K
AIETEUR NEWS
Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
25 years after Sep. 11, Saturday Edition September 12, 2026 - Vol. 21 No. 36
Americans reflect on
Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $200 readership yesterday, 39,552
attack that changed a nation
Guyana earned US$2.5 billion from oil in 2025, withdrew $2.4 billion – NRF Report PAGE
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Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh
76-year-old contractor killed Kara Kara toll standoff deepens by reversing truck …Mayor vows to exhaust all options as PAGE
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town clerk refuses reopening order
Banks DIH loses appeal over 15%
shareholder voting cap
The truck that killed businessman on Thursday
APNU says GPL Siemens Energy mobilises for start-up shifting blame to consumers 19 of 300MW Wales GTE project PAGE
— demands answers on generation shortfall
‘Guyana cannot carry this burden’ - Mohamed on U.S. Deportees …says will further strain socio-economic system
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Saturday September 12, 2026
Kaieteur News
As utility service providers across Guyana urge customers to cut back o n u s a g e , O n e Communications, the country's largest mobile and telephone service provider is taking a different approach. The company is gearing up to rollout a massive connectivity exercise which will upgrade and expand internet service and provide free handsets for customers to experience greater speed and reliability at no additional cost. Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Abraham Smith made the announcement on Friday during an engagement with the media at the company's office at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre, Kingston, Georgetown. The initiative forms part of One Communications' broader investment in building a stronger, faster, and more reliable network capable of supporting the growing demand for modern digital services across Guyana. As older 2G technology is retired,
spectrum and network resources are being repurposed to support enhanced LTE services, improved voice quality, better coverage, and faster mobile data experiences. The company said that 21 coastal communities have already been upgraded along the East Bank, East Coast and Berbice corridors. One Communications is now preparing for the final stages of the coastal 2G modernisation initiative. The upgrade is part of a broader US$25 million investment programme aimed at strengthening the country's digital infrastructure and supporting rapidly growing demand for connectivity. Further, the upgrades form part of a multi-year network modernisation programme designed to increase network capacity, improve customer experience, migrate customers to modern technologies and prepare for future network expansion. Approximately 5,100 remaining customers across
Georgetown, East Coast Demerara, West Demerara, Berbice and Essequibo will be transitioned through three remaining upgrade clusters scheduled for completion by October 2026. These final phases will cover communities including Georgetown, Sophia, Stabroek, Ogle Road, Enterprise, Wales, Belladrum, Cottage, Fyrish, New Amsterdam Central, Anna Regina, Charity, Supenaam, Suddie, Leonora, P a r i k a , Tu s c h e n a n d Windsor Forest. At the same time, One Communications continues to bring modern LTE technology to remote communities through the upgrade of seven hinterland sites. To date, LTE upgrades have been successfully completed in Annai and Kurupukari with work currently underway in Lethem, Lethem Central, Mabaruma and Port Kaituma. These locations are expected to be completed
within the next two months, delivering substantially improved connectivity, faster internet speeds and an enhanced customer experience for residents, businesses and visitors in Guyana's hinterland regions. One Comm said the investment is crucial to meet the growing customer demand for mobile connectivity. According to statistics released by the company, year-to-date, mobile data traffic on its network has increased by 28%, while average data consumption per customer has grown by 23%, rising from 17.3GB to 21.3GB. The CEO said, “Guyana is experiencing an extraordinary period of economic and digital transformation. More people are connected, businesses are becoming more digital, communities are expanding and customers are consuming more data than ever before. Our investment isn't simply about keeping p a c e w i t h telecommunications. It's about keeping pace with Guyana.” The company noted that mobile usage globally and regionally is increasing at unprecedented rates as consumers, businesses and governments rely more heavily on digital services. “The same trend is evident in Guyana, where internet penetration now exceeds 80% of the population and customers are increasingly choosing to stay connected every day through longer-
One Communications CEO, Abraham Smith
One Comm offering free mobile devices company rolls out country-wide for customers ...as upgrade of internet services
duration plans and alwayson mobile services,” according to One Comm. One Communications hopes to retire the 2G network across the nation by 31st October, 2026. When this system is shut down, customers with old devices will not be able to access mobile data services. The company is therefore urging customers with old handsets to visit a nearby store to receive a free mobile device that is compatible with the upgraded internet service. The service provider said that at least 5,100 customers will be affected by the upgrade and will require new devices. The company said sms messages, whatsapp and even calls were made to customers indicating that free phones will be available to them. However, most seem to be unconvinced or willing to make the
inevitable change. “We've announced that to the PUC (Public Utilities Commission) that by the end of October, all our 2G network in Georgetown that's still sitting there for a couple of people who have those flashlight phones still, they will have to upgrade. We have done campaigns; we've messaged everybody that got a flashlight phone to say come and upgrade your phone...the challenge is we don't do it until it stops working. We can message and message and message and customers will wait.” The company is not only offering free phones, but handsets at reduced prices to facilitate these customers. For more information about the upgrade process, customers can: Visit the w e b s i t e https://onecommgroup.com/ gy/2g-decommissioning/ or call 0663.
76-year-old contractor killed by reversing truck The truck that killed businessman on Thursday
A 76-year-old contractor was fatally struck by a reversing truck on Thursday at the Banks DIH Thirst Park location at Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown. The dead man has been identified as Goblin Persaud, who reportedly supplied Banks DIH with plastic bottles. According to the police, the incident occurred around 14:45hrs while Persaud was walking within the company's compound. Police said Persaud walked behind a truck which was reversing and was struck, causing
him to fall to the ground. He was subsequently run over by the truck's rear wheel. Persons at the scene reportedly began shouting, prompting the truck to stop. An ambulance was summoned, but Persaud was already dead by the time emergency personnel arrived. A doctor who was attached to the ambulance pronounced him dead at the scene. The truck driver was arrested and is assisting police with their investigations.
Saturday September 12, 2026
Kaieteur News
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Guyana earned US$2.5B from oil in 2025, withdrew $2.4B – NRF Report Guyana's earnings from oil in 2025 reached US$2.5 billion in 2025 but that same year, the Government of Guyana (GoG) withdrew US$2.463 million from the account, leaving little for savings and future generations. The Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Annual Report for 2025 which was tabled during the most recent sitting of the National Assembly provides a detailed overview of inflows and outflows for the year from the oil produced at the Stabroek Block. The block is operated by oil giant, ExxonMobil which currently produces about 900,000 barrels per day (bpd) from four Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessels (FPSOs). According to the report, “The fund accounted for inflows of G$523,275.32 million (US$2,509.71 million) for the year 2025, representing a decrease of 2.27% when compared with inflows of G$535,420.66 million (US$2,567.96 million) for 2024.” It went on to point out that outflows in the form of withdrawals from the fund amounted to US$2,463 million in 2025, which reflected an increase of 55.3% or US$877 million over the previous year's level of US$1,586 million. This means that government spent nearly all the revenue earned that year to finance its “national development priorities”. The document also highlights a decrease in earnings from the oil sector in 2025 compared to 2024, although production grew. This was mainly as a result of lower oil prices. “Inflows to the fund decreased by 2.27% (G$12,145.34 million / US$58.25 million) from the
previous year's level of G$535,420.66 million (US$2,567.96 million), despite an increase in profit oil lifts,” the report stated. Since Guyana began producing oil through the end of 2025, Guyana earned US$7,573.49 million from 99 lifts of profit oil, US$1,116.86 million of royalties and a signature bonus of US$15 million. Regarding total withdrawals, the report states that US$5,658.78 million was spent from the fund since its inception. The NRF Act guides the annual withdrawal amount for each year. The first schedule of the law allows government to access the oil revenue as follows: “(a) 100% of the first one billion United States dollars; (b) 95% of the second one billion; (c) 90% of the third one billion; (d) 85% of the fourth one billion; (e) 50% of the fifth one billion; and (f) 10% of any amounts in excess of the first five billion. The report however, does not offer any information regarding the use of the nation's oil money. The NRF Act gave specific directives regarding the use of this revenue. The new NRF Act states that all withdrawals from the fund must be exclusively used to finance national development priorities, including green economy initiatives, and essential projects directly related to ameliorating the effects of major natural disasters. Section 16.2 of the NRF Act states that, “All withdrawals from the fund shall be deposited into the Consolidated Fund and shall be used only to finance: (a) national development priorities including any initiative aimed at realising an inclusive green economy,
Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh
and (b) essential projects that are directly related to ameliorating the effect of a major natural disaster.” Be that as it may, the government has not highlighted any national development priority or
essential project funded through this source of income. In fact, major development priorities and essential projects such as roads, hospitals, and the new Demerara River Crossing were funded through loan
agreements. Government also secured a loan to support the Gas-to-Energy project at Wales. It has said that it does not need to show how the revenue from oil is spent as the resources are transferred into the consolidated fund making it difficult to highlight the specific use of each dollar from the sector. Vice President and Chief Policymaker for the petroleum sector, Bharrat Jagdeo said, “How do you balkanise revenue coming into the budget? (It) becomes a very difficult thing to do; so where the transparency is done, transparency is that every cent spent from oil m o n e y, f r o m n o n - o i l revenue and from borrowing, has to be appropriated by the National Assembly through a
Budgetary Appropriation Process, whether it is the original budget or through supplementary budgets which then form an appropriation act or a s u p p l e m e n t a r y appropriation act, which itemises all of the expenditure of the state and how much is going to be spent…” He also noted that all receipts of payments into the NRF are published each quarter as the law allows for the minister of finance to be jailed for failing to issue these reports in a timely manner. Opposition MP for the P N C R , D r. Te r r e n c e Campbell had taken government to court over its failure to show how the country's oil money is being used.
Kaieteur News
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Saturday September 12, 2026
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL - Tel: 624-6456 Editor-in-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Suicide prevention World Suicide Prevention Day 2026 was observed on Thursday under the theme “Creating Hope Through Action.” For Guyana, however, hope cannot remain a slogan repeated once a year. It must translate into deliberate, sustained and measurable action to prevent the needless loss of lives. The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has warned that suicide remains a major public health challenge across the Americas and requires sustained action. Too many families and communities throughout the Region continue to suffer the devastating consequences of preventable deaths. The organisation has rightly argued that combating this scourge is possible when suicide prevention is prioritised, health systems are strengthened, data are improved, and governments and other sectors coordinate their responses. Guyana has particular reason to take that warning seriously. Back in May, this newspaper reported on a disturbing study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas, which found that Guyana still has the highest suicide mortality rate among adolescents and young adults in the entire hemisphere. Between 2000 and 2021, Guyana recorded a suicide rate of 21.8 deaths per 100,000 population among young people aged 10–24. That is nearly three times the regional average of 7.84 per 100,000. Even more disturbing is what suicide represents in the overall pattern of premature deaths among Guyanese youth. The report states that while interpersonal violence and road injuries are the leading killers of young people across the Americas, suicide is the leading cause of death among young people in Guyana. Behind every number is a young person whose life ended prematurely, and behind every such death are families left to confront grief, unanswered questions and, too often, the haunting realisation that more might have been done. The study also exposes something uniquely troubling about Guyana: the means by which many young people take their own lives. Across the Americas, hanging accounts for 58.4% of youth suicide deaths, making it the most common method regionally. Guyana, however, deviates sharply from that pattern. Pesticide poisoning accounts for 64.2% of youth suicides in Guyana—the highest proportion of pesticide-related suicide deaths among all 35 countries studied. The report attributes this disturbing pattern to a specific “contextual influence”: the easy availability and access to toxic substances. That finding demands more than sympathy. It demands policy. If access to highly toxic pesticides is contributing significantly to suicide deaths, then means restriction must become a central pillar of Guyana’s prevention strategy. This does not mean waiting until another tragedy occurs. It means examining how these chemicals are sold, stored, distributed and accessed, particularly in vulnerable communities, while ensuring that legitimate agricultural needs are protected. Yet amid the grim statistics, the study offers Guyana a small but important reason for hope. Guyana was the only country identified as having a suicide rate significantly above the regional average while simultaneously showing a declining temporal trend. While countries such as Paraguay, the United States and Uruguay have experienced increases in youth suicide rates, Guyana’s average annual percentage change (AAPC) has moved in a negative direction since 2000. Guyana remains a high-priority area for suicide prevention. “Creating Hope Through Action” means moving beyond speeches, observances and awareness campaigns. It means better mental health services, stronger community support, improved data collection, early intervention and serious attention to the availability of lethal means. Most importantly, it means recognising that suicide prevention is not the responsibility of the health sector alone. Families, schools, churches, communities, policymakers, agricultural agencies and civil society all have roles to play. Guyana has already been given the evidence. It knows where the danger lies.
Rising cost of living crisis and other concerns DEAR EDITOR, As a public analyst and community advocate, I would like to raise several concerns that are currently weighing heavily on the minds of many citizens and affecting their daily lives. Among the issues causing concern are the extreme heat, the rising cost of living, increasing water and electricity consumption, and the growing sense of mental and emotional exhaustion among citizens. The unusually hot conditions are more than simply a matter of discomfort. Many people are finding it difficult to sleep at night, work comfortably during the day, and maintain normal routines. Outdoor workers, construction workers, farmers, vendors, security personnel and others who spend long hours in the heat may face increased fatigue and dehydration. For families, the heat also creates additional expenses. People may rely more heavily on fans and air conditioning, resulting in higher electricity consumption. Those who cannot afford air
conditioning may still face uncomfortable sleeping conditions, particularly elderly persons, children and people working long hours. The cost of everyday necessities continues to be a major concern. Groceries, transportation, rent, schoolrelated expenses, household supplies and other basic needs can consume a significant portion of a family’s income. For example, a household that previously had enough money left over after purchasing food and paying bills may now find that the same income barely covers essential expenses. Families may therefore have to reduce the quantity or quality of food they purchase, postpone medical or household expenses, borrow money, or rely on savings. The impact is particularly concerning for low- and middle-income households, where even a modest increase in several expenses can significantly affect the monthly budget. The hot weather also has a direct effect on household utility consumption. People may bathe more frequently,
Residents demand answers over stalled restoration of Farnum Playground DEAR EDITOR, R e s i d e n t s o f Subryanville have been waiting since September 2025 for the government to restore Farnum Playground fully to the community. Farnum Playground was designated for recreation and rest and as a community green space, but has been partially occupied by a private business. Residents have engaged with the Central Housing and Planning Authority, the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, the Mayor and City Council, the Ministry of Education and more recently the Ministry of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation. We note that the CH&PA are enforcing the law in parts of Georgetown and more recently in Herstelling, but for some reason the government seems silent on their inability to follow the law and procedures at Farnum Playground. We call again on the Government of Guyana, through its various agencies to explain the path to ensure
that Farnum Playground is restored fully to the community. We urge citizens to be vigilant and protect their community green spaces. Yours sincerely, Khalid Bacchus Jammal Whitehead Deborah Nunes Ingrid Clarke Shad Fernandes Paul Vallidum Jonathan Fernandes Eva Scott Lianne Sears Stuart Gonsalves Leah Alphonso Johnette Gonsalves Ryaad Bacchus Luana Fernandes Kevin Sears Clair Pestano Graham Scott Kerri DeGroot Aisha Fraites Leah DeGroot Robert Fernandes Raphael DeGroot Ronald Luckhoo Peter DeGroot Sabine McIntosh Saskia Wijngaarde Bonita Harris Christina Edwards Elizabeth DeaneHughes Dominic Fernandes Vidyaratha Kissoon
use more water for drinking and household purposes, and keep fans or air-conditioning units running for longer periods. A family that normally uses one fan at night may now need several fans throughout the day. Those with air-conditioning may have to operate their units for extended periods simply to remain comfortable enough to sleep or work. The result can be higher electricity bills at precisely the time when households are already struggling with the cost of food and other necessities. Water consumption can also increase during periods of extreme heat. This raises questions about c o n s e r v a t i o n , s u p p l y, affordability and the ability of households to manage their utility bills. Perhaps one of the less visible consequences is mental exhaustion.
Constantly worrying about money, bills, food prices, employment, household responsibilities and the general direction of the country can take a psychological toll. A person may appear to be functioning normally at work while privately worrying about whether their salary will cover the month’s expenses. Parents may experience stress over providing adequately for their children, while workers may feel exhausted from taking additional work or overtime simply to meet rising expenses. Over time, this constant pressure can affect sleep, concentration, productivity, relationships and overall quality of life. Mental exhaustion should therefore not be dismissed as simply being “tired.” It can be an indication Continued on page 5
Personalities over policy DEAR EDITOR, In the national discourse of Guyana, few political habits are as intellectually flawed as the persistent attempt to draw direct equivalencies between two leaders as ongoing reference points for modern governance. Modern Guyana does not need historical equivalencies; it requires an unyielding commitment to democratic integrity, a laser focus on economic policy, and leaders who possess the institutional maturity to confront past mistakes. Focusing on personalities over policy prevents true economic transformation. Guyana cannot build a prosperous future while remaining hostage to the political ghosts of the past. Sincerely, Daniel Singh
Healthcare struggles while Govt. makes room for foreigners DEAR EDITOR, During the week, with a friend, we had need to visit a clinic at the Georgetown Hospital, the following things are worthy of note, first a Guyanese who claimed he lived in the South, said he was there since 7am and at 9:30 am, had not yet seen a medical officer. Second; at the same time, I will say, about 20 to 25 percent of those who were awaiting medical attention, were Spanish speaking persons. What is also a problem, is that government is supplying drugs, not of the best quality, but imported by a friend of the government. Further certain drugs that are available in other Caribbean territories are yet
to be available in Guyana. I mention this because our government has agreed to bring in foreigners to occupy space in Guyana. I suppose that the president will build a complex at State House, or a number of flats at his mega farm, or a high-rise at Leonora, and all these additional accommodations will not be airconditioned, will not have electric fans, but will be provided with stripes of cardboard if our new special guest are concerned about the present heat, to avoid further problems as stated by the head of GPL. In keeping with what we heard from the president the honorary guest will be banned from eating out. Yours Respectfully, Nigel Bacchus
Saturday September 12, 2026
Kaieteur News
Poverty reduction: Guyana’s oil DEAR EDITOR, Fighting poverty builds nations: less crime, better health, more trust in government. WIN says it’s the party committed to this. Guyana’s oil wealth gives it a chance — but only if the political climate allows the institutions needed to last. Every country that turned resource wealth into lasting poverty reduction did so through institutions that survived changes of government. That takes a political environment that tolerates opposition and scrutiny, not punishes it. Ecuador cut poverty from 37% to under 23% (2007–2016) after Correa renegotiated oil contracts and put revenue straight into the budget, expanding the Human Development Bond — cash payments tied to school and health checkups. Social spending rose from under 3% to over 8% of GDP. The lesson: cash payments work best paired with training and credit. Bangladesh, with no oil, lifted 34 million people out of poverty (2010–2022) mainly through garment exports. But its 80-plus welfare programs missed the poorest, and a November 2025 World Bank report found progress has stalled, leaving 62 million at risk from inflation and weak job growth. The 2013 Rana Plaza collapse (1,000+ deaths) is a warning against betting on 1 industry without protecting workers. Rwanda, rebuilding after 1994, cut poverty from 60%
to under 40% by 2017, with a further 12% drop by 2023–24, credited to agriculture, diversification, and social protection. Vietnam is the sharpest example: poverty fell from 60% to under 10% between the early 1990s and 2016, driven by the 1986 Doi Moi export reforms, with GDP per capita rising from under $700 to nearly $4,500. 4 countries, 1 lesson: smart policy turns growth into less poverty — and how policy is designed depends on who’s allowed to question it. That’s why Guyana’s politics matter to this argument. A functioning opposition keeps institutions honest, especially 1 managing a fund meant to outlast any government. Guyana is currently gripped by what many NY-based diasporans call “Mohamedmania” — intense scrutiny and, WIN supporters argue, targeted pressure on Azruddin Mohamed, the LOTO, his family, and allies, his female MPs, including a recent revocation of firearm licences seemingly disproportionate and politically timed. But amid that pressure came a striking, gentler moment. On 10th September, 2026, many students from St. Stanislaus (“Saints”) passed the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts Compound and were heard yelling — not in anger, but in a warm, almost comforting way, with clear, loving diction — chanting: M O H A M E D ! !
M O H A M E D ! ! MOHAMED!! It was youthful reverence, unmistakable and unscripted, a spontaneous show of affection from children who had nothing to gain by it. That image — schoolchildren offering loving support outside a courthouse — says as much about the public mood as any poll could. One of Mr. Mohamed’s attorneys-at-law, and his father’s, Siand Dhurjon, is expected to submit to the court in closing arguments that some of the offenses “are not extraditable offenses under Guyana’s laws or even the extradition treaty” that Guyana has, as reported by Bert Wilkinson in WORLD NEWS on 31st October, 2025. Siand is well known in the Caribbean legal fraternity as an upright lawyer with aboveboard integrity who always displays the highest professionalism, tact, and courtesy to any judicial officer he appears before. Whether every state action here amounts to persecution or not, the pattern has fed a widely shared perception that dissent is being met with pressure rather than engagement. That perception itself does damage: it discourages the open scrutiny that keeps a resource fund honest for 30 years, not just 1 election cycle. Practical step: send 6 top state attorneys-at-law to Quito to study, in legal detail,
Rising cost of living crisis and... From page 4 that people are struggling to cope with multiple pressures simultaneously. These issues are interconnected. Extreme heat can increase electricity and water consumption. Higher utility bills can place additional pressure on household budgets. Rising food and transportation costs can leave families with less disposable income. Financial pressure can contribute to anxiety, poor sleep and mental exhaustion, which in turn can affect productivity and family life. This is why these concerns deserve serious public discussion. We should not look at each issue in isolation. The real question is how these combined pressures are affecting the average citizen and what practical measures can be taken to reduce the burden. As a country, we need
continued discussion about a ff o r d a b i l i t y, r e l i a b l e utilities, environmental conditions, public health, workplace conditions and the mental well-being of our people. Citizens should not only be asking how they will survive the next bill or the next increase in prices. We should also be asking what kind of quality of life we want for the people of this country and what policies and practical measures are necessary to achieve it.
I believe that open discussion, responsible analysis and practical solutions are necessary as we examine the current state of affairs and address the legitimate concerns of citizens. Sincerely, Blane R. Bunbury
how Ecuador renegotiated its oil contracts and routed revenue into its cash-transfer program — splitting the work between contract law and program design, so Guyana comes back with usable legal models. For Guyana, going forward: 1. A transparent fund channeling oil money into cash payments and safety nets tied to health and education, like Ecuador’s Bono. 2. Sustained investment in education and job training, as in Vietnam. 3. Stronger primary healthcare and nutrition programs. 4. Real diversification beyond oil — farming (coffee, coconut, cane, rice) and food processing, with rice as a major near-term growth driver. 5. A political culture that tolerates opposition and scrutiny of oil spending — because durable institutions can’t be built under pressure to silence critics. Guyana has the resources. The open question is whether it will do the harder work of institution-building that made these 4 countries succeed — and whether “Mohamed-mania,” even amid moments like St. Stanislaus schoolchildren cheering a name outside a courthouse on 10th September, 2026, is steering Guyana toward the opposite path. Regards, M. Shabeer Zafar, Barrister
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6 Nigerians being extradited to U.S. for swindling women out of $6M in romance scams
The men, who were arrested in the South African city of Cape Town in 2021, are set to be handed over to officials from the FBI on Friday and transported to the U.S. to face wire fraud and money laundering charges. (AP photo) (AP) — Six Nigerian nationals linked to an organised criminal network that allegedly swindled American women out of over $6 million through online romance scams will be extradited to the United States on Friday, South African police said. The men, who were arrested in the South African city of Cape Town in 2021, are set to be handed over to officials from the FBI on Friday and transported to the U.S. to face wire fraud and money laundering charges. They are accused of belonging to a criminal network known as the Black Axe, which Interpol describes as being part of criminal groups responsible for a significant share of the world’s cyber-enabled financial fraud, typically through romance scams, cryptocurrency and investment scams. According to South African police, the men are alleged to have targeted more than 100 women in the U.S., defrauding them of more than $6 million through online romance or love scams. Among the alleged victims were pensioners and businesspeople who were reportedly targeted through sophisticated online relationships. “Through the coordination of Interpol South Africa, the six will today be transported from a correctional facility in Cape Town to Cape Town International Airport, where they Continued on page 21
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Saturday September 12, 2026
$100M OSH Centre of Excellence opens in Region Six
The newly commissioned OSH Centre of Excellence, in Region Six A $100 million Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Centre of Excellence was commissioned on Friday in Region Six, with officials describing it as the first of its kind in Guyana. The facility, located in the compound of the New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI), is intended to strengthen occupational safety training and promote a stronger safety culture in workplaces across the country. A ceremonial sod-turning ceremony was held at the site in July 2025, paving the way for construction of the facility. The centre will be administered by the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning (MLMP) and is the result of a partnership involving the Ministries of Labour and Education, the Greater Guyana Initiative, the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), LearnCorp International, ExxonMobil Guyana and its Stabroek Block partners. Among its main objectives are advancing workplace safety, sensitising workers and employers, and strengthening the country’s overall occupational safety culture. Minister of Labour, Keoma Griffith told the gathering that the centre represents an investment in
workforce development, occupational safety, technical excellence and the sustainable development of Guyana. Griffith also delivered remarks on behalf of President Irfaan Ali, who said Guyana’s rapid economic transformation has brought with it new workplace risks. “Guyana is changing rapidly. We are building more, we are manufacturing more, we are expanding mining construction, we are developing our oil and gas s e c t o r, w e a r e e x p a n d i n g infrastructure. This economic transformation is welcomed; however, rapid development also brings new risks, new technologies, new workplaces and categories of workers. As industries expand, as workplaces evolve, and as new technology emerges, the responsibility to safeguard workplaces and workers become even greater,” the minister read from the President’s statement. Against this backdrop, President Ali said the country’s safety framework must adapt where necessary. He also emphasised the need for more frequent workplace inspections, tighter enforcement and greater emphasis on education and sensitisation in occupational
safety and health. “Safety cannot be left to chance. Today, we are putting in place another important part of the architecture that will allow us to make safety a national standard...may every lesson taught within these walls translate to one fewer accident, one fewer injury, and most importantly, fewer grieving families,” the President stated. Griffith said the centre directly complements the work of the Labour Ministry, particularly its “Putting Safety First” campaign. According to the minister, the campaign has a presence in every region and continues to promote awareness and encourage workers and employers to make safety a priority. The centre will serve as the central point for the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) Level 3 OSH programme and will function as both a national and regional hub. Minister of Education Sonia Parag, in her remarks, said Te c h n i c a l a n d Vo c a t i o n a l Education and Training (TVET) provides important alternatives for persons who may not be academically inclined. She also noted that 94 schools
Government and other officials at Friday's commissioning ceremony
Ministers Sonia Parag and Keoma Griffith assist with the ribbon cutting
Labour Minister Keoma Griffith and Education Minister Sonia Parag inspect the new facility across Guyana have incorporated the CVQ programme into their curriculum. “Most of our communities in Guyana are rural communities, hinterland communities, and what matters most in those communities is gaining a technical skill. The fact that we have established a centre of excellence tells you we are not looking through a narrow tunnel. We are having a broader vision...” “I hope you understand how this fits into the broader economic vision that the president has for this country. I hope you understand that this also contributes to the broader vision of our social circumstances and to better the lives of our people,” Parag said. The commissioning ceremony was attended by President of ExxonMobil Guyana Alistair Routledge, officials from the Ministries of Labour and Education, and representatives from Region Six. The event also saw the participation of the Centre’s first cohort of trainees.
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Saturday September 12, 2026
‘Guyana cannot carry this burden’ - Mohamed on U.S. Deportees …says will further strain socio-economic system
Leader of the Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed believes that Guyana's acceptance of third-party U.S. deportees will add a further strain on the country's socioeconomic system. Guyana is one of more than 30 nations that have now signed deals with the Trump administration to accept deportees from the U.S. who are not their own citizens. Guyana's government has said in a statement that those relocated to the country under what it called the "Assisted Voluntary Return Programme" will await the outcome of their immigration cases in Guyana and could ultimately return to their country of
Guyana has since received six Cuban and Afghan nationals deported from the United States under a one-year arrangement with the administration of President Donald Trump origin or be relocated somewhere. Guyana has since received six Cuban and Afghan nationals deported from the United States under a one-year arrangement with the administration of President Donald Trump.
However, there have been calls for the government to release the details of the arrangement to accept the foreign nationals. To this end, Mohamed has joined calls for the release of the details of
agreement. Guyana became the latest country to open its doors to a number of skilled, non-criminal migrants deported from the United States. The opposition leader told Kaieteur News that
there are risks involved in accepting foreign nationals into the country under such circumstances. He said details of the agreement should be publicly accessible. “This is so that we can all be aware of who is coming into our country. Also, it is a burden on our infrastructure, for example, healthcare, electricity, security, water, rental, food. Because we can't even handle our own much less additional, and we have 1000s of migrants here in Guyana undocumented, and it's posing a security risk and threat to our citizens too.” The opposition leader also noted, “There were some concerns about the government's ability to monitor those persons because the government, don't even know how many migrants in our country right now. Every day, migrants coming into our porous borders, and they don't know. They don't have a count of how many migrants are in our country.” As a result, Mohamed said he intends raise his concerns about the arrangement in parliament. “That's in our pipeline, at the reconvening of parliament because we must be aware, and it must be public, and all these individuals coming into our country, the citizens we must know. We must know, you know, their background, etc.” APNU Member of Parliament Ganesh Mahipaul had also raised concerns about the deal. He noted that while Guyana can assist people in need, it cannot do so while citizens continue to struggle with housing, unreliable utilities and inadequate public services. “Guyanese must not come last in Guyana,” Mahipaul declared, stressing that he was not opposed to helping foreigners but questioned whether the country has the institutional capacity to properly manage and monitor the programme. The Government of Guyana had confirmed the conclusion of a migration cooperation framework with the Government of the United States of America, under which Guyana will receive a limited, vetted number of skilled and noncriminal individuals through
Leader of the Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Assisted Voluntary Return Programme. As part of the framework, Guyana retains full discretion to review and reject any individual proposed for relocation, and the United States will bear the full cost of the relocation process. The government intends to accept only individuals who have chosen relocation to Guyana of their own volition. According to a statement issued by the Department of Public Information (DPI) IOM, the UN Migration Agency, will be responsible for the operational implementation of the programme. IOM will cover the costs of receiving, housing and supporting individuals relocated to Guyana, and will provide the services needed for their integration, including access to communication with legal representatives and family members. The Government of Guyana will not bear the financial cost of the programme, and IOM has confirmed it will not assume, and this arrangement will not transfer to it, any of the g o v e r n m e n t ' s responsibilities concerning admission, legal stay, protection or removal. The statement noted that President Irfaan Ali's government has framed the arrangement as an extension of Guyana's longstanding commitment to human rights and international cooperation. “The government insisted that individuals relocated to Guyana must retain the right to seek international protection where applicable, and the IOM will support the referral of such cases to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in coordination with the relevant Guyanese authorities. The government has also confirmed regular, (Continued on page 9)
Kaieteur News
Saturday September 12, 2026
PAGE 09
Should Guyana build a small refinery? The public discourse, thus far, on a refinery for Guyana asks some legitimate questions about cost, management, financing and commercial risk. But it makes a fundamental analytical mistake of evaluating the proposed Guyanese refinery as though its purpose were to become another Petrotrin—a medium-scale refinery competing in international markets for export sales. That is not the proposition that Guyana has in mind. The proposal has consistently been for a relatively small modular refinery designed principally to secure Guyana’s domestic fuel supply. When President Irfaan Ali announced the 30,000-barrel-per-day proposal in 2022, he explicitly described it as being for national energy security. That changes the economics. A refinery intended to compete with refineries around the world must demonstrate that its products can be produced and sold at a competitive international price. A refinery established principally to supply a domestic market has a different test. The relevant question is whether it can supply that market reliably and at a lower or more stable cost than importing the equivalent petroleum products. This is where the discussion in Guyana needs to become more sophisticated.
Consider the price of petrol. Guyana is a major crude-oil producer, yet the country remains dependent on imported refined petroleum products. Even after substantial reductions in the excise tax on fuel, the retail price of gasoline remains strikingly high by international standards. The government has progressively reduced the tax burden on imported fuel, and in February 2026 the excise tax on gasoline was reduced to zero. If, after removing or sharply reducing the fiscal component of the price, Guyanese consumers are still paying prices broadly comparable with those in the United States, that should prompt a very simple economic question: what is the landed cost of the imported product, and how much of that cost could be eliminated or reduced through domestic refining? Guyana does not need to establish that a domestic refinery can produce gasoline more cheaply than every refinery in the world. It needs to establish whether a properly designed refinery can produce the fuel required by Guyanese consumers at a cost below the cost of importing that fuel. That is a much more attainable proposition. Suppose, for illustration, that a domestic refinery cannot compete successfully in the export market because its production costs are higher
than those of the world’s largest and most efficient refineries. That does not necessarily make the refinery irrational. If the alternative is to continue importing petroleum products at a higher delivered cost, the refinery may still make economic sense. Guyana’s objective should not be to become another Singapore, Rotterdam or Houston. It should be to ensure that when a tanker is delayed, when international freight rates surge, when a geopolitical crisis disrupts supply chains, or when international refinery margins suddenly explode, Guyana does not discover that producing nearly one million barrels of crude oil a day provides little protection for the ordinary motorist who cannot find reasonably priced gasoline. This is what “energy security” means in practical terms. And here the comparison with Petrotrin is instructive. Petrotrin was a very different proposition. Its refinery had a capacity of approximately 140,000 barrels per day, while Trinidad’s domestic crude production had fallen to about 40,000 barrels per day. The result was that roughly 100,000 barrels of crude had to be imported each day to keep the refinery supplied. Trinidad was therefore operating a large r e f i n e r y w h i l e simultaneously facing a structural shortage of
Dem Boys Seh...
Prayers need a little push too Dem boys seh deh gat some people in dis country who gat problems. And dem problems ain’t no small problem like phone battery dead or Wi-Fi slow. Dem is serious problems. Life-and-death problems. Every day you does see a sad story pun social media. Somebody sick. Somebody need medical treatment overseas. Somebody got a operation wah cost more money than dem could see in ten lifetimes. Somebody need help fuh save a life. And because de treatment overseas expensive, de family does turn to social media and beg fuh help. Dem does put up de story, post de medical report, show de hospital bill, and ask de public fuh contribute a lil something. Now, dis is where things does get interesting. Because Guyanese people got a special talent. We could sympathise without spending a cent. Somebody could post that dem child desperately need US$50,000 fuh medical treatment and de first response from somebody is: “May God continue to strengthen you.” Another one seh: “My heart is broken.” Another seh: “Praying for a miracle.” And somebody else does put three praying-hand emojis. Dem boys seh, if praying-hand emojis coulda pay hospital bills, Guyana woulda have the best healthcare system in de
Caribbean. Imagine you reach de hospital cashier and seh, “I ain’t got no money, but I got 47 praying-hand emojis.” De cashier might pray too — but probably fuh security to escort you out. We does say, “God bless you.” But sometimes de person ain’t asking fuh God bless dem. Dem asking if we could help. De person already praying. Dem need somebody to put $5,000, $10,000 or even $500 behind de prayer. Now, nobody saying everybody got money to give. Some people genuinely can’t help financially. And there is nothing wrong with offering a prayer, encouragement or emotional support. But if you can help and all you doing is typing “praying for you,” then something missing. Dem boys remember de old story bout de man who prayed every day fuh 25 years to win de lottery. Every morning he pray. Every night he pray. Twenty-five years pass and he never win. Eventually de man dead and meet up with the Creator. He vex. He seh, “But Lord, I prayed every day fuh 25 years. I served you faithfully. I asked you to let me win de lottery. Why you never answer me?” The Creator look at him and seh: “Man, at least you coulda buy a lottery ticket!” Talk half. Leff half.
domestic feedstock. That was a profound economic problem. Petrotrin was also expected to operate as a commercial enterprise in a competitive international refining environment. Its challenge was not simply to supply Trinidad. It had to process crude at competitive cost and compete against international suppliers. The c o m p a n y ’s o w n restructuring debate acknowledged that the refinery was producing losses and that its business model was unsustainable. Guyana faces the opposite structural condition. Guyana has an extraordinary abundance of crude and a relatively small domestic market. That means the Guyanese refinery does not have to be designed around the assumption that it must consume 140,000 barrels of crude every day. The earlier Guyanese proposal was for approximately 30,000 barrels per day, with the government providing access to crude from its share of profit oil. The original procurement documents envisaged a privately financed and privately owned facility, rather than the government itself becoming the owner and operator.
That is a radically different proposition from Petrotrin. Indeed, the central lesson of Petrotrin should be: do not build a refinery whose scale, cost structure and business model are divorced from the country’s actual circumstances. Guyana does not need to repeat that mistake. A small modular refinery can be designed around domestic demand. It can be sized to provide a substantial portion of the country’s gasoline, diesel and other petroleumproduct requirements without creating the enormous capital burden and export dependency associated with a 140,000barrel-per-day facility. There is another important point. Guyana’s crude, admittedly, is not free. But that does not end the analysis. If Guyana supplies crude to a domestic refinery at its opportunity cost, the refinery must still demonstrate that the resulting petroleum products can be produced at a competitive cost relative to imported alternatives. That is precisely what a feasibility study should establish. The answer may ultimately be that the refinery is uneconomic. If so, Guyana should not build it.
But the answer may also be that the refinery cannot compete as an exporter while being entirely viable as a domestic supplier. That would not be a contradiction. It would simply mean that Guyana is pursuing the correct objective. The real question for Guyana is therefore not whether it can build a refinery capable of defeating the world’s largest refineries in international competition. It is whether Guyana can build and operate a refinery whose cost of producing fuel for Guyanese consumers is lower than the cost of importing that fuel, while providing greater security of supply? If the answer is yes, then the refinery has an economic rationale even if it never exports a single barrel of gasoline. This is the feasibility study that we should be encouraging. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.
‘Guyana cannot carry this... From page 8 effective and sufficiently private access to communication with legal representatives and family members,” the press release outlined. The arrangement is temporary in nature and does not constitute permanent resettlement. Individuals relocated to Guyana under the Assisted Voluntary Return Programme do so voluntarily and will await the outcome of their immigration status determination while in Guyana. Depending on the outcome, individuals will either return to their country of origin or relocate elsewhere of their choosing. Their presence in Guyana is governed by a set of pre-defined terms rather than open-ended residency.
The framework is the latest expression of the steadfast partnership between Guyana and the United States, which has blossomed under President Irfaan Ali's Government across energy, trade, investment, security and diplomatic cooperation. It reflects the strength and maturity of the bilateral relationship and Guyana's standing as a trusted and constructive partner to the United States in the region. The Government of Guyana will continue to work closely with the IOM, the UNHCR and relevant domestic stakeholders to ensure the framework is implemented in a manner consistent with Guyana's laws, its human rights obligations and its national development priorities.
Kaieteur News
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Saturday September 12, 2026
H@RD TRUTHS
BY GHK LALL
Jagdeo on breaches, accountability Pt 1 G
reat to see Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Vice President, taking control. Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Regional Executive Officers, and assorted others summoned to a session with
the new Minister for Virtue and against Vice. Dr. Jagdeo is the best man for that job. He knows the territory, having long travelled it repeatedly in some fashion. But when VP Jagdeo is compelled to leave his other
priority duties to lecture ministers, PSs, REOs, and that odd lot, it inspires several strains of thought. Try these published ones. For starters, it reinforces those matters that have really gone off the deep end in PPP
management land. Management land has metastasised into advanced corruption land, stage IV. I use the vocabulary of cancer, with which I have much familiarity, to relay how unbelievably and undeniably bad corruption is in the PPP Govt. For a former president, and Guyana's oil president, to separate from the nation's riches, even for a moment, is all that Guyanese need to know about how far and selfdestructive chronic corruption has become in the PPP Govt. Corruption inside the PPP. Corruption around the PPP. Corruption over and under and all over the PPP government and party, most players and practitioners of the art of stewardship in times of gushing oil. Then, for Excellency Jagdeo to go to the lengths he did with his high-powered and highflying (and highskilled and high energy [think of those two]) audience conveys that there's a huge, telling, and glaring deficit in the PPP Govt relative to corruption containment. The other excellencies are not up to the job. So, it falls on him to sound off (carefully), read the riot act (tactfully), and fill the void (cleverly). Give a caution, but don't give away too much. Why expose the PPP unnecessarily? Why serve up sacrificial lambs for the news hounds and others waiting to feast? Those who should lead the way on corruption, and
give the older, busier, Dr. Jagdeo a breather must be sluggish, selfcentered, and have the strangest ideas about honesty, integrity, ethics, and the ethos of democratic and clean politics. Dr. Jagdeo's own words offer the best testimony of what he sees is in dire need of correction. He was on the move and in the face of ministers, PSs and REOs about their “ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations while ensuring sound and efficient management of the public resources allocated and entrusted to their respective ministries, regions, and agencies.” Ye gods! When Jagdeo has to take off the gloves and throwdown a hissing cobra into the midst of his audience, it is time for a Guyanese expression on corruption. Boat dun gaan ah falz. Boat and passengers gone overboard. They are expendable. Jagdeo's PPP is not. I scratch my head. When was the last time that Dr. Jagdeo, in any of his PPP leadership capacities, saw it fit to insist on “ensuring compliance with applicable law and regulations?” It means that it is not happening at all. Things gone downhill and taking the PPP into a dunghill. Messy business, that is. Or it is not happening anywhere close to the
required minimum, if only to give the PPP Govt and Excellency Bharrat some wriggle room, a needed boost where in counts. In the court of critical and now contemptuous public opinion. Next, what Guyana's 2nd Vice President did at the Arthur Chung Convention Center is not really his call. In effect, to call a public PPP dressing down. The 1st Vice President, General Mark Phillips, has the first claim on such a move and engagement, and only after the president has given his nod of approval. What all of this emphasises to me is that Bharrat Jagdeo grew tired of all the dropped balls, all the flagrant fouls, and all the unpardonable slippages, so he took the bit in his teeth, and commanded his audience to turn up. Or else…. Now that's the Jagdeo I like, propaganda value, manoeuvre, and whatever aside. Wrapping up with a red ribbon. Vice President Jagdeo had no choice but to deal in transparency and accountability. Since, there is no other. Ow bhaiya! That's showing who is still the real boss. Blessed day. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.
T N U L B . . . T B N U T L N T B . U . L . L T B . N . U . N U T L N B . U . T . L N T U N B . N U . L U L LUNT. B . T . . T T N N B U B . U . L . L T B . B . . N . . . T T LU N N T U U L N L B U . B . . L Ramotar’s warning . . . T B T . . N . N T U L N LU B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N NT. LUNT...B NT...BLU N U L B . . B . U . . T L . N T B . . U N . L N T B U N . . L . U T B L . . N B . . . T U . L N T B U . . L . UN T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . B U U .BLUNT . . L . T B . . N . T U . L N . T B U . . L B UN .BLUNT. . . L . T B . . N . T U . L N . T B U . . L N LU ...BLUNT. LUNT...B NT...BL T B U . . L N . BLU T...BLUNT BLUNT...B UNT...B . . L N . T B U . BL T...BLUN BLUNT.. UNT...B . . L N . T B U . . L BB T...BLUN BLUNT. ...BLU . T . N . N T T U L U N L B U T...BLU U B . L . N . B T . . . N T U N N N L U U U B L . L . B T LUNT. UNT...B BL B Saturday September 12, 2026
Kaieteur News
President Donald Ramotar's warning about the “re-colonisation” of the Caribbean by the United States came as no surprise to many. The writing is on the wall.
Small states must never surrender their sovereignty to any foreign power, whether Washington, London or elsewhere. But sovereignty cannot be defended selectively.
Ramotar rightly questions the silence of Caribbean governments over alleged U.S. pressure, military actions and attempts to influence regional relationships with China. Yet his strongest argument is undermined by the uncomfortable reality that his own PPP/C administration has moved closer to Washington while retreating from Guyana's longstanding Cuban medical arrangement. Guyana cannot condemn foreign interference while quietly accommodating it. Nor should Georgetown replace one powerful external partner with another. The lesson is simple: Guyana's foreign policy must be guided by national interest, not geopolitical loyalty. We need friends, investors and partners, but none should be allowed to dictate our choices. Independence demands courage, consistency and vigilance.
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Saturday September 12, 2026
Kaieteur News
Banks DIH loses appeal over 15% shareholder voting cap
T
he decision of the high court to block Banks DIH Holding Inc from implementing a 15% cap on shareholder voting power has been upheld by the full court. According to the decision rendered by Justices Peter Hugh and Priscilla Chandra-Hanif on Thursday, the appeal stems from proceedings brought by Guyana Americas Merchant Bank Inc. (“GAMBI”) and Beharry Stockbrokers Limited against Banks DIH Holdings Inc.
GAMBI and Beharry Stockbrokers Limited sought the court's intervention to block Banks DIH Holdings Inc. from enforcing or putting to a vote a new by-law that would cap shareholder voting rights and ownership at 15 per cent. High Court Justice Sandil Kissoon had granted injunctive orders restraining Banks DIH Holdings Inc. from enforcing or putting to a vote a new by-law. The ruling came a day ahead of the company's scheduled Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Banks DIH
In his ruling, Justice Kissoon granted a series of interlocutory injunctions
restraining Banks DIH, its directors, officers, and agents from presenting,
tabling, proposing, or permitting any vote at the AGM to confirm or give effect to the new by-law. The court also suspended the operation and legal effect of the by-law pending the final determination of the substantive proceedings. Additionally, the court restrained the company from invalidating or discounting votes attached to issued ordinary shares by reference to any 15 per cent ownership or voting limitation, and from issuing or acting on any notice, investigation, divestment request, or forced sale process purportedly authorised by the new by-law. Banks DIH later filed two appeals regarding the claim. At the full court, the beverage company challenged, among other matters, the breadth of the relief, the assessment of serious issue, urgency, irreparable harm and balance of convenience, the alleged prematurity of the application, the treatment of the authorities, and the contention that the learned judge went beyond permissible interlocutory reasoning and effectively prejudged the substantive controversy. The appellant also challenged Justice Kissoon's decision not to recuse himself on the ground of apparent bias. Lawyers representing Banks DIH Claude Denbow SC, Neil Boston SC, and Donna Denbow, contended that without any practical need, the judge expedited the hearing of a related matter. The lawyers had written to the judge through his registrar, formally requesting recusal, but justice Kissoon indicated that the application was speculative even before a formal application was filed and on the 26th March, 2026. He formally dismissed the recusal application on the same basis. The respondents were represented by Stephen
Fraser SC, Shantel Scott-La and Sydney Fraser, who later contended that the application was urgent. The judge was required to decide whether the legality of By-Law 8 was central to the interlocutory case. In its ruling, the full court noted the impugned measure was said to prevent any person from having an interest in more than 15% of the issued share capital or carrying more than 15% of the total voting rights; to provide for the appointment of a special registrar; to permit demands for beneficial ownership information; to invalidate votes above the cap; and ultimately to require disposal and authorise sale of excess shares. At the hearing on 29th January, 2026 the learned judge treated the matter as urgent because the AGM was fixed for the following day. The judge concluded, on a prima facie basis, that serious questions arose concerning the compatibility of By-Law 8 with the Companies Act1 and the Securities Industry Act2 and that there was risk of irremediable prejudice. As a result, the interim orders were accordingly granted. In its written decision, the full court said: “We accordingly reject the apparent-bias ground and the request that the matter necessarily be reassigned to another judge. To order reassignment merely because the judge granted urgent interlocutory relief in strong terms would undermine the equally important duty to sit and would risk turning recusal into an indirect appeal from an adverse interlocutory decision.” “We are not satisfied that the learned judge's reasoning establishes apparent bias or prejudgment. The objective observer, fully informed of the urgent interlocutory context, the prima facie nature of the assessment, and the availability of a full trial, would not conclude that there is a real possibility that the judge has closed his or her mind to the substantive issues.” The full court therefore dismissed the appeal, and the interlocutory injunction granted on 30th January, 2026 is affirmed. The substantive proceedings will continue before the trial judge in accordance with his case management timetable set.
Kaieteur News
Saturday September 12, 2026
PAGE 13
Kara Kara toll standoff deepens …Mayor vows to exhaust all options as town clerk refuses reopening order The Linden Town Council (LTC) has found itself in the centre of a revolving controversy regarding the Kara Kara Road toll. This time, the council is faced with defiance by its town clerk, Lennox Gasper to carry out its instructions to reopen the toll station and resume the toll collection from those travelling the route. Linden Mayor, Dominique Blair told Kaieteur News on Friday that the municipality is now looking to exhaust all options to remedy the situation. “This is an ongoing issue between the council and the town clerk, who has been defiant in the face of council's instructions. We have even written the Local Government Commission as well as the minister about the clerk's behaviour since it is the
commission that hires, fires and disciplines local government staffers. However, there has been no real action taken against him. The government is obviously quite ok with that but it is the Lindeners who are suffering. The council's decision comes from the people through the elected representatives.” “As a council, we do not operate on our own void of consulting the residents as their elected representatives. Therefore, we will be exhausting all measures including legal recourse to remedy the situation,” Blair added. O n T h u r s d a y, t h e LT C announced a reopening of the Kara Kara Toll Station and the resumption of the collection of fees. Mayor Blair issued the
Linden Town Clerk, Lennox Gasper directive on behalf of the council, that the Kara Kara Toll Station be reopened with immediate effect and that toll collection resumes
Mayor of Linden, Dominique Blair under the existing gazetted rates. In a letter formally written to the town clerk, Blair emphasised the council's position that the
cessation of toll collection and the purported revocation of the Linden Town Council (Toll) By-Laws 2016 by the minister were not carried out in accordance with the proper statutory process. “The 2016 By-Laws were duly made, approved and gazetted. The Council has not passed any resolution repealing or discontinuing those by-laws, nor has it brought the matter before the council for such a decision.” As such, the mayor's letter outlined that the council did not accept the unilateral revocation as lawfully effected and considered the existing by-laws remain the basis on which the toll should operate unless and until they are lawfully amended or repealed. According to Blair, the council (Continued on page 19)
Kaieteur News
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Saturday September 12, 2026
APNU says GPL shifting blame to consumers — demands answers on generation shortfall The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has accused the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) of shifting responsibility for the country's electricity problems onto consumers, while failing to adequately explain its own generation shortfall. Speaking at the coalition's press conference on Friday, Member of Parliament, Sherod Duncan said GPL's call for consumers to conserve electricity cannot be used to excuse the utility's failure to ensure adequate generation and a reliable distribution system. He pointed to GPL's September 7 figures, which showed 265.6 megawatts of available generation against a peak demand of 257 megawatts. Duncan said the figures raise questions, particularly
The Guyana Power and Light
APNU MP, Sherod Duncan
when compared with GPL's August 14 projection that 280 megawatts of reliable generation would be available by the end of August. He said the coalition wants GPL to explain the difference and identify the generating units that are unavailable. According to the MP, said consumers should not be blamed for using electricity, particularly as temperatures rise and Guyana's economy continues to expand.
The coalition noted that G P L i t s e l f h a s acknowledged overloaded feeders and transformers, arguing that these problems cannot simply be placed at the feet of consumers. “ R e s p o n s i b l e conservation has its place, but it cannot excuse inadequate planning,” he said. Duncan said the government has known for years that electricity demand would increase. He pointed to President Irfaan Ali's 2021 statement
that demand was expected to nearly triple between 2022 and 2027 and that the transmission and distribution network would require a “massive upgrade.” APNU said that warning should have been followed by adequate investment and planning. Instead, Guyanese are being asked to conserve electricity while businesses lose trading hours, food can spoil and families struggle through repeated outages, he stated.
Duncan also questioned the continued delay of the Gas-to-Energy project, noting that testing of the first turbine is now targeted for around December 4. He said the expected 57 megawatts from the first turbine cannot be presented as delivery of the full 300megawatt first phase. He also called for greater transparency from GPL and the government on available generation, unavailable units, outages and the timelines for bringing new capacity onto the national grid. According to him, consumers deserve answers on why the country continues to face power shortages despite the billions of dollars now available to the government from oil revenues. O n M o n d a y, G P L blamed the overload of its generation capacity on consumers' constant and heavy reliance on air conditioning, electric fans and the switching on of their lights in the evening. Head of GPL's Executive Management Committee, Kesh Nandlall, during a news conference, said the current El Nino condition is driving up the use of air conditioning units, and ultimately the use of electricity. “I just want to give you some information as to what is really happening it occurs around 7 to 9 pm that is when everybody goes home and puts on their air conditioning and since the sun is hot in the day and a lot of houses including my home is concrete, what happens is the concrete absorbs the heat and releases it in the afternoon so people are putting on their airconditioning units, their fans, their lights and it creates a significant surge and requirement of power. We are seeing…feeders now being overloaded, the medium voltage feeder and the transformers in the neighbourhoods are also being affected,” Nandlall said. As a result, Nandlall
stressed the importance of energy conservation, particularly during periods of peak demand, and encouraged customers to practice responsible energy use. He also reaffirmed GPL's commitment to developing a smarter, more efficient and responsive electricity grid. These interventions, he said forms part of GPL's ongoing efforts to address immediate network challenges while building a stronger and more dependable electricity system. “The company is investing approximately US$800 million to modernise Guyana's transmission and distribution infrastructure.” Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Bharat Harjohn noted that GPL is working on improvements on the feeders with various analytics being done to highlight and determine how to effectively improve the system. He noted that there are also several separate incidents, including electrical faults at the Kingston and another substation, as well as feeders tripping in sections of the network. According to Harjohn, as soon as the problems occur, technical teams are immediately deployed to identify and correct the faults and restore electricity supply to affected customers as safely and quickly as possible. Emergency works were also undertaken at Houston following an interruption affecting customers from the Ruimveldt Industrial Site to Nandy Park. GPL's Head of Engineering and Projects, Ryan Ross, explained that the programme includes new 230-kilovolt transmission lines, additional substations, new 69-kilovolt transmission infrastructure and approximately 350 kilometres of mediumvoltage distribution network. He said the power company is also working towards establishing a smart grid by 2030.
Kaieteur News
Saturday September 12, 2026
PAGE 15
REO says DC Caesar Fox school refurbished, unfinished works to be completed shortly Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Seven, Dr. Josh Kanhai, said the DC Caesar Fox Secondary School at Wa r a m a d o n g , U p p e r Mazaruni, has been refurbished, but works remain unfinished at the male dormitory and Block C. Speaking to Kaieteur
found those to be from last year and to be old photos,” he said. Kanhai said work on the school began in early August, following procurement and the awarding of contracts. H o w e v e r, c o n t r a c t o r s experienced delays in getting windows and lumber
Pictures shared by Region's Seven Regional Executive Officer; Dr. Josh Kanhai of the maintenance works done to the school in preparation for the new school term.
News recently, Kanhai said photographs circulating on social media showing the school in a poor condition were inaccurate, with some of the images dating back to last year. “The dormitories that are in the pictures, that is an accurate photo, but the other pictures that were posted we
needed for the dormitories to Waramadong. He said maintenance works on the dormitory buildings cost $6.2 million and $4.8 million under separate contracts, while work on Block C cost $4.39 million. The REO said the windows have since been
procured and are currently at Ogle Airport awaiting transportation to Wa r a m a d o n g , w i t h September 19 given as the expected delivery date. He said the entire school was repainted before classes resumed and mesh was installed while the windows are awaited.
Kanhai added that most of the work on the chalets has been completed, with the contractor expected to finish the remaining work by the weekend. In the meantime, male students are being accommodated in another completed chalet. He also rejected claims that students are using pit toilets. “Last year, we built brand new sanitary blocks for both males and females, and washing sinks. We had no issue with that and they are fully functional,” Kanhai said. He explained that the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has a well on the school compound providing
water, while plumbing was redone during the school break. However, he said the size of the compound means the water system cannot supply all areas at once, resulting in the administration having to fill tanks on different sections of the compound. Kanhai also clarified photographs showing female students walking toward what appears to be a dilapidated washroom. He said the structure is old and no longer in use, and that the students use it to hang their clothes. The REO said the old structures will eventually be demolished because their condition could create a
misleading impression about the facilities currently being used by students. Meanwhile, Kanhai said the Regional Administration is carrying out maintenance works while the Ministry of Education has committed to constructing a new secondary school and dormitory at Waramadong. “We are basically fixing what we can right now to accommodate the children comfortably and once we get those new buildings in, then everyone will transition there,” he said. Kaieteur News had previously reported concerns from Waramadong Toshao Amrita Thomas, who (Continued on page 21)
Kaieteur News
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Saturday September 12, 2026
25 years after September 11, Americans reflect on attack that changed a nation (Reuters) - Americans marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks on Friday with sorrow and somber reflection, honoring the nearly 3,000 people killed when hijacked planes slammed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a Pennsylvania field in a shocking attack that reverberates to this day. In New York, family members of the victims, many carrying pictures of their loved ones, joined Vice President JD Vance and four former U.S. presidents at Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan. The ceremony began, as always, at 8:46 a.m. ET (1246 GMT) with a moment of silence to mark the instant when American Airlines Flight 11 struck the World Trade Center's North Tower in what would become the deadliest attack ever on U.S. soil. Shortly after, victims' family members began reading aloud the names of all 2,977 people who died on September 11, as well as the six people killed in the 1993 Wo r l d T r a d e C e n t e r bombing, a somber recitation that lasted about four hours. In a reminder of the time that has passed, some readers were children who had never met the relatives they lost in 2001. Other moments of silence followed to mark when the other three airplanes crashed and the two towers collapsed. For the first time, a seventh moment of silence honored the thousands who have died since 2001 from illnesses tied to the toxic dust that poisoned the air for months afterward. Gregory Carafello attended the ceremony to honour the memory of his lifelong friend James Martello, who worked at Cantor Fitzgerald, the financial firm that lost more than 650 employees in the attacks. Carafello was on the 18th floor of the South Tower but managed to evacuate. "Everyone should realize that it was a very bad, catastrophic day for many families," he said. "These were not warriors. These were people like you and me going to work." At the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, where American Airlines Flight 77 struck the building's west flank, killing 184, President Donald Trump chronicled
Fire Department of New York (FDNY) firefighters pay their respects next to the reflecting pools at the 9/11 Memorial, on the day of a ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, in New York City, U.S., September 11, 2026. REUTERS/Jeenah Moon/Pool
some of the stories of those aboard who perished in the crash: a woman pregnant with her first child, a family of four headed to Australia, three sixth-graders on a field trip. The president and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who also delivered remarks, both used their speeches to make the case for the Iran war, which they
have defended as necessary to p revent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. "We salute our first responders and law enforcement, and we love them," Trump said. "And we salute the service members working right now to ensure the world's number one sponsor of terror, the Islamic Republic of Iran, will never ever have a nuclear
weapon." Mourners also gathered in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, at the crash site where passengers brought down one of the four hijacked jetliners, United Airlines Flight 93, that had been headed for Washington. GENERATIONAL PAIN The attacks shaped generations of Americans who lived the day or grew up
in its aftermath, influencing U . S . f o r e i g n p o l i c y, domestic politics and public attitudes toward security. But for many whom the attacks directly affected — the victims' families and friends, first responders and rescue workers — the anniversary is a tribute to the lives lost on a clear blue day a quarter century ago and the heartbreak that followed. Caroline Ogonowski's father, John, was the captain of Flight 11, which took off from Boston 47 minutes before striking the North Tower. Ogonowski, now 39, had her first baby this year and named him after her father. She brought him to her father's grave last week and attended a memorial ceremony in Boston on Friday. "This year, there's this new sadness in knowing that they won't ever get to know each other," Ogonowski, who has worked in disaster relief and h umanitarian assistance, said in a phone interview. "My father will never know his grandson. And my son will never know his grandfather. "We owe it to my father and all the others that we lost on that day to make sure that we continue to teach future generations about what happened, about who these people were, who these heroes were, how our country came together and became stronger because of it," she added. LASTING LEGACY A generation of Americans has grown up since 2001 who are too young to remember the
attacks but whose lives were fundamentally altered by them. The attacks initiated the "war on terror," which led to the U.S. i nvasions of Afghanistan and Iraq that lasted years. The resulting public backlash helped fuel Trump's rise a decade ago, when he vowed not to start new foreign entanglements — a promise being tested by the Iran war. At home, Americans expressed deep solidarity and patriotism, as well as sorrow, in the immediate wake of the attacks. At the same time, however, Muslim Americans and immigrants from Muslim-majority countries faced a rise in prejudice and hate crimes. Public polls have found 9/11 colors Americans' perceptions of Muslims to this day. Zohran Mamdani, New York's first Muslim mayor, faced calls from some Republicans to skip Friday's ceremony, which he rejected. Casualties were not limited to those who perished on September 11. Many rescue workers who spent weeks or months at the site afterward, as well as nearby residents and others, were sickened by toxins in the air and eventually died. The New York City Fire Department lost 343 members on September 11. More than 600 additional firefighters, including some retired members who took part in the rescue effort, have died of 9/11-related illnesses since then, department figures show. Twenty-six have died this year alone.
Saturday September 12, 2026
Kaieteur News
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Saturday September 12, 2026
Constitutional Reform Commission mulls new approach to get greater public response The Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC) is considering new approaches to stimulate greater public participation in the reform process, following a low response to its call for written submissions. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, made the disclosure on Friday. AG Nandlall, a member of the commission, said the body is prepared to commence wider public consultations but has received only six submissions since issuing its public advisory several months ago.According to the Attorney General, the submissions received so far have also raised concerns about their relevance to the constitutional reform process. “It is clear that the Constitutional Reform Commission is not proceeding at the pace that we would have liked it to
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall
proceed,” Nandlall told members of the press. He explained that the commission had initially planned its public engagement around written submissions, with the advisory providing until December for members of the public to submit their views. However, the limited response has prompted consideration of whether the requirement for written submissions should remain a prerequisite before the commission proceeds to broader consultations.
“We may have to find another mechanism of exciting public interest in the process, or reconsider whether written submissions ought to be a condition precedent for going out to public consultation,” the attorney general said. Nandlall said the matter will be raised for discussion at the commission's next meeting, where members will determine the way forward.The commission's efforts form part of the broader national process aimed at examining Guyana's constitutional
President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali flanked by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC and newly sworn-in members of the Constitutional Reform Commission. framework and identifying areas for reform. With the submission period remaining open until
December, the commission is expected to assess the level of public participation and determine how best to
encourage citizens and stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to the process.(DPI)
Dr. Rovin Deodat, the voice behind 'from word to word,' dies
Veteran broadcaster and communications specialist Dr. Rovin Deodat, whose distinctive radio feature “from word to word” introduced listeners to new words and their meanings, has died. According to information publicly available, Dr. Deodat died on Friday afternoon following a period of illness. The National Communications Network (NCN), in a tribute, described Dr. Deodat as a stalwart of radio broadcasting. “Dr. Deodat was widely respected for his remarkable command of language, linguistic expertise and extensive knowledge of words,” NCN said. Dr. Deodat held a PhD in Communications and a Master of Arts in English from Simon Fraser University, Canada, and a Bachelor's Degree in English from the University of Guyana. He had more than 40 years' experience in media and communications and served at senior levels for over 25 years. Among the positions he held were Communication Advisor to the Office of the President and Director of Education, Information and Training at the Environmental Protection Agency. As a communications consultant for more than 15 years, Dr. Deodat worked in Guyana and across the Caribbean, developing communication policies, strategies and action plans, as well as communication materials. He also conducted media training workshops and provided consultancy services on a wide range of communication and media issues. His contribution to the field was recognised nationally when he was awarded the Golden Arrow of Achievement by then President David Granger in 2018. Executive member of the Alliance For Change (AFC)
From Word to Word' icon, Dr. Rovin Deodat and former Minister of Public Telecommunications Kathy Hughes was among those paying tribute to Dr. Deodat following news of his death. “A master of the language, the epitome of perfect speech, grammar and diction! A true master of broadcasting; thank you for your contributions, Rovin and rest in peace now. We will miss you,” Hughes wrote.
H.E. David Granger, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana conferring Golden Arrow of Achievement on Dr. Rovin Deodat at the 2018 Investiture Ceremony.
Saturday September 12, 2026
Kaieteur News
Siemens Energy mobilises for start-up of 300MW Wales GTE project Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips meeting with the teams on Friday.
S
iemens Energy has begun preparations to take over the operation and maintenance of Guyana's 300-megawatt combined-cycle power plant being built under Phase One of the Gas-to-Energy Project. Representatives of the company met with Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips at his office on Friday to discuss preparations for the plant's start-up. Siemens Energy has been selected as the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) operator for the power plant and its supporting facilities. The five-year O&M arrangement, which includes an option for renewal, will see Siemens Energy manage the facility once it moves into operation. The company will also provide long-term maintenance for the turbines for 20 years. During the meeting, the officials discussed staffing, training, logistics, technical requirements and the timeline for the transition from construction to operations. Phillips, who has responsibility for the energy sector and the Gas-to-Energy Project, said the focus is now on ensuring that the plant is properly prepared for start-
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips
up and can operate safely and reliably. He also highlighted the importance of training Guyanese workers and transferring technical knowledge to local personnel. The meeting followed a visit by Phillips to the Gasto-Energy site at Wales earlier this week, where he inspected ongoing works and received updates on the project's implementation schedule. The current timeline provides for the first gas turbine to come online by the end of 2026, producing approximately 57 megawatts
of electricity for the national grid. The remaining units are expected to follow according to the project schedule. The Gas-to-Energy Project is expected to increase Guyana's electricity generation capacity and reduce the cost of electricity for households and businesses. Also attending the meeting were Gas-to-Energy Task Force Project Lead Winston Brassington, Bobby Gossai Jr., Senior Petroleum Coordinator and other members of the task force, along with representatives of Siemens Energy.
Kara Kara toll standoff... From page 13 views the toll rates as a separate matter. “The council and government are currently discussing the rates and proposed changes. Those discussions should continue separately and should not result in the closure of the toll or the suspension of the council's revenue,” the mayor posited in his letter. Accordingly, he directed the town clerk, on behalf of the council, to take all necessary administrative steps to reopen the Kara Kara Toll Station with immediate effect and resume collection at the existing gazetted rates pending the conclusion of discussions with government on the rates. “Please ensure that the necessary arrangements are made for the immediate resumption of operations and that council is
advised accordingly. This directive is issued pursuant to the position and decision of the Linden Town Council and is without prejudice to the council's position regarding the legality of the minister's purported revocation,” the mayor said in the letter which was also copied to Minister of Local Government, Priya Manickchand. Last Friday, senior government officials met with the mayor and other council reps to address concerns over the cost of doing business in Linden and the council's financial operations. However, the discussion took a turn with the government demanding greater financial accountability from the council and the administration proposing a cut of the toll charges by 50%.
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$138M to build scanning rooms at Lusignan, New Amsterdam Prisons The Ministry of Home Affairs will spend approximately $138,483,800 for the construction of two scanning rooms for the New Amsterdam Prison in Region Six and the Lusignan Prison on the East Coast of Demerara. This is according to information gathered from the latest tender opening at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office. According to the tender minutes, the construction of the New Amsterdam Prison scanning room is estimated at $57,304,400 and a total of 22 contractors have submitted bids for the project. While at Lusignan Prison, the project is estimated to cost $81,179,400. Some 21 contractors are vying to execute the works there. In this year's budget, the government had set aside some $6 billion to further transform the prison system to establish it as a modern correctional institution. Below are the companies and their bids: Ministry of Home Affairs Construction of Scanning Room at New Amsterdam Prison, Region Six - Guyana Prison Service.
Construction of Scanning Room at Lusignan Prison Region Four - Guyana Prison Service. Bidder
Amount Tendered
Bidder
Amount Tendered
Kemeisha Logistics & Sales
$70,999,560
Andrect Engineering & Construction
$96,519,000
Holistic Contracting & Procurement Inc.
$132,370,500
Kumar's Engineering & Construction Service
$80,344,870
Westbrook Caribbean Inc. Aiden's Construction & General Supplies
$99,417,018 $76,185,100
Jemcorp Engineering & Imports Holistic Contracting & Procurement Inc
$185,357,500 $81,338,200
Eikon Guyana Inc
$154,853,400
Singh & Son Construction
$165,394,900
A.A Construction
$94,215,600
LF Global Inc.
$77,681,800
Angad Ganesh Building & General Construction
$179,999,050
D.Chowkie & Sons Construction
$80,923,200
Extreme & Sons Construction Services
$113,680,710
Mobile Construction Company
$121,286,865
$78,636,160
Impressive Contracting Services
$76,445,000
K&K Boat Building, Construction & General Supplies
Moore & Son Business Enterprise
$183,000,877
Impressive Contracting Services
$89,697,900
Surujpaul Balkaran & Sons Construction Andrect Engineering & Construction
$74,425,800 $150,853,400
Engineer’s Estimate
$85,512,200
RA & JP Contracting Services
$74,039,800
D.Chowkie & Sons Construction
$131,440,500
Garnet Logistics & Contracting
$195,527,200
I & S Sankar's Importers & Distributors
$197,372,200 $82,681,218 $79,271,681
Bidder
Amount Tendered
Mason's Innovative Construction & General Supplies Holistic Contracting & Procurement Inc.
$117,610,500
AD's Environmental Services Amaya's Trading
Kingsman General Contracting Services
$75,000,000
AVP Investments
$80,976,451
RA & JP Contracting Services Moore & Son Business Enterprise
$51,448,900 $153,137,082
Mason's Innovative Construction & General Supplies
$141,817,358
A & K Construction & Maintenance Services
$150,838,012
GD's Construction & Supplies
$153,807,400
Kemeisha Logistics & Sales
$59,679,660
Engineer’s Estimate
$81,179,400
A.A Construction
$51,234,800
Vickram & Sons Contracting Services
$51,776,400
Navin & Son's Construction
$148,804,793
Bidder
Amount Tendered
JR Engineering Solutions AVP Investments
$300,334,153 $57,304,400
Silverhill Construction Services
$218,236,680
Vickram and Sons Contracting Services
$222,698,080
Amaya's Trading
$55,957,746
$332,925,750
Angad Ganesh Building & General Construction
$154,706,685
Mason's Innovative Construction & General Supplies
I & S Sankar's Importers & Distributors
$180,651,200
Garnet Logistics & Contracting
$199,999,200
Extreme & Sons Construction Services Impressive Contracting Services
$219,368,680
D.Chowkie & Sons Construction
$116,580,500
Westbrook Caribbean Inc
$226,496,800
Eikon Guyana Inc. AD's Environmental Services
$134,785,400 $58,364,531
Andrect Engineering and Construction Inc
$273,778,800
G.S Contracting and General Supplies
$230,623,500
Aiden's Construction & General Supplies
$54,430,900
Garnet Logistics & Contracting
$224,490,800
Andrect Engineering & Construction
$132,285,400
Holistic Contracting & Procurement Inc
$233,500,400
Emeralds General Contracting & Distributors D. Chowkai & Sons Construction
$223,678,800 $232,405,400
Kumar's Engineering & Construction Services
$168,034,900
L. Pool Civil Works
$222,995,500
Gryphon Engineering Inc
$227,918,200
Engineer’s Estimate
$238,117,800
Westbrrok Caribbean Inc.
$84,795,370
Engineer’s Estimate
$57,304,400
REO says DC Caesar Fox... From page 15 said the school and dormitories have been in poor condition for years despite repeated complaints to regional and government officials.Thomas said the school, which has been operating for about 25 years, now accommodates more than 500 students and serves communities across the Upper Mazaruni. Among the communities served are Kaikan, Arau, Paruima, Kamarang, Kako, Jawalla, Phillipai, Wax Creek, Imbaimadia and Chinoweing. Thomas said school heads have regularly reported the conditions to the Regional Education Department. “According to the reports I get, the headteachers of the secondary, primary and nursery have been sending reports to the Regional Education Department complaining about the condition of the schools every month. In fact, they report, but nothing has been done,” she said. Amerindian rights activist, Laura George also recently raised concerns about the condition of the school and dormitories, sharing photographs on Facebook which she said showed Indigenous children and staff being exposed to hazardous conditions. George called for the situation to be addressed, saying the children should not have to endure such conditions.
Completion of Arakaka Police Station, living quarters and fence in Region One - Guyana Police Force.
T&T Govt. to appoint national committee on reparations in ‘due course’
Completion of Family Quarter at Mazaruni Prison, Region Seven –Guyana Prison Service.
6 Nigerians being extradited to U.S. for... From page 5 will be handed over to officials from the FBI and the United States Secret Service, who arrived in South Africa this morning,” said police spokesperson Katlego Mogale. A recent operation by Interpol targeting West African organised crime groups led to the arrest of 58 people and the identification of 263 suspects linked to various criminal networks involved in similar crimes, the multinational police body said last month. The operation aimed to disrupt money laundering, identify high-value targets, seize assets and support arrests and prosecution. In South Africa, authorities raided seven locations in the city of Johannesburg linked to a syndicate that ran romance and investment scams targeting retirees in English-speaking countries. In that operation in South Africa, police arrested 39 people, seized $2.67 million and froze more than 250 bank accounts, Interpol said.
CARICOM’s Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers (CMC) The Trinidad and Tobago government Friday said that a new National Committee on Reparations will be appointed in “due course.” CARICOM’s Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers told parliament that the “matter of reparatory justice is of utmost importance to the government, and the policy to further advance this issue will be guided by the cabinet in due course”. Asked by Opposition Leader, Penelope Beckles what is the government’s plan for the reinstatement of the committee that was disbanded in October last year, Sobers replied that the opposition leader “being a seasoned practitioner here in this Honourable House, would well be au courant with the measures that have to be adopted before such a decision is taken, and as I indicated in my original response, the Cabinet will do so in due course.”
Beckles had asked the question in parliament after indicating that Trinidad and Tobago was one out of 123 countries that voted in favour of a United Nations motion that was moved on March 25 this year declaring chattel enslavement as the gravest crime against humanity. The Trinidad and Tobago National Committee on Reparations was originally established under the 20102015 People’s Partnership coalition government led by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, but it was later dismantled under the People’s National Movement (PNM) when it came into office. Cabinet later reappointed a reconstituted National Committee on Reparations headed by chairman Dr. Claudius Fergus in September 2023, which operated until its subsequent disbandment in October 2025.
The more LOVE you give, the more you receive; the more you have, the easier it becomes to give.
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Kaieteur News
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LEGAL LEGALNOTICE NOTICE 2026/148-FD-APN-DEM HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MAT R I M O N I A L JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION Application No. 148 BETWEEN:- IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATION BY SYLVIA MASON Applicant -andMELISSA DANIELS Respondent TO: MELISSA DANIELS Address Unknown TAKE NOTICE that on the 26th day of June 2026, Form: 9 Application Relating to Child(ren) was filed by SYLVIA MASON, the Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 13th day of August, 2026, the Applicant was directed to effect service of her Form: 9 Application Relating to Child(ren) on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire, you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be with a certified copy of the Application together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to respond to this Application, then upon receipt of the certified copy,
you must file a Form: 10 Reply to Application Relating to Children (forms are available at the Registry), via the online portal, (https:// ejudiciary.supremecourt.gy) within 35 (thirty-five) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. Your access code is 3gTySy TAKE NOTICE that the matter is fixed for Directions Hearing on Friday the 30th day of October 2026 at 9:15 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Simone Morris via Zoom Meeting ID: 461 884 5616 Passcode: court6 IN DEFAULT OF your filing a Form: 10 Reply to Application Relating to Children, the Court may proceed in your absence and may make an Order it considers appropriate. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts, Georgetown, Demerara. The office is open to the public between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00 am to 2:30 pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 2nd day of September 2026.
LEGAL LEGALNOTICE NOTICE REPUBLIC OF GUYANA, COUNTY OF DEMERARA LEGAL NOTICE TO BENEFICIARY IN THE ESTATE OF WILLIE GIRWALL, Deceased TO: HIMACHALGIRWALL (born on the 30th day of March, 1958) and last known to be residing at Lot 20 Johanna Cecilia, Essequibo Coast, Guyana. TAKE NOTICE that within fourteen (14) days from the publication of this Notice you are hereby required to attend the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature in Georgetown, Probate Division or the Chambers of MS. SHELLON BOYCE, Attorney-at-Law, Guyana Legal Aid Clinic, “Maraj Building” Lot 185 Charlotte & King Streets, Georgetown, Guyana, in order to sign a Consent of Beneficiary Document in the estate of WILLIE GIRWALL, deceased, of Lot 20 Johanna Cecilia, Essequibo Coast, Guyana, who died on the 19th December, 2022 at Port of Spain General Hospital Charlotte Street Port-of-Spain Proper, Trinidad, testate.
Dated at Georgetown, Demerara This 7th day of September, 2026
LEGAL LEGALNOTICE NOTICE 2026/625-FD-PET-DEM IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE - FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION, FAMILY DIVISION Petition No. FD-625 KURT CLAYTON KIRKPATRICK MOUNTER Petitioner/Applicant -and- LYNETTE ANN KHATIJA MOUNTER nee RAHAMAN Respondent TO: LYNETTE ANN KHATIJA MOUNTER nee RAHAMAN Formerly of Lot 191 South Turkeyen C Field Sophia, Georgetown, Guyana TAKE NOTICE that on the 15th day of June, 2026 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by KURT CLAYTON KIRKPATRICK MOUNTER the Petitioner/ Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 23rd day of July, 2026, the Petitioner/ Applicant was directed to effect service of his Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around the Republic of Guyana and on the World Wide Web. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorneyat-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/ or Cross Petition through the E- Litigation Portal http:// ejudiciary.supremecourt.gy within 35 (thirty-five) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. Your Access Code is XM rXT4. TAKE NOTICE that the Divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Tuesday the 29th day of September, 2026 at 9:00am before the Honourable Madam Justice Simone Morris in-person. IN DEFAULT of your filing an
Saturday September 12, 2026 Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 2nd day of September, 2026.
October 2026 at 11:50 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus at Court 1a and via Microsoft Teams. Meeting ID: 223 309 036 590 794 and Passcode: TN6aH9hV IN DEFAULT of your filing Form 10: a Reply to Application Relating to Child, the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting Custody. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00 am to 2:30 pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated this 14th day of August, 2026
LEGAL LEGALNOTICE NOTICE 2025/334-FD-APN-DEM OURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICAT1URE - FAMILY , DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION, FAMILY DIVISION BETWEEN: (PATON) JOY ANN Applicant -and(THOMAS) JAMES Respondent TO: JAMES THOMAS Last Known Address Lot 12 Herstelling West, East Bank Demerara, Guyana. TAKE NOTICE that on the 3rd day of December, 2025 an Application Relating to Children was filed against you by JOY ANN PATON, the Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorneyat-Law at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Application together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to defend this Application Relating to child(ren), then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Application, you must file Form 10: a Reply to Application Relating to Child, a Statement of Arrangements for Child (Forms are available at the Registry) via the online portal, https:// ejudiciary.supremecourt.gy within 35 (thirty-five) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. Your access code is yZK2pd. TAKE NOTICE that this Application is scheduled for Directions Hearing on Monday the 26th day of
LEGAL LEGALNOTICE NOTICE IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE OF GUYANA JURISDICTION: FAMILY COURT CASE NUMBER: 2025/284F D - P E T - B E R PARTY’S NAME: PAULA ANN CLEMENTS nee TOUSSAINT PARTY TYPE: PETITIONER And PARTY’S NAME: LENROY CLEMENTS PARTY TYPE: ESPONDENT BEFORE THE HONOURABLE MADAM JUSTICE NICOLA PIERRE DATED THIS: 15TH DAY OF MAY, 2026 ENTERED ON: DAY OF MAY, 2026 Lp’s Name: Mr. Kevin Morgan, Attorney-at-law for the Petitioner ORDER This Urgent and Without Notice Application by Paula Ann Clements nee Toussaint, the Petitioner filed herein on the 15th day of May, 2026 for substituted service was heard on May 15th, 2026 at the High Court New Amsterdam AND UPON READING the Form 11: Urgent and Without Notice of Application and the Affidavit in Support thereof, AND UPON HEARING the Attorney-at-Law for the Applicant: THIS COURT ORDERS & DIRECTS: 1. That the personal service on the Respondent of the Form 1: Petition for Divorce and Other Matrimonial Causes with Affidavit in
Saturday September 12, 2026 Support, Form 3 Notice of Proceedings, Form 4: Acknowledgement of Service, Form 63A Notice of Appointment of Attorney at Law, Honourable Court’s Authorization Code, is dispensed with. 2. That the Petitioner is granted leave to effect service of sealed and certified copies of the Form 1: Petition for Divorce and Other Matrimonial Causes with Affidavit in Support, Form 3: Notice of Proceedings, Form 4 Acknowledgement of Service, Form 63A: Notice of Appointment of Attorney at Law, Honourable Court’s Authorization Code, and a certified copy of this Order of Court by publication of a Notice of proceedings in 2 consecutive Saturday issues of a newspaper of general circulation in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. 3. That proof of service shall be sufficient if made by an Affidavit of Service, sworn to by the Petitioner’s Attorney at Law attaching the publications. 4. That the Respondent is given leave to serve and file a Form 4: Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to defend, an Answer and/or Cross Petition herein within fifty (50) days of service. 5. That the Hearing of the Petition is fixed on Wednesday the 8th day of July, 2026 before the Honourable JUSTICE NICOLA PIERRE at 11:00 a.m. via Zoom. Zoom ID: 398 244 2073 and Passcode: court4. BY THE COURT ....................................................... FOR REGISTRAR/ DEPUTY REGISTRAR CERTIFIED ATRUE COPY ASSISTANT SWORN CLERK SUPREME COURT REGISTRY IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE OF GUYANA JURISDICTION: FAMILY COURT CASE NUMBER: 2025/284F D - P E T - B E R PARTY’S NAME: PAULA ANN CLEMENTS nee TOUSSAINT PARTY TYPE: PETITIONER And PARTY’S NAME: LENROY CLEMENTS PARTY TYPE:
RESPONDENT NOTICE TO: LENROY RESTER C L E M E N T S Last Known Address: Lot 67 Amsville Housing Scheme, S t a n l e y t o w n , Berbice. TAKE NOTICE that on the 15th day of May, 2026, a Petition for Divorce and other Matrimonial causes with Affidavit in Support was filed against you by, PAULA ANN CLEMENTS nee TOUSSAINT, the Petitioner, in the Family Division of the High Court in New Amsterdam, Berbice. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on 15th day of May, 2026 the Petitioner was directed to effect service of his Petition together with related documents on you by the publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday editions of a daily printed newspaper, of general circulation in Guyana. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorneyat-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at New Amsterdam, Berbice, where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certificated copy of the Petition, you must file a Form 4 Acknowledgment of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry) Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at New Amsterdam, Berbice within 50 (fifty) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the Hearing of the Petition is fixed on Wednesday the 8th day of July, 2026 before the Honourable JUSTICE NICOLA PIERRE at 11:00 am. via Zoom. Zoom ID: 398 244 2073 and Passcode: court4. BY THE COURT
For REGISTRAR/DEPUTY REGISTRAR
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Brazil election challenger Bolsonaro under investigation over alleged corruption in Banco Master case
Brazilian presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro of the Liberal Party (PL) greets supporters during a rally in the city where his father Jair Bolsonaro was stabbed during his 2018 presidential campaign, in Juiz de Fora, Brazil, September 9, 2026. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares (Reuters) - Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the leading right-wing challenger to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in next month’s election, is under investigation for alleged corruption and money laundering tied to failed lender Banco Master, according to court documents unsealed on Friday. The probe into the senator, the eldest son of former right-wing Jair Bolsonaro, was opened in July by Supreme Court Justice Andre Mendonca, a Bolsonaro appointee who has recently been hailed as a hero by many on Brazil’s right, including Flavio Bolsonaro himself. The development could further shake an already volatile presidential race, with multiple opinion polls showing Flavio Bolsonaro and Lula statistically tied in a simulated second-round runoff. The judge opened the probe at the request of federal police as part of a broader investigation into the failed bank. But details of the investigation only became public after Chief Justice Edson Fachin ordered the proceedings related to the Banco Master case unsealed late on Thursday. “Investigate everything and everyone with transparency; show it to the press, show it to the people. Let’s see who is right,” Senator Bolsonaro said during a campaign event on Friday. Further details and the broader implications of the newly unsealed documents were not immediately ‘clear, as parts of the case, including
details of the investigation into Senator Bolsonaro, remained under secrecy as police actively investigate. Brazil’s institutions have been shaken by the fallout from the expanding probe into alleged ties between disgraced banker Daniel Vorcaro, the owner of Banco Master, and central bank officials, senior government members, opposition politicians and Supreme Court justices. PROBE STEMS FROM FILM FINANCING The investigation into Flavio Bolsonaro stems from questions over an investment he allegedly solicited from Vorcaro, owner of Banco Master, to help finance “Dark Horse,” a film about his father that stars U.S. actor Jim Caviezel. Questions about the film’s financing emerged in May, prompting the senator to acknowledge seeking financial backing from Vorcaro, while denying wrongdoing. The disclosures cost him support in opinion polls at the time. The unsealed documents show the federal police then requested an investigation, authorized by Justice Mendonca, to examine whether Senator Bolsonaro committed money laundering, illicit foreign exchange and corruption. The fresh revelations will again cast a shadow over Bolsonaro’s campaign, but now the candidate will have less time to recover, said Marco Antonio Teixeira, a political scientist at Fundacao Getulio Vargas, in Sao Paulo. “Polling has shown there is a segment of voters that fluctuates depending on
events that is small, but decides the outcome of the election,” he said. The unsealed police report confirms much of a report by news website Intercept Brasil from May that first detailed communications between the senator and Vorcaro until the ‘banker ’s first arrest in November 2025. “Brother, I am and always will be with you,” Bolsonaro told the disgraced banker in an audio message at the time, according to the report. Police said data extracted from Vorcaro’s cellphone showed he transferred about $12 million in 2025 to a U.S.based fund linked to former lawmaker Eduardo Bolsonaro, the senator ’s brother, who now lives in Texas and is his campaign adviser, as part of efforts to finance the film. One screenshot included in the documents suggests Eduardo Bolsonaro advised Vorcaro’s team on the management of the funds in the United States. Flavio and Eduardo Bolsonaro denied on Friday any wrongdoing. Eduardo Bolsonaro told Reuters on Friday that the transfers to a U.S.-based fund were intended to prevent interference from Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who convicted his father over ‘a coup plot and later oversaw a separate case that resulted in Eduardo Bolsonaro’s own conviction. “They want to frame this as bribe money, which it isn’t,” said the candidate’s brother. “That’s a lie.” ‘DISCLOSE EVERYTHING,’SAYS LULA The release of the new
files came as Fachin sought to resolve a public clash between justices Mendonca and Moraes that last week thrust the court into one of its most severe internal crises in decades. Mendonca made public documents from the investigation earlier this month, including dozens of messages that police say Vorcaro sent to ‘Moraes. The disclosures prompted calls for an unprecedented investigation into a sitting Supreme Court justice over allegations that Moraes acted as an adviser to the banker. Moraes, in response, accused Mendonca of abusing his authority. Senator Bolsonaro’s supporters then used the crisis to attempt to link Lula to Moraes, dragging thousands of supporters to a rally in Sao Paulo on Monday, where a giant inflatable balloon depicting Mendonca towered over crowds. Seeking to distance himself from the crisis at the court, Lula publicly ‘ supported unsealing the investigation hours before Fachin’s decision. “Whenever there is an allegation involving the judiciary or politics, it should be made public so everyone knows what is happening,” he said in an interview with SBT TV on Thursday. “Investigate everything, disclose everything, regardless of who it hurts.” On Friday, people close to Lula’s campaign and his administration told Reuters that they were cautiously celebrating the new developments, though they were unsure about how they would impact the campaign.
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Saturday September 12, 2026
Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthis seize an island in a key strait, opening a new front in the Iran war ( A P ) — Ye m e n ’ s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels captured a strategic island at the southern entrance to the Red Sea, two officials said Friday, opening a new front in the Iran war and further threatening Saudi oil exports through one of the world’s key shipping lanes. The Houthis’ biggest territorial gains in years, along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, could boost Iran’s strategy of driving up world oil and gas prices to pressure the United States. Saudi Arabia struck the airport in the nearby port city of Mokha that the Houthis seized Thursday, a Houthi broadcaster said. There were no reports of damage or deaths. The capture of Mayun, a tiny, barren volcanic island inside the strait also known as Perim, was confirmed by a senior military official with Yemen’s internationally recognised government and by a Houthi official. Both spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to talk to journalists. Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter, has increasingly relied on the Red Sea to get its crude to market as an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has been striking ships. Houthi moves to close the 28-kilometer-wide (17-mile) Bab el-Mandeb channel have made that route more complicated. Saudi officials declined a request by The
Worshippers pray at Al Shamy mosque in Sanaa, Yemen, Friday, Sept. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Osamah Abdulrahman)
Associated Press for comment on the developments. In a statement Friday, the Houthi armed forces boasted of gains along the coast without mentioning the island, Mokha or the Bab elMandeb Strait. They vowed “escalation for escalation” in the confrontation with Saudi Arabia, while declaring that “maritime navigation is safe for all companies except for Saudi vessels.” Still, markets are nervous, and experts have described the Houthis as highly unpredictable. Crude prices this week soared once again above $100 a barrel, giving Tehran more leverage in any talks. Yemen’s government shocked by slow Saudi response The Houthis have been attacking Saudi shipping on the Red Sea since declaring a
blockade in July, as well as oil infrastructure inside Saudi Arabia. The rebels said they acted in response to the k i n g d o m ’s y e a r s l o n g blockade of Houthi-held parts of Yemen. A senior military official with Yemen’s internationally recognised government told the AP they were stunned that the Saudi air force did not try to prevent the capture of Mokha, which is within 50 miles (80 kilometers) of the strait, by striking the Houthis as they advanced. He assessed that Saudi Arabia didn’t get a green light from the U.S. to embark on a large-scale air campaign. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t allowed to speak to the media, also blamed “lack of coordination” between Yemen’s army and multiple allied militias, saying it gave
the Houthis “a priceless opportunity.” Shipping through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait had fallen by about 60% since the Houthis began attacking some ships there in late 2023 and expressing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Shipping increased this year as Saudi Arabia sought alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz, but renewed Houthi threats have “curtailed” that activity, according to Lloyd’s List Intelligence. That has forced Saudi Arabia to find yet another alternative, sending its oil north out of the Red Sea to the Mediterranean, either via the Suez Canal or a pipeline through Egypt, a far longer route for its clients in Asia. The Houthis have threatened that route as well, striking a Saudi vessel in the north of the Red Sea in late August. Iran calls for a return to
Saudi-Houthi talks Earlier Friday, Iran’s government called for an end to Saudi Arabia’s blockade of Houthi-held areas in a show of support for its ally. The Iranian Foreign Ministry also called for a return to negotiations between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. In a sign of how important the Houthis have become for Tehran, the spokesperson for Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guard on Wednesday called for any negotiated settlement with the U.S. to include Yemen, the first explicit reference to that front. The call mirrored Iran’s past stance that a truce in Lebanon between its ally Hezbollah and Israel must be a part of any deal with the U.S. Saudi Arabia, which earlier this week said it had a l w a y s o ff e r e d “opportunities for negotiation,” also has said it has the right to defend itself in response to the Houthis’ blockade. The foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia spoke Thursday about diplomatic efforts to “restore stability” to the region, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on social media. The fighting risks a return to Yemen’s civil war As the Houthis swept along the Red Sea coast toward the Bab el-Mandeb channel, Yemen’s Saudibacked government called for international support. In a statement Friday
from a meeting the previous day, its National Defense Council said it was on the front line of defending freedom of navigation and condemned the Houthis’ renewed attacks on Saudi Arabia. The escalating fighting threatens to end a fragile truce that had largely halted Yemen’s civil war since 2022. At stake are the 40 million people in the Arab world’s poorest country who fear a return to the conflict that killed 150,000 and brought many others to the brink of famine. The surge in fighting in the past week has sent over 46,000 people fleeing, the U.N. migration agency said Friday. People seeking safety from the fighting are carrying few belongings, “whatever they can grab,” Abdusattor Esoev, chief of mission in Yemen for the International Organisation for Migration, said in an interview Friday. He said the number of people displaced more than doubled this week and could still rise sharply. “You see the fears in their eyes, and people are scared,” Esoev said. The Houthis have been at w a r w i t h Ye m e n ’ s government since 2014, when the rebels swept from their mountainous heartland and seized much of northern and central Yemen, and the capital of Sanaa. Saudi Arabia entered the war the following year on behalf of the government.
Delcy arrives in Suriname (CMC) – Venezuela’s acting President, Delcy Rodríguez, arrived in Suriname Friday for an official visit to the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (Caricom) country, the state-owned Suriname Communication Service (CDS) has announced. It said that Rodríguez is visiting at the invitation of President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons and that the two leaders will hold consultations on further strengthening cooperation in areas including agriculture, fisheries, hydrocarbons, connectivity, tourism, education, and capacity building. “The agreements reached during this visit will guide sustainable and results-oriented cooperation that contributes to the development, resilience, and prosperity of both countries and their communities,” CDS added. It said that the two heads of state will also exchange views on safeguarding shared interests within regional and multilateral
forums and that the visit underscores the joint commitment of Suriname and Venezuela to further deepen relations. “We are very committed to our bilateral agenda; we will sign important agreements in different areas of cooperation. I always insist that this is the path: friendship, cooperation, a relationship where both countries and both peoples can benefit,” Rodríguez told reporters on her arrival. According to the CDS, Suriname and Venezuela have maintained diplomatic relations for 50 years and that “this special anniversary offers a fitting moment to reaffirm the close ties between the two countries, further deepen existing cooperation, and open new perspectives for a future-oriented, sustainable, and mutually beneficial collaboration”. The CDS said that in addition, opportunities will be explored to further expand economic and technical cooperation for the benefit
Acting President of Venezuela Delcy Rodríguez arrives in Suriname on Friday. Photo courtesy the Facebook page of President of Suriname Jennifer Geerlings-Simons of the development and well-being of both countries and their populations. Rodríguez came to office in January after United States led a military offensive that resulted in the removal of President Nicolás
Maduro, who is in a New York jail awaiting trial on drugs and gunrelated charges. Since her appointment Rodríguez has held discussions with Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell and Barbados
Prime Minister Mia Mottley. Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Wednesday expressed her hope to meet with Rodríguez later this month on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Saturday September 12, 2026
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New digital reporting platform launched to track issues affecting public schools
T
he Ministry of Education on T h u r s d a y launched a digital reporting platform which will allow headteachers and other school officials to report issues affecting their schools. Launched under the instructions of Minister of Education, Sonia Parag, the reports, once submitted, will be automatically dispatched to the regional authorities as well as the education m i n i s t r y, w h i c h h a s designated officers to follow up on each issue, the ministry reported. “Our children deserve the best, and for that to happen, every player has to play their part,” Minister Parag said. In a video demonstrating how the platform works, Chief Education Officer (CEO), Saddam Hussain said “An app has been
Chief Education Officer, Saddam Hussain developed by the Ministry of Education under the instructions by the Honourable Minister of Education, Sonia Parag which will attempt to collect all the issues around schools and resolve them very, very quickly.” He said the reporting platform will be available to every school in the country. Headteachers and school
officials will be able to access the system using their respective school's email after which they will receive a verification code. It was explained that once in the app, users will be directed to select their region and name of school. From there, the next step will be to select the issue, provide a description of the issue and its urgency. Also, photos could be uploaded to show evidence of the complaint. After reviewing and verifying the information about their complaint then they submit. Hussain stated that “Once this issue has been submitted, it goes first, to all of your respective district education officer, concurrently it goes to your Regional Education Officer, it goes to the Regional Executive Officer, (and) it goes to the Ministry of Education, so everybody is
notified of this complaint.” The ministry he said has four officers who will be looking at these complaints and on a daily basis will check in with the regions to understand whether this issue has been resolved or not. The chief education
o ff i c e r a d d e d t h a t t h e education ministry will shortly issue a circular that will make the digital reporting system a legal requirement in the education system. “Headteachers, teachers in charge, principals, you must use this system to
report a complaint, to report an issue at your school. We cannot fix issues which we do not know about; we have to be told, so we should be able to fix those issues once we are told. This is the only channel which must be used,” the CEO said.
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UEFA urges U.S. court to deny FIFA subsidiaries’ bid to join Infantino discovery fight (Reuters) - UEFA urged a U.S. court on Thursday to reject an attempt by FIFA’s American subsidiaries to intervene in its bid to obtain evidence for a potential Swiss criminal case against FIFA President Gianni Infantino over his abandoned World Cup commercial-rights plan. In a filing in Manhattan federal court, European soccer’s governing body said FIFA (Americas) Inc and FWC2026 US Inc were improperly trying to act as stand-ins for FIFA and Infantino, neither of whom has sought to join the case. UEFA said its request under a U.S. discovery law ‘seeks documents and
testimony from Thrive Capital Management and its founder Joshua Kushner, who it says may hold information about the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise transaction. The plan, which Infantino withdrew on August 1 after a backlash from soccer bodies and other critics, envisaged selling a permanent stake in commercial and operational rights connected to the World Cup and other FIFA events to private investors. UEFA CONSIDERING CRIMINAL COMPLAINT AGAINST INFANTINO UEFA has said it is considering filing a criminal complaint in Switzerland alleging criminal mismanagement by Infantino and
potentially other FIFA officials. Infantino and FIFA have not been charged with wrongdoing. FIFA accused UEFA last week of running a “smear campaign” and characterized the discovery applications as a fishing intended `to damage FIFA and its leadership. FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and Infantino has denied doing anything wrong. In Thursday’s response, UEFA said the subsidiaries had no direct legal interest in the New York proceeding because they were not targets of the contemplated Swiss case and were not recipients of the proposed subpoenas. It said the confidentiality concerns cited by the ‘U.S. subsidiaries belonged, if to
anyone, to their Swiss parent, FIFA. UEFA also argued that Thrive and Kushner already have lawyers who can challenge any subpoenas after they are served. Thrive did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Thrive founder Kushner is ‘the brother of Jared Kushner, son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump. UEFA said granting the subsidiaries a role before the court rules would depart from the usual process for requests under Section 1782, which are commonly granted initially ‘without opposition and then tested through motions to quash. The European body argued that the subsidiaries’ intervention would create unnecessary delay by adding another round of merits briefing before UEFA could seek the records. The court has not yet ruled on either UEFA’s discovery application or the intervention motion.
Guyana’s Chess teams begin journey... Saturday September 12, 2026 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Try a little harder to put off your own big business for a while—things are going to be fine, but you need to make sure that you're not just going solo while your people are struggling. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Try to live it up a little—your routines don't have to define you! Make sure you get everything done, of course, but you need to also make sure that you're not just spinning your wheels mindlessly.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You can't help flirting with almost everyone nearby—so make sure that you're hanging out with the best people in your life! In fact, if you feel like making a more serious move, this would be a great time. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Decision-making is harder than ever today even though you probably have as much info as you can handle. If anything, though, it might be too much, so choose what to ignore and then go for it.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You need to bust out and have some fun today—things are going great, but your amazing energy means that they could be even better. See if you can get your people to shirk responsibilities for a bit.
SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) You are at the center of your social world—all your friends are looking your way and hoping you'll tell them what to do next! It's a good time for you to expand, too, so think big!
CANCER (June 21–July 22) You need to deal with big issues that are making your home life more difficult today. The good news is that your energy is perfect for domestic business. Take the day off work if you must!
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Does your resume need a little brush-up? Or, if you're happy with your current gig, could you take on more responsibilities? Today is perfect for burnishing your career credentials.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You need to hang out with others today—you're sure to hit on the right social combination, but only if you're actually surrounded by cool people. Get out there and mix it up!
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) You need to pull back a bit from the social whirl—though your social energy is perfectly fine. It's just time for you to think deeply about an issue of some importance to you. Things are sure to get better soon.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You need to avoid the impulse to spend your way out of problems today—retail therapy just doesn't work right now! You may still find that you can have a good time if you kick back with friends.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You have to slow down somewhat—that business partner (or mate, even) could be a problem if you don't hash things out right away. Life gets better, but only if you make a real effort.
From page 34 in me. I respect every move, idea and story. I respect my country for its encouragement and help, which I am always very most grateful for.” Guyana has participated in the biennial Chess Olympiad consecutively since 2014, following the revival of local chess in the mid-2000s. This year’s delegation brings together different levels of experience, including Drayton heading into his fifth Olympiad and Sam preparing for her first. Together, the 10 players will
Overseas-based Guyanese Marcus Bisram pours over... From page 32 their favourite teams as they battle for top honours in what is expected to be a thrilling and highly competitive tournament. The teams expected to participate are - Crabwood Creek Sports Club, Crabwood Creek Bomb Squad, NO 72 Cut and Load, Crabwood All Family , No 70 Sports Club, Line Path Raptors, Skeldon Community Centre Titans, Scottsburg United, No. 73 Young Warriors, No. 71 Sports Club, No. 70 MYO, No. 69 Vikings, NO 72 All Stars, No. 68 Turn Team , No. 64 Fighting Marines, No. 48 Challengers, No. 43 Scorpions, Yakusari Caribs, M o l s e n C r e e k Wo l f Warriors, Yakusari Horizon, No 72 Hong Kong, No 69 Red Rose, Grill Master Avengers, and Skeldon Jaguars.
now take that experience, their preparation and their individual ambitions to Samarkand. Once the games begin, the tournament will ultimately come down to the board in front of them. Every position will present a new challenge, every game another opportunity, and every result a contribution to the Guyanese team. For the players, the objective is clear: to compete with discipline, fight through
adversity, and represent Guyana with pride, one move at a time. The Guyana Chess Federation proudly recognizes and thanks our valued sponsors, FIDE, the International Chess Federation, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and ENet, for their unwavering support of our Olympiad Team. We are deeply grateful for your commitment to fostering excellence in Guyanese chess.
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England need 130 after thrilling Razaullah hitting Razaullah struck a few towering blows. (Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)
BBC Sport - England face a chase of 130 to win the third Test after Pakistan debutant Razaullah produced some thrilling resistance on day three at Edgbaston. Pakistan had battled to 318-8, still two
runs behind, with potentially more than two hours of play remaining when Razaullah, the tourists’ number nine, launched a sensational assault. The 21-year-old’s audacious 81 from 63 balls frazzled England and propelled Pakistan to 449. His nine sixes tied Ben Stokes’ record for the number of maximums in a Test innings in England. Razaullah shared an ninth-wicket stand of 121 with Muhammad Abbas, who whacked two sixes of his own in his 42. Finally, Razaullah was stumped off Lawrence to end the day and signal the beginning of England’s chase on Saturday. Pakistan deserved to drag the match into a weekend, restoring a modicum of pride to what has been a shambolic tour. England might have won inside two days had it not been for bad weather on Thursday. From 55-2 overnight, 268 behind, Pakistan did not capitulate on Friday. Shan Masood and Azan Awais extended their third-wicket stand to 125 until Awais tickled the off-spin of Dan Lawrence down the leg side for 59. Masood added another 89 with captain Babar Azam. The left-hander was denied a century on 95 when Lawrence took a spectacular one-handed catch at gully off Gus Atkinson. Babar was classy for his 76, yet was discomforted when England went to a short-ball plan either side of tea. His dismissal to a Josh Tongue bouncer seemed to confirm a three-day finish, but Razaullah had other ideas. Scores: Pakistan 133 and 449 (Masood 95, Razaullah 81, Babar 76, Awais 59) lead England 453 by 129 runs.
Babar Azam and Shan Masood put on another productive stand. (Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)
Rybakina books US Open final with defending champion Sabalenka NEW YORK, (Reuters) - Elena Rybakina overpowered Coco Gauff 3-6 6-4 6-4 in a fierce U.S. Open semi-final on Thursday to secure a title showdown with defending champion Aryna Sabalenka and stay on course for a third Grand crown. Sabalenka eliminated top-ranked American Jessica Pegula 7-5 6-2 to move one victory away from a third straight title at the year’s final Grand Slam, a feat last achieved by Serena Williams in New York from 2012 to 2014. Rybakina already knows she will leave Flushing Meadows as the new world number one and can deliver another body blow to the Belarusian by denying her a fifth major title. “She’s an unbelievable player, she played really well today, so I definitely need to step up my game,” said Rybakina, who beat Sabalenka in the Australian Open final in January. “I must serve better than I did `today and stay aggressive.” Gauff absorbed relentless pressure and stayed strong from the back to draw errors from the Kazakh, breaking in the sixth game and taking the first set in front of a roaring crowd that included former first lady Michelle Obama. “I felt in the first set that it was a very good start and it was one break, but of course, there are nerves,” a relieved Rybakina said after reaching her maiden U.S. Open final. “Coco’s a great player, it’s always tough to play against her ... it’s very difficult to dictate the rallies. I just took a deep breath and just had a positive talk with myself to try and show some good tennis.” RYBAKINA COOL UNDER PRESSURE Rybakina capitalised on some sloppy play by the fourth-seeded American in the second set to level the match at one set apiece and silence the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd, before ramping up the intensity in the decider. The 27-year-old gained control with her power and broke to go 5-3 in ‘the decider, before Gauff hit back with a break of her own,
South Africa post convincing win to take ODI series against Namibia (Reuters) - South African opening batsman Connor Esterhuizen scored a maiden One Day International century on Friday to help his side to another one-sided victory over in the second of their three-game series, securing a 2-0 lead with a 157-run triumph. Esterhuizen scored 119 as South Africa were put into bat and compiled 335-9 in their 50 overs before dismissing their ‘hosts for 178 at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek.
Esterhuizen and Tony de Zorzi, who made 79 runs, put on 183 runs for the second wicket to lay the foundation for their team’s success while Namibia quick Jack Brassell took 4-64. In reply, Namibia’s opening three batsmen were dismissed without scoring and they were teetering at 32-5 in ‘11th over before captain Gerhard Erasmus offered some resistance, scoring 68. But they were dismissed with 8.1 overs remaining, well short of the target.
South Africa’s opening bowlers Duan Jansen (4-31) and ‘Ethan Bosch (3-27) did the early damage. The visitors also had a comfortable victory in their first meeting on Wednesday, winning by 99 runs ‘on the DuckworthLewis-Stern method in a rain-affected clash. The two countries, who are co-hosting next year’s World Cup along ‘with Zimbabwe, will on Sunday complete the last game of their first-ever ODI series against each other.
Saturday September 12, 2026
Coco Gauff of the U.S. in action during her semi-final match against Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina. (REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz)
but the American’s comeback bid faltered when she could not hold serve and Rybakina broke to close out the win. Gauff’s defeat, coupled with that of compatriot Jessica Pegula in the earlier semifinal, means that no American woman will have played in a Grand Slam final this year, marking the first time this has happened since 2006. “I know you guys wanted Coco to win, but it was a real battle,” Rybakina told the crowd.
Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina celebrates winning her semi-final match against Coco Gauff of the U.S. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Robert Deutsch) “A few moments went my way and `in the end, I tried to stay focused and aggressive and win the match.” SABALENKA FINDS HER GROOVE Earlier on Thursday, Sabalenka took her time to find top gear but once she hit her stride there was no stopping her. Third seed Pegula had no answer to the Belarusian’s power and allowed mistakes to creep into her game in the second set. “I was `so desperate for the win, I wanted it badly,” said Sabalenka, who will play in the final for a fourth straight year. Sabalenka is bidding to join Williams and Chris Evert as the only women to win three straight U.S. Opens in the Open Era, which began in 1968. “You guys are the best, your respect for me `is priceless,” Sabalenka told a the crowd after beating Pegula. “I know you wanted her to win but thank you for being so respectful to me.” Home fans will have an all-American men’s semi-final to savour on Friday when Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe meet for a place in the title clash, after top seed Alexander Zverev takes on Russian Karen Khachanov.
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2026 Republic Bank CPL…GAW vs. TKR
Mehidy magic (4-23), headline Warriors 6-wicket cakewalk win over Knight Riders Guyana Amazon Warriors signed off their run at home with a huge bang after handing long-time rivals Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) a 6 wicket defeat last night in their final match at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence; finishing with just one loss from their five games played at Warrior Nations' fortress. It was another brilliant
spell from the newest Warrior, Mehidy Hasan Miraz backed by local star Shamar Joseph, who effectively dismantled the Trinbago Knight Riders' line-up, limiting them to a modest total of 126-8 in 20 overs. At the densely populated Warriors Fortress known as Providence, the Guyana Amazon Warriors validated their decision to bowl first by
delivering a precise and strategic spin-and-pace bowling performance that left the opposition seeking solutions. A Spin Masterclass backed by a local burst of pace, TKR had their hopes diminished by Miraz's 4-23, which came on the heels of his 3 wickets in the last game. TKR looked poised for a substantial total as overseas
Green keeps Tridents in the hunt
Chris Green and his troops celebrate a wicket during the contest. (CPL) CPL - The Barbados Tridents boosted their play-off hopes with a four wicket win over the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots at the Kensington Oval in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Chris Green’s excellent spell leading the Tridents attack allowed his team to limit the Patriots to under 120. Despite an early wobble, Quinton de Kock extended his lead at the top of the run charts with a classy 44 unbeaten to guide his team to a comfortable win. The South African’s innings only totalled four boundaries, but it was exactly what the doctor ordered. The Tridents electing to bowl first made a blistering start as with skipper Green dismissing Johnson Charles with the second ball of the match. He completed a wicket maiden first over before Daniel Sams struck again two balls later, with Kyle Mayers feathering behind to Quinton de Kock. Green added another dagger to the side of the Patriots in the third over when dangerman Andre Fletcher chopped onto his stumps. The worst possible start for the visitors who were wilting at 6 for 3. The Patriots managed to regain some control but ended the PowerPlay a worrying 21 for 3. The Tridents continued to tie down the attempted Patriots recovery with Gudakesh Motie getting in on the action. He removed Patriots skipper Jason Holder after Holder had chipped in with a handy 24. Wanindu Hasaranga had been one the heroes of a fantastic run chase in the reverse fixture and provided the Patriots with crucial runs here as he made 45 in 25 deliveries before he was brilliantly run out by Sherfane Rutherford. The visitors did well to rally to 118 with the final wicket coming on the last ball. But the Tridents bowlers were excellent and sent the Bridgetown crowd to the concourse very happy at the innings break.
Chris Green led from the front, finishing with figures of 4 for 20. Sams and Gudakesh Motie also picked up two each, with contributions from the likes of Jakeem Pollard and Shadrack Descarte. After finishing their innings strongly, the Patriots bowlers came out fired up and almost perfectly replicated their opponents first few overs. Jason Holder took the bull by the horns and dismissed Brandon King and Rivaldo Clarke in the first over. Holder struck again shortly after with Zachary Carter departing after an excellent high catch from Hasaranga. The Tridents had been rocked but with their steady veteran wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock at the crease, you still felt they had control. The PowerPlay yielded 38 runs for the loss of 3. Despite the promising start, de Kock began to bed in, showing his poise and incredible temperament, the kind that only comes with his level of experience and quality. The leading run scorer in the tournament so far, he guided the innings at his own pace and never looked flustered. He orchestrated a partnership of 38 firstly with Shadrack Descarte and 39 with Sherfane Rutherford to put the Tridents within touching distance of the Patriots low score. There was still time for a spectacular reaction catch from Kyle Mayers to get rid of Chris Green. But Daniel Sams finished the job with a Republic Bank Maximum. The loss will eliminate the Patriots from play-off contention but boosts the Tridents right into the mix with two more games of their home leg to play. Scores: Barbados Tridents 120 for 6 (De Kock 44*, Holder 3-31, Naseem 2-11) beat St Kitts and Nevis Patriots 118 (Hasaranga 45, Green 4-20, Sams 2-21, Motie 2-30) by four wickets.
openers Alex Hales (22) and Colin Munro (26) began aggressively, capitalizing on early pace vulnerabilities. H o w e v e r, t h e momentum shifted dramatically when Mehidy entered the attack, as the Bangladeshi off-spinner immediately made an impact, dismissing the threatening Munro with his fourth ball. On the subsequent delivery, Miraz delivered a devastating blow by cleanbowling Nicholas Pooran (0) for a golden duck, before feasting further on the middle-order. Joseph provided the fastbowling reinforcement, with Miraz controlling the game through spin. The lively Joseph contributed with discipline and aggression, while maintaining high levels of accuracy and intent, ensuring TKR's difficulty during the crucial death overs, as he pulled in 2-27 from his 4 overs.
Shamar Joseph and Mehidy Hasan Miraz combined for 6 TKR wickets Apart from a steady 35 off 37 from Justin Greaves, no TKR batsman successfully anchored the innings against the disciplined bowling attack of the home team. The Warriors' South African pair of Imran Tahir (1-21) and Dwaine Pretorius (1-24) lent ideal support to their frontline wicket-takers to help cap off another good bowling exhibition. Warriors then sped to their target, ending on 127-4
thanks to the coolest character in the team Shai Hope (42*), who saw the boys home for another game. Meanwhile, knocks from Shimron Hetmyer (28) with 3 sixes, opener Mavendra Dindyal (19) and Quentin Sampson (12*) helped Guyana clear. TKR's spin trio of Akeal Hosein (1-19), Usman Tariq (1-31) and Sunil Narine (113) toiled in their fight to defend their team's low total. (Clifton Ross)
Eleven years old Hemesh Latif benefits from project “Cricket gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana” Randy Latif, an eleven years old spinner, who is in first form at Annandale Secondary School, is the latest to benefit from this noble joint initiative between Anil Beharry of Guyana and Kishan Das of the USA. The left hander recently participated the Demerara Cricket Board inter association under13 cricket tournament, that was used to select the Demerara team that participated in the recently concluded inter county championship, which Berbice won. He was the recipient of one pair of DSC cricket shoes. At a simple presentation held recently, young Latif, in the presence of national youth coach, Latchman Yadram, expressed gratitude for the timely assistance. This project is pleased to be part of the development process of this youngster. Over the years, many Guyanese cricketers benefitted from this project, some of whom went on to represent West Indies at different levels. This project will continue to improve the lives
Left is Latif and his coach Yadram on the right. of youths in every community. We are pleased to be part of the development of young cricketers in Guyana. Our aim is to keep them off the streets and get them actively involved in sports, cricket in particular. Cricket related items, used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important
characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist to identify same. Progressive and well managed cricket clubs with a youth programme, will also benefit. Distribution will continue. Anyone interested to contribute can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.
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Saturday September 12, 2026
Prime Minister’s Softball Cup launched The 2026 Prime Minister’s Softball Cup was officially launched on Thursday at the Gandhi Youth Organization g r o u n d , Wo o l f o r d Av e n u e , Georgetown. The Honourable Prime Minister of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips, was the main speaker. He is also the patron for this the 9th edition of this three-day softball extravaganza which is being run under the auspices of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. (GSCL) in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister. Phillips expressed optimism of another successful tournament. He said softball has grown tremendously over the past years and what the League has done is a testament to hard-work and good organizational skills. Phillips also took the opportunity to thank the sponsors and wished the participating teams well. Again, the male segment will be played in three categories: Legends (Over-50), Masters (Over-40) and All-Stars (Open), along with the Ladies category. The male division will be of 20 overs duration, while the females
...action bowls off October 2
Officials and attendees at the launching of the GSCL PM Cup. will compete over 15 overs. The tournament will see over $6,000,000 pool prize with the championship team in each male division set to collect $800,000 and the runners-up taking home $200,000. Trophies will be given to the two finalists compliments of Trophy Stall of Bourda Market.
The ladies 2026 victorious team will pocket $200,000 with the runners-up collecting $80,000. All championship fixtures are slated for Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, Georgetown on Sunday, October 4th. President of the League, Ian John, extended his appreciation to Prime Minister Phillips for
attending the ceremony and praised him for his commitment of being the patron. In 2025, the Prime Minister’s Softball Cup was temporarily replaced by the Unification Cup, but Phillips did say he was delighted to have the country’s biggest softball tournament being played in his honour once more.
Vice-President of the League John Ramsingh echoed similar sentiments of Ian John and told the gathering that this tournament is highly anticipated to be competitive. Top softball teams across Guyana are expected to feature, while two visiting sides from New York will also be on show.
Teams and officials strike a pose with multi-million dollars sponsor Marcus Bisram.
Overseas-based Guyanese Marcus Bisram pours over US$50,000 into T20 Cricket Competition for Upper Corentyne - Winning team to walk away with over $1M and trophy By Samuel Whyte Cricket teams on the Upper Corentyne will once again have an opportunity to compete for millions of dollars. This time overseas based Guyanese Entrepreneur and Philanthropist Marcus Bisram through his foundation the Marcus Bisram Foundation is the sponsor. He has reportedly doled out over $11,000,000 in sponsorship for a T20 Cricket Competition for teams in the Upper Corentyne Black Bush areas. This is now deemed as the biggest cricket competition in terms of sponsorship in Guyana.
Bisram, who hails from the Upper Corentyne area, has over the years been making significant financial contributions to various activities throughout Guyana. Bisram, for this activity, is collaborating with The Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA). The tournament, which will be played on a round robin basis, will feature 22 teams. The winning team will walk away with over 1M in cash, trophies and other incentives. The runner-up team will receive $500,000, while the teams finishing third and fourth will also receive
significant cash and other rewards. Other lucrative incentives will be presented to outstanding individual players. The sponsor will also take care of a number of other expenses including balls. Live streaming will be done by the ever reliable Pixel Perfect Production Group. The competition is scheduled to commence on September 27, 2026, and will continue throughout the remainder of the year. According to Bisram, who is mostly based in the USA, he established the Foundation in an effort to assist and give back to
society. He is more than happy to be helping those from the area that he hails from. Stating that sport involves a number of persons and especially cricket which is the most popular sport in Guyana and involves a large number of persons. The tournament is also being used to help promote the development of the game in the area. It will be played using the round robin format in an effort to have teams play more matches. Cricket enthusiasts are encouraged to come out and support Continued on page 25
Set to pouring over $11,000,000 in sponsorship overseas based Guyanese Marcus Bisram.
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Stewart ready for war tonight as former Venezuelan Champion stands in his way
…CBO Pro-Am boxing card takes centre stage at CASH
Jamal Eastman (right), will face Suriname’s Edino Gijsbrrg. By Rawle Toney Laured “The Lion” Stewart will be hunting another stoppage when he steps between the ropes tonight, but this time the prey comes with considerably more experience, championship pedigree and knockout power. Stewart headlines the Caribbean Boxing Organisation’s (CBO) second professionalamateur boxing card at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, where the Guyanese cruiserweight prospect will collide with former Ve n e z u e l a n c r u i s e r w e i g h t champion Williams Ocando in a main event expected to provide a stern examination of his credentials. The 10-fight programme at Guyana’s premier indoor sporting venue, will see Stewart entering the main event with a professional record of 5-1, including four victories inside the distance. His most recent appearance ended
emphatically, when he stopped Mexico’s Carlos Gonzalez by second-round technical knockout. More than a year has elapsed since that victory, but Stewart insists inactivity will not leave him vulnerable to ring rust. The Guyanese has maintained his physical conditioning through his work with the United States Army while continuing to prepare for his return, and he believes tonight’s showdown is precisely the type of challenge required to take the next step in his professional development. Standing opposite him will be a considerably more seasoned campaigner. Ocando has fought 43 times as a professional, compiling 25 victories, with an eye-catching 21 coming by way of knockout. He has also suffered 17 defeats and recorded one draw. His experience and punching p o w e r m a k e h i m a rg u a b l y
S t e w a r t ’s m o s t f o r m i d a b l e opponent to date, and the Venezuelan’s former championship status adds further intrigue to a bout with significant implications for Stewart’s progression up the cruiserweight ranks. But Stewart has made it clear, that he is not looking to merely add another win to his record. He wants another knockout. While the main event carries serious competitive implications, the card also promises a heavy dose of entertainment, particularly when social-media personalities Terrence “Tiger” Greene and Bradley “Doggy” Sampson enter the ring for the much-anticipated celebrity bout. The verbal exchanges between the two have already generated considerable attention, with their rivalry playing out prominently on social media in the build-up to fight night. Greene has vowed to unleash his alter ego, the “Punisher,” once the opening bell rings. He boldly predicted that he could end the contest inside the opening minute, although he suggested he would rather prolong the punishment after taking exception to the words exchanged before fight night. Whether the “Tiger” can turn his social-media bravado into effective punching remains to be seen. Meanwhile, the supporting programme features a blend of unbeaten prospects, emerging fighters and experienced campaigners. The action begins with Jamaica’s Daniel Hylton, unbeaten at 2-0, facing Guyana’s Septon Barton (0-1) in a four-round contest at 135 pounds. Guyana’s Mitchell Wielson, also unbeaten at 2-0, will face Grenada’s Rickenson Henry at 165 pounds, while another undefeated Guyanese, Kevin Isaacs (3-0), tackles Trinidad and Tobago’s Shakir Garcia (1-1) at 126 pounds. At 160 pounds, Barbados’ Tyres
Laured “The Lion” Stewart tipped the scale at 199.8lbs ahead of his bout tonight.
“The Tiger,” Terrence Greene will face Bradley “Doggy” Sampson in the Celebrity match. Tate (0-1) will square off against Grenada’s Chivarro Blackson, who will be making his professional debut. Guyana’s Joel Williamson (2-0) will put his unbeaten record on the line against Jamaica’s Toriano Nicholas (1-5) in a 140-pound contest, while Jamal Eastman (1-0) meets Grenada’s Edinio Gijsberg (0-0) in another four-round bout at the same weight. The seventh bout on the card brings considerably more professional experience and
heavier firepower, with Guyana’s Joel McRae set to face Jamaica’s James Moore in a six-round heavyweight encounter at 190 pounds. McRae boasts a 13-3 record, while Moore enters with 10 victories and five defeats, setting the stage for one of the more s eas oned matchups on the programme. The night will also feature an all-Guyanese six-round battle at 168 pounds, with Imran Khan (2-3) facing Charwin Estwick (2-2).
FIFA gives ex-Maldives FA chief lifetime ban for misusing COVID funds (Reuters) - Former Football Association of Maldives (FAM) President Bassam Adeel Jaleel has been banned for life from football-related activities for misusing COVID-19 relief funds for his personal benefit, world soccer’s governing body FIFA said Friday. Jaleel had previously been provisionally suspended amid an investigation into allegations of money laundering, embezzlement and corruption. FIFA has also ordered Jaleel to pay a fine of one million Swiss francs ($1.23 million).
Jaleel could not be reached for comment. Local media reported Jaleel is serving prison sentences ‘totalling 32 years for depositing FIFA funds into his own account and using funds from FIFA’s COVID-19 Relief Plan to purchase an apartment. Maldives news outlet Sun Online said he had been transferred to house arrest on the medical board’s recommendation last month. He was previously transferred to house arrest in March but returned to prison after a public backlash.
FIFA said the FAM’s former director of finance and administration, Mohamed Ageel, had also been banned for 10 . Ageel ‘has been ordered to pay a fine of 100,000 Swiss francs for “facilitating and concealing misuse of FIFA funds, using falsified documentation and failing to cooperate with FIFA’s independent Ethics Committee,” FIFA added. FIFA also announced a lifetime ban for former president of the ‘Montserrat Football Association (MFA), Vincent Cassell, and a fine of one million Swiss francs for “abuse of
position, systemic conflicts of interest, misuse of FIFA and MFA funds and conduct ‘affecting the physical and mental integrity of MFA staff members.” The MFA’s former General Secretary Tandica Hughes was banned for 15 years and fined 150,000 Swiss ‘francs for “personally benefiting from and facilitating improper transactions involving FIFA and MFA resources,” FIFA said. Reuters has contacted both the Maldives and Montserrat FAs for comment. ($1 = 0.8144 Swiss francs)
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Saturday September 12, 2026
Guyana’s Chess teams begin journey to Samarkand for 2026 Olympiad Ten Guyanese chess players will leave the country this weekend for Samarkand, Uzbekistan, carrying the Golden Arrowhead into one of the biggest events on the international chess calendar. Five males and five females will represent Guyana at the 46th Chess Olympiad, joining teams from around the world for the biennial competition, which runs from September 15 to 27. For the Guyanese delegation, however, the journey is about more than simply taking their seats at the board. Ahead of their departure, the players spoke about the qualities they believe will carry them through the tournament, from resilience and determination to perseverance, respect, consistency, and a strong sense of responsibility to their country. The Open team consists of FM Anthony Drayton, CM Taffin Khan, CM Sachin Pitamber, Keron Sandiford and Kyle Couchman, while t h e Wo m e n ’s t e a m comprises WCM Jessica Callender, WCM Aditi Joshi, WCM Sasha Shariff, Kataleya Sam and Ciel Clement. For FM Drayton, who is preparing for his fifth Chess Olympiad, representing
Guyana Chess Olympaid Teams Guyana carries a responsibility that extends beyond his individual performance. “I bring a strong sense of responsibility to the board, the understanding that every time I represent Guyana, I am playing for something greater than myself. As I prepare for my fifth Chess Olympiad, I intend to compete with discipline, resilience and the same commitment I bring to developing the next
generation of Guyanese chess players.” CM Khan sees the Olympiad as a test of endurance, particularly when games and difficult positions begin to take their toll. “The primary value I am bringing to the board in Samarkand, Uzbekistan is unyielding resilience. Chess at the Olympiad is a battle of endurance, so no matter how tough the position, I will fight for every move to
honour the Golden Arrowhead.” For CM Pitamber, the tournament is an opportunity to test himself at the highest level while refusing to allow adversity to determine the outcome. “One of my personal values that carries me through tournaments is determination. In Samarkand, Uzbekistan, I have no other intention than to relentlessly pursue the goal of proving my ability to
USA-based Guyanese Reverend Albert James donates cricket gear to Leguan Warriors Cricket Club USA-based Guyanese, former Assistant Regional Executive Officer, Reverend Albert James, recently donated a quantity of cricket gear to Leguan Warriors Cricket Club. The presentation was made by two of his daughters, Shivanie and Kamla Kalamazad, on their recent visit to the Essequibo River Island. James, who was born in Wakenaam Island and later moved to Leguan, served as the Assistant Regional Executive Officer for Region #3 before his migration to North America. He was also an active member for the ruling PPP/C party. James also played cricket for Good Success Sports Club in Wakenaam and attended the University of Guyana before pursuing studies at University of the West Indies in Jamaica and subsequently in Scotland, UK. Shivanie said her father had wanted to give back to the community and because of his profound love for the sports, he felt compelled to donate the cricket equipment. The Leguan Warriors CC expressed their appreciation to James and his family for the contribution. Meanwhile, James is currently hospitalized in New York and the club took the opportunity to wish him a speedy recovery.
Shivanie Kalamazad (C), Sharon Stephen and a member of Leguan Warriors Cricket Club, display they equipment.
represent Guyana at the highest level possible. Through adversity, I won’t kneel at the hands of defeat.” Sandiford said perseverance will be important regardless of how the tournament develops. “The quality that I’ll bring to the Olympiad in Uzbekistan is perseverance as no matter what happens, I will keep doing the best I can to ensure a positive result for my country.” Couchman, meanwhile, will focus on consistency as he takes on the demands of the international stage. “One quality I am bringing to the board during the 2026 Chess Olympiad is consistency. I want to give my best effort in every game, stay focused under pressure, and represent Guyana with determination and honour.” The Women’s team will also feature one of the youngest players in the Guyanese delegation. At 13 years old, Kataleya Sam will enter her first Chess O l y m p i a d w i t h determination and an awareness of the strength of the competition ahead. “At 13 years of age, having entered my first Chess Olympiad, I am filled with determination, yet fully recognizing that each team is there to win. The value I take into these games will be to use every ounce of courage and skill I have gained throughout my training to defeat my opponents. I am not easily intimidated
despite my small stature, and I am willing to go all the way even if I face off with a grandmaster.” WCM Shariff said she intends to combine competitive ambition with integrity and sportsmanship. “I’m committed to bringing my absolute best effort and a strong sense of integrity to the board, aiming to represent Guyana with honour in every match. My focus will be on playing with true sportsmanship and dedication, striving for excellence to make our nation proud.” WCM Callender, drawing on her experience at international events, said she knows that the tournament will not always go according to plan. Her response, she said, will be to keep fighting. “I believe my tenacity is the most important attribute I bring to my team. I have an extensive history of participating in International Events, which has taught me that, regardless of any circumstances or how the tournament is going for our team, the game always continues. Therefore, I intend on using my tenacity to bring my best efforts to every round in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.” WCM Joshi also identified resilience as central to her approach, with the aim of turning the skills she has developed through training into performances for her team. “I’m bringing resilience. It is my goal to make sure the skills and talents I’ve been trying to develop in this sport will be used to the best of my ability in order to keep the flag flying high through wins for my team.” F o r C l e m e n t , representing Guyana is closely tied to respect, not only for her opponents and the rules, but also for the game and the preparation that brought her to the Olympiad. “One quality or personal value I intend to express at the board is respect. Not only for my opponent and not only for the rules of the event but for myself and the game. I respect the work I put in for the few months that were leading up to the moment, and I respect what the game of chess brings out in individuals worldwide and Continued on page 25
Kaieteur News
Saturday September 12, 2026
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Four sides chase first Elite League points tonight
Camptown FC will be looking to bounce back in their second match in the Elite League. By Rawle Toney Four teams still searching for their first points of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League season will take centre stage tonight when action continues with an intriguing double-header at the National Training Centre, Providence. With all four sides having suffered defeats in their respective outings so far, tonight’s fixtures
carry added significance as Fruta Conquerors face Ann’s Grove United from 6:30 pm, before league newcomers Camptown FC lock horns with the experienced Western Tigers. With three valuable points on the line in each encounter, at least two of the four clubs will have an opportunity to finally get their campaign moving in Guyana’s toptier football competition.
The opening clash between Fruta Conquerors and Ann’s Grove promises to be a particularly important contest for both sides. It will be Fruta Conquerors’ third outing of the season, and the Tucville-based side will be desperate to reverse their early fortunes after suffering consecutive 2-1 defeats against Den Amstel and Guyana Police Force FC.
Despite showing enough competitiveness to remain in both contests, Conquerors have yet to convert their performances into points and will be targeting a more clinical display in front of goal. A n n ’s G r o v e U n i t e d , meanwhile, will enter the contest looking to respond after opening their season with a 2-1 defeat to Santos. The East Coast Demerara side showed enough in that encounter to suggest they can be competitive, but tonight presents another opportunity to turn promise into points. The nightcap will see Camptown FC attempting to bounce back from a difficult introduction to life in the Elite League when they face a Western Tigers side with plenty of experience at this level. Camptown entered the League with momentum after being crowned Georgetown Football Association champions and following that success by winning the GFF Play-Off tournament. However, their first outing in the country’s premier league served as a sharp reminder of the demands of top-flight football, as the newcomers were swept aside 4-0 by defending champions Slingerz FC. They will now be eager to show that the opening-day result was merely a difficult first step in their
Yohance Francis will look to find the goal again for Ann’s Grove. transition to the Elite League. Western Tigers will also have plenty to prove after falling 1-0 to Guyana Defence Force FC in their opening match. In a competitive, back-andforth encounter, the Tigers appeared set to secure a point before Colin Nelson converted a 90th-minute penalty to hand the former champions victory and leave Western Tigers emptyhanded. Tonight, however, presents a fresh opportunity.
Elite League Classic: One Kick. Three Points. 93 Minutes of Drama
Fans pay rapt attention to the onfield action during the latest salvo of the GFF Elite League action. (GFF) For more than 90 minutes, the National Training Centre was locked in a battle between two of Guyana’s proven football forces. Guyana Defence Force FC, former back-to-back Elite League champions, faced a Western Tigers side that knows something about conquering giants, having defeated powerhouse Slingerz FC to lift the Super 16 Cup earlier this year. From the opening whistle, neither side blinked.
Four yellow cards for GDF. Three for Western Tigers. Tackles flew, attacks were repelled and every inch of the pitch had to be earned. The intensity reached another level when GDF goalkeeper Emmanuel Lewis raced outside his penalty area to halt a dangerous Western Tigers attack, receiving a red card as the threat demanded a split-second decision. Still, the scoreboard refused to move. 0-0. Then came the 93rd
minute. GDF’s Stephen McDonald found himself in a dangerous scoring position before Western Tigers’ Mark Jhalu brought the attack to an abrupt end and was shown a yellow card. After an entire night of resistance, GDF had one final opportunity. Up stepped captain Colin Nelson. A national player. A veteran of the big stage. And, in that moment, the man entrusted with
A keen tussle for ball possession between Guyana Defence Force FC and Western Tigers FC. (GFF) deciding the night. Calm. Composed. Unshaken. In classical Colin Nelson style, he struck with precision, driving the ball into the lower-left corner. For a split second, there was anticipation. Then eruption. The GDF bench came alive. Supporters roared. Ninety-three minutes of tension had been broken by one swing of the boot. Moments later, the final whistle confirmed a dramatic 1–0 victory and three hard-earned points for GDF.
Western Tigers walked away without the points, but with their reputation for fight firmly intact. GDF once again showed the mentality that has made them champions. Seven yellow cards. One red card. Ninety-three minutes of battle. One decisive kick. This is the GFF Elite League, where champions collide, reputations are tested, and one moment can turn a football match into a memory.
2026 Republic Bank CPL…GAW vs. TKR
Mehidy magic (4-23), headline Warriors 6-wicket cakewalk win over Knight Riders
Mehidy Hasan Miraz had another magical game with the ball
The Warriors celebrating another TKR wicket last night at Providence
Guyana’s Chess teams begin journey s t r o to Samarkand for 2026 Olympiad Sp
Guyana Chess Olympaid Teams from left; Ciel Clement, WCM Jessica Callender, WCM Sasha Shariff, Kataleya Sam, WCM Aditi Joshi, CM Sachin Pitamber, Keron Sandiford, FM Anthony Drayton, Kyle Couchman, CM Taffin Khan.
Stewart ready for war tonight as former Venezuelan Champion stands in his way …CBO Pro-Am boxing card takes centre stage at CASH Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.