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‘Rule of law under threat’ ...OAS chief tells states after U.S. attacks on Venezuela and seizure of Maduro

January 07, 2026 - Vol. 21 No. 01

Online readership

yesterday, 40,742

‘We're going to keep the oil’ - Trump says after ousting Maduro A soldier stands near the military vehicles at the border between Venezuela and Colombia in Cucuta, after the U.S. struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, January 5, 2026. REUTERS/Luisa Gonzalez

Pres. Ali backs Trump President Irfaan Ali

President Donald Trump

...reaffirms Guyana's support to eradicating transnational crime Shania Benjamin

Ex-girlfriend charged with murder of Linden man

Mohameds take extradition fight to Full Court …first witness takes stand as committal hearing continues in Magistrate's Court

Rodrigues admits owning U.S. property, company …but denies cash purchase, corruption claims 3

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Rodrigues admits owning U.S. property, company …but denies cash purchase, corruption claims ...says all declarations made to Integrity Commission Amid mounting calls for her resignation over corruption allegations and a day after fresh reports surfaced of her purchase of a $116M property in the United States, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues have admitted to the acquisition of the property through a loan. The presumptive Opposition Leader who heads the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, Azruddin Mohamed on Sunday evening revealed a paper trail, linking the former Housing Minister to the purchase of the Florida property, which he claimed was purchased in cash. Mohamed therefore raised questions regarding the minister’s access to such funds on a public servant’s salary. He also questioned

how such a large cash transfer, cross-borders was made without being flagged by relevant authorities. Although documents suggest that the Florida property owned by Minister Rodrigues was purchased cash, she disputed this accusation. “Azruddin Mohamed stated that I purchased this property in full on March 11, 2024. This property was in fact purchased with a mortgage from a US Financial Institution, AD Mortgage,” the embattled minister wrote on her social media timeline on Tuesday morning. She explained that the property, located at 8601 NW 46th Court, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33351 is rented to service the mortgage. Further, she pointed out that this could be verified

through public records in the State of Florida. Rodrigues added, “As evidence, I have attached my annual tax and interest statement for 2024 showing the date and value of the mortgage.” While Mohamed hinted that she may be the owner of three properties in the U.S, the minister pointed out that 3037 SW 179th Ave., Miramar, FL is the home address of the Realtor, who permitted her temporarily to use the address as her mailing address. Meanwhile, she said, “Address two: 3550 SW 124th Ave., Miramar, FL, is the property of Guyana’s Honorary Consul to Florida. Both of these can be independently verified since they form part of the public record. The third address, 8601 NW

Minister Susan Rodrigues and her spouse, Denisha Bobb 46th Ct. Lauderhill, FL is that of a property owned by a company of which I have shares.” It was Azruddin Mohamed who first revealed that she owns Revelle Investments LLC, created on January 16, 2024. In addressing concerns of how her salary was able to finance the assets she owned locally and overseas, the minister explained, “Azruddin Mohamed has repeatedly and wrongly equated my assets to my public service salary. This is an unfair and asinine comparison that completely disregards how a person leverages equity to access loans from the banking system. In addition to my public service salary, I receive rental income from other properties and proceeds from our family businesses.” Rodrigues reiterated that all her assets, locally and abroad have been declared to the Integrity Commission and can be accounted for. With regard to the source of funds for the two plots of land at Lots 1242 and 1243 Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara, owned by Rodrigues, the minister noted that she acquired mortgages to facilitate the payment. With regard to the property at Lot 946 Herstelling, East Bank Demerara where the minister said

she currently resides, that house was acquired in 2016 by Denisha Bobb, her spouse. Rodrigues denied that she was the owner of a gas station at 224 Camp and New Market Streets in Georgetown. She pointed out, “The gas station has been owned by Shell Antilles and Guianas Limited since 1962 and never changed ownership. The transport for this property is part of the public record and can be easily verified. My partner is the operator of this establishment. We do not own any of the assets on that property.” As a minister, she explained that she is classified as a Politically Exposed Person (PEP). As such, every bank and financial institution demands that she provide proof of funds when conducting any transaction. Further, she explained that she is prohibited from making any deposits to banks without proving how she obtained the funds. Similarly, the wiring of funds cannot be facilitated without documentary proof. As such, the minister argued, “The desperate narrative being perpetuated by Azruddin Mohamed that my assets are funded by corruption and illegal activity are libelous and simply false.”

Police probe death of Brazilian miner at Middle Mazaruni

Documentation published by Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues indicating that she acquired a $116M property in Florida, USA through a mortgage.

Police in Regional Division # 7 are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Márcio Rocha, a 46-yearold Brazilian national and miner which occurred between 06:00hrs and 12:00hrs on Monday at Seemang Backdam, Middle Mazaruni. Preliminary enquiries revealed that the deceased, who reportedly suffered from a medical condition, was last seen alive at about 06:00hrs on the said date at a mining camp in the area. About

12:00hrs, his lifeless body was discovered lying in a hammock at the camp and the matter was reported to the police. The scene was visited and the body was examined; however, no marks of violence were observed. The body was escorted to the Bartica Regional Hospital where it was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor on duty. It is presently at the hospital's mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination. Investigations are ongoing.


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Wednesday January 07, 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

US to 'run' Venezuela There is trouble looming in this part of the hemisphere. The US is planning to 'run' Venezuela. When the US came up with that same endgame of trying to 'run' another country, the results have been less than positive. Over a hundred years ago, there was Haiti, which led to brutal violence against rebellious Haitians, with civilians also on the receiving end of punishing US measures. Following Haiti, there was the Dominican Republic, then Nicaragua, and after moving out of this hemisphere, there was Iraq. It must be admitted that the US has had its successes with military might, running a country (or nation building), however, leaves it with a terrible legacy. Now, there's a rerun of an old movie, with the US set to take up residence in Venezuela, and try once more to 'run' a country, one likely to be hostile. It is likely that President Trump does not have the clearest idea of what it means to run a foreign country, one that has been at loggerheads with the US from before the beginning of this millennium. Though his advisers may have been caught unawares, Trump has fixed his mind to have a presence in Venezuela. It will have to be a muscular one, a commanding one, to make a difference, for it is doubtful that all Venezuelans will happily welcome the new US contingents arriving to take charge of a country on its knees, and over 8 million of its 28.5M citizens scattered across the region and beyond. Overseas-based Venezuelans, many of them victims of Maduro oppression wanted the US to take some action to remove their abuser. The question now is how many Venezuelans inside their country look forward to a US 'run' Venezuela. There is trouble looming across Guyana's borders, which means some fallout here. In a best-case situation, it still could pose a huge amount of difficulty for Guyana. Heading the list of the wave of US arrivals in Guyana's uneasy neighbour has to be the big oil companies, of which two are in Guyana, ExxonMobil and Chevron. There are 300 billion barrels of oil, and an oil infrastructure that has deteriorated from a lack of new investment. Sanctions were that crippling, with the lifeblood of the Venezuelan economy (oil) squeezed to a trickle of its peak production. By itself, that has to be a source of deep resentment against the US. In circumstances such as those now prevailing in Venezuela, it is every man for himself, and prior relationships and loyalties falling prey to the Trumpinduced uncertainty. With Venezuela recovering, and Guyana going from strength to strength, relative to daily oil production, the US can reset the global oil picture, to its advantage. A quick digression: we feel sorry for Maria Corrina Machado, who led the opposition to Maduro despite great personal danger, only to learn now from Trump that 'she doesn't have the support of the people.' Once she was the darling of the US, post Maduro, she doesn't have what it takes. It is part of the fickleness of world powers and world leaders. Beyond oil and oil infrastructure, there is the rest of the Venezuelan economic architecture that is badly in need of quality overhaul. There is sure to be a place for the likes of Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, and Citi Group having a significant footprint in the banking sector. By some estimates, hundreds of billions in physical rehabilitation and new construction are waiting to get started. It should be a very profitable time for US companies such as Fluor and Bechtel, and which would fit under the umbrella of a US 'run' Venezuela. If one were to recall the lessons of Iraq, security companies must be salivating to make a contribution to US efforts around the oil and other sectors. They name their price, and there is the advantage of Venezuela oil paying. This may be fine from a US political and economic perspective. The issue that will be inseparable from this is how hospitably or hostilely the Venezuelans react to USspearheaded developments in their country. Guyanese have to be calm and vigilant, and honest with themselves: they are not in the most comfortable place.

QUO VADIS DELCY RODRIGUEZ? Dear Editor, With the fog of the recent surgical strike on Caracas to extricate President Maduro slowly lifting, the political and economic direction of f u t u r e Ve n e z u e l a / U S relations and the direction of Venezuela itself under Delcy Rodriguez its newly installed President is becoming clearer with every passing day. In the meanwhile, condemnations of the attack on the Venezuelan capital and 'kidnapping' of Maduro continue to circulate worldwide by governments and non-state actors traditionally friendly to Venezuela. Condemnations at UN Security Council described US actions as a 'blatant violation of international law a n d o f Ve n e z u e l a ' s sovereignty.' Outside the UN, many have called the operation an actualisation of the Monroe Doctrine and demanded the immediate release of Maduro. With Maduro out of the way, and Machado 'thrown under the bus' a pathway was opened up for the Trump and t h e R o d r i g u e z administrations to proceed, albeit riskily, following agreements apparently reached between Venezuela and the US particularly in respect to governance matters and Venezuela's energy sector. Rodriguez is riding a

tiger. The US has set a preferred course for her to follow by way of compellence or coercion. P r e s i d e n t Tr u m p h a s threatened that any divergence would result in a 'second wave of attacks' and possibly 'boots on the ground.' Small wonder why the heavy military and naval presence currently surrounding Venezuela has not stood down. Tr u m p h a s b l u n t l y warned Rodriguez that she could suffer a worse fate than Maduro. Rodriguez comes from a progressive political and revolutionary background. Ideologically, she is a committed Chavista and believer in the Bolivarian revolution. She held several key positions in Venezuelan state and government. She is knowledgeable of the border controversy with Guyana and the case presently before the ICJ. Whether she can temper the steel internally on that and other thorny issues is yet to be seen. But one thing is clear, she is in office but not in power. From all indications, Maduro's removal has apparently cleared the way for the introduction of reforms; for evolution not revolution. Apparently, a decision in favour of decapitation rather than regime change was adopted

with Maduro ending up as the 'fall guy.' Rodriguez has since replaced Maduro as the constitutional Interim President. Indications are that a more moderate, if not accommodating approach would be adopted by Venezuela towards the US; the gradual toning down of anti-US rhetoric is anticipated and more budgeted resources will go to improve the living standards of the Venezuelan people. Time will tell. Reports indicate, that weeks before his abduction, Maduro had agreed to key US demands. Indications of this appeared in press reports stating that Venezuela was open for negotiations with the US on all areas of concern including its energy sector. According to the said reports, the only demand not agreed was that Maduro leave the country with the assurance that extant Bolivarian government agencies and state apparatus would remain intact. In the circumstances, members of the Maduro administration who were involved in negotiations with the US had probably come to the conclusion that since Maduro was prepared to cave in to US demands in toto, only one human factor remained caught in the crosshairs of the Trump

administration. Venezuelan watchers have posited that had no agreement been reached, the worst possible alternative would have been total collapse of the government, regime change, occupation by the US military, armed resistance to the occupying force, a blood bath, untold suffering for the Venezuelan people and even greater and irreparable damage to the Venezuelan economy. In the circumstances, it must have been considered best that to avoid an impending catastrophe, the best position would be to leverage the precarious status of the negotiations with a view to convincing key members of Venezuela's political structure, the security and military including representatives of the private sector and corporate interests, that, in the interest of all Venezuelans, the better option would be to agree to US demands, in order to keep the Venezuelan state and government intact knowing that a heavy price had to be paid. The big question is; was it ever anticipated that it would happen by force of arms, the shooting to death of a number of Maduro's security detail and by violating their country's sovereignty? Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee

Have we descended or ascended to the position that supports “might is right”? Dear Editor, Since the military assault which resulted in the reported death of forty Ve n e z u e l a n s a n d t h e physical removal of sitting

president Nicolas Maduro, his wife and some colleagues, to face trial for alleged narco crimes in the United States, the statement by our President Irfaan Ali is

How large are our oil reserves? Dear Editor, A respected news outlet in the United Kingdom recently announced that our proven oil reserves were 30 billion barrels. The official figures released by our government have not been updated for several years and given the gap in the figures it is important that an update be given annually if not twice a year as to the level of our nation's proven oil and gas reserves. The implications are substantial, and it is critical to our financial planning and national development s t r a t e g y. T h e n a t u r a l

resources of our country belong to our citizens and should not be hidden from the public. Given the current level of corruption in the government, it is imperative that such information be easily forthcoming and available within the public domain. CRG patiently awaits upon the current Government and the House of Parliament to ensure that this expectation becomes a reality in the near future. Best regards, Mr. Jamil Changlee Chairman The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana

one that is bothersome,. Why he had to go out of his way to shower encomium on the person who orchestrated this military assault on a sovereign state is akin to being pusillanimous and unnecessary in all of the circumstances. The earlier founders of the People's Progressive Party, the likes of Dr. Cheddi Jagan, Janet Rosenburg Jagan, Boysie Ramkaran, Brother Mohamed from the East Coast, Forbes Burnham, Jane PhilipsGaye, Sydney King, Dr. JP Latchman Singh, Joselin Hubburd, Jainarine Singh and others, must be turning and weeping where ever they are. These brave Guyanese sought to free us from the consequences of imperialism, the inhumanity of slavery, the hardships of indentureship and the scares of colonial exploitation. On a

matter that should require meaningful consultation it appears that President Ali did not deem it necessary to consult parliament and the leader of the opposition, a position that has not been filled thanks to the machinations of the Speaker, with the apparent complicity of our Head of State. Did the President deem it necessary on this important matter to consult with the seniors and experienced members of his own party, such as his immediate predecessor President Donald Ramotar who has with wisdom and courage written on this matter, has he consulted with what is termed civil society and the independent media? Let me make it abundantly clear that for myself and many of us, we will always love the United (Continued on page 5)


Wednesday January 07, 2026

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Freedom of speech and responsibility in the digital age Dear Editor, Social media should be used responsibly. They are important channels of communication and platforms for learning, organising, and participating in public life. At the same time, their power to shape reputations, influence public opinion, and have real-world consequences means they should not be abused or used irresponsibly. This does not mean that social media must be free of criticism or dissent, or that people must be censored arbitrarily. But it does mean that users should exercise some care and moderation in how they use these platforms.

I am a firm believer in freedom of expression. I think people should be able to say what they believe, discuss issues of public interest, criticise leaders, and engage in debate. In a healthy democracy, speech should not be restricted to those with views that are popular, safe, or comfortable. Freedom of expression, in all its forms of commentary, activism, art, or personal storytelling, is part of human dignity and social progress. Social media, despite all their flaws, have created opportunities for ordinary citizens to have a voice in discussions that were once the purview of a few

institutions or elites. But the right to express one's self does not come with a right to say whatever one pleases without any regard for the rights or feelings of others. Expression should not impinge on the rights of others to safety, dignity, and fair treatment. Speech that is deliberately intended to c a u s e h a r m t o others—harassment, intimidation, defamation, incitement, spreading of falsehoods or disinformation, or other obvious cases of abuse—can cause real and significant personal and social injury. Online abuse can ruin lives, fuel discrimination, and

create an environment of fear that silences many others from participating in public life. In this sense, irresponsible or unethical behaviour on social media platforms can become a form of injustice, where the loudest or most privileged voices drown out the rest, and where public discourse becomes less truthful, less accurate, and less humane. For these reasons, as users of these platforms, we should endeavor to be more ethical and more thoughtful about how we express ourselves. We should pause before sharing content that is false, unnecessary, or which unnecessarily attacks the

Have we descended or ascended to the... From page 4 States and its people, we will always cherish a kinship with the US, we will always be grateful for the opportunities for upward mobility that our big neighbour to the north has provided for many Guyanese over the years. However, as is the case within the family unit, husband, wife, father, mother, cousin, auntie, uncle, grandma, grandpa if a family member breaks the law or steps out of line, we must deem it our duty to say so. When someone you care for is in breach of the established norms we must be bold to speak up, it appears the old wisdom that the “pen is mightier than the sword”, which originated in the 1839 play “Richelieu”, spoken by the character Cardinal Richelieu, is losing or has lost its relevance and validity. Have we descended or

ascended to the position taken in early Greek philosophical thinking that supports the idea that power determines justice, in other words “might is right”. In today's world we have seen it over the last century operated by so-called people and States that simply put “might is right”, remember what triggered the US revolution against King George III in 1776 which stated the right of every nation to determine its own destiny, some folks have interpreted this to mean that it also give them the right to determine the destiny of other people. I have written before why would any sane and sensible Guyanese feel that the removal of Maduro would lessen the threat to Guyana? Why would we believe that who ever succeeds Maduro, by what ever means, would be less hawkish, less interested in

pursuing the spurious claim to Essequibo? This matter is like a religious doctrine instilled in the minds of every Venezuelan child from the day they are in the cradle and can learn and communicate. President Ali's concern, now that he has this enormous wealth, should be to pursue the ideas contained in the document “Defence in Depth”, which included encouraging Guyanese of every class to settle and produce food, and generate

wealth in areas along our eastern, western, southern borders. Guyana by deeds not words, should be brought together to deal with the serious threat to our territorial integrity, and not be mislead into believing that the removal of Maduro or anyone else would lessen the danger to any of our 83,000 square miles. Our oil and gold should be managed with good sense, and not be used for regime change by anyone. Sincerely, Hamilton Green

humanity of others. We should disagree without cruelty. We can be firm and direct in our criticism, without being unfair or disrespectful. A society that values free expression should value truthfulness and restraint as well, and recognise that careless or abusive speech undermines both. The expectation should be higher for all of us, given the wide reach and nearpermanence of our posts. In this regard, the rules should apply to everyone. The expectations of accountability and respect should not be selective. If we care about freedom of expression, we must defend it for all people, not only the people we agree with or like. If we are concerned about abuse and injury online, the rules and the consequences must also be the same for all people, not only those who

are less popular, less wellconnected, or less wellresourced. Unequal enforcement is corrosive to public trust, and creates the impression that some people are above accountability, while others are punished for less. Without consistency and credibility, there can be no effective standards or social norms in how these platforms are used. In short, social media should remain free, open, and accessible. The solution is not to silence people, but to create an environment where speech is more honest, more respectful, and more mindful of the rights of others. Where freedom and responsibility are in balance, social media can be an instrument of social good: a force for learning, a c c o u n t a b i l i t y, a n d community. Respectfully, Philip Inshanally


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Wednesday January 07, 2026

‘Rule of law under threat’ - OAS chief tells states after US attacks on Venezuela, seizure of Maduro

Secretary General of the Organisation of American States (OAS), Albert Ramdin on Tuesday issued a strong call for coordinated hemispheric action, warning that democracy, international law and regional stability are at risk following recent United States military actions against Venezuela and the seizure of its President, Nicolás Maduro. Ramdin was at the time addressing a special meeting of the Permanent Council of the OAS convened to consider the implications of the U.S. intervention in Venezuela. He stressed that while open debate among member states is essential, the OAS must move beyond statements and take principled, collective action in keeping with its founding charter. “We must be more than a forum for statements,” Ramdin said. “Exchanging information and viewpoints is essential, but it is not sufficient to improve the lives of the people of the Americas. Our words must lead to coordinated, principled and sustained action.” According to the OAS Secretary General, the interAmerican legal framework and the OAS Charter are not optional instruments but

binding obligations and moral responsibilities for member states. “The Charter is not a suggestion,” Ramdin declared, reminding delegates that the organisation was established in 1948 precisely to uphold democracy, sovereignty, human rights and peaceful coexistence in the hemisphere. He noted that the events unfolding in Venezuela strike at the core of these principles and require a collective hemispheric response aimed at restoring accepted norms of international conduct. “If democracy, fundamental principles of international law and the inter-American legal framework are at stake, as is now the case in Ve n e z u e l a , t h e n t h e hemisphere must act collectively,” Ramdin said. He called for constructive engagement among OAS member states and urged unity, while acknowledging that differing ideological views exist across the region. “Unity does not m e a n u n i f o r m i t y, ” h e explained. “The strength of the inter-American system lies in the capacity of member states to engage constructively despite ideological differences.”

From left to right: Rodolfo Coronado Molina, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Peru to the OAS and Albert R. Ramdin, OAS Secretary General Ramdin also underscored the importance of respecting Venezuela's sovereignty and the right of its people to determine their own leadership through representative democracy. He said the organisation has both a moral and strategic obligation to support the Venezuelan people during the current crisis. “Morally, we owe the Venezuelan people our solidarity,” he said. “Strategically, a stable, democratic and prosperous Venezuela is in the interest of every member state.” He further warned against actions that could deepen

divisions or heighten tensions, stressing that the Americas have long aspired to remain a zone of peace. “Maintaining the hemisphere as a zone of peace is a shared achievement and a shared responsibility,” Ramdin said, adding that cooperation, prudence and sustained dialogue are now critical. The OAS Secretary General welcomed expressions from several member states indicating their willingness to cooperate in good faith during what he described as a “sensitive period” for the

region. He urged countries to continue using the OAS as a platform for dialogue, convergence and deescalation. As the meeting concluded, Ramdin said the challenge ahead lies in reaffirming commitment to a rule-based international order. “We must find a way to get back to that rule-based system,” he said, cautioning that multilateral institutions such as the OAS are not optional in today's increasingly complex world, but indispensable to preserving peace, democracy and stability in the hemisphere. Meanwhile, Colombia reiterated its condemnation of the unilateral aggression perpetrated by the United States against Venezuela and also rejected the threats from the northern country against the Colombian nation during the meeting. According to Vice Foreign Minister Mauricio Jaramillo, Washington's unilateral military actions constitute a clear violation of international law, as he asserted that democracy does not arise from coercion or external intervention. Furthermore, he stated that his country reaffirms that Latin America must be

preserved as a Zone of Peace, committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes, as well as to s t r e n g t h e n i n g multilateralism and maintaining respect for the principles and purposes of the United Nations. “Colombia categorically, firmly, and unequivocally rejects the threats of the use of force or any act of aggression against our territory, as well as the defamatory and baseless statements against our Head of State, Gustavo Petro,” he declared. “Our idea is that de facto solutions should not continue to be imposed. There is a disastrous history of interference in other parts of the world, for example, what happened in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya,” he stated. Jaramillo, who insisted that the government's call is for countries to refrain from using force, noted that if the threats of armed aggression against Colombia were to materialize, in accordance with international law every nation has the right to selfdefense, “and our Army is commanded by the President of the Republic and its mission is to defend the sovereignty of the country.”


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Wednesday January 07, 2026

Venezuela announces investigation into "dozens" …as High Court clears of casualties from US attack 200 cases in 2025

Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab announced Tuesday the appointment of three officials to investigate the “dozens” of deaths resulting from the US attack on the country, which led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. “We, as the Public Prosecutor's Office, have appointed three prosecutors to investigate the dozens of innocent civilian and military casualties that occurred during this war crime, this unprecedented aggression against the Venezuelan homeland,” Saab said at an event

Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab

notifying the Attorney General's Office, the Comptroller General's Office, and the Public Prosecutor's Office of the start of a new five-year term

The Leonora Fire Station

Govt. to spend $19 million to rehab. & furnish recently commissioned Leonora Fire Station

for Parliament. To date, the Venezuelan government has not specified the number of dead or wounded during the attacks. (CNN)

After commissioning the reconstructed $159 million Leonora Fire Station in July 2025, the government through the Ministry Home Affairs intends to spend approximately $19 million more to have the facility rehabilitated and furnished. According to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, the rehabilitation and furnishing works are estimated to cost $19,170,900. Te n c o n t r a c t o r s submitted bids for the contract. Those who submitted bids are as follow: Holistic Contracting & Procurement Inc. - $40,463,400; DG Enterprise - $35,776,500; Seenarine's Construction & Landscaping Services $37,051,500; Caribbean Construction, Consultancy and International Suppliers Inc. - $62,398,500; M.B.N

Group of Companies Inc. $20,888,580; ECS Construction and General Supplies - $23,267,763; Guybuild Construction & Logistics Services $26,673,000; MB Enterprise - $74,235,600; Metal & Fabrication Ink $22,000,000; and D.Chowkai & Sons Construction - $36,281,400. The ministry had reported that the $159,270, 255 Leonora Fire Station was commissioned by former Minister Robeson Benn. At the time of commissioning, the ministry in a statement said that the new facility is set to serve communities from Parika to Vreed-en-Hoop and will bolster the operational capacity of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) significantly, improving its ability to respond to fires, medical emergencies, and disasters with greater efficiency and

professionalism. This publication understands that the new structure was designed to meet the highest standards of functionality and personnel welfare and includes a range of administrative, operational, and living facilities that enable an integrated approach to emergency service delivery. Among its key features are dedicated offices for critical command roles such as the Sub-Officer, Finance Officer, Station Officer, Officer-in-Charge (O.C.), Administrator, and Fire Prevention Officer. These spaces facilitate clear leadership and coordination of operations across departments. A Control Room and an Information Technology (IT) Room have been included to support real-time response management, surveillance (Continued on page 10

Three T&T nationals charged in U.S. drug conspiracy probe (TRINIDAD GUARDIAN) U.S. Embassy personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration Vetted Unit, supported by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Special Investigative Unit and the Transnational Organised Crime Unit, executed three Provisional Arrest Warrants on December 30, 2025, for Trinidad citizens Rafael Joseph, Michael McSween and Clevon Persad. All three face charges in the Eastern District of New York for conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States and firearms offences stemming from a 2024 DEA investigation supported by the DEA New York Field Division. The embassy identified Joseph as an active-duty police officer serving in the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service. U.S. Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Dr. Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz said, “This was a great example of bilateral cooperation between our two countries and a significant blow to not only drug and firearms trafficking, but also against public corruption with the arrest of the police officer. The outstanding cooperation between the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's Vetted Unit and SIU and TOCU shows the multiplier power of agencies of both of our great

countries working together.” Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro said, “I can confirm that close collaboration with United States law enforcement authorities has resulted in the successful arrest of a TTPS member who is now awaiting deportation. This joint operation reflects the strength of our international partnerships and our unwavering commitment to accountability at every level of the organisation. The TTPS remains resolute in upholding the highest standards of integrity, and we will continue to work with our global counterparts to ensure that anyone who betrays the public trust is brought to justice.” DEA Caribbean Division Special Agent in Charge Michael A. Miranda said, “This operation reflects the strength of true bilateral partnership. The successful execution of these provisional arrest warrants by the Trinidad and Tobago Vetted Unit, with support from SIU and TOCU, sends a clear message: no one is above the law. Together, we are not only dismantling drug and firearms trafficking networks, but also confronting public corruption head-on. When trusted partnerships stand united, our communities are safer and justice prevails.”


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Georgetown must breathe again T

he Georgetown City Council must face a hard truth. The business community and the citizens of Georgetown are not going to sit back and allow illegal vending to destroy the city. Patience is running out. Frustration is growing. People who invest, pay taxes, and try to obey the law feel abandoned. Georgetown is already a dirty and disordered city. Many streets stink. Drains are blocked. Pavements are broken and crowded. Traffic cannot move properly. Pedestrians cannot walk safely. One of the main reasons for this chaos is illegal roadside and pavement vending. It has spread everywhere. It now feels normal, but it is not normal and it is not legal. T h e b u s i n e s s community, or at least sections of it, has had enough. Their survival is at stake. Their investments are being strangled. Many shop owners pay rent, light bills, taxes, and staff salaries. They follow rules. Meanwhile, illegal vendors set up right outside their doors. They block entrances. They attract customers away. They generate a great deal of waste. This is not fair competition for businesses. It is economic punishment for obeying the law. Illegal vending is often defended by saying the vendors are poor. That argument no longer holds.

Many pavement vendors are clearly not destitute. Look at their stock. Look at the size and variety of goods. Look at the tents, the stalls, stands and the caravans. This is not survival vending. This is business without rules. In some cases, the middle class is posing as poor vendors. We now have roadside boutiques. We now have roadside bars. We now have food caravans taking over public spaces. We now have roadside fast-food businesses. These are not small acts of desperation. We have roadside barber shops. We have phone repair shops on pavements. These are organised commercial operations using public property for private gain. No city can function like this. One of the greatest shames is what has happened to the Square of the Revolution. That space is meant to honour the 1763 slave rebellion. It is a site of memory and dignity. Today it has been defiled. It has been taken over by food caravans and other forms of vending. This should offend every Guyanese. History is being disrespected in the name of disorder and weak enforcement. City Hall must also remember that the courts have already taken a stand. Not so long ago, a judge made it clear that City Hall does not need to wait on an order of mandamus to remove illegal vendors. The judge said that once a

business writes to complain about illegal vending, City Hall should act. The law is already on the side of order. What is missing is the will to enforce it. Too often, City Hall behaves as if it is powerless. That is not true. The council has laws. It has officers. It has authority. What it seems to lack is the will. Instead of enforcing the law, it tries to accommodate those who openly break it. That sends a terrible message. It tells people that rules do not matter. The time has come to rid Georgetown, and other places too, of illegal vending. This does not mean cruelty. It means fairness. It means order. Legal vending spaces can be created. Markets can be organised. Presently, the markets are looking like ghost towns inside. Shoppers are not going into the markets as they use to. The Bourda Green, for example, is now desolate extend for those stands around and near the outer perimeter. City Hall must set clear rules. But illegal vending on pavements, roadsides, and outside markets cannot continue. Georgetown needs space to breathe again. Pavements are for walking. Roads are for traffic. Public spaces are for all citizens, not for private businesses operating without permission. A city that cannot enforce simple rules cannot develop. Citizens are watching. Businesses are

DEM BOYS SEH

Burnham laughing at Cheddi

I

f there is an afterlife with even a small television set, Forbes Burnham must be leaning back, laughing loudly, and calling out to Cheddi Jagan, “Cheddi, come and look at this nah.” And poor Cheddi must be shaking his head in disbelief at what the PPP leadership has become. Imagine that. A party that once wrapped itself in anti-imperialism, that thundered against American bullying, now cannot even clear its throat to condemn the United States for bombing Venezuela and effectively kidnapping its socialist president. Bombing a sovereign country. Snatching its leader. And silence. Not even a polite cough. Burnham and Jagan would have been up in arms. Burnham would have called a press conference before the smoke cleared. Jagan would have written three statements, five pamphlets, and a small book by lunchtime. But today's PPP leadership? Timid. Careful. Afraid. Looking over its shoulder to see what the Americans might think before opening its mouth. This is not foreign policy. This is foreign fear. And if that was not bad enough, we now hear that the government is reportedly in

talks with the Americans about accepting third-country prisoners. Prisoners. From elsewhere. From America's problems. At one time, the Americans wanted to dump toxic waste in Guyana. The country said no, and rightly so. Today, instead of waste, they want to dump prisoners. Different package. Same disrespect. The most troubling part is not even the proposal. Big countries always try these things. The real problem is that we are entertaining the discussion at all. This is the kind of conversation that should have ended in the first minute, with a firm “No, thank you.” Instead, we are talking. Smiling. Listening. Nodding. Acting grateful to be considered. Burnham must be laughing. Cheddi must be fuming. A party that once spoke the language of resistance now whispers the language of accommodation. Principles have been replaced by politeness. Courage has been replaced by calculation. This is what happens when leadership is weak and inexperienced. This is what happens when history is treated like decoration, not instruction. And this is why the old men, wherever they are, must be saying, “Is this really what we fought for?” Talk half. Leff half.

watching. They are not going to remain silent forever. In fact, businesses are taking action now. They are fighting back. The refuse to tolerate this situation any longer. If City Hall continues to fail, pressure will increase. Legal action will increase. Public anger will

increase. The Georgetown City Council should see this moment clearly. It can either stand for order, fairness, and the law, or it can preside over further decay. The choice should not be hard. Georgetown deserves better. (The views expressed in this article are those of the

author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Stop trample upon Mr. Azurddin Mohamed rights as a born Guyanese Dear Editor, I write to express deep concern over what appears to be an ongoing attempt by the Government of Guyana to stifle the fundamental rights of Mr. Azruddin Mohamed, a Guyanese citizen who, like all others, is entitled to the full protection of our Constitution. Guyana's Constitution guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms, including personal liberty, protection of the law, due process, and access to the courts. These rights are not privileges granted at the convenience of the State; they are safeguards meant to protect every citizen, especially when the power of the State is brought to bear against an individual. In Mr. Mohamed's case,

there is growing public concern that legal processes are being rushed, selectively applied, or influenced by external pressure, rather than being guided strictly by constitutional principles and fairness. The refusal to meaningfully entertain constitutional challenges, coupled with legislative and procedural actions that appear to weaken judicial scrutiny, raises troubling questions about whether due process is being fully respected. Even where international obligations exist, they should never override the Constitution or justify the erosion of a citizen's fundamental rights. The rule of law demands that every individual be treated equally, without prejudice, political motivation, or public

pressure influencing judicial and executive actions. This matter goes beyond one individual. If the rights of Mr. Mohamed can be curtailed without full and transparent constitutional protection, then the rights of any Guyanese citizen may one day be similarly at risk. A democracy is measured not by how it treats the popular or the powerful, but by how it treats those facing the full force of the State. I urge the government to reaffirm its commitment to constitutional supremacy, judicial independence, and due process, and to ensure t h a t M r. M o h a m e d ' s fundamental rights are fully respected, without exception. Yours faithfully, M Shiv


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UTH

D TR

HAR

HK

BY G

LALL

Wednesday Monday January May 07, 02, 2026 2022

H@RD TRUTHS

BY GHK LALL

New Year resolutions I made several New Year's resolutions. Social media, here I come. FB, Instagram, YouTube. May even try my hand at a TikTok or two, if only to keep Drs. Ali, Jagdeo, Nandlall attentive and active. If the man from WIN can use social media, so can I. I can't be that daft, and allow the world to pass me by, not see for myself how the dark side of Guyana works. The second resolution involves the PPP Govt; Drs. Ali, Jagdeo, again. I mentioned to some editors in early December that the plan was, come January, I was going to take it easy, write 4-

5 articles weekly, and restart with the two unfinished manuscripts in the pipeline. Better make that three, since the gold sector must be spotlighted. So that my PPP followers don't get any ideas, slowing down, not hanging up gloves. Then, the PPP spoiled everything, prompted me to revise the original plan. Blame the PPP of Ali and Anil. Down to the Haags-Bosch dumpsite that plan went. And it is all due to the burning hatreds the glorious PPP leadership have for one citizen. One Guyanese who passed the mandatory retirement criteria of both

local and foreign agencies. Here is a consideration for Guyana's top lawman. The more that the workers, hired hands, and mercenaries aim at me, the more the names Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, and B h a r r a t ' D r. C h i e f Investigator' Jagdeo will come into play. I reassure everyone: whatever has to be done will be done r e s p e c t f u l l y h o n e s t l y, frankly. Now look at what they went and did. Instead of semi-retirement for me, I now have to work weekends and holidays. That is more than an intended New Year's resolution that crumbled.

Govt. to spend $19 million to rehab. & furnish... From page 8 integration, and incident tracking, ensuring rapid mobilisation during emergencies. “Personnel development and well-being have also been thoughtfully incorporated into the station's design. A Training Room is available for ongoing education and simulations, while a fully equipped Gym promotes physical fitness and readiness among firefighters. In support of day-to-day functionality, the station contains a kitchen, canteen, and laundry room, creating a selfsufficient environment for staff on shift,” the ministry mentioned. Additionally, the facility houses male

and female barracks, as well as senior officers' living quarters, providing adequate and comfortable accommodations for roundthe-clock personnel. An EMS office has also been included to ensure that emergency medical services are seamlessly integrated into the fire station's operations, enabling a rapid and comprehensive response to a wide range of public safety incidents. Further, the ministry had noted that the commissioning of the Leonora Fire Station not only signifies physical infrastructure development but also represents a broader vision of responsive, community-focused public safety.

I t ' s O l d Ye a r ' s N i g h t celebrations running wild. My chats will address PPP champs' hypocrisies, denials, failures. No juniors. New Year's resolution number three involves going and working with my second favorite batch of people. Not with any subcontractor, but on an Exxon oil rig. If Dr. Jagdeo could find the skills to work with/for Mr. Alistair Routledge, then there is complete confidence in possessing needed skills to advise Mr. Exxon Guyana. Some Guyanese do wuk fuh Exxon on the sly, collect the people money, then deny. Or try to pull other fast ones. Me, I already have my hand openly outstretched. The fourth resolution for 2026 is of three parts. There is the WIN people, the PNC, and the Amanza WaltonDesir team. On the one hand, the temptation is to give the PNC a pass, in a spirit of holiday charity. The group took a horrible beating in September, and it is only three months later (nobody in Guyana lifts a finger to do anything in December, so that long month of celebration is scratched). The PNC is in new territory with new faces

and a new leader, new visions and new strategies. Much work to do. The other side of that formula is, maybe, the PNC has already passed out of contention. Or, here is a grim possibility for Guyanese -the PNC has passed over to the PPP side of matters in Guyana. Word is that those aisles are even more well-stocked with rich stuff these days. I'm rethinking aligning with Exxon; more rewarding to do business with brothers Ali, Jagdeo and Ashni. Next, WIN has to stop thinking and behaving as though it's bipolar. That is, one pole called Guyana, the other clutching a boarding pass to America. Somewhere between 109k110k eligible Guyanese voted for Azruddin Mohamed. I don't think that Mohamed got any of those fancy votes snatched by the PPP. Doubtful that those WIN people still nursing brutal hangovers this late. Make them count, make their voices heard, make their disappointments register. If those 100,000 plus Guyanese can't be engaged, then surely, 25,000 could be

inspired. Into this fray, I escort Ms. Amanza WaltonDesir. Here's the message to all three-WIN, PNC, and FGM. Get off thrones, get going. Ease off sophistications re constitution, legislation, who avoids confrontation and decision (parliament). Opposition visions backed by strategy must be a m i x t u r e o f t h e parliamentary, judiciary, cyberterritory, and road territory. Lessen Facebook, increase the road. The PPP owns parliament, judicial sections. Social media has considerable pluses. Nothing beats boots tramping. The street can't only have prime value, be primetime, before elections! Get some sense, people. My resolutions -one developing, the second crumbled (PPP-influenced), last ones warming up. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)


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Wednesday January 07, 2026

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Mohameds appeal High Court ruling in desperate bid to stay extradition proceedings

D

efence lawyers for father and son, Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed, on Monday filed an appeal to the Full Court against Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh’s ruling, which rejected their request to stay the extradition proceedings that are ongoing in the Magistrates’ Court. The lawyers, Roysdale Forde, SC, Damien Da Silva and Siand Dhurjon informed Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman of the filing on Tuesday morning during the start of the extradition proceedings. On Monday, Justice Singh denied a request made by the attorneys for the United States (U.S.) indicted businessmen for a stay of the extradition proceedings at the magistracy level until the constitutional issues raised by the defence are fully heard in the High Court. This decision cleared the way for the committal proceedings in the extradition case to move forward. In December, the father and son duo had asked the court to stall the extradition case in the magistrates’ court until the constitutional matter regarding the 2009 amendments to the Fugitive Offenders Act is heard in full.

However, when the ruling was handed down, defence attorney Roysdale Forde expressed disappointment with the ruling and confirmed that the defence intends to appeal Justice Singh’s decision at the Full Court. The request was also rejected by Magistrate Latchman who emphasised that the core issues raised by the defence regarding the 2009 amendments to the Fugitive Offenders Act had already been considered by higher courts and did not require further review. During court proceedings on Tuesday, defence lawyer Forde informed the court that a notice of appeal had been filed with the Full Court. He explained that the appeal challenges Justice Singh’s ruling and also seeks a stay of the extradition proceedings pending the Full Court’s determination. “Yesterday, (Monday) we filed an appeal to the full court and we filed a concomitant application for the state which we expect to be heard soon. So that is pending and that is a continuation in the march towards the ultimate arbiter, which we believe, is the CCJ to decide these issues,” he said. Additionally, Forde stated that the defence had also filed a judicial

Father and son, Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed review application, claiming bias against the government, specifically the Minister of Home A ff a i r s w h o a u t h o r i s e t h e proceedings. That matter will be heard on January 14. He explained, “That is a very important application, because we are challenging, in that application, the authority of the Minister to issue an authority to proceed. We would competently be challenging the arrest and all the related proceedings. We would also be raising, for the first time, a number

of arguments we really would have raised on the first occasion in order to get bail, where we highlighted that the fact that Mr. Mohamed is a politician.” He added, “We would have highlighted in that application, the bias, the animosity to the point of hatred, it would have been displayed by the Attorney General, would have been displayed by the Vice President, and the President and the Cabinet as a whole, of which Miss Walrond is an essential member of. We believe that we

would have documented in those affidavits the fact that she is biased, and by extension, she should not all be in position to issue an authority to proceed.” However, the prosecution maintained that this appeal is another delay tactic by the defence to prevent the extradition proceedings from proceeding. The prosecution argued that the defence has sufficient room to raise issues within the extradition proceedings. The defence had again asked the court to stay the proceedings at the magistrates’ court as there are pending matters before the high court which seeks clarity on the extradition proceedings. However, the magistrate ruled the said day that she will not have the matter stayed stating, “there is no stay granted in this matter and the matter will proceed at the magistrates’ court.” The Mohameds have been indicted in a federal court in Miami, Florida on several charges. The 25page indictment, unsealed on October 2, 2025, accuses the Mohameds of orchestrating an elaborate fraud and moneylaundering scheme involving gold exports, customs fraud, bribery, and the evasion of millions in taxes and royalties owed to Guyana.


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Wednesday January 07, 2026

U.S. refiners poised to gain as Venezuela oil sanctions face possible lift

Pumpjacks are seen at Lake Maracaibo in Cabimas, Venezuela October 5, 2017. (Picture taken October 5, 2017. REUTERS/Isaac Urrutia/File Photo)

- Gulf Coast plants could absorb up to 1M barrels per day, squeezing out Canada HOUSTON, Jan 6 (Reuters) - A full-scale resumption of Venezuelan oil exports would benefit refiners in the United States and lower their fuel production costs, with the refineries capable of absorbing most of the roughly 1 million barrels per day of crude if U.S. sanctions on the South American country are removed. The U.S. and Venezuela have been discussing exporting crude from the South American country to the United States, Reuters reported on Tuesday. U.S. oil executives are expected to visit the White House on Thursday to discuss Venezuela, sources said. A boost in Venezuelan exports could hurt Canadian companies that sell a similar heavy oil, and small Chinese refiners, which would face higher costs if Venezuelan crude diverts to the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump wants U.S. oil companies to spend billions of dollars to rebuild Venezuela’s oil industry, which is dilapidated and producing well below its potential after decades of mismanagement and

underinvestment. Trump has said the U.S. would run Venezuela and its oil sector after U.S. troops snatched President Nicolas Maduro from Caracas on Saturday and transported him to New York to stand trial on drug charges. U.S. GULF REFINERIES BUILT FOR HEAVY CRUDE It would take years of work for oil companies to pump a lot more oil from Venezuela. The country’s existing exports could, however, quickly redirect to the United States from China if the U.S. lifted a blockade on Venezuelan exports that Trump imposed in December, and removed sanctions on doing business with Venezuela. Before sanctions were imposed in 2019, several large U.S. Gulf Coast refineries bought and processed about 800,000 bpd of Venezuela’s heavy oil, according to U.S. government data, and some were designed to process this type of crude rather than U.S. light oil. Those refineries would be first to benefit, analysts said. “If sanctions are lifted in the short term,

the Gulf Coast can absorb a substantial portion of that 1 million bpd operationally, but the barrels would clear by pushing out other heavy crudes and competing aggressively on price,” said Rommel Oates, founder of refining software company Refinery Calculator. The all-electric wake sport boat is part of its creators’ bold bet that the marine world is ready to go electric. Valero PBF Energy and Phillips 66 already buy Venezuelan crude from Chevron, and could take more, analysts and trading sources said. Valero alone, the largest Gulf Coast refiner, can process an incremental 300,000 to 400,000 bpd, Barclay’s analyst Theresa Chen said. U.S. Gulf Coast refineries can run 3 million to 4 million bpd of heavy crude, analysts noted. Phillips 66 on Tuesday said its two U.S. Gulf Coast refineries could run up to a couple of hundred thousand bpd of Venezuelan crude. EXXON, OTHERS, COULD BUY FROM VENEZUELA Chevron imports about 150,000 bpd of Venezuelan

crude to the United States. It is the only U.S. oil major operating in Venezuela under a license from Washington that exempts it from sanctions. Marathon Petroleum, Motiva Enterprises, owned by Saudi Aramco, To t a l E n e r g i e s a n d ExxonMobil purchased Venezuelan crude before sanctions and could buy more if it were available. “Gulf Coast refiners are structurally advantaged to receive Venezuelan barrels due to waterborne access and historical familiarity with these grades prior to the 2019 sanctions,” said Barclays’ Chen. The availability of cheaper crude to U.S. refiners could provide some price relief for motorists, Chen added. U.S. refiners’ shares rose between 3% and 10% on Monday, compared to a 3% increase in the broader S&P Energy Index. The refining companies did

not immediately respond or declined to comment. Chevron did not immediately reply to requests for comment on whether the company would sell more crude to U.S. refiners. REDIRECTING FLOWS U.S. refiners have imported more crude from Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil and the Middle East since sanctions were imposed on Venezuela. Greater U.S. imports from Venezuela would displace those crudes, most notably Canadian. Canada boosted output to record levels in 2025, exporting about 90% of its crude to the U.S. Shares of Canadian oil producers Canadian Natural Resources and Cenovus Energy fell between 5% and 6% on Monday. “Canadian heavy crude had picked up the slack while Venezuela was struggling. The grades will compete, which is good for U.S. refining but also bad for Canada,” a refining source, who was not authorised to speak on the record, said. A long-term increase in Venezuelan output would pressure Canadian oil prices and strengthen the case for a new Canadian export pipeline to the Pacific coast, said Randy Ollenberger, a managing director at BMO Capital Markets. Prime Minister Mark Carney said he expects Canadian crude to stay competitive. CHINESE REFINERS’ DILEMMA Chinese independent refiners, known as teapots, are the biggest buyers of Venezuelan crude, and would seek alternatives if those supplies are redirected long-term. The teapots would likely turn to Canadian and Middle Eastern crudes, sources said. Switching to Canadian oil would drive up Chinese refiners’ costs, as

Venezuelan Merey crude is the cheapest among their supplies. Chinese teapot refineries would still have access to discounted Russian and Iranian crude. Indian refiners Reliance Industries and Indian Oil Corp also buy Venezuelan oil and would do so again if terms were attractive, sources said. Meanwhile, government officials in Caracas and Washington are discussing exporting Venezuelan crude to refiners in the United States, five government, industry and shipping sources told Reuters on Tuesday, a deal that could divert supplies away from China while helping state company PDVSA avoid deeper output cuts. Venezuela has millions of barrels of oil loaded on tankers and in storage tanks that it has been unable to ship due to a blockade on exports imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump since midDecember. The blockade was part of rising U.S. pressure on the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro that culminated in U.S. forces capturing him this weekend. A potential deal to sell the trapped crude to the U.S. could initially require reallocating cargoes originally bound for China, two sources said. The Asian country has been Venezuela’s top buyer in the last decade and especially since the United States imposed sanctions on companies involved in oil trade with Venezuela in 2020. The supply would increase the volume of Venezuelan oil exported to the U.S., a flow that is currently controlled entirely by Chevron, PDVSA’s main joint venture partner, under a U.S. authorisation. Chevron, which has been exporting between 100,000 and 150,000 barrels per day (bpd) of Venezuelan oil to Continued on page 18


Wednesday January 07, 2026

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Wednesday January 07, 2026

Mohameds extradition committal hearing moves forward as first witness testifies The extradition committal proceedings involving father and son, Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed, officially commenced on Tuesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court after Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman once again rejected defence applications to stay the matter due to pending High Court proceedings. Despite repeated submissions by defence attorneys seeking a stay on the grounds of unresolved constitutional issues and a recently filed judicial review alleging bias and lack of authority to proceed, the magistrate firmly dismissed the arguments and called the first prosecution witness. The proceedings, which lasted approximately three hours, saw Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sharon Roopchand-Edwards taking the stand as the prosecution’s first

witness. She testified that she was the first official to become aware of the United States’ request to extradite the Mohameds. The defence raised multiple objections to her testimony and to the diplomatic documents presented, arguing that the documents were not uniquely marked and q u e s t i o n i n g t h e i r v a l i d i t y. However, the magistrate admitted the documents into evidence, assigning her own identifiers for the court’s record. Before evidence was led, the defence argued that allowing the extradition proceedings to continue would result in a “miscarriage of justice” unless clarity was first obtained on the constitutional matters before the High Court. They contended that the extradition process should not proceed while those issues remained unresolved. H o w e v e r, l e a d p r o s e c u t o r,

Principal Magistrate, Judy Latchman

The Mohameds’ lead Attorney, Roysdale Forde SC

Jamaican Attorney, Terrence Williams SC

Jamaican attorney Terrence Williams SC, challenged the timing of the application, suggesting it was a deliberate attempt to delay the proceedings. “It is to frustrate the extradition hearing,” he said. He told the court that the applications could proceed concurrently with

the extradition process and that the defence would have opportunities to raise further challenges after the committal stage. Magistrate Latchman agreed with the prosecution and refused the stay, directing that the first witness be called. Immediately after the ruling, defence attorney Roysdale Forde SC rose to address the court, stating that the defence had not received a list of corresponding local offences allegedly committed by his clients. “For the first time, we raised the fact that we were not in receipt of the local charges,” Forde said, noting that the court had conceded such information was required, even though the first witness had already been called. However, Williams responded that it is not customary in the Caribbean to disclose local offences at the commencement of extradition proceedings. It is not a practice in the Caribbean for you to make a list of the local offences before the proceedings start. The law of Guyana is that the authority to proceed must be expressed in terms of the offences in the requesting state that is the US offences,” he said. Nonetheless, Williams outlined eight corresponding offences, including: conspiracy to commit misdemeanor, conspiracy to commit a felony, computer related fraud, obtaining by false pretense, inducing persons by false pretense, forging of public documents, false declarations and money laundering. When Forde attempted to respond further, the magistrate visibly frustrated intervened sharply, stating, “Mr Forde, I have ruled. Let’s not have a kangaroo court at this time. Prosecutor, called the first witness.” FIRST WITNESS TESTIFIES Roopchand-Edwards, testified that she was the first official to become aware of the United States’ request for the extradition of the Mohameds. She explained that on October 30, 2025, she received a package containing diplomatic correspondence identified as Diplomatic Note No. 417, which initiated the extradition request. After reviewing the documents, she forwarded them to Minister of Home Affairs, Onidge Waldron, which she said was standard procedure. “Once

I confirmed the nature of the documents…the documents were immediately delivered to Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Waldron,” she said. She testified that she observed the minister’s signature authorising the request but acknowledged that she was unaware whether any alterations were made to the documents after they were handed over. Defence attorneys raised mu ltip le o b jectio n s to th e admission of the diplomatic documents, challenging their identification, marking, and chain of custody. Attorney Siand Dhurjon argued that Roopchand-Edwards’ statement did not reference the authority to proceed and that she lacked sufficient identifying features to authenticate the documents. He claimed that the witness is not to alter the authority to proceed stating that there is no mention of the authority to proceed in statement of RoopchandEdwards. Further objections were raised by defence attorneys concerning the identification and chain of custody of the documents, with arguments that the evidence amounted to hearsay and that the witness had not seen the documents again after handing them to the minister. “They have to at least, mark the document, general appearance is not enough,” he said. Roopchand-Edwards maintained that she was familiar with Minister Waldron’s signature and could identify the documents based on several features, including the ribbon colour, the United States State Department seal, and the U.S. Secretary of State’s signature. However, the magistrate ruled that the issues raised went to the weight of the evidence, not its admissibility, and allowed the documents to remain on record. At that time, the magistrate suspended the evidence and adjourned the matter until Thursday for continuation. Speaking to the media afterward, Williams said the prosecution expects between three and five witnesses to testify in support of the extradition request. Dhurjon for his part expressed concern over the nature of the evidence, stating that it consisted entirely of documents. “All of the Continued on page 15


Wednesday January 07, 2026

AI-driven diagnostic systems to transform healthcare delivery across Guyana The Ministry of Health is advancing the integration of cutting-edge diagnostic technology across Guyana, supported by artificial intelligence that will revolutionise patient care, improve accuracy and reduce wait time for diagnosis. Speaking at the commissioning of a new digital X-ray system at the Oscar Joseph District Hospital in Charity, Region Two, Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony outlined the evolution of diagnostic imaging in the region. He noted that just a few years ago, the facility did not have a functioning X-ray department and had to rely on often inaccurate imaging from an analogue machine previously used to serve the hospital. Highlighting the shift to technologically advanced equipment, Dr. Anthony outlined the expansion of digital imaging services, including mammography, ultrasound, and notably, CT scanning. “These types of Xrays use less rays, and therefore theyre less harmful. But the quality of the image is fantastic. Because it is placed on a c o m p u t e r, w e c a n manipulate it, so you dont necessarily have to call back the patient,” he explained.

A major milestone in the integration of AI-assisted systems is that they can now interpret results in record time, producing high-quality imaging that detects abnormalities. “At one of our hospitals, we have put in an AI system, so when the X-ray is generated, it goes seamlessly to this system. And think about this, in 17 seconds, it decides whether this X-ray is normal or abnormal. And if it is abnormal, it would be able to give you a tentative diagnosis.” These advancements are transforming healthcare on the coast and will soon be implemented in hospitals nationwide. “When the president talks about a world-class healthcare system, its not just for Georgetown, its for all over the country, and now you will start to experience that same transformation right here on the coast,” Minister Anthony said. The advancement of AIsupported diagnostic systems is a reflection of the governments commitment to modernise healthcare, improving clinical decisionmaking and the overall quality of healthcare across Guyana. (DPI)

Mohameds extradition... From page 14 evidence against the Mohameds at this stage are strictly papers. We will not be able to question or cross examine or test the veracity of any of these witnesses many of whom are abroad, some of whom are local and anonymous,” he said. Dhurjon added: “In this case, we will say that those procedures were not complied with and we made those submissions, and it reached a

tempo when I was so frustrated, I had to say that, not even in a cuss case, not even in a trivial narcotics case, would this be permissible. Why is the prosecution asking the court to permit, in this case, paperwork evidence where the chain of custody is broken, the witness gave away the paperwork, never saw it again, and comes here in court for the first time to identify it, no unique identifying features. So, we were very concerned.”

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Wednesday January 07, 2026

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( The Hill) President Donald Trump on Monday dismissed comparisons between past U.S. involvement in Iraq and the recent military operation in Venezuela, saying the difference is that his administration plans to keep the seized oil from Venezuela. “The difference between Iraq and this is that [former President George W. Bush] didn’t keep the oil. We’re going to keep the oil,” Trump said, according to MS NOW’s Joe Scarborough, who detailed his conversation with the president. “In 2016, I said we should have kept the oil. It caused a lot of controversy. Well, we should have kept the oil,” Trump continued, as recalled by the “Morning Joe” host. “And we’re going to rebuild their broken-down oil facilities, and this time we’re going to keep the oil.” Trump’s comments to Scarborough come after the president told NBC News on Monday that he was open to

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FOR SALE TRUCK TIRES 295 / 75R22.5 $40K EACH. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL / WHATSAPP:+592-6883201.

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FOR RENT Commerical Properties on Regent Street & Sheriff Street. Contact Ray's Realty 627-9685 LAND FOR LEASE Versailles, W.B.D, (South of Aracari Hotel)-Lot 167 (4.6606 acres) 203,016 sq ft. Available Long term 20-25 years. Sign on property. Phone/Whatsapp: 6152270/628-8619.

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the U.S. supporting oil companies to help build up Venezuela’s infrastructure, which he said could take less than 18 months. “I think we can do it in less time than that, but it’ll be a lot of money,” Trump told the network. “A tremendous amount of money will have to be spent, and the oil companies will spend it, and then they’ll get reimbursed by us or through revenue.” Venezuela’s future remains uncertain following a U.S. military raid in the country’s capital Caracas on Saturday that resulted in the capture and arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores.Maduro’s vice president Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as interim president Monday, but Trump has maintained that the U.S. is running the South American country. Trump told NBC News on Monday that a group of U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, deputy White House chief of staff Stephen Miller and Vice President Vance, would lead the U.S.’s involvement in Venezuela.

“It’s a group of all. They have all expertise, different expertise,” Trump said, telling the network that he was ultimately the person in charge. 30 to 50 million barrels Meanwhile, Trump says Venezuela will be “turning over” 30 to 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil to the United

States. “This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!” Trump said in a social media post.

ERC addresses rising complaints, divisive discourse During December 2025, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) intensified its efforts to address complaints, curb divisive discourse, and uphold its constitutional mandate to promote peace, harmony, and good relations among all Guyanese, the constitutional body said in a press release. Through the coordinated work of its Media Monitoring Unit (MMU) and Investigative Unit (IU), the Commission said it actively responded to incidents of racially and religiously offensive conduct, reinforcing accountability and respect for diversity. Throughout the reporting period, the Media Monitoring Unit recorded 717 matters arising from traditional media, election campaign coverage, and social media platforms. Of these, 356 instances involved references to the ERC and were circulated internally for information and situational awareness. More significantly, 303 matters (42%) were addressed through the issuance of cautionary statements, aimed at discouraging inflammatory, misleading, or harmful public commentary that could undermine ethnic har-

mony. Additionally, 58 matters (8%) were escalated to the Investigative Unit or the Investigative Sub-Committee for further examination. The most frequently observed infractions included the use of racial slurs, racially prejudicial or insensitive remarks, racially hateful expressions, and religiously intolerant content. These findings underscore the persistent risks posed by unregulated public discourse and the continued necessity of vigilant monitoring and timely intervention. According to the ERC, the Investigative Unit maintained steady progress in managing both legacy and current complaints. Matters originating from 2022–2023 are largely resolved or at advanced stages of investigation. For 2024, the Unit achieved a 64 percent resolution rate, successfully closing or completing 28 of 44 cases, reflecting improved case management and procedural efficiency. In 2025, the Commission received 98 formal complaints. Of these, 53 remain active, progressing through various stages including investigation, review, legal assessment,

statutory determination, or conciliation. During December alone, 25 matters were closed and 12 cases were completed, while others were transferred, referred to relevant authorities, withdrawn by complainants, or scheduled for conciliation in accordance with established procedures. These outcomes reflect the ERC's continued commitment to fairness, due process, and impartial enforcement of the law, while promoting nonpunitive resolution mechanisms where appropriate, the release stated. The Commission remains focused on addressing grievances constructively, deterring discriminatory conduct, and fostering a climate of mutual respect. Through systematic media monitoring, responsive investigative action, and structured complaint resolution processes, the Ethnic Relations Commission reaffirmed its role in December 2025 as a key guardian of social cohesion in Guyana. As the new year approaches, the Commission remains committed to strengthening public trust, enhancing institutional effectiveness, and advancing national unity through accountability and dialogue.


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Broomes calls on Rodrigues to publish all assets, source of funding ...as minister admits to owning several properties L

eader of the Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP), Simona Broomes has called for full transparency and accountability in the acquisition of multibilliondollar assets by the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues. The former Housing Minister has admitted to owning several properties,

locally and abroad, in addition to a company registered in the United States. In a statement to the press on Tuesday, the former minister under the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) government pointed out that the issue is not about ownership, but source of funds, disclosure, and consistency of public

explanations. She said, “Based on public reporting and statements now on record, serious and unresolved questions remain surrounding the acquisition of a US$540,000 property in the United States of America linked to Minister Susan Rodrigues.” Broomes pointed out that according to official government salary scales, a Junior Minister's net monthly salary is GYD

1,608,214, resulting in estimated net earnings of approximately GYD 96.5 million over five years (2020–2025). She however pointed out that at current exchange rates, the overseas property in question is valued at approximately GYD 113.4 million, a figure that exceeds five years of total net ministerial earnings, before accounting for cost of living, taxes, ownership of other

32 contractors vie to rebuild Timehri Fire Station for $262M

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he Ministry of Home Affairs is gearing to spend approximately $262 million for the reconstruction of the Timehri Fire Station, East Bank Demerara.Kaieteur

News understands that a total of 32 contractors have submitted bids recently to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board office to execute the works. Among the bidders

14 bid below the engineer's estimate of $264 million and 16 bid above the figure, while the tender page was not seen for two bidders. It was reported in the

media that Home Affairs Ministry is building and has built new and rehabilitate fire stations across the country to improve emergency response and adequately boost firefighting operations.

Below are the companies and their bids: Ministry of Home Affairs Reconstruction of Timehri Fire Station.

Bidder P&NInternational Singh and Son Construction LF Global Inc. Global Builders Engineering Incorporated Vishal's Contracting Co Kawal Ramdeen Genera Construction & Office Furnishing Truck Smart J.B.S Investments Inc. Romano Builders M&DInvestments Amaya's Trading KP Engineering L. Pool Civil Works Ceraturium D.Chowkai &Sons Construction Andrect Engineering &Construction Full Service Enterprise D&S Construction Sovereignty Investments Construction Service Holistic Contracting &Procurement Inc SOCConstruction ECS Construction and General Supplies C.A.J Construction Firm Westbrook Caribbean Inc Top Tier Builders Kbee Enterprise Inc Emeralds General Constracting & Distributors AYNConstruction &General Services JDInvestments Inc. STP Investments Inc. Dundas Construction Inc. Green Plains Enterprise Engineer’s Estimate

Amount Tendered $252,112,380 $561,774,639 $340,692,668 $393,671,101 $264,601,056 $258,302,658 $303,460,812 $278,358,480 $289,658,284 $297,494,448 $483,061,290 $232,324,278 $250,549,067 $249,419,580 $426,156,663 $537,954,783 $649,999,999 $234,147,900 $279,886,368 $439,886,679 $266,958,786 $257,839,017 $240,755,659 $259,898,914 $361,985,505 $255,989,961 $260,022,837 $260,273,257 $231,286,412. $255,150,195 $262,352,650

Regional Democratic Council of Region Seven Rehabilitation & Extension of 72 Miles Health Post. Bidder Michelle's Trading KLM Construction R. MOE Construction General Services & Supply

Amount Tendered $27,951,819 $30,813,058 $28,164,536

properties locally and ownership of luxury vehicles. According to her, “This discrepancy is material and cannot be dismissed with general assurances” as she noted that Rodrigues also owns other multimilliondollar properties in Guyana and a fleet of high-value vehicles, raising a legitimate public questions. The party leader therefore called on the minister to publicly account for the full source of funds used in the acquisition of the overseas property and other major assets. Moreover, she urged her to release her declared assets along with a complete and verifiable paper trail of mortgage instruments, loan agreements and repayment schedules. Additionally, Broomes called for the minister to confirm compliance with all statutory disclosure requirements, including filings with the Integrity

Leader of the Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP), Simona Broomes Commission. In the interest of transparency and accountability, the politician urged her colleague to submit to an independent review of her transactions to remove any perception of conflict or influence. She said, “If Minister Rodrigues is unable or unwilling to provide full and verifiable financial records within a reasonable timeframe, she must step aside from ministerial office to allow for an independent review.”

Ex-girlfriend charged with murder of Linden man

Construction of Doctor's Duplex Living Quarters at Bartica Hospital Compound. Bidder Elliott's Construction and Supplies Michelle's Trading R. MOE Construction General Services & Supply

Amount Tendered $36,685,805 $37,299,464 $38,093,640

Construction of Teachers Living Quarters at Wayalayeng. Bidder Amount Tendered KLM Construction $29,878,650 R. MOE Construction General Services $28,966,400 & Supply Michelle's Trading $27,370,050 Construction of the Doctor's Living Quarter at Imbaimadai. Bidder Amount Tendered Michelle's Trading $42,268,876 R. MOE Construction General $41,697,644 Services & Supply KLM Construction $41,613,158 Ministry of Labour & Man Power Planning Construction of Training Building- Tuschen. Bidder Amount Tendered Formidable Investments $9,946,200 Engineered Construction Company $8,608,820 DR Engineering $8,541,445 W. Rasheed Service $12,199,688 Construction of Training Building - New Amsterdam. Bidder Dundas Construction Beek Welding and General Fabrication JKH Enterprise Armogans General Work

Amount Tendered $18,261,025 $12,880,000 $12,540,045 $12,817,970

Procurement of Security Service. Bidder Queensway Security Service Inc Panther's Security Service Inc R K's Guyana Security Services

Amount Tendered $116,241,695 $79,891,200 $91,441,133

Linden businessman, Amar Jones

Shania Benjamin

The ex-girlfriend of Linden businessman, Amar Jones who was gunned down last week at Half Mile Wismar was on Tuesday charged with his m u r d e r, p o l i c e h a v e reported. Shania Benjamin, a 24year-old Clerk of Central Amelia's Ward, Linden has been charged in connection with the alleged murder, which occurred on Tuesday December 30, 2025 at Half Mile, Wismar, Linden. On Tuesday Benjamin appeared before Her Wo r s h i p R u s h e l l e Liverpool at the Linden Magistrate's Court via Zoom, where the charge was read to her and she was not required to plead. She was remanded to prison and the matter was adjourned to Monday

February 16, 2026. Benjamin was arrested last week. Police in a statement had said that preliminary investigations revealed that Jones was travelling in a motor canter along Half Mile Public Road when he was approached by a motor car from which an unidentified male exited and discharged several rounds in his direction before reentering the vehicle and fleeing the scene. Upon arrival at the scene, police ranks observed the victim motionless in the driver's seat of the motor canter. He was escorted to the Linden Hospital Complex where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor on duty. The body was later taken to G-Jetsco Funeral Home.


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Wednesday January 07, 2026

Pres. Ali backsTrump - reaffirms Guyana's support to eradicating transnational crime

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resident Irfaan Ali has commended United States President Donald Trump's leadership and reaffirmed Guyana's support for efforts to combat transnational crime in the region, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated America's commitment to deepening security cooperation with Guyana to address shared challenges, including illicit narcotics and firearms trafficking. President Ali and Secretary Rubio made the remarks during an engagement on Tuesday.

President Irfaan Ali According to Guyana's Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud, discussions focused on recent developments in Venezuela

and other issues of importance within the Western Hemisphere. On January 3, the U.S military conducted an operation in Caracas Venezuela which resulted in the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. Maduro and Flores were transported to the U.S where they were charged for narco terrorism. Persaud said President Ali commended both P r e s i d e n t Tr u m p a n d Secretary Rubio for reaffirming a shared commitment to freedom, democracy and regional

Son sentenced to 35 years for killing mother

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orty-five-year-old Deonarine Dookhoo, was on Tuesday sentenced to 35 years in prison for the murder of his mother. The sentence was handed down by Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Berbice High Court. The convicted man was charged with killing his 64-year-old mother Teshwattie Jaglall back in 2021. Dookhoo, also known as Dinesh, was found guilty of the crime by a 12-member jury last December. At the commencement of his trial, he had pleaded not guilty, and was remanded to prison. The court heard that the man and his two children lived with his mother at Number Three Village, West Coast Berbice. He was employed as a security guard, and was reportedly an

the defence of its sovereignty and territorial i n t e g r i t y. B o t h s i d e s , Persaud noted, committed to remaining engaged on the issues discussed and other areas of mutual interest. In a separate statement, U.S. Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Secretary Rubio spoke with President Ali on further strengthening bilateral security cooperation. Pigott noted that Rubio commended President Ali for his leadership as a regional security partner and for Guyana's growing role in promoting stability across the hemisphere. Pigott added that the U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to deepening security cooperation with Guyana to address shared challenges, including illicit narcotics and firearms trafficking,

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio which threaten regional stability and economic resilience. “Both leaders underscored the importance of continued collaboration to disrupt foreign terrorist organizations and transnational criminal networks while strengthening law enforcement capabilities and border security,” Pigott said.

Police launch probe into attack on French vlogger Killed: Teshwattie Jaglall

Domaine Dookhoo, sentenced to 30+ years imprisonment for killing his mother

alcoholic. The court was told that Dookhoo would occasionally beat Jaglall when he needed money to purchase rum, but was always denied. He reportedly attacked his mother with a cutlass between June 30 and July 1, 2021, after she had condemned his drinking habits. He dealt her several chops about her body and

left her on the floor bloodied. The man then strangely prepared himself for work and did not bother to remove his mother's body. Jaglall was discovered by her six-year-old granddaughter. Her body was removed and escorted to the Fort Wellington Public Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

U.S. refiners poised to gain as... From page 12 the U.S., has emerged in recent weeks as the only company fluidly loading and shipping crude from the South American country amid the blockade. PDVSA has already had to cut production due to the embargo, because it is running out of storage for the oil. If PDVSA does not find a way to export oil soon, it would have to cut production more, one of the sources said. The White House, Venezuelan government

security. “President Ali reiterated Guyana's steadfast commitment to working with the United States - the region's strategic and important security ally. The President re-emphasised Guyana's support for every effort to combat transnational crime, including drugs and gold smuggling, and narcoterrorism. The President also reiterated Guyana's respect for the rule of law, free and fair elections, upholding of democratic norms and the furtherance of peace and prosperity for all the people of the region,” Persaud stated. He added that President Ali also welcomed Secretary Rubio's reaffirmation of continued U.S. support and partnership with Guyana in

officials and PDVSA did not immediately comment. Venezuela's oil ministry has said the U.S. wants to steal the country's oil reserves and denounced Maduro's capture as a kidnapping. U.S. refineries on the Gulf Coast can process Venezuela's heavy crude grades and were importing some 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) before Washington first imposed energy sanctions on Venezuela. It was not immediately clear how sanctioned PDVSA would obtain

proceeds from the oil sales. The officials have been in talks this week about possible sale mechanisms, including auctions to allow interested U.S. buyers to participate in cargo offers, and the issuance of U.S. licenses to PDVSA's business partners that could lead to supply contracts, two sources said. The parties have also discussed if the Venezuelan crude can refill the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve in the future, one of the sources said.

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he Guyana Police Force has commenced investigations into an alleged attack involving international visitor Antony D'Oliveira, host of the Jumps Travel Documentary YouTube channel. The incident which was captured on video and is currently in circulation, is being treated with seriousness by the police. Acts of violence against any individual are unacceptable and are contrary to the laws of Guyana and the values of safety, hospitality and respect upheld by the society, the police said in a release. Investigators are actively reviewing the video footage, conducting enquiries and pursuing all available leads with the aim of identifying and apprehending the individual responsible, in accordance with the law. The Guyana Police Force extends sincere concern to M r. D ' O l i v e i r a a n d reiterates its commitment to ensuring that Guyana remains a safe and welcoming destination for all visitors and residents.

Man on the right slaps Antony D'Oliveira, host of the Jumps Travel Documentary YouTube channel

Persons with information that may assist the investigation are encouraged to contact the nearest police station. Meanwhile, the M i n i s t r y o f To u r i s m , Industry, & Commerce, and t h e G u y a n a To u r i s m Authority, unequivocally condemned the recent attack on D'Oliveira, noting that such acts of violence are wholly unacceptable and run contrary to the values of hospitality, safety, and respect for which Guyana and its people are known. “The safety and well-being of all visitors and residents remain a top priority. We reaffirm our commitment to working closely with law

enforcement agencies, tourism stakeholders, and local communities to ensure that Guyana remains a destination where all feel secure and respected.” In this regard, the ministry call on the Guyana Police Force to conduct a thorough and expeditious investigation into this matter and to take all necessary steps to apprehend the individual responsible, in accordance with the law. “We extend our sincere concern and b e s t w i s h e s t o M r. D'Oliveira and trust that this matter will be addressed with the seriousness and urgency it warrants,” the statement read.


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 U T Crackdown on L N N T U U L N L B U . B . . L . . . Brazilian gold miners 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 . T B U . . L N . N T B . . U N . L T U B L N . . 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 B U UN .BLUNT. . . L . T B . . N . T U . L N . T B U . UN .BLUNT.. UNT...BL T...BL . L N . T B U . . L LUN ...BLUNT. LUNT...B NT...BL T B U . . L N . T B U BL T...BLUN BLUNT... UNT...B . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U BBL 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 Wednesday January 07, 2026

Kaieteur News

The Government's decision to suspend the operations of 107 Brazilian miners sends a clear message that compliance with mining laws is not optional.

After repeated warnings and a direct presidential directive to declare all gold produced in 2025, the government has chosen enforcement over accommodation. This is a necessary step to protect national revenues, strengthen transparency, and restore confidence in the gold sector. For too long, low or non-declarations have undermined regulatory credibility and disadvantaged compliant miners.

The GGMC's move to halt operations pending engagement and full compliance reinforces the principle that foreign and local operators must be held to the same standard. It also signals seriousness about deregistering idle dredges and removing illegal operators.However, enforcement must be matched with due process and clear communication. If applied consistently, this crackdown could mark a turning point for Guyana's mining sector overall.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday Thursday November January 07, 24,2026 2022

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Sabalenka eases through Brisbane opener, Kyrgios falls at first hurdle ( R e u t e r s ) - Wo r l d number one Aryna Sabalenka began her 2026 campaign with a thumping victory at the Brisbane International on Tuesday while her "Battle of the Sexes" opponent Nick Kyrgios fell short on his return to singles action after

nearly a year out. Sabalenka, who was beaten in straight sets by Kyrgios a week ago in a Dubai exhibition, resumed her preparations for the Australian Open by turning on the style to beat Cristina Bucsa 6-0 6-1 in 47 minutes to reach the third round.

"Definitely my serve worked really well," she said after the quickest victory of her career. "I did a couple of serveand-volleys, which is like, 'wow,' so yeah, I'm super happy with the level. I'm happy to be back. I always enjoy playing in front of all

Wednesday January 07, 2026 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) As the week begins, you could be inspired to dive deeper into a research project or game plan for advancing your professional path.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Taking a time-out from the daily grind to tune in to your heart and pay attention to your dreams might feel like a must as the week starts.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) If you’ve been craving sweet, joyful, spontaneous fun with loved ones and opportunities for self-expression, you’ll get a green light to put work on the back burner in pursuit of pleasure and creativity at the start of the week.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You might feel like rebelling against your current situation on the job or in a close one-on-one relationship early in the week. Just be sure you’ve thought it through before making a potentially gasp-worthy plunge.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You could find yourself craving a deep, meaningful experience with loved ones as the week gets underway.

SAGITTARIUS(Nov.22–Dec.21) As the week starts, you’ll be fired up to make moves on the job, not just for short-term aims but with your big-picture goals in mind.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Your to-do list might feel extra long but also enlivening at the start of the week. This can be an exciting time to make new connections, strike up interesting conversations, or brainstorm thrilling bigpicture proposals with colleagues.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You’ll be itching to break free of your usual routine and have an experience that's different, unique, and supportive of your personal growth when the week starts. Leading with a pragmatic view now preempts stress.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You might want to strike out on your own—and against the wishes of higher-ups or colleagues—as the week starts. Just make sure you think about the consequences before diving in.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Connecting on a deeper level within your closest relationship can feel especially appealing and exciting in the beginning of the week. If it feels like you’re giving more than you take, or vice versa.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) In the beginning of the week, you enjoy the opportunity to get clear on personal intentions and get the ball rolling on making them real. Finding your voice and owning your right to pleasure, fun, and joy will be integral to seeing results. Make sure to take a step back to assess before saying yes

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Whether you’ve been dreaming of a new adventure with your sweetheart or wanting to open yourself up to meeting someone special, you’ll have a lovely opportunity to key in on your vision as the week begins. Thanks to the cosmos, support from friends can make it even easier to turn your hopes into a reality.

you guys. That was a great performance from me." The defending Brisbane champion faces either Sorana Cirstea or Jelena Ostapenko next as she looks to build momentum for the January 18 to February 1 Grand Slam at Melbourne Park, where she will be hunting a third title. The injury-plagued Kyrgios also had a short spell on court in his first singles match since March, the Australian losing 6-3 6-4 to American Aleksandar Kovacevic in 65 minutes. T h e 3 0 - y e a r- o l d i s

hoping for a wildcard at Melbourne Park and will try to build his match fitness when he teams up with Thanasi Kokkinakis for a doubles round of 16 match on Wednesday. The duo won their match against Matthew Ebden and Rajeev Ram on Sunday and will take on Sadio Doumbia and Fabien Reboul next. Despite doubts about his future in the sport, Kyrgios said that Tuesday's match was part of the rebuilding process after a series of wrist and knee injuries derailed his career following his run to

the 2022 Wimbledon final. "This is a stepping stone," Kyrgios added. "I actually just spoke to Daniil Medvedev in the locker room, and he's like, 'look, you play one match every now and then, it's not going to be the way you want it all the time'. "As long as I feel good and I'm going to be able to try and use it as a building block, that's my goal obviously, and not just Australian Open but this year, for whatever this year holds, I do want to continue to play as much as I can.”

ICC to meet with BCB over refusal to play... From page 20 Kolkata on February 7 (vs West Indies), February 9 (vs Italy) and February 14 (vs England). Their final group game against Nepal is in Mumbai on February 17. On Sunday, however, the BCB wrote to the ICC requesting that the governing body "consider" moving all of Bangladesh's matches "outside" India, citing the "safety and well-being" of the players. The issue arose following the BCCI's directive to Kolkata Knight Riders [KKR], instructing the franchise to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from its 2026 squad without specifying a reason publicly. Mustafizur had been bought for INR 9.2 crore (USD 1.02 million approx.) at the IPL auction last month. What remains unconfirmed is who authorised the directive to remove Mustatfizur from the KKR squad. It is understood that there has been no IPL governing council meeting since the auction on December 16. In its communication to the ICC, the BCB said it was acting on the "advice" of the Bangladesh government, which had raised concerns for the "safety and security of Bangladesh citizens" in India under the "prevailing situation". The BCB took a cautionary stance, though the Bangladesh government has not issued a travel advisory or imposed restrictions on its citizens travelling to or living in India. The ICC has not made a public comment on the issue

or responded to queries. The top brass of ICC, including the chairman Jay Shah, were at the BCCI head office in Mumbai on Monday, deliberating on the development and the next steps. On the BCB front, it is

understood that only a small group of directors, including the board president Aminul Islam and the chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury, have been authorised to engage on the issue with the ICC and the Bangladesh government.


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Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 07, 2026

ICC to meet with BCB over refusal to play T20 World Cup matches in India ESPNcricinfo - The ICC is set to meet with the Bangladesh Cricket Board [BCB] in a bid to resolve the problem of Bangladesh refusing to play their 2026 T20 World Cup matches in India due to deteriorating relations between the two countries. ESPNcricinfo has learned that there is a call scheduled for Tuesday, during which the ICC is likely to request the BCB to allow the Bangladesh team to play its group matches in India as per the existing schedule. The 2026 T20 World Cup

Bangladesh are scheduled to play all their group matches in India. (Getty Images) in India and Sri Lanka begins on February 7 and concludes on March 8, with

Bangladesh playing their first three Group C games in (Continued on page 19)

RHTYSC completes another fruitful year... From page 21 Panthera Solutions, Professor Paloma Mohamed, Minister Vickram Bharrat, Minister Collin Croal, former Member of Parliament Faizal Jaferally, Zamal H u s s a i n M P, V N e t Communications, the Nero's sisters, Francessa Trotman among others. Meanwhile, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports club has described 2025 as a fairly successful year despite numerous challenges. The club was able to successfully complete its annual target of 700 activities during the year under a wide range of subheadings like sports, educational, cultural, medical, community development, awards, coaching, anti-drugs and anti-suicide. Among the successful activities hosted were the tributes to teachers, tribute to outstanding studies, honoring of municipality workers, medical outreach, distribution of eye glasses, Republic Bank Grade 6 s u m m e r c a m p , Busta/Bakewell cricket academy, elite coaching for junior, Basil Butcher Trust F u n d , Te l e v i s i o n programme, tribute to m o t h e r s , Wa l t e r N e r o Fathers' day programme, Naeem Nasir Memorial cricket tournament, tribute to Firemen, tribute to Postal workers, anti-drugs television commercials and feeding the poor. The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club won several tournaments on the cricket field including the Under 13 and the Doomsday 10 overs tournament. We also received the BCB Club

of the Year Award during the year. The club produced fifteen national players for Guyana at all levels, while five club members represented the West Indies at different levels. Kevlon Anderson, Kevin Sinclair, Shemaine Campbelle, Shabika Gajnabi played for the senior team, while Trisha Hardat represented the West Indies Under 19 team in the World Cup. Other RHTYSC members who represented the senior Guyana team were Junior Sinclair, Slyus Ty n d a l l , S h e n e e t a Grimmond, Trisha Hardat and Plaffina Millington. Raffel McKenzie and Jayden Ganpat represent the national Under 15 and Under 13 respectively. They impressed everyone with their bowling. Ganpat won the best under 13 bowler awards for Guyana, while off spinner Plaffina Millington copped the CWI T/20 bowler of the Year award for female cricketers. Hardat, Daniella Hicks, Daniela Manns and Jada Fraser represented the national female under 19 team with Manns emerging the best bowler. Shemaine Campbelle became the first Guyanese female captain to win a CWI Championship and also the first Guyanese to captain the West Indies. A total of twenty-eight RHTYSC members represented Berbice at all level in 2025 with 11 at the female senior level- Hardat, Gajnabi, Campbelle, Sherica Campbelle, Manns, Hicks, Tinu Sudhu, Jada Fraser, Leah Kemalall, Sheneeta Grimmond and Plaffina Millington. New faces

representing the county or GCB 11 in 2025 included Ti n u S u d h u , K h e m r a j Bharrat, Royston Crandon Jr., Balraj Narine and Dinesh Singh. Kissoonlall, the long serving cricket manager stated that among the highlights of the year was Kevlon Anderson becoming the third RHTYSC test player, Shemaine Campbelle becoming the first Guyanese female to captain the West Indies and the club winning the BCB under 13 title. He further disclosed that members of the club benefitted from over 2.5 million dollars worth of cricket gear, uniforms, educational materials, electronic tablets, electronic bikes, cycles and house household equipment during the year as part of the club's personal development project. F o s t e r, t h e f o r m e r President of the Berbice Cricket Board, noted that 2026 has started on a positive note with five RHTYSC members been selected on the Guyana Senior Female Team. The players are Shemaine Campbelle, Shenika Gajnabi, Sheneeta Grimmond, Plaffina Millington and Daniella Manns. The club is aiming to win at least five BCB titles in 2026 and producing a minimum of 16 national players. The teams of the RHTYSC are Poonai's Pharmacy Under 11 and Under 13, Farfan and Mendes Under 15, Bakewell Under 17 and second division, Pepsi Under 19, Metro Females and Namilco Thunderbolt Flour Under 21 and First Division.


Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 07, 2026

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RHTYSC completes another fruitful year 35 annual Christmas outreach a massive success

Donation of food hampers to Rose Hall Town Council. For the 35th successive year, the cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, M.S hosted a highly successful Christmas outreach programme as part of their personal development programme. The programme was launched on the 1st of December and closed off on Sunday 28th. Club Secretary Hilbert Foster and cricket manager Robby Kissoonlall both described the month-long programme as th e b es t ev er an d expressed delight that the teams were able to make the festive season a little brighter for thousands of less fortunate kids and their families. The massive Christmas outreach programme included the distribution of eight hundred food hampers to less fortunate families, each food hamper included different items including flour, sugar, cooking oil, matches, sweet soap, macaroni, chowmein, onion, garlic, salt and tomato sauce. The teams also shared out

Three RHTYSC members who played the U13 inter county- Royston Crandon Jr., Jayden Ganpat, Khemraj Bharrat.

one hundred special hampers in conjunction with minister Vickram Bharrat of the Ministry of Natural Resources. On Monday 15th of December, the cricket teams hosted a Christmas party for 250 kids at the Area 'H' ground. Each child received a Christmas toy, goodies bag, a collection of items and a lot of food. Hundreds of residents, including members of the St Francis Xavier Roman Catholic church received a special Christmas package consisting of apples, grapes, walnuts, Drinks, juice, sweets and biscuits. Over four thousand Christmas toys were shared out across Berbice via a network of sister organizations, while dozens of families also received a Christmas day breakfast consisting of juice, a loaf of baked bread, and pepper pot. Financial assistance was also provided to twelve less Fortunate families, while others benefitted from the donation of footwear, clothing and educational

Donation of Toys to the Police Station.

materials. The highlight of the 2025 programme was the hosting of the eleventh edition of the Rose Hall Town Christmas village in the compound of Rose Hall Town primary school. Thousands of excited children accompanied their parents to visit the village, which consisted of numerous inflatable characters, 20-foot Christmas tree, toy house, the nativity scene, family bridge, horror house, photo studio, trampolines, bouncy castle and numerous children's games. The 2025 programme was organized by the Poonai's Pharmacy Under 13, Farfan and Mendes Under 15, Bakewell Under 17, Pepsi Under 19, Metro Females and Namilco Thunderbolt Flour Under 21 teams. The teams would like to express thanks to everyone who assisted in making the programme a success, especially the Office of the Prime Minister, KSM Investment, Bakewell, (Continued on page 20)

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 07, 2026

Archery Guyana 2025 National Ranking Event a huge success Archery Guyana (AG) successfully hosted its National Ranking Event 2025 on Wednesday 31st December, 2025, at the Everest Cricket Club Ground, bringing together top archers from clubs across the country in a highly competitive and professionally officiated event to close off a dynamic year for the archery fraternity. T h e O l d Ye a r ' s tournament formed a critical part of the national ranking calendar, providing athletes with the opportunity to earn ranking points, demonstrate technical progression, and benchmark performance as Guyana continues to strengthen its archery development pathway. The competition was conducted under the supervision of certified officials, ensuring adherence to established competition standards. Officials included Chairperson of Judges: Robert Singh, Judges Faraad Gani and Afzal Karim, Director of Shooting: Umasankar Madray and Results Manager Saeed Karim The president of Archery G u y a n a , M s . Vi d u s h i Persaud-McKinnon, delivered closing remarks at the Presentation Ceremony, thanking athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and supporters for their

commitment and sportsmanship throughout the day. She congratulated all medalists on performances reflecting discipline, focus, and consistent effort, while also recognising every archer who took part, noting that participation and perseverance are equally w o r t h y o f acknowledgement. Reflecting on the significance of hosting the event on Old Year's Day, the President noted that the competition served as a reminder that success in archery, and in life, is built on patience, respect, and dedication to the process. She reaffirmed Archery Guyana's commitment to fair play, fair competition, athlete development, and unity within the archery community as the Federation looks ahead to the New Year, and extended best wishes for a safe, peaceful, and successful year ahead. The Board of Directors of Archery Guyana extends sincere thanks to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the National Sports Commission, and the Guyana Olympic Association for their continued institutional support. Appreciation is also extended to Service Guyana Inc., Guyana Beverages Inc., and Oasis Waters for their valued support, as well as to

the Board of Directors of the Everest Cricket Club for the use of its facilities. Special thanks are further extended to Lieutenant Colonel Bhageshwar Murli for his assistance and support toward the successful staging of the event. Archery Guyana extends sincere appreciation to all clubs, athletes, officials, and volunteers whose efforts ensured the successful staging of the event. Results Recurve Men Gold: Jeewanram Persaud Silver: Lucas Chung B r o n z e : Tr e v a u g h n Waldron Recurve Women Gold: Karin Onica Toppin Silver: Roshini Boodhoo Recurve Under-18 Men Gold: Saifullah Gani Silver: Brandon Cummings Barebow Men Gold: Mehandra Chatargum Silver: Nolan Gray Bronze: Richard Dookie Barebow Women G o l d : M e l e s a Ramnaraine Silver: Eslyne Gomes Bronze: Suzanne Affonso Barebow Under-18 Women Gold: Fatima Gani Silver: Samiyyah La Cruez


Wednesday January 07, 2026

Kaieteur News

PAGE 27

Guyana Cup 2026 Nomination Series Introduced as Horseracing enters a New Era

H

orseracing in G u y a n a continues its rapid evolution, and the 2026 Guyana Cup season is set to mark another major milestone with the introduction of a structured, multi-stage nomination system, a format modeled on international racing standards and designed to elevate the sport locally. The Guyana Cup Committee, in collaboration with the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee (JJTRC), has officially confirmed a fourrace nomination series for the Guyana Cup (Mile), Guyana Cup Sprint, and G u y a n a - B r e d D e r b y, signaling a shift toward greater professionalism, t r a n s p a r e n c y, a n d competitiveness. Over the last five years, horseracing in Guyana has seen unprecedented growth. Attendance has surged, prize purses have increased, new stables have emerged, and international interest particularly from the Caribbean, South America, and North America has grown steadily. With this expansion comes a responsibility to raise standards. “In major racing jurisdictions overseas, entry

into elite races is never automatic,” a committee member explained. “Horses must qualify, prove form, and commit early. That is the direction Guyana racing has been pushing toward for years.” The new nomination system ensures that only the best-prepared and most competitive horses earn a place in Guyana's most prestigious races. Four Nomination Days, One Championship Goal For 2026, horses seeking entry into the Guyana Cup, Sprint, or Guyana-Bred Derby must qualify through one of four official nomination races: February 1 – Port Mourant Turf Club April 5 – Port Mourant Turf Club May 3 – Bush Lot United Turf Club July 5 – Port Mourant Turf Club (Final Nomination Day) Each nomination day will feature Sprint, Mile, and Derby races, allowing horses multiple opportunities to earn qualification. However, only the first and second place finishers on each nomination day will qualify for the final race in that category. This means that across four nomination days, a maximum of eight

horses can qualify per race through performance ensuring quality control while maintaining excitement throughout the season. If a horse runs in the Guyana Cup Mile nomination race on February 1 and finishes first or second, it automatically qualifies for the Guyana Cup final. If that same horse later runs again on April 5 and finishes first or second, the qualification does not duplicate. Instead, the nomination passes to the next eligible finisher, ensuring that opportunities remain open for other competitors. This approach prevents domination by a single stable and encourages broader participation. Bonus Money Keeps Competition Alive While only first and second qualify, nomination bonuses are paid to first, second, and third place finishers, a key incentive to keep fields strong and competitive. On February 1 and April 5, promoter-added bonuses apply: Guyana Cup (Mile): GYD 500,000 Sprint: GYD 300,000 Derby: GYD 200,000 Bonuses are distributed

60% to the winner, 20% to second, and 20% to third, ensuring that even horses narrowly missing qualification are rewarded. On later nomination days, a percentage of nomination fees is redistributed as bonuses, with the remaining funds added directly to Guyana Cup Day purses, strengthening the final events. Major Incentives: Free Entry and Discounts To encourage early commitment, the system r e w a r d s s t r o n g performances early in the season: Winners on February 1 and April 5 receive 100% FREE entry into the corresponding final race. Second-place finishers receive 40% (Feb 1) and 20% (Apr 5) discounts. On May 3, the top three finishers receive a 15% discount. On July 5, the top three receive a 10% discount. If a horse wins free entry more than once, the benefit passes to the next eligible finisher ensuring fairness. Security Advance Adds Accountability Upon qualification, GYD 100,000 is retained as a security advance toward the final entry fee. This measure,

common in overseas racing, ensures that only serious and committed runners occupy limited gate positions. Refunds are granted only with a JJTRC-recognized veterinary certificate. Trainer and Jockey Bonuses Encourage Excellence Recognizing that success is a team effort, the 2026 system includes: GYD 500,000 bonus to any trainer qualifying two horses in one race category GYD 500,000 bonus to any jockey qualifying two horses in one race category These incentives promote professional riding, careful placement, and stable development. Imported Horses: Quality Over Quantity Four gate positions are reserved in the Guyana Cup and Sprint for imported horses, but entry is not automatic. First preference goes to imports with the highest earnings in 2026, subject to a 1% additional entry fee. If slots remain, highestclass horses imported before July 5 may be considered, subject to a 2% additional fee. All imports must submit f u ll p as t p er f o r man ce records and are approved solely at the discretion of the

JJTRC. Raising the Bar for Guyana Racing Industry stakeholders agree that this nomination system represents a turning point. “Guyana racing has grown tremendously in five years; bigger crowds, better horses, larger purses,” one official noted. “ To c o n t i n u e t h a t growth, we must operate like international racing jurisdictions. This system does exactly that.” By introducing performance-based qualification, structured incentives, and clear governance, the Guyana Cup Committee believes the sport will attract stronger local stables, higher-quality imports, and greater international attention. The 2026 Guyana Cup season is shaping up to be the most competitive and professionally run in the country's history. For horsemen, the message is clear: Prepare early. Perform consistently. Earn your place. For fans, the result will be deeper fields, better racing, and a championship season worthy of Guyana's growing reputation on the regional racing stage.

Sinclair champions grassroots cricket with Annual Tapeball Tournament at Bourda as Trophy Stall supports G uyanese and We s t I n d i a n cricketer Kevin Sinclair continues to strengthen his commitment to grassroots cricket development with the hosting of the annual Kevin Sinclair Foundation Ta p e b a l l C r i c k e t Competition, set for Sunday, January 11, at the iconic Bourda Cricket Club ground. The initiative, which has steadily grown into a fixture on Guyana's local sporting calendar, reflects Sinclair's vision of keeping young people engaged with cricket at a time when technology and digital entertainment increasingly compete for

their attention. Through his foundation, the 26-year-old has been working to reach aspiring cricketers from all corners of the country, providing opportunities for exposure, competition and personal development. “This competition is about nurturing the local talent pool,” Sinclair has emphasized, noting that Tapeball cricket remains one of the most accessible and popular entry points for young players, especially in communities with limited resources. This year's one-day tournament will feature 10 male teams, including several well-known and competitive sides such as

Madhia, Eccles All Stars, Team Sip N Play and Team Corruption, among others. In a further boost to inclusivity, the event will also include a women's segment, with four female teams expected to compete once confirmations are finalized. More than $500,000 in cash and prizes will be on offer, adding extra incentive as teams battle for top honours in both the male and female divisions. Support for the 2026 staging comes from sponsors Genuine Auto Sale, Trophy Stall and Skeldon Energy Inc., whose backing has been crucial to the tournament's continued growth. Sinclair's passion for

youth cricket is rooted in his own journey. Hailing from New Amsterdam, Berbice, he rose through the local and regional ranks to earn selection for the West Indies, becoming known for his energy, discipline and effectiveness as a spinbowling all-rounder. His path from local grounds to the international stage has made him a relatable figure for young players dreaming of similar success. By reinvesting in the grassroots level, Sinclair is helping to ensure that those dreams remain achievable. As the Bourda ground prepares to host another vibrant day of Tapeball

Trophy Stall's Proprietor, Ramesh Sunich (right) supports Kevin Sinclair Tapeball Cricket Competition. action, the tournament stands as a reminder that the future of Guyanese and West Indian cricket continues to be shaped not only at the

highest level, but also in community-driven initiatives led by players who have walked the same path.


Guyana cup 2023 event – More incentives are coming to the Guyana Cup.

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Guyana Cup 2026 Nomination Series Introduced as Horseracing enters a New Era Archery Guyana wrapped up 2025 with a national ranking event.

Archery Guyana 2025 National Ranking Event a huge success 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.


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