Kaieteur News

Georgetown Swamped

Govt. eyes Local Content

Law for mining …as oil model delivers billions

Buoyed by what it describes as the success of Guyana's Local ContentAct in the oil and gas sector, the Government is now exploring similar legislation for the mining industry to ensure greater benefits flow toGuyanese.

Thedisclosurewasmade bysubjectMinister,Vickram

Bharrat during the Consideration of Budgetary Estimates for 2026. He was at the time responding to a question byAPNU Member of Parliament (MP), Juretha Fernandes when he pointed to the success of the current law in not only raking in value through the petroleum industry, but other non-oil sectorsaswell.

Bharrat explained,

“When we designed, passed and implemented the Local Content Legislation now it was primarily intended for the oil and gas sector but what we have done over the yearsisthatwehavetriedto get investors who are investing in other sectors to also at least try to be compliantorinlinewiththe Local Content legislation eventhoughit'stargetingthe oilandgassector.”

Ministerof NaturalResources, Vickram Bharrat

To this end he explained that numerous investors coming to these shores for agriculture, tourism, mining or other areas have been aligning their operations withtheAct.

Bethatasitmay,hetold the Parliamentary Committee of Supply, “It is something we are considering whether there is need to have a dedicated LocalContentlegislationfor mining or for the other sectors but we have seen good results to be quite honest since we have implemented the present

Local Content legislation acrossallsectors.”

Meanwhile, the minister noted that a portion of this year's Budget has been set aside towards revising the existing Local Content Act o f 2 0 2 1

“Consultations have already started to make amends to the legislation and also to revise Schedule One of the Local Content legislation withthepossibilityofadding more services to the 40 that already exist and to revise targetsforthoseservicesthat have been carved out for Guyanesebusinesses.”

Cocaine found in containers shipped from Guyana intercepted in Belgium, Colombia

The CustomsAnti Narcotic Unit (CANU) on Thursday announced that it has been formally notified by law enforcement authoritiesinColombiaand Belgiumofthediscoveryof cocaine concealed in two separate containers that originatedfromGuyana. According to CANU, the interceptions occurred inFebruary2026inEurope andSouthAmerica.

The containers were declared as carrying rice andchemicalsrespectively

The agency

d, “Preliminary information indicatesthatthecontainers weretranshippedenrouteto their final destinations ” “As such, it is highly likely that the consignments were contaminated during the transhipmentprocess. This method of exploiting transhipment points to introduce illicit narcotics is a known tactic used by transnational drug

seeking to circumvent securitymeasuresatportsof origin.”

CANU further stated that it is working closely with its international

investigations continue Due to the sensitive nature ofthematter,furtherdetails cannot be disclosed at this time.

CANU also said it is collaboratingwithlocallaw

, including the Guyana RevenueAuthority(GRA) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF), as part of ongoinginvestigations.

The Local Content Act was passed in the National Assembly in December, 2021 It is intended to regulate the way companies operate in Guyana's oil and gas sector; employ persons, buyservicesandthewaythat theyprocuregoods.

TheFirstScheduleofthe Actsetsout40categoriesof work for Guyanese participation via the supply ofgoodsandtheprovisionof serviceswhichinclude:food supply,rentalofofficespace, accommodation, insurance, accounting and legal services.

Foreign companies wanting to operate within those areas are required to partner with local firms However, the law stipulates that the Guyanese partner must have 51% or more beneficial ownership, amongotherbenefits.

According to the Act, Guyanesemustprovide90% ofofficespacerental;90%of accommodation services (rental of houses and

welding onshore; 75% non-

management;90%janitorial and laundry services; 90% catering; 75% food supply; 100% immigration services and 100% local insurance servicestonameafew

The private sector here hascalledforincreasedlocal content targets in the schedule to shore up more

opportunitiesforGuyanese.

In September last year, ExxonMobil,theoperatorof the Stabroek Block said the company and its contractors have spent over GY$600 billion with Guyanese businesses since operations began in 2015. In the first half of 2025 alone, Exxon noted that GY$87 billion wasspentdirectlywith1,800 localvendors.

PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd. 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Parag’s Breach of Trust

TherecentactionsofMinisterofEducationSoniaParag have raised alarming questions about the limits or lack thereofofpowerwieldedbythoseinhighoffice.

Duringlastweek’sparliamentarybudgetdebate,Parag publicly disclosed the personal attendance record of Member of Parliament and teacher, Gordon Barker in an attempt to rebut his critique of the education sector What shepresentedasadefenseofaccountabilitywas,inreality,a crass and politically motivated attack on an individual’s private life—an abuse of office that should concern every Guyanesecitizen.

Barker’s so-called “infractions” were hardly habitual lateness, as Parag insinuated. On the very days she cited, Barker explained that he was attending to the needs of his newborn child and his other young children, all below the ageofsix.

This is hardly the behaviour of an irresponsible public servant;itistheconductofafatherbalancingprofessional duty with family responsibility Yet Parag chose to weaponise this information, exposing confidential records forpublicconsumptioninablatantefforttoembarrassand discredithim.

The Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) was swift and unequivocalinitscondemnation.Inastatement,theunion described Parag’s actions as “vile, disrespectful, and politically motivated,” emphasising that no teacher, regardless of political persuasion, should be subjected to suchtreatment.

The GTU warned that such breaches of confidential information set a dangerous precedent, undermining both the dignity of the teaching profession and the integrity of parliamentary proceedings. Indeed, if the Minister of Education, whose duty is to safeguard the welfare and professionalism of teachers can flout these basic ethical boundaries, then ordinary Guyanese have every reason to fearfortheirprivacy

Parag’sresponsetothecriticismwaspredictable,yetno less troubling. She denied any breach of confidentiality, framing her actions as legitimate scrutiny of an elected official’s conduct.According to her, parliamentary debate naturallyinvolvesaccountabilityandtransparency,andher commentswereaimedatimprovingeducationalstandards. But this argument collapses under the weight of common sense.

Barkerwasperforminghisroleasateacheratthetime, and the disclosure of sensitive information from his personal attendance record had nothing to do with policy, pedagogy, or public service delivery It was a personal attackmasqueradingasprofessionaloversight.

The problem extends beyond Barker or the teaching profession. This episode highlights a disturbing trend in which public officials appear to believe that access to personalinformationequatestopoliticalammunition.Itisa chillingreminderthatordinarycitizens,whoseprivatedata may reside in government databases, could one day find theirownpersonalaffairsexposedforpoliticalorpersonal vendetta.

A minister’s office is not a playground for settling scores. It is meant to serve the public interest, safeguard sensitiveinformationandrespectthefundamentalrightsof every citizen Parag’s actions betray all three responsibilities.

Moreover,thejustificationsheoffered,“accountability and transparency” rings hollow Accountability is a cornerstone of governance, yes, but it is meaningless if it requires the violation of privacy True transparency in a parliamentary democracy does not involve dragging personal circumstances into the political arena for ridicule orpunishment.

It involves policies, programmes and performance that servethenation,notpersonalattacksdisguisedasoversight. By conflating personal data with public accountability, Paraghasdebasedbothconcepts,underminingpublictrust andthreateningthemoralauthorityofheroffice.

A hat-trick and a blistering landslide

DEAREDITOR,

Hat-tricksdonotbelongonlytothe game of cricket. It can occur in elections and the re-elected Prime MinisterofBarbadoshasshownhowit

is done.Another 30-0 decisive victory, the third in a row, decimating the opposition.

Thewaveofreddominantlyrippled through the island and delivered a hat-

trickandablisteringlandslide. Warmest congratulations to the Hon.PrimeMinisterelect. Regards, ShamshunMohamed

A step towards a stronger Guyana

DEAREDITOR,

CRG congratulates His Excellency on his increased focus on National Security Planned improved border patrol initiatives will help boost the gains from the gold sector and reduce the trafficking in persons and illegal smuggling. His engagement with the Indian Military will also encourage more of our citizens to join the armed forces,whichwillprovideasignificant boost in the diversity within our military. These are steps in the correct direction,andthenationwillbestronger

economically and more secure as a result.

It may be worthwhile to initially have a separate Indian Guyanese battalionforamoreeffectiveuseofthe Indian Military training initiative. Our current racial and political divisions should not be underestimated, and it maybeeasiertotakesuchanapproach before a fully integrated transition is effectivelyaccomplished.Theissuesof marginalisation and discrimination of the past have led to many Indian Guyanese rejecting an opportunity to

sign up for military service.Aremnant oftheBurnhamyearsthatstillstrongly influencestoday’sperspective.

We may be able to overcome these past issues by allowing an opportunity for Indian Guyanese recruits to grow and develop in an environment where ordersdonothaveracialundertonesand whereapurelymilitaryculturemaytake hold.CongratulationsonceagaintoHis Excellency on moving these initiatives forward.

Bestregards, Mr.JamilChanglee

The $224 Million Question - Who Really Benefits from Our Lobbying Bill?

DEAREDITOR,

The recent confirmation by the Minister of Foreign Affairs that taxpayersfooteda$224.6millionGYD annual bill for US lobbying firms specifically Continental S t r a t e g y a n d D R Consultancy demands a level of scrutiny that goes beyond mere budgetaryaccounting.

While the official narrative frames this as a necessary shield against Venezuelan aggression and a tool for national security, a closer look at the geopoliticalrealityof2026suggestswe arepayingforaluxurypoliticalservice ratherthananationalnecessity

The argument for “security lobbying”haseffectivelybeenrendered mootbythecurrentstatusquo.Withthe Maduro regime dismantled and the US military already acting as the primary guardianoftheoffshoreoilintereststhat power their own economy, one must ask: why is Guyana paying for protectionthattheUSprovidesforfree to safeguard its own energy security?

Furthermore, with the political shift in Caracas toward a more US-aligned posture,the“imminentthreat”narrative feelsincreasinglylikeaghoststoryused to justify an eye-watering transfer of wealth from the Guyanese treasury to K-StreetinWashington.

The real “value” of these firms appears to lie not in the defense of our

borders, but in the sophisticated containmentofdomesticinterests.

By retaining Continental

Strategy—afirmwithadirectlinetothe White House through senior partner KatieWiles—thegovernmentisn’tjust buying “advice.” They are buying the ability to frame local narratives at the highestlevelsofAmericanpower

This is particularly evident in the aggressive framing of the Mohamed family as regional security threats. Whetherornotoneagreeswiththelegal actions taken against them, it is clear that taxpayer money is being used to fuel a specific narrative designed to expedite foreign legal interventions, essentially turning our national budget into a weapon for political and commercialelimination.

When we weigh this $224 million expenditure against the “tangible benefits” for the average citizen, the math simply does not add up. Despite thisfortunebeingspenton“image”and “access,”thefundamentalstatusquofor the Guyanese person remains unchanged:

• Security Redundancy: We are paying millions to lobby a US administration that is already militarily committed to protecting the very oil blocks that define our regional importance.

• Access vs. Action: While the government enjoys a direct line to the

The GTU’s demand for a formal apology is not merely symbolic;itisanecessarycorrectivetoanabuseofpowerthat could otherwise go unchallenged. It is also a reminder to every Guyanese that the protection of personal information cannotbelefttothediscretionofofficialswhomayprioritise politicalgainoverethics.

The teaching profession, often underappreciated and underpaid,deservesmorethantobedraggedintothemudof partisanpolitics.Teachersshapethefutureofthenation;they must not fear that their personal lives can be weaponised againstthem.

SoniaParag’sactionsarenotjustanembarrassment;they are a warning. If a minister can so cavalierly disclose confidential information under the guise of parliamentary debate, ordinary citizens are vulnerable. If a teacher-turnedMPcanbepubliclyshamedforfulfillingfamilialobligations, everycitizen’sprivacyisatrisk.

Oval Office, the average citizen still faces the same systemic issues—from infrastructure gaps to the rising cost of living—that no Washington lobbyist canfix.

• The Transparency Gap: DR Consultancy, at over $8 million a month, provides “crisis management” that seems to benefit the ruling elite’s reputationmorethanitdoesthenation’s standing.

• Political Insurance: The expenditureservesasa“politicalluxury tax, ” ensuring the current administration is viewed as the only viable partner for the US, effectively silencing domestic opposition through high-levelinternationalgatekeeping.

Isthismoneywellspent?Ifthegoal istoprotecttheinterestsofaselectfew and ensure that the US Department of Justice stays focused on the government’s local rivals, then it is a masterclass in political maneuvering. Butifthegoalistoimprovethelivesof the Guyanese people, it is a staggering wasteofresources.

We are effectively paying a fortune to ensure that our domestic battles are fought in the hallways of Washington D.C.,whiletheaverageGuyaneseisleft to wonder when they will see a “return on investment” that actually reaches theirownpocket.

Sincerely,

HemduttKumar

The public must demand accountability not only from elected officials but from the ministers who oversee them. Privacy, dignity, and respect for personal boundaries cannot beoptionalinademocracy—theyarefundamentalrightsthat protecteveryGuyanesefromthearbitraryuseofpower Intheend,thisisaboutmorethanoneMPoroneminister Itisabouttheprinciplesthatgovernpublicofficeandthetrust thatbindscitizenstotheirgovernment. By exploiting confidential records for political theater, SoniaParaghasnotonlydisrespectedGordonBarkerandthe teachingprofessionbuthasalsojeopardisedtheconfidenceof ordinaryGuyaneseintheinstitutionsthataremeanttoserve them.

Accountability cannot come at the cost of decency Transparency cannot come at the cost of privacy And in a nation that prides itself on democratic values, the breach of eitherisunacceptable.

Make economics mandatory in high school and college

DEAREDITOR,

I commend political scientist Dr Randy Persaud andeconomistsMr Terrence Yhip,Dr ThomasSingh,Dr Randy Persaud, Dr Ramesh

Gampat, Dr Samuel Braithwaite and Dr Tarron Khemraj, in recent letters relating to the 2026 budget, for introducing readers to several economic terms or

concepts that they previously never heard. All of these outstanding writers wrote in a politically nonpartisan manner, simply stating facts and or giving

viewpoints based on evidence; they have no political axe to grind although a few of have politicalaffiliation.

While commenting on poverty, they cited or used

terms like Human DevelopmentReport(HDR) that leads to a human development index (HDI), Gini Coefficient, Multidimensional Poverty Index

(MPI), recurrent

expenditure, capital

expenditure, current expenditure, internal and externalshock,fiscalpolicy, micro-economics and macroeconomics, inflation, structural transformation, GDP, GNP, PCI – per capita income, PPP – purchasing powerparity,circularflowof theeconomyorofmoneyor of the economy, Gross

N a t i o n a l I n c o m e , sustainable development, among others.Almost every Guyanese probably never heard of and or comprehend these technical concepts.As I gathered from interaction, even college educated and business people never heard of the terms that are widely used in economics and sociology Bankworkersand staffinbusinessesIengaged displayedignoranceofthese concepts. Some politicians don’t understand basics in economics.

Those who studied and or ‘read’ economics would

understand the above conceptsbutnottheordinary laymanorsomeonewhowas not schooled in economics and or the social sciences. Even several members of parliament have not demonstrated aptitude in understanding the concepts; some may not even be familiarwiththoseconcepts. Having a college education does not lead to knowledge oranunderstandingofthese concepts unless one takes courses in economics. For example, while studying Bio-Chemistry at City University in late 1970s, I was not introduced to these economic terms I only learned them during graduate school pursuing post-graduate degree in International Relations and later doctoral studies in Economics during the late mid-1980s.

In the USA, economics (study of the economy) is mandatory for high school studentsbutnotinGuyanaor the Caribbean. I taught the subjectforovertwodecades. Itdoesnotnecessarilymean that American high school students grasped the abovementionedconcepts,butata minimum they do get an introductory knowledge to thesubjectofeconomicsand some its basic technical terms unlike students in Guyana. As in New York, economics should be mandated in high school in Guyana. In this way, the public will be better informed of the country’s economy and how it works and is measured and be in a position to understand the progressitismaking.

Also, University of Guyana should consider

graduation regardless of major for a more informed population on the workings oftheeconomy

Yourstruly, Dr.Vishnu

Bisram

Global education systems often create barriers for girls STEM fields

DEAREDITOR,

Data clearly states that such discrimination is both systemic and persistent Unfortunately, the historical legacies of exclusion and discriminationstillshapethe present where women are underrepresented in areas such as engineering, science andphysics.

According to the United

Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), women comprises about 35 per cent of STEM graduates globally, a figure that has remainedstagnantforovera decade. In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), women comprise less than 30% to 40% of the STEM

(

y,

mathematics)workforceand graduates. While 60% of tertiary graduates in the region are women, they are

engineering(under31%)and

Technology(ICT),withonly 14% of girls expecting to workinSTEM. Underrepresentationof WomeninSTEM CAREERS

The causes surrounding gender discrimination are many However, among the most noticeable are the persistentculturalbeliefthat STEM is for boys. This s k e w e d n a r r a t i v e discouragesmanygirlsfrom pursing subjects and careers in STEM fields. In male dominated societies such as Afghanistan, girls are banned from receiving an education beyond the primary level. Afghanistan

stands out tragically as the only country in the world where secondary and higher education is strictly forbidden to girls and women. Nearly 2.2 million ofthemarenowbarredfrom attending school beyond the primary level due to this regressivedecision. Inmany patriarchal societies, girls areoftenencouragedtoward ‘softer’ subjects These softer subjects are far removed from the STEM subjects This societal expectation serves as yet a n o t h e r f o r m o f discriminationthatgirlsface from embarking on a career inSTEMfields.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) r e p o r t o n G e n d e r Differences in Education, Skills and STEM Careers in Latin America and the Caribbean: Insights from PISAand PIAAC states that genderedexpectationsshape career paths early. In LAC countries, only 14% of girls are expected to work in a STEM-related occupation compared to 26% of boys. Thisexpectationgappersists into adulthood: only 30% of adultsaged30–40inSTEMrelated occupations are women.Girlsaremorelikely to express a lack of confidence in Mathematics and Science. For instance, just 27% of girls reported confidence in Mathematics compared to 45% of boys. Domestic responsibilities disproportionately affect girls, especially during adolescence. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, girls in Bolivia, Guatemala, and Nicaragua spent 3–4 hours per day on care work,

compared to less than 2.8 hoursforboys. Therearealsoworkplace challenges Women in STEM often face pay gaps, fewer promotions, and hostile work environments. There is also a visibility gap where historically, women’s contributions were overlooked or credited to men, thus reinforcing the idea that STEM is maledriven. Today, only one in three scientists is a woman. Lack of gender equality in scienceisnotjustaproblem that affects women. It also limitsscientificprogressand hamstrings a country’s development and its efforts to build peaceful societies.

In 2016, the UN declared 11 February as International Day of Women and Girls in Science.Themainreasonfor this declaration is to encourage more girls and womentotakeupjobsinthe fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (also known as the STEM subjects).Thedayisalsoset aside to emphasise that full and equal access to, and participation in science, technology and innovation for women and girls of all ages is imperative for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of womenandgirls.

In cutting edge fields

ial intelligence,onlyoneinfive professionals (22%) is a woman.Asignificantgender gaphaspersistedthroughout the years at all levels of S

M) disciplines all over the world. Even though women

have made tremendous progress towards increasing their participation in higher education, they are still under-represented in these fields The theme of InternationalDayofWomen and Girls in Science (IDWGIS) 2026 is “Synergising AI, Social Science,STEMandFinance: Building Inclusive Futures for Women and Girls.” As societies grapple with widening inequalities, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), social s c i e n c e , S c i e n c e , Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and finance emerges as a four-pillar approach to accelerate inclusive and sustainable development. It is evident that governments must be intentional in developing the policy framework to encourage more girls and women into STEMcareers. WaystoEncourageGirls intoSTEMCareers

Acomprehensive reform regarding gender equality in educationisneeded.Thereis much fragmentation and a lack of funding, mentorship and supportive policies that restricts opportunities for girls and women to enter STEM careers. There are a numberofthingsthatcanbe done to encourage girls to consideracareerinscience.

Probablyoneofthemost important things is to make sure that girls see plenty of examples of successful womenscientistsinthenews and in the media. A number oforganisationssendwomen scientists to talk to girls at schools about their work. Someschoolsencourage

Continued on page 6

Trump repeals EPA’s ability to regulate climate pollution

— teeing up a legal battle with global stakes

(CNN) The Trump administration delivered a deadlyblowtolongstanding US climate policy on Thursday, finalising rules

t h a t r e v o k e t h e Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to regulate climatepollution.

First issued in 2009, the endangerment finding

determined that six greenhouse gases could be categorised as dangerous to human health under the CleanAirAct.

It has underpinned the EPA’s authority to limit planet-warming pollution fromtheoilandgasindustry, power plants and vehicles

s i n c e t h e O b a m a administration and is considered the federal government’smostpowerful tool to tackle climate pollution and the country’s contribution to the global crisis.

“We are officially terminating the so-called endangerment finding,” President Donald Trump saidonThursday,callingthe policy“disastrous.”

Trumpsaidrepealingthe regulations “has nothing to dowithpublichealth.”“This

was all a scam, a giant scam,” Trump said on Thursday “Thiswasaripoff ofthecountrybyObamaand Biden ” In addition, the Trump administration will finalisearepealofrulesthat regulate greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, since they stem from the finding.

Under former President JoeBiden,theEPAsoughtto tighten those standards to prod the auto industry to make more fuel-efficient hybridsandelectricvehicles — an effort the industry has sincebacktrackedon.

By getting rid of the endangerment finding, the administration can more easily overturn other rules thatreduceclimatepollution emitted from power plants and oil and gas operations, although those will take separate regulatory processes to overturn. The full text of EPA’s repeal of the endangerment finding wasn’t made available b e f o r e t h e Tr u m p administrationannouncedit, but the justification for the repeal laid out in an EPA press release relies far more on legal arguments than an

outright rejection of climate science.

The agency is arguing that the Obama and Biden administrations exceeded their legal authority when they used the Clean Air Act toregulateclimatepollution. This is in contrast to last summer, when the agency firstproposedtherepeal.

The EPA proposal was thenbasedinpartonahastily producedreportauthoredby five climate contrarians that questioned the severity of cl

wildfires, extreme heat and strongerstorms.

Instead of doubling down on that Thursday, the TrumpEPAinapressrelease concludedtheCleanAirAct “does not provide statutory authority for EPA” to put forward vehicle emissions standards “including for the purposeofaddressingglobal climate change, and therefore has no legal basis for the Endangerment Finding and resulting regulations.”

However, in the same pressreleaseannouncingthe repeal, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin nodded to the administration’s opposition

Global education systems often create...

Frompage5

older girls who are studying STEM subjects to talk to younger students in their schools abouttheirpassionfortheirsubject. Parents and schools can introduce all children to activities and toys that encourage them to build and make things, and get them interested in exploring the world around them.Universityandresearchfacilitiesopen their laboratories to schools so that the students can experience hands-on scientific

research.Representationmattersnotonlyfor fairness but also for innovation. On this International Day for Girls and Women in Science, let us demand more STEM opportunities for our girls and women throughpartneringwithrolemodels,tobuild inclusive environments where women and girlscandriveinnovationformoreefficient, andinclusivesocieties.

Sincerely,

WayneCampbell

to climate policy “Referred to by some as the ‘Holy Grail’ofthe‘climatechange religion,’ the Endangerment Finding is now eliminated,” Zeldin said in the EPA’s press release While speaking next to Trump on Thursday,however,Zeldin’s remarks were slightly different.

“Today, the Trump EPA has finalised the single largestactofderegulationin the history of the United States of America, referred to by some as the holy grail of federal regulatory overreach, the 2009 Obama EPA endangerment finding is now eliminated,” Zeldin saidonThursday Legal precedent has granted the government regulatory powers over climatepollution.

The US Supreme Court ruled in 2007 that EPA had the authority to regulate climate pollution from greenhouse gases. And in 2022,theUSSupremeCourt upheldtheEPA’sauthorityto regulate greenhouse gases from power plants, but narrowedtheagency’sscope significantly, prompting the Biden administration to formulaterulesaimedonlyat making individual power plantsmoreefficient.

But the endangerment findingrepealwillthrustthat questionbackintothecourts, where litigating the repeal could take years, and potentially go all the way to the nation’s highest court.A former top Biden EPA officialtoldCNNhebelieves this move shows the Trump administration is playing a legal long game “Their definition of winning I believe has been and will be when they take final action anddefendtheiractioninthe

courts, to permanently removeEPA’sCleanAirAct

a

greenhouse gases,” said Joe Goffman, who led EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation underBiden.

I f t h e T r u m p administration repeal is “upheld in court, no future EPAwill be able to regulate (carbondioxide)emissions,” said Jeff Holmstead, an energyattorneywiththelaw firmBracewell,andaformer high-ranking EPAofficial in the George W. Bush administration Congress could pass a new law that specifically directs the EPA toregulateclimatepollution, but there is little bipartisan consensus on addressing the issue.

Zeldin laid out the agency’s argument, saying EPA has no authority to regulate certain kinds of pollution unless Congress passes a law giving them express permission “If Congress didn’t authorise it, EPA shouldn’t be doing it,” Zeldin said onThursday “If Congress wants EPA to regulate the heck out of greenhouse gasses emitted from motor vehicles, then Congress can clearly make thatthelaw.”

Climate, public health and environmental groups are already promising legal

challenges to the agency’s move. “Earthjustice and our partners will see the Trump administrationincourt,”said Abigail Dillen, president of the environmental legal group “The courts have repeatedly affirmed EPA’s obligation to clean up climate pollution. There is no way to reconcile EPA’s decision with the law, the science, and the reality of disasters that are hitting us hardereveryyear.”

OnThursday, a coalition of public health groups including the American Lung Association and the American Public Health Association announced they w o u l d s u e t h e administration, calling the regulatory appeal “unlawful ” Attorneys for the Natural Resources Defense Fund recently emphasised that even with a conservative Supreme Court,theEPA’sauthorityto regulate greenhouse gas emissions has been reaffirmed multiple times. NRDC attorneys suggested that EPA’s legal arguments are relatively novel, which could make the EPA’s move more vulnerable to being overturnedincourt.“It’snot something that has been done before,” said Meredith Hankins, NRDC’s legal directorforfederalclimate.

House approves $25.8B for GPL to subsidise fuel

The sum of approved $25.8B was approved on Tuesday in the National AssemblyviatheCommittee of Supply to enable the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) to subsidise fuel for thisyear

During the examination of estimates Opposition Members of parliament (MPs) Amanza WaltonDesir leader of the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) and SaikuAndrews of theA Partnership for National Unity (APNU) grilled the Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar on the sums allocated to power companies GPL included.

The overall sum cleared for the power companies is $33.3BbutGPLtakesalarge chunk of the allocation. In her questioning MPWalton-

Desir referred to line item 3621 and asked the minister through the Chair if the Minister can indicate the specific purpose for the subsidy GPL is slated to receive and to provide a breakdown.

Indarturnedtheattention of the House to page 490 wherehepointedoutthatthe details of subsidies and contribution to local organisations, to the sum of $33,313,253isexplained.

“So $25,800,000 million is for GPL, and it directly relates to the fuel subsidies that we give to GPL. Mind you, you have known that fuel price fluctuate and it's beenontheriseyearonyear and counting, so GPL budgets at a break-even point around $70 US per barrel.Anything above that, itputsGPLatalossposition.

So fuel is traded all the time at a high. Right now is the average for last year is by US$83,”hesaid.

He went on to explain that every dollar that is increasedonthepriceoffuel costs the company $543 million, and this is simply becauseoftheamountoffuel that is used. Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) accounts for 93% of what GPL consumes on a yearlybasiswhileLightFuel Oil (LFO) accounts for the other 7% The total per

annumspentonfueladdsup to approximately $47 B per annum.

“It represents the lion shareofgenerationcosts.So because of that and we as a governmentdidnotincrease fuel on nobody in the country, we subsidise the fuel and that is the figure there, (but) it's not the full amount. It's a subsidy, it's part of the total cost,” he added.

MPAndrewspointedout that the Mabaruma Power Company got a subsidy last year through the Prime Minister's Office of $228.376M,butthisyearthe budgeted sum has increased by $316M to $545M. He then questioned if the subsidy covers the same thingsasGPL?

Indar explained to the House, “So the scenario is

notthesamebutthemoneyis forfuel.So,thescenarioasI painted with GPL is not the same for these small power companies. So, let's go, so Mabaruma$545million,it's forfuel,buteverypartofthe country that receives fuel receives it at a different price.

Asyouwouldknowfuel has to be transported. The transportationcostmakesup for the difference in costs at the various spots, Lethem beingthemostexpensive.”

All of the monies for the various power companies are for fuel except for Kwakwani,asitisnotjusta powercompany,itismoreof a various utilities company including water and other things. Therefore, the subsidy for Kwakwani represents fuel and other areas because it does not act asjustapowercompany

To this end the approved allocationsareasfollowsthe Hinterland Electrification CompanyInc.isbudgetedto receive $95M, Matthews Ridge Power and Light Company,willget$75M,the Kwakwani Utilities Inc, is budgeted to received $998.937M,hoppingoverto the hinterland areas, the Lethem Power Company, hasabudgetaryallocationof $662.5M, LINMINE stands at $4 812B, while the Mahdia Power and Light CompanyInc.isbudgetedto receive $158.6 Million. Still in the hinterland the MabarumaPowerCompany, will received $545M, Port Kaituma Power and Light Company, is budgeted to receive $105.3M, and the Moruca Power and Light Company,$60M.

CaribbeantakescentrestageatCAF'seconomicforuminPanama

Caribbean priorities featured prominentlyatCAF'sInternational Economic Forum – LatinAmerica andtheCaribbean2026,asregional leaders, policymakers, experts and business stakeholders advanced discussions on issues at the f

development agenda, including resilience and financing solutions tailoredtosmallislandeconomies.

The Forum, now in its second year,wasconceptualisedbyCAF–Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean to provideaspaceforcountriesofthe region to engage in dialogue on common challenges and opportunities. This year's agenda placedaspotlightontheCaribbean and addressed issues related to climate resilience, infrastructure, energy transition, water and food security, trade and sustainable development, and culture as a tool foreconomicgrowth,amongother priorityareas.

More than 50 delegates from across the Caribbean participated intheForum.

A key highlight was the participation and keynote address by the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, who called on LatinAmericaandtheCaribbeanto act with greater intention in shaping their role in the global economy Drawing on Jamaica's recent experience, particularly recovery efforts following HurricaneMelissa,PrimeMinister Holness underscored the importanceofstronginstitutions,a regional competitiveness agenda, and a coordinated approach in navigatingglobaluncertainty While in Panama, Prime

[L-R] Gabriel Felpeto – Vice President of Finance, CAF; Hon. Aubyn Hill – Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Jamaica; Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith – Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade,

Hon. Fayval Williams – Minister of Finance the Public Service, Jamaica; Hon. Andrew Holness – Prime Minister of Jamaica; Sergio Díaz Granados – Executive President, CAF; Dr. Stacy Richards-Kennedy – Regional Manager for the Caribbean, CAF; Oscar Avalle – Representative for El Salvador and the Northern Caribbean, CAF

Minister Holness and senior members of his Cabinet held a high-level bilateral meeting with CAF's Executive President, Sergio Díaz-Granados, marking the first such engagement between the Prime Minister of Jamaica and CAF The discussions focused on the importance of sustained coordination b

n

he Government of Jamaica and CAF post Hurricane Melissa, as well as the role of development finance in supporting resilient reconstruction and long-term economic recovery

Prime Minister Holness is the secondCaribbeanleadertodeliver akeynoteaddressattheforumupon the invitation of CAF's Executive President following Antigua and Barbuda's Prime Minister Gaston Brownein2025.

As part of the Forum, CAF's

Regional Management Office for the Caribbean convened a closeddoor Caribbean Ministerial Dialogue, bringing together Ministers of Finance, Ministers of Economic Development, and senior officials from several Caribbean countries. The dialogue provided a dedicated space to strengthen alignment between CAF's agile and flexible financing solutions and the respective countries' development priorities, with a focus on innovative financing instruments for Small IslandDevelopingStates(SIDS).

CAF welcomed several Caribbean Ministers and regional dignitaries including, Hon Melford Nicholas of Antigua and Barbuda,Hon.MichaelHalkitisof The Bahamas, Hon Dennis Cornwall and Hon. Joseph Andall

ofGrenada,Hon.FayvalWilliams, Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith and Hon.Aubyn Hill of Jamaica, Hon. AlvaBaptisteofSaintLucia,Hon. Dave Tancoo of Trinidad and Tobago and Dr Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS, amongothers.

Caribbean leaders also participated in panel discussions and technical sessions on priority issues, including the region's economic outlook, the blue economy, relations with Africa, global fragmentation and its implications for development, and opportunities to boost tourism investment.These exchanges were complemented by closed-door technical discussions aimed at advancing practical, solutionsorientedoutcomesfortheregion.

On the margins of the Forum,

CAF convened a dedicated investment dialogue focused on Jamaica, aimed at mobilising regional private investment to support the country's reconstruction and economic recovery following Hurricane Melissa. The high-level session brought together Jamaican governmentministers,institutional investors, construction firms, and private sector representatives to explore investment opportunities aligned with Jamaica's recovery and medium-term development agenda, with particular emphasis on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models as a mechanism to accelerate investment in priority sectors. CAF has pledged USD 1 b

internationaldevelopmentpartners (Continuedonpage10)

Shouldapoliticalpartyreturnfunds thatitbelievesmayhavebeentainted?

W

h e n t h e U S

Treasury’sOfficeofForeign Assets Control (OFAC) designates an individual for corruption or illicit enrichment, assets are frozen, transactions are prohibited, and reputations are shattered But when

political parties had

previously received substantial donations from such individuals, the question that arises is not whether those political parties should also be sanctioned;itiswhetherthey shouldreturnthemonies.

Suppose a politicalparty

accepted significant contributionsfromawealthy donor funds that these partiesassumedwerelawful atthetime.Later,thatdonor is sanctioned by OFAC for obtaining wealth through corruption or other illicit means.Thepartymayoptto believeornotbelieveOFAC.

Itmayalsoprotestwithsome justification,thatitbrokeno law It can contend that the money was received before any designation. Why, then, shoulditreturnthefunds?

It should do so because this is not simply a legal issue but a moral one. In a democratic society, political partiesclaimtheauthorityto govern in the name of the people.

And that authority depends not simply on electoral victory, but on the moral credibility. When a party receives substantial financingthatmayhavebeen allegedly derived wholly or in part—from crime, it risks converting political competition into a marketplace in which influence is purchased with taintedproceeds.Evenifthe party did not know at the time that the funds were corruptly obtained,

Dem Boys Seh...

knowledge acquired later carriesitsownmoralburden.

If, for example, a university learns that a building was endowed by funds stolen from pensioners, does it satisfy justice merely by saying the giftcompliedwiththelawat the time? Or does the university owe something more? Should it dissociate itself from the funds that it hasreceivedbyreturningit?

The same question applies with even greater forcetopoliticalparties.For their business is not education, but power. Some will object that returning such funds imposes a retroactive standard It punishes the innocent recipientforthewrongdoing of the donor. But this misunderstands the moral issueinquestion.Theissueis not punishment It is purification If a party

Junction should not be hire car park

De President seh he ask fuh action fuh clear up de reserves fuh enhance public safety and security Well leh dem boys clap fuhdat.Becauseifsafetyeverdecidefuhtek a lil walk down de East Bank Public Road, safetygonfaint.

StartjustafterProvidencePoliceStation. De road bend like it stretching it back, and right in de bend is a nice lil bus inlet. Now dem boys ain’t engineer, but even we know youdon’tencouragestoppingwherederoad doestwistandturnlikeasnake.Butwait— it get better Park up in de same inlet is a vehicle selling meat. Fresh, seasoned, and apparently served with a side of traffic hazard.

Motorists pulling in, half ah dem in de drivinglane,halfahdemcontemplatingifis pork or beef dem want. One lane gone. Safety pack up and gone home. Slide down to Amazonia Mall junction. De southern turning lane looking less like a turning lane andmorelikeahirecarlime.Driversparking up so comfortable, you would think government issue dem with a permit to

createaparkinglot.

That junction is not a hire car park.And whilewedeypunit,pavementisfuhpeople fuhwalk—notfuhvendorsfuhsetupmini market. Further up by Diamond, is a food caravan on de reserve. Nighttime is pure headlightsandhunger Vehiclespullingover, reducing de highway to one free lane. Everybody buying chicken and chips, and serving up congestion on de side. Now de President seh clear de reserves. Good. Excellent. Wonderful. But dem boys want ask a small question: how dem reserves get full in de first place? Is reserves does just wakeuponemorninganddecidefuhattract meatsales,hirecarsandfrychicken? Becauseiflawenforcementdidn’tseeit, dem boys wondering if dem driving wid tinted windscreens. When de President ask fuhreservesfuhclear,hemustalsoaskwho was watching while dem turn into commercialrealestate.Clearingupisgood. But preventing de mess in de first place? Nowdatisrealpublicsafetyandsecurity Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

believes that the money it r e c e i v e d m a y b e contaminated by illicit proceeds, then retaining it

a m o u n t s t o benefiting however indirectly—from what the party believes to be wrongdoing. The fact that the alleged contamination was unknown at the time does not dissolve the moral problem once it comes to light. Indeed, the test of institutional integrity is precisely what one does when uncomfortable truths emerge.

If a party knowingly retains funds that its now believes may have been tainted, its s

nds a messag

h

wever unintended—that politics is indifferent to the moral origins of money However, democratic politics cannot affordsuchindifference.The purposeofreturningsuspect funds is not to signal virtue ortoappeasecritics.Evenif there is no legal obligation that compels restitution, there remains a moral obligation to avoid

complicityinreceivingwhat the party subsequently believestobetaintedfunds. Some will worry about the practical consequences. What if the funds have already been spent? What if r e t u r n i n g t h e m disadvantages the party? Such concerns, though understandable, cannot overridethemoralduty The measure of commitment to clean politics is not whether itisconvenient,butwhether it is costly. Indeed, a party that voluntarily returns substantial donations once credible evidence of illicit origin emerges performs an actofself-restraint.Itsaysto thepublicthatthepartydoes not countenance benefitting from morally compromised resources.

This is especially important where th

suspicion is credible but not legally proven Political parties need not and should not wait for a criminal conviction. If they believe that the funds they received may be wholly or

partly contaminated, that belief itself triggers a moral responsibility We often lament that politics has become transactional, that principles are traded for advantage Here is an opportunity to resist that trend. By returning funds linked to sanctioned individuals where there is a reasonable belief of illicit origin, political parties can affirm that the integrity of the democratic process is worth more than any donation, however substantial.

The question is not, “Must we return it?” The question is, “What kind of political party do we aspire to be?” It does not matter whether the party has evidence of the funds being tainted or can prove same. Once it believes that is the case,ithasadutytoreturnit.

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

H@RD TRUTHS

PPP bankroller

Of course, he did. It is no secret t h a t t h e Mohameds bankrolled the PPPfordecades.

Thenumbersvary,butas much as they did, they were neverinthetensofmillions, butinthehundreds.

And before those in the Oppositionbreatheasighof relief now that the WIN's leaderhasspokenboldlyand publicly, the word from the Mohameds'mouthshasbeen of also being financially generous to the political groups on this side of the benches. The millions may nothavebeenasplentifulas thosegiventothePPP,butit wasnotcharity,either

Abankrollerisnotaboxhandholder Abankrolleris

abigmoneymanwhoisabig financier Hereisaquestion for my fellow citizens with the Hon. Attorney General given first preference, and fellowAmericans, too: does thisnotexplainwhyboththe PPP and PNC are so adamant, so doggedly stubborn, about real campaign financing laws, and the disclosure of donor identities?

They wouldn't care, not even twitch an eyelid, if donors are of the mom-andpopvariety

Because the PPP Govt. andGuyaneselovenumbers, try these: the $5000 and $ 2 5 0 0 0 p o l i t i c a l contributors. On the other hand,secrecymustsurround the deep-pocketed, heavy

hitters, who double as bankrollers of political parties.

Bankrollersseemillions donated as normal business transactions. It's investing with rich returns in mind. Something for something. Therecordisthere. Quarry, Fire Station, other lucrative contract awards from the NationalTenderBoard.

The Guyana Police Force seemingly an extension of the Mohameds private security apparatus. Those are only the nose of the Loch Ness monster, and it was in Guyana, not Scotland. Bankrollers give to get. Mohamed gave, Mohamed got. But I must table something else, beside those who were (and are)

rolling in money, whether giversorreceivers.

When bankrollers can carry, actually boast about, the grand opulence of their largesse into the sacred Legislative House of the Guyanese people, then it reinforces a couple of past developments.

There is the proud story of the streets now hollered from the floors of Guyanese inviolable sanctuary For sure,nolawwasbroken.

When Guyanese politiciansfrombothsidesof the so-called bitter group divide stand shoulder-toshoulderinsturdyresistance against a robust campaign f i n a n c i n g l a w , comprehensive political donor law, then there's the

Biometrics rollout to boost teachers' accountability, not punish them – Min. Parag

M, Sonia Parag on Wednesday explained that the biometrics attendance system the ministry is introducing in schools is not a punishment measure for teachers, but r a t h e r t o e n s u r e accountability and better results.

The minister made the disclosurewhileresponding to APNU's Member of

Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul during the consideration of budget estimates.

“It is not punitive measure. It is to ensure that we have that accountability It is to ensure that we have better results and children aretaught,anditistoensure that we are transforming digitally as well. So it's severalthingsinoneandwe have to appreciate because every time something pops uponsocialmediaofmaybe a couple students not doing well enough, or a batch of students not doing well enough, you go back to the education sector and you say, well, we've been pluggingthis,wehavebeen plugging this. Why is this not happening? So it is to ensurethatwehavethatkind ofresult,”sheexplained.

Mahipaulwhonotedthat itisa“goodsystem”sinceit

will remove the paperwork ofsigninginandsigningout of teachers, had questioned the minister whether the schools will have to purchase the equipment from their school grants since it would be depriving them of purchasing their usualacademicmaterials.

According to Parag, biometrics already exists in some of the schools and thesewerepurchasedbythe schools after consultation “without any fuss ” “However, there is no there is no force, or there is no pressure on teachers to purchase the biometrics from their grants,” she confirmed.

The minister added that sometimes schools will put the

o buy appliances, but in the event that they do not want to do that, the ministry will supplement.

schools, and from that they can purchase the system. “..but it is a system that has to be compatible with the Education Management InformationSystem(EMIS) aswell.So,itispurchasedor it is an understanding that whenyou'repurchasingthat it must be compatible with EMIS system, which necessarily would have its own specs that you will have,”sherelated.

Following up, Mahipaul

s a standardised biometric system that schools are to purchase The minister stated that the ministry put the specifications to the

solution to the puzzle

The irony is that there is a PPP Govt, a president,anattorney g e n e r a l ( b o t h honourable men without dubious tain

expostulates on Guyana's

laundering law, and there is the new man charged with anti-money laundering violations, expounding in parliament about being a bankroller of the PPP He didn't do any favors for his new comrades on the Oppositionside. Interesting that Bharrat Jagdeo retreated.

TheWIN's man speaks to truth, and it would be interesting to see which luminary in the PPP steps forward and contradicts Azruddin Mohamed Condemninghimisawalkin the park, due to his alleged oldlife,pastheavybaggage. Contradictinghimforcesthe PPPtowalktheplankakinto thoseancientpirates.

Now I place two open areas before the leader of WIN.

Where does he stand on thefreest,deepest,andmost transparent campaign financinglaw?

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that secondary schools like St. Stanislaus College,andSt.Rose'sHigh School have the biometric system in place for both teachingandauxiliarystaff.

Therefore, he should know about corruption. He should know the corrupters in the PPP (the Big Fish). Thoughhemaybereserving some of his more potent ammunition for the appropriate time before the right jurists, andAmericans, he has a duty to share more with Guyanese. Now that thecatisoutofthebag,and beforeadomesticworldthat absorbed his words in parliament, he cannot and mustnotlimithimselftoone meowatatime.

Mr Azruddin Mohamed was the best friend that the PPPcouldeverhavehad. He opened his hand and his wallet, and a stream of diamondsfellintothelapof the people who speak brightly about anti money laundering and financial crimes.

Today, he is the PPP's foe, its worst nightmare. A whistleblower with a basket ofhigh-pitchedwhistles.

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

Second, since he has made fighting chronic corruption the centerpiece of,heandhisparty'scalling, whatmoredoesheintendto state about how much, if at all, the old Azruddin Mohamed contributed to PPP corruptions, and how m uch he benefited from such. Abankrollerproveshimself. Mr Mohamed did, which made him a known, valued commodity Hence, he became a trusted PPP insider

Caribbeantakescentre...

Frompage8 to aid Jamaica's long term recoveryefforts.

CAF's Regional Manager for the Caribbean and Representative in Barbados, Dr Stacy Richard

reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that Caribbean p

meaningfully incorporated into regional and global discussions.

“The Caribbean faces a uniquesetofchallengesthat must not be overshadowed by the broader geopolitical and economic landscape CAF's Inte

ional EconomicForumprovidesa space where our Caribbean region can feel comfortable to engage in meaningful dialogue with leaders from Latin America and other regions with

view to

challenges confronting vulnerable small states and island economies, not least of which is access to development financing With the participation of dozens of Caribbean ministers, business leaders, experts, and academics, CAF was pleased to leverage our convening powertoprovideaplatform fortheCaribbeantoamplify its voice to a global audience.” More than 6,500 authorities, businessmen, academics, investors and decision makers from 70 countries participated in the 2026 edition of CAF's International Economic Forum Latin America and theCaribbean.

Georgetown Swamped

...Four-hour rainfall paralyses city, floods homes and businesses

ByShaniaWilliams

Several wards of Georgetownanditscoatland were swamped on Thursday afterhoursofheavyrainfall, leaving streets submerged and causing widespread disruption to homes, businesses, schools, and publicservices.

Residents and business owners spoke candidly to Kaieteur News about the challenges posed by the flooding.

“Is everything in my houseandyardsoakassoon as I get a lil heavy rain too steady,” Pamela Downing a resident of Camp Street told this publication The woman, a retired public servant said that the flood tends to destroy her household amenities She said that as a citizen of Georgetown for most of her adult, she has become used to the recurring flooding followingheavyrainfall.

“Mycarpetandmatswill

havetoeitherwashorthrow away. I will lose, I always lose in the situation because nobodywillbuythosethings back for me,” the visibly frustratedresidentrelated.

Camille Austin who owns a catering business said while her stall was not affectedbythefloodwaters, the rains did affect her customer flow She explainedthathercustomers areusuallyworkersfromthe commercial banks, nearby businesses, schools and government agencies

Kaieteur News spoke to some store operators in the Charlestown area, who complained that it takes less than 15 minutes of heavy rainfallforareasaroundtheir businesses to become inundated particularly in flood-prone areas. They too noted that the flooding particularly affects the customerflow

Nihal, owner of Tiles R Us, expressed exhaustion over the persistent flooding

Several sections of the city and coastland experienced severe flooding on Thursday as a result of persistent heavy rainfall.

at the entrance of his business. “We don't even need heavy rain fall for this place to be flooded. About 15 minutes rainfall and the place already flooded,” he said.

Thebusinessmansaidhe was forced to construct a temporary bridge to allow (Continuedonpage18)

Ex-prison officer gets bail on ganja trafficking charge

Oneoftwoformerprison officerswhowereremanded for possession of more than 340 pounds of cannabis was granted $500,000 bail on Thursday

The accused, Sarafina Pitt Cheddy and Shamay Bryan, both former officers oftheGuyanaPrisonService (GPS) and residents of S m y t h f i e l d , N e w Amsterdam, were arrested on January 24 after police discovered 345.8 pounds of cannabis in a vehicle during a stop-and-search operation at about 07:20 hrs along the No. 10 Public Road, West CoastBerbice(WCB).

The two women were remanded to prison on January 27 when they appeared before Magistrate Michelle Matthias at the Blairmont Magistrate's Court. They were formally charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.Bothpleadednot guilty Police stated that the discovery was part of coordinated operations aimed at clamping down on drugtrafficking.

Duringtheirsecondcourt appearance on Thursday, defenseattorneyBernardDa Silvaappliedforbailforboth women The matter was heard before Magistrate Taunna Hardy at the Fort Wellington Magistrate's Court. Bryan was granted bail in the sum of $500,000 on the condition that she lodge her travel documents and report to the nearest (Continuedonpage15)

Police release video of alleged illegal cambio...Mohamedinsists‘operationclosed’

TheGuyanaPoliceForce (GPF) on Thursday released

video footage dated February 11, 2026, which it saysshowsanillegalcambio operationbeingconductedat Mohamed's Enterprise at 29

L o m b a r d S t r e e t , Georgetown. The premises was raided on Wednesday morning by members of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), an arm of the GPF

Notwithstanding the video footage, businessman andLeaderoftheOpposition Azruddin Mohamed has maintained his earlier position, that the premises has been closed since 2024, when he, his father Nazar

Mohamed and their businesses were sanctioned bytheU.S.Treasury'sOffice of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) over alleged gold smuggling.

According to the video seen by this publication, an individual recording entered the premises where a man behind the counter collected foreign currency and exchanged it for local currency

SOCUhaddisclosedthat ranks conducted a targeted joint law enforcement operation at the money exchange location after rec

information that illicit activities were taking place there. “During the course of the operation, officers uncovered evidence of illegal financial operations and additional materials believed to be connected to unlawful activities were recoveredatthelocation.All items seized are currently subjecttoactiveforensicand

A screenshot of the video footage released by the police dated February 11, 2026, showing the alleged operation at the business

financial investigation,” SOCU said. Several persons were also arrested and SOCU had stated that chargeswillbelaidshortly

In a statement on Thursday, GPF said the

formally ordered closed pursuant to sanctions imposedbytheUnitedStates

regulatory and enforcement actions. It noted that despite thisdirective,thepolicesaid the establishment continued conducting foreign exchange transactions in breachoftheclosureorder

Responding to public remarks by Azruddin Mohamed denying that the cambio was operational, the police stated, “The footage clearly shows and audibly recordstheexchangeoflocal and foreign currency, confirming that business transactions were actively takingplace.”

When contacted on

d reiterated his position that the operation remains closed. “Yes, of course, of course,” he said noting that he stick by his position that the business has not been operating. He added, “That video shows absolutely nothing.

As I mentioned, if we were operating a combio, youhavetohavelargesums ofcash. They came there they found, a million or $2 million in cash Those money were staple up in envelopes. They found 500 US dollars…and as I have mentioned, we are not operating there.”Following the raid, Mohamed had told reporters, “They didn't find anything,theydidn'tfindany drugs, they didn't find any large amount of money All

they found was a couple thousands…I think it's less than 2 million, less than 2 million, with a lot of envelopeswith$5000inside, $10,000, $15,000, because we will normally staple envelopes to help the less fortunate.”

T

contended that the search was politically motivated, linkingittoremarkshemade during his recent budget presentation in the National Assembly,whereheclaimed tohavefinanciallysupported the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) between2015and2020. He had previously noted that following the sanctions, their local bank accounts were closed, their cambio licence revoked and their goldoperationsceased,with the exception of a small snackette located in front of theLombardStreetbuilding. Last year, the father and sonwereindictedinaUnited States federal court in Miami, Florida, on 11 charges, including wire fraud,mailfraud,conspiracy tocommitmoneylaundering and the importation of a Lamborghiniluxuryvehicle, stemming from allegations of massive tax fraud committed against Guyana.

T

extradition request in the localcourts.

...as Hicken warns of retention crisis Oil boom drains police ranks

C

Commissioner of Police

Hicken on Wednesday sounded the alarm over a growing retention challenge within the Guyana Police Force (GPF), warning that the country's booming oil and gas sector is drawing away ranks even as the Force undergoes sw

g reforms.

Speaking at the opening of the Police Officers'

competition from the lucrative energy industry has made it increasingly difficulttoretainofficers.

Hicken said that while t

confronted, particularly in

s hinterland and riverain communities The police chief went on to say that retention of ranks has become an issue as they are nowincompetitionwiththe oil and gas sector Even though there is expansion beyond the 5557 police ranks which is the quota

required, and diversity is being strengthened with womennowmakingup44% of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the challenge remains.

Speaking on crime, Hicken said the results of enhanced digitisation and accountability systems are evident Serious crime declined by 25% in 2025 and current figures indicate afurther23%reductionthis year. He said road safety enforcementhasalsoshown markedimprovement.

Since the launch of the Safe Road Intelligence System on April 7, 2025, road

cc

d

n

e declinedby36%.Withmore than 50 monitoring sites nationwideandover35,000 traffic tickets issued, the compliance rate currently stands at 40% The Commissioner highlighted ongoing infrastructure development, including the c o n s t r u c t i o n a n d rehabilitation of 83 police stati

capabilities have been

establishment of boat

Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken

Minister of Education, Sonia Parag on Wednesday night disclosed that the government is looking to establish a new Panic App and legislation as part of its measurestoaddresstheissue of bullying and violence in schools.

houses across multiple regions, while mobile

deployed in communities such as Port Kaituma, Mon Repos and Lusignan. The Force has also introduced tourism policing and decentralised key services

clearances, certificates of

m transactions to improve accessibility and bring

communities.

Hicken said command

accountability has been strengthened through

performance assessments, routine risk evaluations, structured work plans, and continuous monitoring under the Force's Risk M

d Monitoring and Evaluation Unit. Reforms are being guidedbytheStrategicPlan and Implementation Unit, which oversees crime, administration and public relations to ensure gaps are identified and addressed promptly

Trump calls Israel’s president disgraceful for not pardoning Netanyahu

(ALJAZEERA)DonaldTrump has upped his pressure against IsraelsPresidentIsaacHerzogashe seeks a pardon for his ally, Prime MinisterBenjaminNetanyahu,who isfacingbriberycharges.

TheUnitedStatespresidenttold reporters on Thursday that the Israeli prime minister has been an “extraordinary” wartime leader He then condemned Herzog for failing to offer Netanyahu presidential clemency “You have a president that refuses to give him a pardon. I thinkthatmanshouldbeashamedof himself,”TrumpsaidofHerzog.

He added that Israelis should pressureHerzogtograntthepardonto Netanyahu. “Hes disgraceful for not giving it. He should give it,” Trump said. Trumps comments come a day afterhehostedNetanyahuattheWhite House thetwoleadersseventhmeeting since the US president returned to power last year The accusations against Netanyahu include receiving lavish gifts as bribes and discussing dealswiththeownersofmediaoutlets for favourable coverage of his government.

Hisfirsttrialstartedin2020butthe legalproceedingshavebeenrepeatedly disrupted by the geopolitical upheaval in the region, including Israels

Israeli President Isaac Herzog

genocidal war in Gaza. The US has previously called on Herzog whose roleislargelyceremonialbutgiveshim pardoningpowers tograntamnestyto Netanuahu.ButwithThursdaysrebuke oftheIsraelipresident,Trumpappears to be asserting himself directly in the countrysdomesticpolitics.

ThepushforpardoningNetanyahu highlight the exceptional ties between TrumpandNetanyahu tworight-wing politicians who have demonstrated a remarkable ability to survive scandals andlegalproblems.

“Ihaveanidea:Mr.president,why dont you give him a pardon?” Trump said during a speech to the Israeli parliament in October of last year.

“Cigarsandchampagne whothe hell cares about it?” Herzog has previously said that any pardon request must follow the normal reviews and procedures under thecountryslaws.

Additionally,tohisdomestic legal woes, Netanyahu is facing an arrest warrant at the International Criminal Court overwarcrimechargesinGaza, including using starvation as a weapon of war Herzog, a veteran politician who rose through the centre-left liberal party, is often portrayed in Westernmediaisalesshawkish figurethanNetanyahu.

ButtheIsraelipresidenthasserved as an uncompromising defender of IsraelsbrutalassaultonGaza.Earlyin the war, he suggested that all Palestinians must be punished for the October 7, 2023 by Hamas against Israel. “It is an entire nation out there thatisresponsible,”Herzogsaidatthat time.“Thisrhetoricaboutciviliansnot aware, not involved, its absolutely not true.Theycouldverisenup;theycould havefoughtagainstthatevilregime.”

His statement has been cited by leading rights groups and United Nations investigators as evidence of IsraelsgenocidalintentinGaza.

TheMinisterspokeabout these measures while responding to questions posed by the Opposition during the consideration of budget estimates WIN Member of Parliament, Dr Gordon Barker had questioned that given the recentincreaseinviolencein schools and gang threats, what measures will the ministry take to ensure the safe and security of teachers andstudents.

MinisterParagstatedthat there are a number of things thatarebeingemployedatthe moment to tackle bullying.

“One of those things was to launch the anti-bullying campaignthatisnotjustatalk shop.Itisgoingtomaterialise into an MOU followed by action and it is a public consultation, getting the recommendations and suggestionsfromthepublic,” shesaid.

This publication had reportedthatlatelastyearthe ministry launched the antibullying campaign and a mobile app for the reporting of such incidents On Wednesday,theMinistersaid that right now from that first public consultation, they have received over 500 recommendations and suggestions that they are workingthrough.

“Arising from these consultations, what we are aimingtodo,attheveryleast, is to establish policies that will become standard

operating procedures in the school system and at the highestlevelwewouldliketo look at legislation that will work for the safety and security of our children and teachers, but the ministry we have adopted, and we continue to do that as zero tolerance approach to studentshittingteachers,”she explained.

Theministersaidalsothat President Irfaan Ali announced on Wednesday that a Panic App will be established, and at the

ministry they “will be utilisingthataswell.”

“So, there are many measures that will be employedoverthenextyear,” the Minister responded Regarding the Panic App, President Ali while addressingtheAnnualPolice Officers' Conference on Wednesday morning noted thattherearedeeplytroubling challenges occurring as it relates to domestic abuse, violence and school base gangs.

“We are working now with the technology provider to give us a technology that we can share with at risk women,atriskschoolswhich include a panic system that would allow for more effective support to schools, teachers,parentsandwomen. Itisasystemthatisdeployed at scale in Mexico, our technology advisors are examiningitandwearegoing implement similar system here,”thePresidentsaid.

Ex-prison officer gets bail...

Frompage13

police station every other Friday

However,bailwasrefused for Cheddy on the grounds thatsheallegedlycommitteda similar offence while previouslyonbail.Duringthe initial court appearance, policedisclosedthat Cheddy is no stranger to drug-related charges In 2022, while serving as an officer at the New Amsterdam Prison, she waschargedafterbeingfound with 500 grams of cannabis. That matter is still pending beforethecourt.DaSilvatold the court that the vehicle in which the narcotics were found was not registered to eitheroftheaccused.

The matter has been adjournedtoMarch26,2026, for report and further disclosure According to police reports, during the operation officers searched the vehicle and discovered several brown salt bags and black garbage bags in the trunk. Thebagscontainedbulky parcels wrapped in transparent plastic with leaves, seeds, and stems suspectedtobecannabis.The narcoticswereweighedinthe presenceoftheaccusedatthe Fort Wellington Police Station and amounted to 345.8pounds.Thedrugswere subsequently lodged as evidence.

Is the region ready to consider the establishment of PetroCaricom?

ByDr MarkKirton

For member states of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the issue of energy security has featured frequently in the regional discourse, with only minimal identifiable outcomes Memberstateshave,overtheyears, discussed policy frameworks which aim to develop secure, reliable and affordable energy supplies and in the medium and long term, enhancing the energy security through renewable energy integration. Regrettably, calls for bold, forward-thinking approaches to energy security in the region through strengthened partnerships, advocated by the Caricom Secretariat itself, have not resonated significantly across regionalborders.

Since PetroCaribe was launched by President Chavez of Venezuela in 2005, some Caricom statesaccessedpetroleumproducts with concessional financial terms and with low interest rates, which enabledthesmallCaribbeanstates, especially those of the Eastern Caribbean, to reduce, in the short

term, some of the economic constraints associated with small, open economies While Venezuela'seconomic,governance and political crisis in the second decade of the twenty-first century negatively impacted PetroCaribe's sustainability, it was the recent changes in Venezuela, which have broughtintofocus,issuesrelatedto the sustainability of supply, especially to Eastern Caribbean states, in the current context of the United States control and distribution of all Venezuela's of petroleum resources. An urgent need therefore arises for an assessment of the region's energy security, and the potential for the establishment of a regional mechanism–PetroCaricom.

Ithasbeenobservedthatinthe early phase of PetroCaribe, a structured, flexible petroleum supply arrangement was initiated which brought with it a level of reliability and supply stability which impacted positively the PetroCaribebeneficiaries.Whilein 2026, this no longer obtains, the issues related to energy stability

and resilience still remain. When considering options for Caricom's energy security, it is important to highlight some of the potential benefits which can accrue, if the

y structuredandoperationalised.The broad of the issue related to the enhancement of region integration through energy cooperation is a

A convergence of interests around critical regional issues-energy security and strategic autonomycan rekindle mutual trust and reduce the levels of fragmentation now visible among the regional grouping. At the same time, there can be reduced dependence on international suppliers, the emergence of a self-sufficient and integrated energy market and new levels of technical cooperation, while moving towards collective energy resilience. The assessment of the viability of a regional payment mechanism, with operational authority vested in the Caribbean Development Bank and with states utilising local currencies can also be considered

as it can add another dimension to theregionalintegrationprocess.

The issue of the location of the facility must also be considered as access to the participating states is of critical importance I have posited that with Guyana as the leading regional oil producer and Suriname soon to come on stream as a producer in the near future, coupled with the existing refinery at PetroTrin in Trinidad and Tobago, this combination can providethesynergiesnecessarynot only to produce the necessary petroleum products to supply the regionbuttoreturntheregiontothe levelofintegrationandcooperation envisaged by the founding leaders ofCaricomin1973.

An option of equal importance which may be considered is to establish a large refinery in Guyana, especially with its proximityandeasyaccesstotheoil fields of Suriname. Additionally, with its current status as a major player in the global energy arena, Guyanaiswellpositionedtoleada new and sustainable energy network and a become a hub for

the region, using some of its oil in association with that of its sister Caricom State, Suriname in a collectiveengagementforregional benefit.Ofequalimportanceisthat a large refinery in Guyana can providetheopportunitytoestablish a strategic regional energy reserve facility, which can be used as a stockpile of oil to mitigate the impactofsupplydisruptionstothe regioninemergencysituationsand natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions, hurricanes or other climate-relatedevents,aswellasat times of price volatility and economiccrises.

Thereistherecentviewfroma regional political commentator, ProfessorJustinRobinson,that“no one is coming to save us” and that theregionis“facingthecompound failure of a development model built on cushions that no longer exist”. Perhaps, the consideration of a move to regional energy security through a collective effort to establish PetroCaricom can serve as a catalyst and support the realisationof“strategicautonomy” inCaricom.

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Georgetown Swamped

From page 11 customers access to his store. “Some places are floodedandsomepersonsare notequippedwithlongboots, so no one wants to come. When people see this makeshiftbridge,it'sdefinitelynot safe, but we had to do something to allow customer access. It's very disturbing. There is a big trench around here and all the council can do is cut the road and put in a pipe so that the water can drain faster. Some measures have to be put in place for this,” he added.

AttheGeorgetownPublic HospitalCorporation(GPHC) ---the nation's primary emergency healthcare facility --doctors, nurses, and patients, encountered significant challenges accessing the services due to the severe flooding. Commuters like Keniviha Gooding,whoregularlywork in the city, also experienced majordisruptions.

She said she frequently encountersdifficultiesgetting to work whenever there is heavy rainfall. She told this newspaper “I was going down King Street to get to work on South Road and on myway,Iwasmetwithabody of water. I had to walk in the middle of the road while vehicles were driving. I had to wait until there weren't as many vehicles so that I could walk, because on both sides there was water. It got to a pointwheretherewasnoother wayformetogofurtherandI hadtoretreatandwalkallthe way back to Robb Street and go around to get to work. It was frustrating.”

Sheadded,“Guyanaisthe fastest-growing economy andGeorgetownisthecapital city Why would you keep your capital city like this? I can'tkeepcomingtoworkand having to walk in water because of the diseases you can catch. It is really terrible and itisreallyaffectingme.”

AndrewArthurwhocommutes from the West Demeraratothecityforwork spoke of his struggles due to the flooding. He said “This morning really affected me because riding to work, some streets in Georgetown had very high-water levels and it wasdifficulttogettoworkon time.Itmakesmewonderwhat the money was used for in helping with the drainage system.”

“Where is the improve-

mentinthecitywhenitcomes to drainage?” he questioned. Another person who spoke to this publication on the condition of anonymity said though not personally affected, he believes more needs to be done to manage flooding. “Even though it wasnotalongrainfall,itwas a heavy downpour. The persons in charge of this nation should do more in terms of managing resources to cater for natural causes like this. Monies were allocated last yearandthisyear,isthegovernment actually doing what they outlined in their estimates? Has the money been spent effectively? I don't think so. What happened this morning is a natural cause,butwithstrategicplanning and effective spending, this would not have been the case,” he said.

MayoroftheGeorgetown CityCouncil,AlfredMentore raised concerns about the monies being allocated for drainage in the city but however seeing little results. A total$81.9billionbeingallocated for drainage in this year's national budget and $73 billion last year, the city continues to experience severe flooding.

“We didn't have this kind ofproblembeforeasitrelates to drainage even though the drains have been improved and I understand with developmentthereisgreatamount of inconvenience but they have been inconveniencing thecitizenssignificantly,”he stated.

Mentoreblamedcontractors hired for road and drainage works, accusing some of executing poor canal construction. He alleged that some canals were made smaller and not deep enough to accommodate the expansion of newly built roads.

“What I know for sure fromthebudgetedamountfor enhancement of the city of Georgetown, I think that's about$2.7billionwasgranted tothelocalgovernmentmin-

istrytodoanumberofthings to enhance the city. I heard that most of those monies were spent but I'm not sure where was it spent,” he said.

He further claimed that some drainage works carried out by the Ministry of Public Works reduced canal sizes and lacked proper depth. He also accused contractors of failing to implement systems to prevent earthworks from blocking drainage systems duringrainfall.

“A lot of those works to mewouldhavesmallinthose canals and they didn't give it the kind of depth. A number of those contractors have not been taking care in putting systemsinplaceincasethere is rain fall and how can they beabletoremovetheearthen drains or having the works that are blocking up the systemtocausethewatertofloat up. These contractors have not been doing their work properly Theconceptofhavingconcretedrainsinsteadof earthen drains, they small in those canals,” Mentore explained.

When asked about maintenance of drainage canals, Mentore said the Mayor and CityCouncilareplayingtheir part but emphasised the need for collaboration with the MinistryofLocalGovernment and Regional Development. He explained that once the budget is passed, smaller contractswillbeawardedfor drain cleaning and maintenance.

“We are now budgeting for this new period where we are issuing smaller contracts for internal drains. External drainsandcanalsarehandled by the government from an NDIA perspective. We will havesmallcontractsformaintenance, but before that, we have to clean some of them,” he said.

Opposition Leader, Azruddin Mohamed was on ground and visited several flood-affected communities. At Stanleytown, West Bank Demerara,heobservedwater

inside residents' homes and bedrooms. During a live broadcast via his social media page, residents showed Mohamed the poor state of drains in their communities, many of which were clogged with bushes and debris, hindering the flow of water and worsening the flooding.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works in a statement released via their facebookpagesaidfollowing the hours of rainfall, the Hydrometeorological Service confirmed a peak accumulation of 96.7 mm, recorded in the South Ruimveldt area.

According to the statementaministerialtaskforce— including Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill; Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha; and Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal—conductedhigh-level sitevisitsalongsidetechnical engineeringteamsinhighhit areas.MinisterEdghillreportedly inspected critical infrastructure in Independence Boulevard, Sussex Street, Lodge, Wortmanville, Campbellville(DennisStreet and Conversation Tree), and Ogle to identify and implementimmediateremedialmeasures.

Engineers have confirmedthatallprimarysluices and drainage pumps are fully operational.Whilesignificant runoff has been achieved in themajorityofaffectedareas, focuseddrainageeffortscontinue in low-lying zones. To support these efforts, heavy machinery,includingexcavators, has been deployed to desilt clogged culverts and restoreoptimalflow TheCivil DefenceCommission(CDC) hasbeenmobilisedtoprovide direct assistance to residents whose properties sustained flooddamage.

The government remains committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens and will continue to monitor the situation until water levels in all communities have fully subsided.

Haags Bosch landfill to

close in 2029

…almost $400M approved for 2026 …Govt looking at bottle depot, garbage separation, recycling

HaagsBoschlandfillsite located on the East Bank of Demerara is expected to close in 2029, according to Minister of Local Government and Regional

Development Priya Manickchand.

Duringtheconsideration of the 2026 estimates and expenditureforherministry, the Minister told the Committee of Supply, that just under $400 million was allocated for operations at HaagsBoschfor2026,when questioned byAPartnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament GaneshMahipaul.

Minister Manickchand also disclosed that $150 millionisallocatedthisyear fortheLusignan,EastCoast Demerara landfill site. She further noted that Haags Bosch receives about 1,100 tonnes of waste per day,

whileLusignanhandlesover 150 tonnes daily On the contractors managing the sites, she noted that Haags Boschismanagedbyagroup of experienced operators under Waste Solutions Inc., while Lusignan landfill is managedbyTimesSquare.

Mahipaul raised concerns about Haags Bosch's location near housing areas, new government buildings, as wellasthehighway. He pressed the minister on government plans for the closure of the Haags Bosch landfill.

The minister confirmed that provisions were made foraconsultant,withtheaim of expanding the Lusignan

M

residents and commuters

who made complaints about foul smell from Haags Bosch. However, she noted, “Between September and mid-December we covered all the exposed old garbage, what you are getting now is thescentonthehighwayand thatisfromthenewgarbage becausewehavejustopened cellthreeatHaagsBosch.”

SheremindedthatHaags Bosch is designed to have threecells,outliningthatcell one and two are already closed.

“We just started using cell three and when that's filled,wewillcloseitbutwe don't have a plan to close it prematurely,” the Minister added.

“How long more do you anticipate cell three will be inexistenceandgarbagewill be going there?” MP

Mahipaul asked and Minister Manickchand

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand and her team on Thursday before the Committee of Supply

noted that the intention is to closeHaagsBoschby2029. Moreover, the Minister also outlined plans for eight new modern landfill sites acrossthecountry,including Zorg-en-Vlygt, Region Two

($300M); Laurentia Catherina, Region Three

($400M); Blairmont ($280M); Bartica, Region Seven($200M);andRegion Ten ($300M). “All of those will be modern landfill sites thatlookatacircularwayof disposalofsolidwaste,”she said.

Minister Manickchand said she is hopeful that the country's first solid waste management law would be

enactedthisyear.Shestated, “That bill had to be revised so that we can look at a circular way of disposal of garbage which is use, dispose, reuse, rather than thelinearway…whichisjust useanddispose.”

On recycling and waste separation, she explained, “We are working on recycling,weareworkingon separate at source, that meansthatinyourhomeyou will have your plastic here, yourpaperthere…soweare lookingatseparateatsource and then separate at the variouslandfillsites.”

Regarding partnerships with local companies for

recycling, it was noted that while there are discussions, concerns were raised about theamountofwastethatwill beneededtomakerecycling beneficial.

However, she pointed out that what is also needed isforcitizenstochangetheir habits when it comes to garbagedisposal.

TheMinisteradded,“So wearelookingathowwecan encouragepositivelyaswell as through penalties, negatively, the changing out ofthesehabits.

Wearelookingatabottle depot so that you can compensated for bringing thebottles.”

Mottley sworn-in for third term

Prime Minister Mia Amor MottleyonThursdaywasswornin for a third term during a brief ceremonyatStateHouse.Shetook theOathofOfficeinthepresenceof President of Barbados, His Excellency Lt. Col. The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic, family members and other specially invitedguests.

Mottley won a historic third election victory in Wednesday's election,withherBarbadosLabour Party sweeping all seats of the islandnation'sHouseofAssembly, as counting ended early on Thursday Mottley's BLP won all 30 seats for the third time, unseating opposition leader Ralph Thorne,whoranfortheBLPinthe last campaign, in an election that pitted her more global-facing approach against the opposition's focus on Barbadians' domestic needs.

"Ourmissionfirstandforemost is to stop poor people from being poor and to remove injustice wherever it exists to create opportunities for people," Mottley, 60, said in a victory speech. She is the second leader to serve more thantwoconsecutiveterms.

Surrounded by supporters dressed in red, she pledged to strengtheneffortsonissuessuchas

infrastructure, healthcare and road safety "Wedidnotcomesimplyto holdoffice.Wehavecometomake Barbados better and to make your lives better," she said. Friday will be a public holiday in Barbados, she added. At her swearing-in ceremony, Mottley told reporters the international landscape had changed substantially since her first election win in 2018, and that thesmallislandwouldlooktounity andinnovationtomoveforward.

Mottley has been a leading voice on reforming debt for climate-vulnerable nations,

including through debt-for-climate swaps. Barbados, which defaulted onbondsin2018,lastyearbrought its debt-to-GDP ratio to just under 100% for the first time in over a decade.

'CLEARELECTORAL VICTORY'

"The people have spoken, and we respect their voices," the opposition Democratic Labour Party said. Thorne did not cast a ballotbecausehewasnotregistered in the district where he was living and competing, according to state TV network CBC. He was elected

there in 2022 as a member of the BLPbutmovedtotheDLPin2024.

The head of the Caribbean Community'selectoralobservation mission said before the election it had received concerns about inaccuraciesonthevotingregister Some opposition candidates said this would justify a delay in the vote, but the electoral commission said citizens had time to address inaccuracies and the process was legitimate.

The BLP was expected to win comfortably, with a mid-January poll, opens new tab commissioned

Publishing and Starcom Network showing more support for the ruling party compared to the last election, though many of those surveyedwereundecidedordidnot plan to vote. An official turnout figure was not available by late afternoon.Intheprior2022general election, turnout landed below 50%,accordingtotheInternational Foundation for Electoral Systems. Barbados is the Caribbean's easternmost country, home to around 283,000 people and a little over half the geographical size of Singapore.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated Mottley on her"clearelectoralvictory,"adding that Washington was looking to increasecollaborationoncrimeand drug trafficking in the region. The U.S. has expanded its military presence in the Caribbean and has agreements with both the Dominican Republic and nearby Trinidad and Tobago to dock warships in their territories. It has long imposed an economic embargo on Cuba and this year threatened sanctions on countries that supply it with oil. On January 3, the U.S. captured Venezuela's president in a surprise overnight attackonitscapital.(Reuters)

Half century from Singh pilots Diamond Sec’ to 39-run win as GRS/R&T Taxi Secondary School Tapeball C/ship gets underway

The Goodwood Racing Service and R&T Taxi Service Secondary School

Boys’ Tapeball Cricket League bowled off last Sunday with an exciting series of matches on the tarmac of the National CulturalCentre.

Bowlers dominated the opening day, though there were flashes of batting brilliance,particularlyinthe

clash between St. Stanislaus College and Patentia Secondary. Saints went downtoPatentiaby12runs.

Batting first, Patentia posted 52-2 from their allottedovers,ledbycaptain

Kevin Mahase, who anchored the innings with a composed 31 Nitin

Bhowandat and Anhonia Fordeeachclaimedawicket forSaints,helpingtorestrict

Patentiatounder60.

In reply, St. Stanislaus could only muster 40-5 before running out of overs.

Aaron Persaud offered the lone resistance with a fighting 23. ShazadAlly did the bulk of the damage for Patentia, finishing with impressivefiguresof3-19to sealthe12-runvictory

In another encounter, Diamond Secondary cruised

toacommanding39-runwin over New Campbellville Secondary.

Diamond’s explosive top-order batter, Ravin Singh, blasted a scintillating half-century to propel his side to 77-2. Singh struck a classy 52, punishing the Campbellville bowlers and settingupanimposingtotal. MakhayaJoneswasthepick of the bowlers for Campbellville, claiming 229.

Chasing 78 for victory, New Campbellville were bundled out for 38 Diamond’s bowling trio of Nazeem Persaud, Ravin

Friday February 13, 2026

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

If you've been thinking about starting a new business partnership, Aries, this is the day to take some positive action toward that end. Any new business enterprises started today, particularly involving partnerships, show alotofpromiseforsuccess.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Some rather boring and mundane tasks, perhaps involving paperwork, could take up much of your time today, Taurus. You could get easily distracted and be temptedtosetitaside.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

New enterprises that you've worked to perfect for a long time, perhaps involving writing, speaking, or publishing, might pay off today,Gemini.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Some paperwork involving business enterprises could be executed today, possibly in your home. This might be a new and unexpected development. It could have youfeelingabitdisoriented.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Success in business, perhaps involvingwritingorspeaking, might come your way today, Leo Paperwork, such as contracts, could take up a lot ofyourtime.

VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)

You've worked hard to promote your business interests, and today it might pay off. Money, or contracts promising it, could come your way, as well as new opportunities to pursue success

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Youroptimismandenthusiasm should be very high today. Businessandpartnershipshave been proving both satisfying and profitable lately, and you couldreceiveinformationtoday about new doors that could unexpectedlyopenupforyou

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

Today your level of imagination and intuition is especially high, Scorpio.Trust your heart today, especially wherenewprojectsandmoney areconcerned.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Thisshouldbeaverybusyday for you, Sagittarius, as communications involving businessmatterscouldtakeup much of your time. These could concern your own goals or those of a friend or a group withwhichyou'reaffiliated.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Businessmatterstakeasudden turn for the better Paperwork may need to be executed. A new sense of self-confidence contributes to these developments, and the more goodthingsthathappentoyou, themoreconfidentyou’llfeel.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Achancetotravel,perhapsfor business purposes, could presentitselftoyoutoday This might require some temporary adjustments in your personal life,butdon'tletthisstopyou.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Someone in the know could come to you today with opportunities for increasing your income, Pisces, perhaps involving investments of time or other resources in new businessenterprises.

Agricola Positive Foundation whip Everest CC in Georgetown Mayor’s and Friends U-17 cricket competition

- Advance to semifinals

Good all-round cricket from the Agricola Positive Foundation Youth U17 cricket team helped them demolish Everestby146runsintheirgameplayedlastweekendinthe GeorgetownMayorandFriendsHundredtournament.

Battingfirst,AgricolaPositiveFoundationracedto208all out.LeadingtheirbattingeffortwasKelstonKistenwith75. HewassupportedbyRomarioRamdeol52andThierryHenry 42.

In reply, Everest were skittled out for 62 with Vinesh making29.

Bowling for Agricola, Gavin Kisten and Romario Ramdeol picked up three wickets each whilst there was one apieceforAdrianHetmyerandRichardRamdeol.

With the win Agricola Positive Foundation Youth has advanced to the semifinal of the tournament which is being organisedbytheGeorgetownCricketAssociation. (Samuel Whyte)

Singh and Vickash Roopnarine shared six wickets evenly, each taking two each. Jayden Sargent was the lone batter to reach double figures for Campbellville, top-scoring with19.

Also competing for the league title are St. Rose’s High School, St Joseph High School, Tutorial High, St. John’s College, Queen’s College, The Bishop’s High School, North Ruimveldt Secondary, West Demerara Secondary, Beterverwagting (BV) Secondary, Covent

Garden Secondary, Charlestown Secondary, Richard Ishmael Secondary, Christ Church Secondary, SchooloftheNations,along with the four teams that featuredonSunday

The competition continues this Sunday, February 15, at the same venue with several more matchesscheduled.

The league is sponsored by Goodwood Racing Service and R&T Taxi

Service Meanwhile, attention will soon shift to theMike’sPharmacy36-ball Round Robin Knockout Competition.

GOAPC 2026 Pre-Mash Challenge Cup Tapeball Cricket starts today

Action in the GOAPC 2026 Pre-Mash Challenge Cup TapeballCricketcompetitionissettostarttoday,Friday13th FebruaryontheNationalParkTarmacfrom1pm. New Campbellville Secondary face Christ Church Sec, School of Nations tackle St. Stanislaus College, St. Roses High oppose St. Johns College, BV Sec. vs LBI Sec and Queens College come up against Charlestown Sec in the scheduledmatches.

Topprizesareupforgrabs.Thecompetitioncontinueson SundayontheNationalCultureCentretarmacfrom9am.

Albion CCCC whip Tucber Park CC to capture 2025

Ivan Madray T20 First Division title

- Anthony Bramble 136, Davendra Bishoo 4 for 25 outstanding

BySamuelWhyte

Albion Community Centre Cricket Club (ACCCC) easily defeated Tucber Park Cricket Club (TPCC) by 111 runs inthefinalofthe2025IvanMadrayT20 FirstDivisionCricketCompetition.The win was their third consecutive in the competition.

The game, which was played at the Albion Community Centre Ground, was expected to be a keenly contested affair by two of the top teams in the county

As they both boosted inter county, national and international players in theirlineup.

However,ACCCCafterwinningthe

toss and taking first strike, took charge astheyracedto247-4offtheirallotted 20overs.

Theirscorewasledbyapugnacious century from former Guyana wicketkeeper batsman Anthony Bramble who clobbered 136 of a mere 58 deliveries with 11 sixes. Bramble received support from Devendra Latchman with 35 and Damion Cecil 34.

Bowling for Tucber Park, Malcolm Micklepickeduptwowickets.

The visitors in reply made a brave effort at first, but were bowled out for 136 in 14.1 overs. Their effort was led by Damion Vantull with 25 while GarfieldBenjaminmade23andJoemal

LaFleur21.

Albion’sbowlingwasledbyformer West Indies leg-spinner Davendra Bishoo who bagged 4 for 25 as he dashed any hope the visitors had of getting close to the target. Kelvin Umrowpickeduptwowickets.

The competition was being played in memory of former Berbice, Guyana andWestIndiescricketerIvanMadray Madray, who was a product of the Port MourantCC,wasthethirdBerbicianto playTestCricketfortheWestIndies.

The Tournament was sponsored by theMadrayandChintamanifamiliesin Memoryofthelegacy.

A total of 10 teams participated in thecompetition.

2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup…

Rutherford among batsmen with 100 runs, following blitzkrieg against England

ByCliftonRoss

After bullying England into defeat a few days ago, West Indies current leading run-scorer Sherfane Rutheford, is on course to end this year’s T20 World Cup as one of the more prolific run-getters of the tournament; while cementing his reputation as oneoftheelitepower-hitters intheworld.

The Guyanese walked back into the Caribbean side’s limited overs setup after a dominant bat-run in South Africa’s 2026 SA20 franchise T20 tournament, ending as one of the leading run-scorers and boundaryhitters.

When the Windies enteredthisCupinpursuitof their 3rd title, they were missing a few big guns after some retirements from playerslike,DwayneBravo, SunilNarine,AndreRussell, Nick Pooran, Kieron Pollard; who have been mainstays around the Windies T20 and 50-Over teams for over the last decade, thus making up a huge part of the team’s

reputationinthisformat. Taskedwithcreatingnew batting weapons, the Caribbean side has since managed to find suitable replacements in players like Romario Shepherd, a still active Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer who has beenabigpartofthebatting Renaissance and arguably theirbestT20batsmansince 2026 started, new man QuentinSampsonandnowa returningRutheford.

W h i l e S a m p s o n continues to find his way around the international structure, having had a strong start to his career and playerslikeShepherdmostly beingusedasastrikeseamer and late-innings finisher, other players have seeminglyfoundtheirroles.

Hetmyer now holds downthenumber3or4spots dependingonsituationswith captain Shai Hope and Brandon King keeping the top steady, leaving Rutheford room to cement himself as the team’s enforcer and finisher, even more realistic especially withhiscurrentform.

Since returning to

international duties during January’s T20 series against Afghanistanfollowedbythe pre-Cup series versus South Africa, the Guyanese has recorded significant scores of 57*, 26 and 76*; with the last two knocks coming in theWorldCup.

Rutherford, who is just two games away from appearing in his 50th T20I match, has also blitzed his way into the leading runscorers list in this year’s competition following two games.

The pugnacious striker currentlysitsin6thplaceand is 1 one 7 players to already break the 100-run mark despite playing only 2 or 3 matchestodate.

Rutherfordhasrackedup 102runsforhis6thplacebut will fancy his chances of shooting up the ranks, being just 18 runs behind the number2leadingrun-scorer in Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan (120 runs) and 32 away from displacing New Zealand’s Tim Seifert (154) who presently has the most runs.

The Guyanese also sits among the batters with the

Mosca brothers power Italy to maiden T20 World Cup victory in 10-wicket win over Nepal

(Reuters) - BrothersJustinandAnthony Mosca guided Twenty20 World Cup debutants Italy to their first win in the tournament,astheirunbeatenhalf-centuries secured a dominant 10-wicket victory over NepalinaGroupCclashonThursday

Justin(60)andAnthony(62)becamethe first brothers to score half-centuries in the same T20 World Cup match, as Italy, a country without a single natural cricket pitch, chased down a target of 124 with 44 ballstospare.Italy’sdecisiontobowlfirstin Mumbai paid off when their spinners shut down Nepal’s attempts to get a partnership going,withCrishanKalugamage(3-18)and Benjamin Manenti (2-9) getting wickets at regular intervals Player of the match KalugamagedismissedNepalcaptainRohit Paudel (23) and helped restrict Nepal to a meagretotalof123.

The Italian openers, undeterred by the absenceoftheircaptainWayneMadsenwho

dislocated his shoulder during Monday’s loss to Scotland, started aggressively with Justin Mosca hitting three sixes and three boundaries to help his team reach 50-0 in fourovers.Hereached50off37ballsinthe 11th over, andAnthony hit a six in the next deliverytoreachhisownhalf-century

Anthony scored the winning run with a shottowardscover,gettingItalyto124-0in 12.4overs,ashisteammatesrushedontothe fieldtocelebratetheirmilestonevictory.

“I always wanted to help the team win and do my best for my nation Italy... it’s a massive moment for me after a lot of sacrifices,”saidKalugamage,aSriLankanborn pizza baker, as his voice shook during thepost-matchpresentation.

Italy next face former champions EnglandinKolkataonMonday

Scores: Italy 124 for 0 (A Mosca 62*, J Mosca60*)beatNepal123(Kalugamage318)by10wickets.

highest scores to date in the Cup, with his unbeaten 76 against England being the 6th highest individual score yet, as no player has managed to hit a century despite a few batsmen scoring big unbeaten halfcenturies.

Another huge plus for West Indies going forward will be the accumulation of boundaries, specifically sixes which mirroring like wickets;makeupthebiggest parts of success in T20 cricket.

Both of the Windies’ premier left-handers in Hetmyer and Rutherford, currently own the top positions in the Most Sixes category

Hetmyer leads all batsmen slamming 8 maximums but is tied for most boundaries with 2nd place front-runner and his Guyana Amazon Warriors teammate, Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

Third place which is occupied by Rutheford, remainsatussleasthepinchhitter also has a total of 8 maximums under his belt and could easily blaze past the 2nd and 1st place holders or any of the tournament’s top batsmen shouldtheWestIndiesreach deepintheCup.

Rutherford also has the beststrikeratebyanyofthe batsmen who presently has more than 100 runs, nailing the ball at 185.45, jointly holding another record for playerwiththemost6’shitin aninningsduringthisyear’s Cup; which is the 7 he muscled in the win against England.

Given the confidence from beating Scotland and more so England recently, the West Indies should now give Rutherford the complete license to play his natural game and help solidify that middle/lower order

With all-rounders like Jason Holder, Shepherd and Matthew Forde steering the latter half of the Windies’ batting unit, a sense of calmnessshouldembodythe entire team now with an inform Rutherford slotting neatly in that crucial 6/7 spot;whichwasdireneedof stability and runs should the team find themselves in a tough situation with competitionincreasing.

WestIndieshavethebest record in Group C, leading with 4 points having got off toadreamstartbypickingup two wins from their pair of openinggames.

However, the Caribbean side will need to keep their footonthegascomeSunday when they tackle the lastplacedNepaleseastheyseek to maintain a perfect record on their way to possibly securing a spot in Super-8 stages with one eye trained on winning their third T20 WorldCuptitle.

Kitty Square Mall National U-16 Chess Championships set for this Sunday

The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) continues its calendar of tournaments with the Kitty Square Mall-sponsored National U16 Rapid Chess Championship, scheduled forSunday,15thFebruary2026,attheChrist Church Secondary School, with games startingat9:00am.

The tournament features a seven-round SwissSystemformat.Thetimecontrolis15 minutesplusa5-secondincrementpermove. Eligibleplayers—thoseunderage16orborn after January 1, 2010—will compete for the NationalRapidChessChampionshiptitlesin boththeOpenandGirlscategories.

From seasoned champions vying for the top spot to newcomers eager to learn, this tournament brings together the very best of Guyana’sjuniorchesscommunity

In the highly anticipated Open category, Candidate Master Sachin Pitamber returns forafinalstandintheU16divisiontodefend histitle.Atalentedfieldofchallengersawaits him,includingtheZhangsiblings(Alexander and Nicholas), Alek Ubaldo-Singh, and Rafael Park. Also joining the hunt for the crown are reigning National U14 Champion Abel Fernandez Ciria, National U12 Champion Aiden Tinne, former U12

Scenes from U16 Championship 2025.

Champion Jeremy Cole, alongside Vir Narine, Aiden Tinnie, Arush Ramnarine, Aquilani Swaminadha, Julian Mohabir, and JavierDavenand,amongothers.

With Woman Candidate Master Aditi Joshi’s participation unconfirmed due to schedulingconflicts,theNationalU16Girls’ title is wide open. Leading the charge are reigning girls’ champions Kataleya Sam (U14)andDivyaPersaud(U12).

They will face a deep pool of talent, including skilled competitors Rebha Lachhman,EmmaJohn,LusiannaFarlot,and Angelina Yhap. Other talented girls are AmayaSharma,SanaSreebalakumar,Rachel Raghunandan, Madison Daniels, Chelsea Harrison,Axela Viera, MayaAli, and Saura Ruplall,amongothers.

Trophies will be awarded to the top five finishers in both the Open and Girls categories. Additionally, medals will be

presented to the top U14, U12, and U10 playersineachdivision.

RegistrationisnowopenforU16players at www.guyanachess.gy (see “Scheduled Events”). Entry fees are $1,200 for GCF members and $2,000 for non-members. Pleaseensureallpaymentsarecompletedvia MMGnolaterthanFriday,February14th.

The GCF extends its profound gratitude to Kitty Square Mall for its sponsorship and unwaveringcommitmenttothedevelopment of chess in Guyana as we nurture the next generationofgreatchessplayers.

The federation also wishes to extend sincere appreciation to Christ Church SecondarySchoolforprovidingthevenuefor thecompetition.

For more information on the Guyana Chess Federation or how to become a member, visit our official website at guyanachess.gy

MT&VTCcrushGSAin10-3affair

Tyrel Delph and Omar Williams produced scintillating hat-tricks to power MahaiconyTechnical and Vocational Training Centre (MT&VTC) to a commanding 10-3 victory over the Guyana School of Agriculture(GSA)whenthe Petra-Modec Tertiary

Education Football Tournamentcontinuedatthe #5GroundinBerbice.

MT&VTC wasted little time asserting themselves, breakingthedeadlockinjust the second minute. Delph capitalised on a defensive lapse, calmly slotting home to give his side an early 1-0 advantage. Omar Williams then struck a treble in quick succession in the 17th 20th and 21st minutes, stretching the lead to 4-0 and putting GSAfirmlyonthebackfoot.

GSA showed signs of resistance midway through thefirsthalf.DexterSpencer

ignitedhopesofacomeback with a 24th-minute strike to make it 4-1, and Shondel Antoine followed up in the 30th minute to reduce the deficitto5-2.

However, MT&VTC quickly regained control Winton Hartman buried his first(goal)inthe35th,before Niron Thom found the back ofthenetinadominantspell late in the half, combining two goals as MT&VTC surgedtoacommanding7-2 leadattheinterval.

After the restart, GSA managed a consolation goal through Dexter McPhie, but it did little to stem the tide. Hartman (40’) and Thom (60’) each completed their braces,whileDelphreturned tothespotlightwithtwolate strikes in the 80th and 82nd minutes to seal his hat-trick and cap an emphatic 10-3 triumph.

With Match Six now

concluded, the tournament resumes tomorrow at the Leonora Ground, where Essequibo Technical Institute will face Leonora Technical and Vocational Training Centre from 11:00 hours. The tournament is sponsored by Petra and Modec (Guyana), with supportfromtheMinistryof Culture, Youth and Sports, MVP Sports, MACORP, Demerara Mutual Group, BanksPoweradeandQuality Deliverer

Mahaicony Technical and Vocational Training Centre goalscorers in yesterday’s round one matchup against Guyana School of Agriculture. In photo is: (R-L) Tyrel Delph, Omar Williams, Winton Hartman and ‘Niron Thom.

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Mosca brothers power Italy to maiden T20 World Cup victory in 10-wicket win over Nepal

Mosca brothers power Italy to maiden T20 World Cup victory in 10-wicket win over Nepal

Kitty Square Mall National U-16 Chess Championships set for this Sunday

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