlier this week for the EU
to be prepared to use a socalled “blocking mechanism” that lets it shield European countries from the `extraterritorial effects of sanctions. In his statement, Rubio said the United States had delayed its sanctions hoping that the ICC and the countries party to its founding Rome Statute would address US concerns, but they had failed to do so. “Either the ICC will end its threats, or we will end the ICC. We expect our allies, many of whom are part of the ICC and that rely on American service members for their defense, to rein in the court,” Rubio said.
Navi Pillay wins Nobel Peace Prize 2026 (BBC NEWS) When South African jurist Navi Pillay won this year’s Nobel Peace Prize, she happened to be at a conference at the Nuremberg Court in Germany, where the landmark trial of Nazi leaders almost 80 years ago laid the foundations for modern international law. As her colleagues in the human rights community applauded and congratulated the former International Criminal Court (ICC) judge on her win, her first reaction was simply: “Is it true? I thought it must be a joke.” “If you clap a little bit more, I may share this prize with (US President Donald) Trump,” she quipped, a reference to how last year’s winner gave her medal to the US president, before adding “it’s very appropriate that I’m with friends, colleagues, all of whom support human rights.” Hours after Pillay’s win, the Trump administration announced fresh sanctions on the ICC, the body established in 2002 to prosecute individuals accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. The work of the human rights community and the international legal order have increasingly come under attack in recent years – a fact the Nobel committee was eager to highlight in its decision to recognize Pillay, 85. By spotlighting Pillay, who has served on several international courts and oversaw a 2025 UN report that concluded
that Israel committed genocide in Gaza, the committee said it wanted to “remind the world that the rule of law – national and international – underpins the system we have set up to ensure peace.” Justice is a ‘necessity’ for peace That message was not explicitly directed at any one state. But implicitly, it rebuked those countries – most notably the US – whose actions have weakened international legal institutions. As part of its efforts to “dismantle” the ICC “brick by brick,” in the words of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Trump administration on Friday announced sanctions on the ICC itself. “We will ban transactions with this rogue court, cutting off their resources and crippling its ability to operate,” Rubio said in a statement hours after the Nobel Peace Prize was announced. The measure would cut off the court from US companies and financial services. The US Treasury has issued a sixmonth waiver for companies to wind down their operations with the court. The State Department said that the six-month window “is intended to provide time” for the court “to demonstrate meaningful progress on diplomatic and legal resolutions that address fundamental US concerns regarding the ICC,” and that it “can be adjusted in response to the success or failure of such efforts to address our concerns.”
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Mohamed urges Govt. to swap Guyana's oil for refined fuel as prices soar O p p o s i t i o n L e a d e r, Azruddin Mohamed is urging the government to explore swapping the country's crude oil for refined fuels like diesel and gasoline as prices soar on the international market in light of ongoing tensions in the
Middle East. In an interview with Kaieteur News, Mohamed highlighted the significant jump in fuel prices since the beginning of this year, pointing to the fact that this increase is directly affecting families across the country.
The opposition leader was keen to note that Guyana is producing approximately 900,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) yet the population remains exposed to vulnerable fuel prices that is driving inflation as admitted by President Irfaan Ali.
According to him, “Guyanese families are paying more at the pump while the country produces about 900,000 barrels of oil a day. That is not bad luck; it is bad planning. We have no refinery, and no strategic fuel reserve, so every global price
Opposition Leader, Azruddin Mohamed shock lands on working people.” He argued that for years government has discussed the possibility of storage, a reserve and a refinery but Guyanese still await the fulfillment of these promises. In the meantime, leader o f t h e We I n v e s t i n Nationhood (WIN) party noted that citizens in an oilrich nation feel no benefit, especially when driving into a gas station or paying freight costs. Mohamed said that the suggestion by an energy analyst, as reported recently in Kaieteur News, for the country to swap its crude oil for refined fuels is worth exploring and should be studied. More importantly however, he stressed the importance of transparency in such transaction involving the country's natural resources. “The idea of swapping crude for refined fuel deserves serious study, but we will not sign a blank check on it. Even the analyst who proposed it says it works only “when structured transparently,” and this government's record on transparency is the problem,” he said. The opposition leader reminded that the US$214 million audit dispute with ExxonMobil has dragged on for five years and is only now before the International Chamber of Commerce while a far larger audit, covering US$19.6 billion in costs, has been with the government since May 2025, but the report remains hidden from the public. Consequently, Mohamed urged, “Before any swap, the government must tell Guyanese what it will cost, who the counterparties are, and what price they will pay.” Additionally, he said, “We are calling for a strategic fuel reserve set up by law, with a clear target, a
deadline, and public rules for when it is released. Fuel should be bought through open, tendered contracts, with the pricing formulas and winning bids published.” Regarding the barter of Guyana's crude oil, the leader was adamant that swap volumes, suppliers, and prices must be reported to the National Assembly and audited by the Auditor General. In the meantime, he said that government must publish studies it conducted for the construction of a local refinery and storage facility. The party leader noted that the administration should explain to Guyanese why the proposed US$300 million Curlew Midstream depot was never signed. As Guyanese continue to struggle to afford fuel in the oil-rich nation, he said an urgent and measured intervention is required by the government. According to him, “government should show the public exactly how each pump price is built and give direct, time-limited help to farmers, minibus operators, and fishers. The Wales gasto-energy plant will help with electricity costs, but it is not a fix for pump prices, and the people deserve to hear that plainly.” To address the situation the country currently finds itself in, an international energy analyst suggested that Guyana explore an initiative that involves swapping its sweet light crude in exchange for refined fuels that can cushion the high prices burdening citizens. In the absence of a refinery, Guyana imports expensive refined fuels to power its grid and economy, leaving working-class citizens to shoulder escalating costs of living, high freight rates, and frequent power outages (Continued on page 9)
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How much do you love your country? After the fourth beer my friend’s tongue loosened. “Boy, Guyana is a beautiful place. Folks back home just do not know how good they have it. Look at us here in this freezing place. I would give anything to be outside Petboy Shop sipping a cold one on a Friday afternoon.” “You miss home?” I asked. “If I miss home? If I miss home? I love Guyana. I love Guyana!” he replied “Are you willing to help out the people of Guyana?” I queried.
“I am always up to help out. Just name it and you will have it. I love my country, he said, pointing to his car parked outside.” he said. There was a Guyana flag hanging on a thin slender pole attached to his front fender; a miniature flagpole flying the Golden Arrowhead, the symbol of patriotism for so many immigrants. The flag hung wet and wilted from the weather. It was faded but still much visible for all to see. “See that flag,” he said, “it goes wherever I go.”
That was obvious since wherever he went, he did so in his car. The conversation switched to other topics. But that was only a temporary reprieve. After the fifth beer, the love relationship with Guyana resurfaced again. My friend began again about how much he loved his homeland. I decided to question whether it was love or nostalgia. So, I asked him, “You love Guyana? Why do you love Guyana?” He paused for a very long
Mohamed urges Govt. to swap... From page 8 managed by the state utility, Guyana Power and Light (GPL). The urgency for a localised solution has been magnified by a deepening global energy crisis, with Middle East conflicts disrupting tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and targeted Ukrainian drone strikes crippling Russian refining infrastructure throughout 2025 and 2026. The situation has caused global diesel supplies to fall and instead of buffering itself against this volatility, Guyana operates almost entirely on the spot market for its refined fuel imports. In an interview with this newspaper, the energy analyst pointed out that the country lacks a multi-month Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR)—a standard macroeconomic tool used by sovereign nations to stabilise prices. “During an international supply shock, a government can release state-owned, stockpiled fuel from an SPR to artificially lower local pump prices and maintain market liquidity,” the analyst said, requesting to be unnamed.
The analyst noted that this physical buffer hurts the working class, who are forced to absorb imported inflation while the same volatility guarantees high returns for private fuel importers. To this end, the source suggested, “One heavily debated strategy is the implementation of a crude-to-distillate swap arrangement, paired with the creation of a Strategic Fuel Reserve. Under a swap agreement, a producing nation leverages its share of equity crude—in Guyana's case, its profit oil allocations—directly exchanging it with global trading houses or refiners for equivalent volumes of refined products like diesel and Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO).” It was explained that the model is designed to bypass the international spot market entirely. “When structured transparently, swaps eliminate heavy logistics markups, mitigate currency exchange pressures, and secure a predictable supply of distillates to keep vital assets like Karpowerships and GuySuCo mills operational,” the analyst said.
Dem Boys Seh...
Guyana turning into a country of hard ears Dem boys beginning to believe dat Guyana need more ear doctors than traffic police. Because between de horns, de minibuses and de cars driving pon de road with music blasting, people hearing getting worse by de day. Some drivers believe a car is not properly equipped unless it can shake windows, rattle zinc fences and make people teeth dance to de music. Dem got speakers powerful enough to wake up de dead, and bass loud enough to make a sleeping baby apply fuh migration. Dem boys see one car passing de other day, music blasting so loud dat a man standing on de pavement nearly confess to a crime he never commit. De driver looking proud, as though he just win a national award for disturbing de peace. And de funny thing is, dem drivers does behave as though everybody on de road buy a ticket to de concert. Nobody ask dem to provide entertainment, but dem insist on making de whole neighbourhood listen to every song, whether dem like it or not. Imagine somebody trying to study, a baby trying to sleep, an old lady trying to hear de evening news, or a sick person trying
to rest. Suddenly, here come Mr. Big Speaker, turning de public road into a nightclub without permission from anybody. Then yuh got de horn blowers. Dem blow horn when dem see a pretty girl, when de light turn green, when de light turn red, and sometimes when dem see a pothole. Dem blow horn so much dat if a traffic light ever develop feelings, it would commit suicide. De minibus drivers contributing too. Some play music so loud dat passengers have to read lips to know where dem going. By de time yuh reach yuh destination, yuh lose yuh hearing, yuh train of thought and sometimes yuh will to live. Dem boys want know when blasting music in public become a national duty. Nobody should have to endure somebody else’s musical taste at a volume suitable for launching a spacecraft. Noise pollution is not entertainment. It is inconsideration with a sound system. If dem continue like dis, soon people gan need earplugs to walk pon de road and hearing aids to attend a wedding. And de next time somebody ask yuh why yuh hard of hearing, tell dem: “Is not age. Is Guyana.” Talk half. Leff half.
time. He took a sip. Looked at me, took another sip, but did not answer. I asked him again, “Why do you love Guyana?” He looked at me and then said, “Guyana is my homeland. I love Guyana because I just love Guyana. It is where I was born. It was where I grew up. Why would I not like Guyana?” I interjected, “I was not disputing that you love Guyana. I was just asking why. If you love something or somewhere, there has to be a reason why you love it. Is that not so?” “Sure bro, but I love Guyana and I know that you love Guyana. Do you not love Guyana?” he asked turning the question back on me. I had to remind him that he was the one who said that he loved Guyana and I was really trying to find out just what it is that he loved about Guyana. He continued. “Guyana is my country. I don’t care
what nobody says; Guyana will always be my country. I am not going to sit here and deny that I come from Guyana. I love Guyana because I come from Guyana. It is my country.” “You had a dog which you gave away last week,” I reminded. Sure, he said, “I gave the dog away.” “It was your dog?” “Sure. It was my dog.” “You loved that dog, did you not?” I asked “Yes, I loved it.” “If you loved it why then did you give it away?” “I gave it away because I had to.” “Just like how you had to leave Guyana,” I reminded. He was finally seeing my point. “Look he said, I know where you are coming from. If I love my country so much, if it belongs to me, why then did I leave it. We all had to leave it for our own good. Sometimes you have to leave what you love.”
“But you still love Guyana?” I asked. “Yes, most definitely.” “How deep is your love for your country?” He said, “I love my country and I will go back there because I love Guyana.” “Would you give up your job and go back and live in Guyana?” I asked. He looked at me, pushed his glass away, stood up, and strode away from the table. “I have to go now,” he said. He went out to his car and drove off. The flag on his car still hung limply, refusing to be revived by the draft caused by his sudden acceleration. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Houthi strikes on Riyadh airport... From page 2 verify that and Houthi forces remain in Mocha, a little way up the coast, with government forces now focused on a battle in nearby hills that overlook the region. The Houthis have also managed to cut off a key road connecting Taiz, a city of more than half a million people with a garrison of thousands of pro-government fighters, with advances in mountain districts. The group has announced repeated rounds of ballistic missile fire at Saudi Arabia, proclaiming it would shut down Saudi airspace and warning workers at oil facilities that it would strike those too. Saudi Arabia is seeking assistance from Pakistan and Turkey, its partners in a mutual defence pact, to help ward off Houthi attacks, and has pushed for wider help from allies to
aid it in reversing the group's gains inside Yemen. THREATS TO SAUDI AIRSPACE The Houthis on Friday repeated their threats against aircraft flying over Saudi Arabia, except above the holy Muslim cities of Mecca and Medina, describing Saudi airspace as a theatre of operations for its missile forces. While some regional airlines were still operating flights through Riyadh, many others were still s uspended and flightradar24 showed many cancellations and delays. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency said it was extending the area in which it advised airlines not to fly, citing the recent attacks on Riyadh airport and risks to civil aviation. An aviation risk monitoring advisory body, OPSGROUP, advised against flying over the kingdom.
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H@RD TRUTHS
BY GHK LALL
Routledge - differing from Adams, Ram, others I regret differing from respected brothers, Dr. Vincent Adams and Chris Ram, two peerless Guyanese. The source of the difference is Exxon Guyana President, Mr. Alistair Routledge's statement that “it's not our job to build the nation…they didn't vote for u s … w e a r e n o t representatives of the people.” Though I recoil from what Mr. Routledge said, he is right, except for one point, and on a limited basis only. I dissect his statement, the main points of which are quoted in the preceding sentence. “It's not our job to build the nation...” The Exxon Country Head has been terribly wrong in many areas, many matters, many representations (billboards, reserves, revenue flows, and more). He, however, is right that Guyanese should NOT
look to Exxon to build Guyana. Building Guyana is the job of the Guyana Government, Guyana's political groupings, and the Guyanese people. They must work at it with a passion, will it to rise from the derelict state (mentally, politically, governmentally) that it is today. It is Pres Ali's role to lead in building of Guyana, not Exxon's board of directors, not Darren Wo o d s , n o t A l i s t a i r Routledge. When the president puts aside divisive, destructive, politics, and engages political and civil society constituencies, then that's from where the duty to build the nation starts and soars. Hopefully succeeds. At least, it increases the probability of progress. When Pres Ali abandons his leadership role, lacks the courage to fight for what
could build Guyana, through sheltering in a cracked glass house, that does not devolve to Exxon. It shouldn't, mustn't. Incidentally, Mr. Ali's glass house has a name: sanctity of contract. When he retreats there, doesn't lift a finger to fight for developments that could build this nation, then why should Exxon? If Guyana refuses to fight for itself, why should others? Who would do so for the abjectly fearful (doing nothing), the craftily resourceful (dodging leadership duty), and the smartly angling (retaining power)? I n l a m b a s t i n g M r. Routledge, prominent Guyanese are giving their own pathetic leaders, their cowardly government, undeserved coverage. One issue that I take with Mr. Routledge's “build the
nation” statement is his and Mr. Woods' insistence that Exxon is a true, helpful, constructive partner, that the Guyanese people can hope to have, actually have. If so, then helping to “build the nation” is part of a superbly profiting partner's portfolio. Can't be as lopsided, per the record. Nor as secretive. Nor so destructive to the political and social fabric of this country. A genuine partner will embrace that duty, as part of its enriched presence, for the wealth to be shared, a country to rise. Agreed that there's no such animal as benevolent capitalism; and business is business, with no place for sentiment. Hence, Exxon should sell itself as explorer and profit taker and not a partner. Not anything else. It is my only qualification in a g r e e i n g w i t h M r.
Routledge, speaking for Exxon's High C o m m a n d . Recalling him would be reversing where Exxon's Board and CEO stand. “They didn't vote for us.” What is there to disagree about in that Routledge challenge? Exxon's board voted for a CEO, who then selected (voted) for Alistair Routledge as the best viceroy, the best warrior, for the company's interests in Guyana. Guyanese voted for Ali, Mohamed, Norton, Campbell and Walton-Desir. They have to carry the burden of visions and actions on what is required to “build the nation”. Then deliver on it. It is improper, appalling, to delegate that to Exxon. What are Guyanese: paralytics and misfits? Not capable to tie their own shoe laces, unready to fold their hands into fists, and to stand for this nation? It has been so, hasn't it? “ W e a r e n o t representatives of the people.” I don't usually agree with Mr. Routledge. How can I disagree with him now? Guyanese put Ali, Jagdeo, Nandlall, Norton,
Campbell, Mohamed, Walton-Desir where they are to represent them, fight for them, even die for them. They prefer to wound each other. In some respects, Mr. Routledge just insulted them. He savaged them. I translate. The people made them (YOU) their representatives. Now get off your derrieres and do all that can be done to build the nation. Don't look to Exxon. Guyanese have slackers for representatives where their patrimony is concerned. Routledge is representing his constituencies well. I wish I can say that about my Guyanese brothers and sisters sitting as the people's representatives. F i n a l l y, A l i s t a i r Rouledge could be, should have been, recalled for many other manoeuvres. Not on this statement, though. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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PPP/C's democracy talk masks failures in governance - APNU The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has accused the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government of paying lip service to democracy, noting that its public celebration of free elections, an independent judiciary and a free press does not reflect the state of the country's democratic institutions. In a statement on Friday, APNU said the democratic rhetoric touted by the party clashes with its record in government. The party said President Irfaan Ali and PPP/C
General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo used the occasion of October 5 to praise free elections, a strong parliament, an independent judiciary and a free press. However, APNU said these pronouncements do not reflect the reality as the government continues to act in a dictatorial manner, undermining any semblance of democracy. “Democracy cannot be speeches about 1992 while all the democratic institutions are being weakened or destroyed by the government,” the party said.
APNU pointed to irregular sittings of parliament since the September 2025 general and regional elections. It said democracy must be demonstrated through the effective functioning of institutions rather than public pronouncements. It said the country's democratic framework is being undermined by a weakened system of local government, a media environment tilted towards the incumbent, unresolved questions about the executive's respect for judicial authority, and
resistance or delays in adopting additional electoral safeguards. It argued that each of those failings undermines democratic accountability and that, collectively, they expose the gap between the PPP/C's anniversary rhetoric and the standards expected of a genuinely democratic government. The coalition called for a time-bound, inclusive programme of democratic reform, including the reconstitution and resourcing of the Local Government Commission and protection for
municipalities and neighbourhood democratic councils against partisan interference. It also called for immediate amendments to electoral law to permit independently tested biometric voter verification, with firm safeguards against disenfranchisement. APNU further called for stronger accountability and public reporting by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), as well as the timely publication of pollingstation results and audits. It also advocated enforceable campaign-finance and state-
resource rules, fair access to state media, and government compliance with court orders. The party said these reforms must be developed through genuine consultation rather than presented as decisions already made. “The people of Guyana must also change the manner in which they defend democracy. Private concern, occasional outrage and social-media complaints are not enough. Citizens, professional associations, workers, faith communities, young people, businesses, (Continued on page 24)
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MV Barima CoI continues site inspections ahead of October 14 hearings The five-member Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the MV Barima tragedy on Friday continued its preliminary investigations with visits to two dry docks on the East Bank Demerara, where the vessel was maintained and repaired at various times before the deadly July 18 incident. The visits form part of the commission's efforts to gather information and familiarise itself with facilities relevant to the investigation ahead of the commencement of oral hearings on October 14. According to a statement issued by the commission's secretary, both facilities were associated with the maintenance and repair of the MV Barima at different times before the tragedy. The inspections are intended to give commissioners a clearer understanding of the sites and operations that may be relevant to their examination of the circumstances surrounding the vessel's capsising. Friday's visits followed a series of inspections on Thursday, October 8, at the Transport and Harbours Department's (T&HD) Goods Wharf in Kingston, Georgetown. The commissioners also visited the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and the Transport and Harbours Department as part of their preliminary fact-finding activities. The site visits were part of the commission's broader efforts to gather information before the oral hearings begin. The inquiry is tasked with examining the circumstances surrounding the MV Barima tragedy, which occurred on July 18, 2026. With oral hearings scheduled to begin on October 14, the commissioners are continuing their preliminary work to familiarise themselves with the facilities, operations and agencies connected to the vessel before proceeding with the formal examination of evidence.
PAHO warns of very high measles spread risk ahead of religious gatherings The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) is warning that the risk of measles spreading across the Americas remains very high, as upcoming religious mass gatherings in South America are expected to trigger increased travel within and between countries. In an assessment released on Friday, October 9, PAHO urged countries to step up vaccination campaigns, strengthen disease surveillance and ensure they can quickly detect and respond to new cases, amid ongoing outbreaks and gaps in immunisation coverage. The warning comes as the region continues to record a sharp rise in infections. Between January 4 and October 3, 2026, a total of 55,792 confirmed measles cases and 77 deaths were reported across 17 countries and territories. That represents a 4.8-fold increase compared with the same period last year. Guatemala recorded the highest number of cases, followed by Mexico, the United States, Peru and Canada. Together, the five countries accounted for 99.5 per cent of confirmed infections across the region.
Cases have also been reported in Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Bonaire, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama and Uruguay. PAHO Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, warned that gaps in vaccination coverage are leaving communities vulnerable to the highly contagious disease, particularly as large gatherings and increased travel create more opportunities for transmission. “People need to protect their children with the very effective and safe measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine,” Dr. Barbosa said, while urging countries to close immunity gaps and strengthen their ability to detect and respond to cases. Mass gatherings raise concerns PAHO said the movement of large numbers of people between communities and countries could allow infected travellers to introduce measles into areas where vaccination coverage is low. The disease can spread before the characteristic rash appears, meaning people may (Continued on page 23)
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Guyana and Jamaica Three-year-old boy Sign Tourism drowns in Bartica MOU at SOTIC 2026 The Governments of Guyana and Jamaica have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen bilateral cooperation in tourism and h o s p i t a l i t y, d e e p e n longstanding relations between the two countries and create new opportunities for collaboration and investment. The agreement was signed by Guyana's Minister of Tourism, Industry and
experiences, build stronger connections between our tourism stakeholders and create opportunities that benefit our people and the wider Caribbean,” Minister Rodrigues said. Minister Bartlett stated that the partnership with Guyana, an emerging destination, will add great value to Caribbean tourism integration and the strategies for multi-destination tourism. He emphasised the
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, and Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett. Commerce Susan Rodrigues, and Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, during the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2026 at the Atlantic Suites by Hyatt. The signing took place in the presence of Permanent Secretary of Jamaica's Ministry of Tourism, Jennifer Griffith; Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Kamrul Baksh; and SecretaryGeneral and CEO of the C a r i b b e a n To u r i s m Organization (CTO), Ms Dona Regis-Prosper. The MOU establishes a framework for both countries to share knowledge and expertise, strengthen engagement between tourism stakeholders and encourage travel between the two destinations. It also creates opportunities for collaboration in tourism investment, air connectivity, education and training, sustainable tourism development and tourism resilience. Minister Rodrigues welcomed the agreement, noting that it provides an opportunity for both countries to strengthen tourism ties, share expertise and explore new avenues for collaboration. “This partnership allows us to learn from each other's
importance of moving beyond visitor arrival numbers to ensure that tourism delivers greater value to local economies and contributes meaningfully to the prosperity of Caribbean people. “Guyana is adding much more to the Caribbean tourism experience, with its forests, hidden valleys and rich natural heritage. We want to build the capacity of our people to respond to the demands of prosperity and ensure that we retain greater value from tourism for our people,” Minister Bartlett said.The agreement comes as Guyana continues to expand its tourism sector, strengthen international partnerships and position Destination Guyana as a competitive, sustainable tourism destination. Closer collaboration with Jamaica will create opportunities to exchange experiences, develop partnerships and advance a more resilient and inclusive regional tourism industry. The signing during SOTIC 2026 reinforces the importance of regional cooperation in advancing shared tourism priorities and ensuring that the sector creates lasting opportunities for Caribbean businesses, workers and communities.
A three-year-old boy reportedly drowned in the Essequibo River at Agatash Village, Region Seven, during the early afternoon hours on Friday. The child has been identified as Keron Atkinson. According to reports, he was in the company of his seven-year-old
cousin when he went underwater. Police, relatives and villagers reportedly joined efforts to search the nearby waters in the hope of finding the toddler alive. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.
Family members searching for body of Keron Atkinson
Keron Atkinson, 3
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Guyana pushes regional collaboration on energy security, sustainability at OLACDE confab Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips has called on regional leaders to strengthen collaboration on long-term energy planning, warning that rising electricity demand, climate-related risks and technological advances will require countries across Latin America and the Caribbean to rethink how they produce and distribute energy. Phillips made the call on Thursday, during a ministerial dialogue at the 11th Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization (OLACDE) Energy We e k i n S a n t o D o m i n g o , Dominican Republic, where he highlighted the need for more diversified, resilient and environmentally sustainable energy systems. He said economic growth, industrialisation, urbanisation and digitalisation would significantly increase the region's energy requirements in the coming years, making it necessary for governments to look beyond immediate electricity generation needs and plan for the decades ahead. “The energy system of the next decade must be more diversified, more resilient, more efficient, more digital and increasingly low carbon,” Phillips said, stressing that regional energy planning must take into account the economies and societies countries expect to have 20 or 50 years from now. The prime minister highlighted Guyana's energy strategy as an example of efforts to balance economic development with environmental sustainability, reaffirming the government's commitment to the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips and other officials at the OLACDE Enegy Week in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The strategy guides the development of a diversified energy supply incorporating natural gas, hydropower, solar, wind and other technologies. Phillips said Guyana's position as an emerging oil and gas producer did not conflict with its environmental commitments, noting that approximately 85 per cent of the country remains covered by forests. “Guyana is an emerging oil and gas producer and, simultaneously, a country with approximately 85 per cent forest cover and a longstanding commitment to lowcarbon development. We do not regard these realities as contradictory,” he said. He added that the country's responsibility was to manage its natural resources strategically and sustainably while using them to accelerate national development and transform its energy system. Renewable energy capacity expands Phillips reported that renewable
energy projects and programmes implemented or committed between 2020 and 2026 represent investments totalling G$37.717 billion. These initiatives, he said, have contributed to a 623 per cent increase in Guyana's installed renewable energy capacity, from 5.35 megawatts (MW) in 2019 to 38.72 MW in 2026. The projects include 13 utilityscale solar photovoltaic farms, 57 solar mini-grids and three hydropower plants. They also include the distribution of 37,730 solar home energy systems and the installation of 239 rooftop solar photovoltaic systems on public and community buildings. Based on projects committed through 2031, Guyana's installed renewable energy capacity is expected to reach 77.14 MW, almost doubling the 2026 level. The prime minister also highlighted the role of natural gas in the country's energy transition, explaining that it would help
replace more carbon-intensive imported fuels used in electricity generation, strengthen energy security and support lower electricity costs. He said renewable energy development and battery storage would also continue to expand as Guyana works towards a more diversified energy supply. Digital technology and energy transition Phillips further underscored the importance of modernising electricity grids and incorporating digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) into energy planning. He said these technologies could improve demand forecasting, predictive maintenance and the overall reliability of electricity systems. However, he cautioned that the growing use of AI and the expansion of data centres would increase electricity demand, requiring greater investment in cybersecurity, data governance and
technical expertise. On the transition to cleaner energy, Phillips stressed that expanding access must translate into tangible improvements in people's lives, particularly in hinterland, riverine and Indigenous communities. “ We m u s t e n s u r e t h a t hinterland, riverine and Indigenous communities, vulnerable households, workers and businesses are not left behind,” he said. He called for greater access to reliable and affordable electricity, alongside investments in local employment, enterprise development, skills training and technical capacity. Phillips also emphasised the importance of meaningful community participation in energy projects, noting that decentralised renewable energy systems were already helping to improve education, healthcare, communications, entrepreneurship (Continued on page 24)
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Meadowbrook residents demand answers as disputed transmission line works continue near homes R e s i d e n t s o f Meadowbrook Gardens are calling for the immediate suspension of transmission line works in their community, citing what they say are broken commitments and unanswered safety concerns. In a statement to the m e d i a o n F r i d a y, t h e Meadowbrook Gardens Community Group expressed outrage and “profound disappointment and serious concern over the resumption of works involving the installation of major electricity transmission lines through our residential community, despite commitments made during a recent meeting with project representatives that works along the disputed section would be halted.” The group said the latest development was particularly troubling because residents had been seeking meaningful consultation since February this year. They have raised
concerns about the proposed transmission route, its proximity to residential properties, potential safety and health implications, and the availability of alternative a l i g n m e n t s . H o w e v e r, despite several requests over the months, the group said these fundamental questions remain unanswered while construction activities have resumed. Unanswered Concerns In February 2026, residents formally requested consultation after raising concerns that the proposed transmission line alignment would affect Meadowbrook Gardens. They questioned why the transmission lines, which had reportedly been proposed for another community before objections were raised, were subsequently rerouted t o w a r d s t h e i r neighbourhood. “Why was our residential community selected following objections from another community? What
technical, environmental or safety considerations justified this decision?” they asked. Residents also questioned why existing reserves bordering the community had not been considered as an alternative route, rather than directing major transmission infrastructure through established residential areas. The group said these were important and reasonable questions for which no satisfactory explanations, technical justifications or supporting documentation had been provided. As a result, the community remains concerned that it has not received adequate consideration and that decisions affecting residents' homes and daily lives are being implemented without sufficient transparency. The statement further emphasised that Meadowbrook Gardens is an established residential
GPL has already started driving piles for a new electrification in Meadow Brook
community where children regularly play outdoors, families gather on their lawns and residents host community activities and events. These are not unused spaces, the group said, but essential parts of residents' homes, neighbourhood and daily lives. Information received by the group suggests that the transmission lines could pass within a few feet of homes and areas used by road users. “Residents remain deeply concerned about potential electrical safety hazards, the proximity of transmission infrastructure
to residential properties, possible restrictions on the use and enjoyment of their homes, and the implications of long-term exposure to electromagnetic fields. These concerns are not without scientific foundation. The World Health Organization (WHO), through its specialised cancer research agency, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), has classified extremely lowfrequency magnetic fields, including those associated with electricity transmission systems, as Group 2B —
“possibly carcinogenic to humans,” they added. The group further stated, “This classification was based primarily on epidemiological studies identifying an association between prolonged residential exposure to elevated magnetic fields and childhood leukaemia. We believe that where reasonable alternatives may exist, potential risks and unnecessary proximity to homes should be properly evaluated rather than dismissed.” At a recent meeting convened to address residents' concerns, project representatives reportedly communicated that work along the disputed section would be halted. Residents interpreted this as an opportunity for further engagement and (Continued on page 24)
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CCJ Pres. says member states Mighty Sparrow’s taking longer than expected funeral set for Oct. 16 to join appellate jurisdiction (St Lucia Times) The Caribbean Court of Justice has grown steadily over the past two decades, but its President says one thing has moved more slowly than expected: the number of member states joining the Court’s appellate jurisdiction. Justice Winston Anderson made the observation on Wednesday as the CCJ opened its new judicial year in Saint Lucia, where the Court is sitting for the first time. Guyana and Barbados joined the appellate jurisdiction at the Court’s inception, followed by Belize in 2010, Dominica in 2015 and Saint CCJ President, Justice Winston Anderson Lucia in 2023. “The pace of accession to the appellate jurisdiction, as well as two judgments in its jurisdiction by other member states has not been as swift as we would have original jurisdiction. Anderson also disclosed that the registry hoped,” Anderson said in his remarks. Despite the slow pace of accession, he has recorded a 40 per cent increase in filings said the Court has continued to build its role before the Court. He said the growing caseload means the across the region, with a focus on making justice more accessible, efficient and CCJ will have to keep tightening its case management and judgment delivery responsive. Since its establishment, the CCJ has heard processes. For Saint Lucia, which joined the and determined more than 500 cases across Court’s appellate jurisdiction in 2023, Anderson said there has also been a its original and appellate jurisdictions. Anderson said the Court has also been significant increase in the number of working to make its decisions easier for the judgments issued when compared with the public to follow, including through corresponding period under the Judicial livestreamed hearings, judgment summaries, Committee of the Privy Council. For the CCJ President, the next stage is case briefing videos and other digital tools. “As a court, I believe it is our duty to keep about deepening the Court’s reach and pace with the needs of the people and the ensuring that the institution remains communities we serve, and to improve the connected to the people it serves. “We have spent the first two decades court user experience,” he said. During the last judicial year, the CCJ building the court. Now we must deepen its delivered 17 judgments arising from appeals reach and strengthen its impact,” Anderson and special leave applications in its appellate said.
(CMC) The late Mighty Sparrow will be honoured with a national Celebration of Life on October 16, with members of the public getting two opportunities to pay their respects ahead of the ceremony. The Ministry of Culture a n d C o m m u n i t y Development announced on Friday that public viewing of the calypso legend will take place from 10 am to 6 pm on October 13 and 14 at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA) and the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), respectively. The Government is collaborating with the Francisco family to organise the State-Assisted Funeral and Celebration of Life for the late Slinger Francisco, better known as Mighty Sparrow, who was widely regarded as the Calypso King of the World. The ministry said the tribute would recognise Sparrow’s contribution to Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural heritage and Caribbean music, as well as his international influence and the generations touched by his work. Sparrow was repatriated from New York to Trinidad and Tobago on October 6.
‘$2.5 billion PSD poses major economic risk to SVG’ Opposition Leader, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves (St. Vincent Times) Former Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has cautioned that St. Vincent and the Grenadines faces a severe economic challenge in managing its $2.5 billion private sector debt burden, warning that economic stagnation risks triggering widespread vehicle repossessions and property foreclosures. Speaking on his radio broadcast, Gonsalves noted
that while international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) routinely focus on public debt, domestic finance leaders must give equal attention to private sector liabilities. According to reported financial statistics, total private sector indebtedness in the nation stands at approximately $2.5 billion, owed across commercial banks, credit unions, building and loan societies, and insurance companies. Gonsalves emphasized that this total excludes informal “quick cash” operations and hirepurchase agreements. The debt encompasses commercial business
financing, residential mortgages, consumer loans, and credit taken out for minibuses, trucks, and heavy construction machinery. Gonsalves explained that meeting these debt obligations relies directly on guaranteed salaries for employed workers and constant commercial turnover for business owners. He drew attention to the vulnerability of contractors and transport operators, noting that financial institutions routinely secure heavy equipment loans by requiring land title deeds—often belonging to parents, grandparents, or extended family members—in addition to vehicle bills of sale.
If key sectors like construction experience a downturn, operators lose the income needed to service their loans, leading to equipment repossession. When repossessed assets are auctioned at a loss, financial institutions move to seize the pledged real estate titles to settle the remaining balance. Gonsalves criticized current administration policy for treating economic management like an abstract university seminar rather than ensuring the continuous circulation of revenue through active development policies. He stressed that proper governance, decisive leadership, and a compelling developmental narrative are necessary to sustain trade and protect citizens from systemic debt distress.
The Mighty Sparrow
His son, Cyril Sancho Francisco, accompanied by Culture and Community Development Minister Michelle Benjamin and ministry officials, received him at Piarco International Airport. The ministry is asking members of the public not to take photographs or record videos during the public viewings, in keeping with a request from the Francisco family. The October 16 programme will begin with a procession at 10 am from Independence Square in Port of Spain, moving along Frederick Street before concluding at NAPA. The procession will feature three stages: a National Farewell at Independence Square, a People’s and Cultural Farewell along Frederick Street, and a Ceremonial Farewell at NAPA. Members of the public, national schools and representatives of the Carnival and cultural industries are expected to participate. Selected recordings from Sparrow’s extensive musical catalogue will also form part of the procession. A tribute programme will follow at NAPA from 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm, featuring steel orchestras, Moko Jumbies, traditional masquerade, cultural performers and other tribute installations. The ministry said arrangements were also being made for members of the public to view the Celebration of Life at the
Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah, with further details to be announced. Meanwhile, members of the public can continue to sign the condolence book, “One Last Note…for the King of Calypso”, until October 15. The book is available from 10 am to 4 pm at the Ministry of Culture and Community Development’s offices at the International Waterfront Complex, NAPA until October 14, SAPA, the Shaw Park Complex in Tobago, all 14 municipal corporation head offices and Trinidad and Tobago’s missions in New York, Miami, London, Washington and Toronto. A virtual condolence book is also available through the ministry’s website, mccd.gov.tt. The ministry said Benjamin had continued to meet with the Francisco family and the coordinating team to finalise arrangements for the event, including ceremonial requirements, public participation, transportation, communications and security. Planning meetings were held at NAPA on October 2, 7 and 8, with a further security meeting taking place on Friday involving representatives of the relevant security agencies and government officials. The Government said it remained committed to ensuring that Sparrow, one of t h e c o u n t r y ’s m o s t celebrated cultural icons, received a dignified national farewell.
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NOTICE Childcare & Protection Agency Ministry of Human Services & Social Security Lot 7 Broad & Charles Streets, Charlestown, Georgetown Telephone: 227-7542, 2257450, 225-1257 Surujdai Khan, whose last known address is Perseverance, Essequibo Coast, is asked to contact the Childcare and Protection Agency at the above address. Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Surujdai Khan is asked to bring this Notice to their attention. URGENTLY looking for MS Ashmin Bacchus. Please make contact #700-1196
Saturday October 10, 2026
Kaieteur News
LEGAL LEGALNOTICE NOTICE
LEGAL LEGALNOTICE NOTICE
2026/786-FD-PET-DEM IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETITION NO. 786 BETWEEN: (MAFRA) LINDA NICOLA nee YOUNG Petitioner/ Applicant -and- (MAFRA) JOSIEL Respondent TO: JOSIEL MAFRA Puruni TAKE NOTICE that on the 22nd day of July 2026, Petition for Divorce was filed against you by LINDA NICOLA MAFRA nee YOUNG, the Petitioner/Applicant in the Family Division on the High Court via e-litigation portal ( h t t p s : / / ejudiciary.supremecourt.gy). AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire, you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to respond to this Petition, then upon receipt of the certified copy, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend (forms are available at the Registry), and Answer and/or Cross Petition via the online portal (https:// ejudiciary.supremecourt.gy) within 35 (thirty-five) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. Your access code is et7f4U. TAKE NOTICE that the matter is fixed for Directions Hearing on Tuesday, the 10th day of November 2026 at 1:30 pm before the Honourable Madam Justice Azeena Baksh IN PERSON. IN DEFAULT OF your filing an Acknowledgement of service/Notice of Intention to Defend, and Answer, the Court may proceed in your absence and may make an Order it considers appropriate. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts, Georgetown, Demerara. The office is open to the public between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00 am to 2:30 pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 24th day of September, 2026.
2026/990-FD-PET-DEM IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND M AT R I M O N I A L JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION Petition No. FD990 BETWEEN: (WOOLFORD) LAVERN NATASHA nee HARRY Petitioner/Applicant -and(WOOLFORD) JOMO SAN FRANCISCO Respondent TO: JOMO SAN FRANCISCO WOOLFORD (Last Known Address) Maracas Drive 19 G Cole Bay, St. Maarten TAKE NOTICE that on the 11th day of September, 2026 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by LAVERN NATASHA WOOLFORD nee HARRY, the Petitioner/Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 14th day of September, 2026, the Petitioner/Applicant was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur Newspaper, a newspaper of general circulation in Guyana. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorneyat-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition through the ELitigation Portal https:// ejudiciary.supremecourt.gy within 35 (thirty-five) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. Your Access Code is X9h7YF. TAKE NOTICE that the Divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Wednesday the 18th day of November, 2026 at 9:00am before the Honourable Madam Justice Simone Morris via Zoom or inperson at Court 8. Meeting ID: 882 1097 6231 Passcode: Court12 IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the
Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 28th day of September, 2026.
Order it considers appropriate. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts, Georgetown, Demerara. The office is open to the public between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00 am to 2:30 pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 17th day of September 2026.
LEGAL NOTICE 2026/190-FD-APN-DEM IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETITION NO. 190 BETWEEN: (CRAWFORD) RUSSHEL AYANA Applicant -and(NELSON) TODD JULIUS Respondent TO: TODD JULIUS NELSON Address: Unknown TAKE NOTICE that on the 4th day of August, 2026 Application Relating to Child was filed against you by RUSSHEL AYANA CRAWFORD, the Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire, you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized Attorney-atLaw at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Application together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to respond to this Application, then upon receipt of the certified copy, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (forms are available at the Registry), and Answer via the online portal, ( h t t p s : / / ejudiciary.supremecourt.gy) within 35 (thirty-five) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. Your access code is cyDed7. TAKE NOTICE that the matter is fixed for Directions Hearing on Friday, the 23rd day of October 2026 at 9:00 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Mandisa Breedy at Court 2 and/or in person or virtually. Meeting ID: 253 814 981 413 509 Passcode: Nr637NS3 IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgment of service/ Notice of Intention to Defend, and Answer, the Court may proceed in your absence and may make an
LEGAL LEGALNOTICE NOTICE 2026/43-HC-CD-FDA-DEMCIV IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE OF GUYANA (COMMERCIAL JURISDICTION) COURT FILE NO. 2026/43-HC-CDFDA-DEM-CIV BETWEEN: ASIF I. ALI SARASWATI D. HIRA Applicants -andR A B I N D R E R D AT H SOEKHAI Respondent NOTICE: TO: R A B I N D R E R D AT H SOEKHAI Lot 147 Block Y, Cornelia Ida West Coast Demerara, Guyana. TAKE NOTICE that a Fixed Date Application was filed on the 26th day of February, 2026, against you by ASIF I. ALI and SARASWATI D. HIRA, in the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara, where the Applicants asks for: a) An order that the Respondent forthwith pays to the Applicants the sum of Five Million Five Hundred and Thirty Thousand Dollars ($5,530,000.00), the said sum being monies due, owing and payable to the Applicants under Promissory Note dated the 5th day of June, 2024; b) Interest on the sum of Five Million Five Hundred and Thirty Thousand Dollars ($5,530,000.00), pursuant to Section 12 of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act Chap 6:02, at the rate of six percent (6%) per annum ($909 per day) from the 5th day of December, 2024 to the date of judgment and thereafter at the rate of four percent (4%) per annum ($606 per day) until fully paid; c) costs; d) such further or other reliefs as the Court may deem just. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 25th day of June, 2026, the Applicants are directed to effect service of this application on you by publication of a Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News Newspaper, or a newspaper in general circulation in the
Republic of Guyana. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to defend this Application, you must forthwith, within 28 (twentyeight) days after the second and final publication, enter an Appearance thereto, and serve an Affidavit in Defence on MR. GANESH A. HIRA whose address for service and place of business is at 78 Hadfield & Breda Streets, Georgetown, Guyana, Tele#: 223-4447, and file same to this cause in the Registry of the High Court at Georgetown via the High Court’s eLitigation online platform with the use of the authorisation code: ZUJnPE not later than 4 (four) days before the date fixed for hearing of the application, and you or your Attorneyat-Law must appear at the hearing. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you fail to file an Affidavit in Defence and/or if you fail to appear at the hearing, final judgment may be given against you notwithstanding your absence. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that the Fixed Date Application is adjourned to the 19th day of October, 2026 at 10am before the Honourable Madam Justice Priscilla ChandraHanif via Microsoft Teams meeting Join:https:// teams.microsoft.com/meet/ 296714274199447?p=PFr7u30k Y056XT7i2 Meeting ID: 296 714 274 199 447 Passcode: 6Aa6uU9b Dated this the 23rd day of September, 2026.
LEGAL LEGALNOTICE NOTICE 2026/929-FD-PET-DEM IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION Petition No. FD929 BETWEEN: (DAVY) TANDICAALICIA nee FAVORITE Petitioner/ Applicant -and- (DAVY) JEREMY RAMON LLOYD Respondent TO: JEREMY RAMON LLOYD DAVY (Last Known Address) Lot 359 Omai Street, Prashad Magar, Georgetown. TAKE NOTICE that on the 20 day of August, 2026 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by TANDICA ALICIA DAVY nee FAVORITE the Petitioner/Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court via the E- Litigation P o r t a l h t t p s : / / ejudiciary.supremecourt.gxAND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 21 day of September, 2026, the Petitioner/Applicant was
Saturday October 10, 2026 directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice of Petition in 2 (two) consecutive issues of the Saturday Kaieteur News, New York Edition, a newspaper of wide circulation and Worldwide Web presence AND publication in two (2) consecutive issues of a Saturday Newspaper of wide circulation in Jamaica and on the World Wide Web. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court of Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file a Form 4: Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition through the ELitigation Portalhttps:// ejudiciary.supremecourt.gy within 35 (thirty-five) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. Your Access Code is cr9xuc. TAKE NOTICE that the Divorce is adjourned for Directions Hearing on Tuesday the 10th day of November, 2026 at 1:30 pm before the Honourable Madam Justice Azeena Baksh (IN-PERSON) IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts[Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 24h day of September, 2026.
LEGAL LEGALNOTICE NOTICE N THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE OFGUYANA (COMMERCIAL JURISDICTION) COURT FILE NO. 2026/41-HC-CD-
FDA-DEM-CIV BETWEEN: SARASWATI D. HIRA HOMWATTIE HIRA Applicants -andR A B I N D R E R D AT H SOEKHAI Respondent N O T I C E : T O : R A B I N D R E R D AT H SOEKHAI Lot 147 Block Y, Cornelia Ida ,West Coast Demerara, Guyana. TAKE NOTICE that a Fixed Date Application was filed on the 26th day of February, 2026, against you by SARASWATI D. HIRA and HOMWATTIE HIRA, in the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara, where the Applicants asks for: a) An order that the Respondent forthwith pay to the Applicants the sum of Four Hundred and Forty-Two Thousand dollars ($442,000.00), the said sum being monies due, owing and payable to the Applicants under Promissory Note dated the 10th day of June, 2024: b)Interest on the sum of Four Hundred and Forty-Two Thousand dollars ($442,000.00), pursuant to Section 12 of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act Chap 6:02, at the rate of six percent (6%) per annum ($73 per day) from the 8th day of July, 2024 to the date of judgment and thereafter at the rate of four percent (4%) per annum ($48 per day) until fully paid; C)costs; d)such further or other reliefs as the Court may deem just. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 25th day of June, 2026, the Applicants are directed to effect service of this application on you by publication of a Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News Newspaper, or a newspaper in general circulation in the Republic of Guyana. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to defend this Application, you must forthwith, within 28 (twentyeight) days after the second and final publication, enter an Appearance thereto, and serve an Affidavit in Defence on MR. GANESH A. HIRA whose address for service and place of business is at 78 Hadfield & Breda Streets, Georgetown, Guyana, Tele #:223-4447, and file same to this cause in the Registry of the High court at Georgetown via the High Court’s eLitigation online platform with the use of the authorisation code: 7Wzwqc not later than 4 (four) days before the date fixed for hearing of the application, and you or your Attorney-at-Law must appear at the hearing. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you fail to file an Affidavit in Defence and/ or if you fail to appear at the hearing, final judgment may be given against you notwithstanding your absence. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that the Fixed Date Application is adjourned to the 19th day of October,
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Kaieteur News 2026 at 10am before the Honourable Madam Justice Priscilla Chandra-Hanif via Microsoft Teams meeting J o i n : h t t p s : / / teams.microsoft.com/meet/ 296714274199447?p=PFrz7 u30ky056XT7i2 Meeting ID: 296 714 274 199 447 Passcode: 6AaáuU9b.
LEGAL LEGALNOTICE NOTICE IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE OF GUYANA C O M M E R C I A L JURISDICTION 2026/167HC-CD-FDA-DEM-CIV BETWEEN: FRANK SANICHARA INC., a company incorporated in Guyana under the provisions of the Companies Act No. 29 of 1991, with registered office situate at Lot 1785 Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara, Guyana Applicant And KAWALL RAMRAJ Respondent NOTICE: TO: Kawall Ramraj Lot 111 North Klein Pouderoyen West Bank Demerara Guyana TAKE NOTICE that a Fixed Date Application was filed on the 10* day of September, 2026, against you by FRANK SANICHARA INC., a company incorporated in Guyana under the provisions of the Companies Act No. 29 of 1991, with registered office situate at Lot 1785 Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara, Guyana, in the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara, where the Applicant asks for: a) Specific Performance of the Agreement of Sale and Purchase dated the 3rd February 2026 made and entered into between the Applicant and the Respondent. b. An Order directing the Registrar of Deeds be authorized to convey to the Applicant, Transports of properties: i. Lot numbered 18 (eighteen) Kashmir Section, being part of the North half of Klien Pouderoyen, in the Klien Pouderoyen-Best Local Government District, situate on the West bank of the Demerara River, in the County of Demerara, in the Republic of Guyana, the said lot being shown on a plan by S.S.M. Insanally,Sworn Land Surveyor, dated the 10th May, 1926 and deposited in the Deed Registry on the 3rd September, 1926 no building and erections thereon. ii. Lot numbered 19 (nineteen) Kashmir Section North Klien Pouderoyen within the Best/ Klein Pouderoyen Neighbourhood Democratic Council situate on the west
bank of the Demerara, in the County of Demerara in the Republic of Guyana, the said lot being shown on a plan by S.S.M. Insanally, Sworn Land Surveyor, dated the 10th May, 1926, and deposited in the Deeds Registry at Georgetown, Demerara, on the 3rd September, 1926, an containing an area of 0.97681 (nought decimal nine seven six eight one) of an being acre shown defined on a plan by D.C. Jesimy, Sworn Land Surveyor, dated the 6th day of September, 2010 and recorded in the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission of the 10th day of September, 2010, as plan No. 48437 and deposited in the Deeds Registry on 13th January, 2014. iii. Lot numbered 20 (twenty) 21 (twenty-one) and east half of lot numbered 22 (twenty-two) Kashmir Section, in the North Pouderoyen Village District, situate on the west bank of Demerara river, in the Republic of Guyana, the said North Pouderoyen being shown on plan by George Thomas Jack, Sworn Land Surveyor, dated 3rd April, 1857, and deposited the Office of the Registrar on 4th April, 1857, the said lots being shown on a plan by S.S Insanally, Sworn Land Surveyor, dated the 10th May, 1926, and deposited in the Deeds Registry at Georgetown on the 3rd September, 1926, subject to the Applicant lodging with the Registrar of Deeds for the benefit of the Respondent, the balance of one hundred and fourteen million, seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($114,750,000.00) less incidental expenses associated with the passing of Transports to the Applicant. An Order that the Applicant be authorized to renew and or to apply to the Commissioner of the Guyana Revenue Authority and to the Neighborhood Democratic Council for the requisite Certificate(s) of Compliance to facilitate passing of the abovementioned Transports to the Applicant. Such further or other Orders as the Honourable Court considers fit. C) Costs. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 29th day of September 2026, the Applicant is directed to effect service of this application on you by way of the publication of a notice of the proceedings in two (2) consecutive Saturday Issues of the Kaieteur Newspaper, a newspaper of general circulation in and around the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to defend this Application, you must forthwith, within 14 (fourteen) days after the second and final publication, enter an Appearance thereto, and serve an Affidavit in Defence on DANIELLA M.
PAHO warns of very... From page 14 unknowingly infect others while travelling or attending crowded events. Dr. Daniel Salas, PAHO’s Executive Manager of Comprehensive Immunization, urged people planning to attend large gatherings to check their vaccination status before travelling. He noted that the risk is not limited to international travel, since people attending events within their own countries could also be exposed to the virus. PAHO recommends that people aged six months and older who lack evidence of vaccination receive a dose of measles-rubella vaccine before travelling or attending a gathering, preferably at least two weeks beforehand. Vaccination coverage remains below target Despite the availability of effective vaccines, immunisation rates across the Americas remain below the level needed to prevent outbreaks. PAHO reported that regional coverage in 2025 stood at 88 per cent for the first dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine and 85 per cent for the second dose. The organisation said coverage of at least 95 per cent is needed to prevent outbreaks. An estimated 1.6 million children across the Americas FREDERICKS whose address for service and place of business is at 185 Charlotte & King Streets, Georgetown, Guyana, Email: ramdhanilaws@gmail.com, and file same to this cause in the Registry of the High Court at Georgetown via the High Court’s eLitigation online platform with the use of the authorisation code: zY c55v not later than 4 (four) days before the date fixed for hearing of the application, and you or your Attorney-at-Law must appear at the hearing. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you fail to file an Affidavit in Defence and/ or if you fail to appear at the hearing, final judgment may be given against you notwithstanding your absence. AND IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the matter is adjourned for hearing on the 16* day of October 2026, at 9:30 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Nicola Pierre on Microsoft Teams meeting J o i n : h t t p s / / teams.microsoft.com/meet/ 281718968318764?pJHs61RWZfqWrMCylEN Meeting ID 281 718 968 318 764: Passcode: Aa3He2Li Dated this 5th day of October, 2026
received no dose of measles vaccine in 2025, leaving a significant number of children vulnerable to infection. PAHO attributed the gaps to several factors, including setbacks in vaccination programmes during the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine hesitancy in some communities, difficulties delivering vaccines and barriers to accessing health services. Indigenous peoples, migrants and displaced populations are among those who may face particular challenges in accessing immunisation. Countries urged to strengthen preparedness With outbreaks continuing and major gatherings approaching, PAHO is working with countries across the Region to improve vaccination coverage, laboratory surveillance and outbreak response. The organisation is also supporting genomic monitoring, contact tracing and other measures to help authorities identify cases and limit further transmission. Measles can cause serious illness and complications at any age, although infants and adults face a greater risk of severe disease and death. Children under five, along with people experiencing malnutrition or limited access to healthcare, have been disproportionately affected during recent outbreaks. PAHO is therefore urging countries to use every opportunity to vaccinate people who are not protected against the disease while maintaining strong surveillance systems and the capacity to respond quickly when cases are detected. The organisation warned that, with international travel expected to increase in the coming months, closing vaccination gaps will be critical to reducing the risk of further outbreaks across the Americas.
Kaieteur News
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3 years after Oct. 7, prolonged war takes its toll on Israelis (AL-JAZEERA) As Israel marks the third anniversary of the 7 October Hamas-led attacks, the psychological toll on its society remains visible, with an increase in PTSD among children, more adults struggling with everyday life amid mental health issues, and a rise in suicides among soldiers, experts have told Al Jazeera. About 1,200 people died in the attacks on villages and army outposts in southern Israel, while Israel’s assault on Gaza has since killed more than 74,000 Palestinians. Gaza has been left almost uninhabitable amid a wave of destruction that a UN commission of inquiry has concluded amounts to genocide. Meanwhile, Israeli society continues to function, but beneath the surface, the attacks, war and
missile strikes have compounded the psychological strain among its people. New research has found that one in five Israelis reports severe difficulties with daily functioning because of their mental health, according to the National M e n t a l H e a l t h B a r o m e t e r, conducted by Clalit Health Services’ Research Institute and the Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute. Among children and adolescents, separate Clalit research shared with Al Jazeera recorded a 121 per cent increase in psychiatric emergency visits compared with the period before the war. Behind those figures are families living with bereavement and fears about what comes next. A family living with loss During a webinar for
journalists organised by Clalit Health Services to mark the anniversary, Irit Ben Arye recounted how her husband, Haim Ben Arye, drove south to help evacuate survivors from Kibbutz Be’eri. It was one of the communities attacked by Palestinian fighters on 7 October 2023. The 52-year-old bus driver returned home crying, she says. About two weeks later, he died by suicide. The couple were married for 30 years and had eight children. Irit worries about the lasting effects on them. Recounting to journalists what she told her children following the death of her husband, she said: “You have to ask for help, if something is bothering you, if you’re in pain, in the dark, you feel that you are alone.”
PPP/C’s democracy talk masks failures... From page 11 and civil society organisations must insist persistently on answers, legislative action, public hearings, independent monitoring and accountability between elections. They must defend the rights of political opponents as firmly as their own. “The tenure of the Local Government Commission expired in April 2024. This body exists to provide independent oversight of staffing and related matters in local democratic organs. Its prolonged absence, together with longstanding complaints of centralgovernment intrusion into the affairs of local government organs, represent the very opposite of empowering communities to govern themselves.” “Local councils must not be treated as administrative branches of the governing party or punished because voters chose representatives from another party. The government must support their statutory authority, adequate financing and freedom to serve residents without political interference and discrimination,” the party added. Observers from the European Union and the Commonwealth who
examined the September 2025 elections reportedly found disproportionate coverage favouring the incumbent, bias in state media coverage, unequal access to campaign resources and insufficient campaign-finance safeguards. APNU said these factors contributed to an uneven playing field. In light of these findings, the party condemned what it described as the PPP/C's effective dominance of state-funded political messaging and called for genuinely independent public media, fair access for competing parties, transparent allocation of government advertising and enforceable rules against the partisan use of public resources. “When the high court ruled in the Guyana Teachers' Union dispute in 2024, the government publicly attacked the judgment and pursued an appeal, which is its right. In 2025, the Guyana Teachers Union alerted that the Ministry of Education had failed to resume deductions and remittances of union dues following the court ruling. That situation calls for a clear public accounting of the orders in force and the government's compliance. An appeal is a lawful right; ignoring a
Guyana pushes regional... From page 16 and economic activity in communities. Regional cooperation critical Turning to regional integration, the Prime Minister highlighted the need for continued collaboration through OLACDE to address common energy challenges and develop solutions that benefit countries across Latin America and the Caribbean. He pointed to innovative financing, climate-resilient infrastructure and the expansion of energy interconnection, where feasible, as important areas for cooperation. Phillips reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to working with regional partners to advance a shared energy agenda that supports economic transformation while protecting the environment and improving livelihoods. His remarks underscored the importance of long-term planning and regional partnerships as countries seek to meet growing energy needs while building systems capable of withstanding climate risks and adapting to technological change.
binding order is not. A government that praises judicial independence must show respect for it, particularly when judges rule against the executive,” APNU said. The party reiterated its support for properly legislated biometric verification at polling stations as a safeguard against voter impersonation and a means of strengthening public trust. It said that implementing biometric verification alongside a clean voters' list would go a long way towards promoting democracy in Guyana. However, the administration has resisted the proposed introduction of these measures, citing the risk of excluding eligible voters, even while expressing support in principle for improved biometric systems. “The solution lies in implementing legislation, ensuring reliable equipment, accessible and acceptable procedures. This collection of solutions is not unique to Guyana and the unwillingness by the PPPC to implement them shows a persistent desire to continue their rigging of elections. The Commonwealth observers recommended addressing biometric registration and verification early in the next electoral cycle. International partners may observe, advise, and lend support. But no foreign government, mission or organisation will rescue our democracy on our behalf. The lasting solution will come only from Guyanese who organise, advocate, vote, scrutinise public power and refuse to accept democratic decline as normal,” APNU added. The party said the vote belongs to the people, the Constitution binds those in power, and democracy is a daily obligation. APNU called on all Guyanese to move from concern to consistent advocacy, urging them to “Demand democracy in practice, not merely in proclamation.”
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Meadow brook residents... From page 18 consideration of the issues they had raised. However, the group said the subsequent resumption of construction, without satisfactory responses to residents’ concerns or a clear explanation, had seriously undermined public confidence in the consultation process. “What is the purpose of consultation if legitimate questions remain unanswered, commitments are disregarded, and construction proceeds regardless of residents’ objections? Meaningful consultation cannot simply be an exercise in informing residents of decisions already made. It must involve genuine engagement, access to relevant information, consideration of alternatives and accountability for commitments communicated to affected communities,” the statement said. While recognising the importance of modern electricity infrastructure and a strengthened national grid, the community said it supported development only when it was pursued responsibly. It added that national development must respect established communities, prioritise public safety and ensure that affected residents are properly consulted. “Our position has remained consistent: we are not opposed to electricity infrastructure development. We object to the disputed alignment through our residential community and the apparent failure to adequately consider safer or less intrusive alternatives. It is particularly concerning that, despite the availability of bordering reserves identified by residents, no satisfactory explanation has been provided as to why the proposed alignment must pass so close to homes and frequently used community spaces,” it added. The Meadowbrook Gardens Community Group is therefore calling on Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), other project authorities and relevant government agencies to take the following actions: 1. Immediately suspend all construction activities along the disputed section of the transmission route pending meaningful consultation, disclosure of relevant assessments and proper consideration of residents’ concerns. 2. Provide a written explanation for the resumption of works despite the commitment communicated to residents during the recent community meeting. 3. Disclose the justification for the change in alignment, including why the transmission route was redirected towards Meadowbrook Gardens following objections to the
previously proposed route through another community. 4. Provide a detailed technical explanation of why the existing reserves bordering Meadowbrook Gardens have not been utilised, including an assessment of their feasibility as alternative transmission corridors. 5. Release the relevant environmental, health, engineering and safety assessments, including proposed clearances from homes, roadways and public spaces, applicable safety standards, electromagnetic-field exposure assessments and any required environmental authorisations. 6. Commission an independent technical and environmental review of the disputed alignment, including an objective comparison of alternative routes that could minimise potential impacts on residential properties and community spaces. 7. Request urgent intervention by the Environmental Protection Agency and other relevant oversight authorities to examine whether the proposed alignment and associated works have undergone appropriate environmental review, regulatory authorisation and public consultation. 8. Convene a further meeting involving community representatives, project decision-makers and qualified technical personnel, with all outstanding questions addressed before construction resumes along the disputed route. The group lamented that residents had spent months attempting to engage constructively and responsibly with the relevant authorities by asking questions, requesting consultation, identifying potential alternatives and expressing concerns about their homes, families and community. It stressed that these concerns should not be set aside while construction continues. The community deserves to know why its residential streets were selected, “why available alternative corridors have not been adequately considered, and what measures have been taken to ensure that the proposed infrastructure does not unnecessarily compromise public safety or residential wellbeing. A commitment made to a community must carry meaning and accountability.” The Meadowbrook Gardens Community Group is therefore insisting that work along the disputed section be suspended immediately until these outstanding matters are properly addressed. While remaining committed to constructive engagement and a responsible resolution, the group said it would continue advocating for the protection of the community, residents’ interests and the principle that national development must proceed with transparency, accountability and meaningful public participation. It added that residents’ homes are not merely points on an engineer’s drawing, but places where their families live, their children grow and their community thrives. Efforts to contact team lead of the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL), Kesh Nandlall for a response were unsuccessful.
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Gas-to-Energy project under fire as Sharma, Jordan question costs and delays …say pipeline sits idle while costing Guyanese billions By Rehanna Ramsay
T
he announcement by ExxonMobil Guyana that it will be undertaking maintenance on the gas pipeline offshore of Crane should be a source for concern. A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) politician, Sharma Solomon has noted the billions of dollars that are being wasted as the oil giant steps in to maintain the infrastructure that is yet to yield benefits for the citizens. ExxonMobil Guyana announced on Thursday that it is set to begin maintenance work on an offshore pipeline near Crane, West Coast Demerara, on October 14, with the activities expected to continue until approximately December 1. According to Exxon, the maintenance is intended to address a finding identified during inspection of a near-shore section of the pipeline earlier this year and is part of measures to ensure the safety, integrity and reliability of the infrastructure. The pipeline, which is a major piece of a US- multibillion dollar national energy project, was completed nearly two years ago. This is while the actual Gas-toEnergy facility at Wales has been delayed. To this end, Sharma explained pointed to expense of having the pipeline has now been sitting there, filled with nitrogen, waiting for the plant at Wales. “The plant has been delayed. The costs have continued to rise and now, before the system has even delivered its first commercial benefit to the people of Guyana, ExxonMobil is telling us that another round of maintenance will have to be carried out from October into December because an anomaly was identified during inspection,” the opposition Member of Parliament stated He continued “Nobody should object to proper inspection or maintenance of critical infrastructure. That is not the issue. The issue is the quality of the planning behind the entire project. When you are spending billions of dollars of Guyanese money, you do not build one major component years ahead of another and then leave that infrastructure sitting idle, accumulating costs, while the rest of the project struggles to come together.” According to Sharma, this represents the epitome of poor planning by the government. He noted that in the meantime, the Government is yet to deliver on a promise of a 50 percent reduction on citizens' electricity bills. Additionally, Sharma questions
An artist impression of the GTE project.
Former Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan
APNU politician, Sharma Solomon
how much it will cost to maintain the pipeline as it sits idly. “The government chose Wales as the location for this project. It therefore has an obligation to explain the technical, logistical and economic basis for that decision, because what Guyanese have witnessed is a project surrounded by delays, rising costs, technical challenges and an ever-moving completion date,” he said adding that government cannot make the decision, announce the project, promise cheaper electricity and then, every time another problem emerges, point somewhere else and say that somebody else is responsible.” “The government must also answer when the project is delayed, when costs increase and when the promised benefits remain out of reach and to be honest about what was promised…. Guyanese were told that Gas-to-Energy would transform the electricity sector. We were told it would significantly reduce the cost of electricity. We were told it would improve
reliability and competitiveness,” Solomon stressed. He noted that as billions are being spent while the project continues to encounter delays and additional costs, the ordinary man is feeling the consequences. “That is not what development is supposed to look like. Development cannot be the number of projects announced. Development is whether the project is properly planned, properly executed, delivered on time, delivered within a reasonable cost and whether the ordinary citizen actually feels the benefit. Guyanese deserve to know where their money is going, why the project has taken this long, why costs continue to move upward and who is ultimately accountable for the decisions that brought us here,” the MP stated Last week, former finance m i n i s t e r, Wi n s t o n J o r d a n questioned whether Guyana's Gasto-Energy project will deliver the additional electricity generation being promised by the end of this year, while criticising the
government for failing to provide t h e p u b l i c w i t h s u ff i c i e n t information about the project. Jordan said the project is already significantly behind schedule, pointing to the pipeline which, according to him, has been sitting in Guyana for close to two years without being put into productive use. He said the lack of transparency surrounding the project makes it difficult for the public to properly assess its progress or determine when the country can realistically expect the cheaper electricity that the project is intended to provide. “I cannot give up a true answer because the government is not transparent with the population. We don't have enough information in the public domain to determine what is going on with that project,” Jordan said. He noted that by the end of this year, the project would be approximately two years overdue. “We have a pipeline in there that has been there and languishing now for two years,” he said, adding that he understood the pipeline was completed in 2024. Jordan also raised concerns over reports that the pipeline may have developed leaks and could require servicing, which he said would mean additional expenditure on infrastructure that is already not being used. “We're hearing that there are leaks that have developed, that it has to be serviced, so a lot of money is being [spent] on a pipeline that is useless to us at the moment,” he
said. He was also skeptical about claims that additional generating capacity would be available by the end of this year, saying that based on information from engineers, he was not convinced the project could be brought on stream within that timeframe. Jordan said he understood that claims were being made about additional megawatts becoming available by year-end, but questioned whether the configuration of the equipment and plant would allow the system to be brought online in the manner being suggested. He stressed, however, that the lack of publicly available information makes it difficult to independently determine the project's actual status. “We are not privy to any information of any substance and we always have to take the little that is dripping out from them,” he said. Despite his concerns, Jordan said bringing the project into operation would ultimately be beneficial to Guyana, particularly because cheap electricity is critical to the country's economic development and manufacturing ambitions. “As I said, if we get it eventually, it will be a plus,” he said. Jordan said the country's current situation on the electricity front is “not very, very, very encouraging,” underscoring the importance of delivering a reliable and cheaper source of power
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Verstappen on sprint pole after another settings issue (BBC Sport) - Red Bull’s M a x Ve r s t a p p e n b e a t Mercedes driver George Russell to sprint pole at the Singapore Grand Prix. Verstappen, fresh from his and Red Bull’s first victory of the season in Malaysia last weekend, was 0.12 seconds quicker than the Briton, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc third. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris were fourth and fifth ahead of Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton,
who went early in final qualifying and fell down the order from initially being second behind Leclerc. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli, using the Mercedes upgrade that underperformed in Malaysia while Russell is on the previous specification, could manage only seventh. And there were further glitches with the engine settings provided by governing body the FIA five days after the formation laps
in the wet in Malaysia saw cars reduced to crawling speed as a result of a software bug. What went wrong this time? The settings issue in Singapore, which was combined with a glitch in the F1 timing system that delayed the start of second qualifying, affected all cars but had a bigger impact on some drivers than others, depending on the timing of their runs.
Saturday October 10, 2026 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Stimulating conversations could take place with partners of all sorts, Aries, from business to exercise to romantic. Some new and useful information could come your way that you will want to explore further. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Some stimulating discussions could take place today. Your energy is likely to be very high, Taurus. You may want to throw yourself into your work, particularly if it involves paperwork. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today you might decide to do some writing, Gemini. This could be job related, but it's more likely personal, either correspondence with friends and colleagues or creative. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Some people who share your interests could call you today. You might want to take a walk while on the phone with each other, but you will probably get into some stimulating debates. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Your mind will be especially quick and active today, Leo, and you're likely to want to spend much of the day involved in intellectual activities like reading, writing, or teaching. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Today you might decide to tackle your financial paperwork and get it all done. This is a great day for that, although you might be a little too ambitious and not get as much done as you'd like. Expect many letters or calls.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your mind is usually quick, agile, and hungry for information, Libra. Today it's likely to be even more so than usual. Your curiosity is high, and you could go to unusual lengths to satisfy it. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You generally tend to be sensitive and intuitive, Scorpio, but today you might be even more so. Reading about people from other places and times might cause you to tune into their thoughts. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) A group meeting or social event could bring up so many new and interesting ideas that you may not be able to digest them all, Sagittarius. Some new friends who share your interests might want to continue the discussions. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) A lot of paperwork might need attention today. You might throw a lot of your focus and energy into getting it all done. Stimulating conversations with colleagues could keep your mind occupied. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Expanding your mind could be of interest today, Aquarius. You might decide to plan a trip to a place you've always wanted to visit, if possible. Or you could decide to go back to school for an advanced degree. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Generally, Pisces, you tend to be interested in what makes everything tick, from the human mind to the workings of the Universe to religion. Today that interest could be piqued by something you read or hear.
Kimi Antonelli. (EPA)
The problem involved the settings being different before and after a red flag caused by a crash for Sergio Perez’s Cadillac and left drivers complaining of reduced power. It involved overtake mode - which allows an extra 0.5MJ of energy to be harvested - being switched on and off again in the space of 28 seconds. Williams driver Carlos
Sainz was knocked out in the first session after what we described as a “really poor lap”, but added: “On top of that, half the cars did the lap with half a second quicker engine than the others. “There was another software issue and we were on the bad end of it, and for whatever reason, the FIA, like in Malaysia, again didn’t decide to do sporting equity and were happy to do half of
the quali with cars with higher power than the other half of the cars. “A bit confused why the sport keeps doing different things depending on who is out in Q1 or who is out in lap one.” Sainz said he did not think he would have made it through even without the settings problem. Racing Bulls’ Arvid Lindblad and Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll were other drivers who were affected and were knocked out in the first session. Stroll’s teammate Fernando Alonso also suffered, but did progress, eventually qualifying 15th. The FIA said in a statement: “During the first period of sprint qualifying there was a human error in race control unrelated to the timing issue also encountered in SQ1. “This issue in question meant overtake mode was not available after the red flag period during SQ1. “When it became apparent that overtake mode was not active after the restart, it was then activated for a period of 27 seconds before being deactivated again. “The FIA acknowledges that this unfortunate human error had an impact on the performance of certain cars based on the timing of their run and their position around the lap. “The second and third periods of sprint qualifying were not affected.” The FIA system automatically disables overtake mode when there is a red flag. A pop-up then appears on the screen asking whether officials want to reenable it. This was ignored, then overtake mode was reactivated before being disabled again, on the basis that it was fairer to do so than leave it enabled.
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High stakes in Essequibo as Regal Super Centre hands over additional T10 individual awards Retail giant Regal Super Centre has officially presented the remaining individual awards for the Lotto/Let’sBet One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast ahead of Sunday’s national finale at the Anna Regina National Stadium. On Thursday, Regal Super Centre handed over three television sets to the tournament’s top performers and a lucky spectator, following the earlier presentation of a brand-new motorbike reserved for the Most Valuable Player. It marks the fourth consecutive edition in which Regal Super Centre has sponsored a suite of individual awards. Alongside the motorbike, the tournament MVP will walk away with $150,000 in cash. The leading run-scorer and top wicket-taker will each earn $100,000 plus a television set, while the Player of the Final will receive $75,000. The tournament will also award $50,000 bonuses to the players with the Super Strike Rate and Best Economy Rate (minimum 12 balls). Speaking at the handover ceremony, Regal Super Centre representative Rehanna Gobin highlighted the company’s commitment to grassroots development. “We have loved this tournament and supported it
Saturday October 10, 2026
Mourinho calls criticism of Mbappe ‘ridiculous’
Romario Samaroo (left) of One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast and Rehanna Gobin of Regal Super Centre.
since year one,” Gobin said. “To see how the One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast has expanded across the country is incredible, and Regal Super Centre is always happy to stand behind an event that brings communities together and showcases local talent.” One Guyana T10 Ta p e b a l l B l a s t representative Romario Samroo praised the ongoing corporate backing, noting the impact on player motivation. “Regal Super Centre has
been a cornerstone partner of this tournament from day one,” Samroo said. “Their commitment to rewarding individual excellence adds immense value to the competition, giving players extra motivation to perform at their absolute best. We are deeply grateful for their continued partnership.” Four undefeated sides—GrillMaster Sip N Play All-Stars, Mahdia (Movements Family), Lusignan Bulls DTP II, and Kemol Savory’s SVC/AJM CC—will clash in Essequibo
on Sunday for national supremacy and the $2m top prize. The runners-up will pocket $1m, and both losing semi-finalists will receive $500,000. Action bowls off at 14:30 local time as GrillMaster face Mahdia in the opening semi-final, before SVC/AJM CC take on Lusignan Bulls DTP II at 16:30. A six-over women’s exhibition match between Tapakuma (Elite Warriors) and Capoey United follows at 18:30, ahead of the grand final under lights at 19:30.
Kylian Mbappé, player of Real Madrid, in action during the Training on July 07, 2025 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Pedro Castillo/Real Madrid via Getty Images) (BBC Sport) - Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has defended Kylian Mbappe over his activities during the international break - describing criticism as “ridiculous”. France captain Mbappe withdrew from international duty after picking up an injury against Turkey on 25 September. He later shared images on social media at a Paris Fashion Week event and also riding a bicycle - something Mourinho had previously said was against his rules. “When it comes to Real Madrid, it’s always different,” he said. “But all the players did exactly what they were supposed to during the break. And then you always want to look for more problems and issues. “What I can promise is when a Real Madrid player doesn’t behave the way a Real Madrid player is supposed to and when he fails at that and he stops being a Real Madrid player for 24 hours, you will not see that player on the bench because he will be at home.” He said an image of Mbappe riding a bike in Switzerland had been misrepresented, saying that bicycles were available for guests at his hotel complex to use for short journeys. Asked if coverage of Mbappe was exaggerated he added: “Exaggerated, no - I think it was ridiculous. “If Mbappe plays tomorrow, it’s because he hasn’t failed Real Madrid and he hasn’t failed to fulfil his obligations to the club,” he added. Real are six points behind leaders Barcelona in the La Liga table after seven games. Mbappe, 27, is one of the favourites to win this year’s Ballon d’Or. He scored 42 goals in 44 games for his club last season but they did not win any trophies. He won the World Cup Golden Boot with 10 goals, taking his career tally at World Cups to a record 22 - although France finished fourth.
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Some of the participants of the National Junior Tournament
National Junior and Senior Badminton Tournament serves off The Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) officially served off the National Junior and Senior Badminton Tournament on Thursday at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, bringing together the country’s best and most promising players for an exciting display of talent, skill, and competition. The tournament, which runs over the next few days, will feature matches in men’s and women’s singles, as well as junior events in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, across multiple age categories. It promises thrilling rallies and top-quality performances from athletes representing clubs and schools nationwide. Spectators and supporters are encouraged to attend and witness the high level of badminton being played locally as the sport continues to grow in popularity across Guyana.
Second round yields interesting... From page 34 Skeldon Jaguars destroyed No 73 Young Warriors in their encounter at the No 73 Ground. Skeldon Jaguars made 151-5 in 12 overs as No 73 Young Warriors were held to 81-5 in 12 overs to give Jaguars a 71-run win. The MBBF T20 competition is sponsored by United States based Guyanese businessman, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, Marcus Brian Bisram. Bisram is also the President and Chief Executive Officer of the organization. The winning team is set to receive $1M and other amenities including medals and the beautiful MBBF trophy. The runner-up team will receive $500,000 and other incentives while the teams finishing third and fourth will also receive significant cash and other rewards. Other lucrative incentives will be presented to outstanding individual players. The final will be a live broadcast and live streamed by the ever reliable Pixel Perfect Productions Group. The competition is set to continue on Sunday with a number of matches.
Results BS U17 R32 BS U17 R32 BS U17 R32 BS U17 R32 BS U17 R32 BS U19 R32 BS U19 R32 BS U15 R16 BS U15 R16 BS U17 R16 BS U17 R16 BS U17 R16 BS U17 R16 BS U17 R16 GS U17 R16 GS U17 R16 BS U17 R16 BS U17 R16 GS U17 R16 GS U17 R16 BS U17 R16 BS U19 R16 BS U19 R16 BS U19 R16 XD U17 R16 BS U19 R16 BS U19 R16 BS U19 R16 BS U19 R16 BS U19 R16 XD U17 R16 BD U17 R16 GS U19 QF GS U19 QF GS U15 QF GS U15 QF GS U15 QF GS U19 QF GS U15 QF BD U19 QF BD U19 QF
Mikkel Wong Ethan Bulkan Casey Beckles Halen Jiang Jason Imran Hussain Nathan Henry Miguelanjel Jose Vasquez Silva Nathan Mohanlall Vaibhav Natarajan Ruel Rambiriche[1] Eon Williams[3/4] Hasani Robinson[2] Mikkel Wong Steen Antonio Gomes Tei Haynes Brianna Morgan Ethan Bulkan Nathan Henry[3/4] Anya Manickchand Sarah Ramnarine Vaibhav Natarajan Ruel Rambiriche[1] Hasani Robinson Darean Thomas[3/4] Emmanuel Lozano+Brianna Morgan Nikolas Pollard Gabriel Felix Christopher Jordan[2] Nathan Henry Ronit Gulchand[3/4] Vaibhav Natarajan+Galianna Frank Egan Bulkan+Ethan Bulkan Gabriella Henry Harshini Muralidharan[2] Cathalina Wong Gabriella Persaud Zariah Ivan Anya Manickchand Galianna Frank Kunal Alert+Darean Thomas[1] Christopher Jordan+Ruel Rambiriche
Amari Abel Shane Satrohan Timothy Subryan Malachi Tucker Brandon Cunje Chioke Nurse Micah Holder Viren Meghan Danveer Hira Ethan Mangra Carl Fungafatt Egan Bulkan Liam Singh Casey Beckles Jada Pike Alleyia Grant Nathan Mohanlall Halen Jiang Neeharika Shetty Leanna Carmichael Jason Imran Hussain Eon Williams Nathan Morrison Kunal Alert Jonathan Lynch+Eyota Adams Miguelanjel Jose Vasquez Silva Percival Chester Chike Nurse Christopher Andrews Halen Jiang Liam Singh+Anya Manickchand Steen Antonio Gomes+Jason Imran Hussain Andreanna King Alleyia Grant Vaishnavi Natarajan[1] Skyler Gurchuran Mika Morgan Anika De Freitas Sakina Klass[2] Miguelanjel Jose Vasquez Silva+Shane Satrohan Chike Nurse+Chioke Nurse
21-5 21-5 21-6 21-8 21-9 21-8 21-6 21-8 w.o. 18-21 21-19 21-15 21-9 21-10 w.o. 21-5 21-1 21-7 21-6 21-8 21-3 21-19 21-17 21-7 21-5 16-21 21-14 21-19 21-9 21-12 w.o. 21-9 21-11 21-16 15-21 21-6 21-8 21-12 21-9 21-17 21-11 21-1 21-12 21-12 21-6 21-16 21-10 21-8 21-6 21-12 21-11 21-4 21-16 13-21 21-11 21-6 21-8 21-8 21-9 21-8 21-8 21-12 21-19 21-10 21-6 21-8 21-15 w.o. 21-4 21-16 w.o. 21-16 21-17 21-5 21-11 21-15 23-21 21-8 21-10 21-11 21-5
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Saturday October 10, 2026
Australia struggle as Nortje and Jansen make their mark (Cricinfo) - Nic Maddinson’s shock selection as an opener backfired, but Matt Renshaw’s move to the middle-order paid dividends for a rejigged Australia batting-order on an intriguing first day of this m u c h - a n t i c i p a t e d Te s t series. There may have not been the on-and-off field fireworks befitting this rivalry in Australia’s return to Test cricket in South Africa since the 2018 sandpaper scandal. Nonetheless, in front of a smattering of fans, a see-saw battle ensued like so many previous contests between the teams. A u s t r a l i a ’s u n d e r pressure batting order struggled for much of the opening day against South Africa’s disciplined seam attack on a Kingsmead surface offering extra bounce and movement. They were in big trouble at 124 for 6 following familiar woes with Maddinson falling for a 33-ball duck while Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith were dismissed either side of lunch. But Renshaw showed grit and a solid technique to thwart South Africa’s push after shifting down to No. 5
Matt Renshaw top-scored for Australia on a difficult day for batting. (AFP/Getty Images) following Maddinson’s surprise selection as an opener. He had only filled the position four times previously during the 2023 tour of India with modest results. Renshaw had returned to Test cricket against Bangladesh in August as an opener, but seemingly relished this opportunity to finish 46 not out from 115 balls. He received strong support from skipper Pat Cummins with the pair combining for an unbroken 63-run partnership before bad light ended a
day’s play where only 65.2 overs were bowled. Playing their first Test match in almost a year, South Africa were left frustrated by the seventh-wicket partnership and also the decision from the umpires to stop play 50 minutes into the final session. Their seam attack consistently threatened with Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder and Anrich Nortje, who returned to Test cricket after threeand-a-half years, claiming two wickets apiece. Spinners Keshav Maharaj and Simon
Harmer were wicketless from 21 overs although the surface is expected to turn significantly later in the match. With allrounder Cameron Green ruled out with injury and Maddinson selected over the ill Cooper Connolly, all 11 Australia players were 30 and above to further raise questions about the team’s future. While the day ended amid bleak conditions, Cummins had no hesitation to bat under sunny skies when the coin fell in his
favour. All eyes were on Maddinson, who played all three of his previous Tests almost a decade ago and returned to first-class cricket after 579 days, having last played in March 2025. Maddinson’s selection was quite remarkable after he had undergone treatment for testicular cancer last year. He could not produce a fairytale return after being pinned down by Jansen and Mulder, who was handed the new ball because of his swing prowess. Without Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, Jansen loomed as South Africa’s talisman but he could not initially find his radar in a relief for Maddinson, who constantly fell across to the off side. He had a major slice of luck in the fourth over after being hit on the pads by Mulder but South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma decided not to review, believing there had been an inside edge. But Maddinson did not hit the ball and balltracking confirmed that it would have smashed into leg stump. With Maddinson unable to score, the pressure fell on Travis Head, who had mostly been watching from the nonstriker’s end. He could not
find rhythm and fell in disappointing fashion on a successful review for a relieved Bavuma after tickling Mulder down the leg-side. Maddinson’s 50 minutes of misery ended when he got a thick inside edge to an attempted cut shot off Jansen that knocked back the off stump, his Test average dropping to 5.4. Labuschagne and Smith steadied Australia with a 60run partnership during a dominant passage before the lunch break. Smith had walked out to little hostility from the sparse fans in the terraces in low-key scenes after the hype over Australia’s Test return to South Africa. He counter-attacked by whacking Maharaj for a couple of sixes and his presence rubbed off on the much-criticised Labuschagne, who clung on to his spot in the XI having not made a Test century since the 2023 Ashes tour. Labuschagne settled nicely after a shaky start until he fell on the last ball before lunch when he was trapped lbw by Mulder. He trudged off the field having reviewed unsuccessfully and Australia slumped further on resumption when Smith was caught in the gully having been roughed up the ball before by a pumped-up Jansen. Renshaw and Alex Carey were forced to dig deep during an attritional period of play. Carey battled to 1 off 20 balls, while Renshaw survived a brute of a delivery from Jansen with South Africa’s appeal for caught behind unsuccessfully reviewed. Carey and Renshaw tried to put the foot down against Harmer, selected to support Maharaj, as the shackles were finally broken. But the return of a fired-up Nortje produced an edge from Carey to second slip and he had Beau Webster caught behind on review two balls later to put South Africa in a position of strength. Renshaw and Cummins revived Australia with strong application as they batted through increasingly darkening skies. Nortje reverted to a short-ball tactic, but the batters held firm until play was called off as Australia felt considerably better about their situation compared to a few hours earlier.
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Arteta’s conscience clear 2026/27 Concacaf Nations League November over Man City charges Schedule Confirmed ...Jaguars to battle on Nov 12 & 16
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oncacaf has confirmed the November match schedule, host venues and kickoff times for the League A Quarterfinals, League B Group Stage, and League A and C Play-In of the 2026/27 Concacaf Nations League. Guyana’s National Men’s Team, the Golden Jaguars, currently competing in League B, will be looking to close out the Group stage unscathed after commencing their campaign with four consecutive wins. So far, Jaguars have defeated Puerto Rico (1 – 0), Cayman Islands (2-0) and Dominica twice (5 – 1 & 8 – 1). Guyana will now turn their focus to the two home matches billed for the Leonora Track and Field Facility, where they will host Cayman Islands on November 12 and Puerto Rico on November 16, both at 15:00hrs. The undefeated Guyanese currently lead Group A with 12 points while Puerto Rico is second on 9 points and Cayman Islands and Dominica both have a point each. Each team has two matches left to play in the upcoming window to conclude Group stage play. Once Group Stage play is complete, the four group winners will advance to the League B Championship, to be played in
March 2027, and secure a berth in next summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup. The two best second-place finishers will also remain in contention for Gold Cup qualification by advancing to the 2027 Concacaf Gold Cup Prelims. Meanwhile, the November FIFA Match Window will feature 32 matches across three competition phases and will mark the final window of play before the fifth edition of the competition concludes in March 2027 with the League A Finals and, for the first time, centralized Championships for Leagues B and C. The November matches will also play an important role in qualification for the 2027 Concacaf Gold Cup. Eight teams – the four League A Quarterfinal winners and the four League B group winners – will secure a berth in next summer’s tournament, while the four League A and C Play-In winners, together with the two best second-place finishers from League B, will complete the 14-team field for the 2027 Concacaf Gold Cup Prelims. With League C Group Stage play now complete, four teams have advanced to the League C Championship.
World Archery Level 2 Coaching Course to be Held in Guyana
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he Board of Directors of Archery Guyana Inc. recently announced that Guyana will host a World Archery Level 2 Coaching Course from October 26–30, 2026, to be held at the Olympic House, Liliendaal, East Coast of Demerara. The continental coaching development programme is being delivered in collaboration with World Archery Americas, with support through Olympic Solidarity, and provides an important development opportunity for National Federations within the Americas. The course comes immediately on the heels of the 2026 Caribbean Archery Championships and 8th Caribbean Developmental Championships, which will be hosted by Guyana from October 22–25 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. The back-to-back international competition and coach education programmes represent a significant investment in the continued development of archery in Guyana. While the championships will provide
athletes and officials with an international competition platform, the Level 2 course will focus on strengthening the technical capacity of coaches who will support the next generation of Guyanese archers. World Archery identifies coach education as a key component of athlete development. Its Level 2 coaching programme addresses intermediate coaching skills, including advanced technique, equipment study and tuning, biomechanics and psychology. The participants will join a structured programme designed to enhance their coaching knowledge and practical skills and to strengthen the coaching pathway available to athletes in Guyana. Leading the course will be WA Certified Coach Trainer Mrs. Ludys Te j a d a t o g e t h e r w i t h A s s i s t a n t Tr a i n e r a n d Guyana’s Level 2 Coach Mr. Ryan McKinnon. A r c h e r y G u y a n a ’s President, Vidushi PersaudMcKinnon, welcomed the opportunity, noting that the timing of the programme creates a unique continuum
from international competition to technical development. “It is particularly meaningful that immediately after Guyana hosts an international archery championship, we will welcome a continentallevel coaching development programme. We are not simply bringing an event to Guyana; we are using the opportunity to build capacity that will remain long after the medals have been awarded.” Archery Guyana extends its appreciation to Mr. Godfrey Munroe, President of the Guyana Olympic Association, and the Executive Committee of the GOA for their support of this important development initiative. The Federation also a c k n o w l e d g e s Wo r l d Archery Americas and Olympic Solidarity for their continued commitment to strengthening sport development through education and capacity building. Olympic Solidarity supports development projects through National Olympic Committees, including programmes focused on coach education.
(BBC Sport) - Mikel Arteta says his conscience is clear over Manchester City’s Premier League rule breaches during a period when he was assistant manager at the club. The Arsenal boss worked under Pep Guardiola between 2016 and 2019, which overlapped with the nine seasons during
Mikel Arteta (Getty Images) which City have been found to have broken rules and disguised secret funding of more than £830m. In his first news conference since the ruling - which the club has appealed - Arteta attempted to bat away questions, saying he wanted to “respect” the ongoing process. However, towards the end of more than half an hour of questioning, he was asked: “You were at City for three and a half years, is your conscience clear? You had a senior position there, is your conscience clear?” Arteta answered: “Yes”. His answer was one word, but it was
arguably the most revealing part of the whole interaction. It was the only occasion where the Spaniard did not in some way revert to his messaging about not giving opinions on the case until such a time as there is a resolution. Arteta was at no point combative, but it was clear he arrived at Arsenal’s training ground with a response he was determined to stick to. Asked if he had spoken to Guardiola, he added: “I prefer not to answer those questions.” Arteta was asked for his reaction to the damning report from the independent commission, which found City had arranged “sham contracts” with a number of commercial partners to disguise earnings. He said: “I fully understand the question, but obviously I think it’s very important that we respect the process, the timelines, and it’s still an ongoing process that is not resolved because it’s been appealed. “My position, and I think the club’s position, is not to make any further comments until this is fully resolved.” When asked if he thought, that to preserve the integrity of the Premier League, the appeal and sanction needed to be resolved this season, he replied: “The people are responsible to manage this process and to come to the right conclusions and I’m sure it will be done and it will be resolved in the right way. We have to trust that.” Arteta also added he “100%” believed the Premier League remains the best in the world. Arsenal, who sit three points behind league leaders City, face fifth-placed Leeds on Saturday at Emirates Stadium.
Man City whistleblower to remain in witness protection (BBC Sport) - The Portuguese computer opportunity to challenge the decision. Pinto will now be given 10 days to assess hacker who released documents which helped trigger the Premier League a risk assessment conducted by the special investigation into Manchester City will security programmes commission that remain in witness protection after authorities indicates a low threat to his safety. He posted on X, external thanking in the country suspended the decision to end it. Football Leaks founder Rui Pinto had been Portugal’s Minister of Justice, Rita Alarcao scheduled to leave the protection programme Judice and saying the commission’s initial on Saturday, a ruling he previously said had decision had clearly violated the law and amounted to a “manifest abuse of power”. put him in a “life-threatening situation”. Pinto, 37, disclosed a tranche of confidential football documents, including emails and financial records relating to the Football English Premier League side. Leaks In 2018, he shared documents with hacker German magazine Der Spiegel, which Rui Pinto. used them for investigations into City’s (Getty finances and alleged breaches of financial Images) fair play rules. City were recently found guilty of all charges relating to breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons. They have appealed against the decision. Pinto became part of Portugal’s witness Pinto has described himself as a protection programme in 2020 after agreeing to co-operate with authorities and provide whistleblower, but was convicted in Portugal information obtained through the Football of offences including illegal access to data Leaks operation. However, in a statement on and attempted extortion and given a four-year Friday,, external Portugal’s Ministry of suspended sentence. He wore a bulletproof Justice said a decision to remove Pinto from vest during his first trial in 2020, which was witness protection had been reversed for the also subject to heightened security measures. Earlier this year, he was acquitted of 241 time being, with the body responsible for it the special security programmes commission counts of illegally accessing email accounts - having not adequately “notified” Pinto of belonging to a number of sports bodies in grounds for its termination or given him the Portugal, including Benfica.
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Saturday October 10, 2026
Hope 102*, Rutherford 84 help Windies pull off their highest T20I chase (Cricinfo) - They couldn’t get Shai Hope out at all. After doing the same in ODIs, he led West Indies’ highest successful T20I chase and the highestsuccessful chase against India with his second T20I hundred off 45 balls. Hope wouldn’t have been able to do it without Sherfane Rutherford’s 84 off 37 after he joined his captain at 58 for 3 in the sixth over. It will get lost in the euphoria, b u t R o s t o n C h a s e ’s defensive bowling masterclass of 4-0-24-3 made sure the target didn’t reach the realm of the impossible. It nearly happened in the World Cup semi-final. Even then Sanju Samson, reprieved early in his innings, played a key role in seemingly batting England out with a total of 253, but it needed Jasprit Bumrah’s best to restrict England to within two hits of a heist. In Ranchi, though, there was no Bumrah after Samson capitalised on a life on 6 and led India with 82 off 41. This made it five successful chases in five international matches on this tour. H o p e ’s g o o d w o r k started when he won his first toss on the tour and ended with his eighth and ninth
Roston Chase got three wickets while also being economical (BCCI) sixes in the 19th over to seal the chase. West Indies scored 204 in boundaries alone, the most they have ever done in a T20I, out-hitting India’s 148. Chase defends West Indies started the match with an interesting experiment. Aware perhaps that dew would set in early in the cooler climes of Ranchi, they bowled seven overs of spin and two overs of parttime seam before their two main fast bowlers even came on. In that period, Samson enjoyed two lives and made West Indies pay with characteristic grace.
Chase, though, intercepted cannily with his hard lengths from over the wicket to left-hand batters. He had the dangerous Abhishek Sharma caught at mid-on inside the powerplay and then bowled the eighth over for just seven runs when everything around him was going to pieces. Even when Shamar Joseph and Shamar Springer were finally introduced, it only served as an outlet to a tied-down Ishan Kishan. He scored 24 off seven balls in these two overs, but Chase came back to knock back his
off stump. India then promoted Shivam Dube despite Chase’s success against left-hand batters. Dube managed five off seven from the remaining 11 Chase deliveries, setting India back to 161 for 3 in 14 overs. Iyer, Tilak give India big finish By now the dew was apparent, and West Indies could bowl five overs of the Shamars in the last six. Springer got Samson out, Joseph bowled a good 16th over, but Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma showed just
how good the conditions were for batting, scoring 40s at better than two-runs-perball seemingly without hitting a shot in anger. The ball just kept pinging off t h e i r b a t s w i t h Ti l a k providing the grand finish with a hat-trick of sixes in the final over, which went for 23. Mayank breathes fire His slower balls travelled for plenty in the first match, which is perhaps why Mayank Yadav decided to bowl high pace and hard lengths only, producing two wickets in the first over and third at the start of the sixth over. Little did India know it would be the last bit of joy for them on the night. Rutherford, Hope tuck in Rutherford took only one sighter before rearranging Mayank’s figures with two fours and a six to end the powerplay at 72 for 3. Hope had already taken care of Axar Patel, India’s best powerplay bowler since the World Cup, in the fourth over by playing him like a medium pacer and hitting him for two sixes and a four. The end of the powerplay meant naught to West Indies as they kept up the assault from both ends. Rutherford
was the more brutal one, scoring 84 in the 120-run stand, just allowing for Hope to preserve some breath for the home stretch. Not that Hope was slow in this partnership, getting 33 off 17, but Rutherford was something to behold, especially in taking 23 off Axar’s second over. India could have got Rutherford on 39 off 19 but Mayank dropped a sitter off Kuldeep Yadav with 128 needed off the last 10. Hope finishes India off By the time Kuldeep finally got Rutherford out four overs later, his seven sixes and seven fours had brought West Indies’ ask down to 72 off 35. India’s tactics again defied convention, bowling four overs of spin in what turned out to be the last five overs of the match. Mayank ended the night at 3-0-36-3. Again it is debatable if that converted chance or if a different sequencing of bowlers would have made any difference to the eventual outcome. Hope just took his hitting to the next level, and Romario Shepherd assisted him ably with 34 off 13.
MBBF T20 Cricket Competition…
Second round yields interesting outcomes Some eight matches were played last Sunday when the Marcus Bisram Foundation (MBBF) T20 cricket competition continued with the second round matches. Results of the matches played were: – At the No 64 Ground, Lime Path Raptors batted first and reached 123-9 in their 20 overs. In reply, No 64 Fighting Marines eased to 124-3 in 12 overs to win by 7 wickets. The game between No 72 All Stars and No 69 Red Rose, which was played at the NO 69 Ground, was reduced to a 16over affair. No 69 Red Rose batted first and made 59-9 in 16 overs. In reply, No 72 All Stars raced to 60-1 in 8.2 over to win by 9 wickets. In a 10-over affair between No 72 Hong Kong and No 68 Turn Team which was played at the No 48 ground, the latter won by 44 runs. Batting first they posted 111-4 in their allotment of overs. No 72 Hong Kong, in reply, were dismissed for 67 in 9.1 overs. Grillmaster Avengers hammered No 43 Scorpion by a massive 177 runs in their game at the No 43 Ground. Batting first, Grillmasters Avengers made 217- 6 in 20 overs as Trevon Sukhu (77), Julius King (25), Charran Singh (23) and Mahendra Bhola (19) made notable contributions. In reply, No 43 Scorpions were skittled out for 40 in 10 overs as Narendra Tamasar and Salim khan took 3 wickets each for Avengers. At the Crabwood Creek Ground, the home team won by five wickets. No 48 Challengers made 120 in 16.2 overs as the host reached 121-5 in 16.3 overs. Continued on page 31
Kaieteur News
Saturday October 10, 2026
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13th Courts Optical Pee Wee U11 Football Championship…
Quarterfinal berths on offer as intense Round-of-16 commences
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fter three rounds of intense action, the field has been cut to sixteen. Today at the Ministry of Education ground, every one of them is playing for a place in this year’s quarterfinals. Kickoff is at 12:00, and the stakes are clear: win and you stay in the title race, lose and you drop to the battle for positions nine to sixteen. Only eight teams will advance to the quarterfinals, but the other eight will get the extra playing time and an equal chance to finish strong. Today’s Contenders Defending champions Leonora Primary lead the pack with a defence that has been hard to crack, three wins from three. They are not alone. Santa Rosa, Waramuri, West Ruimveldt
Today’s first two matches will both commence at noon.
and Tucville also arrive with perfect records and have marked themselves as this year’s teams to beat. For St Gabriel’s, St John the Baptist, Georgetown International Academy and St Pius Primary, today brings their first real test outside the group stage. Round of sixteen fixtures are Redeemer Primary vs Potaro Primary, St John the Baptist vs GIA ‘A’ (Match 41) both matches are scheduled to begin at 12:00noon. Following those two clashes see Pakuri Primary vs Tucville Primary and Leonora Primary vs St Theresa Primary, with the defending champions looking to keep their title defence on track. Action will continue
when West Ruimveldt Primary takes on Plaisance Orphanage followed by St Pius Primary vs Marian Academy. At 3:00pm Santa Rosa Primary will confront St Gabriel’s Primary while GIA ‘B’ will take on Waramuri Primary for the final ticket into the quarterfinals. As the tournament narrows to its final eight today, expect the intensity to rise with every whistle. Eight matches. Only a win gets you through. The tournament is proudly sponsored by Courts Optical, with support from MVP Sports, Demerara Mutual Life, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, SkyTec Enterprise and Sterling Products Limited (Igloo Ice Cream).
Sigmas, Saints and Cowboys lead Day 2 charge at National Junior Indoor Hockey The National Junior Indoor Hockey Tournament exploded into life on Thursday, with several teams moving through day two with unblemished records at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. SHC Sigmas continued their strong form with a commanding 4-0 win over Multi Warriors. Oswald Fraser led the way, striking a double in the second and sixth minutes. In the Girls U21 division, Saints built an early 2-0 cushion against GCC Spartans
through goals from Makaylah Poole and Carenza Copeland. Rebecca Ferreira pulled one back late for GCC, but the Spartans could not find the equalizer, and Saints held on for a 2-1 win. OFHC Bomb Squad kept Hikers off the scoreboard during their Girls U17 division clash which ended 3-0, goals came from Keitanna Percival and Tinesha Henry. Percival eventually completed her brace with the winner in the 20th minute.
Part of the action on Thursday evening.
The tournament is set to crown its champions today Vladimir Woodroffe smashed an important hat-trick as GCC Cowboys routed Hikers 6-2 in the Boys U17 clash. Lucas Sargeant added two more to seal the result. GCC Her-ricanes claimed a 2-1 win over Hikers Junior Jets, with Hannah Percival and Mariel Yenkana on target.
Meanwhile, SHC S’Team toppled OFHC Vipers 3-0, SJHS Blue Bloods played out a draw with Multi Stars, while Hiker Hatchets battled to a 1-1 stalemate with OFHC Predators. The tournament is set to crown its champions today (Saturday).
Hope 102*, Rutherford 84 help West Indies pull off their highest T20I chase Shai Hope went for his shots despite West Indies losing two wickets early (Getty Images)
Sherfane Rutherford kept hammering (Getty Images)
2026/27 Concacaf Nations s t r Spo League November Schedule Confirmed ...Jaguars to battle on Nov. 12 & 16 Osaze De Rosario (L) and Omari Glasgow had impressive runs since the competition began.
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