Kaieteur News

Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Netanyahu kill diplomacy No 24-hr work ongoing No 24-hr work ongoing No 24-hr work ongoing despite PM claims despite PM claims at Wales gas plant at Wales gas plant

15-year-old girl missing after escaping from Childcare Agency

GGMC says no large-scale gold smuggling at Marudi Mining District

US$100M solar farm

...togenerate63millionkWh annually,cutemissions47,000 project

Chairman of U.S. EXIM Bank visits controversial Wales gas project

As more damning revelations come to light on the troubled Wales Gas-toEnergy(GTE)project, being executed by Lindsayca, Chairman of the United States Export Import (US EXIM)Bank,JohnJovanovic on Thursday visited the site forafirsthandassessmentof

ongo

s. He was accompanied by Prime Minister, Mark Phillips who holds responsibility for the energy sector, United States Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot and Chair of Lindsayca Guyana Inc , Nelson Drake. During his visittoGuyana,theChairman oftheUSEXIMBankisalso slated to meet with President IrfaanAli.

In a brief statement, the Prime Minister said on Thursday that he observed “significant advancement”to the project since his last visit inJanuarythisyear

According to the statement, “He emphasised that works are progressing

steadily, with the installation of piping scheduled to begin within two weeks, following completion of pipe racks and ongoingfoundationworks.”

The Prime Minister also explained that the workforce is expected to rise to 1,100 and peak between 1,400 and 1,600, “with 12-hour shifts supported by on-site accommodations.”

Meanwhile, in a separate statement, the contractor reported that the project is now moving into the mechanical installation phase, following the successful advancement of key civil and foundational activities. It added that major equipment has already been delivered and positioned on site and integration activities areadvancingdaily

According to the company, “Operations continue across multiple workfronts,withseveralkey activitiescarriedout24hours a day, supported by a workforce of over 870 personnel and 240 units of equipmenton (Continuedonpage9)

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EDITORIAL

Gold: does Guyana have a stake

Omai’s Elaine Ellingham should be the happiest CEO around. She and her company are operating in a country, where one could easily get the impression that Ms. Ellingham is the president and Omai is the government. Exciting news is reported by gold companies operating in Guyana’s abundant goldfields, and Ellingham is the only onesharingthedevelopments. WhereistheGovernmentof Guyananotreportingtoitscitizens,inthemannerthatOmai CEO is informing her investors and stakeholders? Does Guyana have a government that is engaged in what is happeninginitsrichminingsector?

OneofthelastpiecesofinformationcomingoutofthePPPC Government came through Senior Minister, Dr Ashni Singh Guyanaisattractingtheinterestofworld-classgoldcompanies, andtheywillbearrivingheretostartexploringforgold Five Canadiancompaniesarenowracingaheadwithexploringand assessing,thensharingwhattheestimateslooklike Ithasbeen mostlyEllinghamdoingthetalking,andoneachoccasionthat shedoes,thedetailsthataresharedconfirmshowmuchGuyana is a modern-day mineral resource bonanza waiting to be tapped. When the estimates of the Omai Gold Project,Aris Mining,andGMiningVenturesinmineralrichRegionSeven, plusthoseofothercompaniesaretotaled,over14millionounces ofgoldistheresult Onlytheheadsofforeigninvestorgroups striking different mother lodes are heard from, and they have every reason to be pleased, due to the millions of ounces involved, the potential payouts to their funders Why is someone from the government, Ashni Singh, or Minister Vickram Bharat, not sharing with citizens what all these excitingitemsofnewsaboutestimatedmillionsofouncesof gold, and their significance for this country? A contract is signed, government spokespeople get into the act using the same standard employed by politicians the world over: investment interest and dollars generated, jobs, and some associatedinfrastructureimprovements Ithasbeenablanket ofsilencefromgovernmentsincethoselinesweredelivered MillionsofouncesofgoldindicatedfromGuyana’smineral belt, and the PPPC Government is as silent as a mouse, as thoughafraidthatanymovement,thesmallestsound,would give it away Why is there any need for silence, if there is nothing to be hidden, if Guyana is benefiting as it should fromallthesegreatgolddiscoveries?

The world hears from Omai’s CEO about how Guyana is oneofthegiantsinthegoldsector,howGuyanaisoneofthe mostminingfriendlyinvestmentlocationsintheworld,andhow stronginstitutionalsupportmakeslifeeasierforgoldcompanies Wearehappytohearallthis,butwhatisthepaybackforGuyana, how exciting that is, amidst all this good news coming from Omai and the other gold companies, with their finds of gold indicatedatmillionsofounces? Miningfriendlylocationsand stronginstitutionalsupportbothhavecostsattached,sowhatis Guyanareceivingforitsgenerousallowanceswithregulations, and nonintrusive oversight, that are so joyful to foreign gold companies,whatOmai’sEllinghamcelebrates? UsingOmai’s excitement about Guyana and its gold, we cannot help but to maketheconnectiontoExxonMobilandrecallingthelanguage thatitusestodescribeGuyana’soilassets,andhowmuchofa jewel in ExxonMobil’s crown they represent There are few Guyanesewhoneedalectureonhowdisadvantagedthiscountry iswithExxonMobil’soilcontractthattiesitshandsanddrainsits riches,whilerewardingGuyanawithnexttonothingroyalties andprofits Itcouldbethecaseofoilanditscheapreturnsfor Guyana, being repeated with gold, which is why the PPPC Governmentissorigidlysilent

Meanwhile, Ellingham is selling Guyana to the investor worldasaprimegolddestination Onethatshouldbegiventhe highestpriorityfortheirinvestmentmillions Whatsheisselling closely resembles a risk-free gold operating environment WhenaCEOcouldspeakinthatmanner,itwouldbesurprising thatgolddealssignedarenotmostfavorabletohercompany’s profit prospects. When the government shelters behind a wallofsilence,there’soneloser,Guyana.

The right to freedom of religion in Guyana was not established under Pres.Ali

DEAREDITOR, Iwriteinresponsetothe recent comments made by Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) President, Pastor Exton Clarke, during his introductoryremarksforMr Irfaan Ali at a recent

Camporee held in Guyana, regarding the state of freedom of religion in Guyana.

While such discourse is bothtimelyandnecessary,it must be firmly grounded in historical accuracy and a clear understanding of the d

constitutional legacy and contemporarygovernance. Let it be unequivocally stated that the right to freedom of religion in Guyana was not established u

administration led by PresidentIrfaanAli,norisit a creation of the People’s

Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

This fundamental right predatesthepresentpolitical dispensation and is deeply rooted in the visionary leadership and nationbuilding efforts of Linden ForbesSampsonBurnham. U

stitutionalised a framework that upheld freedom of conscience and religious expression as central pillars of its democratic identity It was during this period that the country’s pluralistic character was strengthened, enabling diverse religious communities to flourish in an atmosphere of mutual respect and coexistence

This enduring legacy continues to shape the religious harmony we experiencetoday While any sitting

government bears the responsibility to preserve and protect these freedoms, it is both misleading and historically inaccurate to attribute their origin to current political actors. The distinction between maintaining a right and creating it must not be blurred for the sake of political convenience or narrative.

Equally important, however, is the role of religious institutions in safeguardingtheintegrityof theirsacredspaces.Itistime forsomereligiousleadersto c e a s e p r o v i d i n g opportunities for political figures to occupy the altar forpartisanexpression.

The pulpit must not become a platform for political speeches, nor shoulditbeusedtoadvance political agendas under the guise of religious engagement. Such practices

risk undermining the neutrality and moral authority that religious institutions are meant to uphold.

The separation between religious observance and political advocacy is not merely desirable; it is essential to preserving both democratic integrity and the sanctity of worship Religious leaders must therefore exercise sound judgment and responsibility in ensuring that their platforms are not exploited forpoliticalgain.

In conclusion, as we engage in national conversations on religious freedom, let us do so with fidelity to historical truth, respect for institutional boundaries, and a shared commitment to protecting theprinciplesthatuniteusas apeople.

Yourssincerely,

AnnetteFerguson

We must remain committed to ensuring that human rights are not only protected in theory but actively upheld in practice

DEAREDITOR,

As a public analyst and humanrightsadvocate,Iam not always afforded the opportunity to openly express my personal views on matters that affect our region at both a social and historicallevel.

However,therearetimes whenremainingsilentdoesa disservice to the very principles of justice and accountability that we seek to uphold Issues surrounding human rights and historical truth demand thoughtful engagement, not avoidance

The recent discussions on repatriation and the enduring legacy of slavery have undoubtedly stirred strong reactions across the

uncomfortable for some, are necessary for meaningful progress For decades, humanitarian organisations and political leaders throughout the region have emphasized the importance ofaddressingthesehistorical injusticesinamannerthatis bothhonestandconstructive

Even as CARICOM faces periodic internal divisions often centered around foreign policy, trade dynamics, and responses to regional challenges it is encouraging to see a unified stance on critical historical matters The bloc’s recognition and support of the recent United Nations resolution acknowledging African enslavement as one ofhumanity’sgravestcrimes represents a significant step towardglobalawarenessand

moralaccountability

Such recognition must not be viewed as merely symbolic. Instead, it should serve as a foundation for deeper dialogue on reparative justice, regional unity, and the long-term socialandeconomicimpacts of slavery on Caribbean societies Human rights groupsandorganizationsare encouraged to unite in their fight against racism, injustice, and systemic inequality, ensuring that the voices of the marginalized areheardandprotected.

In Guyana, the human rights framework is firmly grounded in constitutional provisionsandreinforcedby international treaties aimed at promoting equality and justice for all citizens However, the real challenge

lies in consistent implementation Concerns such as police misconduct and gender-based violence continue to affect communities, though it is encouraging to see these issues receiving increased nationalattentionandpolicy response. As we navigate these important conversations, both regionally and nationally, we must remain committed to ensuring that human rights are not only protected in theory but actively upheld in practice. True progress requires sustainedeffort,institutional accountability, and a collective commitment to justice that benefits every citizen.

Sincerely:

BlaneRBunbury

The party Dr. Jagan founded no longer reflects the values and principles he stood for

DEAREDITOR, I read in yesterday’s edition of your newspaper a thoughtful reflection on the lifeofatrueGuyanesehero, Comrade Cheddi Jagan, writtenbyVishnuBisram. I thoroughly enjoyed his account of personal interactions with Dr Jagan andhisportrayalofhimasan

honestandprincipledleader I share those sentiments wholeheartedly However, onewouldhaveexpectedthat such a reflection might also have addressed a difficult but necessarytruth thattheparty Dr Jaganfounded,thePPP,no longer reflects the values and principleshestoodfor ThePPPwasbuiltonthe

pillarsofdemocracy,honesty, integrity, and the upliftment of the less privileged Today, many would argue it has drifted far from that foundation, evolving instead into a party perceived as elitist, autocratic, nepotistic, and at times, lacking moral clarity EvenmembersofDr Jagan’sownfamilyhave,on

occasion, expressed concerns in this regard I therefore look forward to Mr Bisram, as a strong supporter oftheparty,usinghisvoiceand influence to call on its leadershiptoreturntothecore principles of its founding leader

Yoursfaithfully, RawleBlackman

The Brazilian “Engagement” - Investment or Institutional Skullduggery?

DEAREDITOR, When the Ministry of Agriculture announced in early March that Brazilian investors were exploring “major agro-development opportunities” in Guyana, thebriefinghadalltheoptics of a regional success story The meeting was described as “high-level,” involving technical cooperation, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure linkages between Brazil’s Roraima stateandGuyana’sinterior

The narrative was clear:

integrate the South American agricultural crescent with the Caribbean basin by opening the Linden–Lethem corridor and revitalizing the Parika Port According to the Ministry’s statement, the venturecould“redefinefood security, ” generate thousands of jobs, and expand cross-border commerce worth hundreds ofmillions.

But the numbers being whispered and the players involved tell a murkier story one that substitutes transparency with discretion, andlegalprocesswithpolitical brokerage

TheShiftingRoleofGOInvest Guyana’s Investment Act (2004) mandates the GuyanaOfficeforInvestment (GO-Invest) to oversee all foreign direct investment proposals The agency’s core responsibilities include due diligence, fiscal review, concessionscreening,andthe verification of investor credentials.

Yet,accordingtointernal correspondence seen by this writer, GO-Invest was not formally consulted regarding the “Brazilian agricultural engagement.” Its exclusion is unusual — particularly for a project involving potential land allocations exceeding 10,000 hectares in the intermediate savannahs of Region Ten and the Rupununi.

One senior civil servant within GO-Invest, who

requested anonymity, described the Ministry-led negotiations as “an opaque parallel process” guided by political rather than technical imperatives “If foreign land access is being negotiated outside GOInvest protocols,” the official noted, “then we’ve effectively nullified our investment control framework.”

This procedural bypass coincides with mounting concerns about concession abuse. Between 2020 and 2024, more than 110 state land leases were granted under special ministerial approval many never vettedbyGO-Invest.

The Mystery of the “Anonymous”Brazilians Authentic Brazilian agribusiness giants Amaggi, SLCAgricola, and BrasilAgro have all issued public filings indicatinginterestinsoyand corn cultivation in northern South America None, however, have reported partnerships or allocated capital in Guyana in their public disclosures through 2025.

That gap creates confusion If these were legitimate Brazilian investors, their participation wouldappearinshareholder or commodities filings lodged with Brazil’s Comissão de Valores Mobiliários (CVM). It does not.

Instead, sources indicate that intermediaries claiming to represent “a private Brazilian consortium” have beenengageddirectlybythe Agriculture Ministry since late 2024, conducting site assessments in the Lethem and Mabura areas without formalministrytendering. Economic modeling suggeststhatevena10,000hectare agro-concession, if developed for soy or maize, couldyieldanannualoutput of 35,000 to 45,000 tonnes, with export values of US$12–15 million. That is major revenue potential —

speculation As Guyana’s infrastructure improves, these leases could become prime assets. The concern voiced by rural landowners and agricultural co-ops is that politically brokered leaseswilllaterbe“flipped” to larger Brazilian or multinational firms at enormous profit, leaving Guyanese regulation and comm

wayside. Rise Guyana Inc. — A “Facilitator” in the Shadows Corporate registry data raises more questions thanitanswers.RiseGuyana Inc.,registeredin2022,lists

statements and identifies its headquarters as a small officeinHouston,EastBank Demerara.

Norecordofitsdirectors orbeneficialownersappears in publicly accessible corporatefilings.

Yet, Rise Guyana has participated in multiple Ministry-led delegations to Brazil,includingoneheldin Boa Vista in February,2026. Several photos released on social media show its representatives present alongside government officials. According to one sourceintheMinistry,“Rise Guyana is operating as a broker,securinglandoptions on behalf of Brazilian syndicates before the infrastructure financing closes.”

If that assessment is accurate, it would represent a privatization of the state’s investment negotiation role — effectively inserting a non-transparent broker betweenthegovernmentand foreign investors. Such arrangements blur the line between public service and private profiteering, and could run afoul of Guyana’s

ProcurementAct(2003)and Integrity Commission Act (1997) The Broader EconomicContext

Guyana’s agro-export potential has surged since the onset of the oil boom. Agricultural exports, valued at US$189 million in 2023, rose nearly 12% year-overyear [Guyana Bureau of Statistics]. Brazilian trade through the Lethem border reached a record US$43 million in goods in 2024, with Roraima emerging as the second-largest crossbordersupplier

Major infrastructural projects now underway — the Linden–Mabura Hill Road (US$190 million) and the proposed Parika Deepwater Port (US$270 million) — will soon make bulk land transport and e x p o r t v i a b l e f o r agribusiness operations

These developments dramatically increase the speculative value of interior lands.

As one economist from the University of Guyana observed, “Infrastructure a l w a y s p r e c e d e s speculation Whoever secures holdings before the road opens can leverage them into long-term concessions worth tens of millions.”

Public Accountability andthePathForward

The government has multiple channels to demonstrategoodfaith:

1.Disclosethefulllistof Brazilian entities involved and their investment commitments.

2 . P u b l i s h a n y

M e m o r a n d a o f Understanding or letters of intent.

3 Confirm GO-Invest oversightroleandadherence tostatutoryprocess.

4.ReleaseRiseGuyana’s corporate structure and beneficialownership. Transparency is not optional.Itisfundamentalto (Continuedonpage09)

The M&CC must step up to the plate

D

EAREDITOR, You don’t have to be a weatherman to know which way the wind is blowing. Thereissomethingseriously wrong with officials at the Mayor and City Council (M&CC)’s office. They are now trying to remove the focus from the flooding and the ubiquitous heaps of garbage throughout the city and the country, to parking meters. We have been down thatroadbefore.Theparking metersdidn’twork.Theyare now consumed with suing the government for taking controlof57streets.

We need to be focusing on creating more parking space in the form of multi storey facilities. There is unusedlandinstrategicparts of Georgetown available for that, such as between North Road and Church Street and CuffySquareetal.

The M&CC need to focusoncollectingratesand taxes and imposing harsh methods for non- payment that will serve as a deterrent tothosewhodonotcomply Revenuefromownersof abandoned and neglected properties also would provide the M&CC the means to fulfill their mandate.

More so, proper garbage disposal and collection, restoration of efficient and effective drainage and handling of kokers, will prevent the hazardous and unhealthyfloodingofstreets and buildings. We need to focus on proper urban and rural planning, roads wide enough with pavements and monitoredforproperuseand road safety It is useless to talk about parking meters when streets can’t even be used during flooding, which has become quite a frequent occurrence. Recently, the Mayor was seen wading through a flooded street accompanied by his colleagues. That bore no fruitonthealleviationofthe suffering of the residents. It has come across as merely anotherphotoopportunity

The time has come for a change. How much longer must citizens endure the significant inconvenience, health risks and material losses created by preventable flooding, littering and neglect? The M&CC must step up to the plate. Is the M&CC or the governmentgoingtobellthe cat?

Sincerely,

ConradBarrow

The PNCR is dead without Campbell as its leader

DEAREDITOR

Yesterday was a busy one for me and throughout last night was no different. After my interview with author and playwright, Harold Bascom, I spent the rest of the evening in discussions with Guyanese athomeandinthediaspora.I wenttosleepat5am.

I have a political platform that is growing by the second 3 5 million people visited in the last 28 days. What touches me the most, however, is the number of nice very young people that are paying attentiontothisspace. They want Guyana to be adifferentplace.Theyenjoy the things that youths should; great parties, social media controversy and the excitement similar things bring but they understand howdeeplytroubledGuyana is, today and they want it to

beabettercountry I spoke with several youths last evening and withoutprompting,thename Dr TerrenceCampbellcame up.

The world knows by now that I see Dr Campbell more as my brother than a friend and as historically principled as I have been in political activism, I would nothesitatetobebiasonhis behalf.

I am getting used to Whatsapp calls with m u l t i p l e p e o p l e interacting at the same time I had many of those last night Young people do not express themselves in complex political terms and that was clear to me in theconversationswehad.

I was told that the PNCR/APNU will not make any sense without Campbell as its leader I was told it is better it

“shuts shop” instead of wasting time I was told that the PNCR is needed more now than ever because of what is happening to a wide cross section of Guyanese and it must be serious about being thatchange.

The older party faithful in the diaspora were more fearful about being named as they echoed similar sentiments about the party and the l

C a m p b e l

m u s t immediately assume if the APNU is to make political sensemovingforward.

A Guyanese woman of the highest intellectual pedigree in the diaspora advised me to read an

Dr

Campbell She said that she wanted to know if Dr Blackman came to her

while she was asleep and stoleherthoughts. She agrees that the party must be seen as a b u s i n e s s a n d t h e Guyanese people must be seen as customers who havewalkedaway Ittakes a proven businessman and m a n a g e r t o h a v e customers return to the

establishment I have two criticisms of Dr Campbell He does talk to me often and few times we get to talk very briefly he does not say a bad word about Aubrey Norton. Campbell conveys a clear mind and soundintelligencebut,inmy opinion,itishisdecencythat

makes him a viable choice notonlytoleadhispartybut alsoGuyana. However, he must be given the full latitude to get the work done and the time must be now because to succeed time is of the essence

Sincerely NormanK.Browne

Good omen as LCDS Grid-Connected Solar Household launched

DEAREDITOR

The move comes at the right time and it is welcoming that “Guyana is ramping up its transition to renewable energy to moderniseandstrengthenits electricity grid, making power more reliable and affordable.” The gist is that “As part of this effort, the new LCDS Grid-Connected Solar Household drive has been introduced, aiming to tap into the country’s vast solar potential through grid integration.” I think by now itiscommonknowledgethat solar household systems provide significant benefits, including drastically lower electricity bills, increased property value, and reduced carbon footprints. The end result is that homeowners, through this intervention, gain energy independence, often slashing monthly utility costs, while modern, low-maintenance panels offer a 25-30 year lifespan, adding significant equity andresalevalue.Yes,Ifully agree that this shift or additionindeeddoesrequire ahighup-frontcapital,butit offers long-term, fixed-cost power, as solar is all about long-terminvestment.

Whatiskeytonoteisoil production and solar panel usage are not in any way mutually exclusive or in direct conflict. Worldwide, andinmanyways,thesetwo are becoming increasingly integrated through symbiotic relationships While they represent d i f f e r e n t e n e r g y paradigms fossil fuels versus renewables—the oil industry often utilizes solar t e c h n o l o g y , a n d petrochemicals from oil are usedinthemanufacturingof solarcomponents.

Take the case of say Shell, Total, and BP These all exemplify solar used in oil operations, as they have

invested in solar to power their own operations, using solar to run pumps, reduce carbon footprints, and save on operating costs, such as the29-megawattinstallation atthewell-knownLostHills oilfield.Locally,asfarback as 2009 and coming all the way to the present, or updated to present, Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy is deemed as a pioneering frameworkaimedatcreating a sustainable, lowdeforestation economy It monetizesthecountry’s85% forest cover through carbon credits (e.g., selling 37.5 million credits in 2022) to fund green growth, community projects, and climate resilience while diversifying away from reliance on traditional extractive industries. This kind of model is trending and Guyana would be remis nottocapitalise.

The news here reveals that the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) explained that with grid-tied systems, solar panels installed on rooftops or other structures supply electricity directly to homes during daylight hours.

However, especially in the beginning stages, if additional energy is needed, this will be provided by GPL, the national utility company, and if there is excess generation, it is sent back to GPL, and householdsreceivecrediton theirutilitybill.

This is big win-win situation This symbiotic methodology therefore is quite encouraging and will definitely draw citizens into adopting rooftop solar technology, in helping them tolowertheirelectricitybills and support a resilient, sustainableenergyfuture.

The figures are not exorbitant either, as it was

pointed out that a typical 5 kWp (kilowatt-peak) rooftopsolarsystemcancost around G$1.2 million and will generate approximately 7,884 kWh (kilowatt-hour) per year, reducing annual electricity expenses by an estimated G$342,402 (roughly G$28,533 per month),basedonthecurrent GPL residential tariff. Add to this that the investment canpayforitselfinabout3.5 years and will help cut carbonemissionsbyroughly 5.5 tonnes of CO (Carbon dioxide) annually. The broader picture is that the shift aims to support Guyana’s broader energy goals, this is, boosting grid reliability,expandingaccess to clean energy, and advancing a low-carbon, climate-resilientfuture. Hopefully, residents country-widewillmaximize as the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) is fully in support mood and mode. ThecommitmentfromGEA is that it will provide full support and technical guidance, via connecting with equipment suppliers andinstallers,assistingwith thereviewofquotes,design andtechnicalspecifications, working with GPL for efficient processing under the LCDS Solar Express Lane. This translates to just abouteveryaspectingetting individuals fully set up Afterall, the LCDS 2030 is aboutGuyana’soverarching plan for sustainable development, focusing on protecting forests and ecosystemswhilepromoting responsible resource d e v e l o p m e n t a n d accelerating the shift to clean and renewable energy sources like solar, hydropower, wind, and naturalgas.

Yourstruly, HargeshB.Singh

Pres. Ali says Guyana–Suriname

fishing licence talks ongoing despite broken promise

President Irfaan Ali has confirmed that discussions between Guyana and Suriname over longpromised fishing licences remain active, though the issue has grown more complex.

15-yr-old girl missing after escaping from Childcare Agency

“Wehadthecourageandwe went and we raised it? We hadtheundertakingfromthe government, not less a person than the President himself, and he's only left to us because they made the commitment, we had it in writing…”

Theministerexplainedto

Speaking on Wednesday on the sidelines of a Guyana Defence Force event, the President told reporters the matter is still under negotiation “That is an ongoing discussion. There are some changes that are occurring, but as you know, it's a broader issue now that we are discussing,” he said. His update comes two months after Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha disclosed in Parliament that Suriname had reneged on a commitment to grant 150 fishinglicencestoGuyanese fisherfolk. Earlier reporting by Kaieteur News in February indicated the government remained hopefulthatSurinamewould honourtheagreement. During the examination of the budget estimates earlier this year Mustapha was faced with questions fromMemberofParliament, Vinceroy Jordan, to inform the House on when exactly the agreement would be signed. Minister Mustapha told the National Assembly that as a country, pride must be taken in supporting citizens and the previous administration is guilty of never pursuing licences for the Guyanese fisherfolk

the House that the

Surinamese government r e n e g e d o n t h e i r commitment “It was in writing and the Surinamese Minister of Agriculture wrote me to say that a governmentcompanywasto be formed on their side, to issues these licences to the Guyanesefisherfolk.“So,we must not take advantage when our Fisherfolk are beingharassedwhentheygo outtheretofish.Letuswork together Let us work as a team to get them (the) 150 licences (that) were promised by the Suriname authority to give to Guyana. They're reneging it, and we are continuing to represent that issue,” he argued Furthermore, he said the issue has been continuously raised at different forums across the region including the Caribbean Fishing Authority

A15-year-old girl ran away while in the careoftheChildcareandProtectionAgency (CPA)onMondaynightanduptopresstime Thursdayshewasstillmissing,accordingtoa closerelative.

The family member, speaking with KaieteurNews,saidshehasnoknowledgeof the teenager's where abouts but strongly suspects that another woman, whom she identified as the child's paternal aunt, may haveinformationaboutwheresheis.

Therelativeexplainedthat,basedonwhat she has gathered from various sources, her daughter was not the only one who escaped from the CPA. Instead, she believes that severalothergirlsleftthefacilityatthesame time, raising further concern about the circumstances surrounding the incident and thesafetyofthemissingchildren.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security Vindhya Persaud could not be reached for comment. “The officer dealing with the matter keeps reaching out to me. Theyarelookingforher Theydidn'ttellme how she managed to run away,” the relative shared.

Leader of the Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP) Simona Broomes, in a video on her Facebook yesterday, said it is unacceptable to have children running away fromstatecare.

“It's not one time, two times; this is somethinghappeningallthetime.Something needs to be done to protect them,” she expressed.

Court clarifies role

of marshals in enforcing Friendship land ruling

The Supreme Court of Judicature in a notice on ThursdayoutlinedthatCourt Marshals are executive officers of the Court, acting under lawful authority.

This reminder comes on the heels of the eviction of more than 50 families at Friendship, East Bank Demerara. Rozel Di Leon Investment Limited, the company which owns the parcelsoflandatFriendship, East Bank Demerara, where the families were evicted from had previously clarified that the occupants were given more than 18 months notice to move and not “only seven days ” T

Marshals function as executive officers of the Court under the High Court Act, Cap. 3:02, with the Registrar serving as the Court's Chief Executive Officer. Marshals operate under the Registrar's control andresponsibility,subjectto thedirectionandapprovalof the Chief Justice

It further referenced the C i v i l P r o c e d u r e (Amendment) Rules 2019, Part45,whichprovidethata Writ of Possession authorisesaMarshaltoenter specified land or premises, take possession, and deliver it to the judgment creditor

The court highlighted that in the matter between

New Friendship Farmers Cooperative Land Society Ltd and the Defendants, including Elaine Adams, Rozel Dilleon Investment LtdandLeonL.Rutherford, judgment was delivered by Justice Peter Hugh on 25 September 2024, granting possession of Parcel No. 739, containing 13 6877 acres, Block XX VIII, Zone EastBankDemerara(partof Friendship, East Bank Demerara), in favour of the Second Named Defendant. TheOrderwasservedon theClaimant/Respondenton 24March2025,andastayof execution was granted until 31 December 2024. It was s t a t e d t h a t t h e Claimant/Respondent, however, did not vacate the land within the prescribed period. As such, following an application by Leon L. Rutherford, a Writ of Possession was granted on 25 August 2025. Upon a request made on 22 December 2025, the Writ was issued by the Registrar of the Supreme Court of Judicature of Guyana on 7 January 2026, authorising Court Marshals to enter the property, remove the occupants, the New Friendship Farmers Cooperative Land Society Ltd, and deliver possession to Leon L. Rutherford as representative of Rozel Dilleon Investment Lid

“The public is advised that Court Marshals are executing lawful Orders of the Court. All persons are urged to cooperate fully and refrain from obstructing the lawful execution of these Orders,” the court said. The Company in its statement had denied the claims now being circulated by the occupants as blatantly untrue “Specifically, we refute the assertions that: The occupants were given only seven days' notice to v a c a t e

The legal process has spanned over 18 months, with the Order to vacate being granted in September 2024,” the Company said. Further, the Company statedthattheclaimsthatits Principal, Mr Leon Rutherford was retained by the occupants to conduct a survey of the property, is entirelyfalse.RozelDiLeon Investment Limited expressed that it is a lawabiding entity that has followed the proper legal channels to assert its ownershiprights.“Weregret thattheexecutionofthelaw hasbeenmischaracterisedin the public domain, but we trust that the public will recognise this matter for whatitis:theconclusionofa lengthy legal process to restore the rights of a property owner,” the C o m p a n y s t a t e d

Place a moratorium on motor sports until oil prices decline!

There was a time when things were used as they were intended. A fork for eatingandabedforsleeping.

I am told that in the old days, when there was a global oil crisis and petrol prices rose, motor racing was gently but firmly discouraged. Not outlawed, mindyoubutquietlynudged intoirrelevance.

The reasoning was disarmingly logical. Motor racing consumes fuel; fuel

costs foreign exchange; foreign exchange was scarce; therefore, perhaps it was not the best time to simulate Formula One fantasies on machines held togetherbyequallyimported parts. Also—and I say this delicately motor racing hadthefaintaromaofelitism aboutit.Itwasnotexactlya working-class kind of sport. It required equipment, maintenance,andthesortof disposableincomethatmost

citizens reserved for, say, food. So naturally, in an era preoccupied with austerity and ideological alignment, the sport found itself somewhatunfashionable.

Fast forward to today, when we have made the remarkable civilizational leap of deciding that if something exists, it must be used for everything. Which bringsmetotheforecourtof the National Stadium a space that is magnificently

ChairmanofU.S.EXIMBankvisits...

Frompage03 site.”Lindsayca pointed out thatmorethan2millionmanhours have been completed safely to date, reflecting a strong culture of discipline and consistent delivery acrossthesite.

Further, it noted, “This progress is backed by a global logistics operation, with over 170 shipments frommorethan20countries, ensuring the timely delivery and integration of critical equipment.” The high level visit by Chairman of the US EXIM Bank and other officials reinforce the project’snationalimportance, operational transparency, and the level of alignment

required to deliver infrastructure of this scale, accordingtothecompany

The visit by Chairman of the US EXIM Bank come amid a series of troubling disclosuresbyKaieteurNews regarding the tender process that led to Lindsayca/CH 4

b

company’s inexperience, tainted track record and appointment of Project Director, Ruben Figuera- a former PDVSA executive under the Nicolas Maduro regime in Venezuela Over thepastweekKaieteurNews has reported extensively on the procurement process where cheaper bids were ignored by the government of Guyana to engage the company which submitted the hig

st bid and demonstrated a troubling financial position. As the price tag on the venture continues to balloon, this newspaper exposed the luxu

ng chartered by the company to not only transport its executivesonaweeklybasis, but to import materials for the project at a much higher rate. Back in December 2024 the US EXIM Bank gave its approval for a US$527M loan to support

the gas development at Wales Chairman of US E

controversial Wales gas

, President Dr Irfaan Ali also held a working lunch with J

delegation at State House Thursday to discuss current andfutureprojects. Discussions centred on strengthening relationships, thegas-to-energyprojectand other ongoing projects the bank is supporting in Guyana. President Ali and Mr Jovanovicalsodiscussed areas of priority, including food security, government efficiency and security for Guyana’s development President Ali was joined by several members of his Cabinet and Chief of Defence Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Omar Khan. US Ambassador to Guyana, HE Nicole Theriot also attended themeeting.

DEM BOYS SEH

De app not apping

Dem boys seh the cash grant app ain’t reallyanapp—isacrashgyant.Andifyuh listen careful, you could hear it wheezing like an old minibus climbing dem hill pun de Soesdyke-Linden Highway with thirty passengeronboard.

When government announce the app, everybodyclap.Demboysseh,“Look,we modernnow!Nextthingyuhknowwegan get we monthly groceries delivered by drone. But two week later, the only thing flyingispeopletemper

De people tekkkin an eternity to registerandcollectdemG$100,000indem bank books. Dem boys seh at this rate, some people gon collect dem cash grant sametimedemcollectingpension. Andtheapp?Lordhavemercy People logging in, logging out, and logging frustration. Some stuck on “location” so longtheystarttosearchfuhexactlywhere demdoeslive.Onemansehtheapptellhe touploadID,andwhenhedothat,theapp behavelikeitseeajumbie—freezeupand

misunderstood The forecourt of the National Stadium at Providence is not, I repeat not, a parking lot.Itisnotaconcertvenue, a place for trade fairs, housing expos, or, in a p

creativity,ago-karttrack.

Itisaplaza.Aforecourt. A safety buffer A carefully designed expanse intended to allow large numbers of human beings to enter and exit a stadium safely and without the risk of a stampede Its purpose is profoundly unglamorous: it existstopreventpeoplefrom being crushed. I realise this is not as exciting as revving engines or gyrating to the melodiesofaforeignartiste. Butitis,initsownquietway, essential to the continued survivalofthepopulation.

Andyet,wehavelooked at this a sanctuary of crowd management and thought, “Youknowwhatthisneeds? Go-karts.”

Now, I have nothing against go-karts. In fact, I once rode one and experienced a brief but exhilaratingsenseofcontrol over my destiny, which quicklydissipatedwhenIhit a tire barrier But even I can appreciate that there are limits to where one should conduct such activities. The forecourt of a national stadium seems, at best, an imaginative stretch The explanation, we are told, is that the existing facility at the former Cosmos Sports Club Ground has been

disappear

Another lady seh she was on hold so longshecook,eat,washwares,takeanap, wake up and still hearing, “Please wait…”

Demboyssehtheappain’tfacilitating nothing. Is like a bouncer at a party who ain’t letting nobody in, but also ain’t explainingwhy

Now government seh plenty people getting paid through bank account. Dem boyssehthatgood—ifyuhactuallyhavea bank account. Because opening one in Guyanaislikeapplyingforcitizenshipina foreigncountry Youneedproofofaddress, tworeferences,bloodsample,andpossibly yuhgrandmothermaidenname.Intheend, what was supposed to be fast and fancy nowlookingslowandshaky Demboysseh islikebuyingasmartphoneandusingitasa paperweight. Government need fix de app quick.Becauserightnow,theonlythingthe appdistributingefficiently…isstress. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

outgrown.Thisis,ofcourse, the natural order of things. Children outgrow shoes, c i t i e s o u t g r o w infrastructure, and apparently,go-kartsoutgrow their tracks. But surely, the solution to outgrowing a facilityisnottoappropriatea space designed for public safety By that logic, if my living room becomes too smallforentertainingguests, I should simply relocate the gathering to the middle of a highway

There is also the small matter of memory Some of us recall, perhaps too vividly, the experience of exiting the crowded Georgetown Cricket Club Ground in the days when international cricket was played there There was always a squeeze of thousands of persons seeking to exit through narrow gates. A stampede was always a possibility And yet, here we are, cheerfully repurposing the very space designed to prevent such scenarios, as if safety were a suggestion rather than a requirement. One begins to suspect that we have developed a philosophical position that an empty forecourt is not seen as a triumph of planning, but as an existential void demanding i m m e d i a t e occupation—preferably by something loud, fast, and fueled by imported petroleum Which brings me, inevitably, to petrol itself.Pricesrise,pricesfall,

andwiththemourcollective senseofrestraint.Soperhaps the solution is not complex policy or long-term planning, but something far more practical: a moratorium on motor sports until petrol prices return to what they were—let us be ambitious—one month ago. After all, it is taxpayers’ monies that is subsidizing petrolnow, includingitsuse formotorracing.

Until prices decline, we might consider allowing the forecourt at the National Stadium to perform its humble, lifesaving function. Let it remain empty Let it remainboring.Letitremain, above all, available for the safe movement of human beings who would very muchliketoleaveastadium in the same condition in which they entered it. I understand this may not be popular It offers no engine noise, no tire smoke, no thrilling sense of imminent collision.Butitdoesprovide something even more valuable: the absence of disaster And in a world increasingly committed to creative misuse of space, thatmaybethemostradical ideaofall.

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

The Brazilian “Engagement”...

Frompage05 ensuring that hinterland development benefitscitizensratherthanintermediaries.

For now, this “Brazilian engagement” appears less like foreign investment and morelikeacasestudyininstitutionalbypass — one that risks turning Guyana’s frontier into a speculative playground for undisclosed interests. Guyana stands at a crossroad: the promise of regional integration or the peril of privatized diplomacy

The choice — and its consequences — will be defined in how the government answersonesimplequestion:

“Whoisreallyatthetable?”

Sincerely, HemduttKumar

H@RD TRUTHS

LearnfromPamBondi,AGNandlall

I rarely talk about what comes out of the White House, the Dept. of Justice, and the US, in general Indeed,PresidentTrumphas done that well with the American brand, savaged it so much, made it into a football for the world. A man of sorrows, he is. But what of his slavish insiders, some who follow him so fanatically, they essentially guarantee their own selfdestruction? There is Ms. Pam Bondi, now former attorney general, one who everyonejumpson,havefun kicking around since she went down in flames. I use her example, to offer a kind

wordtoaGuyanesebrother, the Hon.Anil Nandlall,AG, SC,MP Leadersusepeople fordirtyjobs,untilthere'sno furtheruseforthem. Ms Bondi blindly followed the wishes of Mr Trump, often anticipated whatthosewere,andwentto work. Withaxeandhatchet envenomed for bloody duty Mr Trump's raging impatiencemeantshehadto deliver her kiss of death to his enemies. Many such kisses. WhereisPamBondi today, who buries her? On Meet the Press, Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, stated thefacts:“basically,shesold out her integrity, couldn't

look herself in the mirror.” Taut and torrid. Deal in what's over-the-top, end up overboard. Tryalittlemore of Kaine's wisdom: an attorneygeneralissupposed to have “an independent gravitas and integrity ” Enough of Senator Kaine. Timeforalookatandatalk to Guyana's Hon. Attorney General,Mr AnilNandlall. Somebattleswerefought thatcompelmetotakeahard lookatgravitasandintegrity, and to what degree, in my opinion, AG Nandlall has measured up. Frankly, I don't think he tried hard enough; allowed primary obligationtosliphisgrasp. I imagined a man of his thinking power, a student of theworldasmuchasheis,to bemorestudious,diligent. I have some ideas of how much AG Nandlall has injuredhimself. However,heisthebest

splendidlyhehasshapedup, or how poorly he has fared. One example, coined under

his hand, has seared itself into national consciousness. Exxon v the Guyanese people. Itooksomeliberties with that reference, but he more than anyone else, knowstowhatIpoint. When country should have come first, and by laps, AG Nandlall held party and governmenthigher Thefate of a country was/is at stake, and Guyana's attorney general decided, I believe, thatthewelfareofapolitical party,his,matteredthemost. Gravitas and the highest standardsofintegrityarethe areas where I struggle. The wellbeing of ordinary people, the rank-and-file mass,oranentityaslowasa political party, was the challenge before AG Nandlall.

Hemadehischoice,and he left a set of fingerprints that exonerates him or erodeshisstanding. Idonot ask one Guyanese to judge Mr Nandlall. I neither liberate nor condemn the AG. He is best equipped to do so. His president cannot

help, more likely to hurt His g e n e r a

avoided.

Another example thatrocksAGNandlallishis s

regarding crimes committed by com

o weaponize social media to assassinate perceived enemies of the PPP Govt. Simply put, he has chosen thepathofconvenience,i.e., noresponse.

Ignorance. He gushes about cybercrime law and crimes in general, but when comrades repeatedly violate thelaw,heseesnoassaulton hisownintegrityorgravitas. Thus,heiscomfortedbyhis own stillness; I think paralyzedbyinaction.

Like Pam Bondi, now of uglyAmericaninfamy,there is that separation to which shedidn'tadhere. Thereisa limit. Or else, law stained. People sullied. Presidents will command and demand

(general secretaries even more). Ms.Bondilosttrack of her feet, so she lost her head. Her name is sewage. There is a brutal lesson for Guyana's attorney general. Recall cases here that were discarded,casesnevermade. Inbothinstancesheissmart enough to identify the road that was taken, whose interestsserved.

Doing otherwise, may have ended the attorney general's role. But of this I reassure him and others: there are worse fates Oftentimes, the world is gained, but only when conscience, gravitas, and soulareallsurrendered.

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

No large-scale gold smuggling at Marudi Mining District - GGMC head

Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Newell Dennison, has come out to dismiss claims of large-scale gold smuggling at the Marudi Mining DistrictinRegionNine.

In a video statement issued on Wednesday night, Dennison said he was obligatedtoaddressgrowing

p u b l i c d i s c o u r s e surrounding the Marudi Gold Project, particularly at Mazoa Hill in the South Rupununi, and asserted that claims of large-scale gold smuggling are unfounded

and lack technical credibility.

Dennison explained that the Marudi area, including Mazoa Hill and surrounding locations have been under mininginterestforyearsand have operated under a licence since 2012 However, he shared that earliereffortstodevelopthe resource were hampered by poor administration, unsafe practices, and criminal activity

AccordingtotheGGMC head,stabilityhasonlybeen achieved in recent years through collaboration

among stakeholders, including the Ministry of Natural Resources, the communities and local miners.Hesaidtheprojectis now being operated under a special mining permit arrangement involving an a s s o c i a t i o n o f approximately 40 Rupununi

miners.

Mining at Mazoa

Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Newell Dennison

Further, Commissioner Dennison also rejected claims that millions of U.S. dollars in gold are being smuggled daily from the district.

In November 2021, an agreement was signed between the Rupununi Miners Association (RMA), Aurous and Romanex with GGMC as the regulator to resumeminingoperationsby small-scale miners. The RMA comprises two medium-scale operators and 38 small-scale miners. The Special Mining Permit (SMP) issued to miners underthe2021agreementis restricted to 40 miners once registeredwithRMA.

In late March, APNU Members of Parliament complained about being denied entry to the Marudi mining district The delegation including Dr Terrence Campbell, Sharma Solomon, Saiku Andrews

nd Sherod Duncan, reported that entry into the Marudi Settlement was preventedbyGGMC. They contend that the move hindered their ability to carry out their parliamentary duties and engage constituents The MPs said the barrier to the settlementwasinitiallyopen but was later closed and padlocked by authorities, effectively blocking the team from accessing the community. APNU had criticised the GGMC's

decision to deny entry to elected officials, noting that it raises concerns about t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d accountability in the mining district.

Addressing concerns over restricted access to the mining area, Dennison maintained that such measures are standard practiceacrosstheextractive sector and are necessary for safety, security, and regulatorycompliance.

“In order to ensure that mining is conducted in compliance with mining regulations and that safety and security prevail, access tothisminingprojectareais

restricted. There should be nothing controversial about the restricted access,” he said.

He further clarified that the restrictions are not targeted at any individual or group. Dennison continued, “Requests from several interestshavebeentreatedin similar fashion, especially where there is no relevant reason to have access, such as financial, technical or operationalinvolvement.”

However, suggested that officials by a parliamentary sub committee for natural resources would be accommodated through establishedprotocols.

“It is important to share that the narrative about gold smuggling from the project site has no merit The Guyana Gold Board is embedded at the project site exactly for the purpose of mitigating that risk and curbing any material illicit movementofgold,”hesaid.

Followingtheirvisit,the MPs raised alarm over what they described as the daily outflow of millions of U.S. dollars in gold from the Marudi mining district, Region Nine, citing reports fromresidents.

Whileatthelocation,Dr Campbell said residents provided troubling accounts of large-scale gold extraction allegedly taking place in the area. It was

(Continuedonpage16)

Canadian firm to build 7-million-ounce gold project after G2 takeover

GMiningVenturesCorp. (GMIN) on Thursday announced its move to acquire fellow Canadian firm G2 Goldfields Inc. that alsooperatesinGuyana.

GMIN, the 100% owner of the 4.64 million ounces Oko West Gold project located in Region Seven, said it entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all of the issued and outstandingsharesofG2. The transaction will consolidate two adjacent gold projects in Guyana: G2's Oko-Ghanie Project and GMIN's fully permitted andfullyfinancedOkoWest Project.

GMIN noted that this synergy will create a largescale, low-cost Tier-1 gold mining hub in one of the most prospective emerging golddistrictsintheworld.It also expands GMIN's

footprint in Guyana by 293 km² (square kilometres), c

contiguous land package of over 362 km², situated

greenstone belt and largely within a 20 km radius of the OkoWestProject.

transaction, GMIN said the Combined Measured & IndicatedMineralResources of 7.0 million ounces and Inferred Mineral Resources of 2.3 million ounces with deposits remaining open at depthandalongstrike.Itwas also noted that once in production, the combined OkoProjecthasthepotential to rank among the highest producing gold mines globally

The anticipated life of mine (LOM) average gold productionofapproximately

G3SpinCo properties

350,000 ounces of gold annually from GMIN's Oko West Project and 228,000 ounces of gold annually from G2's Oko-Ghanie Project into a single project brings the potential to produce over 500,000 ouncesofgoldannuallyona LOMaveragebasis.

The Oko West project is estimated to hold 4 64 millionouncesofprovenand

probable reserves at an averagegradeof1.89grams of gold per tonne The project is expected to produce about 350,000 ouncesofgoldannuallyover a12.3-yearminelife.

Early 2026, G2 announced new gold discoveries outside its existing mineral resource areasatthehigh-gradeOKO Gold Project. The company

GMIN combined properties

had set its eyes on total productionofapproximately 3.2 million ounces of gold from the project, with average annual output projected at about 281,000 ounces during the mine's peak years The maiden Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) had outlinedthattheprojectwill entail a combined open-pit and underground operation with a 14-year life of mine.

OKO's recent mineral resource estimate stands at 1.6millionouncesofgoldin the Indicated category and 1.9 million ounces in the Inferredcategory

The integration of the deposits is expected to enhance mine sequencing a n d o p t i m i z a t i o n opportunities, supporting highermillfeedgradesanda morebalancedblendofopen pit and underground mining

Louis-Pierre Gignac, CEO,Presidentand DirectorofGMIN

over the LOM The combined project is also expected to deliver significant near and longterm synergies across throughput, operating costs, capital costs due to shared infrastructure, mine sequencingandpermitting.

GMINnotedthatthereis an opportunity to accelerate Oko-Ghanie's permitting timeline by combining with thefullypermittedOkoWest Project and the targeted timeline for first gold production at Oko West in the second half of 2027 remainsunchanged.

The agreement delivers on GMIN's stated vision to build and operate a large, long-life, Tier-1 mine in Guyana with the ultimate objective of generating industry leading returns for itsshareholders.

Moreover, GMIN plans to move quickly through technical studies to verify the optimal mine plan, sequencing, and throughput for the combined Oko Project, with an intention to release a technical report in 2027, targeting expanded production by first half of 2029. The company said it doesnotexpectanydelaysin first production in Guyana by combining the Oko West ProjectwiththeOko-Ghanie Project.

The agreement is expected to unlock more than C$1 billion in measurable synergies, driven by reduced capital and operating costs, as well as increased throughput According to GMIN, these

infrastructure, optimised mine sequencing, and streamlinedpermitting. Notably, the combined operation would avoid

expenditure that would otherwise be required to develop a standalone

No 24-hrworkongoingatWales gasplantdespitePMclaims

ByDavinaBagot

Is the Government of Guyana(GoG)unawarethat the contractor halts all constructionactivitiesofthe Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility and power plant at Wales,WestBankDemerara aftersundown?

On Tuesday, the Office ofthePrimeMinister(OPM) issued a glowing press release dismissing recent reports of delays and insisting that the

transformative Wales Gas-

to-Energy project is "advancing swiftly" The government painted a picture of a bustling, roundthe-clock operation with majorequipmentalreadyset instone.

H o w e v e r , a n independent, on-the-ground investigation by Kaieteur News paints a starkly different picture that reveals serious disc

s

tw

n what the government is claiming and whatisactuallyhappeningat Wales, raising questions about whether the GoG is actually unaware or being misguided regarding the progress of the construction activitiesatWales.

The"24-Hour” WorkMyth

In its attempt to reassure the public, the OPM explicitly stated, "Work on many aspects of the construction is proceeding ona24-hourbasis."

Ourinvestigationreveals this to be entirely false. The reality on the ground is that the daily shift at the Wales site ends abruptly at 6:00 PM. By 6:30 PM, the vast majority of the workforce can be seen queuing at the bus stop near the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge,headinghomeforthe night.

To corroborate this, our team deployed drones over the project site during nighttime hours on Tuesday evening, just moments after the statement came from government. Instead of a bustling, illuminated operationexecutinga"triple shift," the aerial footage showedadeadstop.Thesite was dark and completely inactive, flatly contradicting the government's narrative of a relentless, 24/7 constructioneffort(Seevideo: https://youtu.be/G_6QJWvm aSk)

TheEmbellished

TransformerClaims

The press release also

made bold claims regarding the project's infrastructure milestones,explicitlystating that"Alltransformersforthe substation have been placed onfoundation."

This, too, is a glaring misrepresentation Recent video evidence obtained by this outlet clearly shows empty foundational pads Additionally, sources informedthisnewspaperthat not only are all the transformers not placed on their foundations, but several of them do not even appear to be on the physical job site yet. Pictures posted online by Lindsayca Social Media Team on Thursday, showed only a partial set of thetransformersareinplace and some foundation work seemstobeincomplete.

Further, industry analysts consulted by this publication believe that the Prime Minister's office is conflatingtwoverydifferent milestones “It is highly likely that the transformers have simply arrived in the country, and are slowly beingsentandplacedonsite, b u t t h e O P M h a s embellished the level of completion to make the project appear further along thanitactuallyis.Arrivingat a port in Georgetown is vastly different from being successfully mounted on a

compl

tation foundation in Wales,” sources familiar to the project execution and general substation work havesaid.

TheTrueTimeline

Beyond the exaggerated daily progress and equipment placement, the most pressing concern for the Guyanese public is the timeline for actual power delivery. The government continues to project an optimistic timeline, but the professionals in the industry working behind the scenes telladifferentstory

People in the energy and construction industries consultedbythisoutlethave expressed deep skepticism regarding the government's currenttargets.Accordingto these experts, given the c u r r e n t p a c e o f work—which is undeniably stalled at night—there is virtually no chance that the

facilitywilldeliverpowerto theGuyanaPowerandLight (GPL)gridbytheendofthis year

Furthermore, serious q u e s t i o n s r e m a i n unanswered regarding the NGL facility Sources

indicate that critical components of the NGL facilitywereleftsittinginan open air storage yard in the USA for many months. KaieteurNewswastoldthat it took a visit from the Consultant, Winston Brassington to Houston in the week of March 12th to Lindsayca Headquarters to review major equipment to beshippedtoGuyana.

Localsourcesrevealthat past payment delays and disputes with at least one shipping company and includingonelocalport,had stalled some deliveries to Guyana Given this prolonged storage period and the sudden rush to

demonstrate progress, it remains qu

whether the manufacturer, ENERFLEX, was able to conduct the requisite final inspections and quality checksbeforetheequipment wasshipped.

While the government boaststhatNGLbullettanks are arriving, industry insiders are now openly questioning the condition of this unverified equipment and when the NGL facility will actually be capable of processing and dispatching by the Goverment-backed deadline. Questions remain on the liquidated damages according to the original contract, and if the penalties stay in place to enforce on the contractor a timely delivery

MissingtheMarket:The EconomicCostofDelay

The cost of these ongoingdelaysisnotmerely logistical; it represents a

massive loss of potential revenue for the nation. A recent report in The Economist (April 5, 2026) highlighted the current windfall Guyana is experiencing from surging global oil prices. Sadly, this financial boom entirely misses out on NGL production.

While prices for light liquids and cooking gas continue to increase across the region, Guyana remains sidelined.IftheNGLfacility were operational and on schedule, the country could currently be exporting these highly valued commodities to a hungry market. Instead, duetotheproject'sstalled (Continuedonpage15)

Aurora Gold Mine commissions US$100M

solar farm farm

Aurora Gold Mine- now fullyownedbyChinesefirm Zi jin on Wednesday commissioned an over US$100Msolarfarprojectat itsRegionSevenoperations.

Hailed as a major milestone in Guyana's green energy transition, the solar farm features a combined 49.4 MW solar system and 82 MWh of battery storage and is expected to generate approximately 63 million kWh of clean electricity annually, thus reducing dieselconsumptionbyabout 18 million litres and cut

carbonemissionsbyroughly 47,000tonneseachyear

Speak

commissioning Prime Minister, Mark Phillips said the newly commissioned farmrepresentsamajorstep in Guyana's transition to cleanerandmoresustainable

energy He described the project as a landmark

significantly reduce reliance on diesel while supporting the government's national push towards renewable energy.

The solar farm is one of

Prime Minister, Mark Phillips and Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Yang Yang and other officials during a tour of the AGM facility

the largest in Guyana. It featuresanadvancedsystem that integrates power generation and battery storageinrealtime,ensuring a stable and reliable electricity supply. Its commissioning marks a transformation for the Aurora Gold Mine, which

entirely on diesel-generated power

The project created approximately100localjobs during its construction, providingGuyaneseworkers with hands-on training in renewable energy systems, b

d microgrid management, the DPI reported. “These are skills that will remain

G

y

a continues to expand its use ofrenewableenergy,”Prime M

n i s t e r P h i l l i p s emphasized according to DPI.

He noted that the initiative aligns with Guyana's Low Carbon

DevelopmentStrategy2030, demonstrating how clean energy solutions can be successfully integrated into industrialoperations,evenin hinterland and remote locations. The prime minister also pointed to the commissioning of a solar facilityatCharityearlierthis year under the Guyana Utility Scale Solar Photovoltaic Programme, which forms part of a broader effort to expand solar energy across multiple regions. “These investments are complemented by grid upgrades, battery storage, and additional energy projects aimed at reducing costs and improving reliability across the country,”headded.

Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Yang Yang congratulated Aurora Gold Mine on the successfulcompletionofthe project and also paid tribute to all engineers, technicians and workers whose hard

work made this project possible. “This project is another important achievement of ChinaGuyanacooperationinclean energy and mining. It also marks a solid step forward for Aurora toward lowcarbon transformation and green mining development. Green mining is, above all, about changing the way development is pursued Modern mining must move away from the old model of high consumption and high emissions. It must strive for resource conservation, environmental protection, andlong-termsustainability

A modern mine should create not only economic v a l u e , b u t a l s o environmental value and social value,” the Chinese envoystated.

She noted thatfor a long time, operations in remote mining areas have relied heavily on diesel power, stating that this has resulted (Continuedonpage16)

ChineseconsortiumtobuildnewBarticaRegionalHospital

TheChineseconsortium,China

Sinopharm International Corporation and China CAMC Engineering Co Ltd (CAMCE –Sinopharmintl)hasbeencontracted bythegovernmenttobuildthenew state-of-the-art Regional Hospital inBartica,RegionSeven.

The new regional hospital is expectedtobelocatedatFiveMiles Potaro Road, Bartica, and a sod turning ceremony to mark the commencementoftheconstruction phase is expected to be done shortly CAMCE – Sinopharmintl consortium is no stranger to Guyana's construction industry

This consortium has recently completed the construction of six regionalhospitalsinthecountryat LimainRegionTwo,DeKinderen in Region Three, Diamond and Enmore in Region Four, Bath in Region Five and at No. 75 Village inRegionSix.

Additionally, the Chinese consortiumwasin2025contracted by the Guyana Government to build the new $11.4 billion West Demerara Regional Hospital in RegionThree.

Regardingthecontractawarded to the contractors, China CAMC Engineering on its website stated that on December 29, 2025 the company officially signed a

commercial contract to build the hospital CAMCE in its press release stated that its main scope involves the construction of a new moderngeneralhospital,including the design and construction of the main medical building and ancillary facilities, as well as the supply, in

nd commissioningtrainingofmedical equipment.

“During the signing ceremony, Malcolm Watkins stated that since July2022,CAMCEhascompleted the construction of six regional hospitals in Guyana with high standards and quality, delivering them on schedule This fully demonstrates the professionalism,

enterprises.

He expressed hope that CAMCE would continue to leverage the dual advantages of "ChinaSpeed"and"ChinaQuality" in the new project, enhancing the well-beingoftheGuyanesepeople through high-quality engineering and accelerating the development ofGuyana'shealthcaresector,”the releasestated.

“This project stands as another benchmark in implementing CAMCE's integrated development strategy, promoting strategic synergy, value alignment, and innovation collaboration, and

An artist's impression of the new proposed Bartica Regional Hospital in Region Seven.

buildinga"OneCore,TwoWings" development framework,” the companyfurtherstated.

CAMCE noted also that this contract signing marks another significant achievement for the company in the Guyanese market, reflecting its "high-quality

development"approach.

ItfullydemonstratesCAMCE's professionalcapabilitiesandbrand influence in medical infrastructure construction and injects strong momentum into the company's ongoing transformation into a technology-based specialized engineering enterprise,” the companydisclosed.

Speaking on the government's planstoconstructthenewhospital inBartica,PresidentIrfaanAliback in November 2025 had stated that bytheendofthefirstquarterofthis yeartheprojectwillbelaunched. This facility, he said, will significantly enhance medevac

mprove emergency healthcare delivery across the region, with the help of theaviationsector

“When we have medevacs, we can now have a facility in Bartica thatcantakecareofthosemedevac bringinghealthcaremoreefficient, saving time, saving life in emergencyandthatwillallowusto doso,”hesaid.

Digital registry to target repeat traffic offenders, improve road safety

The Government has said it is moving to establish a comprehensivedigitalregistry ofroadusersaspartofitsSafe Country initiative aimed at strengthening public safety andimprovingenforcementof trafficlaws.

Inanannouncementissued yesterday, the Attorney General's Chambers said it will lead the initiative in collaboration with the Ministry of HomeAffairs, the MinistryofPublicServiceand Government Efficiency, the Guyana Police Force, and the National Data Management Authority In a statement, the Chambers said the move follows directives from President Irfaan Ali The

registry will compile information on road users, includinglicensingdetailsand their history of traffic-related offences,suchaspriorcharges andconvictions.

The system is expected to be accessible to a wide crosssection of state agencies, including the Judiciary, the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Prison Service, the Probation Department and the Guyana RevenueAuthority

The database is expected toenhancetheenforcementof

existing traffic laws, particularly the demerit point system,whichprovidesforthe

suspension or revocation of driver's licences for offences such as drunk driving and motor manslaugh

r Furthermore, the initiative is intended to improve coordination among agencies involved in traffic enforcementandprosecution.

In addition, the Attorney General'sChambersdisclosed that a new set of legislative a

n prepared to update the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act and related laws These amendmentswilltargetissues such as noise nuisance, particularly from motor vehicles, and littering in public spaces. The measures come amid growing public concern over road safety in Guyana involving steady cases of fatal accidents, dangerous driving practices and challenges with enforcement, including speeding, drunk driving and the limited application of penalties. “The Safe Country initiative remains among our government's highest priorities Making our roadways and public places safer is a crucial factor in this equation,” the statement said, adding,“Thesemeasuresform part of the government's continuing efforts to enhance public safety in Guyana, especially on our roadways andpublicspaces.”

No 24-hr work ongoing at Wales...

Frompage13

p r o g r e s s a n d t h e aforementioned equipment concerns,Guyanaismissinga critical window, leaving significant realized value on thetable.

WithbillionsofUS-dollars committedtotheGTEproject, Guyana deserves absolute transparency instead of exaggerated press releases designed to save face amid ongoing contractor disputes andevidentdelays.

This newspaper was told the project will not meet its year-enddeadlineandismore likely come online by mid2027 Industry experts are calling on the administration to provide a realistic, unembellished timeline for when the country will finally enjoya50%reductionontheir electricity bills and reap the full economic benefits of its gasreserves.

Delays will continue costing this country at least $126M monthly for the rental of two power ships to supplement the national grid. Not only that, but the contractor can also seek additional funds to meet expensesrelatedtotheproject which government will be forced to supply to deliver lower cost electricity to the countryaspromised. It is important to note that government has hired an independent consultant, EngineersIndiaLimited(EIL) to supervise the GTE project on behalf of Guyana. The company is being paid US$22M for its services, yet the government is being grossly misguided by the c

Consultant secures its paymentunchecked.

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No large-scale gold smuggling at Marudi...

From page 11 alleged that persons who own the mining rights in the area have engaged the Brazilians to mine for gold. “What I want to come back to share is that in speaking with one of the residents in this neighbourhood here, who briefed us on the fact that U.S. $5 million dollars in gold per day, is leaving smuggled out to this country. But he didn’t want us to take his picture…” he said. Dennison argued that such figures are not feasible when assessed against mining realities.

“Relevant to the narrative of smuggling in the proportions alleged, I reckon that any student of mining should be able to calculate and demonstrate that what is being portrayed cannot be sustainable, nor is it viable, and it would require movement of material, processing of same and grades of ore that would be exceptional indeed,” he stated. He added that all gold extracted at the site must be declared to the Guyana Gold Board, which maintains a presence in the area to monitor production and ensure compliance. “I look forward, therefore, for commentators, especially those with influence, to be responsible with the narratives at a minimum, seek to be properly informed rather than subscribe to convenient hearsay from unverified sources and or avoided

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unjustified shaming of dedicated, responsible officers who are performing difficult tasks to the best that the situation and conditions allow,” Dennison said.

APNU’s visit to the Marudi mining district came on the heels of concerns raised over the presence of a convicted Brazilian miner operating there. In fact, during a meeting convened on March 14 by the South Rupununi District Council (SRDC) and key stakeholders including GGMC, the issue of Brazilian miners in the Rupununi, par-

ticularly Rodrigo Martins de Mello, also known as Rodrigo Cataratas was spotlighted and assurance was given that the miner is no longer operating in the area. The concerns were heightened by social media images showing Cataratas, in the company of senior government officials here. While the opposition MPs had reported that residents are fearful and reluctant to speak openly, with claims of threats and unchecked foreign involvement in mining operations, Dennison stressed that the GGMC takes

allegations of smuggling seriously and urged anyone with credible information to report it to the relevant authorities. To this end, he pointed to improvements in the district over the past three years, citing positive economic and social impacts arising from the structured operation of the Marudi project. “The Ministry of Natural Resources and GGMC have worked over the recent years to improve the circumstances of those in the south Rupununi district,” Dennison said.

GMIN moves to build 7-million ounce...

From page12 largely due to the elimination of the need for a separate mill and tailings facility, along with the integration of key infrastructure.

Additionally, operating cost savings of about C$275 million over the LOM are anticipated. These savings are expected to come from eliminating duplicate administrative functions and achieving greater economies of scale, with unit costs reduced by spreading fixed expenses across higher production volumes. The company also projects a 25–30% increase in mill throughput at the Oko West Project, which is expected to be confirmed in an updated Feasibility Study.

Further, combining the projects also accelerates and simplifies the Oko-Ghanie Project’s permitting timeline by combining with the fully permitted Oko West Project. The integration of OkoGhanie with the fully permitted Oko West Project is expected to streamline permitting execution, deliver a reduced environmental footprint by leveraging shared infrastructure and reduce overall development risk, representing a significant unquantifiable further synergy.

cial Impact Assessment (ESIA) would be required, potentially in the form of an addendum to the existing Oko West ESIA, along with a corresponding permit amendment. G2 shareholders will receive 0.212 GMIN shares for each G2 share, along with shares in a new company, G3 SpinCo, which will hold G2’s remaining properties not included in the acquisition. G2 shareholders will also receive common shares in a newly created gold explorer called G3 SpinCo, that will hold interests in the Tiger Creek property, Peters Mine property and Property B, being all remaining G2 properties outside of Oko-Ghanie, Amsterdam, Aremu Partnership and Aremu Mine, Property A, and the Ghanie Medium Scale Mining Permit to be acquired by GMIN under the new transaction.

The combined company is to be led by GMIN’s management team.

to advancing permitting, and deploying our capital to build the mine. Once built, this mine has the potential to rank among the highest producing gold mines globally. We look forward to continuing to advance our ‘Build, Operate and Explore for more’ strategy to create and unlock further value for GMIN shareholders.”

Dan Noone, CEO and Director of G2, stated: “We are very pleased to announce this Transaction today, which we believe is a testament to the outstanding work our team has done rapidly discovering and advancing Oko-Ghanie over the last few years. We believe that this Transaction not only delivers our shareholders an attractive upfront premium, but also the ability to participate with significant ongoing ownership in the combined company, having the opportunity to participate in expected future upside as potential synergies are realized and the combined Oko Project is advanced into production.

It was highlighted that the terms and conditions of the existing Oko West Mineral Agreement are to be extended to cover the combined project. Also, a reducedscope Environmental and So-

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Louis-Pierre Gignac, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), President and Director of GMIN, stated: “Combining GMIN’s Oko West Project and G2’s Oko-Ghanie Project delivers on our stated vision to build and operate a large, long-life, Tier-1 asset in Guyana. These assets are highly synergistic, and we are well-positioned to accelerate value creation by leveraging our unique expertise in building and operating mines on schedule and on budget in the Guiana Shield, utilizing our deep knowledge of and network in the region

The Transaction significantly de-risks the advancement of Oko-Ghanie given the financial strength, free cash flow, and development capabilities that GMIN brings to the table. Importantly, we believe this is a great outcome for the country of Guyana, with the combined Oko Project being taken forward by a company that will be a great steward of the asset for the benefit of the country and its communities.”

Aurora Gold Mine commissions...

From page 14 high energy costs and considerable environmental pressure. “Today, that is beginning to change. With the full commissioning of this project, most of the mine’s energy demand can now be met by clean power. Diesel use and carbon emissions will be significantly reduced. And power supply for the camp will also become more stable and reliable. This is a concrete example of the vision that, lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets. It is also a vivid demonstration of how Chinese technology, Chinese experience

and China-Guyana cooperation can contribute to greener development. In this sense, the project is not only an energy project. It is also a project for transformation, for sustainability, and for the future.”

At the same time, the Chinese ambassador said this project reflects the deepening practical cooperation between China and Guyana. “In recent years, our cooperation in infrastructure, energy, mining and green development has continued to expand. We are pleased to see that more and more projects are generating economic benefits while also advancing the green transition, improving the environment, and laying a stronger foundation for sustainable development. We hope this project will serve as a model and an inspiration. We hope it will encourage more enterprises to prioritize green mining, adopt clean energy, improve production methods, raise resource efficiency, and fulfill their corporate social responsibilities.” Looking ahead, China stands ready to work with Guyana and with all partners to advance green development and build a future that is cleaner, more sustainable, and more prosperous for all.

Police add 101 new recruits to ranks

The new recruits and other high-ranking officials of the GPF pose for a photo.

TheGuyanaPolice Force (GPF) has announced that it hasaddedanewbatchof101 recruitstotheForce.

In a statement via its FacebookpageonThursday, the Force said the batch graduated on April 8 at the Police Officers’ Mess Annex, Eve Leary The recruits were from three training campuses Georgetown, Berbice, and Essequibo namely Courses 400, 401, 23 ‘G,’ and48‘B.’

Friendsandwell-wishers turned out to make the occasion even more special as the young men and women completed another successful training session afterbravingmanyobstacles

duringtheirtrainingperiod.

This batch of recruits underwent a rigorous eightmonthtrainingcoursewhich consisted of both practical and theoretical aspects of law enforcement The curriculum included four main modules that matched therequirementsofmoderndaypolicing.

Training topics covered includeddigitalfilecreation, correct documentation such as the General Property Book and charge sheets for prisoners, as well as foot drills, practice drills, crime scenesimulation,andtraffic accident response. Different techniqueswereusedduring training, including PowerPoint presentations, videos, and other visual

methods Professionalism, integrity, and relationshipbuilding with citizens were also key elements emphasised The feature address was delivered by Deputy Commissioner of Administration Ravindradat Budhram, who commended the graduates for their

dedication, noting that their journey into policing has

n H

encouraged them to remain committed to ethical conduct, continuous development, and service to thenation.

“The strength of the Force lies not in any single hand, but in the cohesive, diverse, and principled teamwork of all its

members,” he stated. “Your workisinseparablefromthe fabric of Guyanese life

Build trust with the communities you serve, listen before you act, and partner with citizens, schools, faith groups, and civil society to address the root causes of crime and foster safer, more resilient neighbourhoods.”

Several recruits were recognised for their outstanding performances duringtraining.Awardswere presented in categories including Best Student, Runner-up Student, Best Drill,andBestShot.

Constable Rajkumar coppedtheBestStudentand Valedictorian award Apprentice Harry Samuels

Fire Service to install 200 new hydrants nationwide

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) plans to install 200newhydrantsbytheend of2026aspartofanongoing restorationprogrammetofix existinginoperableunits.

Inaninvitedcommentto Kaieteur News, Divisional Officer Otis Charles provided a comprehensive breakdown of the current hydrant landscape across Guyana’s ten administrative regions According to Charles,theGFSiscurrently managing over 1,200 functionalhydrants,withthe vast majority concentrated in the capital and surroundingareas.

The current distribution of functional hydrants is as follows:

Despite the high numbers in Region 4, the GFS has identified 150 hydrants across Regions 3, 4,5,and6thatarecurrently non-functional Officer

Charles attributed these failures to a mix of accidental damage by vehicles and the aging infrastructureinheritedfrom

the Guyana Water Inc (GWI/GUYWA).

“Those hydrants are old and the spindles were damaged, ” Charles explained, noting that “nipples”wereoftenbroken offonolderunits.However, he emphasized that a dedicated“hydrantsteam”is now on the road daily to conduct inspections and repairs. Todate,50oftheseunits have been successfully restoredbytheGFSteam. Looking ahead, the Fire Service has submitted a proposal for the installation

of 200 additional hydrants beforetheendof2026.This expansion aims to address “blind spots” in the national grid.

The GFS is currently awaitingthefinalgreenlight from the Ministry of Home

Affairs to engage contractorsforthisproject.

T h i s s u r g e i n maintena

ows previous reports from Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, who had informed the National Assembly that historical neglect had left only 33 percent of the country’s 777

hydrants functional at one stage At that time, a staggering 471 hydrants in Georgetown alone were found to be inoperable Since then, the government hasinvestedinrepairs.

In late 2021 KN reported,approximately$40 million was allocated to repair 151 hydrants through Compass Industrial Services.

TheFireServicehasalso partnered with the Brass Aluminium Cast Iron Foundry to fabricate new, compatible moldings for oldersystems.

was named Runner-up Studentandalsoreceivedthe Best Drill award. Constable Paulin received the Best Shotaward.

Course47‘B’•Best Student:Constable Jordan

•Runner-up: Constable

DeSouza

•BestDrill:Constable GordonCourse48‘B’

•BestStudent

ConstableAlfred

•Runner-up: Constable John

•BestShot:Constable BentoCourse23‘G’

•BestStudent: Constable Daniels

•Runner-up: ConstableThomas

•BestDrill:

Constable Daniels

•BestShot:Constable

C h a r l e s H a v i n g completedtheirtraining,the newly appointed ranks will be dispatched to different regions across the country

Closing the ceremony with th

, Valedictorian Constable

Rajkumar expressed gratitude and optimism aboutthefuture.

“It has been a great learning and interactive experience. The programme is comprehensive and wellrounded,andIamhonoured to serve my country,” he said. When asked about his aspirations,headded,“Ilook forward to one day becomingtheCommissioner ofPolice.”

IsraelbombedGazaon36 ofthepast40dayswhile thewarragedinIran

(ALJAZEERA) - The UnitedStatesandIranagreed onWednesdaytoatwo-week ceasefire following 40 days ofwar,withtalkssettobegin on Saturday in Islamabad, Pakistan.

But since February 28, whenIsraelandtheUSbegan bombingIran,Israelhasalso, on a near-daily basis, launched attacks on Lebanon, Gaza and the occupied West Bank. While muchoftheworld’sattention has been on Iran, here are three main things that you mayhavemissedinGaza.

IsraelbombedGazaon36 ofthepast40days

Sincethedeclarationofa “ceasefire” in the Gaza Strip six months ago, Israel has violated the agreement thousands of times, with attacks on a nearly daily basis. Over the past 40 days, Israelhasnotonlycontinued bombing Gaza, but has also closedtheRafahcrossingand withheld lifesaving food and medical supplies. According to an analysis byAl Jazeera, Israel has attacked Gaza on 36 out of the past 40 days, meaningtherewereonlyfour days on which no violent

attacks, deaths or injuries werereportedintheStrip.

How many people has Israelkilledinthattime?

BetweenFebruary28and April 8, Israeli attacks killed at least 107 people in Gaza andinjured342others.Since the “ceasefire” in Gaza took effectsixmonthsago,Israeli attacks have killed at least 738 people and injured more than 2,000. In total, since launching its genocidal war on Gaza, Israel has killed or injured at least 10 percent of theStrip’spopulation,killing morethan72,000people,the majorityofthemwomenand children,andinjuringatleast 172,000 others, with thousandsmoreburiedunder the rubble and presumed dead.

On the same day, Israel launched one of its largestever attacks on Lebanon in a single day, launching a wave of strikes that killed at least 254peopleandinjured1,165. Only8percentmedically evacuated

On February 28, the day Israel and the US began strikes on Iran, Israeli authoritiesclosedall (Continuedonpage18)

Iran says it ‘would be dumb’ for US to let Netanyahu kill diplomacy

(ALJAZEERA)

-

Iranian Foreign Minister AbbasAraghchihassaidthat it would be “dumb” for the UnitedStatestoallowIsrael to jeopardise the regional ceasefire by continuing its intense attacks on Lebanon, which have killed hundreds of people since the truce cameintoeffect.

On Thursday, Araghchi noted that Israeli Prime

Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial will resume on Sunday He suggested that the Israeli leader has an ulterior motive for continuingthefighting

“ A r e g i o n - w i d e ceasefire, incl in Lebanon, would hasten his jailing,” Araghchi wrote on social media He then added a message for the US, which has denied that Lebanon was included in the originalceasefire

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says a region-wide ceasefire ‘would hasten’the jailing of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

[File: Majid Asgaripour/WANA via Reuters]

“If the US wishes to crater its economy by letting Netanyahu kill diplomacy, that would ultimatelybeitschoice We think that would be dumb but are prepared for it,” Araghchiwrote His comment mirrors language used by US Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday Vance had warned against Iranians letting the ceasefire fall apart over Lebanon, saying, “We think that would be dumb, but that’stheirchoice.”

Since the ceasefire was announced on Tuesday, the disagreementoverwhetherit applies to Lebanon has becomeamajorthreattothe futureofthetruce.

Iranian officials and media outlets have suggested that Tehran may respond militarily to the Israeli assault on Lebanon or block the S

appliestoLebanon

On Thursday, Trump said he told the Israeli government to scale back itsoperationsinLebanon

“I spoke with Bibi [Netanyahu], and he’s going to low-key it I just thinkwehavetobesortof a little more low-key,” he told NBC News Get instant alerts and updates basedonyourinterests

Be the first to know when big stories happen Vance also said on

Wednesday that the Israelis agreed to “check themselves a little bit in

Lebanon”

But after one of the bloodiest days in Lebanon’s history, there appears to be no letup in the Israeli assault. The death toll from the recent Israeli bombardment has already exceeded 300 people.

Israel launched several new deadly attacks in Lebanon on Thursday, including a strike that killed four rescuers in the southern town of Borj Qalaouiye Israeli forces have also issued a displacement order for Beirut’s Jnah area, home to two of the largest hospitals in the country, as well as tens of thousands of residents and displaced people

The US has a history of claiming that Israel has agreed to curb its military attacks, only to see further strikes unfold

For example, in 2024, the administration

of former President Joe

Bid

months that Israel was o

a “limited” operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

B

destroyed nearly every structure in Rafah a scorched-earth strategy that Israeli officials now s a y

Lebanon to ensure the permanent displacement of the population

The conflict in Lebanon turnedintoanall-outwarin

Hezbollah fired rockets in response to Israeli strikes, as well as the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali KhameneionFebruary28. Israel has launched

Lebanon since a separate November 2024 ceasefire,

Israel bombed Gaza on 36 of the past 40 days...

Frompage17 crossings into Gaza, halting the transfer of wounded

patients abroad and

suspending medical evacuations Get instant alerts and updates based on yourinterests.Bethefirstto know when big stories happen.

Among them was Rafah crossing, Gaza’s

sole gateway to the outside world through Egypt, which was supposed to open under the US-brokered 20-point ceasefire plan for the Strip.

Basedontheagreement, 50 patients per day, plus theircompanions–typically oneortwoperpatient–were supposed to be allowed out oftheenclavefortreatment. More than two years of Israeli attacks have left

thousands injured and in need of urgent medical treatment.

According to OCHA, more than 18,500 critical patients, including 4,000 children, require medical evacuations. On March 19, Israeli authorities announced the resumption of limited medical evacuationsthroughRafah.

According to the Gaza

Media Office, since February 28, 625 out of 7,800travellershavebeen permitted to leave Gaza for treatment – about 8 percent of the agreed number

Twentypercentoftrucks allowedtoenterGaza Israel has continued to limit urgent food and medical supplies, exacerbating severe shortages and deepening a

According to the Integrated Phase Classification (IPC), the global hunger monitor, morethanthree-quarters(77 percent)ofthepopulationin Gaza are facing high levels ofacutefoodinsecurity

Ofthe1.6millionpeople analysedbyIPC:

· 475,000 people are in Phase2,foodstress.

·1,027,790peoplearein Phase3,foodcrisis.

· 570,980 people are in Phase4,foodemergency

· 1,885 people are in Phase5,famine.

According to the Gaza MediaOffice,sincetheUSIsrael war on Iran began, Israel has allowed only 4,999 of the 23,400 trucks stipulated in the ceasefire agreement into the Strip –just one-fifth of the promiseddeliveries.

BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT

TheGTEgamble

The questions surrounding the award of a US$759 million contract to Lindsayca-CH4 demand urgent, transparent answers. When a company with a troubled track record is entrusted with critical components of Guyana's flagship gas-to-energy project, scrutiny is not optional—it is essential.

This is not merely about one contractor; it is about governance, due diligence, and accountability. The Wales project promises affordable, reliable power, yet rising costs, delays, and secrecy threaten to undermine that vision.

Public trust erodes when key decisions appear opaque and risk-laden. Guyanese deserve clarity on how such a firm was approved, and whether proper safeguards were applied. If this project is to succeed, the government must replace secrecy with openness, and defensiveness with accountability Otherwise, what should be a transformative national investment risks becoming an expensive cautionary tale.

Gonsalves blasts ‘neocolonial entity’

CWI in fiery radio broadside

The Gleaner - Former St Vincent and the Grenadines

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves launched a blistering attack on Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Tuesday night, accusing the governing body of arrogance, neocolonialism, and abandoning its historic mission.

Speaking on the

Barbados radio talk show Mason and Guest, Dr Gonsalvesdidnotholdback, echoing and amplifying recent criticisms from Barbados Prime Minister MiaMottley

Mottley declared that Barbados will chart its own cricket destiny, refusing to

rely solely on Cricket West Indies after the Kensington Oval was snubbed for 2026 matches.

Gonsalves fully endorsed Mottley’s outrage over CWI’s decision to exclude Barbados from hosting any matches during the upcoming tour featuring threeinternationalteams.

Friday April 10, 2026

ARIES

Group activities, perhaps with a social, ecological, or humanitarian focus, could take place today somewhere in your neighborhood, Aries. You might decide to attend withyourromanticpartner

TAURUS

Your values could undergo a complete turnaround today, Taurus. Recent developments intheworld,yourcommunity, among your circle of friends, and within you could make yourealize.

GEMINIS

Spiritual and psychic matters come to the forefront today, Gemini.Youcouldbegreatly inspired to express yourself creatively You could also be quitesurprisedatthewisdom youfindwithinyourself.

CANCER

Are you contemplating a move of some kind, Cancer? Perhapsyou'rethinkingabout relocating to be closer to members of a group with whichyou'reaffiliated.

LEO

Communicationwithfriends, siblings, and neighbors should be open, congenial, and supportive today, Leo. A gatheringcouldopenthedoor tonewfriendships,interesting discussions.

VIRGO

Career matters couldn't be goingbetterrightnow,Virgo, especially if you're in one of the communication fields, includingwriting,publishing, teaching,theInternet,ormass media Your financial situation

Haveyoubeenplanningatrip by air, Libra, perhaps to a distantplaceassociatedwitha specific spiritual tradition? Warm places like Egypt, Mexico, or Israel could be especiallyappealingnow

SCORPIO

Some vivid, inspiring, and intense dreams or visions could come your way today, Scorpio. They could involve paranormal figures, such as angels. Make sure you keep a recordofthem.

SAGITTARIUS

Love and romance should be flying high for you now, Sagittarius. If you're single, you could soon form an incredible relationship If you're already involved, the spiritualandemotionalbonds.

CAPRICORN

There is such a thing as being too honest, Capricorn. You've experienced in the past how your determination to tell the wholetruthandnothingbutthe truth can cause hurt feelings. Today try to exercise a bit of tactanddiplomacy

AQUARIUS

You should be feeling physicallystrong,healthy,and energetic today, Capricorn, although you could also be a littlelightheaded.

PISCES

Happiness reigns in the home asfriendsandfamilymembers gather for a long-awaited reunion, Pisces. Or you could be hosting a gathering of friends and acquaintances interestedintheartsorpsychic

Kensington, commonly referred to as ‘The Mecca’, will not host any of the four Tests, six One-Day Internationals or six T20Is scheduledtobeplayedfrom June to August during the home series against Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Pakistanlaterthisyear

Those matches will be held in Jamaica, Antigua, Trinidad & Tobago and Guyana.

“You can’t have three teams coming to the Caribbean and Barbados doesn’t get a game,” Gonsalvessaid.

“I’mnotBajan,butIwill say that if you’re having three teams come into the region, Barbados should get agame.”

The former prime minister’s comments add significant political weight to the growing regional backlash against CWI’s schedulingdecisions.

The veteran leader then turned his ire on CWI’s structure and leadership, specifically targeting President Dr Kishore Shallow Gonsalves reiterated his stance that Shallow cannot simultaneously serve as CWI president and a sitting minister of government, calling it “a clear conflict of interest”.

But his most scathing critiquewasreservedforthe institutionitself.

“CWI, a private-sector company which arrogantly andexclusivelypresumesto

run the public good known ascricket,hasbeenadisaster on all material fronts,” Gonsalvesdeclared.

He laid out two core indictments, with the first being that CWI derives its legitimacy not from the Caribbean people, but from the International Cricket Council,whichheclaimedis “run from Dubai under the control and direction of Indiancricketimperialism”. Second,helabelledCWI a “neocolonial entity” that has “lost any sense of the historicmissionandpurpose ofWestIndiescricket”

GCBpresidentengagestheGuyana HarpyEaglesaheadoftitledefence

The Guyana Harpy Eagles have departed local shores for Antigua and Barbuda,wheretheywill begin their campaign in the revamped Cricket West Indies Regional Four-Day Championship.

Aheadoftheirdeparture, the team met with the president of the Guyana Cricket Board, Bissoondyal Singh,whoofferedwordsof encouragement and guidance as the defending champions prepare to embark on their title defence.

The squad, which was submittedbytheRamnaresh Sarwan-led Selection Panel,

received unanimous approval from the full Executive Committee of the Guyana Cricket Board, underscoring the Board’s strong confidence in the composition and balance of theteam.

In his address, President Singh urged the players to uphold the proud legacy of Guyanacricket, emphasizing discipline, unity,andconsistencyasthe foundation for continued success. “You are not just

representinganentirenation thatbelievesin yourability

Wear the badge with pride, play with heart, and remain disciplinedineverysession andeverymomentonthe field. It is consistency, not flashes of brilliance, that wins championships,” presidentSinghstated.

“ A s d e f e n d i n g champions,youmustexpect everyopponenttocomehard atyou—thatisthetrue test of a champion

Embracethechallenge,trust in your preparation, and standunitedasateam.

If you remain focused and committed, there is every reason why this title should stay right here in Guyana.” The team will be under the guidance of Head Coach Ryan Hercules and hismanagementteam.

Hercules acknowledged concerns surrounding the team’sbattingfollowingtwo practice matches but expressed confidence in the squad’s experience and preparation:Speakingahead of the tournament, Captain Tevin Imlach expressed confidence in the team’s readinessandapproach,“We are mentally ready and confident. We just need a fewnetsessionstogetthings goingintermsofcricket.We understand how we want to play four-day cricket, and

that’swhatwe’llfocuson.”

The 13-man squad will beledbyTevinImlach,with Matthew Nandu serving as ViceCaptain.

The squad includes Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Raymond Perez, Kevlon Anderson,KemolSavory, Keemo Paul, Gudakesh Motie, Veerasammy Permaul, Richie Looknauth, Nial Smith, Isai Thorne, ZeynulRamsammy

Guyana will face the Windward Islands Volcanoes in the opening

The Guyana Harpy Eagles squad alongside GCB president Bissoondyal Singh prior to their departure yesterday

round from April 12–15 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. The teams will meet again in Round Two (April19–22)attheAntigua Recreation Ground and

Round Three (April 26–29) at the Coolidge Cricket Ground The playoffs, featuringthetopthreeteams, arescheduledforMay10–20 in Antigua The GCB extendsitsbestwishestothe team for a successful campaignastheybegintheir title defence, carrying the prideandexpectationsofthe nation.

GFF announces partnership with Guiana Holding Inc. Operators of Superbet Guyana

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has officially signed a new sponsorship agreement with Guiana Holding Inc , operators of Superbet Guyana, for the 2026–2027 period.

This agreement marks Superbet’s first annual partnership with the Federation and will see the brand prominently featured a c r o s s k e y G F F competitions and matchday environments.

The partnership was formally signed by General Manager Shrikant Kisoensinghonbehalfofthe company,andGFFPresident

WayneForde.

Superbet Marketing

RepresentativeClayRoberts welcomedthecollaboration, reaffirming the company’s commitment to supporting football and creating opportunities for young peopleacrossGuyana.

GFF President Wayne Forde expressed optimism aboutthepartnership’slongterm impact, emphasizing the Federation’s broader m i s s i o n o f y o u t h developmentthroughsport.

“We are delighted to welcome Superbet to our family of partners. As we look ahead, I am confident that this collaboration will

deliver tremendous benefits across our expansive range o

n d programmes. In particular, partnerships like this create more opportunities for our young players to express themselves on the pitch,

beautifulgame.” T

hip represents a significant step forwardinstrengtheningthe commercial landscape of football in Guyana, while reinforcing shared values around youth empowerment andnationaldevelopment.

PresidentAliAgreestobePatron...

Frompage21f orGuyana.Theassociationalsoexpressedits hopeofbringingadditionalIMCWorldCups to Guyana in the future, noting that the countryhasalreadydemonstratedthatitisa strong and attractive host for major international tournaments through its facilities, hospitality, and unique tourism appeal.

“HavingthePresidentofGuyanaagreeto

serveasPatronofthe2026IMCWorldCupis a tremendous honor and a clear sign of confidence in what this event can deliver,” said Roy Singh, Secretary of Cricket West IndiesMastersAssociation.“Webelievethis tournament will not only showcase outstanding Masters Cricket, but will also help position Guyana as a premier destination for sports tourism and future internationalevents.”

Minister Jacobs pledges full support for 2026 Over-40s Cricket World Cup in Guyana

Cricket West Indies

Masters Association

(CWIMA) has had a productive meeting with Hon. Steven Jacobs, Junior Minister of Culture, Youth

and Sport, and the Government of Guyana has reaffirmeditsstrongsupport for the 2026 Over-40s

Cricket World Cup, scheduled to be held in Guyana from October 17 to November1,2026.

C W I M A w a s represented at the meeting

by Rajendra Singh, Chairman; Roy Singh, Secretary; and Ramdeo Kumar, Convenor of the World Cup Finance Committee.

Minister Jacobs gave his blessings to the tournament and pledged his full support for the successful hosting of whatisexpectedtobeoneof the most significant masters cricketeventseverstagedin theCaribbean.

The tournament is expectedtobringtogetherup to 16 international teams, withGuyanasettowelcome players, officials, and supporters from across the cricketing world for more thantwoweeksofhigh-level competition, sports tourism, andinternationalexposure.

CWIMA representatives Raj Singh, Roy Singh &

CWIMA representatives Raj Singh, Roy Singh & Ramdeo Kumar with Hon. Steven Jacobs following the meeting in Georgetown.

Ramdeo Kumar with Hon. Steven Jacobs following the meetinginGeorgetown.

A s p a r t o f t h e government’s commitment, Minister Jacobs pledged the use of the stadia at Providence, Palmyra, Anna Regina and Linden as key venues within the tournamentinfrastructure.

In addition, the Minister pledged support for the refurbishment and upgrading of several cricket grounds to strengthen Guyana’s readiness to host the event. These grounds i n c l u d e E n m o r e , Malteenoes, Lusignan, and Albion, all of which are expected to play an importantroleinthedelivery andlegacyoftheWorldCup.

Roy Singh, Secretary of

CWIMA, said the support from the Government of Guyana is a major step forward in preparations for the event. “This World Cup is more than a cricket tournament. It is a major international sports tourism opportunity that will bring visitors,globalvisibility,and economicactivitytoGuyana while also leaving behind improved sporting facilities forlocalcommunities.”

With government backing, upgraded venues, and growing international interest, Guyana is positioningitselftodelivera m e m o r a b l e a n d professionally run World Cup that reflects the country’s expanding role in regional and international sport.

PresidentAliAgreestobePatron ofthe2026IMCWorldCup

CricketWestIndiesMastersAssociation (CWIMA) has announced that His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana,hasagreedtoserveasPatronofthe 2026 IMC O40s Cricket World Cup in Guyana. PresidentAli will also serve as the Chief Guest of Honour at both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, a major endorsement of the tournament and of Guyana’s growing standing as a destination for international sporting events The Presidentwillalsobeinvitedtobowlthefirst balltocommencethetournamentinOctober

The President met with a CWIMA delegation comprising Rajendra Singh, Chairman; Roy Singh, Secretary; and RamdeoKumar,ConvenoroftheWorldCup FinanceCommittee.Duringthemeeting,the delegationbriefedthePresidentonthescale and importance of the World Cup, the countries expected to participate, and the expandingglobalreachofMastersCricket.

KeyMessage:PresidentAlihasagreedto serve as Patron and Chief Guest of Honour forthe2026IMCWorldCup,whilepledging full government support and closer coordinationwiththerelevantministries.

PresidentAlipledgedhisfullsupportfor thetournamentandaskedthatCWIMAwork closely with the relevant ministries,

includingTourism,Culture,YouthandSport andHomeAffairs,toensuretheeventisfully coordinated and positioned for maximum nationalbenefit.

CWIMA outlined that the 2026 IMC Over-40s Cricket World Cup will bring togetherupto16internationalteamsandwill be staged in Guyana from October 17 to November 1, 2026 Players, officials, supporters, and visitors from across the cricketing world are expected to travel to Guyanafortheevent.

The President was also advised that InternationalMastersCricketnowstagestwo World Cups each year across the Over-40s, Over-50s, Over-60s, and Over-70s categories. What began in 2018 as a single age-grouptournamentwith8teamshasnow expandedinto4agegroups,withasmanyas 16teamsineachdivision.MastersCricketis now one of the fastest-growing sports movementsintheworld.

CWIMA emphasized that hosting the World Cup will strengthen Guyana’s sports tourism industry and further diversify the country’s tourism product. The economic impact of the tournament is expected to be significant, with direct benefits to the hotel, transportation, tour, food, and beverage sectors,andincreasedinternationalvisibility

(Continuedonpage20)

ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League welcomes Desert Vipers for 2026

The ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) is pleased to confirm the participation of the Desert Vipers, the reigning champions from the DP World International League T20 (ILT20), in the 2026 editionofthetournament.

The tournament bowls offfrom23Julyto1August 2026,withallmatchesbeing held at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, providing a world-class venue for this landmark globalcompetition.

The inclusion of the Desert Vipers further strengthens the league’s vision of bringing together top franchise teams from aroundtheworldtocompete in a truly global T20 event.

The 2026 tournament will showcase elite cricketing talent and deliver a unique, high-quality experience for fans in Guyana and across theglobe.

TheDesertVipersarethe most successful team in ILT20history,reachingthree finalsinitsfour-yearhistory and winning more matches

than any other team. Their participationunderscoresthe Global Super League’s commitmenttoassemblinga world-class lineup of teams that reflect the diversity and excellence of modern franchisecricket.

“We are delighted to welcome the Desert Vipers to the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League,” said Sir Clive Lloyd, GSL Chairman. “Their presence addstremendousqualityand international appeal to the tournament. This is exactly what the GSL is about -

The NTFGL Golf League is poised for a thrilling conclusion this Sunday as Round 8 tees off with the championship still up for grabs. In an exciting twist, all eight players in the final two groups remain in contention, setting the stage for a high-stakes finish at LusignanGolfClub.

Final pairings were determined based on total points, with ties broken by the order in which players reached their scores, adding further intensity to an already competitive leaderboard.

The spotlight will be on the top pairing, where Patanjilee Persaud leads on

18 points. Close behind are Videsh Persaud, Fazil Haniff,andJosephSzeplaki, all tied on 17 points. With justonepointseparatingthe leader from three challengers, the title race is wide open and promises a battle down to the final holes. The second group also carries significant weight in the championship chase Brian Hackett, also on 17 points, remains firmly within striking distance and will be aiming to capitalize on any opportunity to close the gap. He is joined by Patrick Prashad (15), Mike Mangal (12), and Kishan Bacchus (10), all of whom stillhaveoutsidechancesof

making a late push for the title.

Onenotableabsencewill be Chet Bowling, who is unable to participate in the final round While his absence reshapes the field slightly, the competition remains fierce across both groups.Allplayersareasked tobeontimeforthe8:00AM tee-off, as the league prepares for what promises tobeanelectrifyingfinish. With the championship on the line and no clear runaway leader, fans can expect a gripping finale where composure, precision, and mental toughness will ultimately decidewholiftstheNTFGL Leaguetitle.

uniting top teams from acrossleaguesandcreatinga global stage for the game’s besttalent.”

Guyana’s rich cricketing heritage and passionate fan basemakeitanidealhostfor the tournament With all matches taking place at Providence, fans can look forward to an exciting festivalofcricketinasingle iconicvenue.

“The Global Super League is designed to celebratethespiritofcricket across borders,” added Sir Clive Lloyd. “Welcoming a

Frompage27 contributions from Shaquan David, Jaden Tasher, and Germine Garrett completed another dominant showing as the Georgetown side claimedtheirsecondstraight win.

Defending champions

Dolphin Secondary, however, endured another frustratingouting,playingto a 3-3 draw with Belladrum Secondary in an evenly contested match. Belladrum now sit in a strong position with two positive results fromtheiropeninggames.

With the second round completed,teamswilltakea briefrestbeforereturningfor the decisive third round this weekend.Actionresumeson April 11 and 12 at the Queen’sCollegeground.

The tournament is spon

team of the Desert Vipers’ calibreisasignificantstepin building a tournament that resonates with fans worldwide.”

“The Desert Vipers are proud to be participating in the third edition of ExxonMobil G

Global Super League,” said Desert Vipers CEO PhilOliver “

successful teams from around the world the tournament has quickly developed into a premium T20 event and we are

honoured to be sharing the field with a great group of

players

“We hope to put on a show for the passionate cricket fans of Guyana, bothinsideandoutsidethe stadium - this a brilliant opportunity to increase the social impact we make

in

celebrate the immense biodiversityinGuyana ”

Carmel no match for Annandale Secondary, falling 3-1 in exciting round to action. Goal scorers were Zephan Henry, Malachi Jervis and Devon Williams.

St Joseph High clobbers Bishops’ High in one-sided defeat

Desperate battles for the top two spots intensified on Thursday as round two action in the 12th Annual Massy Distribution Schools

Under-18 Football Tournament produced another day of thrilling action at the Queen’s Collegeground.

With ideal conditions, gustywindsunderclearblue skies and a well-prepared playingsurface—teamstook full advantage, delivering fast-paced and competitive encounters highlighted by g o a l s , h a t - t r i c k s , comebacks, and a few emphatic lop-sided victories.

The day opened with a pulsating 2-2 draw between Charity Secondary and Lodge Secondary Charity struckearly,asJohnnySmith found the back of the net withinthefirstthreeminutes to hand his side the advantage.Lodgeresponded

through Kemonthy Jones, whoequalisedeightminutes later before adding his secondinthe22ndminuteto put Lodge ahead 2-1

However, Charity showed resilience, and Darrel Gonsalves restored parity in the 55th minute, ensuring bothteamssharedthepoints. Patentia Secondary maintained their unbeaten runwithanarrow1-0victory over President’s College Jayden Bourne’s lone strike proved decisive, as Patentia continuedtostrengthentheir bidforatop-twofinishwith onewinandonedrawsofar ThreeMileSecondaryof Bartica secured their second consecutivewinindominant fashion, defeating MackenzieHigh5-2.Lebron Mendonca led the charge with a clinical hat-trick, scoring twice in quick succession in the 15th and 17

completing his treble on the

- Annandale, Belladrum, Chase’s Academic maintain perfect record in 2026 Massy Distribution Schools Football

AdditionalgoalsfromDurell Washington and Lindsdale Feidtkousealedafavourable result for Three Mile Secondary

StJosephHighdelivered the most commanding performance of the day, dismantling The Bishop’s

High 15-0 in a one-sided affair Akel Sahadeo, Joel Stephen, and Laurel George spearheaded the onslaught, combining for the majority of the goals as St Joseph surged to an 11-0 halftime leadbeforeaddingfourmore in the second half to cap a remarkablevictory

Annandale Secondary also impressed with a 3-1 winoverCarmelSecondary, courtesy of goals from Zephan Henry, Malachi Jervis, and DevonWilliams, while New Central High secured a solid 2-0 triumph against Vryman’s Erven Secondary in another

encounter

Chase’s Ac

emic Foundation continued their strong form, brushing aside WestMinsterSecondary9-0. Nyron Barrow netted twice early on, while Mark Glasgow recorded a hattrick.Additional (Continuedonpage26)

St Joseph High clobbers Bishops’

- Annandale, Belladrum, Chase’s Academic maintain perfect record in 2026 Massy Distribution Schools Football

President Ali agrees to be Patron of Patron the 2026 IMC World Cup

The leaders of the pack,

will be involved in fierce competition as they seek to claim the title.

League

for Championship Finale this Sunday