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Macron calls for NEWS ‘calm and order’ after riots across France
Monday Edition
AIETEUR
October 19, 2026 - Vol. 19 No. 41 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $200 readership yesterday, 50,460
Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
Foreign companies strike nine deals for Guyana’s mining properties in 2026 …transactions include gold properties across Regions One, Seven and Nine Father, two others in custody over missing Bath Settlement child Pork-knocker chopped to death during drinking session at Eyelash Landing ...suspect arrested after manhunt; allegedly admitted to killing friend
Gold exports reach US$826.2 million in first half of 2026 …declarations increased by 11.3 per cent
The key to this $180 million multipurpose facility at Onderneeming in Region Three was handed over to the NDC by Minister of Housing Colin Croal on Sunday. The project is a partnership between the government and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). (DPI photo)
No livestream, no updates - Barima families say shut out of CoI hearings
Kaieteur News
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Monday October 19, 2026
Father, two others in custody over missing Bath Settlement child Efforts are continuing to locate six-year-old Orlando Jaikarran of Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) confirming on Sunday that the child’s father is in custody as investigations into his disappearance intensify. The child is believed to have gone missing last Wednesday. Two other individuals have also been taken into police custody as investigators pursue leads in the case. J a i k a r r a n ’s f a m i l y remains hopeful that he will be found safe and is appealing to members of the public to provide any information that could assist in locating him. The investigation is being conducted by police in Regional Division No. 5 (Mahaica-Berbice). On Friday, police ranks conducted searches at several locations in the Bath Settlement area, including the surrounding backlands. However, the searches proved unsuccessful, the GPF confirmed in a statement on Sunday. During further searches o n S u n d a y, o f f i c e r s reportedly discovered a piece of footwear believed to
Missing: six-year-old Orlando Jaikarran
belong to the child’s father. The man was reportedly in the backlands on the day before his son was discovered missing. Jaikarran is a pupil of Bath Primary School. On Thursday, a day after he was reported missing, the school issued an appeal for public assistance, expressing concern for the child and his family.
“We are urgently seeking the public’s assistance in locating Orlando Jaikarran, who was last known to be at his residence. His family is extremely worried and is appealing to anyone who may have seen him or has any information about his whereabouts to please come forward,” the school stated. The child was reportedly at home with his father and
some of his siblings before he was discovered missing. His grandmother, Dhankumarie Gowkarran, told reporters that her son had contacted her to report that he could not find the child. “My son called me and tell me, he said ‘mommy, I can’t find my lil son in the house’. He said when the two brothers wake up, they nah see he. And their father go at the station and report that he ain’t finding his lil son, say he missing,” she recounted. Gowkarran said she subsequently consulted a pandit and opened a ‘book’ in an attempt to ascertain the child’s welfare. According to her, the religious guide told her that the child had been taken by someone and urged her to act quickly, warning that harm could befall him. The grandmother said she had not noticed anything unusual about the children’s routine before Orlando disappeared. “The children does go school five days a week, and when school over, them children does come by me and I does give them lil food and they does go home back. When they want lil water or so, I does give them. And I
Dhankumarie Gowkarran, grandmother of the missing child tell them to go home straight, go help daddy,” she said. She also disclosed that she had questioned her son about the child’s disappearance. “I question my son; I said ‘bai, yuh do anything to this pickney?’ he said ‘no mommy. I can’t do that. I like my children. I does cook, I does send them to school, I does do everything for them. I ain’t do my children nothing. Me pickney walk out and me nah know, cuz I does sleep in one room and them there does sleep in the second room’,” Gowkarran recounted. According to the
grandmother, the child’s siblings told their father that Orlando was not with them when they awoke. Gowkarran, who recently returned to Guyana, said she last saw her three grandchildren, including Orlando, on Monday. She recalled giving them sweets before sending them home. “I don’t know what’s going on,” she said. Despite the uncertainty surrounding her grandson’s disappearance, Gowkarran said she remains hopeful that he is safe and will be reunited with his family. Police investigations and search efforts are ongoing.
Police seize 23.8 pounds of suspected cannabis in East Canje
The 23.8 pounds of cannabis found in Canje, Berbice. Police in Regional Division #6 are investigating the discovery of 23.854 pounds of suspected cannabis during an operation on Saturday,17th October, 2026, at Sheet Anchor Village, East Canje, Berbice. The operation was conducted between 17:50 hrs and 18:10 hrs, during which ranks searched a bushy area on an unoccupied plot of land. There, they discovered six five-gallon
buckets, five of which contained black bags wrapped in transparent plastic. Upon examining the bags, ranks found a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis. The suspected cannabis was taken to the Central Police Station, where it was weighed and found to amount to 23.854 pounds before being lodged. No arrests have been made, and investigations are ongoing.
Monday October 19, 2026
Kaieteur News
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Gold exports reach No livestream, no updates - Barima families say US$826.2 million in shut out of CoI hearings first half of 2026 ...declarations increased by 11.3 per cent Guyana earned US$826.2 million from gold exports in the first half of 2026, an increase of US$269.8 million compared with the same period in 2025. This is according to the Ministry of Finance’s Mid-Year Report 2026. The increase in gold export earnings was attributed to favourable prices during the first six months of the year. According to the report, non-oil export earnings increased by 24.6 per cent to US$1.146 billion in the first half of 2026, compared with the same period last year. Overall export earnings rose by 76.4 per cent to US$16.1997 billion, largely reflecting an 82.1 per cent increase in crude oil earnings to US$15.0537 billion, supported by higher world market prices and increased export volumes. Meanwhile, the gold mining subsector is estimated to have expanded by 11.3 per cent during the period, with total gold declarations reaching 232,287 troy ounces. The increase was driven by small- and medium-scale miners, whose declarations increased from 137,441 troy ounces in the first half of 2025 to 162,182 troy ounces this year. This increase offset a marginal decline in declarations from the lone large-scale producer, AGM Inc. which fell from 71,316
troy ounces in the first half of last year to 70,105 troy ounces in the same period this year. AGM Inc. is the subsidiary of Zijin Mining Group Co. Ltd., a Chinese stateowned mining giant. Recently Zijin reported that revenue for the first half of 2026 from its Guyana project reached US$334 million. M o r e o v e r, d e s p i t e t h e f i r s t - h a l f performance, the Ministry of Finance maintained its growth projection for the gold mining subsector at 5.4 per cent for the full year, consistent with budgeted declarations of 510,450 troy ounces. Beyond gold, the other mining and quarrying subsector, which comprises sand, stone, diamonds and manganese, recorded estimated growth of 40 per cent in the first half of 2026. According to the report, this performance was driven by continued growth in construction activity across both the public and private sectors. Sand declarations are estimated to have increased by 61.7 per cent, while stone declarations grew by 2.3 per cent. These increases offset declines of 27.5 per cent in manganese production and 61.7 per cent in diamond declarations. The subsector is now projected to grow by 14.9 per cent for the year.
GMSA, PSC back vape restrictions, demand strict enforcement The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) and the Private Sector Commission (PSC) have thrown their support behind the government’s announced measures to restrict the importation of vaping products, noting that the move is an important step towards protecting children and young people from the potential health risks associated with vaping. In separate statements, the two private sector bodies welcomed the announcement by President Irfaan Ali, while calling for clear implementation guidelines, strict enforcement and public education to ensure the measures achieve their intended purpose. The GMSA said it recognised growing concerns about the accessibility and use of vaping products among school-aged children and adolescents, noting that the risks of nicotine dependence and exposure to harmful substances require appropriate safeguards. “ A s t h e v o i c e o f G u y a n a ’s manufacturing and services sectors, the GMSA believes that responsible business must never come at the expense of public health.” It said a healthy and productive population is essential to a strong economy. It noted that the young people being protected today would become the
workforce, entrepreneurs and leaders responsible for Guyana’s development in the decades ahead. The association also welcomed the provision allowing vaping products to be imported for legitimate medicinal and therapeutic purposes. To support the implementation of the restrictions, the GMSA called for clear guidelines on the import requirements, approval and exemption processes, and the timeline for implementation. It also urged firm enforcement at all ports of entry to prevent illegal imports and the emergence of an unregulated market. The association further called for consultation with affected businesses to Continued on page 10
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onths after the MV Barima capsized off Guyana’s coast, claiming more than 100 lives, grieving families in Region One (Barima-Waini) are facing renewed anguish as the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) investigates the disaster without providing them with direct updates, while a ban on livestreaming the hearings further limits their access to the proceedings. As the public inquiry got underway in Georgetown last week, relatives in Mabaruma, Port Kaituma, Moruca and surrounding riverine communities said they were struggling to obtain information about the proceedings and lacked clear guidance on how they could follow the hearings or participate in the investigation. With the inquiry being held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Georgetown, hundreds of miles from many of the a ff e c t e d c o m m u n i t i e s , families say they have been left without direct communication from the commission secretariat about how they can remain informed as evidence is presented. Their concerns have been compounded by the commission’s decision to prohibit live broadcasts of the proceedings. Members of the media are permitted to attend the hearings, take notes and record audio for news reporting, but live television and digital streaming have been prohibited. Secretary to the Commission, Javed Shadick, has not provided a detailed public explanation for the restriction, prompting
criticism from civil society organisations, human rights advocates and political groups calling for greater public scrutiny of the investigation. The Alliance For Change (AFC), in a formal statement calling for the ban to be reversed, stressed that the people of Guyana deserve a process they can see, scrutinise and trust, rather than simply being assured that the inquiry will be fair. The party also maintained that a commission of inquiry must serve as a vehicle for truth and accountability, rather than a shield against scrutiny. According to families in Region One, travelling to Georgetown from remote riverine settlements can involve costly boat journeys and flights, expenses that many grieving relatives may be unable to afford. Without a livestream or a direct communication channel from the secretariat, families risk having to depend on scattered news reports, word-of-mouth accounts and unreliable radio signals to learn what is unfolding at the inquiry. The information emerging from the hearings has already raised serious questions about maritime safety and the emergency response to the disaster. Among the revelations is testimony that the vessel’s
emergency distress beacon was not registered with the global satellite system, a deficiency that featured in evidence about the difficulties encountered in responding to the capsizing. For relatives in Kumaka and surrounding communities, following such developments from a distance has added to their frustration, with concerns that the people most affected by the tragedy are being left on the margins of a process intended to establish what happened and determine accountability. Community leaders and regional representatives are therefore calling on the commission and the central government to establish more effective channels of communication with affected families. Among the measures being proposed are the reconsideration of the livestreaming ban, the publication of official daily summaries of the hearings, and the provision of accessible video feeds at regional hubs where families can follow the proceedings. They are also calling for dedicated secretariat representatives to be stationed in Mabaruma and Port Kaituma to provide information and guide relatives who wish to testify or otherwise participate in the inquiry.
Kaieteur News
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Monday October 19, 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
Why so much time, pressure required Deputy Commissioner of Police, Fazil Karimbaksh, has been sent on leave. It was rescinded when he challenged that order. National Border Patrol Director and former Region Four Chairman, Daniel Seeram, is now reportedly securely lodged in the Camp Street jail. On the face of these two developments, it seems that the machinery of the law, and the search for justice, are on the move in Guyana. Looks can be deceiving, and both of these matters stand as proof of how law and justice really operate in the local environment. It took almost a week after the courts ruled that Seeram should be jailed. A case of domestic violence is what he is now forced to deal with. From behind bars in a prison cell, he weighs his predicament, considers the changes that may be in his future. One of those changes may be an extended period in jail, depending on how the Guyana justice machinery turns over when his day in court comes around. The issue that is before citizens is not that Seeram is in jail, but that it took such a painfully long time for him to be placed in those confines. We at this paper hope that it is in a cell, and not in some comfortable sofa in the warden’s office. It should not have required so much public outrage and so much public pressure before the authorities came to their senses, and scrambled to contain the situation. The issue was not going away, to die a quiet, unannounced death, when the attention of the nation was captured by new developments. The more the PPP/C Government worked at protecting one of its own, by playing for time, and dragging matters out, the more citizens became worked up, and critical of the double standards that are now so commonplace in this oil rich country. Because if it was a street vendor or a public transport driver who was alleged to have battered his partner, they would have had the book quickly thrown at them, and not even given the time to get a toothbrush. In other words, handcuffs on, and to jail immediately. This is an inseparable aspect of the dark side, the up and down nature, of the application of the law and justice in Guyana. In spite of the continuing streams of powerful rhetoric of the primacy of the law locally, there have been too many of these instances that contradict the official postures. It seems that when someone attached to the PPP/C Government has broken the law (drunk driving, dangerous driving, leaving the scene of an accident, domestic violence, and assaults on other citizens), a different set of procedures and professional standards are observed. It is old political and law enforcement cultures dominating: different folks, different strokes. In the matter involving Deputy Commissioner of Police Baksh, the allegations could not have been more serious. Rape alleged and then of threats, including one involving a gun. Yet, the days extended to weeks while Karimbaksh remained on duty, and probably leaving the alleged victim in that worst of places. Did she make a mistake by reporting her ordeal, and now experiencing additional traumas brought about by silence in the Guyana Police Force specifically, and the casualness of the government, in general? Will she pay steep prices for her courage in coming forward? In considering the Seeram charge and Karimbaksh allegations, then the subsequent developments, would there have been any movement in the absence of the outrage of civil society and political voices? We at this paper take the position that if sustained pressures were not mounted, there was the high probability of both situations disappearing from public view, nobody hearing much about them afterwards, and alleged crimes being left unaddressed. The test of an institution, the test of a government, is how well it responds, when the vulnerable in society is impacted. Those who should be held accountable must be made to answer for their alleged misdeeds, and in public forums. These are not situations to be bargained over. Crimes of violence have their penalties, and should be applied to those found guilty. This should be automatic, and not dependent on public outrage and pressure.
Where is Minister of Governance Teixeira on the sabotage of the Access to Information Act? DEAR EDITOR, In February 2023, APNU wrote the Commissioner of Information, requesting the television programme logs of NCN to expose its blatant government bias in its coverage of the 2023 budget debate. Commissioner Ramson responded, indicating the need for APNU to satisfy two conditions, both of which possessed no legal basis: 1) that APNU must prove that NCN did, in fact, have the requested documents, and 2) that APNU must show that it had directly requested the documents from NCN but had been refused. Though at the time APNU pointed out to the commissioner that the Access to Information Act places no such responsibility on requesters, the matter died on the spot. In September this year, in a separate case brought by Christopher Ram against the Commissioner of Information, Justice Nicola P ier r e f o u n d th at th e commissioner had effectively imposed an
additional procedural hurdle which parliament had not established in the legislation. In addition, she found that the commissioner’s role under the Act is to act as a “clearing house for processing requests” for information, and rejected his argument that the Access to Information Act required applicants to first apply to the public authority believed to hold the information and obtain a refusal. In truth, one does not need a law degree to agree with the Judge. But, for the record, the role of the Commissioner of Information as the first stop for requests for information was clearly expounded in the National Assembly during the second reading of the bill on 15th September, 2011 by its main government promoter, Minis ter of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira. She emphasised the role of the commissioner as a conduit for all requests when she said: “Looking at Guyana, at our own vulnerabilities and our own distances, and difficulties of
persons being able to do their business, we felt that it was most appropriate and practical to be able to have a Commissioner of Information that would be the conduit through which all requests... So, if someone was in Jawalla or Caradora and wanted to know something, that person might not know which exact ministry to write, or agency to write. Were that person to make a request to the wrong agency, that person would have to then start all over again and could even go through, maybe, ten different agencies before that person comes to the right one. By having the Commissioner of Information as a conduit through which all requests are made, it is the Commissioner of Information and his staff, as is stated in the legislation, where he or she will be given budgetary support and personnel, would then know exactly which agencies are doing what and they will communicate with them and they would then reply to the
persons applying.” As in the legislation, n o w h e r e i n t h e parliamentary debate were preconditions for applicants mentioned. In the long-standing public frustration over Commissioner Ramson’s wrong-headed-ness and high-handedness in fulfilling his role, I have not heard from the minister with responsibility for governance and the government’s point person on the act. During the debate in the assembly, Ms. Teixeira spoke expansively about making improvements to the act as the country gained experience with its implementation. So, what has she done to address the Charles Ramson factor? She must know that Mr. Ramson is sabotaging the act. She must know that enhancing governance in Guyana involves much more than holding annual conferences and filling out UN questionnaires. Let us hear from her on this matter soon. Sincerely, Sherwood Lowe
Rename Wismar-McKenzie Bridge to Robert H.O. Corbin Bridge DEAR EDITOR, The passing of Cde. Robert Herman Orlando Corbin, CCH, has left a void in Guyana’s political and national landscape. Beyond his titles as former leader of t h e P e o p l e ’s N a t i o n a l Congress Reform (PNCR) and former leader of the opposition, however, is the story of a man whose commitment to leadership, public service and country deserves to be remembered and celebrated. As we reflect on his life, it is also fitting to recognise his wife, Carol, whose support and partnership formed an important part of h i s j o u r n e y. W h i l e maintaining her own professional career, she stood alongside her husband through the demands and responsibilities of political and public life. Her contribution as a partner in his journey should not be overlooked as we celebrate his service to Guyana. Among the many glowing tributes to Cde. Corbin, I am particularly struck by the accounts of his youthful involvement in
activities at his beloved St. Matthew’s Presbyterian Church in Christiansburg, Linden. These recollections remind us that leadership does not begin when one assumes high office; it is often nurtured from an early age through discipline, participation, service and a willingness to accept responsibility. From a tender age, Robert Corbin demonstrated attributes of leadership that would later define his public life. His early involvement in church activities speaks to the important role that families, churches and community institutions play in shaping the character and values of future leaders. My personal experiences with Cde. Corbin also provide lasting memories of his leadership and appreciation for service. During the November 2011 General and Regional Elections, concerns arose that the required signatures were not coming in from Region Eight. It was Cde. Corbin who engaged me and requested that I mobilise young people from the
APNU campaign team to assist. We journeyed to Mahdia, where Cde. Corbin provided guidance on how we should work on the ground to get the necessary support. Once we were released to carry out the task, he had no objection to the demanding hours involved. My team and I worked throughout the day and continued beyond midnight, returning to the task again at daybreak. Cde. Corbin was delighted by the sacrifices and dedication demonstrated by the team as we worked to ensure that APNU satisfied GECOM’s requirements to contest the elections in Region Eight. That experience gave me a firsthand appreciation of his leadership, his ability to mobilise people around a common objective, and his recognition of the commitment required to get the job done. It remains a powerful reminder that leadership is not only about giving instructions; it is also about providing guidance, inspiring others and appreciating their
contributions. On a personal note, I recall Cde. Corbin’s visits to First Assembly of God Church, where I am a member. The fellowship afforded me the opportunity to engage him after service, allowing me to appreciate him beyond his public persona and political office. These encounters were meaningful reminders that fellowship, mutual respect and shared values can transcend political differences. A s a f o r m e r parliamentarian and public servant, I believe that a person’s legacy must be measured not merely by the positions held, but also by the contribution made to the nation and the example left for future generations. Cde. Corbin’s life provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of principled leadership, national development and service to the people. It is against this background that I join the growing call for the Wismar–Mackenzie Bridge Continued on page 5
Monday October 19, 2026
Kaieteur News
Prayer and protest DEAR EDITOR, I will be organising a peaceful protest action called ‘Prayer and Protest: African Guyanese Are Not Going Back into Slavery – We Want to Organise Our Ancestral Lands in Peace’. The action will be for seven days on October 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26 and 27, 2026, from 11:00 to 13:00 hours (From 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.), and is specifically focused on the Attorney General, Anil N a n d a l l ’s u n e v e n o r downright discriminatory approaches to legal matters, the application of the laws and application of provisions in the constitution towards African Guyanese and their ancestral lands. African Guyanese ancestral land is a pathway from poverty to prosperity, and they must be allowed to organise their ancestral lands for their growth and development. The action is intended to indicate to the government that enough is enough. If the attorney general is allowed by the government to be p r e j u d i c e d a n d discriminatory in the application of the laws and to violate the constitutional rights of African Guyanese in such blatant and open ways, and so consistently, it is difficult to distinguished whether the attorney general in his own right is prejudiced and discriminatory towards African Guyanese or whether he is carrying out an accepted behaviour or policy of the government. The time has come for us to come out from the pews of our churches and declare in the streets John 8:36 ‘If the Son [Jesus Christ] therefore make you free, ye shall be free indeed’. African Guyanese have not been free for a long time in Guyana, and I have had enough, really, had enough! It is also hoped that this action will attract the attention of the international community in Guyana, especially the United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, the European Union and the United Nations. Based on my observations and experiences, the current Attorney General, Anil Nandall, advances a form of oppression against African Guyanese, sometimes directly and at other times, indirectly. The Ministry of Legal Affairs and Attorney General’s Chambers exists to ensure that proper legal services are provided to the
Government of Guyana, as well as statutory services to the public. Also, the Ministry of Legal Affairs (MoLA) provides legal advice and representation to the Government of Guyana, oversees the drafting of legislation and administers statutory legal services to the public. It operates through the attorney general’s chambers and ensures that government policies and programmes are supported by sound legal advice and legislation. The ministry drafts and reviews laws, represents the state in legal proceedings, manages public legal records and registries, etc. It supports the development, interpretation and enforcement of the country’s legal framework and plays a key role in strengthening the rule of law, governance and access to legal information in Guyana. Therefore, this is a key institution to ensure that a system of oppression is not enabled, nurtured and practiced against African Guyanese and that particular groups are not discriminated against whether overtly or covertly. I will also share a s p e c i f i c l a n d m a t t e r, involving ancestral land in which the attorney general is being uneven in applying the law and blatantly ignoring provisions in the constitution so as to deprive African Guyanese of their ancestral land. A part of the oppressive strategy is to keep African Guyanese in a continuous place of confusion, and state actors like the attorney general are using their p o w e r, a u t h o r i t y a n d influence to create disorder within black communities, but we have to fight back, we have to fight for more economic, and social stability in the African Guyanese community and family. As such, the actions will take place as follows: Monday 19th October,
2026, we will meet on Carmichael Street, on the pavement in front of the Ministry of Legal Affairs and the Attorney General Chambers from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Tuesday 20th October, 2026, we will meet opposite the United States Embassy o n Yo u n g S t r e e t , Georgetown from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. We d n e s d a y 2 1 s t October, 2026, we will meet opposite the Office of the President in Vlissengen Road, on the parapet on the Eastern side, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Thursday 22nd October, 2026, we will meet opposite the Canadian High Commission on Young Street, Georgetown from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Friday 23rd October, 2026, we will meet on Main Street, on the pavement in front of the British High Commission from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday 26th October, 2026, we will meet on the Eastern side of Sendall Place, Stabroek, Georgetown in from of the Delegation of the European Union from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Tuesday 27th October, 2026, we will meet again on Carmichael Street, on the pavement in front of the Ministry of Legal Affairs and the Attorney General Chambers from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Some messages for the placards are below: Ÿ This is a Prayer and a Protest! Ÿ African Guyanese Are Not Going Back into Slavery – We want to Organise Our Ancestral Lands in Peace! Ÿ We want to organise and modernise our ancestral lands and villages in peace, without the Attorney General fighting us down! Ÿ Mr. Attorney General, African
Guyanese are not going back into slavery! Stop fighting us down for our ancestral lands! Ÿ Guyana does not have a transport for Essequibo, so why is the Attorney General and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) asking African Guyanese for transports for their ancestral lands? Ÿ Article 20 of the Constitution states that the right to our inheritance is guaranteed, not that African Guyanese need a transport for their ancestral lands! If you are fed up of being discriminated against as African Guyanese, would like to enjoy the freedom to organise and modernise your ancestral lands as African Guyanese, support that African Guyanese should be able to enjoy the rights and freedoms enshrined in the Guyana Constitution, or believe that all Guyanese deserve to be treated as equals, you are welcome to join us. There was a time when we were better than this! Yours faithfully, Audreyanna Thomas
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Post- salvage activities DEAR EDITOR, What of post salvage activities related to the MV Barima? After salvage, what next? Step by step explanation needed? Possible decomposing bodies? How is this to be handled initially and after? Health risks: were these considered? Yours respectfully, Krishna Nand Prasad
Rename Wismar... From page 4 to be renamed the Robert H.O. Corbin Bridge in recognition of his contribution to Guyana. This proposal should not be dismissed as a political gesture or viewed as a favour to a former political leader. Rather, it deserves consideration on the merits of his public service and his place in our nation’s history.The bridge is a vital link connecting communities and facilitating economic and social activity in Linden. Naming it in honour of Cde. Corbin would provide a lasting reminder of his service and establish a meaningful national landmark for present and future generations. I therefore encourage the relevant authorities to consider this proposal through a transparent process, while inviting the people of Linden and the wider Region Ten community to participate in the discussion. Cde. Robert H.O. Corbin has completed his earthly journey, but the lessons of his life must not be buried with him. His early service through the church, his years in public life and his dedication to Guyana should continue to inspire young people to serve their communities and country with integrity, humility and purpose. May his legacy live on in the lives he touched and in the national institutions and landmarks that commemorate those who have contributed to our beloved Guyana. Rest well, Cde. Robert H.O. Corbin. Your service will not be forgotten. Yours faithfully, Annette Ferguson
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Monday October 19, 2026
Brazil’s Bolsonaro, Lula face off in first debate as supporters fill streets A drone view shows a protest by students against what organisers say is the growth of the far-right movement and in support of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, ahead of the presidential election runoff, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, October 18, 2026. REUTERS/Tita Barros
(Reuters) - Brazilians demonstrated for and against their presidential candidates on Sunday as President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro prepared to meet in their first televised debate with one week left in the campaign. Pro-Bolsonaro crowds wearing Brazil’s national colors of yellow, green and blue packed Paulista Avenue in Sao Paulo’s financial center, where the candidate addressed the crowd. Lula supporters wearing red, symbolic of his Workers’ Party, f i l l e d B r a s i l i a ’s p l a z a o f government buildings, and students backing the president protested against Bolsonaro in Rio de Janeiro. Polls show a close race for the 25 October runoff, with Bolsonaro, son of former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, holding a slight advantage after finishing nearly 2 percentage points ahead of leftist Lula in the election’s first th
round on 4 October. Both candidates hope to engage the 33 million voters who stayed home in the election’s first ‘round, equal to about one in five eligible voters. The debate in Sao Paulo is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. (2300 GMT) and air on broadcaster Band. The last debate in the election’s first round was cancelled at the last minute when Lula and Bolsonaro pulled out. Once a hallmark of Brazilian democracy following the end of the c o u n t r y ’s 2 1 - y e a r m i l i t a r y dictatorship in 1985, televised presidential debates have lost relevance as leading candidates have increasingly chosen to stay away. BITTER POLITICS The debate between Senator Bolsonaro and President Lula is expected to be tense and personal. Bitter polarization between supporters of the elder Bolsonaro and Lula has dominated Brazilian th
politics for nearly a decade. Many Bolsonaro supporters believe Lula should be jailed over corruption scandals that ensnared his Workers’ Party, while many Lula backers argue former President Bolsonaro’s conviction and imprisonment for a coup attempt were warranted. “I don’t like bandits. Out with Lula!” said demonstrator Vera de Sousa in Sao Paulo. At the Sao Paulo rally, crowd members held aloft a large inflatable of Lula in a prisoner’s uniform, while rallygoers in Brasilia chanted “Bolsonaro in jail” an effigy of `Bolsonaro showed the former president with bloody hands. “ We n e e d t h e c u r r e n t government to remain in power. If another government comes in, we’re, excuse my language, screwed,” said Lula supporter Sonia Maria at the Brasilia rally. Lula spent 580 days in prison in 2018-2019 for a corruption conviction that was later
A combination picture of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the Workers’ Party (PT) candidate for presidential re-election, attending a ceremony at the Planalto th Palace in Brasilia, Brazil,13 October, 2026, and Brazilian presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro of the Liberal Party. overturned because of flaws in the investigations and legal proceedings. Former President Bolsonaro, meanwhile, received a 27-year sentence for plotting a coup after losing his reelection bid to Lula in 2022. He is serving that underhouse arrest due to health issues. The younger Bolsonaro has said his father’s trial was a “farce” `and has promised to seek amnesty for him if elected president. “There are seven days left until we free Brazil from (Lula’s) Workers’ Party. And you will see Jair Messias Bolsonaro placing the presidential sash on his son,” Bolsonaro told the crowd in Sao Paulo. In a post on X, Lula said that anyone who voted for his opponent would get his father and brothers as a “bonus gift.” ANGER OVER ‘META A dispute over whether Meta’s
platforms, which include Facebook and Instagram, treated the two candidates equally has injected new tension into the campaign’s final days. Lula’s coalition said his Instagram account and posts were restricted, and local newspaper Folha de S.Paulo reported internal Meta messages that acknowledged those restrictions and said the platform had recommended Bolsonaro’s profile and WhatsApp channel to ‘users. Meta said it had experienced global technical glitches but denied any political bias. “Any suggestion that Meta favours one side is false,” the company said. Civil society groups were planning a protest for Monday at Meta’s main office in Sao Paulo, a g a i n s t “ t h e c o m p a n y ’s interference in the Brazilian electoral process,” its organizers said in a press release.
IMF/World Bank meetings leave developing countries with more questions than answers
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. REUTERS
(Reuters) - Last week’s meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank yielded no new answers for the developing world to the questions posed by a spreading Middle East war, continuing war in Ukraine, rising debt payments and a potential AI bubble. Not for the first time, lowerincome countries are being rocked by the spillover from the actions of nations: rising debt service costs, higher inflation and the risk of falling ever further behind economically thanks to the AI
boom. What they got was the stock advice the global lenders always dish out: to shrink fiscal deficits and accelerate economic reforms to attract more private sector investment. Kristalina Georgieva, the first IMF chief from a developing nation - Bulgaria - said advanced economies were in fact the worst offenders on budget imbalances. She noted that developing countries’ debt levels had actually fallen in recent years, only for surging bond yields elsewhere to
drive up their borrowing costs. Average debt service payments there had more than doubled from a decade ago to 14% of government revenue, crowding out education, healthcare and other critical areas, she said. ADVANCED ECONOMIES FOCUSED ON THEIR OWN PROBLEMS At a panel on ‘Saturday, Georgieva said many issues remained unresolved, especially around AI: “We are in a place where we have many more questions than we
have answers. And my alert to everybody is: Do not fall for the guys that pretend they have the answers. They are tricking you.” Josh Lipsky, vice president of international economics at the Atlantic Council think tank, said the meetings had flunked their opportunity to come up with guidance or ways to help. “It’s hard to talk about the developing world when the advanced economies don’t have their act together and are at risk of a fiscal crisis,” he said. “And that’s Continued on page 16
Monday October 19, 2026
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Monday October 19, 2026
Pork-knocker chopped OP:ED - Why Brazil’s New to death during drinking Middle Class Turns to the Right? session at Eyelash Landing By Lei Xiangping and Wang Yushi
A
28-year-old pork-knocker was chopped to death during a drinking session at Eyelash Landing, North West District, Region One, on Saturday, with a 33year-old suspect subsequently arrested following a manhunt. The deceased has been i d e n t i f i e d a s Tr e v l o n Marcieo Henry, called “Mario”, of Port Kaituma, North West District. The suspect has been identified as John Joseph, called “Radio”, of S1A, Port Kaituma. According to a report from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the incident occurred at about 10:50 hrs on 17th October, 2026, at Eyelash Landing. Police said preliminary enquiries revealed that Henry and Joseph were known to each other and were apparently friends. At the time of the incident, they were consuming alcohol alongside several other patrons at the landing. Joseph was reportedly drinking High Wine rum, while Henry was drinking brown rum. The two men allegedly became highly intoxicated, and an argument suddenly erupted between
...suspect arrested after manhunt; allegedly admitted to killing friend them. During the altercation, Joseph allegedly armed himself with a cutlass that was on the ground and dealt Henry two chops — one to his neck and another to his right arm. Henry reportedly fell to the ground, bleeding profusely, and became motionless. The suspect then allegedly fled into the Eyelash Backdam area with the cutlass. The matter was reported to the Matthew’s Ridge Police Station at about 12:30 hrs. Police ranks subsequently visited the scene at about 13:00 hrs, accompanied by Medex Byrne, who examined Henry and pronounced him dead. Henry’s body was found lying face upwards in front of an unpainted wooden building situated alongside the Eyelash Village main access road. He was clad in black track pants and brown long boots, but had no shirt on. Police observed gaping wounds to his neck and right arm. A member of the crime
scene unit, processed the scene, took several photographs and collected samples of a reddish substance suspected to be blood. The samples were taken to the Port Kaituma Police Station and lodged. The body was subsequently transported to the Matthews Ridge Hospital mortuary, where it awaits a post-mortem examination. Following the report, police ranks, assisted by public-spirited persons, conducted a manhunt for the suspect. Joseph was subsequently apprehended along with the cutlass. The police report stated that Joseph was informed of the allegation and cautioned, after which he allegedly admitted to the offence. He was arrested and taken to the Matthews Ridge Police Station with the cutlass, which was photographed, marked, sealed and lodged in his presence. He was then placed in custody. Statements have been taken from witnesses, and investigations are ongoing.
Brazil’s new middle class was created by the left. Now it is voting for the right. For decades, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s political narrative was simple, powerful, and electorally lethal: the Workers’ Party (PT) was the engine of upward mobility in South America’s largest economy. Through generous cash transfers, steady hikes in the minimum wage, and expanded credit, millions of Brazilians were lifted out of grinding poverty and into the comfortable embrace of the middle class. Yet, as Brazil prepares for the high-stakes presidential runoff on 25th October, that legacy has metastasised into a political paradox. In the first round, Lula found himself trailing Flávio Bolsonaro, the senator and scion of former president Jair Bolsonaro, by nearly two percentage points. The sharpest erosion of Lula’s electoral base occurred not among the wealthy elite, but within “Class C”—the socio-economic group defined by the Getulio Vargas Foundation as making up over 60% of the population. In these working-class strongholds, Lula’s support plunged by five percentage points compared to 2022, while Mr. Bolsonaro clinched roughly 52% of the vote. Why have the primary beneficiaries of Lula’s economic model turned their backs on him? Part of the answer lies in a classic psychological shift in developing markets: the credit-claiming gap. When citizens cross the threshold from subsistence into consumption, their perception of success fundamentally changes. Welfare checks that were once seen as lifesavers are reclassified as mere stepping stones. Academic field research in São Paulo reveals that former PT supporters overwhelmingly attribute their
middle-class status to their own relentless grit rather than state benevolence. Moreover, as citizens climb the socioeconomic ladder, their political priorities shift from basic state aid to the protection of private property and personal security. For the aspiring middle class, the state transitions from a benefactor to a burden—one that demands heavy taxes while delivering abysmal public services and failing to maintain basic law and order. This dynamic is exacerbated by daily economic reality. Although macro-level data under Lula’s current term shows steady GDP growth and historically low unemployment, ordinary households feel squeezed by persistent micro-inflation at the supermarket checkout. Crime, however, remains the fatal flaw in the left’s pitch. In cities like Porto Alegre, working-class citizens who spend months saving for a smartphone only to lose it at gunpoint do not want lectures on systemic inequality; they want police on the street. Flávio Bolsonaro’s hard-line rhetoric on public safety resonates precisely because it promises to shield hard-won gains from predatory crime. Lula successfully built the first rung of Brazil’s ladder of opportunity. But those who managed to climb it are no longer looking down in gratitude; they are looking up with anxiety, terrified of falling back. Unless Lula can convince these voters that he can safeguard their new lifestyle rather than just manage their poverty, his historic political fourth tenure may end in a bitter conservative triumph. (Lei Xiangping is a correspondent from China Central Television based in Brazil. Wang Yushi is a master’s student at the School of Journalism and Communication, Tsinghua University.)
Venezuela opposition renews support for Maria Corina Machado as leader (AL-JAZEERA) An alliance of Venezuelan opposition parties has reaffirmed its commitment to exiled Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado as its leader. On Sunday, members of the opposition’s Unitary Democratic Platform (PUD) agreed in a meeting in Caracas to “recognise and support the leadership of Maria Corina Machado”. The coalition also renewed its demand for free elections in Venezuela, following a series of contested presidential votes in 2024 and 2018. Sunday’s statement included 14 proposals for a democratic transition, including freedom for political parties, the release of all political prisoners and the safe return of those who went into exile. The announcement also increases pressure on authorities to allow Machado’s return. She has been living in exile since leaving Venezuela last December to receive her Nobel Prize. “The will of the Venezuelans must once again govern the destiny of our nation,” the opposition’s
Demonstrators in Panama City, Panama, hold signs and Venezuelan flags in support of Maria Corina Machado on May 23, 2026. [Enea Lebrun/Getty Images]
former presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez wrote on social media supporting the proposals. “We will not accept political prisoners, persecution or a governing power that disregards
the mandate of its citizens. Living in freedom and under a genuine constitutional order is a legitimate demand of our society.” No election set Venezuela has yet to declare a
date for a new presidential vote. Since 3 January, the country has been led by interim President Delcy Rodriguez of the long-governing United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV). rd
PSUV leaders have been accused of carrying out human rights abuses against political dissidents, including arbitrary arrest, imprisonment and torture. Still, after the United States launched a military operation to abduct and jail former President Nicolas Maduro, the PSUV has remained in power with the support of the White House. U.S. President Donald Trump has backed Rodriguez’s leadership, despite her having been Maduro’s vice president. His administration has maintained an active role in Venezuela, exerting control over its oil resources and pressuring the Rodriguez government for reforms. But critics point out that Trump has been reluctant to push Rodriguez for new elections, opting instead for a three-phase plan that focuses first on stabilising the country and economic recovery before pursuing a political transition. Machado, meanwhile, has told The Financial Times she would like Continued on page 16
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Monday October 19, 2026
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Either way Rodrigues-Birkett cannot lose Carolyn RodriguesBirkett was thrust unexpectedly and suddenly into the contest for the position of United Nations Secretary-General. A woman presently occupies an important diplomatic post – Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations – was nominated belatedly for one of the most prestigious offices in the world. She is competing with candidates who have had more time to prepare, cultivate support and marshall the resources necessary for a campaign of this magnitude. She has so far done better than might reasonably have been expected. And therefore, there is cause to wonder whether the greatest obstacle to her candidacy was the manner in which her own government prepared her for the contest. The late nomination raises questions about timing, preparation and the seriousness with which Guyana approached this undertaking. A campaign for Secretary-General is not something that can be assembled. It requires painstaking diplomatic work, consultations with member states, the cultivation of influential relationships and the mobilisation of political support. A candidate must be known, her credentials must be understood, and there
must be sufficient time to persuade those who matter. Rodrigues-Birkett was denied much of this advantage. She entered the contest with limited time to establish herself, and with what appears to have been a modest political and diplomatic machinery b e h i n d h e r. O n e s e e s photographs of her meeting international leaders, sometimes apparently alone, while other candidates may benefit from the presence and assistance of senior officials and diplomatic representatives. Such images do not tell the whole story of a campaign, but they can convey something about the resources and support available to a candidate. It would be unfair to suggest that Guyana possesses an abundance of internationally influential figures who could simply be dispatched to advance her cause. Our political class is not crowded with people whose names open doors in the corridors of global power. Our diplomatic reach has its limitations, and our influence, must be measured against that of countries with far greater resources. Oneman diplomacy has been practised within the PPP/C to the detriment of developing a corps of internationallyrecognised diplomats. These are realities which any sensible assessment must acknowledge. But that is precisely why
the government should have acted earlier and prepared more thoroughly. A small country cannot afford to squander the advantages it possesses. It must compensate for limited influence with preparation. When the available time is short and the diplomatic machinery is thin, the burden on the candidate becomes correspondingly heavier. Against these handicaps, Rodrigues-Birkett has acquitted herself remarkably well. She is not a globally celebrated political figure whose candidacy arrives with an established international following. She is perhaps the least known of the candidates. She has had to introduce herself, make her case and persuade others of her suitability within a compressed period. That she has remained competitive under such circumstances is a credit to her, whatever the eventual outcome. Her performance in the informal straw polls has attracted attention and, if nothing else, demonstrated that she cannot simply be dismissed as an inconsequential candidate. Yet her campaign has acquired a possible significance beyond the United Nations. In Guyana, political appointments are rarely viewed in isolation from the calculations of those who exercise power. Every prominent public figure is liable to be assessed
Dem Boys Seh...
Too much projects, too little finishing! Dem boys seh that this government got more projects than a carpenter got excuses, and more ground breaking ceremonies than finished buildings. Every week, it seem as if somebody pulling out a shovel, cutting a ribbon, or announcing another billion-dollar project. But dem boys wondering whether anybody checking how much of the old projects get finish before dem start the new ones. Take infrastructure, fuh example. De M a h a i c a t o G e o rg e t o w n R a i l w a y Embankment Road project still got large sections incomplete. De Palmyra to Moleson Creek Road project moving at snail pace. If de snail was carrying a passenger, he woulda reach Berbice before de road reach de next milestone! De Soesdyke to Linden Road project moving apace, and dem boys hope it continue so. But de East Bank Public Road project still creating gridlock, with motorists spending so much time in traffic that dem coulda start a family, raise children and send dem to school before reaching dem destination. Then come de billion-dollar Princess Street Road project, which dragging on like a
man pulling a donkey uphill. Every time yuh think it nearly done, something else appear to be done. Now, with de King’s visit later dis month, is a mad rush to complete de renovated avenues along Thomas Street, East Street and Waterloo Street. Suddenly, everybody moving like a man who just remember he got visitors coming and de house ain’t clean. Dem boys hope de King gan get a smooth ride. But dem wondering whether after he leave, dem workers going back to moving at de speed of a tortoise with a heavy suitcase! Dem boys ain’t against development. But government need to make a shortlist of priority projects and finish dem before spreading itself thinner than butter on a poor man’s bread. Otherwise, we might end up with a country full of beginnings and short of endings. Dem boys seh is better to finish ten projects properly than start fifty and leave motorists wondering whether dem roads coming with a completion date or a retirement plan! Talk half. Leff half.
not merely for the office occupied today, but for the office that might become available tomorrow. It is reasonable, therefore, to ask whether her nomination might also have been intended to raise her national and international profile in anticipation of Guyana’s next presidential succession. There are those who believe that influential elements within the oligarchic class could regard Rodrigues-Birkett as a possible future presidential candidate. A s u c c e s s f u l international campaign can confer a form of legitimacy that domestic political manoeuvring cannot easily manufacture. It presents a candidate as someone who has been tested beyond the familiar boundaries of local party politics. It can create an impression of international
acceptability. For the PPP/C contemplating its next presidential candidate, those attributes could prove valuable. But there is an irony. If R o d r i g u e s - B i r k e t t ’s showing in the straw polls has exceeded expectations, those who might have hoped to benefit from her increased visibility could find themselves facing an awkward calculation. Should she secure the United Nations appointment, the PPP/C would lose the opportunity to deploy her in domestic politics for the 2030 elections. Should she fail to secure it, she could return with a considerably enhanced profile and a stronger claim to national leadership. A credible showing at the United Nations could become an asset in a presidential contest. It would not guarantee victory. But it
could establish her as a serious alternative, particularly if, as is believed, there is an influential figure w i t h i n t h e P e o p l e ’s Progressive Party/Civic who favour her candidature as the party’s next presidential candidate. Whatever the final result, Rodrigues-Birkett may yet e m e rg e f r o m t h e U N Secretary General contest with something of considerable value: a strengthened reputation. And that could be the ticket to the presidency of Guyana. (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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Monday October 2026 Monday May 02,19, 2022
BY GHK LALL
Jagdeo’s funeral march symphony - Part II
G
uyana’s number one political detector of danger, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, attended an evening of reflection for Mr. Robert Corbin, one-time deputy prime minister and o p p o s i t i o n l e a d e r. I n trademark fashion, he came armed with his own classical composition: the Jagdeo funeral march. Move over Chopin, it is Dr. Jagdeo’s
symphony. He may not be deaf in the Beethoven manner, but his political eyesight is better than most. If they don’t change, the PPP and PNC risk “extinction.” Extinction? Was that Jagdeo speaking or a dummy made to sound like him? It was always the PNC that was in the extinction c a t e g o r y. R e v i s i t M r. Jagdeo’s pre-September 2025 words. Remember?
Since when has Bharrat Jagdeo been that concerned about potential PNC extinction? Wouldn’t that be better for he and the PPP? Wouldn’t that be easier on the PPP purse, whenever the visions and conversation are about a supermajority? Relative to the PPP, it is surprising to hear a leader of the caliber of Jagdeo broadcasting his own party’s threatening extinction. It
just won so many seats that it ran out of people to give them to, had to get some scruffy characters to hand them off. A massive seven-seat majority, and this bright fellow is making political extinction one of the high notes of his wake oration. I have heard about Pericles’ funeral peroration, but never of a wake oration. But it was Jagdeo himself, choosing a moment that honors the dead to warn about pending death for the PPP and PNC. If there wasn’t reexamining of heads, and then adjusting them accordingly. For those who think that Mr. Jagdeo lost his head, perish the thought. The man talked about looming PPP, PNC, extinction, if the right moves aren’t made. Did he clear that script with counsel? According to Ali, Jagdeo, Nandlall, Texeira, Phillips, Edghill, there is none better than the PPP. Not in 100 years and not by 1000 miles. So, what this worry about extinction that he is talking about? From which hole did he dig up that one? Jagdeo doesn’t strike as a nervous type, so why was he driving himself to hysteria with concerns and
alarms about PPP extinction? Forget about the PNC. The PNC can take care of itself. But there was Dr. Smarties reeling in the PNC, when it is the PPP that is endangered. Look at h i s t o r y. L o o k a t t h e gathering clouds ( c o n f l u e n c e o f circumstances). The British jailed Jawaharlal Nehru and Mohandas Gandhi. Study the result. The South Africans jailed Nelson Mandela, Mac Maharaj, and others. Check the result. The Guyana Government (PPP) has a man securely tied up in jail, and Jagdeo fears his party’s extinction. He isn’t a man to see jumbie, and be terribly overwhelmed by it. Yet, he brought that up in the middle of a wake. Must be extremely urgent, a matter of life-and-death, for Dr. Jagdeo not to contain himself. Look, after being here 10 years, I have a better than fair idea of how Jagdeo thinks, what makes him tick. It must be given to him: there’s that sixth sense that sends his antenna into uncontrollable gyrations. The man in jail could make the PPP fail. The man in jail already
succeeded in doing that to the PNC. Except that no one is admitting to that, waving it away. A fluke. Everyone was sleeping, got caught by the element of surprise. Now, Dr. Jagdeo is not taking any chances. If the PNC before, the PPP could be next, notwithstanding owning and controlling the GECOM machinery. But he is slick: overnight, the PNC is part of the party. Warm w o r d s . Wa r m e r h u g s . Warmest dispositions. Jeez! This Guyana must be a crack cocaine trip, with some LSD thrown in for added potency. In preparing to go, what more do I make of Jagdeo’s t a k e o n P P P, P N C , extinction? The man is Darwinian -natural selection. Part of his mating call and game. A survival strategy. A leader with a vision bigger than seven seats. And in which the PNC has a part to play. Blessings, Guyana! (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
GMSA, PSC back vape restrictions... From page 3 ensure importers and retailers could comply with the new measures in an orderly manner. It also emphasised the need for public education in schools, homes and places of worship on the dangers of vaping. The GMSA urged its members and the wider business community to comply fully with the measures, pledging to work with the government, health authorities and other stakeholders to protect children and young people. Meanwhile, the PSC said nicotine was highly addictive and posed particular risks to developing young people. It warned that the appeal and accessibility of vaping products, including attractive packaging and flavourings, could create the misleading impression that vaping was harmless. “Public-health protection must take precedence over commercial interests,” the commission stated. The PSC called on importers, distributors and retailers to comply with the announced
requirements and ensure their sales and marketing practices did not encourage vaping among children and adolescents. It stressed that clear guidance from the authorities and cooperation with the business community would be necessary to ensure the restrictions provided the intended protection. The commission also called for sustained public education, saying parents, teachers, health professionals and community organisations should be equipped to help young people understand the risks associated with vaping. It added that people experiencing nicotine dependence should have access to appropriate, non-stigmatising support to quit. The PSC said protecting young people’s health was a shared responsibility involving the Government, businesses, families and communities. It commended the President’s attention to the issue and called for broad national support to ensure children and young people could grow, learn and pursue their ambitions in good health.
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Monday October 19, 2026
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Contractor robbed at Two Jamaicans, Haitian national gunpoint at Cottonfield; two charged in U.S. voter fraud cases arrested, .45 pistol seized
The recovered items following the robbery. Police in Regional Division #2 are investigating an alleged robbery under arms committed on Saturday,17th October, 2026, at about 15:10 hrs at Cottonfield, Essequibo Coast, during which a 44-year-old contractor of Richmond Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, was robbed of a quantity of cash. Preliminary investigations revealed that the contractor had arrived at a construction site to pay workers when he was approached from behind by a masked man armed with what appeared to be a handgun. The suspect reportedly pointed the weapon at the contractor and demanded a bag containing cash. Fearing for his life, the contractor handed over the bag, after which the suspect fled in a black Toyota Allion motor car. Following the robbery, police ranks conducted several operations across the
region, resulting in the arrest of a 25-year-old taxi driver of De Kinderen, West Coast Demerara. During the operation, ranks discovered a .45-calibre pistol with a magazine containing seven live rounds of ammunition, along with clothing and two ski masks, inside a haversack found in a motor car. Further investigations led to the arrest of a second suspect, a 30-year-old man with addresses in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, and Linden, Region #10. Both suspects were escorted to the Anna Regina Police Station, where they remain in police custody. The firearm, ammunition and other recovered items have been lodged as investigations continue. Police are also reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding area. Investigations are ongoing.
2.4kg cannabis found at Crabwood Creek; two arrested Police have arrested two men after ranks reportedly found 2.399 kilograms of suspected cannabis during a mobile patrol at Crabwood Creek Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice, on Saturday. According to the Guyana Police Force, ranks from Regional Division #6 were conducting the patrol around 14:00hrs on 17th October, 2026, when they observed an 18-year-old cane harvester of Grant 1806, Crabwood Creek, placing a brown salt bag into a motor car driven by a 20-year-old technical assistant of No. 72 Village, Corentyne, Berbice. Upon seeing the police, the driver reportedly drove off and was subsequently observed throwing the bag onto the shoulder of the roadway. The ranks retrieved the bag and intercepted the motor car. A search of the bag, conducted in the presence of
The 2.4kg cannabis found at Crabwood Creek. both men, reportedly revealed three bulky parcels containing leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis. Both men were arrested and escorted to the Springlands Police Station,
where the suspected cannabis was weighed in their presence. It amounted to 2.399 kilograms and was subsequently lodged. The two suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue.
(CNW) Two Jamaican nationals and a Haitian national are among 16 non-U.S. citizens charged in separate voter fraud cases across the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. The charges, announced Friday, involve allegations of illegal voting in federal elections and falsely claiming U.S. citizenship to register to vote or cast ballots. The three Caribbean nationals were charged in the Eastern District of North Carolina. Jamaican national Lawton Caswell McKenzie, 46, a lawful permanent resident, faces one count of falsely claiming U.S. citizenship to vote and one count of voting by a noncitizen. According to the Justice Department, McKenzie registered to vote in 2007 and 2012 and voted in the 2012, 2020 and 2024 general elections. Fellow Jamaican Mervin Sylvester Bogle, 60, also a lawful permanent resident, faces one count of falsely claiming U.S. citizenship to vote. He registered in 2024 and completed a ballot in that year’s general election, as well as voting in the 2008 and 2012 general elections, the department said. Haitian national Lionel Paul, 62, a lawful permanent resident, faces one count of falsely claiming U.S. citizenship to vote and one count of voting by a noncitizen. Paul registered to vote in 2024 and voted in that year’s general election, according to the Justice Department. The North Carolina cases involve 10 defendants accused of illegally voting in the
2024 elections. The other defendants include nationals of El Salvador, Germany, Panama, Canada and the former Yugoslavia. Five additional noncitizens were arrested in the Northern District of New York in connection with alleged illegal voting. They include two British nationals, two Canadians and a Bosnian national. In Idaho, Canadian national Taralynn Bosco, 48, a lawful permanent resident, was charged with illegal voting by a noncitizen. Prosecutors allege that she voted in the 2022
general election despite not being a U.S. citizen. The Justice Department said the cases involve allegations of voting in elections that included contests for president, vice president and members of Congress, as well as claims of U.S. citizenship made in connection with voter registration or voting. The department emphasised that the charges are allegations and that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
Trinidad economy poised to crash within months: Imbert (SVG Times) Opposition Member of Ÿ Trade & Repairs: Declined by 4.3%. Parliament and former Finance Minister Ÿ Public Administration: Dropped by Colm Imbert has delivered a scathing 3.4%. critique of the government’s economic Construction: Contracted by 2.7% policies, warning that Trinidad and Tobago is Imbert pointed to domestic indicators as currently in a recession and further evidence of an “poised to crash within the economic slump, stating coming months”. that domestic cement sales Speaking during the plummeted by 44%, motor parliamentary budget debate vehicle sales fell by 14.5%, on the proposed 2026–2027 and hardware and national budget presented by construction retail sales Minister of Finance dropped by 12%. Davendranath Tancoo, Imbert A d d i t i o n a l l y, t o u r i s t declared that he cannot visitor arrivals fell by support the package, 9 . 3 % , w i t h To b a g o characterising its underlying experiencing a 32.4% financial figures as a drop. “mirage,” “fictitious,” and Highlighting data from “nonsense”. the Central Bank, Imbert Citing figures from the argued that private sector Ministry of Finance’s own confidence has collapsed. Opposition Member review, Imbert highlighted a He noted that growth in of Parliament and 2.2% decline in real Gross business borrowing former Finance Domestic Product (GDP) and dropped precipitously Minister Colm Imbert outlined contractions across from 11.4% in April 2025 nearly every major sector of to 0.6% in July 2026, the economy: indicating that local Ÿ Petrochemicals: Dropped sharply by businesses have essentially halted taking on 19.8%, which Imbert highlighted as new debt to expand or invest. the worst decline among industrial Imbert also claimed that the country’s sectors. foreign exchange reserves are being Ÿ Non-Energy Sector: Contracted by artificially bolstered through external loan financing and withdrawals from the Heritage 7%. Ÿ Energy Sector: Fell by 6.6%, and Stabilisation Fund (HSF), rather than accompanied by reduced natural gas being generated organically by the domestic productive sector. output. Critiquing the administration’s tax Ÿ Accommodation & Food Services: Continued on page 16 Decreased by 5.1%.
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Monday October 19, 2026
Foreign companies strike nine deals for Guyana’s mining properties in 2026 ...transactions include gold properties across Regions One, Seven and Nine Guyana’s mining properties have been at the centre of nine transactions involving foreign companies between February and October 2026, with deals covering gold projects across Regions Seven, One and Nine. The transactions, ranging in value from US$100,000 to US$2.2 billion, involve the sale of mining assets and ownership transfers that give foreign firms the opportunity to acquire majority interests in gold projects in Guyana. Not all of the transactions involve outright cash payments, as some agreements are structured through the issuance of company shares, while others include option agreements, and additional consideration tied to specific conditions. A review of announcements made in 2026 shows that while some agreements involve newcomers to Guyana’s mining industry, others involve companies that have already acquired gold projects in the country and are seeking to expand their footprint in the sector amid high gold prices. Walsh Karra Holdings - Marudi Mountain Gold Project The most recent announcement came from Canadian-listed Golden Shield Resources Inc. who announced on 13th October, that it signed a binding letter agreement with Walsh Karra Holdings, a United States investment firm acting through its wholly owned subsidiary, Aurevo Resources Inc. The entire transaction is valued at C$6 million or approximately US$4.2 million. The multi-million transaction is dependent on, among other conditions, the renewal and
Illustrative markers to indicate the approximate areas in Guyana where the mining-property transactions occurred.
i s s u a n c e o f t h e c o m p a n y ’s prospecting licence for its Marudi Mountain gold project in Guyana. Golden Shield Resources holds a 100% interest in the Marudi project through its wholly-owned Guyanese subsidiary, Aurous Guyana Inc., under Prospecting Licence PL 1/2021. The project covers a contiguous land package of 54.57 square kilometre (km²) or 13, 484 acres, and is located in the Rupununi District of southwestern Guyana, some 60 kilometres from the Brazilian border. Upon completion, Walsh Karra Holdings and its controlled affiliates will hold approximately 51 per cent of Golden Shield’s shares on a fully diluted basis, resulting in a change of control of the company.
The proceeds will be held in escrow until specified conditions are met, including the renewal and issuance of the Marudi Mountain project Prospecting Licence PL 1/2021, shareholder approval, acceptance by the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) and confirmation of the legal status and practical development position of related permits and rights. If the conditions are not satisfied by 6th January, 2027, the escrowed funds and accrued interest will be returned to subscribers. Golden Shield commenced exploration on the Marudi Mountain Property in late 2021. Since acquiring the project, Golden Shield said it completed four diamond drilling campaigns. The
company says the project contains an extensive mineralised gold system centred on the Mazoa Hill Deposit, with a historical resource of 345,000 ounces of gold – 259,100 ounces indicated and 86,200 ounces inferred, which does not reflect current resources or reserves. Liberty Metals – Oko North and Oko South Gold Projects In August, Australia based Liberty Metals announced that it acquired 90 per cent interest in the Oko North and Oko South gold projects, a package of 40 granted medium-scale mining permits covering approximately 180 square kilometres (km²) or 44, 479 acres in Guyana’s Oko gold district, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) – an area where nine million ounces of gold have already been established by other foreign players. The company’s entry was secured through an agreement with a private Guyanese vendor. Under the agreement, Liberty will have four years to exercise its option to acquire the 90% interest. The total consideration is approximately US$8 million, excluding a separate milestone payment. It was explained that the milestone payment would become payable upon completion of a bankable feasibility study for the project. XAU Resources Inc. - Matthews Ridge gold property Canada-based mining company XAU Resources Inc.in August secured the option to acquire a 100% interest in the Matthews Ridge gold property in Region One (Barima-Waini), which spans more
than 15,000 acres. XAU Resources entered into the option agreement on 18th August with Russian company Consolidated Northwest Resources Incorporated (CNRI). Under the agreement, XAU has been granted the exclusive option to acquire a 100% interest in the Matthews Ridge Gold Project in northwestern Guyana. The Matthews Ridge Property comprises 15 medium-scale mining permits covering approximately over 15,000 acres (or 60.97 square kilometres) and is located approximately three-km south of the town of Matthews Ridge. The company had disclosed that the move to acquire more mining lands is based on the o b j e c t i v e t o b u i l d a l a rg e r, consolidated land position with geological continuity in Region One. Over the initial four-year option period, XAU must make US$2.01 million in non-refundable payments to CNRI and spend at least US$5 million on qualifying exploration work. The option agreement also stipulates that XAU can extend the option for up to two additional years at US$500,000 per year, with a further US$5 million in qualifying work expenditures required if extensions are used. Lexston Mining Corporation Northwest mineral claims Lexston Mining Corporation, a Canadian firm in July moved to acquire mineral claims covering approximately 64.75 square kilometres (km²) in the northwest Continued on page 15
Monday October 19, 2026
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Monday October 19, 2026
Macron calls for ‘calm and order’ after riots across France French President Emmanuel Macron has called for “calm and order” after a major day of protests turned into rioting and looting on Saturday, and as some disorder continued in Paris on Sunday. In a national address from the Élysée Palace, he warned those who had taken part not to “escalate”, adding: “We all feel anger and shame.” Some 550,000 demonstrators took to the streets for largely peaceful protests against rising fuel prices, the cost of living and deteriorating public services, including schools. Macron said a distinction must be drawn between the “legitimate demands” of protesters and “those who destroyed, smashed and looted”. Police have arrested about 2,400 people, according to France’s interior ministry. The French president said “nothing justifies” the “unbridled” violence seen and said those involved would face justice. Groups of rioters, some dressed in black and wearing masks and balaclavas, also came out in Paris, Marseille and other towns and cities, with some setting fire to cars and buildings. On Sunday, looting and clashes with police continued on a smaller scale in parts of the capital and Lyon. Tear gas and stun grenades were
Local officials said the Limoges town hall was “largely lost” after fire caused part of the building to collapse.
fired at hundreds of people in Paris, according to the AFP news agency, and bottles and rocks were again hurled at police. Sunday saw cities across the country confront the impact of what developed into one of the worst bouts of disorder in modern French history.
A view of the damage inside Limoges town hall on Sunday morning.
In Limoges, the ornate 19th Century city hall was gutted by a fire started by rioters on Saturday, its clock tower and roof collapsing and the flames took hold. Speaking near the ruined building, Annèyse said: “This is very upsetting. Harming heritage buildings just because you are angry at the government is selfish, I think. It’s hurting everybody.” “It’s awful and unbelievable,” said another man who gave his name as Gerrard. “We are very sad and I think it will be a long time to put it back as it was before.” Shopkeepers were seen early on Sunday morning picking up large shards of glass in Paris as rubbish trucks cleared up debris on some of the larger streets. Widespread looting took place across the cities of Paris, Marseille and Lille, as well as other areas. Macron said local prefects and mayors would draft measures to
protect shops and civic buildings. The president also said there would be “full transparency” over the police response to the demonstrations. Tear gas and water cannon were turned on crowds over the weekend and riot police were seen hitting people with batons in several places. France’s interior ministry said about 1,000 police officers were injured on Saturday, seven of them seriously. Student protests which began last month escalated significant on Saturday after they were joined by trade union members and other anti-government groups. The response from political figures has pointed to France’s deep political divisions as the country prepares for an election in April which could see the hard-right pitted against the hard-left. France’s Interior Minister
Laurent Nuñez said that while demonstrating was a fundamental right, there were “outrages” committed by “several thousand far-left individuals” who were determined to target public buildings and confront the police. Later, they were joined by “delinquents who looted and ransacked numerous businesses in several cities in France”, he said. Jean-Luc Mélenchon - leader of the hard-left La France Insoumise party - heavily criticised Nuñez and police chiefs on social media. He said they had “shown complete incompetence” with their handling of the demonstrations and called them “specialists in organised chaos”. Meanwhile, the leader of the hard-right National Rally party, Marine Le Pen, condemned the “exploitation” of anger “by political forces that encourage violence”.
Fires were lit and shops looted during smaller scale disorder in Paris on Sunday.
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Foreign companies strike nine deals for Guyana’s... From page 12 mining district, in a deal valued at US$1.1 million. Lexston Guyana entered the Letter of Intent with Joseph Jardine, the seller to acquire a 100% undivided interest in 15 strategic mineral claims in Region One, Mining District Five, Northwest Guyana. Under the proposed transaction, Lexston Guyana will pay a total of US$1.1 million in structured cash payments. The company has already paid an initial refundable deposit of US$25,000, with the remaining payments to be made over a five-year period following the receipt of the required approvals. The agreement also provides for Jardine to retain a two percent net smelter royalty (NSR) on future production from the property, while maintaining operational rights to any alluvial gold found on the property. Completion of the acquisition remains subject to several conditions, including the satisfactory completion of Lexston Guyana’s due diligence review, negotiation and formal execution of a mutually acceptable definitive purchase agreement and the receipt of all mandatory governmental, regulatory, and mining authority approvals within
Guyana, including the transfer and registration of the claims. XAU Resources Quartzstone Gold Project XAU Resources is which controls the Noseno Gold Project in Region One, and entered an agreement to acquire a 100% interest in the Matthews Ridge gold property is also in the process of gaining control of the Quartz stone Gold Project in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). The quartz stone project covers 296 square kilometres of contiguous mining lands. XAU is looking to acquire the gold project through the acquisition of the Barbadosincorporated QS Holdings Inc. that is the parent company of local company Qstone Inc. which controls the Quartz stone project. The proposed acquisition of QS Holdings is valued at C $ 7 0 m i l l i o n (approximately US$52 million). Under the agreement, XAU is expected to acquire ownership of QS Holdings through the issuance of its shares rather than a cash payment. The transaction remains subject to the required approvals and other conditions for completion. Fortuna Mining – Quartzstone Gold Project Weeks before XAU Resources made the
announcement in relation to its move towards acquire QS Holding, another Canadian mining company Fortuna Mining Corp. had entered into a more than US$5 million agreement with Qstone Inc., QS Holding Guyanese subsidiary, for the Quartzstone Gold Project. Upon signing the agreement, Fortuna paid Qstone a non-refundable US$5 million cash option premium, marking its entry into Guyana’s mining sector. As per the agreement, the company can earn an initial 51 per cent stake by funding exploration and completing 60,000 metres of drilling within four years, and may increase its interest to 70 per cent by solely funding a feasibility study within three years of exercising the first option and continuing to pay all license G Mining Ventures – Oko-Ghanie project The largest transaction was the acquisition of G2 Goldfields Inc. by G Mining Ventures Corp. (GMIN), which was completed in July. The deal, valued at C$3 billion or approximately US$2.2 billion. GMIN and G2 are both Canadian firms that own gold projects in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). The deal allows the companies to consolidate the two adjacent gold properties,
G2’s Oko-Ghanie project with GMIN’s fully permitted and fully financed Oko West project. The arrangement allows GMIN to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of G2 and for G2 to complete the spinout of a new company, G3 Goldfields Inc. – which will h o l d G 2 ’s r e m a i n i n g properties not included in the acquisition. The acquisition enables planned production at Oko West Gold Project to increase the mine’s annual production from 350,000 to reach approximately 500,000 ounces of gold per year over a minimum mine life of 15 years. G2 had said that the Oko-Ghanie gold project average annual output is expected to reach 281,000 ounces annually during the mine’s peak years-with a total production of over 3 million ounces of gold over the life of mine. Lighthouse Gold – Aurora NW Project In February, Canadian exploration company Lighthouse Gold Corp. entered into a definitive option agreement to acquire 100% interest in the Aurora NW project, consisting of
associated mineral rights, permits and claims. The agreement entails a US$100,000 in cash payments and the issuance of two million common shares, alongside a Net Smelter Royalty tied to annual production levels, as defined under the Guyanese Mining Act and its applicable regulations. Since finalising the agreement for the Aurora property, the company has been preparing the ground for exploration, including assembling a local operational team and logistical support to execute field activities. In May, the company announced that it has moved from acquisition to active exploration at its Aurora NW gold project, commencing phase one of its exploration programme at the project which consists of four prospecting permits totalling 19.4 km2 in the Cuyuni–Mazaruni district. Lighthouse Gold – Mariwa/Sardine Hill Project Months after announcing the Aurora NW project agreement, Lighthouse signed a deal valued at more than US$1 million to acquire a second gold property in
Region Seven. The binding letter of intent (LOI) that Lighthouse entered into with a “vendor” is to acquire a 100% interest in the Mariwa/Sardine Hill – Lower Cuyuni Gold Property which is located within the highly prospective Oko Gold District – an area where other Canadian firms are developing large-scale gold projects. The property is located in the Cuyuni Mining District No. 4, northwest Guyana and covers over 13 square kilometers (km2). The property comprises of three contiguous Mining Permits Medium Scale (MPMS) which provide the holder with the right to explore and develop mineral resources within the permitted areas, subject to applicable regulatory approvals. In addition to the property itself, the LOI includes a 10-kilometre area of interest provision, which will provide Lighthouse with the right to acquire certain additional mineral rights that may be staked or acquired by the “vendor” within the surrounding district during the term of the agreement
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Monday October 19, 2026
Gangsters are ‘parasites and pestilence’ to society - Holness (Jamaica Observer) Prime Minister Andrew Holness has directed the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to intensify operations targeting gangs following Friday’s shootout in Sligoville, St Catherine, which claimed the lives of two policemen and left
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several others injured. Holness, who arrived on the island on Saturday, was briefed on the incident by Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake. “The policy direction is that you should intensify the operations that you have planned to target the criminals, the gang leaders, those you have been pursuing with intelligence. Bring them forward, because what this has shown is a new level of criminal organisation that is a threat to our national security. Whatever resources you need, we will discuss it,” he said. The prime minister said
Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness the incident should serve as a watershed moment and a turning point in efforts to dis-
mantle gangs. He also extended condolences to the families of Corporal Trevoy
Venezuela opposition renews support... From page 8 to see Venezuela hold elections by July next year. “The U.S. government and the Venezuelan people all agree ``that the only way to make ``this sustainable and ``a real victory is to turn Venezuela into a stable democracy,” she told the newspaper earlier this month. A thwarted return Venezuelan authorities blocked Machado’s repeated attempts to return to the country, according to her party, Vente Venezuela. Machado has also reportedly attempted to petition the Trump administration for help re-entering Venezuela. Separately, she gifted Trump her Nobel Peace Prize in January, during a visit to Washington, DC. Media re-
ports, however, have suggested friction between the Trump administration and Machado. In interviews with Reuters and Axios, U.S. administration officials have anonymously expressed frustration with the opposition leader’s repeated efforts to return home, particularly after a pair of deadly earthquakes in Venezuela last July. Axios quoted one official as calling Machado’s push “political opportunism”. Machado, however, remains one of the most popular figures in Venezuela’s opposition. In October 2023, Machado won the opposition coalition’s presidential primary, but in January 2024, Venezuela’s courts blocked her from running in the up-
coming race. The courts upheld a 15year ban on her holding public office, reportedly due to her support of U.S. sanctions against the Maduro government. Gonzalez ultimately replaced Machado as the opposition candidate in the 2024 race. Maduro claimed victory for a third term as Venezuela’s president in that election cycle, despite widespread criticism that the vote did not meet democratic standards. The opposition released vote tallies that appeared to show Gonzalez had won the race. The U.S. had recognised Gonzalez as the country’s rightful president-elect and denied the legitimacy of Maduro’s election claims.
Shaw and Constable Devoney Rose, who were hit with bullets as they attempted to rescue a child during the incident. “It was a devious trap. The officers were fired upon as they approached to retrieve the child, and that’s how they lost their lives. They are heroes. That is calculated brutality. That is sheer evil. It is a stark reminder that we cannot let down our guard or relax our laws; we must maintain our resolute posture against organised criminal networks,” said Holness. The incident unfolded about 5:15 am on Friday when a team from the JCF’s Special Operations Unit was conducting an operation in the Five Miles area of Sligoville, St Catherine, in search of wanted men. The cops were reportedly clearing a building on the premises when they came under gunfire from men who had barricaded themselves inside the house among other occu-
pants. During the exchange, a young girl who was inside the building sustained gunshot injuries and remains hospitalised. Holness said the police must identify every individual who facilitated the shooting. “We must separate these evil men from our society. We must stop making excuses for men who carry illegal guns, terrorise communities and prey upon the vulnerable. They are not protectors. They are not justified by poverty, exclusion or social injustice. They are not freedom fighters; they are not Robin Hoods; they are not rebels or misunderstood victims. They are parasites and pestilence upon our society, and they are an obstruction to its progress. “Society is better off without them. They must be identified, disarmed, arrested, prosecuted and removed from our communities through the full and uncompromising force of the law,” Holness emphasised.
Trinidad economy poised... From page 11 policy, Imbert alleged that despite previous promises to lower corporate tax rates and stimulate private enterprise, the government implemented 70 new or increased taxes and fees between May 2025 and September 2026. He cited new measures such as an asset levy on commercial banks, electricity surcharges, business surcharges, container processing fees, and elevated national insurance contributions. Recalling past statements from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar that a nation cannot be taxed into prosperity, Imbert asserted that the budget fails to offer business incentives or relief for citizens facing rising economic hardship.
IMF/World Bank meetings leave developing countries with... From page 6 on top of political situations in many of these countries that makes development aid not a priority at the moment.” Mauricio Cardenas, Colombia’s former finance minister and now a research scholar at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs in New York, said many policymakers were left with a deep sense that “something really bad could happen” but no real roadmap to navigate the future. “The IMF and World Bank are not particularly well prepared for this new phase. They understand that something is going on, they bring in experts on AI,” he said. “But in the
end, there’s no kind of specific, concrete advice on how to be prepared for something where you ‘t really `understand how it’s going to unfold.” The geopolitical tensions that have roiled both institutions since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 - complicating concerted action were also evident in Bangkok when nearly half the delegates at an IMF steering committee walked out when Russia’s finance minister spoke. Houthi attacks on Riyadh airport delayed the arrival of the head of that committee, Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan, who had to travel overland to Qatar to catch a flight.
And Bangkok itself was a stark reminder of the challenges facing developing countries, still partly under water after floods in September that caused almost $200 million in damage to Thailand’s industrial sector. RISING INEQUALITY COULD RAISE COSTS IN LONG TERM Kate Pickett, a professor at the University of ‘York, urged policymakers to focus on more inclusive growth rather than forcing developing countries into tough structural reforms. “If inequality increases, if poverty deepens, that will increase their costs in the long term,” she said. “It’s not enough to describe an economy as resilient. It’s only
resilient for the rich and the privileged.” Ayhan Kose, deputy chief economist at the World Bank, said the global economy had weathered its biggest energy shock - from the US-Israeli war on Iran - better than expected. But while ‘a global recession had been avoided, he said growth outlooks in both developing and advanced economies were worse than before. Growth had already fallen off in half of advanced economies, while in developing countries as a whole, it had slowed significantly to around 3.6% from 4.4%. “People are really worried because resilience today is not a guarantee for resilience
tomorrow,” he said. “Now they are worried about what will be the next shock, because `every six months, if not every three months, there is a new shock.” While no specific initiatives were announced, he said the World Bank remained focused on helping developing countries prepare for advancements in AI, in part by mobilising more private capital, now at triple the levels of 2022. Yet it, too, has to contend with sharp drops in official development aid and persistent challenges in attracting foreign investment to developing countries. “The reality on the ground is the reality on the ground,” he said.
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No lights, no friends: Cuban youth grapple with loneliness (AFP) — With frequent power cuts transforming Havana into a ghost town, young Cubans are struggling to get their kicks, many resorting to games of dominoes with strangers to pass the time. Most of 24-year-old Melanie Tejeda’s friends have left the U.S. blockaded island nation, and only five of the 43 students who started an acting programme with her two years ago remain. She has started going alone to a bar called El Bujeco, where she chats with other dispirited youth looking to escape the blackouts in one of the few places with a generator adapted to run on natural gas. “Those friends are gone,” Tejeda told AFP, explaining that many now live in Miami, Madrid or elsewhere. They use social media to keep in touch when the Internet connection and time difference allow, but a sense of isolation one day pushed Tejeda to sit down with a group of strangers huddled around a game of dominoes.
“Dominoes is one of the cultural traditions that has endured, that still exists, and that keeps us united,” she said. Bar Manager Yadier Delgado, 24, calls El Bujeco “a refuge for all the young people who still don’t know what to do with themselves”. “There aren’t many options. Almost all of these places haven’t been able to stay open under these circumstances,” said Delgado. Not even leisure has been spared by the U.S. energy blockade imposed on Cuba in January, which has plunged the island into a seemingly endless crisis. On the second floor, 22-yearold Sian Dimitri Felipe and a friend battle it out over a video game. Felipe taught himself how to programme as a teenager and is developing his own game, although he acknowledges that working in Cuba throws up constant obstacles. “Programming without electricity or an Internet connection is a problem…you can either come here to play or stay behind during a blackout, get bitten by mosquitoes,
and catch dengue,” he said. He belongs to a generation too young to have experienced the vibrant cultural scene that teemed in Havana for decades. Many of the theatres, cinemas and concert halls that once pumped life into the capital have shuttered or drastically reduced their offerings. Felipe recalls that until very recently, “there was a sense of community” among young people. But that “no longer exists”, he said, adding that he misses sitting outside with his friends at night — an activity now considered dangerous due to prolonged power cuts and heightened insecurity. The young adult doesn’t see a future for himself at home. “I’m leaving…Every young person in this country wants to leave,” he said. Felipe earns some money programming for clients in Miami while Tejeda works at children’s parties to scrape some cash, but most young people have not escaped the pangs of Cuba’s
Young men play online video games using the Wi-Fi at El Bejuco bar in Havana, Cuba, on September 26, 2026. economic crisis. “It’s not really possible to go out much. The little money you make has to go toward other things,” said content creator Yurisladys Mora, 23, as she left a nightclub in Old Havana. Nights out have been rare for Mora in recent months, after spending a huge chunk of her income to buy black-market medicine for injuries she sustained in a motorbike accident. With little money at their disposal, the streets make for the ultimate hangout spot, and every
weekend, young people turn out to dance and rollerblade along Havana’s Paseo del Prado. Israel Quiala, who travels 20 kilometres from the San Miguel del Padron neighbourhood armed with nothing but a portable speaker, rehearses dance routines for hours on end in the city centre. The crisis is tough for adults, the 17-year-old believes, but “they at least experienced…a good time in Cuba”. “Being young now is harder,” said Quiala, who dropped out of high school to pursue urban dance.
OECS ministers face pressure to deliver on food security plans (St. Lucia Times) OECS agriculture ministers are being urged to move beyond repeated discussions on food security and start delivering on long-standing regional plans. That message emerged from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States’ Third Special Meeting of the Council of Ministers for Agriculture, held in Jamaica on 30 September. Details of the meeting were outlined in an OECS press release issued on 16th October. According to the release, ministers agreed to speed up work under the region’s food and agriculture strategy, with renewed focus on removing trade barriers, improving regional transport, and getting more food produced and moved within the region. “A nation can defer a constitutional reform or postpone a highway. It cannot postpone dinner,” Jules said. “Food sovereignty is not romance; it is the right and the ability to decide what we grow, what we eat, and on what terms we trade. The world has accelerated faster than our implementation, and our greatest vulnerability remains the implementation deficit.” The meeting was held on the margins of the 2026 Caribbean Week of Agriculture and also saw Saint Kitts and Nevis take over the
Representatives of OECS states at the special meeting of the Council of Ministers for Agriculture. (Photo by: OECS)
th
chairmanship of the OECS Council of Ministers for Agriculture from Montserrat. Jules said the OECS Food and Agriculture Systems Transformation Strategy now needs to move towards firmer deadlines and practical action. Among the priorities he identified were using the region’s collective purchasing power, creating dedicated maritime shipping routes for agricultural trade, harmonising food safety and agricultural standards, and protecting key resources such as seeds, soil, water, and pollinators. The difficulty of moving agricultural goods between Caribbean countries was also raised by incoming chairman and Saint Kitts and Nevis Agriculture Minister Samal Duggins. OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules put the problem plainly, warning that the region’s
biggest weakness is no longer a shortage of plans but the failure to carry them out. “How can we continue to collectively speak of regional integration when it remains far easier for any one of us at times to import agricultural produce from outside of our region than it is to move it between our member states?” Duggins questioned. That challenge has long complicated efforts to increase regional food production. Even where farmers are able to produce more, getting goods from one island to another can involve transport, regulatory, and marketaccess hurdles. Duggins said his chairmanship would focus on removing some of those obstacles while also expanding agricultural links with Africa and South America and creating greater space for young people and women in the sector.
“A strategy is only as powerful as our collective commitment to that fundamental word: ‘implement it’. Let this chairmanship be defined not by the number of meetings that we hold, but by the barriers that we remove, the markets that we open, and the opportunities that we create.” Outgoing chairman John P. Osbourne of Montserrat also called for greater urgency. During his tenure, attention was placed on areas including water resilience, climate-smart infrastructure, protected agriculture, and improving interisland transport for both passengers and agricultural produce. The release also said ministers heard from the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture and the Caribbean Development Bank on areas where regional cooperation could be strengthened.
IICA Director General Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim pointed to priorities such as increased intraregional trade, greater involvement of young people and women in agriculture, and the creation of a regional seed bank. Meanwhile, the Caribbean Development Bank outlined its work in the agricultural sector across OECS countries and possible areas for deeper cooperation. The council subsequently suggested establishing an OECS Agriculture Task Force to help develop agricultural projects that could attract financing. One immediate deadline has already been set. Member states were given 30 days to finalise their feedback on a draft OECS Apiculture Policy aimed at protecting bee populations and the wider ecosystems that depend on them.
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Monday October 19, 2026
Fears grow in DRC as former President Joseph Kabila joins rebellion (AL-JAZEERA) Hopes for peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have suffered another setback after former President Joseph Kabila joined a new political-military coalition challenging President Felix Tshisekedi. Announced in Goma on Monday evening, the Front pour la Refondation de la Nation (FRN), or Front for the Refoundation of the Nation, is led by Kabila and replaces the existing alliance between the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) and the 23 r d March Movement (M23). The new coalition brings together figures and forces associated with the two movements, accuses Tshisekedi of tyranny and calls for resistance by all means, including force. Goma, the main city in eastern Congo’s North Kivu province, has been under M23-AFC control since January last year. Kabila’s move brings a former head of state directly into the leadership of the rebellion. The conflict has displaced millions and drawn in neighbouring countries. Its roots stretch back decades, shaped by regional rivalries, unresolved security concerns and competition for territory and mineral resources. The aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide helped fuel wars across the region, while tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali continue to shape the fighting. M23 says it took up arms because the Congolese government failed to honour earlier commitments. The Congolese government and international actors have accused Rwanda of supporting the group, an allegation Kigali denies, citing security threats from armed groups operating in eastern Congo. Whether Kabila’s leadership will reshape the rebellion or further complicate efforts to end the war remains unclear. In Goma, residents fear the latest realignment will push peace further out of reach. Why do residents fear the war is far from over? For Basa Juhudi, Kabila’s decision has revived fears that the conflict will drag on. “As a resident of Goma, I believed the war might end in the very near future, hoping that the Congolese government would liberate us. And we are greatly surprised that even our former president has joined the fray,” he told Al Jazeera. Juhudi said Kabila’s political experience makes his involvement particularly troubling. “The fact that Joseph Kabila has joined the rebellion, bearing in mind that he is our former president and knows this country inside out, means the war is far from over. I am not happy about this frightening situation.”
He also fears for the country’s democratic future, recalling the peaceful transfer of power in 2019, when Tshisekedi succeeded Kabila. “Today, I am very afraid. I don’t know if I will be lucky enough to experience a proper democracy in the DRC. I was delighted by the country’s very first peaceful transfer of power,” Juhudi said. How does Kabila’s past shape his return to the conflict? Kabila came to power in 2001 following the assassination of his father, Laurent-Desire Kabila. He was elected president in 2006 and re-elected in 2011. His second constitutional term was due to end in 2016, but elections were delayed. Critics accused him of seeking to remain in power beyond the constitutionally permitted two terms. Protests against the delays were met with deadly violence before a political compromise paved the way for elections in December 2018. Tshisekedi was declared the winner and took office in January 2019, marking the DRC’s first peaceful transfer of presidential power through elections. Kabila defended the election delays, arguing that the Congolese people had ultimately resolved their problems through dialogue. His alignment with the FRN marks a new phase in his confrontation with Tshisekedi. The coalition presents itself as a political alternative to the government while maintaining an armed challenge to its authority. Whether Kabila can translate his political experience and networks
into wider support remains uncertain. Can dialogue still avert a wider confrontation? Kabila’s move has drawn criticism from within the Congolese political establishment. Vital Kamerhe, a former speaker of the National Assembly and leader of the Union for the Congolese Nation (UNC), urged the movement to abandon armed struggle. “You cannot erase your own record by accusing your successor,” Kamerhe declared in a speech on Wednesday. “I call on the leaders of this movement to abandon their plans and prioritise the path of dialogue. Whatever our frustrations, our differences or our ambitions, nothing, absolutely nothing, can justify us taking up weapons against our own country, at the risk of sacrificing our own Congolese lives,” he said. His appeal highlights the central challenge facing peace efforts: political grievances remain unresolved, while renewed fighting threatens a population already battered by conflict. What does Kabila’s move mean for peace initiatives? The United States and Qatar have pursued separate diplomatic initiatives aimed at ending the conflict. In Doha, representatives of the Congolese government and AFCM23 have discussed a ceasefire, the return of refugees, the release of detainees and measures to counter rhetoric that stigmatises ethnic minorities.
Former DRC President Joseph Kabila’s new coalition, which succeeds the AFC-M23 alliance, says it will honour commitments made during the Doha negotiations aimed at ending the conflict in eastern Congo. [File: Moise Kasereka / EPA]
Joseph Kabila. [File: Siphiwe Sibeko/ Reuters] (Reuters) Washington has pursued an agreement between the DRC and Rwanda, including commitments relating to the neutralisation of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory. The initiatives address different but connected dimensions of the crisis. Kabila’s emergence as leader of the FRN raises questions about who will represent the armed opposition and whether existing commitments will be respected. However, the new coalition has said it intends to honour commitments made during the Doha negotiations. In a communique released on Wednesday, Freddy Kaniki, one of the FRN’s leaders, said the signing of the coalition’s memorandum of association and its official launch marked the dissolution of the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), which the FRN succeeds by right. The communique said the FRN would assume the AFC’s “rights, obligations and commitments, in
particular those entered into as part of the Doha negotiations”. The statement suggests that the coalition intends to maintain the commitments made by its predecessor. It remains to be seen, however, how this pledge will translate into progress towards a ceasefire and a lasting settlement. For Josue Akuzwe Walayi, a Congolese human rights activist, the development threatens to undermine hopes raised by the negotiations. “My greatest fear is for the future of the Doha and Washington peace initiatives; it is not just that they will be a diplomatic failure, but that they will become yet more agreements without any real peace for the Congolese people,” he tells Al Jazeera. Walayi argues that agreements without effective accountability mechanisms risk becoming empty promises. Lasting peace, he says, requires parties to honour their commitments and violations to be documented, investigated and punished in accordance with the law. “What would the Doha and Washington agreements be worth if, despite the negotiations, Congolese people continue to die, families remain forced into exile and communities live in fear? The danger would be to normalise the war whilst the people pay the price,” he warns. Could Kabila’s return pose a broader challenge to Kinshasa? Kabila’s return to the centre of the conflict comes amid his legal confrontation with the Congolese state. Last year, a Congolese military court sentenced him to death in his absence on charges, including treason and war crimes, linking him to the M23 rebellion. His relatives described the conviction as “unjust” and “politically motivated”. Goma resident Willo Riziki says Kabila’s involvement should prompt the government to reassess the challenge it faces. “The Congolese authorities must now take this war very seriously. If Kinshasa thought it was dealing with puppets, that is no longer the case. There are people all over the country who remain loyal to Kabila,” Riziki told Al Jazeera.
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 Protecting children . N U . . L U L LUNmust T B . T . . T T N N go beyond B U B . U . L . L T B . B . . N . . . T U T banning vapes L N N T U U L N L B U . B . . L . . . T B T . . N . N T U L N LU B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . NT LUNT...B NT...BLU N U L B . . B . U . . T L . N T B . . U N . L N T B U N . . L . U T L B . . 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 . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B . . L LU ...BLUN . T B . . N . T U L N T B U . . 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 . . 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 Monday October 19, 2026
Kaieteur News
President Irfaan Ali’s move to restrict vape imports is a welcome intervention in the growing battle to protect Guyana’s children from nicotine addiction and other potential health risks. The increasing presence of these products among schoolchildren demands urgent, decisive action.
However, restricting imports is only the first step. If the government is serious about safeguarding young people, enforcement must extend to retailers, distributors and anyone supplying these products to minors. A ban that exists on paper but is easily circumvented will accomplish little.
The proposed exceptions for legitimate medicinal and therapeutic uses are reasonable, provided approvals are transparent, tightly controlled and grounded in medical evidence. Parents, teachers, religious leaders and communities must also play their part through education and vigilance. Protecting children requires more than announcements. It demands sustained enforcement, public awareness and accountability to ensure this initiative delivers meaningful results.
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CAMS aiming to celebrate 25 years 2026 IMC Over-40's World Cup... Akmal/Ghani fifties with dominant performance on Nov. 1 Team CAMS is gearing up for a historic milestone as they prepare to celebrate 25 years in motorsport at the upcoming Caribbean Clash of Champions on November 1st. A household name in the Caribbean racing arena, Caribbean America Motorsports (CAMS) aims to leave an unforgettable mark during its silver jubilee with a dominant, multi-class
performance. To mark a quartercentury of racing excellence, the team is fielding an expansive 18-member unit with confirmed representation across nearly every major class. Team Leader Afraz Allie expressed immense confidence ahead of the event, stating that the team arrived fully determined to remind everyone why they
remain one of the most respected organizations in Caribbean motorsport. Allie emphasized that while competing on home turf alongside the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) brings distinct advantages, it is ultimately determination, preparation, and teamwork that will drive them to victory. The star-studded lineup spans across several
Monday October 19, 2026 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You may still be on something of a high from the last couple weeks. You will definitely be tempted to let the good times continue to roll, Aries. Think about ways you can keep them rolling while still maintaining good judgment. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Communicate from a centered space today. Fortunately, the nature of the day caters to your needs and desires. You shouldn't have to work too hard to get what you want. Things should come to you naturally. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Work toward achieving a better unity between you and the people around you. It could be that certain people in your circle of friends somehow feel alienated in one way or another. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You will feel much better about yourself if you get things done today. Like a meal that tastes good but isn't necessarily good for you, you might enjoy this day by being lazy, but you won't feel so good when night comes. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You might consider taking a rest today. Like a sailboat on the ocean, you've been taxed lately by all the turbulence. The pressure on you has been tremendous. Think about pulling your sails to half-mast in order to take a break. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Your thinking is apt to be quite clear and rational today, Virgo. This is especially important since others will be looking for your thoughts and opinions on a certain matter.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) By being around negative, you might inadvertently pick up these habits. Be careful about your associates, because you will find that others judge you according to the company you keep. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You may feel like the world is caving in on you in many ways today, Scorpio. It could be that you've recently dug your own little cave to crawl into and be safe from the outside world. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Remember that you can only remain in charge as long as the others around you support your personality and leadership abilities, Sagittarius. Avoid mutiny by taking care of the people in your world instead of simply trying to run their lives. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) There should be no doubt in your mind about which way to proceed. Don't let self-doubt sneak into the picture. Your mind is sensitive and alert, so trust it. Take the lead when you feel confident about a situation. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Your rock-star attitude may be getting a bit old now, Aquarius. People aren't going to continue to listen to your demands for attention. Every person in the world is special, so try not to act as if you're the only one who is. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your ship is finally coming into port after being out in rough seas for so long, Pisces. It's time to dock the boat for a while. Relax and explore the area. There is nothing wrong with getting off your vessel for a while.
competitive divisions. Quinlan Lall, Mohan Rangasamy, and Lenny Samaroo headline the powerhouse GP4 entries. Mark Samaroo and Alex London will spearhead the GP3 competition, with London pulling double duty by entering GP4 as well. The highly competitive GP3 field features a robust group of drivers, including Aubrey Mitchell, Neil Persaud, Afraz Allie, Sunil Nauth, Aaron Bethune, Damian Singh, Emraan Baksh, Terry Rodrigues, Joe Mohan, and Chris Lall. Both Allie and Chris Lall are pulling double duty by registering for GP2 as well. Kemal Rahman is set to showcase incredible versatility by competing across three distinct classes: 1600GP, GP2, and GP3. Meanwhile, Afraz Allie and Sylvester Carew will fight for podiums across both the Starlet and GP3 categories. Rookie Class featuring Arnold Sue is officially confirmed to represent the team in the Rookie class. Spectators can expect a thrilling variety of machinery on the track, including high-performance RX, Miata, EG, S2000, EK, MR5, Honda, CRX, and Starlet models. The organization has made it clear that they are not just looking to participate; they are looking to make a statement. Fans can look forward to close battles, intense racing action, and fierce rivalry throughout the day as CAMS and GMR&SC fight for ultimate bragging rights. General admission is set at G$5,000 for adults and G$2,000 for children. The event is proudly supported by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, One Guyana, ENet, KFC, G u y O i l , a n d Tr o p i c a l Shipping, among other prominent partners.
push Pakistan to victory
Adnan Akmal and Sheharyar Ghani punched fifties to help Pakistan rally to a 7-wicket win over India when World Cup action continued yesterday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. Pakistan chasing 143 made by the Indians who batted first, recovered from a rough position of 19-3, all the way to a position of command which saw India’s first innings score not be sufficient on the Providence. Akmal (63*) with 8 fours and Ghani (63*) struck an unbeaten 125-run partnership to pilot Pakistan to their winning score of 144-3, despite a brilliant haul of 2-18 from Indian spinner Amit Mishra. Earlier, Pakistani Muhammad Khalil claimed 3-23 in a good effort as India, despite a recovery led by Murtaza Ali with (48), were eventually dismissed for 143. Caption Caption-Wicket-keeper batsman Adnan Akmal (63 not out) and Sheharyar Ghani (63 not out) guided Pakistan to victory against India at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.
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Monday October 19, 2026
GCB Applauds Pres. Ali’s Chase roars out the blocks as Decision to Restrict Vaping Glasgow dazzles Annandale’s attack with double hat-trick, Products in Guyana Charlestown also open with win The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) welcomes and strongly supports the decision announced by His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali to introduce restrictions on the importation of vaping products into Guyana. The GCB views this intervention as a timely and proactive measure in addressing a growing public health concern, particularly among young people and athletes. The increasing prevalence of vaping has become a serious concern within the cricketing fraternity, both locally and internationally, with the potential to undermine the health, physical fitness, discipline and overall development of our young sportsmen and sportswomen. A s a n o rg a n i s a t i o n entrusted with the development of cricket and the nurturing of young talent, the GCB recognises that protecting the health and well-being of our athletes is equally important as developing their sporting abilities. The GCB commended President Ali for his foresight and decisive intervention,
...Republic Bank U-18 SSFL gets underway
His Excellency President Irfaan Ali
noting that the long-term consequences of vaping could present significant challenges to the development of sport and the health of future generations. The GCB firmly believes that this proactive intervention has the potential to prevent serious health consequences among our
athletes and young people, and by extension, safeguard the health and well-being of the entire Guyanese population. The Board further encourages parents, coaches, teachers, sporting organisations and community leaders to support this initiative by educating young people about the health risks associated with vaping. The Guyana Cricket Board reiterates its support for measures that protect our young people, preserve the integrity of sport and promote a healthier future for all Guyanese.
Sukwah ton headlines latest round of Panther Security Inc 2nd T20 The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) dominated the GCA Panther Security Inc Second Division T20 Competition with backto-back victories at the GNIC Cricket Ground. The soldiers kicked off their flawless day with a swift nine-wicket win over tournament hosts GNIC, followed by a massive 122-run crushing of the Ace Warriors fueled by an Adrian Sukhwa century. Match 1: GDF vs. GNIC GDF won the toss, chose to bowl, and completely dismantled the host team’s batting lineup. GNIC Innings: 85 all out in 17 overs (Roger Henry 17, Christor Campbell 13). GDF Bowling: Zammer Nazeer 3-14, Joshua Ferrell 2-15, Leon Swamy 2-18. GDF Innings: 87/1 in 6.4 overs. Adrian Sukhwa anchored the lightningfast chase, smashing an unbeaten 59 runs from 29 balls (11 fours, 1 six) to seal the commanding nine-wicket win. Match 2: GDF vs. Ace Warriors Carrying their morning momentum into the afternoon, GDF elected to bat first and unleashed an absolute masterclass with the willow. GDF Innings: 263/6 in 20 overs.
Adrian Sukwah
Ace Warriors Bowling: Junior Phillips 450. Sukhwa stole the show by blasting a sensational 109 runs off just 52 deliveries, peppered with 18 boundaries and 3 sixes. Rapid cameos of 30 runs each from Leon Andrews and Zammer Nazeer pushed the total to an imposing 263. Faced with a mountainous chase of 264, the Ace Warriors never threatened the target. Ace Warriors Innings: 141/8 in 20 overs (Nkosi Whyte 41). GDF Bowling: Joshua Ferrell 3-17. GDF’s disciplined bowling restricted the opposition to wrap up the emphatic 122-run victory, capping off a perfect double-triumph day for the military side.
Defending champions Chase’s Academic Foundation (CAF) began their 2026 Republic Bank Boys’ Under-18 Football League campaign in dominant fashion, thrashing Annandale Secondary 7-0. Mark Glasgow struck a double hat trick to hand the institution its first win of the tournament, which followed a colourful march past and opening ceremony. Four matches were scheduled for the opening round. Chase’s kept a clean sheet against the east coast side, and Germaine Gerett got them going with a first-minute goal. Glasgow then took over. The young playmaker made the most of every chance, finishing with a brilliant six-goal haul. Chase’s strong defence was also on full display. It controlled the centre of the park and snuffed out every advance by the Annandale frontline, turning the match into a one-sided contest. It was an emphatic start that already looks like a solid title defence. A composed St Joseph High School weathered a formidable Charlestown attack before Nyckel Adams buried the decider Charlestown Secondary in the 68th minute, sealing a hard-fought 1-0 victory. Three Mile Secondary and New Amsterdam Secondary could not be separated at full time. Despite six goals in the match, neither side found a winner, and the two schools played out a 3-3 stalemate. Jaffarie Albert, Eon Williams and Clevon Cort scored for New Amsterdam, while Carl Phortomon and Eric Stephen got the goals for Three Mile. Meanwhile in similar fashion, West
Nuckel Adams, Charlestown goals scorer during their round one victory against St Joseph High. Ruimveldt Secondary and Santa Rosa Secondary drew 1-1, with a goal at either end. Both teams share a point heading into the next round. Republic Bank Limited serves as title sponsor of this year’s tournament, with contributions from Guyana Beverage Inc. (Busta), MVP Sports, Yellow Steel Inc., Demerara Mutual Life and the Ministry of Education.
GTTA Welcomes Govt’s Announced Restrictions on Vaping Products The Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) welcomes and commends the Government of Guyana’s announcement of restrictions on the importation and sale of vaping devices and products, under the leadership of His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. Protecting our children and young people, particularly at an age where they are exploratory and when curiosity and peer influence can leave them vulnerable to harmful products, must remain a national priority. The GTTA applauds the President’s leadership in taking action to safeguard their health and future. Health evidence highlights the risks associated with vaping, including nicotine addiction and exposure to harmful chemicals. Nicotine and the chemicals contained in vaping devices can also adversely affect brain development in children and
adolescents. These concerns reinforce the need for prevention, education and effective oversight. As a sporting organization, the GTTA believes that encouraging healthy lifestyles goes hand in hand with developing sporting talent. Table tennis and other sports provide positive avenues for young people to build confidence, discipline, friendships and lifelong healthy habits. The Association calls on parents, teachers, coaches, businesses and all citizens to give this initiative their fullest support. We urge compliance with the restrictions as they take effect and encourage citizens to report suspected unlawful importation or sale through the appropriate authorities. Protecting our young people is a shared responsibility. The GTTA joins President Ali and his government in his effort to promote the protection and well-being of our citizens.
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Chacarra wins in India to take Race to Dubai lead Eugenio Chacarra won the DP World India Championship by two strokes to move top of the Race to Dubai standings ahead of Patrick Reed and Rory McIlroy. Spain’s Chacarra finished on 21 under, with American Reed and world number two McIlroy well off the pace by the final round of this event. After opening with successive scores of 67 in his first two rounds at Delhi Golf Club, bad light halted play with Chacarra still on the 11th hole of his third round on Saturday. That left the 26-year-old with extra work on Sunday and he concluded his third round with a five-shot lead after a nine-under 63. A two-under 70 in his final round was then enough to see off the challenge of New Zealand’s Daniel Hillier who
birdied the last to put the pressure on the victor. The win was Chacarra’s third of the season as he looks to emulate Jon Rahm and Seve Ballesteros to become the third Spaniard to top the season-long standings on the DP World Tour. “Those two guys are heroes for me as a Spanish golfer,” Chacarra told Sky Sports. “Seve did everything for European and Spanish golf, and then Jon, it’s a guy that I’ve been looking up to since he went to college and professional golf. What he has accomplished, it’s amazing. “Hopefully I can put my name on that trophy too. That’s one of the goals.” Reed, the Masters champion of 2018, had led the way since March after early-season victories in Qatar and
Dubai, but he has been overhauled with just three events remaining before the winner is crowned next month. A final-round 69 in Delhi meant Reed finished on eight under and in a tie for 23rd, while McIlroy was four shots further back with his disappointing weekend only good enough for a share of 42nd. The 37-year-old from Northern Ireland was playing this event for the second consecutive year and started solidly before a two-over 74 in his concluding round. M c I l r o y ’s c o m p a t r i o t To m McKibbin fared better at 12 under, a score that was good enough for ninth place alongside Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre. Belgium’s Thomas Detry and United Arab Emirates’ Adrian Otaegui.
Eugenio Chacarra has won three times on the DP World Tour this season.
Ramdhani, Haynes outshine competition at Senior National Badminton tournament
The GBF in partnership with the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports brought down curtains on another highly successful national tournament.
N
Badminton aces Akili Haynes (L) and Priyanna Ramdhani (R) outshined the competition at the recently concluded Senior National tournament.
ational stars Akili Haynes and Priyanna Ramdhani dominated the Senior national Badminton Tournament, each capturing three titles by sweeping their respective singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events. While Haynes and Ramdhani led the tournament’s honours, men’s doubles runners-up Christopher Jordan and Ruel Rambiriche were recognized with the Most Improved Player awards. Men’s Singles & Doubles Top seed Haynes secured the men’s singles title with a straight-game 22–20, 21–12 victory over Tyrese Jeffrey. After a fiercely contested opening game, Haynes pulled away in the second to seal the win. Haynes had a tougher path to the final, rallying from a game down to defeat joint third/fourth seed Nkosi Beaton 18–21, 21–15, 21–16 in the semi-finals. Jeffrey earned his final spot by defeating Rambiriche 21–17, 21–18. Beaton and Rambiriche shared third place. Following their singles battle, Haynes and Jeffrey teamed up as the top seeds in men’s doubles. They captured the crown by defeating Jordan and Rambiriche 22–20, 21–16. Percival Chester and Ronit Gulchand
shared third place with Javid Rahaman and Ronald Chang Yuen. Women’s Singles & Doubles Ramdhani’s triple-title performance marked a triumphant return to competitive action after recovering from an injury sustained at the CAREBACO Senior Championship in Trinidad last November. She dominantally defeated women’s singles top seed Ashley Khalil 21–4, 21–5 in the final, while Asiyah Eastman took third. Ramdhani then paired with Eastman to cruise to the women’s doubles title, defeating Tei Haynes and Angel Zhu 21–7, 21–6. Mishka Beharry and Khalil shared the thirdplace spot. Mixed Doubles & Special Awards The tournament’s standout performers, Haynes and Ramdhani, joined forces for the mixed doubles event. They completed their respective trebles by cruising past Chang Yuen and Khalil 21–6, 21–9 in the final. Daniel Tan and Eastman shared third place with Beaton and Beharry. Though Jordan and Rambiriche missed out on the men’s doubles title, their standout performance, including pushing the eventual champions to the limit in a tight opening game, earned them the top honors.
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Monday October 19, 2026
GCB Announces Harpy Eagles Contracts for 2026/27 Season The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) is pleased to announce the approval of 15 contracted players for the Guyana Harpy Eagles for the 2026/27 cricket season. The list of contracted players was formally approved by the Executive Committee of the Guyana Cricket Board, following consultations and guidance from the GCB Senior Selection Panel, headed by Chairman Ramnaresh Sarwan. The Harpy Eagles will continue to be led by captain Tevin Imlach, who will spearhead the franchise as it prepares for the upcoming regional cricket season. The 15 contracted players are: 1. Tevin Imlach (Captain) 2. Kevlon Anderson 3. Kemol Savory 4. Matthew Nandu 5. Nial Smith 6. Richie Looknauth 7. Jonathon Van Lange 8. Veerasammy Permaul 9. Tagenarine Chanderpaul 10. Mavindra Dindyal 11. Junior Sinclair 12. Zeynul Ramsammy 13. Shamar Apple 14. Thaddeus Lovell 15. Kevin Sinclair
Tevin Imlach
Junior Sinclair
Kevin Sinclair The GCB reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the Guyana Harpy Eagles franchise through a structured and transparent approach to player development, selection and retention, while ensuring that
opportunities are provided for emerging talent alongside experienced national players. The Board continues to place significant emphasis on professionalism, discipline,
performance and accountability as essential components of its broader cricket development and modernisation programme. The GCB congratulates all 15 contracted players and extends its appreciation to the Senior Selection Panel, headed by Ramnaresh Sarwan, for its continued guidance and contribution to the selection process. The Board looks forward to a competitive and successful 2026/27 season as the Guyana Harpy Eagles continue their pursuit of excellence in regional cricket.
Friendship net 10, Chase Madueke scores as Arsenal Academy dominate as ExxonM win tight game at Forest U18 Schools Football continues
Arsenal have now won six of their first seven Premier League games. Arsenal broke Nottingham Forest’s resolve as a second-half strike by substitute Noni Madueke earned the defending champions a sixth Premier League win of the season. The Gunners looked in danger of being held to their first draw of the campaign as they struggled to break down the home side’s defence. A dreadful first half did not feature any shots on target from either side, which is only the second time that has happened in the Premier League this season. The first time was in a game that also involved Arsenal - at Aston Villa on 31 August, when the Gunners went on to win 10 thanks to Bukayo Saka’s second-half
strike. Once again they ultimately found a way to secure all three points as Madueke - who had replaced Eberechi Eze at half-time - saw his shot deflect off Daniel Munoz and find the back of the net. That was Arsenal’s first shot on target and will have been a frustrating blow for the hosts, after they had looked like potentially upsetting the Gunners after making the better start to the second half. But Forest paid the price for poor finishing as their search for a first home win of the season continues. Arsenal, meanwhile, remain second in the Premier League, three points behind leaders Manchester City. (BBC)
Friendship Secondary and Chase’s Academic Foundation recorded dominant victories on Friday, October 16, as the ExxonMobil Under-18 Schools Football Tournament continued with matches across several regions of Guyana. Friendship Secondary registered an impressive 10-0 victory over Camille’s Academy (Diamond) in the boys’ competition on the East Bank of Demerara, while Chase’s Academic Foundation enjoyed a successful outing in Georgetown, winning both their boys’ and girls’ encounters against Richard Ishmael Secondary. Brandon Bruce led Friendship Secondary’s commanding performance with four goals, while Jerome Johnson added a double. Michael Correia, Malcolm Roach, Kendo George and Anthony Thomas each scored once to complete the convincing victory. Also on the East Bank, Diamond Secondary secured a comfortable 4-0 win over Camille’s Academy (Soesdyke). J. Samsodin scored twice, while Alex Bentick and Jonothan Gordon contributed one goal each. Meanwhile, Chase’s Academic Foundation produced the biggest victory of the day, defeating Richard Ishmael Secondary 16-0 in the girls’ competition in Georgetown. Thea Rodrigues and Emilla Barrett led the scoring with four goals each, while Leandra Henritto completed a hat-trick. Dianna Edwards scored twice, with Shemia Hing, Sabana Simon and Czanna Reuben adding one goal each. Chase’s boys also enjoyed a comfortable victory over Richard Ishmael Secondary, recording a 9-0 win.
Brendon Parks led the scoring with a hattrick, while Aaron Vasconcellos netted twice. Dance Vancotten, Germaine Garnett and Mark Jordon Glasgow were also among the goalscorers. In another Georgetown encounter, Charlestown Secondary edged Lodge Secondary 4-3 on penalties after the teams were locked at 1-1 at the end of regulation time. Over on the East Coast of Demerara, Golden Grove Secondary battled to a 2-1 victory over Bladen Hall Secondary in the boys’ competition. Yao Roberts and Daville Robertson scored one goal each for Golden Grove, while Deon Benn found the back of the net for Bladen Hall. In Region Six, Canje Secondary secured a 4-0 victory over Lower Corentyne Secondary in the girls’ competition. Kishanna Fyffe led the scoring with two goals, while Wayanna DeJonge and Jameila Shepred added one each to complete the win. However, Lower Corentyne Secondary gained some consolation in the boys’ competition, defeating Canje Secondary 4-1. Joel Leitch and King David both scored twice for Lower Corentyne, while Jermaine Junor registered Canje Secondary’s lone goal. Friday’s results highlighted several strong attacking performances across the competition, with Friendship Secondary and Chase’s Academic Foundation producing particularly convincing victories. The ExxonMobil Under-18 Schools Football Tournament, organised by the Vurlon Mills Football Academy, continues over the weekend, with more schools seeking victories as the competition progress.
Kaieteur News
Monday October 19, 2026
PAGE 27
Guyana Cup runner-up horse ‘I’m Sam’ won the Showdown of Champions.
‘I’m Sam’ complete demolition job from Js Racing Stables J
s Racing Stables took a clean sweep at the Showdown of Champions with five majestic wins on the day. Guyana Cup runner-up horse I’m Sam stormed to victory in the feature race at Port Mourant Turf Club. As the sun set, the pace increased for the 1750 meters race and jockey Mattheus Aguiar showed his skill and class to stop the likes of Stat and Dataman. Santorini, another horse from Js Racing Stables, sealed second spot while Dataman and Stat were the other finishers in that order. Earlier, the thrilling day began with the four-year-old and over J/K/L Maidens. Firemaker from Appadu Racing Stables cruised to victory while Raging Bull ran second. Twilight ran third and Rock Page Harbour finished fourth. In the second race of the day, which was the threeyear-old Native bred maidens, Granite Storm edged to a scintillating win while Black Beauty ran beautifully for second. Ocean Star finished third and Glory Queen ran fourth. In the Blackmouth memorial juvenile invitational, a pack field saw Jerod stealing an outside victory ahead of Ruff and Ready. Prince of Glory ran third and Boss Lady settled for fourth. In a four-horse field in the two-year-old Sophomore sprint, She’s No Joke from the Js Racing Stables was too
hot to handle. Mischievous Girl claimed second spot while Miss Independent ran third. God and Time finished fourth. Mulan and Red Ruby took the competition up a notch with a supreme battle in race five. Mulan stole victory from the outside from Red Ruby who was all set for pole position. The speedster from Js Racing Stables, Mulan shifted gears quickly to stop the clock in one minute, 20 seconds in the 1300 meters H & Lower. In addition to Red Ruby who finished second, stablemate from
Jadgeo Stables, Sydney ran third and Amicable Kate ran fourth. The Port Mourant Sprint Stake which ran at six furlung, saw another victory for Js Racing Stables and jockey Mattheus Aguiar. It was his fourth win after six races on the day. Order and Progress sprinted to victory while stablemate Companheiro Leal ran second, ahead of Hot and Lucky in that order. Oy Vey then produced a class win for Jagdeo Racing Stables with a gate to pole win. Nova Sol ran second, Royal Rocks third and
Js racing Stables won five races on the day at Port Mourant
Bourbon Blitz ran fourth in the Clash at the Big Yard Stakes. Race nine saw Perfect Trip hanging on for a close win in the J/K/L winners since August 1. Monica Time and Spank Me had a photo finish for second and third respectively, while Doctor J ran fourth. Some of the sponsors for this successful event were; Premium Asphalt, J’S Group of Companies, KP Jagdeo General Contractor, Arka Imports & Hardware Supplies, Mohamed’s Excavating Construction Inc, Armco Construction Company, Havana
Restaurant & Lounge, Big G L u m b e r Ya r d & S a w m i l l Enterprise, Jumbo Jet & AJM, D. Bishoo Construction, Kascon Engineering Services, DR Trucking Contracting Services, K. Haniff Construction, Forester’s Lumber & Building Complex, Archway Snackette, Fazal Habibulla, Mr. & Mrs. Roberts, RJ Trucking Construction Services, OBL Lounge, Del Mar Shipping Service, Busjit Family, Shivmangal Family, and Ragbeer Family. The next race day is the President’s Cup at Rising Sun Turf Club on Sunday November 29.
2026 IMC Over-40’s World Cup Chase roars out the blocks as Glasgow Akmal/Ghani fifties dazzles Annandale’s push Pakistan to victory attack with double hat-trick, Charlestown also open with win …Republic Bank U18 SSFL gets underway
From left: Wicket-keeper batsman Adnan Akmal (63 not out) and Sheharyar Ghani (63 not out) guided Pakistan to victory against India at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.
Mark Glasgow (right) and Jermaine Gerett score for Chase's Academic Foundation as Annandale Secondary plummets to 7-0 defeat
s t r o Sp
CAMS will we be gearing up for their November 1 meet.
CAMS aiming to celebrate 25 years with dominant performance on Nov. 1 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.