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Venezuelans & Friday Edition Cubans among NEWS deportees to Liberia under Trump deal - officials AIETEUR
Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
August 21, 2026 - Vol. 28 No. 33
Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $200 readership
yesterday, 41,427
Govt. will seek expert advice on financing of future Exxon projects ...as Guyana pays off company for seven projects, now enjoying triple profits
GPL cracks down on Illegal power connections in Sophia The Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) on Thursday removed a number of illegal connections in Sophia during an enforcement exercise.
‘Change your eating habits’ - Pres Ali blames citizens’ lifestyles for rising cost of living ...says dining out, shopping in supermarkets driving up expenses
Guyana makes aviation history with first rotorcraft certification WIN summons APNU over LGC, GECOM and Reg. 10 leadership
Canadian firm secures option to 11 acquire 15,000 acres gold property in Region 1 from Russian company PAGE
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Govt. will seek expert advice on financing of future ExxonMobil projects - Pres. Ali ...as country pays off company for 7 projects, now enjoying triple profits By Davina Bagot President Irfaan Ali on Tuesday announced plans for the government of Guyana (GoG) to seek expert advice on the financing of new projects in the Stabroek Block, now that the country has repaid ExxonMobil for seven deepwater developments and is enjoying three times the profits it previously received. The President made the disclosure in response to a question from this newspaper, following his revelation that Guyana is now enjoying 39.8% profits
from the Stabroek Block, compared with 12.5% while the company was recovering its expenses. In accordance with the terms of the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), Exxon was allowed to take out 75% of the oil produced in Guyana each month until all of the company's investments were repaid. The remaining 25% of oil each month was split between Guyana and the contractors, with the country receiving half of the “profit oil” or 12.5%. The country's profit share has now increased since the cost of all projects
approved to date have been repaid; but this does not mean the cost bank is empty as operational, exploration and other expenses still exist. Consequently, the President said 20% of production has been set aside in the new formula for costs. In the meantime, ExxonMobil is currently pursuing at least two new projects in the Stabroek Block- its eighth and ninthwhich will add more expenses to the cost bank. Without implementing new systems like a ring-fencing provision, Guyana's profit share could again fall to a meager 12.5% to allow the
operator to finance these multibillion US-dollar projects. To this end, Kaieteur News specifically asked the Head of State to explain how new projects would be governed, whether Guyana would allow its share of profits to be invested into upcoming developments and if government would then seek a greater share of revenue as an investor. President Ali said, “Now that we are at this new phase in the development of our oil and gas sector, there are ongoing internal discussions and of course we will also seek expert advice on this
Allowing Edghill and Indar to remain, prejudices CoI - opposition leader Warning that the integrity of the MV Barima disaster inquiry is actively at risk, Leader of the Opposition Azruddin Mohamed has once again called for the removal of Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar, arguing that allowing them to remain in office severely prejudices the ongoing investigation. In a video address posted to his official "Team Mohamed's" media page on Wednesday, Mohamed insisted that true impartiality is impossible while the top officials overseeing the sector retain their executive powers. “When it comes to the CoI, we have no confidence in simply being told to trust another government-appointed process,” Mohamed declared. “We have seen CoIs before. Where are the reports? Where are the answers? Where is the accountability?” Mohamed framed the demand as a matter of basic administrative ethics, insisting that any official whose portfolio falls within the scope of an investigation must step aside until the facts are established. “We also call for Ministers Edghill and Indar to be removed while the inquiry is being conducted,” Mohamed urged. “If the investigation is supposed to be impartial, then those who may be implicated in the circumstances being investigated should not remain in positions where they can influence the process. That is basic common sense.”
Ministers Edghill and Indar His remarks amplify an escalating wave of public outrage, fuelled by biweekly demonstrations outside the Office of the President. Survivors, grieving families awaiting answers, civil society advocates, and opposition politicians continue to push for political accountability over alleged systemic negligence and unaddressed maintenance issues on the state-owned vessel. Addressing the growing pressure during a media briefing, President Irfaan Ali firmly rejected calls for preemptive suspensions, maintaining that any administrative or executive action will depend entirely on the final findings of the independent commission which is set to begin in early September. “An independent CoI has been established to determine everything that you're speaking about,” President Ali told reporters. “I am not going to add to
speculation or be part of speculation. I believe that if we honestly and truly want an independent analysis, a transparent analysis, then the CoI, having been established, provides that opportunity.” President Ali reiterated that his administration will respect the commission's process and await its formal recommendations before taking action. “I would not prejudice any action, save and except those that are essential in the period from now to the end of the CoI, which include looking at safety,” the President added, noting that a separate technical team has been tasked with auditing state vessels and addressing safety gaps. “The work of the CoI is the work that I will base my action on when their recommendation comes to me. Having established the CoI independently, we have to have respect for the work of the CoI.”
matter to make a determination on how the next phase of projects will be treated having regard for the state of the global sector and of course the need for investment, the structure of that investment, where that investment is coming from and of course all the other exploration that is going to take place.” He assured that these discussions are currently ongoing, explaining that a decision is yet to be made in that regard. Should the GoG implement a ring-fencing provision, the cost of new projects will only be recovered by Exxon when the specific operation comes online. This means that the project will pay for itself and ensure Guyana continues to receive a larger share of the pie.
President Irfaan Ali
Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Saiku Andrews recently highlighted the importance of the country receiving its rightful share of profits under the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), arguing that no prudent businessman would allow its revenue to be continuously delayed. To this end, MP Andrews urged, “It cannot work like that. No businessman that is prudent would allow that and I do not think that the government should allow it and the Guyanese people should not accept it.” Instead, he suggested that if Guyana's profit share would be reduced again to pay for more projects, then the country should in return receive a larger share of revenue since it would then become an investor.
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Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: DR. GLENN LALL - TEL: 624-6456 Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Skipping CSEC, CAPE The revelation that more than 35,000 Caribbean students failed to turn up for this year’s CSEC and CAPE examinations should send a chill through every Ministry of Education, every school, every parent and every community in the region. This is not simply a matter of students missing an examination. It is a warning sign about the state of education, student preparedness, parental support and, perhaps most importantly, the growing disconnect between young people and the systems designed to prepare them for adulthood. According to the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), 32,403 CSEC candidates and another 3,534 CAPE candidates were absent from this year’s examinations. That means thousands of young people voluntarily or otherwise surrendered an opportunity that could have influenced the direction of their lives. CXC Director of Operations Dr. Nicole Manning rightly described absenteeism as a major concern. A student who does not show up cannot be graded. There is no opportunity to earn the qualification for the examination component missed. The disturbing question is: Why are so many young people not showing up? CXC has indicated that some students told its surveys they stayed away because they felt unprepared. But feeling unprepared cannot become an acceptable reason for surrendering before the battle begins. An examination may expose weaknesses, but not writing it guarantees failure. Still, the education system must look beyond simply telling students to “try.” Why do students feel so unprepared in the first place? Are schools identifying struggling students early enough? Are parents adequately involved? Are teachers sufficiently supported? Are students receiving the counselling and academic assistance required to navigate increasingly demanding examinations? These questions demand serious answers. Guyana cannot afford to look at these regional figures as somebody else’s problem. Our education system is part of the same Caribbean examination structure, and the weaknesses exposed elsewhere can easily exist here. There is another troubling revelation: the gender imbalance. Females accounted for 62 per cent of CAPE candidates and 59 per cent of CSEC candidates, while males accounted for only 38 per cent and 41 per cent respectively. That disparity demands investigation. Why are boys increasingly underrepresented at the higher levels of secondary education? Where are they falling out of the system? What social, economic, cultural or educational factors are pushing them away from academic achievement? The Caribbean cannot continue to celebrate female advancement while merely lamenting male underachievement. Both require attention. A society cannot afford to leave either half of its population behind. At the same time, CXC deserves credit for recognising that the traditional examination model may not be working for every learner. The introduction of the Caribbean Targeted Education Certificate, or CTEC, is therefore worth serious attention. Its modular approach allows students to master sections of a subject, earn credentials along the way and eventually build toward the full qualification. The mathematics pilot is particularly revealing. Of 2,535 students who wrote the first CTEC mathematics module, 88 per cent achieved acceptable grades. That is a dramatic improvement over the traditional situation in which roughly one-third of candidates typically achieve acceptable grades in mathematics. This does not mean standards should be lowered. They must not be. Rather, it suggests that perhaps the method of delivering and assessing learning needs to change. Education should challenge students, but it should not be designed in a way that makes too many of them conclude before they begin that success is beyond their reach. The Caribbean is facing a generation that will have to compete in a rapidly changing world. Qualifications matter. Skills matter. Discipline matters. Persistence matters. We cannot normalise young people disappearing from examination rooms. CXC has sounded the alarm. Governments, educators and parents must now listen. The 35,000 absentees are not merely numbers on an examination report. Behind every number is a young person whose future may have taken a wrong turn. The Caribbean cannot afford to simply count them. It must find them, understand them and bring them back.
Modernisation should not mean abandoning traditional livelihoods DEAR EDITOR, As a public analyst who has been involved in community programmes in Guyana, I believe we need to have a balanced national discussion about the continued use of horse-drawn carts on our highways, village streets and avenues. A c r o s s t h e c o u n t r y, m a n y individuals continue to use horse carts to transport goods, lumber, agricultural products and other materials. For some, this traditional form of transportation remains an important source of income and a means of providing for their families. I am fully supportive of anyone who is willing to work hard and earn an honest living. However, Guyana’s transportation system is rapidly changing, with increasing numbers of heavy-duty trucks, industrial vehicles, cars and motorcycles using our roads. This modernisation creates legitimate concerns about how horse carts and modern vehicles can safely share the same roadways, particularly on busy highways and major transportation routes. The issue of road safety therefore deserves serious attention. Differences in speed, size, visibility and manoeuvrability can create dangerous
situations involving horse carts and motor vehicles. The authorities have already raised concerns about road safety and the need to comply with existing laws and regulations. Rather than waiting for more serious accidents to occur, we should examine whether our current policies are still adequate for Guyana’s changing transportation environment. Animal welfare must also be part of this discussion. Concerns have consistently been raised by animal advocates about the treatment and working conditions of horses used with carts. While many cart owners may care properly for their animals, appropriate standards should ensure that horses receive adequate food, water, rest, shelter and veterinary care and are not subjected to excessive workloads or unsafe conditions. At the same time, we must recognise the economic reality facing cart drivers. There are people across Guyana who depend on this traditional occupation because it provides them with an income when other employment opportunities may not be readily available. Simply removing horse carts from the roads without considering these
livelihoods could place additional financial pressure on already vulnerable families. I believe the answer should therefore be a balanced review rather than an immediate ban. Government agencies, the police, animal-welfare organisations, transportation stakeholders, communities and cart drivers should have a meaningful discussion about possible solutions. These could include clearer registration requirements, designated routes, appropriate operating hours, visibility and safety requirements, load limits, driver responsibilities and enforceable animal-welfare standards. In 2026, Guyana must recognise that our transportation system is evolving and our laws and policies may need to evolve with it. Modernisation should not mean abandoning traditional livelihoods, but neither should tradition prevent us from addressing genuine concerns about road safety and animal welfare. A comprehensive review could help Guyana protect its road users, safeguard animals and, importantly, ensure that the people who depend on horse-cart transportation are not simply left behind by the country’s development. Sincerely, Blane R. Bunbury
Guyana must now claim its full oil dividend DEAR EDITOR, ExxonMobil’s confirmation that the Stabroek consortium recovered approximately US$55 billion in accumulated investment costs—two years ahead of schedule—marks a decisive, and uplifting moment for Guyana. Under the 2016 Petroleum Agreement, up to 75% of production could be used to recover approved costs, with the remaining profit oil divided equally between Guyana and the
consortium. The contract has not acquired new terms; rather, the existing formula must now deliver substantially more to Guyana. President Irfaan Ali has announced that Guyana’s entitlement has increased from 12.5% to 39.8% of production. Announcement must be transformed into reality for the Guyanese nation. Our leaders must now: Publish independently audited, project-by-project cost-recovery accounts. Disclose monthly
production, cost-oil, profitoil, royalty and revenue figures. Reject every inflated, unsupported or unauthorised expense. Prevent new project costs from unfairly eroding Guyana’s increased share. Use future project approvals to secure better royalties, taxation, ringfencing, environmental protection and local participation. Invest the increased revenues transparently in electricity, healthcare,
education, housing, jobs, infrastructure and underserved communities. This windfall must not disappear through secrecy, deafening silence, waste, corruption or political favouritism. It belongs to every Guyanese, including future generations. Leadership now r e q u i r e s t r a n s p a r e n c y, national unity and the courage to secure every dollar lawfully due to Guyana, and its people. Regards, Albert Baldeo
PPP using country’s wealth to divide “our people” DEAR EDITOR, Our core values as a nation have been undermined, our religious convictions compromised, so much so that a leader of a religious denomination and a minister in the PPP government derelict in his responsibility has caused the deaths of an unknown number of persons and has unjustly caused three men to be incarcerated. It is of no surprise that our learned religious leaders have remained silent and have allowed the PPP to show scant regard for human lives that were sent to a watery grave, many of whom were infants with unblemished souls. The PPP is using our enormous wealth generated from our natural resources extraction to divide our people, to compartmentalise our society. It is mainly their cronies, party
loyalists, friends and other affiliates who have benefitted. The majority of Guyanese live with their backs against the wall. With thousands of “well behaved “ Guyanese, most of whom are senior citizens, still waiting for the $100,000 cash grant. Of course the PPP unilateral appointment of a COI, which is a big payday for the commissioners, given past experiences, they expect to get away with what is criminal negligence. The international community has been very silent. In 2020 they threaten to institute sanctions against the APNU+AFC to safeguard our frail democracy, but to recover lives and to have accountability for the loss of lives and to refloat the MV Barima, I suppose that would have to be
requested by the government. At the end of the day their primary interest is safeguarding their commercial interest. Scapegoats will be found to take the blame and money will pass. That being said there will be worst consequences in event of a natural disaster. THE PPP HAVE SHOWN THAT THEY ARE NOT A RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT AND THIS IS LIKELY TO OCCUR AGAIN IN THE FUTURE. This time it will make the MV Barima Tragedy pale into insignificance. Given the PPP obsession with the accumulation of wealth and the retention of power by any means, it is back to business as usual. Yours faithfully, Desmond Alli
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Guyana has the oil; does it Justice for the MV Barima have the literary ambition? families must mean more than compensation
DEAR EDITOR, When Wilson Harris died in 2018, the debate that followed said more about Guyana’s literary standing than any obituary could. Harris was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature, confirmed in the Nobel’s own archive for 1975, though he never won it. But the fact that the question of whether he deserved it still resurfaces after his death says something about the level of writer Guyana produced. Trinidad-based writer and librarian Debbie Jacob put it plainly: he never received the recognition he deserved. Others, in the same public conversation, argued he belonged among the Nobel laureates, a “visionary” whose quantum fiction, as he called it, reimagined what the Caribbean novel could do. Harris isn’t an isolated case. David Dabydeen had never written a novel before his debut, The Intended, won the Guyana Prize in 1992; he went on to a distinguished international career as a novelist and academic. Pauline Melville won the Guardian Fiction Prize and the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best First Book. A striking feature of the careers of Harris, Dabydeen and Melville is that their international reputations were largely built from Britain. The Guyana Prize for Literature has done exactly what it was built to do: discover talent, validate it, and launch it. What it has not yet been able to do is provide a domestic publishing and distribution ecosystem capable of carrying that talent to the world without requiring a move to Britain. This is worth naming precisely now, because Guyana is in the middle of a transformation unlike anything in its history. Offshore oil discoveries have made it one of the fastestgrowing economies on Earth, a small nation now managing
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood.
wealth that dwarfs anything in its past. That wealth is reshaping roads, energy infrastructure, government revenue, entire sectors of the economy, visibly and quickly. It is fair to ask what, if anything, is being reinvested into the cultural and literary infrastructure that produced a writer the world still argues should have won its highest prize. A country doesn’t need oil wealth to produce great writers, Guyana’s own history proves that. But sustained investment, in publishing, in literary institutions, in the kind of infrastructure that lets a Guyanese writer build an international career while remaining based in Georgetown rather than having to relocate to London, is exactly the kind of longterm, unglamorous project that new national wealth is supposed to make possible. Roads and energy grids are visible, immediate, and politically rewarding to build. A literary publishing ecosystem capable of carrying a Guyanese Wilson Harris to the world from
home is a much longer, quieter investment, and precisely the kind that’s easiest to defer when oil revenue creates more urgent, more visible priorities. None of this diminishes what Harris, Dabydeen, and Melville achieved, or suggests their international careers were somehow lesser for having been built abroad. It’s an argument that their path shouldn’t have to be the only one. Guyana has already proven, more than once, that it can produce writers the world takes seriously. The unfinished question, at exactly the moment the country has more resources than at any point in its history, is whether it will finally build the infrastructure to keep proving that from home. Rajat Kanti Satpati is an independent writer and researcher from India, working on democratic theory, political communication, and literature. He is the author of the novel What We Let Fall Away . His writing also has a p p e a r e d o n SteinbeckNow.com and ModernGhana. Best regards, Rajat Kanti
DEAR EDITOR, Justice for the families affected by the MV Barima tragedy cannot be reduced to financial compensation, particularly if accepting that compensation requires them to surrender their right to pursue individual or collective legal action. The families should obtain independent legal advice before signing any agreement that could release the State, the vessel’s operators or other responsible parties from further liability. Justice must include determining who permitted the vessel to traverse those waters in its reportedly debilitated condition and ensuring that anyone found directly responsible is never again placed in a position involving comparable authority or responsibility. It must also result in meaningful improvements to vessel maintenance, passenger safety, boarding
procedures, ticket sales, capacity controls and operational planning. The families are owed an apology and fair compensation, but they are also owed the whole truth, made fully and publicly available. The findings of the Commission of Inquiry should therefore not be presented as finality; they constitute important evidence that must be carefully examined alongside other available evidence and tested through appropriate legal and parliamentary processes. The families of those who died, together with the surviving passengers and others affected, should consider coordinated legal proceedings, including a class action if legally appropriate. Parliament should also conduct a joint investigation capable of examining the
broader institutional and regulatory failures that allowed these circumstances to arise. Ultimately, liability must be determined by the evidence emerging from the Commission of Inquiry, parliamentary scrutiny and any subsequent judicial proceedings. The tragedy attracted attention far beyond Guyana because many people could not understand how passengers were permitted to travel under the reported conditions aboard a vessel allowed to enter waters known for strong currents, even if ordinarily navigable. Compensation may address part of the loss, but it cannot by itself deliver accountability, institutional reform or the truth. Until those things occur, justice for the MV Barima families remains unfinished. Sincerely, Rawle A. Small
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Friday August 21, 2026
WIN summons APNU over LGC, GECOM and Region 10 leadership The main opposition p a r t y, We I n v e s t i n Nationhood (WIN) has formally invited A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) to a meeting on Monday, 24th August, 2026. The meeting aims to address disagreements over representation on the Local Government Commission (LGC), appointments to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), and the Chairman and Vice Chairman RDC positions in Region 10. The call for dialogue follows a public statement from APNU Leader Aubrey Norton expressing strong disappointment over WIN’s submission of nominees for the LGC. In a letter addressed to WIN Leader and Leader of the Opposition Azruddin Mohamed, Norton criticised the submission of three names Leola Narine and Leslyn Lowe of WIN, alongside Nicholas Chesney of the Forward Guyana
Movement (FGM) to President Irfaan Ali without prior notification to APNU. Norton argued that despite APNU submitting its own recommendations Joan Ann Ramacindo and Ronald Daniels upon WIN’s request, its nominees were completely excluded. Pointing to APNU’s 12 seats in the National Assembly compared to WIN’s 16 and FGM’s single seat, Norton stated that fairness and political proportionality demand APNU hold at least one seat on the Commission, warning that such exclusion signals a fractured opposition. In response, WIN issued a statement reiterating its commitment to constructive engagement and political collaboration, citing previous concessions made to APNU on parliamentary committees such as the Economic Services, Foreign Relations, and Natural Resources Committees. Inviting Norton and his team
Former Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton to a meeting at the WIN Party Office at Serenity Court, Green Acres, WIN signalled that the talks must extend beyond the LGC dispute to broader issues affecting democratic institutions such as the Opposition nominated GECOM Commissioners. This issue stemmed from political realignments
following the 2025 General and Regional Elections, where WIN emerged as the primary opposition group. Mohamed has argued that Article 161(3)(b) of the Constitution requires opposition representation at GECOM to reflect current parliamentary dynamics,
where long-serving Opposition nominated Commissioners Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin, and Desmond Trotman remain in place. Mohamed previously submitted replacement nominees, Roysdale Forde, S.C., SiandDhurjon, and Damien DaSilva, to President Ali on 30th June, with a follow-up dispatched on 7th August. However, Kaieteur News understands that APNU remains resolute in their position that they are not in a position to influence the resignation of the Opposition nominated GECOM Commissioners. Compounding electoral tensions is a dispute over 69 field scrutineers under Section 33D of the Representation of the People Act, none of whom currently belong to WIN or FGM. While the Opposition Leader submitted revised nominations to GECOM, the
Chief Election Officer questioned whether the process met the standard of “meaningful consultation.” The Opposition Office maintains that GECOM lacks the authority to override the Leader of the Opposition’s selections. Adding to the friction is the post-election leadership outcome in Region 10. Despite WIN securing 9 seats in the Regional Democratic Council compared to APNU’s 5, the PPP/C’s 3 councillors and FGM’s 1 representative joined APNU to elect the RDC Chairman and Vice C h a i r m a n , e ff e c t i v e l y blocking WIN’s majority advantage. The upcoming 24th August meeting is expected to test whether the opposition parties can reconcile their differences or remain divided on key governance and electoral issues.
$2B Bath water plant set for Old Year’s Day completion The $2 billion water treatment plant under construction at Bath, West Coast Berbice, is expected to be completed by 31st December, 2026, the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation announced Thursday. The ministry said its Director General, Alfonso De Armas, along with Engineer in Charge of Foreign Funded Projects Arshad Yacoub and Head of the Well Drilling Unit Orin Browne, visited the site to assess progress on the project. “Once complete, the plant will treat 18 million litres per day, serving residents from Kingelly to Jacoba. Three new wells are being drilled to feed it, so source and treatment capacity come online together,” the
ministry said. With, “Completion set for December 31,” De Armas told contractors that the ministry’s policy on delayed projects will be enforced, and that liquidated damages will be applied without exception where deadlines are missed. “Bath is one more plant in a coastline-wide build-out toward the government’s commitment of treated water for every household,” it added. In October 2024, this publication reported that the five new water treatment plants the government intends to build in Regions Two, Three, Five and Six with funding from a loan will cost $3,214,805,220.
Ongoing construction at the site of the water treatment plant.
T N U L B . . . T B N U T L N T B . U . L . L T B . N . U . N U T L N B . U . T . L N T U N B . N U . . L U L LUNT B . T . . T T N N B U B . U . L . L T B . B . . N . . . T T LU N N T U U L N L B U . B . . L . . . T B T . . N . N T U L N LU B U . . L N . Accountability cannot T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . wait for the Barima CoI T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . N T B . . U N . L T U B L N . . B . U . . T L . N T B . . U N . L N T B U N . . L . U T B L . . N B . . . T U . L N T B U . . L . UN T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N B U U .BLUNT. . . L . T B . . N . T U . L N . T B U . UN .BLUNT.. UNT...BL T...BL . L N . T B U . . L LUN ...BLUNT. LUNT...B NT...BL T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U BBL T...BLUN BLUNT... ...BLU . T . N . N T T U L U N L B U T...BLU U B . L . N . B T . . . N T U N N N L U U U B L . L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Friday August 21, 2026
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‘Change your eating habits’ — Pres Ali blames citizens’ lifestyles for rising cost of living ...says dining out, shopping in supermarkets driving up expenses
...cash grants will not solve problem By Davina Bagot
President points to supermarket shopping, eating out and changing consumer habits as Guyanese struggle with soaring prices Guyanese are increasingly struggling to afford food, rent and other basic necessities in oil-rich Guyana, but President Irfaan Ali says changing lifestyles and consumer habits are also contributing to the country's
high cost of living. Notably the President said he can cite hundreds of measures that have already been implemented by his administration to address the issue which persists beyond the control of government. He said for instance the global environment and imported inflation affects the country and consumers. Offering one example, the President explained that while the country produces
crude oil, it imports all refined products such as gasoline, diesel and cooking gas, meaning these items are more expensive due to imported market costs. A d d i t i o n a l l y, h e highlighted that tensions in the Middle East have resulted in increased cost for pharmaceuticals as well as fertilizers, which have an effect on food prices. To t h i s e n d , h e suggested, “We have to also
change our eating pattern in the country and that is something we have to address. More persons today are shopping in the supermarket, than were shopping in the supermarket four years ago.” He continued, “If you look at the margins in the supermarket you will see that the margins are far different than the margin in the normal market. So that's a cultural issue that has come upon us that needs to be addressed.” Ali cautioned that the profit margins in supermarkets are significantly higher due to rent and air conditioning in some cases. A d d i t i o n a l l y, h e observed, “People are eating out more than they were eating out four years ago. The average family is visiting a restaurant more than they were doing four years ago. That is also an issue. More people are cooking less at home than they were cooking four years ago.” Finally, Ali stressed that retailers in Guyana have been charging exorbitant cost on items purchased from farmers. To this end, he said government may assess the establishment of permanent farmers markets across the country to offer reduced prices to customers directly from farmers. I m p o r t a n t l y, t h e President made it clear that cash grants will not solve the issue of cost of living, but rather a holistic approach. He said, “We have to address this issue of cost of living from different perspectives. No amount of grants would address it.
President Irfaan Ali
Grants are there to support different levels of vulnerability and to support injection for family income. We have to address it in a structured way.” To this end he pointed out that the GoG has implemented a series of measures of assist farmers including the removal of taxes, rollout of subsidies, and others. He said despite this exhaustive list of measures taken by the government, the situation is where it is currently. The President therefore suggested, “So we have to address this in its multidimensional framecultural issues, changing eating patterns, changing buying patterns, the margins that are there- that is the only way. It has to be holistic and of course we have to be cognizant of what is happening globally and what is pushing prices globally.” In March this year, a group of Guyanese congregated at the Regency Hotel, Georgetown in observance of International Women's Day, where women shared their struggles to put food on their tables and children's lunch bags in the oil-rich economy while corporate companies feast on growing profits. The event themed
'Guyana's women and oilimpact and resistance' was organised by Red Thread and A Fair Deal for Guyana- A Fair Deal for the Planet, two non-governmental organisations. Setting the stage, Joy Marcus of Red Thread told of how hope for a better life from the rich oil resources in the Stabroek Block has dwindled. Instead, she told dozens gathered at the event that the operator, ExxonMobil is enjoying hefty profits while Guyanese women struggle to find meals to feed their families. “While Exxon is boasting about the millions of dollars they gain in profit, for ordinary people we gained a cost of living that has skyrocketed so high, making it extremely hard for us to survive,” Marcus said as she paused from her prepared presentation to share how women are forced to cook more stews than ever, as vegetables have become hard to afford. Another presenter, Susan Collymore weighed into the impacts of cost of living on pensioners in particular. Collymore pointed out that food, utilities and transportation have become more expensive over the past few years, a situation that is particularly straining on pensioners who depend on a fixed monthly income of only $46,000 now- given the recent $5000 increase. Additionally, Rushana Pilgrim, a young single mother of two said she continues to struggle in an oil rich nation. “The cost of living keeps rising and it's getting harder for ordinary families like mine to afford basic necessities…with all the oil wealth in this country we are supposed to be living better and not worrying everyday about how to afford a proper meal,” she stated.
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Friday August 21, 2026
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The students who never turned up A report in yesterday’s Kaieteur News that some 35,000 students across the Caribbean absconded from the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations ought to make every education policymaker sit up and take note. The figure is startling, but before we begin issuing detention for examinations absenteeism, there is a more fundamental question that must be answered: what exactly does “absconded” mean? We do not know whether the 35,000 represents students who registered for CSEC and failed to appear for any examination at all, or
students who registered for several subjects and simply failed to turn up for some of them. That distinction is critical, because the two circumstances point to very different problems, and any serious assessment of the state of Caribbean education must begin with a proper interpretation of the data. There is, however, no escaping the fact that either interpretation raises an uncomfortable question about the confidence and commitment of our young people towards an examination that has become the principal gateway to further education and employment. If thousands of
students register for examinations and then disappear when the papers are placed on the desks, something somewhere has gone seriously wrong. The Ministry of Education in Guyana should therefore not wait for the Caribbean Examination Council to produce some regional interpretation of the numbers before examining what is happening here at home. The Ministry should determine precisely how many Guyanese students registered for CSEC, how many actually sat the examinations, how many missed individual subjects and, most importantly, why
Dem Boys Seh...
Which Tyre Gone Flat? Dem boys seh examination season does bring out two kinds of students: dem who study, and dem who does study how fuh avoid studying. Now everybody know Guyanese people could find excuse quicker than a taxi man could toot his horn. But some excuse got ambition. Dem does deserve certificate all by demself. Dem boys hear bout four university students who spend the whole night partying like if examination was a public holiday. By morning, dem couldn’t tell left from right, much less Mathematics from English. Naturally, dem miss the exam. Well, dem march straight to the lecturer with face longer than a government project and explain that a flat tyre keep them from reaching the examination. The lecturer nod quiet, say no problem, and arrange a special make-up examination. Dem boys seh when a man agree too quick, mind yuh business. Come examination day, the four students arrive looking fresh, confident and smiling like people who think they beat the system. Dem open the paper. One question. “Which tyre went flat?” Dem boys seh is at that very moment all four realise that lying require more revision than Physics.
But cheating got levels. One teacher walk up to a student during examination and whisper, “I hope I didn’t just see you looking over at your neighbour’s answers.” The boy answer without blinking. “Yeah, Miss, I hope you didn’t see it either.” Dem boys seh some children nowadays don’t deny the crime. Dem just pray the witness got poor eyesight. Then again, confidence could be dangerous. One invigilator spend the whole examination watching one student copying from a crib sheet, glancing left, peeping right and harvesting answers like rice in Region Five. When the papers collecting time come, the invigilator block he path. “No, sir. You were cheating all through the examination. You can’t hand in that paper.” The student puff up he chest. “Do you know who I am?” The invigilator say, “Not the slightest idea.” The fellow grin, slip he answer sheet into the middle of the pile with everybody else’s scripts and stroll away before anybody could say “multiple choice.” Talk half. Leff half.
they were absent. That inquiry is particularly necessary because CSEC is not a free exercise; it is being financed substantially by the taxpayers of Guyana. If the State is prepared to pay for students to sit as many as eight subjects, then taxpayers are entitled to know whether those opportunities are being used, and whether the present system is encouraging students to register for subjects they have little intention or capacity to complete. The Ministry should undertake a comprehensive review of absenteeism, examining the reasons students do not appear for examinations, whether financial or family circumstances are involved, whether lack of proper classroom deterred students from turning up on e x a m i n a t i o n d a y, a n d whether anxiety and workload are becoming significant factors. The results should be made public, because education policy should be driven by evidence rather than assumptions. There is also another elephant sitting quietly in the examination hall: the obsession with producing high-flyers by counting the largest number of Grade Ones. The system has gradually created an academic arms race in which
students are encouraged to pile subject upon subject onto their examination schedules, not necessarily because each subject is essential to their future, but because somebody wants their name at the top of a high-flyer list. That is hardly a sensible definition of educational excellence. A student who earns eight Grade Ones in carefully selected subjects relevant to his or her abilities and ambitions should not automatically be considered less outstanding than another student who collects fifteen or twenty Grade Ones simply because that student was able to survive an academic marathon. Students themselves have repeatedly complained about the extraordinary stress associated with preparing for enormous numbers of subjects. At some point, education ceases to be about learning and becomes an endurance contest, with children measuring their worth by how many examination papers they can survive. The Ministry should therefore initiate discussions with CXC about establishing a core bundle of perhaps eight subjects for purposes of identifying the region’s and each territory’s most outstanding students. The subjects could include English, Mathematics, a science, a social science and other disciplines selected to
provide a balanced measure of intellectual ability, while allowing appropriate flexibility for different academic pathways. Such a system would not prevent any student from writing additional subjects. It would simply prevent the number of examinations written from becoming the principal measure of academic brilliance, and it would remove some of the pressure that encourages students to treat CSEC as an Olympic event in which the winner is the person carrying home the most gold medals. Guyana cannot seriously aspire to build a modern, highly educated and productive society while ignoring why thousands of young Caribbean people are registering for examinations they subsequently fail to attend. Before we congratulate ourselves on the number of Grade Ones produced, perhaps we should first ask how many students were supposed to be sitting in those examination rooms—and why some of them never arrived. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 10 UTHS
D TR
HAR
HK
BY G
LALL
Friday August 21, 2026
H@RD TRUTHS
BY GHK LALL
Loving Exxon It is why I like these swashbucklers operating out of Spring, Texas. They know how to keep others on their toes, and to lull their partners in host counties to sleep. There was Big Chief Darren Woods during his 31st July second quarter report breaking open the champagne. He had a lot to share: four new oil discoveries in Guyana likely to “go above and beyond what we thought were opportunities.” Bigger than the imagination. It could be Beaumont and Spindletop replicated, maybe even a touch of Ghawar in Saudi Arabia, when big game oil hunters like Mr. Darren Woods starts to talk in that effusive manner. Oh my, just when Guyana's cost bank melted down, and cost
recovery went from 75 to zero, the Exxon CEO was suddenly talking about not one spectacular oil discovery, but a total of four in the works. This was so sensitive that Exxon Guyana Country H e a d , M r. A l i s t a i r Routledge, was not allowed to do the honors, break the news with the natives, as mostly has been the case. Ever can recall CEO Woods finding the time, dirtying his fingernails, with something as routine as oil discoveries? Not I, certainly. It had to be Mr. Woods with his splashy, m o u t h w a t e r i n g announcement to set the investor world buzzing. These guys know how to yank Guyana's chain. Oil reserves and new oil discoveries have been at a standstill for years now. Mr. Routledge was handed the
dirty end of the stick. He had to craft narratives about 'reserves in hand' and 'monetization' and more corporate gobbledygook. One was that it takes years to attach a number to discoveries. Thanks for nothing, Mr. Country Head. Somebody around here needs to get a full CT scan of their head. It's not me. Because the mystery is a mystery no more. What Mr. Routledge couldn't say, Mr. Woods monopolised the microphones, did him four times better. Four world-class discoveries pending, if I may borrow Chief Ali's favourite word. In fact, I think this goes beyond world-class. Worldclass is too lame, too pedestrian, based on what Mr. Woods shared with
Exxon's shareholders. More likely to be out of this world. Was that heard, fellow Guyanese? While Mr. Routledge was hemming and hawing and hewing to the winds, there is Mr. Woods laying it out as if he was on the outside lane of the German autobahn. No speed limit. What's hair-raising from a Guyanese standpoint is how no sooner the US$55 billion is paid off, and the cost bank has been retired than it is set to bounce right back to life. From 50:50 of Net Oil Revenues, it's looking like back to half of 25 percent for Guyanese. Four magical new oil discoveries will push to that place. Trust a trusted partner to deliver such creativity. Trust Mr. Woods to speak as though the four discoveries
are a future development matter. I think Exxon knew all along what was lying underfoot in the Stabroek Block. They just had to get the timing right. Before they revealed the fine print. It's perfection in action! I think I'm going to take up palm reading. I can read these Exxon guy like the back of my hand. They lie in ambush, then bushwhack Guyanese. What will it be? Four times 11.6 billion barrels? Guyanese will take twice as much as they know currently, and be happy. Truth be told, Guyanese are so jaded, so docile, that they will take anything that is shoved into their ear. By anybody. Time for some spiritual consolation. It is said that
the Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away. Guyanese got a whiff of fully paid off and 50/50 profit share in the cards. Mr. Woods was right there to stir some more excitement: four new oil discoveries coming up. They will bust up whatever was seen before. Setup, then smash up. See why I hold these Exxon princes so highly? As highly as I would a cobra or a viper. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper
Trial begins for five men accused of killing West Coast Berbice pensioner
T
he trial of five men accused of beating a 61-yearold man to death began this week after a 12-member jury was empanelled at the Demerara High Court on Wednesday.
Brian Evans, 22, of No. 11 Village, West Coast Berbice Justice Sandil Kissoon is presiding over the matter,
Ryan Dhanraj, 27, of Block D Waterloo, Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice
James David, 18, a labourer of No. 12 Village, West Coast Berbice
whic h dates back to November 2021. State counsels Tiffany Lyken and Rabina Christmas are presenting the prosecution's case. Brian Evans, 22, of No. 11 Village, West Coast Berbice; Ryan Dhanraj, 27, of Block D Waterloo, Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice; James David, 18, a labourer of No. 12 Village, West Coast Berbice; Samuel Vanbrook, called "Chucky," 22, unemployed, of Waterloo, Bath Settlement; and Leeward Chung, called "Boysie," 22, unemployed, also of Bath Settlement, are jointly charged with murder
u n d e r common law in the death of Bheim Evans. According to reports, Evans, of Woodley Park, West Coast Berbice, was attempting to rescue his 21y e a r - o l d s o n , Ti c h a n Persaud, from an assault by the five men. The group had approached Persaud seeking information on his father's whereabouts, accusing him of stealing jewellery. After Persaud denied any knowledge of the accusations against his father, the men allegedly beat him until Evans arrived moments later and tried to
Samuel Vanbrook, Leeward Chung, called called "Chucky," 22, "Boysie," 22, unemployed, unemployed, of Waterloo, of Bath Settlement, Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice West Coast Berbice intervene. They then reportedly turned on Evans, beating him with several objects, including a chain, and inflicting chop wounds until he lost consciousness. Persaud later stated that his father's genitals were pepper sprayed and that he was dragged in a rice bag and dumped near a trench. Evans was rushed to the Fort Wellington Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Brian Evans is represented by attorney Stacy Goodings. Ryan Dhanraj and Samuel Vanbrook are represented by
Kevin Morgan, in association with Kasha Fraser, Towana Charles, Zola Williams, and Nickesha Daniels. James David and Leeward Chung are represented by Sasha Roberts. On Wednesday, several police witnesses testified regarding the men's arrest and their subsequent appearance before the magistrate's court on 18th November, 2021. The voir dire continues Friday before Justice Kissoon at the Demerara High Court, where the state is expected to call several of its key witnesses.
Kaieteur News
Friday August 21, 2026
PAGE 11
Canadian firm secures option to acquire 15,000 acres gold property in Reg. 1 from Russian company Gary Bay, Chief Executive Officer of XAU, commented: “Matthews Ridge represents another important step in XAU's strategy to expand and strengthen its gold exploration land position in Guyana. As we continue to advance the Quartzstone transaction and our e x i s t i n g N o s e n o p r o p e r t y, Matthews Ridge adds another highly prospective project to our exploration pipeline.” He added, that the company believes the property has strong technical merit, with established exploration targets and significant areas that remain underexplored. “The transaction has also been structured to preserve capital upfront while giving XAU the opportunity to systematically evaluate the property and prioritise exploration spending based on results. Our objective is to continue building a portfolio of high-quality Guyana gold assets that can be advanced in parallel and create multiple opportunities for discovery and value creation for XAU shareholders,” he added.
Days after Canada-based mining company XAU Resources Inc. announced that it is evaluating additional acquisition opportunities in Guyana, the company has secured the option to acquire a 100% interest in the Matthews Ridge gold property in Region One (Barima-Waini), which spans more than 15,000 acres. In an August 20 update, XAU Resources Inc. said it entered into the option agreement on 18th August with Russian company Consolidated Northwest Resources Incorporated (CNRI). Under the agreement, XAU has been granted the exclusive option to acquire a 100% interest in the Matthews Ridge Gold Project in northwestern Guyana. The Matthews Ridge Property comprises 15 medium-scale mining permits covering approximately over 15,000 acres (or 60.97 square kilometres) and is located approximately three-km south of the town of Matthews Ridge.
The Matthews Ridge Property is located 32 kilometres south of XAU Resources' Noseno Property. The Noseno Property is located in northwestern Guyana, within one of the country's most prospective greenstone belts, and comprises 37 licences covering 37,623 acres, (or 152 square kilometres). In an August 14 statement, XAU said its move to acquire more mining lands is based on the objective to build a larger, consolidated land position with geological continuity in Region One. Notably, XAU is currently in the process of gaining control of the Quartz stone Gold Project in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) which covers 296 square kilometres of contiguous mining lands. The company is looking to acquire the gold project through the acquisition of the Barbadosincorporated QS Holdings Inc. that is the parent company of local company Qstone Inc. which controls the Quartz stone project. As it relates to the Matthews
Ridge property, XAU said the property was part of a larger land position in northwestern Guyana explored by London-based Petropavlovsk PLC during 2010 to 2012. “Indications of gold mineralisation from the historical exploration work by Petropavlovsk plus more recent small-scale miners, although unverified, provide encouragement for discovery potential,” XAU noted. The company also said the property underwent stream sediment sampling, soil sampling, coarse (400-metre line spacing) ground magnetic and radiometric surveying, geological prospecting and rock chip sampling, as well as limited trenching of targets on the eastern claim block. “Evidence of historical and recent small-scale mining activity across the property also infers the widespread presence of gold on the property,” the company noted. XAU said the report and some of the historical digital data have been provided to it by CNRI. However, the company added that
neither the historical data nor the report has been independently verified by its qualified person. N o t a b l y, u n d e r t h e o p t i o n agreement, XAU has secured the exclusive option to acquire 100% of the property. Over the initial four-year option period, it must make US$2.01 million in nonrefundable payments to CNRI and spend at least US$5 million on qualifying exploration work. The option agreement also stipulates that XAU can extend the option for up to two additional years at US$500,000 per year, with a further US$5 million in qualifying work expenditures required if extensions are used. Notably, to exercise the option, XAU must pay all amounts due, and meet the work commitment. XAU will then acquire 100% of the property, subject to a 2% net smelter return (NSR) retained by CNRI. The company will also have exclusive rights to operate and conduct exploration and development during the option period.
Location of Matthews Ridge Property. The map also shows the location of XAU's Noseno gold project Five Star
Arawatta Fish Creek
Arakaka (Golden Shield)
Tassawini (Lighthouse Gold)
Matthews Ridge Mn Mine (Bosai Minerals)
Matthews Ridge Property Yakishuru
Baramita
Ianna
Matthews Ridge Property Nosseno Property
Noseno
XAU Resources Noseno Property
Nosseno Property Aurora Gold Mine Significant Gold Prospects Geology Legend Avanavero Gabbro-Norite Dikes and Sills Trans-Amazonian Younger Granites Bartica Gneissic Complex Barama-Mazaruni Meta-Basic Rocks Barama-Mazaruni Meta-Sediments Barama-Mazaruni Meta-Volcanic Tuffs and Sediments
Regional Crustal Breaks Interpreted Faults
Sulphur Rose (Zijin) ·Aurora Gold (Zijin)
PAGE 12
Kaieteur News
Friday August 21, 2026
GPL cracks down on illegal power connections in Sophia
GPL technicians removed several illegal connections during their Sophia operation The Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) has stepped up its fight against electricity theft, conducting an enforcement exercise in a section of Sophia on Thursday to identify and remove illegal connections from the national power network. GPL warned that electricity theft is a criminal offence and said anyone found illegally tapping into the network will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The company said illegal connections pose a serious threat to lives and property, increasing the risk of electrocution, fires, serious injuries and death. They can also damage GPL's infrastructure and undermine the quality and reliability of electricity supplied to legitimate customers. GPL is urging residents to report suspected electricity theft through its hotline at 226-2600, toll-free at 0475, or via WhatsApp at 699-4882. Electricity theft is dangerous. Don't risk your life—or the lives of others. Report it.
Friday August 21, 2026
Kaieteur News
PAGE 13
Kaieteur News
PAGE 14
Friday August 21, 2026
Dragon fruit expands root in Guyana Nine months ago, growing dragon fruit was an unfamiliar idea for many farmers along the Linden–Soesdyke Highway. Today, rows of climbing cactus plants are rewarding their patience with spectacular white blossoms and fruits —the first visible sign that this new agricultural opportunity is succeeding. "This is my first time planting dragon fruit, and I am surprised by how quickly it has reached production. The commercial potential is limitless. I am already
expanding my farm, and, with Mr. Van Son's ongoing guidance, I have learnt how to identify and manage diseases. I was willing to learn because I saw an opportunity to create something better for my family," said Mr. William Adams. For the farmers participating in the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) dragon fruit pilot initiative, these first blooms represent far more than fruit. They symbolise perseverance and teamwork for a more
resilient future. The initiative was launched under the Sustainable Land Development and Management (SLDM) project, implemented by the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) with support from the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), and funded by the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF). Farmers received dragon fruit plants, fertilizer, trellises, practical training and continued technical support to establish
Dragon Fruit farmers from St Cuthbert's Mission commercial orchards. But success depended on months of dedication—including preparing the land, training the plants to climb, managing irrigation and patiently waiting for the first signs of flowering. "I was so excited when my plants reached the flowering stage. Some days, I'd walk through the field just to see if anything had changed," said Ms. Wanda Lakna with a smile. "Watching the plants grow little by little kept me motivated. I'm learning that dragon fruit performs better in open fields than under shade, so I'm clearing more
Farmer, Mohammed Haroon
Dragon fruit cultivation along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway
land and expanding," added her sister, Naphnis Lakna. Known for their large, fragrant blooms that open for just a single night, dragon fruit flowers signal that fruit production is close. For the farmers, seeing those blossoms for the first time was both emotional and reassuring. "When I saw the first flower, I knew this could become a successful business. I used the guidebook, followed the expert advice, and I'm now producing and in the process of expanding my farm," said Mr. Muhammed Haroon.
T h i s m o n t h , FA O international dragon fruit expert Nguyen Van Son returned to Guyana to continue mentoring farmers. During field visits, he has been helping them to identify diseases, improve plant health and apply practical techniques to support healthy fruit production. Encouraged by the pilot's early success, FAO has now expanded the initiative to St Cuthbert's Mission, where a new startup farm is giving Community Service Officers hands-on experience in dragon fruit cultivation
while creating opportunities for future livelihood development. For FAO, the success of the pilot extends beyond the flowering plants. It is about demonstrating how innovation, practical training and sustained technical support can empower farmers to embrace new opportunities. It is also building resilient farming systems that are better prepared for changing markets and climates. "It is encouraging to see the enthusiasm and progress of these farmers. Dragon fruit offers much more than a new crop, it creates opportunities to diversify incomes, strengthen resilience and improve livelihoods. Sustainability will depend on farmers, institutions and partners continuing to work together," said Dr Gillian Smith, FAO Representative in Guyana. For these farmers, the first flowers are more than the beginning of a harvest. They represent the confidence to embrace something new, the value of knowledge shared across borders, and the promise of new opportunities for their families. What began as an unfamiliar crop is now blossoming into a brighter` future—one flower at a time. (FAO)
Kaieteur News
Friday August 21, 2026
PAGE 15
Opposition raises GECOM impasse, LGE
delays with diplomats …says 69 APNU scrutineers do not represent current opposition layout The Office of the Leader of the Opposition has formally engaged international partners, diplomatic missions, and institutions over the deadlock at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), warning that the impasse threatens the nation's democratic calendar and local electoral timelines. In an official statement issued on 19th August, 2026, titled "Guyana's Electoral Institutions at a Crossroads: GECOM, Representation and the 2025 Political Transition," the Office of the Leader of the Opposition outlined several institutional delays stalling preparations for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE). Statutorily due by November 2026, three years following the 2023 polls, the elections face potential delay due to a non-functioning Commission. The briefing mirrors recent warnings from international observers, including the Carter Center, which voiced "considerable concern" that an improperly constituted Commission could leave GECOM unable to hold LGE within the statutory timeframe or implement vital electoral
reforms. The dispute stems from the political realignments following the 2025 General and Regional Elections, which saw We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) emerge as the primary opposition party alongside the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM). Despite these shifts, opposition seats on the Commission remain held by long-serving Opposition nominated commissioners Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin, and Desmond Trotman. Leader of the Opposition Azruddin Mohamed maintains that Article 161(3)(b) of the Constitution mandates that opposition representation reflect the current parliamentary r e a l i t y. F o l l o w i n g consultations with nongovernmental opposition leaders, including APNU's Aubrey Norton and FGM'sAmanza Walton, Mohamed formally submitted three replacement nominees to President Irfaan Ali on 30th June, 2026, Roysdale Forde, S.C, SiandDhurjon and Damien DaSilva. With no substantive response from the Head of State, a followup letter was dispatched on
7th August, 2026, urging executive action. However, sitting Commissioner Vincent Alexander and former Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton have pushed back against the recall attempt, contending that commissioners cannot be removed simply due to shifts in parliamentary leadership and that no legal vacancies exist outside of resignation or death. Scrutineer allocation under scrutiny A secondary conflict has erupted over the allocation of field scrutineers under Section 33D of the Representation of the People Act. The Opposition revealed that none of the 69 opposition scrutineers currently remunerated by GECOM belong to WIN or FGM, leaving the present parliamentary opposition without statutory oversight in the ongoing voter registration process. Although the Opposition Leader submitted a new list of scrutineer nominations to GECOM following interparty consultations, the Commission's Chief Election Officer questioned whether the submission met the statutory standard of
Guyana makes aviation history with first rotorcraft certification
Members of Guyana Rotorcraft Services Inc. on Thursday received Guyana's first Rotor-Wing Air Operator Certificate (AOC) at the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Head Office. Guyana Rotorcraft Services Inc. (GRSI) has officially achieved a landmark milestone, becoming the first domestic aviation company to secure a Rotorcraft Air Operations Certification in Guyana. The achievement unlocks full commercial helicopter services across all administrative regions of the country, the company said in a press release. GRSI will initially launch operations using its recently acquired Bell 206 helicopter, with plans already underway to expand the fleet with multi-engine aircraft before the end of the year. Beyond standard commercial charters, the company is set to fill a critical infrastructure gap by launching specialised Medical Evacuation (Medevac) operations.
This service will target remote inland areas that lack traditional airstrips or overland road access, bringing rapid emergency response capabilities to underserved communities. Commenting on the historic achievement, Capt. Tarick Ramnarace, CEO of the Mazahar Ally Group of Companies (GRSI's parent group), reflected on the gruelling journey to certification: "This certification was in the making for over 12 years and faced a lot of challenges, but with our dedicated team we never gave up, we kept the ball rolling."With its new certification in hand and fleet expansion on the horizon, Guyana Rotorcraft Services Inc. is positioned to significantly boost regional connectivity, resource transport, and lifesaving medical support across Guyana's interior.
"meaningful consultation. "In response, the Opposition Office argued that GECOM lacks the constitutional authority to override choices made by the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, urging the electoral body to give immediate effect to the revised appointments to ensure voter list transparency. Clarifying that it does not seek foreign intervention in domestic legal affairs, the Office of the Leader of the O p p o s i t i o n u rg e d t h e international community to
Leader of the Opposition Azruddin Mohamed and Former Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton monitor the situation closely to encourage constitutional compliance, transparency, and institutional i n d e p e n d e n c e . "Constitutional and electoral institutions should recognise enduring democratic
principles, not the identities of particular political parties," the statement read. "Governments change. Oppositions change. Political parties change. The constitutional framework must endure."
PAGE 16
Friday August 21, 2026
Kaieteur News
Hotels urged to buy more Guyanese produce
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As Guyana’s hospitality industry expands, Government is moving to strengthen the link between local farmers and hotels, with the aim of ensuring more of the billions spent by visitors remains within the local economy. Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, says the objective is to develop a more structured, market-led approach to agricultural production, where farmers have greater certainty about what the hospitality sector requires and can plan production accordingly. The minister made the remarks on Tuesday during an engagement with hotel owners, managers and representatives of the hospitality sector, where stakeholders discussed opportunities to increase the use of locally produced fruits, vegetables, herbs and other agricultural commodities. “The issue is not simply whether farmers can produce.
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The issue is whether we can organise production around the requirements of the market,” Minister Mustapha was quoted in a press release issued by his office. He noted that while farmers across the country are producing a wide range of commodities, stronger coordination is needed to connect that production with the demand within the hospitality industry. The minister said hotels require reliable supplies that meet specific standards, quantities and quality requirements, while farmers need greater certainty about the market before making production decisions. “We cannot simply tell farmers, ‘Produce more,’ without telling them where the market is, what quantity is required, what standards must be met and what price structure they can reasonably expect,” he said. Representatives of the hospitality sector welcomed the initiative and i d e n t i f i e d t r a c e a b i l i t y, r e l i a b i l i t y, q u a l i t y a n d competitive pricing as key requirements for increasing their purchases from local producers. Minister Mustapha said the initiative must therefore extend beyond production to address the entire agricultural value chain, including grading, sorting, packaging, food safety, hygiene, traceability, post-harvest handling, storage and transportation. “This initiative must go beyond production. We have to look at the entire value chain—from the farm to the hotel kitchen,” he said. The Minister proposed
Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha that hotels communicate their requirements in advance to farmers, cooperatives and producer groups, allowing for seasonal production plans, supply schedules and, where practical, longer-term purchasing arrangements. He said greater certainty in the market could encourage farmers to invest in irrigation, improved planting material, greenhouse production, machinery and other technologies, ultimately contributing to increased production and employment. As part of the next steps, the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) will facilitate the process of strengthening the linkages between farmers and hospitality establishments. The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), meanwhile, will work with the Guyana Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) to identify potential farmers who can initially supply the sector. A follow-up engagement
is expected within the next month to advance discussions and identify specific commodities, supply requirements and practical mechanisms for connecting farmers with hotels. Minister Mustapha also stressed that the relationship must be economically viable for both sides, noting that farmers must receive prices that make production sustainable while hotels must be able to source local produce at competitive prices. He said stronger local sourcing would allow a greater portion of tourism expenditure to remain within the Guyanese economy, benefiting farmers, rural communities and other businesses along the supply chain. “When hotels buy locally, more of the money spent by visitors stays within the Guyanese economy,” Minister Mustapha said. The Minister said the Government will continue to support farmers through improved planting material, extension services, irrigation and drainage, technology, access to finance and other interventions, while calling on the private sector to be an active partner in strengthening the agricultural value chain. He said the ultimate objective is to create a system in which tourism and agriculture reinforce each other, with the growing hospitality sector providing a reliable market for Guyanese farmers and local agriculture supplying a greater share of the food consumed by visitors to Guyana.
Kaieteur News
Friday August 21, 2026
UK, France, Germany, Italy and Canada condemn Israel’s West Bank settlement project (BBC NEWS) Israel’s plans to open up tenders for the construction of some 1,200 settlement homes in a strategically important part of the occupied West Bank have sparked fresh condemnation by major Western powers. In a joint statement, the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Canada called the decision “unacceptable” and urged Israel to “retract the plans immediately”. All settlements are illegal under international law and, under international pressure, Israel held off for decades on plans to build in E1 to the east of Jerusalem. Many of its allies and Palestinians argued this development would deal a major blow to hopes of a two-state solution, effectively cutting the West Bank in two and isolating east Jerusalem. “At a time of grave instability in the West Bank with unprecedented levels of violence by settlers against civilians, and serious restrictions on the Palestinian economy, this decision is even more concerning”, the statement from the European allies and Canada published on Thursday said. “Not only will they [the plans] take us further from peace, but they further undermine Israel’s international standing,” the statement added. In a separate statement, the UN secretary general also said the E1 plan posed an “existential threat” to a contiguous Palestinian state - and so did Belgium’s foreign minister. UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband’s condemnation earlier on Thursday had drawn “ouright” rejection by the Israeli foreign minister. Map showing Israeli settlements and built-up Palestinian areas in the West Bank around Jerusalem – highlighting
File photo of the Israeli settlement of Maale Adumim in the occupied West Bank next to the so-called E1 project in East Jerusalem, taken in February 2026. the E1 settlement in red. Other Israeli settlements are marked in blue and Palestinian areas in light purple. The municipal boundary of Jerusalem is outlined in red. An inset map shows the region’s location within Israel and Jordan. Despite an Israeli court challenge to the plans by Bedouin Palestinians living in the area and Israeli peace groups, on Wednesday the Israeli housing ministry issued a tender for 1,234 of the 3,401 housing units approved by the Israeli government last August. It covers about 12 sq km (4.6 sq miles) between East Jerusalem and the settlement of Maale Adumim. At the time of their unveiling, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich - an ultranationalist and settler - said the idea of a Palestinian state was “being erased”. The deadline for bids is 19th October, just days before Israel’s general election on 27th October, making it much harder for any future government to overturn any tenders issued.
Israel has built about 160 settlements housing 700,000 Jews since it occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem - land Palestinians want, along with Gaza, for a hoped-for future state - during the 1967 Middle East war. An estimated 3.3 million Palestinians live alongside them. Despite the fierce international opposition, successive Israeli governments have allowed settlements to grow. However, expansion has risen sharply since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returned to power in late 2022 at the head of a right-wing, pro-settler coalition, as well as the start of the Gaza war, triggered by Hamas’s 7th October, 2023 attack on Israel. Opponents of the E1 project have warned that it would effectively block the establishment of a Palestinian state because it would cut off the north of the West Bank from the south, and prevent the development in the centre of a contiguous Palestinian urban area connecting Ramallah, East Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
Ecuador intelligence chief and five Americans killed in Kenya helicopter crash ( B B C N E W S ) E c u a d o r ’s intelligence chief and his wife have been killed in a helicopter that crashed at Mount Ololokwe in central Kenya. Michele Sensi-Contugi, 44, and his wife, fashion designer Stephany Hollihan, 42, were among the group of seven people - six tourists and the pilot killed in Samburu county at approximately 09:13 (06:13 GMT) on Wednesday. Five of the victims were Americans, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said. The Reuters news agency reports that Hollihan also held U.S. citizenship. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority Rescue officials at the crash site in a remote (KCAA) said the helicopter was on a area of Samburu County by Mount Ololokwe. scenic flight from a wildlife conservancy in Loisaba to Ewaso Nyiro, a river that declared three days of national mourning Intelligence (CIES) in January 2024. flows along several national reserves. The office of the president and starting on Thursday. Newspapers in Samburu county is a popular tourist destination with many private wildlife Ecuador’s National Assembly expressed Ecuador have also run obituaries of conservancies and is renowned for its their condolences over his death and that Hollihan. The Guayaquil-based designer stunning landscape. Images from the of Hollihan. The Italian-Ecuadorean founded Sensi Studio, a brand praised scene show smoke at the wooded crash businessman had close links to Noboa f o r i n c o r p o r a t i n g t r a d i t i o n a l site on Mount Ololokwe, as members of even before he was chosen to lead the Ecuadorean elements and materials in the Kenya Red Cross approach the still- intelligence service and was considered a its designs. Lady Lori Helicopters, which close ally of the president. burning wreckage. Shortly before being named head of operated the Eurocopter EC130 B4 Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa named Sensi-Contugo director of the the CIES, he had served for four months aircraft, said it was “deeply saddened” by Continued on page 18 c o u n t r y ’s C e n t r e o f S t r a t e g i c as a minister in his cabinet. Noboa has
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TTPS ON HIGH ALERT — Officers reported 11 bomb threats in 40-minute period yesterday, including at a mall, ministry and 8 magistrates’ courts (TRINIDAD GUARDIAN) Security agencies across Trinidad and Tobago, including the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) and the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service (TTFS), were placed on high alert on Wednesday (yesterday), after a series of 11 bomb threats targeted several courts, a shopping plaza and a government ministry. The wave of threats, received between 1 pm and 1.40 pm, prompted an immediate response from law enforcement and emergency personnel, who were deployed to locations stretching from Sangre Grande to Point Fortin, as well as Tobago. The alleged threats targeted the Valpark Shopping Plaza in Valsayn, the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government at Kent House in Maraval, the Judicial Building in Bacolet, Tobago; and magistrates’ courts in Sangre Grande, Arima, Chaguanas, Couva, Princes Town, San Fernando, Siparia and Point Fortin. The TTFS yesterday confirmed that all the affected locations were evacuated and subjected to strict security checks before being cleared for re-entry. A senior TTFS official said the flurry of calls arriving within such a short period appeared coordinated. “It was somebody up to mischief,” the official said. However, the official added that a more pressing concern was the absence of trained bomb technicians within the Fire Service. In a startling revelation, the official disclosed that the TTFS currently has no active bomb technicians. Claiming that some officers’ certifications had expired while others had retired, the official said, “The TTFS has no bomb techs right now.” As a result, the Fire Service’s role at incidents such as yesterday’s is limited to ensuring the public is safe within the muster points and in other areas, while waiting on the TTPS bomb techs to search the properties to ensure they are safe and give the clearance to return. “All we do on arrival is make sure persons are accounted for and are at assembly locations,” the official explained. “We cordon off the area to prevent any incidents and wait for the police bomb techs to show up.” Asked why fire officers were not receiving training in this specialised area, the official responded: “There was no money.” According to the official, the last time fire officers received bomb technician training was in 2006, despite the need for annual refresher programmes. Despite these challenges, the official assured that the TTFS was able to respond effectively to all reports yesterday because sufficient vehicles and personnel were available. Efforts to contact Chief Fire Officer Andy Hutchinson for a comment on the claims were unsuccessful yesterday, as calls to his cellphone went unanswered. The threat also disrupted operations at the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government’s Kent House offices in Maraval, forcing an early closure. In a statement on the issue, the TTPS said after receiving seven reports through different mediums, it immediately activated the relevant security protocols, heightened its security posture and deployed officers to conduct the necessary checks. However, the TTPS said no explosive devices were found at any of the locations. It said the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government received a bomb threat shortly after midday at its Kent House, Maraval, location. The building was evacuated, with staff and tenants directed to leave in an orderly manner. The Police Service said investigations are ongoing and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and comply with the instructions of law enforcement officers. BOMB THREAT LOCATIONS • Arima Magistrate’s Court • Chaguanas Magistrate’s Court • Couva Magistrate’s Court • Point Fortin Magistrate’s Court • Princes Town Magistrate’s Court • San Fernando Magistrate’s Court • Sangre Grande Magistrate’s Court • Siparia Magistrate’s Court • Valpark Shopping Plaza • Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government • Judicial Building, Bacolet, Tobago
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Kaieteur News
Venezuelans & Cubans among deportees to Liberia under Trump deal - officials
A plane carrying deportees from the United States arrives at Roberts International Airport, Harbel, near Monrovia, Liberia, 20th August, 2026 Congo, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Ghana and Sierra Leone. Third-country deportees have in most cases obtained legal protection against repatriation after U.S. immigration judges ruled they risked torture or other abuses in their home countries. Washington has defended the third-country deals as lawful, although rights groups and advocates have said many of the deportees were ultimately repatriated. Liberia said on Tuesday that the deportees would be received “as “ who `could leave when they wanted and who could apply for asylum in Liberia. Liberia said the first flight, which arrived on Thursday, would transport 20 deportees. It has not provided information on their nationalities. The plane arrived in Monrovia at 12:45 local time (1245 GMT) after taking off from Louisiana and stopping in Dakar, Senegal, according to two Liberian security sources and the ICE Flight Monitor managed by Human Rights First. U.S. AWARDS $5 MILLION FOR ‘MIGRATION MANAGEMENT’ In its statement on Tuesday, Liberia described the ‘deportation deal as consistent with its history as a refuge for freed slaves from the U.S. and as a country with “a long history of accepting people seeking refuge from political and other crises”. Liberia said on Tuesday that it was not demanding compensation for taking in deportees but that the government would receive “support to help ‘manage the programme and strengthen its migration system more broadly.” The U.S. this year awarded $5 million to Liberia for “migration management activities”. From page 17 In October last year, the accident. “Our deepest sympathies are with the guests, crew, their families and loved ones, and all those affected by Liberia said it was willing to accept Kilmar Abrego Garcia, this tragic accident,” a statement read. According to a memo seen by the BBC’s US partner the migrant whose wrongful CBS News one of the Americans killed in the crash was deportation to El Salvador NBCUniversal journalist José Alberto Suárez. In the memo, became a flashpoint in NBCUniversal called Suárez “a deeply respected leader and T r u m p ’ s i m m i g r a t i o n beloved friend and colleague. “José was an exceptional ‘crackdown. Abrego Garcia has colleague and mentor to many,” the memo read. Miami restaurateur Roger Duarte was among the o b t a i n e d a n i n j u n c t i o n Americans killed in the crash, according to local and U.S. preventing his removal to media. Commenting on his death on X, U.S. Rep Carlos Liberia from the federal Antonio Gimenez wrote: “Our prayers are with their loved district court in Maryland, his ones during this incredibly difficult time. May their lawyer, Simon SandovalMoshenberg, said on memories be a blessing.” The other victims have not yet been identified. Thursday. “The government Helicopter crashes are not uncommon in Kenya. In has appealed that order, but the February, a helicopter crash in the Rift Valley county of order remains in place while Nandi killed six people, including a member of parliament. the appeal is pending, and we In 2024, the military chief, Gen Francis Omondi Ogolla, are confident that we will died after an army helicopter that was carrying 11 people prevail on the appeal,” Sandoval-Moshenberg said. crashed in the west of the country, with only two survivors.
MONROVIA, Aug 20 (Reuters) - People deported by the U.S. to Liberia will mostly hail from Latin American countries including Cuba and Venezuela, Liberia’s information minister Reuters, as authorities received the first deportation flight on Thursday. The West African nation announced on Tuesday that it had agreed to accept up to 1,200 third-country deportees from the U.S. in the next 12 months, the latest of several deals the Trump administration has implemented on the continent to accelerate removals. A government statement on Tuesday said the deportees would come from “African and Western Hemisphere countries”, without specifying, while the State Department did not provide details on nationalities. L i b e r i a ’s i n f o r m a t i o n m i n i s t e r, Jerolinmek Piah, told Reuters that “most of the people are from `Latin American countries. Some from Venezuela, Cuba, Colombia and others.” He said the International Organisation for Migration and the U.N. refugee agency would help provide services for them, as has been the case elsewhere in Africa. FIRST FLIGHT ARRIVED ON THURSDAY T h o u g h d e t a i l s o f t h e Tr u m p administration’s third-country deportation arrangements are not often publicised, Liberia’s agreement to accept up to 1,200 deportees makes it one of the largest on the African continent, where the U.S. has also reached deals with Democratic Republic of
Ecuador intelligence chief and five Americans killed...
Friday August 21, 2026
U.S. will impose ‘toughest sanctions in history’ on Iran, Bessent says WASHINGTON/DUBAI, Aug 20 (Reuters) - The U.S. will impose “the toughest sanctions in history” on Iran, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Thursday, a focus on economic measures he suggested would lessen the need for new major military operations against Tehran. His statement followed President Donald Trump’s threat a day earlier of “Economic Warfare” and warning of economic consequences against any country that provided “any type of lifeline to Iran”. Oil prices rose to more than a three-week high on Thursday following those U.S. threats of financial penalties aimed at forcing an end to a nearly six-month-old war that has stranded millions of barrels of Middle Eastern oil. “I’m not sure why oil has popped up on this,” Bessent told CNBC. “If we are doing the maximum economic pressure, then that means that likely there will not be a large-scale kinetic restart,” he said, using a term referring to military force. IRAN CALLS U.S. SANCTIONS ‘ECONOMIC TERRORISM’ Thousands have been killed in the conflict, which drew in Gulf nations and shocked markets as Iran flexed its ability to curb shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — a waterway that carried about a fifth of all ‘traded oil before February. The U.S. and Iran have twice announced ceasefire deals, in April and
the program,” `he said. China buys more than 80% of Iran’s shipped oil, according to 2025 data from analytics firm Kpler, but engaging in further economic warfare with China, a major exporter to the U.S. including vital rare-earth minerals, risks retaliation against Washington. IRAN HAS FACED YEARS OF SANCTIONS In a social media message on Wednesday, Trump promised “Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale,” although details were scant. Iran has weathered near-continuous, punishing economic sanctions for nearly 50 years, since the Islamic Revolution of 1979. “ANY country that allows its financial institutions, businesses, airports, or government entities to provide any type of lifeline to Iran will itself face TREMENDOUS Economic Consequences,” Trump wrote. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi called Trump’s comments an ‘attempt to divert American public opinion from domestic financial problems, including record debt and rising interest rates. He said Washington’s insistence on policies he described as failed would bring further failures and alienate Iranians. “America’s economic terrorism threatens the global economy and the national
People walk by a mural depicting Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on a street in Tehran, Iran, 13th August, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) June, aiming to restore the free flow of shipping through Hormuz on a path towards ending the conflict, but both quickly crumbled. Before Bessent spoke, Iran’s foreign ministry said it condemned U.S. economic and trade sanctions, calling them “economic terrorism” that would target ordinary Iranians and amount to crimes against humanity. Bessent told CNBC he would share more details and “talk about exactly what we’re going to do” on Iran at a press conference on Monday. “It is a one-two punch. We have the blockade (on Iran), and we are going to have the toughest sanctions in history,” he added, referring to a U.S. naval blockade imposed on Iran in April and paused for a month in midJune. “It is going to work in Iran and we are going to collapse this regime. It is time for our allies and the rest of the world to make a decision,” he said. When asked if the United States could target China for doing business with Iran, Bessent said many conversations were best to have in private. “Keep in mind that the Chinese get 50% (of their) energy from inside from the Gulf. So it would do them a big service to get
sovereignty of countries around the world,” he said on X. Trump has yet to achieve the objectives he set out at the start of the war: dismantling Iran’s nuclear programme, curbing its ability to attack regional `rivals and creating conditions for Iranians to overthrow their clerical rulers. Trump’s social media threats and announcements do not always get implemented as written. He did not say what specific steps the U.S. would take or name any country, though the warning would appear to extend to U.S. allies that have helped mediate peace talks. Iran has separately been negotiating an agreement on managing the Strait of Hormuz with Oman and has ‘said several times in recent weeks that an agreement was close. Trump responded on Monday to those negotiations with a threat, warning he might bomb the Gulf state, a longstanding U.S. security partner, if it “gets in the way”. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, speaking after meeting his Japanese counterpart, said on Thursday that lasting security in the strait required a permanent peace in the region and rejected further escalation.
Friday August 21, 2026
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Friday August 21, 2026
Kaieteur News
Friday Thursday August November 21, 202624, 2022
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Police Sports Club Partners with Demerara Cricket Board for T10 Franchise Tournament The Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) is proud to announce that the Police Sports Club has officially come on board as a partner in the upcoming DCB T10 Franchise Tournament, marking a significant step in strengthening grassroots cricket development across Guyana. Mr. Puneet Jaigopaul (Vice PresidentDemerara Cricket Board), in his opening address, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Police Sports Club for their participation. He emphasized that the tournament is not only a competitive platform but also a vital initiative for the growth of boys’ and girls’ cricket at the grassroots level, ensuring the next generation of cricketers is nurtured with
opportunity and exposure. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ravindradat Budhram, shared his enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting that the Police Sports Club has historically played an integral role in cricket development. He highlighted the success of Officer Sampson, who currently represents Guyana in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), as a testament to the club’s contribution to national cricket. Mr. Budhram further underscored that the Police Sports Club has produced numerous cricketers who have gone on to represent Guyana at both youth and senior levels, reinforcing the club’s legacy as a cornerstone
Friday August 21, 2026 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You need to deal with someone who's trashing you behind your back. You might not even realize it's happening until you overhear them, but do what you can to tamp down your rage.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Things aren't feeling quite right on the home front, but this is not the time to address them. Just make sure that you've got what you need and zip out the door to tackle bigger challenges.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You meet someone who is so sure of themselves that they may make you doubt your own convictions—but this is a good thing! Your great energy ensures that you end up with the right beliefs.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You and a colleague (or teammate, maybe) are working quite well together—so much so that it might lead to something even better. That could be romance, or it could be a tighter partnership.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Someone is not being straightforward with you today, which is incredibly frustrating. Try your best to draw them out, but you might as well just accept that it's not going to be clear for a bit.
SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Indulge your desire for cultural stimulation. See a concert, take in a gallery opening, or just browse online until you spot something that takes your breath away. You deserve it!
CANCER (June 21–July 22) You feel torn between your social life and your deep, abiding need for downtime. You have to make the call at some point, and you're unlikely to be perfectly satisfied. A new person offers a solution! LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You need to look and act your best today, and fortunately that's not so hard. Your great social energy makes it easy to make a good impression, even with those who are hard to impress. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Push yourself harder today—your great energy is all you need to achieve a longstanding goal. It may take a bit longer than you want, but the anticipation should keep you going throughout.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Yo u s h o u l d f i n d t h a t everything just clicks into place today and leaves you in an excellent position. Try to ensure that your energy is put to good use—your people need you now more than ever! AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Things are roiling under the surface—do you dare stir them up to learn more? Now is a good time to do just that, as you should be experiencing a wave of positive energy in the very near future. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You should thank your guardian angel today, because someone is looking out for you! It may be a good time for you to take little risks that could add up to a great big success! It's now or never, though.
of cricket excellence. Mr. Ronald Williams (Assistant Secretary- Demerara Cricket Board) provided a comprehensive overview of the tournament, outlining its structure and exciting prospects. He announced that the DCB T10 Franchise Tournament will feature eight teams, all competing at the LBI Ground on November 22, 2026. Adding to the excitement, Mr. Williams revealed that prizes totaling over $1 million are up for grabs, making this one of the most rewarding grassroots cricket events in
Guyana. He emphasized that the tournament is designed to showcase skill, foster community engagement, and elevate the standard of cricket in Guyana. The partnership between the DCB and the Police Sports Club represents a shared vision of empowering young athletes, strengthening community ties, and advancing cricket development in Guyana. The DCB looks forward to a successful tournament and continued collaboration with the Police Sports Club in future endeavours.
New GHRA Board faces its... From page 25 of whether the newly established regulatory regime can deliver the standards promised by legislation. The Guyana Horse Racing Authority Bill 2024, tabled by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. in December 2024, was passed by the National Assembly on April 28, 2025, and received presidential assent on May 9, 2025. The legislation established a statutory framework intended to regulate and modernise horse racing in Guyana. The Authority is expected to oversee licensing, regulation, discipline and the wider administration of the sport. The framework provides for licensing of racecourses, trainers, jockeys and stable employees, while also establishing mechanisms for investigating complaints and enforcing disciplinary measures. It also gives the regulatory system a stronger mandate to address safety, security and operational standards at racecourses. The recently appointed GHRA Board is chaired by Dr. Steven Cheefoon, with Hon. Adrian V. Annamayah, Dr. N a r d e o B a s s o o , M r. Amernauth Kiritpal, Mr. Zahir Khan, Mr. Poonai Bhigroog and Councillor Mohamed Naeem Kamal also serving on the governing body, according to the Government Gazette. The legislation was long overdue. Previous attempts to regulate the industry encountered resistance and failed to progress, leaving horse racing vulnerable to disputes, inconsistent standards and questions surrounding accountability. The new law was therefore presented as an opportunity to establish a professional framework capable of attracting investment and protecting the interests of owners, trainers, jockeys, spectators and the horses themselves. Sunday will provide the GHRA with its first major opportunity to demonstrate that the new era is more than legislation on paper. The stakes are particularly high because stable owners are putting serious money into the
sport. Internationally bred horses, increased prize purses and growing commercial interest mean the financial value of the Guyana Cup is rising. With that investment comes an unavoidable expectation; the infrastructure, administration and safety standards must rise accordingly. The GHRA must therefore ensure that the starting gates work, track conditions are properly assessed, lighting is adequate, emergency medical arrangements are fit for purpose, race officials are properly positioned and every aspect of the programme is executed with precision. There must be no repeat of horses being trapped at the gates, races being conducted in unsafe light or questions being raised after the fact about whether reasonable precautions were taken. Guyana has finally established the regulatory machinery to govern horse racing. The Guyana Cup is now an opportunity to show that the machinery works.
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Friday August 21, 2026
2026 Republic Bank CPL…GAW vs. SLK
Valley Boys Sports and Cultural Warriors ease past Kings by 7 wkts Club over 50 cricket team to visit to keep momentum building Guyana for friendly matches - Dindyal hits classy 50
Man-of-the-match, fast-bowling allrounder Dwaine Pretorius continues to put the Warriors on his back. (Photo credit: CPL)
Mavendra Dindyal stroked a classy half-century to help set the tone for the Warriors chase. (Photo credit: CPL)
Guyana Amazon Warriors continued to build a nice win streak as they gained additional form and momentum following last night's 7-wicket win over the St. Lucia Kings which also took them to the top of the table, as action continues to heat up this season. The Kings were kept to 151-7 in 20 overs after Guyana's disciplined bowling unit strangled their top-order momentum early, Pacers, Dwaine Pretorius, who dismantled the opposition middle-order by picking up 329 and Guyanese speedster Shamar Joseph (2-25), were on point during their spells. Kings scoring efforts were led by Charith Asalanka (35), Matthew Forde 14 off 7 balls, Darren Nedd (17), Roston Chase (14), Ackeem Auguste (13) and Kamil Pooran (19). Saint Lucia struggled to break free against Joseph's late-inning pace variations while Pretorius, skipper Imran Tahir (1-22) and
Romario Shepherd (1-26). After a bit of back and forth with the rain, play resumed with Guyana looking to secure another and doing so, by reaching 157-3 in 18.1 overs despite Maheesh Theekshana (2-33). Openers Glenn Phillips (36) and Guyanese Mavendra Dindyal, who scored 50 off 51 (5x4 2x6), were the main pieces behind Guyana's push to take control of the match. Shai Hope (17) was out unfortunately but it cleared the way for a power-hitting exhibition from Shimron Hetmyer 26* off 11 balls (4x4 1x6) and Quentin Sampson (13*) with two sixes, who nailed 36 runs off just 9 balls which brought the deficit right down. The pair hit a new gear as they produced a whirlwind few last overs which saw fours and sixes raining in no space of time, eventually taking the Warriors to their second straight win this season. (Clifton Ross)
New Zealand and England claim semifinal spots in IMC Over-60s World Cup New Zealand and England Locked in Semi-Final Berths on Dramatic Day 7 of the IMC Over-60s World Cup delivered thrilling cricket, clarifying the semi-final picture. In Group B, New Zealand secured their spot in the semi-finals as the only unbeaten team after winning a last-over thriller against England by 4 runs. Batting first, New Zealand posted 148/9, led by Mason Robinson’s 42, while holding off England for 144 despite a stellar 5/47 bowling performance by Dean Askew. England also guaranteed their own semi-final berth despite the narrow loss. In the same group, Scotland shook up the standings by successfully knocking over the USA, chasing down a target of 129 to finish at 130/6. Meanwhile, Group A remains dominated by Australia, who stay unbeaten after five games and top the table with 10 points
following a dominant 82-run victory over Canada. Australia posted a massive 228/5, anchored by Tony Hickey’s unbeaten 60, before restricting Canada to 146/9. Pakistan and South Africa continue battling for the second-place spot after Pakistan secured a comfortable 6-wicket win, chasing down South Africa’s 133/8. Elsewhere, Sri Lanka dented Wales’ semi-final hopes by chasing down 185 to win by 5 wickets, and the West Indies defeated Zimbabwe by 6 wickets, fueled by Deonarine Deyal’s unbeaten 51. In individual tournament accolades, Canada’s Graham Castanheiro and New Zealand’s Mason Robinson remain neck and neck as the leading run-scorers. On the bowling front, West Indies’ Rajendra Dilraj holds the top spot with 13 wickets, closely chased by Scotland’s Imran Adrees.
One of Trinidad’s oldest community cricket institutions, Valley Boys Sports and Cultural Club, will be represented in Guyana by their over 50 cricket team. The 60 years old club will match up with several local over 50 teams. The tour opener will be against Everest Masters on Saturday August 22 from 12 noon. The game will be a T20 extravaganza followed by live entertainment provided by Caribbean Hot Shots Band. Former Trinidad national senior off spinner, Mukesh Persaud will lead the visitors while the Everest Masters will be spearheaded by Sahadeo Hardaiow, arguably the best over 50 batsman in the country. Hardaiow, is a former Essequibo junior and senior allrounder. Former Berbice inter county player,
Mukesh Prasad
Sahadeo Hardaiow
Luke Latif will also be on show, representing the touring team. That game will be sponsored by Trophy Stall, Blue Spring Water and Readymix Concrete Limited. The tour will continue as follows: Sunday 23 vs Parika
Defenders at Parika, Tuesday 25 vs Enterprise Sports Club at Enterprise, Wednesday 26 vs Windsor Forest at Windsor Forest, Friday 28 vs Canal No. 1 at Canal and the final match to be played at Anna Regina vs an Essequibo select team on Saturday 29th.
Demerara Cricket Board names Under-13 squad for upcoming GCB Inter-county Tournament
Caleb Bastian Xavier Dodson
The Demerara Cricket Board (DCB), has announced its Under-13 squad for the upcoming season, with 15 players selected to represent the Demerara County in the Guyana Cricket Board Under-13 Inter-County Tournament. The squad will be coached by experienced youth cricket coach Latchman Yadram, with Kevin Ross appointed as team manager. The selected squad will be led by captain Caleb Bastian with Xavier Dodson serving as vice-captain. The team also includes Aiyan Persaud, Anthony Bacchus, Rakeeb Latif, Aiden Sooklall, Huzaifah Shadir, Amar Romasindo, Hemesh Latif, Aaron Perkins, Ayden Ori,
Delon Perriera, Aryan Atkinson, Seren Wills and wicketkeeper Rajeev Kishun. The DCB has also named a standby group comprising Neymar Kissoon, Paul Wintz, Jared Kadir, Ritesh Deonarine, Sanjay Suman and Karan Khemraj, who will remain available should replacements be required. The squad will commence preparations ahead of the upcoming competition under the guidance of the coaching and management staff. The Guyana Cricket Board extends congratulations to the selected players, coaching staff and team management and wishes the squad every success in the upcoming competition.
Friday August 21, 2026
Kaieteur News
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GMMAKA shines at Shuriken Int’l Martial Arts C/ship The Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Karate Association (GMMAKA) delivered an impressive performance at the Shuriken International Martial Arts Championship, held on 16th August in Suriname, with 18 students proudly representing the association. Team GMMAKA demonstrated exceptional skill, discipline, and determination throughout the championship, securing an outstanding 43 medals in total. The team captured 23 first-place medals and 20 second-place medals, highlighting the hard work and dedication of the athletes and their instructors. The strong performance reflects the continued growth and development of the students under the guidance of Master Lloyd Ramnarine. Each competitor represented GMMAKA with pride and displayed the discipline and sportsmanship that martial arts The GMMAKA students following their performance at the Shuriken International Martial Arts Championship held in Suriname. promotes. Master Lloyd Ramnarine extends his heartfelt congratulations to all 18 encourages the students to remain focused, p a r t i c i p a n t s f o r t h e i r o u t s t a n d i n g continue training consistently, and use this achievements. He commended each student achievement as motivation to work even for the commitment, discipline, and harder as they prepare for future local and determination they displayed throughout the international competitions. He believes that competition. He also expresses sincere with continued dedication and support, the Trophy Stall has appreciation to the parents, guardians, students can achieve even greater success. reaffirmed its support for supporters, schools, and everyone who Anyone interested in joining any of our grassroots cricket in Guyana, continues to support the athletes and branches in Region 3 and Region 4 are expanding its partnership GMMAKA. Their encouragement and welcome to contact us at: 698-6727, 681- with the Lotto/Let’sBet One assistance play an important role in helping 1701, 602-0591, 669-1116. Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast the students develop their skills and represent GMMAKA continues to build champions ahead of a high-stakes Guyana with pride. t h r o u g h d i s c i p l i n e , d e d i c a t i o n , Essequibo zonal leg this Master Lloyd Ramnarine further determination, and teamwork. weekend. Long established as a a cornerstone of local sports aic Jam 26 20 s or CAREBACO Juni sponsorship, Trophy Stall will supply second-place trophies at every zonal stage, along with Player of the Match awards for both the zonal and national finals. Ramesh Sunich (left) and Akeem Greene Guyana junior athletes Having recently funded of One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast. proudly represented the silverware for the female Golden Arrowhead at the fixture in the Berbice zone CAREBACO Junior final at Albion, proprietor their dedication to Guyanese winners will secure a spot in Badminton Championships, Ramesh Sunich has deepened sport as “unmatched” before the National Finals on 11 held in Jamaica from August his involvement for the presenting Sunich with a October at Anna Regina, 14–18, 2026. Essequibo leg at the Anna s p e c i a l p l a q u e o f alongside a top cash prize of Guyana captured the $500,000 courtesy of appreciation. Regina National Stadium. Gold medal in the U13 Girls The Essequibo leg serves Shawn’s Mini Mart. The business is donating Singles with victory for Additional backing from playing kit, medals, and as the third zonal stop on the Anjaneysa Godette, who trophies for a marquee youth circuit, following completed Jaigobin Hotel guarantees was crowned the Under-13 exhibition match featuring legs in Berbice and East $200,000 for the runners-up Girls Singles Caribbean and $50,000 for each losing the county’s top young Bank/West Demerara. Champion. Anjaneysa then S i x t e e n t e a m s w i l l semi-finalist, while Scoop prospects. “Grassroots and team up to claim a Bronze youth cricket represent the compete across four venues Ride Inc. will distribute Medal in U13 Mixed true foundation of Guyanese on Saturday, 22 August, with $25,000 to every team Doubles alongside Joel fixtures hosted at Pomona departing at the quarter-final sport,” said Sunich. Rambiriche. “When young players get G r o u n d , A f f i a n c e stage. The Guyana Badminton Admission remains free the opportunity to put on a C o m m u n i t y G r o u n d , Association (GBA) uniform, step out on a venue Hampton Court Ground, and across all grounds over both extended congratulations to like Anna Regina, and play Anna Regina National days, with community Joel Rambiriche, who entertainment planned for medals and trophies, it Stadium. earned Bronze in the U13 The tournament shifts throughout the weekend. builds confidence and a Anjaneysa Godette and Joel Rambiriche copped medals. passion for the game that lasts exclusively to Anna Regina Boys Singles and another Following Sunday’s final, Bronze in U13 Mixed a lifetime. Trophy Stall will on Sunday, 23 August, the tournament will take a Doubles alongside always stand beside efforts featuring the semi-finals, the scheduled break during the a n d g a i n v a l u a b l e who has been working with that uplift our rising stars.” Anjaneysa Godette. youth showcase between the c l o s i n g s t a g e s o f t h e “Well done to all of our experience. Keep working Guyana’s players through the Speaking on behalf of Trophy Stall Jaguars and Caribbean Premier League, GBA’s six month coaching tournament organisers FL Trophy Stall Eagles, and the before resuming on 26 other players who competed hard, the journey continues! T h a n k y o u t o o u r a n d d e v e l o p m e n t Sport, John Ramsingh zonal final under lights at S e p t e m b e r f o r t h e and proudly represented Guyana. Every match is an Coaches, Priyanna Ramdhani programme,” the GBA stated commended the company’s 20:00. Georgetown/East Coast opportunity to learn, grow and Kartikey Gund of India, in a facebook post. Beyond zonal glory, the Demerara Zone. ongoing backing, describing
Trophy Stall expands support of Lotto/ Let’sBet One Guyana T10 Tapeball
Guyana secure four medals with Singles gold for Godette, bronze with Rambiriche
Kaieteur News
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Friday August 21, 2026
Aces Cricket Club carts off ORSCA Premier Division trophy after defeating Young Warriors in final Aces Cricket Club carted off the 2026 Ontario Round-Arm Softball Cricket Association (ORSCA) Premier Division T20 trophy after defeating Young Warriors by 30 runs last Sunday at the Emancipation Park, Brampton. Aces took first strike at the invitation of Young Warriors and compiled a respectable 162 all out in exactly 20-overs, while Young Warriors were bowled out for 132 in the 20th over as well. Opener Richard Rossan led the way for Aces with a boundarystudded, 42-ball 77. The right-handed batter Rossan clobbered 6 sixes and 4 fours. He got useful support from Naresh Prashad who made 25. Reshaud Bradshaw grabbed 411 from 3.3 impressive overs to be Young Warriors’ leading bowler. Skipper Joshua Singh was also in the wicket-column with 3-31 across his maximum four overs. When Young Warriors batted, Devin Nauth struck a fiery 61 to offer a good fight. Nauth slammed 8 sixes and hit a boundary during his 38-ball knock. He and Brandon Persaud (27) gave their team a solid start putting
The victorious Aces Cricket Club boys strike a pose with the champion trophy. together 77 runs before Persaud was caught. But their innings suffered a collapse as the experienced Ashtaq Mohamed took 5-19 off his four overs and was brilliantly supported by Shawn Persaud, who had outstanding spell of 4-12 (4). Persaud made the initial breakthrough. Meanwhile, at the post-match
presentation, both Aces Cricket Club and Young Warriors received a trophy while Rossan was given the MVP trophy. Bradshaw collected one for being the MVP for the runners-up side. Skipper of the victorious side Arvindra Ramroop attributed his team’s success to hard-word. He stated that all their plans were fully executed and was
confident of lifting the trophy. All members of his side took home a small trophy each while medals were awarded to the players from Young Warriors. President Mitch Bacchus of the ORSCA congratulated Aces Cricket Club and shared similar accolades to Young Warriors as they ended as the runners-up team. He expressed his profound
appreciation to his fellow executives for pulling off another successful tournament. Their commitment and dedication to softball tournament throughout the season speaks volume, according to Bacchus. The sponsors also received high praises from the ORSCA leader for their continued support and generosity again.
Kaieteur News
By Rawle Toney
Friday August 21, 2026
PAGE 25
New GHRA Board faces its first major test at Guyana Cup
The 18th staging of the Guyana Cup on Sunday at the Rising Sun Turf Club will be far more than a showcase of some of the finest thoroughbreds in the Dr. Steven Cheefoon - Chairman, region and beyond. Guyana Horse Racing Authority This year’s Guyana Cup also serves as a critical litmus test for the recently installed Board of against the backdrop of one of the most the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA) disorganized Guyana Cup presentations in and its ability to bring order, professionalism, recent memory. accountability and credibility to an industry Last year’s event at Rising Sun descended that has endured years of regulatory into controversy and tragedy, culminating in shortcomings. the death of promising young jockey By all indications, this year’s Guyana Kishawn Pereira following a fall in the Cup is shaping up to be one of the biggest in penultimate race. Pereira succumbed to his the event’s history, with leading stables injuries while being transported to hospital. significantly increasing their investments The problems did not end there. and importing high-quality horses in pursuit The premier Guyana Cup race was of the coveted Banks-sponsored Guyana Cup eventually run in darkness, while crown. But with greater investment comes malfunctioning starting gates prevented greater scrutiny. several horses from getting away cleanly, The GHRA will enter the spotlight including defending champion Olympic
Three of the country’s leading stable owners from left: Jermaine Sripal, Nasrudeen Mohamed and Javed Ali. Kremlin. The circumstances surrounding the start generated widespread outrage and raised serious questions about race-day preparation, equipment, track conditions, safety and overall event management. That can’t be
allowed to become the standard for Guyana’s premier horse-racing event. The circumstances surrounding last year ’s Guyana Cup make Sunday’s proceedings an important early examination Continued on page 21
CAREBACO Juniors 2026 Jamaica
Guyana secure four medals with Singles gold for Godette, bronze with Rambiriche
The Guyana Badminton team display the Golden Arrowhead following their success in Jamaica.
s t r o Sp
Deputy Commissioner Mr. Budhram and Acting DCB President Mr. Puneet Jaigopaul along with members of DCB and Police Sports Club.
Police Sports Club Partners with Demerara Cricket Board for T10 Franchise Tournament Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.