Kaieteur News

Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Lebanon says Israeli

Aubrey Norton finally

upcoming

projects

NoticetoourReaders agrees to

KaieteurNewsmanagementhasbeen receiving numerous complaints from readersacrossthecountrywhoareunable to find the printed newspaper in their communities We acknowledge this concern and wish to explain the circumstancesbehindthissituation.

The challenge lies primarily with the incentives available to our vendors and distributors. Our vendors rise as early as 5:00am,leavethecomfortoftheirhomes, andspendlonghoursinthedew,sun,and rain to sell newspapers.Yet, after selling as many as 50 copies, their earnings amounttojust$1,000.Thislevelofreturn doesnotprovideameaningfulincentive.

Similarly, our distributors who ensurethatnewspapersreachvendorsand distant communities are facing increasing transportation and operational costs, making it increasingly difficult to sustaindeliveryacrossthecountry

At the same time, while the national economy may appear strong on paper, manybusinessesarestrugglingandareno longer able to advertise as they once did. This has led to a significant decline in advertising revenue. The situation has alreadyresultedintheclosureofStabroek News That newspaper was owed substantial sums for government

advertisements. Kaieteur News itself is owed even larger amounts for government advertisements dating back to2023.

As the only remaining independent newspaper in Guyana, Kaieteur News playsacriticalroleinprovidingcredible, fearless, and independent journalism. Its survival is therefore not just a business matter,butoneofnationalimportance.

In order to continue operations and provide better incentives for our vendors and distributors, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to adjust ourprices.Ifthenewspaperistoreachyou daily, then those who deliver it must be fairlycompensated.

These price changes will take effect from Monday, June 1, 2026, as such, the daily edition will cost $200, and the Sundayeditionwillcost$260.

We ask for your understanding and continued support as we take this step together.Withyourpartnership,Kaieteur Newswillcontinuetoinform,protect,and s e r v e t h e p e o p l e o f t h i s country ensuring that independent journalism not only survives, but thrives in Guyana with truth, courage, and commitment,nowandintothefuture.

ManagementofKaieteurNews

Aubrey Norton finally agrees to ring-fence

upcoming ExxonMobil projects

...says

Guyana's profits should not be re-invested

ByDavinaBagot

Instead of receiving just 12.5% of profits, Guyana is alreadypositionedtoreceive awhopping50%ofrevenues generated offshore and leader of the People's National Congress Reform (PNC/R), Aubrey Norton

has called for the Government of Guyana (GoG) to act now to ensure the country enjoys full benefits from the petroleum sector.

Norton clearly outlined this position on Friday during a party press conference in response to a

question from this newspaper The former Opposition Leader was asked whether Guyana should ring-fence the two projects being planned by American oil giant, ExxonMobil since the company previously revealed that the cost bankorallexpensesrelatedtothe seven approved projectswillbeclearedbytheendof thisyear

During his tenure as Leader of the Opposition,

between 2020 and 2025, Norton maintained the need to review each of Exxon's projects before making a final assertion on ringfencing.

Hehasnowfirmlystated that Guyana's resources mustnotbecontinuouslyreinvested, further delaying the country from receiving 50% of profits from the StabroekBlock.

In accordance with the 2016 oil deal, Exxon takes 75% of revenue each month to cover expenses. After all costs are cleared, Guyana and the company will split alltherevenueequally,after deductingoperatingcosts.

The country could receive 50% of profits from the four projects currently operating offshore, instead, Exxontakesaportionofthe revenue to develop other projects.

To this end, Norton explained that the company previously argued that ringfencingprojectscouldmake them “less viable”. He said that if the company believes this then it should provide

evidencetothateffect.

Beyond that, the leader said Guyana must not be stuckinacycleofpayments but should also ensure a greater share of profits as providedbythecontract.

He explained, “I raised what is ExxonMobil's

assessed. When it is assessed, once it proves not to be true and from my

h professionals, it isn't true so we should proceed to ringfence the others to ensure that Guyana benefits from it and that we don't keep reinvesting our resources in

ExxonMobil accumulates extensiveprofits.”

Norton acknowledged thatthecompanyhashelped the country reap benefits from its resources but there are further fruits to be enjoyed which should be pursued.

HesuggestedthatExxon useitsprofitstoinvestrather than continuing to delay Guyana from receiving its

50%profits.“Theresources, the profits from Exxon should be used to invest in the new projects. We gave Exxon the deal and I'm saying we are here meaning the two governments I accept the argument that at the beginning of this process,therewererisksand therefore those risks had to be catered for. Now that the risks are reduced and we haveabetterideaofwhatthe situationis,actionshouldbe taken to ensure that Guyana benefitsmoreandthatwedo not allow any company, Exxon is just one to use our resourcestomilkprofits.We know that they must get profits,butnottomilkusand ourpeopleareleftpoorer.”

By failing to ring-fence the projects, Exxon will continue to use profits that should come to this country to pay for projects that are yet to start producing oil. A

ring-fencing provision will ensure the country gets its full50%profits.

Just two weeks ago, the Publisher of this newspaper, Glenn Lall reiterated calls for the GoG to implement this provision, highlighting that Exxon was no longer investing into the Stabroek Block, but using Guyana's profitstodoso.

Independent institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the U n i t e d N a t i o n s Development Programme (UNDP), Chatham House and the World Bank all previously urged Guyana to ring-fence its projects given thebenefitsforthecountry Chief Policy maker for the oil and gas sector, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo while serving as Opposition Leader highlighted the importance of this mechanism and assured,

“We are gonna renegotiate those contracts because that's not what we had in mind.”

He added, “When we were in the early days, we were coaxing the people (ExxonMobil) to go along. They (Coalition) came into office – three billion barrels of proven reserves and they gave up zero royalties, no taxes,noring-fencing.”

InadditiontothePNC/R andAPNU,theAllianceFor Change (AFC) also cited its support for ring-fencing on numerousoccasions.

Kaieteur M@ilbox 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

Oilgovernance,oilgovernors

Guyana has had its difficulties with the Wales Gas-toEnergy(GTE)project Yet,anotheroneisontheway Guyana is independent, with a president in charge, but a partner is announcing that a second gas-to-energy project is on the horizon

ThissecondGTEprojectistoBerbice,andstartsattwice the cost of the US$2B Wales GTE. On a project of this magnitude, probably already quietly finalised, Guyana’s President IrfaanAli is not the one making what should be a big, exciting announcement for residents of Berbice. It is ExxonMobil’sGuyanaPresident,AlistairRoutledge.

We are reminded of a former ExxonMobil consortium member,CEOJohnHessofHessCorporation,whooncespoke withutterconvictionofsome‘guarantee’giventohimonthe outcome of a judicial decision then at the appeal stage. The newsofGuyana’sAppealCourtrulingcameoutonThursday, May 7, and should relay to citizens how this country is governed,andwhothegovernorsare.

In the courts, in business, in governance, in the managementofthenation’spreciouswealth,thereisapattern thatshouldnowimpressitselfonconcernedGuyanese. The saythatGuyanahasisnegligible. Ithasbecomeincreasingly apparent in the manner that circumstances unfold, that Guyana is no longer in charge of its own decisions, its own destiny Cuban medical personnel were among our best friends,untiltheyweredumpedbacktoHavana.

Dumped they were, notwithstanding the platitudes offered by the government. More recently, China, a senior creditor and heavy investor in projects across Guyana is being seen as an unacceptable threat, and too much of a presence locally, to be welcomed with the warmth as it has been. How this tangle is managed by the Guyana Governmentisbeingwatched,andwhatwillbethedefences offered,ifany

Inthematterofthiscountry’soil,ExxonMobil’splanners and executives keep rolling out new oil projects to keep the company’sprofitmachineatpeakperformance Itisastruggle tobelievethattheGuyanaGovernmentispartofthevisionfor newoilprojects Also,hasmuchofacontribution it makes, other than to go through the motions of review, then rubberstamping its approval. The decisions for new multibillion dollar projects seem to be made in Texas, with the government limited to the role of uninvolved bystander Almostlikeanecessaryevilthathastobetolerated.

Separately, the record proves that ExxonMobil is bent on Guyananevergettingtothatstagewhereitcanparticipateina genuine50%shareofoilprofits Therecordwasfirstofanew oilprojectannounced,thenpairsofthem Wenotehowfrom therelativelysmallbeginningsoftheLizaOneandLizaTwo oilprojects,theonesfromExxonMobilthatcameafterwere formoreUSbillions.

More expensive projects moving in a steady trickle, like passengerplanesonarunwaywaitingtobeclearedfortakeoff So,ExxonMobilhaslinedthemupandkeepdroppingthemon thenation’sconsciousness Morebigoilprojectsmeanmore added to the cost oil bank that is due to ExxonMobil, and Guyanastillstuckatsharinghalf(12.5%)ofthe25%leftafter 75%costrecovery

One massive GTE project for US$2B, with the pipeline built by ExxonMobil and gathering plankton undersea for over a year consumed US$1B. It represented another way thatcompanyvisionariesfoundtofeedthecostoilbank,and leave this country stranded at 12.5% profit share. Oil spendinghasfeaturessimilartoinfrastructurespending:new projectspresentopportunityformoreprofits.

Billions more in claimed investments by ExxonMobil, billionsmoreincostrecoveryentitlementsforExxonMobil, andbillionslessforGuyanaasitsproperprofitshare. Keep someoneinpermanentdebt,andtheywillnevercometothat pointwheretheytakehomeafullpaycheck.

Now,thereisasecondGTEplanned Guyanacannotget the first right, but is jumping on a second ExxonMobil just extendeditsenrichingprofitrun Thecompanyisdetermined to separate this country from its full and proper profit share Newprojectsarethebestcovertoachievethatgoal

The PPP has betrayed Guyana by failing to renegotiate the oil contract

DEAREDITOR,

Inaletterpublishedinthe Kaieteur News on April 3, 2026 and captioned, “Ambassador,itwouldbedangerousfor us not to renegotiate the contract,”

Conrad Barrow stated “...any new, democratically elected government is mandated to serve it’s citizens best interestandsoisobligatedtocorrectthe misdeed and mistakes of the previous administration which signed an unfair document.”

I would call this contract deeply corrupted.

Conrad was right to respond to the United States (U S ) Ambassador However, I would further remind our people that the Irfaan Ali Administration after taking power reneged on its election promise to

commencedspeakingaboutthesanctity ofthecontract.

Guyanese recognise that the contracthasnosanctityinthefirstplace and that investors are not stupid and would recognise that it was a corrupt contractthatwasabsolutelylopsidedin theinterestofExxon.

Thisgovernmentshouldhavecalled Exxon to sit at the table and confront themwiththefactthatitwasalopsided

contract that defied all precedent contracts.

Her Excellency, the U.S. Ambassador in keeping with her mandate “America first” is protecting the interest of two American corporations, while Guyana especially those who voted for the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) were betrayed bythePresidentandtheVicePresident.

Having accepted theAmbassador’s rightanddutytospeakonbehalfofU.S. companies, I would like to assess and critique her argument that any attempt to renegotiate the contract would scare awayinvestors.

Istatedearlierthatinvestorsarenot stupid people and they would do due diligence and if they are themselves decent would recognise what is condemned worldwide as a lopsided contract.

An examination of the position of the most recognised international organisations: The World Bank, IDB, IMF, IEEFA (Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analyst), Global Witness, an anti-corruption organisation, Chatam House and the BBCcorrespondent,havecriticisedthe ExxonPSA.

They have said that the contract is

onesidedwithweakenvironmentaland fiscalrequirements,lacksguaranteefor oil spills: inadequate oversight which leaves the country and its people exposed to a series of pollution and financialrisksandtheabsenceof“ringfencing”.

The BBC correspondent said to Routledge - CEO of Exxon, “The cost sharing agreement with Guyana means you can claim literally billions and billions of cost before you even get to theprofitsharing”.

Madam Ambassador as a representativeofUSA,theleaderofthe free world and one that condemns corruptioninvariouspartsoftheworld, youshouldencourageExxontositatthe tablewithourleaderstoworkoutaPSA thathassomesanctity

Itseemsthatourleadersdonothave the testicular strength nor the political willforwhateverreasontoevensuggest to Exxon the need to renegotiate. The refusaltoevenaskisinexplicable. IdohopethosewhosupportthePPP can recognise the great betrayal of not only Guyana but Cde. Cheddi. They shouldstopshoutingCheddilivesafter havingkilledhislegacy

Rajendra Bisessar BSc Sociology, LLB

M@ilbox

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Time for Guyana to be heard

DEAREDITOR,

I firmly agree with President Dr Irfaan Alithat“Countriesprotectingenvironmental resources must be fairly compensated.” The Head-of-State made this vital global call from Houston, Texas, during his Baker Institute’sCentreforEnergyStudies’,titling it, “The Future of Guyana.” It was poignant andquitenecessary,andhopefullythis‘call’ willbecomeauniversalmantra.

Rightoffthebat,IcanthinkofBrazil The countryreceivesfundsforREDD+initiatives and forest protection, particularly in the Amazon, supported by international donors By way of information, REDD+ is an UNbackedclimatechangemitigationframework, that incentivizes developing countries, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by protecting,managing,andrestoringforests

It stands for “Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.”There is also Indonesia, receiving significant payments from Norway for curbing emissions by conserving peatlands and forests. There is no need to keep itemising, and hopefully readers will delve into the issue, and thus be able to join in the president’schorus.

It was noteworthy that President Ali clearly delineated that “Our carbon credits arecertifiedatjurisdictionalscale,”meaning that even though Guyana is rightfully maximising its oil and gas sector, “… it has simultaneouslymaintainedoneoftheworld’s lowest deforestation rates and preserved morethan85percentforestcover.”Thiskind of stewardship must be commended and compensated,asgreedwasneverallowedto take over Guyana, all the while, has been balancing “… pushing for market-based

mechanismsthatrewardnationsmaintaining standing forests and safeguarding biodiversity…” even as the Oil and Gas sectorisundergoingexpansion.

PresidentAli,inaverysuccinctandbold mannerinformedallthat“Here(Guyana)isa countrythatisgrowingitsOilandGassector atunprecedentedspeed,butatthesametime securingastandingforestbetterthananyone elseintheworld.”

Justforarevision,IremindallthatForest Preservation is essential for maintaining life on Earth, acting as the planet’s primary carbon sink, biodiversity hotspot, and water regulator Forests in fact mitigate climate change by absorbing billions of tonnes of CO2annually Weknowfirst-handtoothatit serves as protection against erosion and floods,andprovidesmedicinesforbillions.

Asishiswon’t,theGuyanaPresidentwas well-armed with historical and scientific data,ashesoundedhisclarioncall. Hispoint of contention remains quite tenable as he highlightedthat“…globalfinancingsystems continuetodisadvantagecountriesthathave historically protected their natural resources (since) the world is ready to incentivise and paycountriesthattookdowntheirforestsand givethemresourcestoreplanttheforests.But forthosewhokeptthisstanding,you’regiven athankyounote.”

And for him, “That’s not how international economics work. That is not how countries survive,” and therefore, there must not be any kind of equivocation regarding “advocating for stronger international frameworks that allow forest and biodiversity services to be monetised throughmarket-basedsystems.”

May I remind people that the Industrial

Pres. Ali ‘hijacked’ the term ‘energy balance’

DEAREDITOR,

I am an energy technologist who has conductedenergyauditsand surveys. The term ‘energy balance’used to be reserved for applications of the 1st lawofthermodynamics(also known as the law of conservationofenergy).

I succeed as an energy auditor when I reconcile the amount of energy supplied with the amount of energy used and lost or wasted. Clients improved their energy efficiency by minimising energy loss, which can manifest itself as heat to shorten equipment lifetimes, or leak into sensitive areas and cause breakdown It is like balancing the income and expenditures of a budget or of auditing in financial accounting.

Revolution (c. 1760–1840) wreaked havoc on the environment. Be reminded too that it immensely benefited Great Britain, Western Europe, the United States, Belgium, Germany,FranceandJapan.Bearinmindtoo that the said Industrial Revolution caused severe, long-term environmental damage throughthemassiveadoptionofcoal,leading to intense air pollution, massive defores

contamination.

Rapid urban growth overwhelmed sanitation, while industrial waste poisoned landscapesandecosystems.Thisshiftbegan accelerating greenhouse gas emissions and resource extraction that still drive modern

climatechangeandhabitatlosstoday

So,itisfitting(asPresidentAlireminded hisaudience),thatGuyanaisco-chairingthe Global Tropical Forest Alliance, as part of efforts to advance international discussions on forest valuation and climate services. Since, as he said, “We live in a world where 60percentofourbiodiversityisalreadylost inthelast60years,biodiversitypreservation mustbeviewednotonlyasanenvironmental issue, but also as an economic and developmental concern tied to industries suchashealthcare,pharmaceuticals,research andIndigenousheritage.”

Yourstruly,

HargeshB.Singh

Mother’s Day ThankYou

DEAREDITOR,

Sunday,thesecondinthe month of May, is Mother’s Day, a universal day for honouring maternal figures withheartfeltappreciation.It is a deeply emotional day observed with gusto in which children treat their mother extra special, showering them with flowers,gifts,food.

Onbehalfofchildrenand all male figures, I convey thanks and gratitude for all thatmothers,sisters,women have done for their siblings and younger folks.They did almost everything possible, countless tasks, for us from birth until adulthood and even after marriage, taking careofthegrandchildrenand offeringguidanceonhowwe live a better life Many sisters and neighbours, female friends and cousins

serve as mothers to others.

Femalesdidn’tdoitbecause of their love for their loved ones, families, friends, and neighbours.

And we as children and as younger folks and males return our love, gratitude, and appreciation for their sacrifices and endless care. Thanksforallyouhavedone and will continue to do.You aredeservingofourloveand appreciation for their

sleepless nights, labour, constant worry, and unwavering understanding andsupport.

The day brings back memories and they are all positive about the females whoplayedaroleinmaking us a better person. Thank you,ladies,foryourstrength andresilienceandforputting upwithusforallthoseyears!

Yourstruly, VishnuBisram

I am also an educator of long standing, who has to bring students to be able to describe their reality, find relations between measurable things than can be changed, and change them for the good of mankind.

OurPresidentisexhorted to do this. If he can be credited with describing our situation,heisobviouslyout of touch with what can be changed, preferring to listen towhathisexploiterssaycan be done instead of what his peopleneed.

The glaring example is the Gas-to-Energy project versus the 500% cheaper solar power Please therefore, Mr President, leave a legacy of respect for the learning of the representatives of the poor instead of the society of the rich.

So, I have grounds to complain that the President ishijackingtheterm“energy balance” in your KN report of May 5, 2026 to mean an arbitraryallocationofenergy sources regardless of their financialsense.Iwouldhate to have his version to be addedasanothermeaningof theterm.

Theexploitativerichgive advice that will perpetuate their benefits and make it appear that their (own sponsored) academia agree This is what many young academics and politicians do not realise They believe in the impartiality of many of thoseinchargeofinstitutions oflearning,whichhaveeven created a polite language for operating the resources “for you” They write the playbook Leaders not brought up in mathematical rigourandwhoarenotwilling to employ qualified persons, canbeeasilymisled

The deuterocanonical biblicalbookofSirachgives good advice about advisors in Chapter 37: “Beware of counsellors First find out what they want themselves, since their advice coincides with their interests – in case theyhavedesignsonyou.Do not consult with a merchant about a bargain or with a buyer about selling …”

AlfredBhulai

Mandiesafterneighbour plungesknifeinhischest

AtaxidriverdiedearlySaturdaymorning afterhewasstabbedduringaconfrontationat FarmersField,PlumPark,Sophia.

DeadisCaseyChapman,36,ofLot77-78 SouthSophia,Georgetown.

Reports are that, after being stabbed, Chapman drove himself to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) with a knifestucktohischest.Hediedshortlyafter gettingtothehospital.Theincidentoccurred ataround23:45h.

Kaieteur News understands that the victim was stabbed by his 34-year-old neighbour. Police said that the duo had previousgrievances.

ReportsarethatChapman,whowasinthe companyofhisgirlfriend,wasdrivingalong the Farmers Field Road when the suspect approached from the opposite direction in a ToyotaAxiocar

The woman told police that while in vicinityofabarbershopbothcarsattempted topasseachotherbutwerestucksidebyside duetothenarrownessoftheroad.Noneofthe drivers wanted to make way for the other to pass. This resulted in an argument which escalatedtoascuffle.

Chapman’s girlfriend recalled seeing the suspect being armed with a brown handle knife.

Upon seeing the knife, Chapman ran away from the suspect but the suspect pursued and they ended up in a scuffle. During the fight, the suspect plunged the knifeintothemiddleofChapman’schestand itbrokeleavingthebladestuckinside.

Chapman retreated to his car with his

girlfriend

DiabeticRetinopathy

By Dr.Liu Nan nan (The 21st China Medical Team)

1.WhatisDiabeticRetinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common microvascular complications of diabetes and the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in working-age adults worldwide.

The retina acts like the film in a camera. Long-term high blood sugar damages tiny blood vessels in the retina, causing leakage, ischemia, bleeding, and gradual vision damage. In severe cases, it can lead to permanent,irreversibleblindness.

Itoftenhasnosymptomsearlyon,soitis calledthe“silentvisionkiller”forpeoplewith diabetes.

2.WhoIsatHighRisk?

-Poorlycontrolledbloodsugar

-Longerdurationofdiabetes

- Hypertension, high cholesterol, or kidneydisease

-Smoking,excessivealcohol,poorsleep, obesity

-Womenwithgestationaldiabetes

-Thosewhoneverhaveeyeexams

3.Symptoms

Early stage: NO obvious symptoms. Vision can seem normal even when damage exists.

Asitprogresses,youmaynotice:

-Blurredordecreasedvision

-Floatingdarkspotsinfrontofeyes

-Distorted,wavyvision

-Missingareasinyourvisualfield

- Sudden severe vision loss (from bleeding)

Once symptoms appear, the disease is often moderate to advanced, making

treatmentmuchharderandrecoverylimited. Earlyscreeningiscritical.

4.ScreeningSchedule

All people with diabetes must have regulareyeexams,evenwithnosymptoms.

-Type2diabetes:firstexamatdiagnosis

- Type 1 diabetes: first exam within 3–5 yearsafterdiagnosis

-Stablebloodsugar:onceperyear

- Unstable sugar or existing retinopathy: every6or3months

5.Prevention&Management

-ControlBloodSugar(MostImportant)

-HbA1cbelow7%

-Fastingbloodglucose80–125mg/dL

- 2-hour post-meal glucose below 180 mg/dL

-ControlBloodPressure&Lipids

-Bloodpressurebelow130/80mmHg

-Healthy cholesterol levels to reduce vasculardamage

-HealthyLifestyle

-Stopsmoking,limitalcohol

-Regularexercise,weightcontrol

-Adequatesleep,avoideyestrain

-TreatmentPrinciples

-Early:controlsystemicdisease+regular follow-up

-Moderate:retinallasertreatmentorother treatmentstopreventworsening

-Advanced: may need intraocular injectionsorsurgerytosavevision

Diabetic retinopathy cannot be reversed, butearlyinterventionalmostalwaysprevents blindness.

Every person with diabetes should make eyeexaminationsalifelongroutine.

By Christopher Ram

One day after the nationalisationofthebauxite industry, then President Forbes Burnham observed that Independence gave Guyana a new flag and wardrobe, but “not a new economy.”

Fifteen years later, during the debate on the Petroleum Exploration and Production Bill, Leader of theOppositionCheddiJagan warnedagainstsurrendering sovereignty to big US oil companies.

Neither warning appeared foremost in PresidentAli'smindwhenhe was flattered and honoured with a visionary leadership awardbyaHoustonbusiness chamber

As Guyana approaches its sixtieth Independence anniversary, it is worth asking: what exactly was independence supposed to mean?

The Road to First Oil - Every Man, Woman and Child must become oil-minded (Column

Independence,SovereigntyandExxon

Burnham's responses

cooperative socialismu

d disastrous.

But behind the failures lay a patriotic instinct: Guyana had to become master of its own destiny Jagan approached the question differently His politics were rooted in antiimperialism, Third World solidarity and suspicion of multinational corporate power In his autobiographical The West on Trial and throughout decades of parliamentary interventions, he warned repeatedly about the dangers of external domination and economic dependency masquerading asdevelopment.

D e s m o n d H o y t e liberalised the economy and opened Guyana to Western capital, yet still carried himselfwiththereserveand

seriousness of a statesman conscious of sovereignty Bharrat Jagdeo - for all his pragmatism and embrace of oil development - projected toughness, calculation and nationalist caution when dealingwithforeignpower

One may disagree with allofthem.

But Burnham, Jagan, HoyteandJagdeosharedone instinct: Guyana was small, vulnerable and historically exploited.

Its leaders therefore had to remain psychologically guarded in dealing with externalinterests.

Inhismanyengagements in Houston, and even since his re-election, Ali has signaledaprofoundchange.

At the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston,Texas,hedelivered aspeechthatsimultaneously defended fossil fuel development,praisedenergy realismandsubordinatedthe language of climate justice.

In doing so, he distorted globalenergycomparisonsparticularly the resurgence ofcoal-inanapparenteffort to reassure a Houston petroleum audience that his Guyana welcomed continued hydrocarbon expansion.

World Oil, a respected petroleum industry publication, described the address as confusing, unfocused and lacking in substance.

The criticism was blunt, striking, and factual, r e p r e s e n t i n g t h e disappointment of the oil industryitself.

That did not stop the business-courting Houston chamber honouring Ali at a private dinner with a “Visionary Leadership Award.”

Far from elevating the moment, the award seemed almost patronising - less the recognition of a visionary leader and more ceremonial flattery extended to the leader of a strategically useful petro-state offering profitable business opportunities.

Thesenseofpresidential drift deepened in a subsequent Houston interview when Ali was askedhowGuyanamanages public expectations arising fromoilwindfalls.

Before answering, he found it necessary to acknowledge Exxon's presence in the room, then waffled through AI, drones and hotels before arriving at Exxon's expectations, costbankrecoveryandGuyana's future as an oil producer “beyond2060”.

Even when discussing wealth for Guyanese citizens, the President instinctively framed the issue through the priorities ofthepetroleumindustry

This followed the posting on Facebook of photographs of Ali and his wifealongsideUSPresident DonaldTrump and his wife. In another era, Guyanese leaders would have treated such encounters as routine diplomatic moments, not personal achievements worthy of celebration Burnham and Jagan would not have been impressed.

Hoyte would have maintained distance and dignity Jagdeo would likely h a v e v i e w e d i t

transactionally rather than sentimentally Ali is different He appears unusually susceptible to international flattery, corporate prestige andeliterecognition.

Thatbecomesdangerous in a resource rich, poorly governed republic where no company-notevenBookers in the colonial era - has exercised such structural dominanceinnationallife.

Bookers dominated the pre-Independence economy, but all its companies paid taxes to the State. Today, under the 2016 Petroleum Agreement, Guyana pays Exxon'staxes.

Bookers exploited labour and land within a renewable agricultural economy

Exxon controls vast areas of Guyana's continental shelf for the extraction and monetisation of finite natural resources which, once depleted, are goneforever

Thatdistinctionmatters.

The doctrine of permanent sovereignty over natural resources engaged the United Nations after decolonisation precisely because newly independent countries understood the dangers associated with extractiveindustries.

Aswewitness,evennow in the Strait of Hormuz, petroleum determines geopolitical leverage, fiscal sovereignty and the longterm developmental future ofnations.

It is why independent states fought so fiercely for control over petroleum resources throughout the twentiethcentury.

That lesson has either escaped Ali - or been rejectedbyhim.

His boast inTexas about Guyana's unwavering commitment to “sanctity of contract” elevated a jurisprudential concept abovesovereigntyitself.

Ali came to office condemning the 2016 Agreement and pledging renegotiation and stronger oversight.

Instead, renegotiation is offthetable,anindependent petroleum commission never materialised, and enforcement of existing contractual provisions is eitherweakorabsent.

After a full first term in office, unprecedented oil

revenues and an expanded parliamentary majority, the Ali Administration still cannot settle and enforce petroleum audits under this “sacredcontract.”

At some point, this ceasestobeincompetence.It begins to look like political incapacity before corporate power

Worse,weappeartohave contracted out planning and national pronouncements to Exxon's representative in Guyana When Exxon executiveAlistairRoutledge publiclyspokeaboutanother gas-to-energy project before President Ali leaves office, the statement passed with remarkable ease into public discourse.

The relationship between Ali and Routledge hasbecomesocozythatthey s e e m t o m a k e complementaryspeeches. Burnham, Jagan and every other President would havefoundthisdevelopment atentirelyundesirable.

They all understood something essential: political independence without sovereign selfrespect is worse than where wewerein1966.

The real question facing Guyana on the eve of its sixtieth Independence anniversary is not ExxonMobilitself.

The company is simply pursuing its purpose: exploiting resources and maximising shareholder returns.

NorisittheAgreement, which provides for review andrenegotiation.

The real danger is a presidency insufficiently p a t r i o t i c t o k e e p ExxonMobil at sovereign distance,toochummytocall out Exxon, and too vulnerable to vanity and external validation to place countryaboveego.

This column first appeared on chrisram.net and is reproduced with the kind permission of the author

ThePNCRistheauthorofitsowndemise

Thereisacertainironyin hearingtheAPNUcomplain todayaboutfragmentationin the Opposition. If there is one political force that should understand the dangers of division, internal warfare, and political selfdestruction, it is the APNU itself.

M u c h o f t h e fragmentation that now exists within the Opposition was not imposed from outside. It was created from within, particularly within the ranks of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR),thedominantparty inthecoalition.

The uncomfortable truth is that the seeds of division were planted during the aftermath of the 2020 elections. And those seeds were planted by elements within the PNCR itself. The target of that rebellion was none other than David Granger, perhaps the most credible, democratic, and disciplinedleaderthePNCR everproduced.

D a v i d G r a n g e r understood something that many within his own party refused to accept He understood that once GECOMdeclaredtheresults following the recount process, there was no responsible path except to respect the outcome, howeverpainfulitmayhave beenpolitically Grangerdid notseektoholdontopower at all costs. He did not attempt to burn the house down because his side had

lost In a region where leaders too often cling desperately to office, that wasnosmallthing.

Butinsteadofrespecting him for taking the democratic road, sections of the PNCR turned against him. There were mutinous whispers. Then came open rebellion No-confidence motions against him emerged in party groupings. Persons suddenly treated him as an obstacle rather than the man who had rescued the party from politicalirrelevance.

Theironyisastonishing. David Granger was already preparing the party for transition He clearly understood that leadership renewal was necessary He was attempting to guide a smooth succession process while preserving unity within the coalition and within the PNCR itself. Yet rather than allowing him to manage that transition with dignity and stability, forces within the party virtually pushedhimout.Indoingso, thePNCRfragmenteditself. That fragmentation deepened over time. The divisions grew sharper. Relationships deteriorated. Many longstanding party stalwarts eventually found themselves alienated or forcedtopartcompanywith the PNCR altogether Newcomers also parted companywiththePNCR. At one stage, even the APNU coalition itself appeared threatened by the

Dem Boys Seh...

possibility that the PNCR might no longer remain part of the arrangement. That bizarre political manoeuvre reflected just how chaotic internalpoliticshadbecome. A coalition that once projected strength and unity had become consumed by distrustanddivisions.

Then came the run-up to the 2025 elections. Once again, the old hardened instincts within the PNCR resurfaced.

The party could not find common ground with the AllianceForChange(AFC). Nor could it successfully arrive at a workable arrangement withWe Invest in Nationhood (WIN). The Opposition entered another election cycle divided and weakened.

Now,therearethosewho will argue that WIN may never have truly wanted a coalition in the first place.

There is probably considerable truth in that assessment Its political objectives may very well have involved a completely differentendgame.Buteven if that is accepted, the fact remainsthatthePNCRonce again demonstrated an inability to compromise, negotiate, and build broad alliances.

Andthatisdeeplyironic because the party had once successfullyunitedtheparty and built a winning coalition. But the person who did that was David Granger and he was no longer around to save the

HappyMother’sDaytothefathers whomadeMother’sDaypossible!

Mother’sDaydoesalwaysexposesome hardtruthsinsociety Isonedayintheyear motherssupposedtokickoffdemshoes,put upthemfeetandrelaxwhileeverybodyelse dothework.Butsomepeoplegotastrange interpretation of appreciation. Dem does believe that giving mommy more work is partofthecelebration.

Dem boys hear bout one mother who wake up Mother’s Day morning and get strict instructions from de children: “Mommy, don’t get out de bed!” Now any hardworkingmotherwouldfeelnicehearing that. She lie down smiling and imagining breakfast in bed, flowers, maybe even one cupteamadewithoutshehavingtoaskthree times.

After a lil while she smell scrambled eggsfloatingupfromdekitchen.Thearoma alonenearlybringtearstosheeyes.Shesay to sheself, “Praise de Lord, de children finallylearninggratitude.”

But after waiting and waiting and waiting, no tray ain’t arrive upstairs. No juice. No toast. Not even one half-burnt sausage.Soshedecidetoinvestigate. When she walk downstairs, she nearly collapse from shock. The two children

PNCRfromitself.

Before Granger, the PNCR was trapped in the political wilderness. Under his leadership, the party softened its image, broadened its appeal, and formedthecoalitionwiththe AFC that eventually won government in 2015 Whatever criticisms one may have of his presidency, there can be little doubt that Granger achieved what many before him could not: he created a practical coalition that took power awayfromthePPPCanddid sodemocratically Thatachievementisnow oftenforgottenbythosewho helped remove him.And let it also be recalled that the very WPA which is now bemoaning fragmentation itself had spawned division

within the APNU+AFC government,includingwhen it called on that government to apologise to its supporters.

Today, the Opposition c o m p l a i n s a b o u t fra

fragmentation did not arrive byaccident.Itwascultivated

impatience,andtherejection ofdemocraticmaturity

The PNCR weakened itself when it turned against the very leader who tried to steer it responsibly through one of the most difficult moments in Guyana’s political history Perhaps that is why there is now growing reflection about whether the party made a gravemistake. If David Granger is well

enough healthwise, perhaps heistheonepersontowhom the PNCR and the APNU shouldnowturnonceagain. Notbecauseheisperfect.No leader is. But because he demonstrated qualities that are now sorely lacking: restraint, discipline, coalition-building, and respectfordemocracy

And in politics, those qualities are far more valuable than loud rhetoric andendlessinternalwarfare.

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

sitting down comfortable at de table eating scrambledeggsandtoastallbydemself.

One of dem look up proudly and announce:“AsasurpriseforMother’sDay, wedecidetocookweownbreakfast!”

Now that is modern parenting. The mothercookbreakfast364daysfordeyear, and on Mother’s Day de children celebrate by removing one day of work from she list—butonlyforthemselves.

Butdesurpisesain’tdoneyet.

After everybody done eat, the mother automatically slip into training mode and startgatheringupthedirtyplates.Isthende husband finally decide to show appreciation.

“Honey,whatyoudoing?”heask.

Shesay,“Takingdedishestodekitchen and putting dem in de dishwasher What else?”

The husband puff up important and declare: “Come on darling, today is Mother’sDay!You’lldothattomorrow!”

Demboyssehsomemothersdon’tneed flowers. Dem need a labour union, paid vacation, and witness protection from helpfulfamilymembers.

Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

H@RD TRUTHS

Wales – Part II – Drs. Ali, Phillips, Jagdeo – rise n'

Pres. Ali tells anyone who would listen that he is all about transparency He now has a clean shot at proving it. The Wales gas projectisdangledbeforehis eyes. AllUS$2billionofit, and whatever the final amountthatitendsuptobe. Dr Ali has a chance at showing the Guyanese peoplehowtransparentheis. Not through mouthpieces,

nor the syrups of propagandists whose first

duty is to make fools of themselves to earn their dinnerplate. Pres. Ali must clear the air himself about the US$2 billion and what this nation has got for its moneytodate.

No silky speechwriter's product,butapresidentwho is striving for credibility, standing and speaking for himself. It is part of the job he craved so badly; an inseparable aspect of the compact he and the PPP

Government have with citizens. Ifnooneelseowns this project, by default, it is Irfaan Ali's, goes with the territory Saysomethingand save thyself, Mr President. G

collective breath. US$2 billion is big money for the people of this country It stands to reason that the biggest man in this burg is the fittest and most proper person to present the transparencythathasbeenso elusive. Not only on Wales and a gas plant and power plant. ButontheentirePPP Government plant. What is happening? Where do matters congeal? What to expect for 2026, almost halfwaythrough? Thanksin advance,ExcellencyAli.

Prime Minister Phillips, formerarmychiefisupnext. Neither broadside nor salvo isinmindwithwhatfollows.

Aformerarmychiefisnever a former officer and gentleman, never even with the most miniscule hint of conductunbecoming. Iurge him to shed his political

colours and don his military dress, epaulettes, ribbons, braids,anddecorationsall. I think Ret'd Brigadier General, Mark Anthony Phillips, has it in him to do better Sorry, but neither Shakespeare nor Caesar today Only the hard truths of that same US$2 billion Walesgasaffair

Did theYanks get paid? Okay, not the full amount, but a portion, with the remainder accepted as coming. The docs say so. So,therewasnoneed,Prime Minister, to wiggle, waggle, andgargle. Chokingoccurs. After the spectacle created.

A Prime Minister isn't a cheerleader

A Prime Minister is a truth-seeker and a truthteller If PM Phillips disagrees, here is his golden momenttoboreholesinthat construction.

A first vice president (hopefully, not lived literally)andafirstsoldierof thebarracksanddustyplains should not be a man that allows himself to be pushed around. Norpushedintothe

shine

line of fire. Nor pushed to take fusillades of lead for others who keep their heads down and outofharm'sway

All well and good with all for one and one for all, Prime Minister, but the stench, sir, the taint, mon general. Let others carry their own 'dutty' water, energy portfolio freely acknowledged.

I finally arrive at Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo: oilman, gasman, policy man, Wales man. Dr Jagdeo insisted, persisted, that the Wales GTE is viable, credible, producible. Aggressive and abusive,hewas. Walesishis project, from his fertile mental laboratory Dr Jagdeo must take the lead, notshunthelimelightthathe once loved, seized. Take responsibility, Mr Jagdeo. Walesisaperfectexampleof what can go wrong will go wrong, said Irishman Murphy If it started wrong (it did) then it will only go down (it has). What sayeth thou, Master Jagdeo?

CallingDr.Jagdeo:whereart thou? Give the people something for their US$2 billion. A good time to observe a clever warrior at work.

When to expect a working, delivering Wales gasproject,doctor? Atwhat estimated last cost, skipper? How about a head or two to roll, mister? I nominate Bharrat Jagdeo's first. For now, Winston has my blessings,prayers. Wales. WheneverWales surfaces, Tom Jones reappears Echoes of 'Delilah' heard. Why, why, why Delilah... The lyrics confirm hard truths: this country's in a bad place, the worstimaginable.

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

GGMC seizes 15 mining equipment in bid to clamp down on illegal waste disposal at Walabaka

More than 15 pieces of mining equipment were seized on Friday by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission(GGMC)asthe organisation intensifies its efforts to clamp down on illegal waste disposal at WalabakaFourMilesareain MiningDistrict#5.

Accordingtoastatement issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources, the seized equipment includes engines, excavators and pumps.

The ministry said that

enforcementactionhasbeen taken to address the illegal discharge of tailings which arewastematerialsbyerrant miners in the area There

have been concerns stemming since 2024 about the Walabaka Basin due to high turbidity, which is commonly referred to as

muddy water, as a result of miningactivityinthearea.

“Over the past several months,theMinesTechnical

Departments of the Guyana G

Commission (GGMC) have beenworkingwithoperators to improve the containment

of tailings and prevent the release of sediment-laden w

i n t o n e a r b y waterways. D e s p i t e t h e s e interventions, some errant miners continued to directly discharge tailings and release turbid water from (Continuedonpage47)

Consultants bid $1B each to provide engineering services for construction of New Berbice Bridge

The three consultancy firms who are vying for the contract to provide engineering services for constructionofNewBerbice River Bridge, have bid a $1 billioneachfortheproject.

This was disclosed recently when bids were opened at the National Procurement and Tender A

(NPTAB)office.Theproject is being executed through the Ministry of Public Works.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understandsthatengineering services would include the supervision of the works beingdonebythecontractor, ensuring the deadline is met and the structure is built to standard for safe use when

completed.

According to NPTAB, the bidders and bids are Politecnica Ingegneria ed Architettura S C (Italy) in as

consultant: SRKN'gineering & A

(Guyana) $1,404,000,000 (Exclusive of All Indirect Local Taxes); AI Engineers (Guyana) Inc in association

with Environmental Management Consultants Inc & WSP Inc (Caribbean)

$1,575,935,760 (Exclusive ofAllIndirectLocalTaxes); and Rites Limited (India) in Joint Venture with Sheladia Associates Inc (USA) and sub-consultant: CB & Associates Inc (Guyana)

$1,750,474,660 18 (Exclusive of All Indirect LocalTaxes).

In 2024, the Public Works Ministry sought expression of interests (EOIs) for the designing, buildingandfinancingofthe new Berbice River Bridge. In October 2024, nine contractors, that were all international companies, submitted expressions of interest.

Of the nine, five

contractors were invited to further bid for the project withtheirprice.

The Department of Public Information reported in November 2025 that Minister of Public Works, JuanEdghillannouncedthat a contractor was identified and the government's negotiationteamisfinalising thecontract.

Kaieteur News reported

government intended to construct a fixed high-span crossing bridge across the BerbiceRiver

“We ar

y understanding the future needs of this region. That is why we are accelerating the plans for a fixed high-span

crossing bridge across the Berbice River just like the oneintheDemeraraRiver,” PresidentAli said at a sodturning event held for the US$161 million modern h

Amsterdam.

He had in

ially announced the construction ofanewbridgeinBerbicein October2022.

Speaking about the new Berbice River Bridge on numerous occasions, the Presidentnotedthatitwould be built, and would bring significant benefits to commuters and the region's economy

Thestructureisexpected tomirrortheUS$262million newDemeraraRiverBridge, which commissioned in October2025.

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCIES!

In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Dr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecencies in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation.

MONDAY–MAY04,2026

Whitherpressfreedom

The message on World Press Freedom Day from the Guyana Press Association was clear: press freedom is not ceremonial, it is essential.

In a country awash with oil wealth and rapid change, access to information remains uneven, and too oftenobstructed.

T h e A c c e s s t o Information Act exists, yet its full promise is still unrealised.

Thatisunacceptable.

A media landscape constrained by delays, silence, or intimidation cannot serve democracy Journalists must be free to probe, question, and expose withoutfear

Equally, the State and all stakeholders must ensure that information flows openlyandefficiently

Technology, too, must not become a gatekeeper of truth When access is restricted, rights are diminished.

If Guyana is serious about development, accountability, and stability, then it must treat press freedom not as a privilege, but as a right that underpins themall.

TUESDAY –MAY 05, 2026

Oil wealth, but democratic

d e c l i n e

In one of our lead articles reported yesterday we amplified a sobering warning from attorney and accountant Christopher Ram:theresourcecurseisno

l o n g e r a t h e o r y i n

Guyana—itisreality

His argument is not built on s p e c u l a t i o n b u t o n institutionaldecay

A Parliament that barely meets, committees that do not function, and billions in public spending left unscrutinised point to a dangerous erosion of accountability Oil wealth was expected to strengthen governance, not suffocate it. Instead, power appears increasingly centralised, with decisions announced and executed absent meaningful oversight. More troubling is the silence both locally and internationally, where scrutiny once existed.

The paradox is stark: economic growth on paper, democratic decline in practice.

If these trends persist, Guyana risks trading longterm stability for short-term gain. The warning is clear

The question is whether

anyone in authority is prepared to act before accountability disappears entirely

FRIDAY – MAY 08, 2026

Truck drivers protest Truck drivers across the country are voicing growing frustration over what they describe as the increasing domination of foreign companies and a shrinking share of local work opportunities.

Theyarguethatcontracts are being awarded to overseas operators at the expense of domestic workers, leaving many truck operators struggling to pay their mortgage and secure steadyincome.

The drivers insist that local content policies are not being enforced effectively a n d h a v e c a l l e d o n government authorities to strengthen regulations, ensure fair competition, and prioritise employment for nationals in the transport sector

The protesting drivers w a r n t h a t w i t h o u t intervention, the livelihoods of many families dependent on trucking could be further undermined, potentially triggering wider industrial unrestandeconomicstrain.

SATURDAY –

MAY 09, 2026

PresidentAli not budging President Irfaan Ali's latest declaration that his government will not renegotiate ExxonMobil's controversial oil contract should trouble every Guyanese.

The administration continues to hide behind the phrase “sanctity of contract” while billions of dollars in o i l w e a l t h fl o w disproportionately into

foreignhands. Whatmakesthisposition even more glaring is that the President himself once condemnedthedealasunfair and pledged to review it Today, that promise has vanished, replaced by unwavering protection of a contract widely viewed as one of the worst petroleum agreementsintheworld.

Even the APNU+AFC administration successfully renegotiated the royalty

loophole in 2019, proving adjustments are possible when political will exists Yet the PPP now behaves as though the agreement is untouchablescripture.

Predictability for investors is important, but what about fairness for citizens?

Guyanese deserve leaders who defend national interests with the same passion now reserved for defendingExxon'sprofits.

GRA lost tens of millions in taxes on importation of three luxury vehicles by lawyer

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has been the victim of massive tax evasion in the past by multinational corporations and even locals but new informationhasreachedthis newspaperexposingamajor scandal, resulting in the loss of massive revenue to the Statebyfoundingmemberof the London House Chambers (LHC), Devindra Kissoon.

A c c o r d i n g t o information reaching this newspaper, the attorney was abletopurchasethreeluxury vehicles: a Lamborghini, Porsche and Mercedes Benz between2021and2025.But the mere purchase of the vehicles is not the issue, but

rather the grossly understated value seen and declared on invoices submitted to the tax regulator

Lamborghinis on discount?

The most recent purchase by the top legal professional dates back to January 2025 when a grey, world-renowned, super SUV- Lamborghini Urus was registered at the GRA. The invoice states that the vehicle was purchased for just GY$22 5M or approximately US$107,000 at an exchange rate of about $210.

A Lamborghini Urus typically retails between

U S $ 2 4 0 , 0 0 0 a n d

U S $ 2 8 0 , 0 0 0 globallyhttps://wwwlambor ghiniwashington com/lamb orghini-urus-performantesterling-va

Thismeansthatthevalue declared by Kissoon was slashedbyhalf.

By declaring the vehicle at less than half its market value, tens of millions of Guyanese dollars in legitimate excise and duty payments were effectively wipedoutwiththestrokeofa pen, but this wasn't the first suchpurchase.

GRAdocumentsseenby thispublicationshowthatin April 2024, the lawyer purchased a green luxury sports car from Porsche MotorCo.

The supercar was declared with a customs valuation of just GY$4.7M which equates to a paltry US$22,488- the cost of a used Honda Civic when the price of this German beast usually starts around US$135,000orGY$28M.

In November 2021, the GRA lost even more taxes

when London House Chambers registered a MercedesGLE-350. This white premium luxury SUVwas declared at G Y $ 9 , 3 5 8 , 4 8 1 o r approximately US$44,564. While less egregious than the supercar valuations, it remains a remarkably low

figure for a vehicle in this premium class, perfectly continuing the pattern of d e f l a t e d c u s t o m s declarations. While the upper class neatly manoeuvres the legal system, these individuals pocketmillions,cheatingthe State of revenue that should

have rightly been used to help build more schools, hospitalsandroadstobenefit ourpeople.

Butthepurchaseofthese luxury vehicles that slip undertheradarisnotnewto thecountry,asjustaboutone year ago similar reports surfaced of the now

Opposition Leader, Azruddin Mohamed being embroiled in a similar scandal. M o h a m e d w a s previously charged for allegedly failing to pay $1.2B in taxes for a suite of luxury cars he owns and importedsomeyearsago.

The vehicles included a 2020 Ferrari, a 2023 Land Rover Range Rover, one 2023RollsRoyce,one2020 Lamborghini Roadster, one 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser and a 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser.

Whenthescandalbroke, the young Mohamed released WhatsApp conversations between himself and President Ali whohesaidinstructedhimto pay $25M in taxes rather than$50M.

He said, “With his (PresidentAli's)approvalon October 7, 2020, the Lamborghiniwasboughtfor US$75,000,300.

Irfaanisinreceiptofthat invoice, as seen in the messages. While they said that they don't have any proof.Hereitis.”

Mohamed said the payment was made through Republic Bank and the invoice was sent to Ali on December8,2020.

Meanwhile, Ali in a statement shared to his Facebook account admitted that he was contacted by Azruddin Mohamed about the transaction, however he was unaware of the true valueoftheluxurycars.

ThePresidentexplained, “Mynumberisnosecret. It is the same number I have had in and out of government, so having my number is nothing special. Thousands of Guyanese continue to contact me on variousmatters.

As I stated before, at no timedidAzruddinMohamed present any invoice for US$695,000,whichwenow know is the true and correct valueofthecar

Instead, he reaffirmed and confirmed his lies that the invoice he shared and presented to GRA was US$75,000.”

Over 20 persons homeless after fire destroys nine buildings at Apaiqua Landing

The aftermath of the fire which occurred at

Afireofunknownorigin on Friday night destroyed

approximately nine buildings leaving more than 20 persons homeless at Apaiqua Landing, Mazaruni River,RegionSeven.

While it is unclear if anyone was injured during the incident, Kaieteur News understands that the nine buildingsincludebusinesses andhomes.

Following the fire, Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond and

Minister of Natural Resources,VickramBharrat, on the instructions of President Irfaan Ali, visited the location and engaged with affected residents on Saturday

“Our thoughts remain

with the families and business owners impacted duringthisdifficulttime.We are currently on the ground

assessing the situation and coordinating efforts to provide assistance and support to those affected wherever possible, while investigations into the cause of the fire continue,” the ministerstated.

The

Waterfalls Waterfalls

Overcoming adversaries to build a family business... Dynamic radio personality and Mompreneur,

Sophia Dolphin

is a ‘Special Person’

Katty ENGRAVES

“Young entrepreneurs play an important role in society by bringing fresh ideas, creativity and innovation. They create opportunities, inspire others to pursue their passions, and contribute to economic growth in their communities.”

Keri Shilika Duncan

This week’sbelle,KeriShilika Duncanisaphysiotherapystudentat UniversityofGuyanapursuingaBachelor’s degreeinMedicalRehabilitation.Sheisalsoadancer andmodel.Beyondhercareergoals,Keripassionateabout advocatingforanimalrightsandinspiringyoungpetite womentoembracetheirindividuality,confidence,andstrength herfavouritefrom2Thessalonians3:16“NowmaytheLordof peacehimselfgiveyoupeaceatalltimesandineveryway.”

The Caribbean’s Limits in Absorbing Other States’ Deportees

BySirRonaldSanders

Migrationpolicy is a matter of sovereign control.Governmentsassert, rightly, their authority to regulate borders, determine who may enter, and enforce theirlaws.TheUnitedStates has that right, as does every sovereign state All Caribbeangovernmentsalso regulate entry to their countries.

While they welcome visitors, they impose visa requirements on some nationalities and limit how long visitors may remain. Thatisnormalstatepractice.

The difficulty begins when the assertion of sovereignty by one state imposes disproportionate obligationsonothers.Thatis t h e q u e s t i o n n o w confronting the Caribbean and other resourceconstrained developing states.

They are being asked by the United States to receive persons who are not their nationals and whom the United States wishes to deport.

Such arrangements have b e e n p u b l i c l y acknowledged. Panama said in February 2025 that it had received 119 migrants of multiple nationalities from the United States as part of an agreement, with 360 expected on three flights. Costa Rica received its first

such group in April 2026 under an agreement that allows up to 25 people per week. Paraguay announced inAprilthatitwouldreceive aninitialgroupof25undera migration cooperation agreement.

El Salvador has publicly agreed to receive certain deportees from the United Statesforafeeandtodetain them in a specially designated prison facility

Thesearrangementsdifferin form,buttogethertheyshow that the policy is already beingputintooperation.

Public reporting and independent policy trackers indicate that several Caribbean governments have been approached to accept persons whom the United States wishes to deport.

At least three Caribbean stateshavealreadyagreedin someform,oftenwithoutthe fulltermsbeingmadepublic. The Migration Policy Institutehasnotedthatmany oftheseagreementshavenot been published and that, in numerous cases, it is still unclear what exact obligations receiving states areassuming.

A draft of an agreement to operate this arrangement is now circulating in the region It illustrates the concern. It contemplates the transfer of a specified number of persons each month, gives only 72 hours’ notice of such transfers, and

says that background and criminal information will be supplied only “if available” or “to the extent known” to theUnitedStates.

It also states that the operating procedures do not commit U S financial resources.

The receiving country is expected to regularise, in some form, the status of these deportees from the UnitedStates.

If any sending state retainsbroaddiscretionover who is sent, how much information is shared, and provides no binding commitment to meet the costsofsettlement,whilethe receiving state must absorb the consequences on arrival, then a small country is no longersimplycooperating.It is being asked to shoulder substantial elements of another state’s migration policy with its own institutions, social services, public order systems, and political capital. For large countries, these may seem manageable matters of administration.

For small islands and coastal states, they are not.

They can generate unemployment pressures, socialstrain,severestresson public services, tensions between nationals and new arrivals, and, over time, changes in the demographic characterofthecountry

There is a further humanitarian dimension

Migrants sent to third countrieshavenofamilyties there, may not speak the language, and may arrive with uncertain legal status and no clear path forward. Reuters reported in March that the U.S. third-country policy permits removals whereofficialssaytheyhave diplomatic assurances or where migrants have receivedaslittleassixhours’ notice.

Litigation continues in the United States over whether that satisfies due process. Even if the courts eventually uphold parts of the policy, the humanitarian cost will still fall somewhere Increasingly, that“somewhere”willbethe countries that accept the deportees.

Resolving this issue should not be a matter of conflict with authorities in the U.S. Instead, it requires genuineunderstandingofthe enormityoftheproblemthat can be created for underresourcedcountries.

The United States is entitled to decide who may enter and remain in its territory It is not unreasonable for Caribbean states to insist, with equal clarity, that they too are entitled to decide whether

they can responsibly acceptnon-nationalsfrom elsewhere, if at all, on what legal basis, for how long, at whose cost, and with what safeguards That is not hostility It is prudence. It is also respect for law It reflects basic, longstanding principlesofhowstatesdeal with each other The Caribbean remains ready to work with the United States onmigrationchallenges,but cooperation must be designed in a way that both sidescansustain.

If the United States w i s h e s C a r i b b e a n cooperation i

arrangement, it is only fair that the terms be agreed, the legal status of any person received be clear, the costs befullycovered,andvetting bethorough.

Therightofthereceiving state to refuse, suspend, or terminate should be explicit and unconditional. Above all, this burden cannot simplybepushedontostates thatlackthecapacitytocarry it safely or humanely, particularly as they are already burdened with maintaining their own people in difficult and worsening economic circumstances.

The Caribbean has always shown goodwill However, the region’s absorption capacity is limited So, too, is its resilience, which is already under severe stress from externalshocksarisingfrom extreme weather events, wars in the Middle East and Europe, rising prices, and limited access to financial markets.

The Caribbean already accepts the return of its own nationals from the United States.

That is one thing. The organised reception of deportees who are not its nationals is quite another, and it cannot become a standing expectation unless arrangements are devised that do not impose unbearable weight on small countries that are already overburdened.

(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the U.S. and the OAS. He is also Chancellor of the University of Guyana. The views expressed are entirely hisown).

WEEK-IN-REVIEW

SUNDAY

Firstquarterreport: Recordhighoilproduction inGuyanadrivesindustryleadingprofitsforExxon

Guyana’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessels (FPSOs) have been singled out in Exxon Mobil’s 2026 first quarter report for their unmatched performance, which the global energygiantdescribedas“industry leading” pushing the company’s earnings for the first three months ofthisyeartoUS$4.2B.

The report published on Friday states, “Net production in the first quarter reached 4 6 million oilequivalent barrels per day, with Guyana setting a new quarterly productionrecordofmorethan900 thousand gross barrels of oil per day.”

As such, the company told shareholders that earnings for the quarter totaled US$4.2B or $1.00 pershareassumingdilution.

The report also explains, “Earnings excluding identified items were $4.9 billion, or $1.16 per share Earnings were $8 8 billion, or $2 09 per share, excluding identified items and unfavorable estimated timing effects that unwind in subsequent periods.”

Meanwhile, cash flow from operating activities was US$8 7 billion, or US$13 8 billion excluding margin postings, which primarily fluctuate with the fair value of underlying derivatives Shareholder distributions of $9.2 billion included $4 3 billion of dividendsand$4.9billionofshare repurchases, consistent with the company’s previously announced plans.

According to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Darren Woods, “This quarter demonstratedthatExxonMobilisa fundamentally stronger company than it was just a few years ago, builttoperformthroughdisruption andacrossmarketcycles.Eventsin theMiddleEasttestedthatstrength with the safety of our people remaining our top priority Those events also underscored the importance of reliable, affordable energyproductsandthevalueofthe capabilitieswehavebuilttodeliver them.”

He added that the underlying business delivered strong results, reflecting the benefits of the strategy executed by Exxon Mobil consistentlysince2018.

Woods highlighted that the company has grown “advantaged volumes,optimizedouroperations, reduced structural costs, and strengthened our earnings power.” Consequently, the CEO noted that theresultisamoreresilient,lowercost business, grounded in advantaged assets, disciplined

capital allocation, and execution excellence.“Thatfoundationgives us a durable platform to grow earnings, cash flow, and shareholder value through 2030 andbeyond,”heassured.

In the first quarter of 2026, the fourFPSOs intheStabroekBlock, operated by Exxon generated a combined total of approximately 920,000barrelsperday(bpd).

Three of the vessels have been optimized by the company, producing above the initial design capacity In March, the operator revealed plans to push the fourth project, Yellowtail from 263,000 bpdto290,000bpd.

Exxon’s report said, “Guyana 1Q26 FPSO performance is industry-leading in operational availability against Solomon Associates’ most current benchmarking report, dated April 2026. Solomon defines industryleadingasthetoptwoperformers.”

Chinesecompanyseekslicences forsixfishingvesselsinGuyana

Nearly eight years after establishing its seafood processing operations in Guyana, Chineseowned Grandeast Seafood Inc. is nowseekingapprovaltooperateits own fishing vessels, citing an inconsistent supply of raw materials as a key constraint to its operations

Exxon puts the spotlight on Guyana’s Guyana’ Prosperity FPSO- taking the cover page of its 2026 first quarter report.

In a letter dated February 19, addressed to the Chief Fisheries OfficeroftheFisheriesDepartment within the Ministry ofAgriculture, Grandeast Seafood Inc. requested approval for the vessels as part of efforts to stabilise its seafood production.

Grandeast, which has been operating in Guyana since July 3, 2018,isasubsidiaryofHongDong Fisheries Co., Ltd., a China-based company with experience in overseas fishing operations The company said since operating in Guyana it has invested approximately US$20 million in establishing a modern processing facility and supporting infrastructure.

Accordingtotheletter,theplant has an annual production capacity of 5,000–6,000 metric tonnes of fish and 10,000–12,000 metric tonnesofshrimpforbothlocaland export markets. However, since its establishment,productionhasonly reached about 2,500 metric tonnes of fish and 700 metric tonnes of shrimp.

Grandeastexportshasprimarily beendirectedtoChinaandJamaica, with 2,450 metric tonnes of fish valued at US$4 million and 670 metric tonnes of shrimp valued at US$6million.

The company outlined that it holdsawiderangeofapprovalsand certifications, including licences

and permits related to fisheries operat

environmental compliance, and taxation, and stressed that it operates in accordance with both nationa

regulations.

Despi

highlighted supply shortages as a majorchallenge.

“One of the main challenges currently faced by the company however,istheinconsistentsupply ofrawmaterials,whichhasresulted in under-utilization of the licensed processing facility Despite having thecapacitytoprocesssignificantly higher volumes, production is constrainedbylimitedandirregular accesstofishandshrimp,affecting operational efficiency, employment continuity, and the company’s ability to meet export demand,”thecompanystated.

To address this issue, the firm proposes to deploy six companyowned fishing vessels to ensure a more reliable supply of fish and shrimp, improve utilisation of its existing investment, and maintain outputlevels.

Grandeast said the vessels would operate in compliance with Guyana’s fisheries laws and in areasthatdonotconflictwithlocal fishermen. It added that the initiative could create jobs and provide training opportunities for local crews, contributing to skills

developmentwithinthesector

The company also noted that whi

e it does not operate subsidiaries outside of Guyana, it leverages the global experience of its parent company to manage its operations.

Grandeast is led by General Manager and Director Junyu Wu, who has more than 30 years of experience in fisheries production and international trade, alongside DirectorTao Huang, who oversees administrative operations, and Secretary Xingjian Dong, responsible for procurement and import/exportactivities.

The company said it remains

compliance and is prepared to provideanyadditionalinformation required by authorities as its applicationisreviewed.

MONDAY

Foreigngoldcompanypays GuyaneseUS$5Mtoearn upto70%interestin 73,000acresgoldproject

With 10 Canadian firms advancing gold projects across Guyana’s mining districts, collectivelycontrollingmillionsof ounces across various stages of development – another Canadian firmisheadingtoGuyana’smineral district.

To establish a presence in Guyana’s mining sector, Fortuna MiningCorp.haspaidaGuyanese firmUS$5millionaspartofadeal thatcouldseeitacquiringuptoa70 per cent interest in a major gold project located in the country’s interior.

Fortuna recently announced that it has entered into an earn-in

e company Qstone Inc. for the Quartzstone Project, a 73,143-acre concessionsituatedinthegold-rich GuyanaShield,approximately120 kilometreswestofGeorgetown. Upon signing the agreement, Fortuna paid Qstone a nonrefundable US$5 million cash option premium, marking its entry intoGuyana’sminingsector Asper theagreement,thecompanycan Continued on page 21

Frompage20

earn an initial 51 per cent stake by funding exploration and completing 60,000 metres of drillingwithinfouryears,andmay increaseitsinterestto70percentby solely funding a feasibility study withinthreeyearsofexercisingthe first option and continuing to pay alllicensefees.

President and Chief Executive Officer,JorgeA.Ganoza,said,“We are excited to establish a presence in the Guyana Shield, a highly prospective region with a strong history of gold discoveries ”

Ganoza continued, “The

Quartzstone Project, where historical drilling has identified multiple high-grade zones of nearsurface gold mineralisation, is located in a prolific exploration camp,andthistransactionprovides Fortuna with a staged path to unlock its potential through systematic exploration and drilling.”

The Quartzstone Project lies within a greenstone belt and hosts an orogenic gold system, a geological setting associated with major gold deposits that are controlledbyCanadianfirms.

Drilling to date has tested only approximately 5 kilometers of the 26-kilometershearzonewithinthe concession area Several geochemical anomalies along northeast-southwest trending cross-structures also remain untested and will be prioritised by theexplorationprogramme.

Historical drilling between 2010 and 2017 identified several high-gradegoldzonesalongafivekilometrecorridor

Fortuna’s initial exploration

programme, budgeted at approximately US$5.5 million, will focus on advancing priority targets already defined at Quartzstone, while generating additional targets along the highly prospective 26-kilometer main shear zone. Planned work includes airborne magnetic surveys to develop a detailed structural framework, supported by highresolution satellite imagery and digital elevation modelling. Field programmes will include infill geochemical sampling, auger drilling, and detailed geological and regolith mapping over prospectivegeophysicaltargetsand knownanomalousareas.

Aninitial5,000-meterdiamond drilling programme is planned to testhistoricaltargetsandworkings, as well as priority structural corridors along the main contact and northeast-trending intersections In addition to royalties payable to the State, the projectisalsosubjectedtoa4.5per cent net smelter returns royalty payabletoapreviousowner

Fortuna operates mining assets across Latin America and West Africa, and said the agreement represents a strategic expansion

into the Guiana Shield, one of the world’s most prospective goldproducingregions.

Resourcecursehastaken rootinGuyana–Ramwarns …says democracy, accountability no longer exists

There are a number of indicators that the resource curse has taken root in Guyana with democracy and accountability decaying rapidly in the country, accordingtoattorneyandchartered accountant,ChristopherRam.

In his column published on Sunday by Kaieteur News, the advocate for good governance pointed to the collapse in functioning of institutions and bodies geared towards improving oversight,especiallyatatimewhen oilrevenuesandpublicexpenditure balloon.

The columnist anchored his argument on the failure of this government to properly convene parliament, which has only met on threeoccasionsforbusiness.

“The 13th Parliament of st Guyana, elected on 1 September 2025, has held three business sessions in eight months.And that figure is generous. It includes the budget and two formalities,” Ram said.

Consequently, the lawyer pointedoutthatthe13thParliament has transacted one piece of real legislative business since the country went to the polls in September2025,thelowestlevelof parliamentary activity in Guyana since1966.

According to the columnist, “PresidentAli, in his second term, hasmadehistoryofakindnohead of government should want. The slide is dangerous-for democracy, foraccountability,andforeveryone exceptthepresidenthimself.”

Inrapidlydevelopingcountries like Guyana, Ram pointed to two phenomena that often occurs – the Dutch disease and the resource curse.

While he believes that the Dutch disease has been contained, Ramarguedthattheresourcecurse hasbefallenthisnation.

The resource curse, commonly referredtoastheparadoxofplenty, occurs in countries with abundant non-renewable natural resources suchasoil,gasandminerals.They experience lower economic growth,lessdemocracy,andworse development outcomes than countries with fewer resources. It often causes authoritarianism, corruption, conflict, and economic volatilityincountries.

Between the gap of visible macroeconomic stability and invisible institutional decay, Ram told readers, “The resource curse hastakenroot.”

He explained, “The evidence sits in the National Assembly Successive Parliaments since Independence have, in the eight months following each general election,satmanytimesmorethan theThirteenth–byfactorsranging up to six times. Even during our most constrained transitions, post1992 and post-1997, the National Assemblymetseveraltimesmore.”

Shifting his attention to President Irfaan Ali, the lawyer argued that the Head-of-State has

deliberative function of the legislature at the precise moment when oil revenues and public expenditure are accelerating, and major fiscal commitments are being announced by executive declaration.

While the Standing Orders

committees in the National Assembly, none have been appointedtodateasParliamenthas not properly convened, according tohim.

To this end, the lawyer said, “There is no accountability or democracyinanysense.

Thisisnotanoversight.Itisby presidential design Even those b o d i e s t h

dysfunctional.”

Commissionhasbeensilentandthe Commissioner of Information remains in place “because a donothing post is what the President seemscomfortablewith”.

Additionally, the Chartered Accountant explained that the Public Accounts Committee, chaired by a member of the main Opposition,hasnotbeenappointed andcannotmeet.Assuch,thebody is unable to examine years of Auditor General reports covering public expenditure in the range US$4 billion to US$5 billion between 2020 and 2025. It is also unable to examine whether the current Auditor General is beyond the legally permissible age for the office,Ramadded.

Causing deeper worry is a structuralproblemattheapexofthe publicfinancesystem.

The lawyer pointed out, “The Office of the Auditor General is constitutionally required to audit every ministry, department and government-owned or controlled entity, including the Ministry of Finance. It is a matter of public knowledge that there is spousal overlap. The conflict is not theoretical. It is structural, permanent,anddeliberate.”

Thesituationiscompoundedby boards across the stake stacked with “yes-men and yes-women under carefully choreographed chairs”accordingtothelawyer Ram said, “None of this would

be sustainable without external acquiescence.Ithasbeengrantedin full.TheBritishandtheCanadians, vocal monitors of Guyana’s electoral standards only months ago, have conveniently forgotten the ruling party’s abuse of State resources to secure President Ali his second term. The Americans have gone further The United States Ambassador is publicly pressingthecountrytoabandonits decades – old relationships with Cuba and China, while a representative of that same government refers to Guyana as occupyingAmerica’sbackyard.”

The lawyer argued that where Western capitals and domestic professionals once raised institutional standards, they now haveotherprioritieswithoil,gold, forestry and money far better choicesthandemocracy

Ramexplained,“Toconfirmthe resource curse, the president goes solo–speakingoneverytopicand for every minister His advisory Cabinet has been reduced to an audienceofconvenience.”

Thelawyeropinedthatpolicyis announced before Cabinet gives approval. To this end he warned, “This is how the resource curse arrives – whether in Hungary or in some poorly led countries. Not by leaps, but by gradual steps. Until one day, you wake up and it’s gone.”

TUESDAY

Teendiesaftercar slamsintoparkedtruck

A19-year-oldCorentyneyouth perished in an early morning accident along the No. 72 Village Public Road Corentyne, after his vehicle slammed into a parked truckonMonday.

Dead is Nathaniel Busdgith of Lot38,No.76Village,Corentyne. Imran Ally, the father of the deceased,toldthispublicationthat Continued on page 22

Frompage21 he was at work when he received wordofthetragedy

“This morning I left for work, and at work, I received the news that my son get into an accident. From there I left and I went to the accidentscene,butwhenIreached there, he was already by the hospital,”Allyrelated.

Upon reaching the No 75 VillageHospitalatabout09:34hrs, doctors informed him that his son wasinacriticalstate.Thegrieving father related an eyewitness’ account, which stated that the teen wasattemptingtoavoidacollision with another car that reportedly swervedsuddenlyontohislane.

“Whileinthehospital,ateacher said that she was at the scene, and mysonwasdriving goingtowards New Amsterdam, and a car was comingfromtheoppositedirection andpulledinhislane,sohehadto pulltothecorner Whenhepullinto thecorner,therewassomethingon theroadandhehititandthenhehit thetruck.”

Theyoungman,whohadonlya month ago acquired the vehicle, succumbed moments after he was taken to the No 75 Village Hospital.

He suffered severe injuries to the right side of his head, his chest which was left swollen, and had other major internal injuries, his fatherdisclosed.

Busdgithwastheeldestoffour children,andwasrecognisedforhis loving and helpful disposition, his family confirmed He was unemployed at the time of his passing.

Meanwhile, the owner of the parked truck told Kaieteur News thatheandhisfamilywereathome that morning when they heard a loud impact which sounded like a collision at about 07:50 hrs. The truck was parked in front of a warehouse he operated. His house islocatedacrosstheroad.

“We hear the impact. I was at home. When we come out, we see thisaccidenthere.Thentheycome and they tried rescuing the young driver He was just breathing hard, and when they took him to the hospital, later in the day we heard hepassedaway.”

He explained that the extent of the vehicle’s damage is consistent withspeeding.

FiveyearslaterGovt. stilltosettleUS$214M auditdisputewithExxon … no agreement on sole expert

Five years after it received an audit report flagging the blatant misuse of US$214M in Guyana’s oil money by ExxonMobil, the Government of Guyana (GoG) is yettopushtheprocessforwardfor the company to return the nation’s profits.

OnMonday,NaturalResources Minister, Vickram Bharrat told

failtoagreeonasoleexpertwithin 30 days such expert shall be appointed by the International Chamber of Commerce (“ICC”) in accordance with its rules for the appointment of experts and neutrals.

That timeline has long expired with some stakeholders accusing government of dragging its feet on thematter

TheoilcontractstatesatArticle 26 10 “ the parties shall cooperate fully in the expeditious conduct of such

t determination and provide the expert with access to all facilities, books, records, documents,

necessarytomakeafullyinformed

Kaieteur News that the sole expert tosettletheauditdisputeisstillnot appointed.Inresponsetoaquestion on whether the appointment was done, Bharrat said, “Not yet. The GRA(GuyanaRevenueAuthority) isworkingonitwithExxon.”

He did not state whether an agreement has been reached on a candidate to settle the dispute.The US$1.6B audit of Exxon for the period 1999-2017 was conducted by a British consultant, IHSMarkit The audit report was completed and handed over to the GoG since March 2021 The consultant advised that “GoG has reasonable grounds to dispute $214 4 million plus overhead adjustments of the costs currently included by EEPGL (now EMGL) in the Cost Bank This amount represents12.8%ofthecumulative cost recovery balance as of Q4 2017Statement.”

Following the submission of that report, the flagged sum was reduced to a meager US$3 million by the Ministry of Natural Resources,PetroleumDepartment. The Government however later announced that it would stand by the findings of the report, to the dismayofthecontractor

Consequently, the sole expert process has been invoked to settle the dispute between the parties Should the sole expert determine that the costs were inaccurately added to the cost bank, Exxon will be required to credit the sum. The amount will be split evenly between the t

US$107.2Mtoeach.

Article 26 of the Petroleum Agreementstatesthatiftheparties

discovered in the Stabroek Block, through a Gas Sales Agreement (GSA).

While refusing to make the agreement with Exxon public, government previously claimed thatGuyanawillnot“buy”itsown resources from the company. Instead, Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo clearly stated that “thegaswouldbefree”.

The President of EMGL, Alistair Routledge had presented a different version of the arrangement to the media back in 2023. He said that Guyana would purchase the gas discovered in Stabroek, however the payments will go towards the cost of the pipeline the company built to transport the resources from offshore.

“The gas that will come on shore,inessence,thatdevelopment is just gonna pay for the pipeline cost.Nothingmore…thegasitself, we are selling the full 50 million cubic feet a day to the government oragovernmententitythatisbeing established in order to receive the gas and put it through the power station,”Routledgeexplained.

decision in an expeditious manner The sole expert shall act as an expert and not as an arbitrator or mediator, and shall endeavour to provide an opinion on the dispute within thirty (30) days of his appointment,butnolaterthansixty (60)daysafterhisappointment…”

While the first audit drags on, two other audits of the company stillremaintobeconcludedaswell. The second audit, for the period 2018 to 2020 was conducted by VHE consulting. The local audit team found that another US$65 million of the US$7.2 billion in expenses was incorrectly charged toGuyana.

Questions still remain on whether the full report was published by the GoG for the US$7 2B audit Meanwhile Exxon’s third and largest audit, on record to date, amounts to a whopping US$19 6B It was conductedbythesamelocalgroup, VHE Although Government received that report since May 2025, it has refused to make the d o c u m e n t p u b l i c T h e administration is also not inclined to highlight the disputed costs flaggedbytheauditors.

WEDNESDAY

Govt.silentonExxongasdeal

The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) which exercises off

he controversial Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project has completely ignored questions regarding the country’s alleged agreement with ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (E

statements of “gas being free” which are untrue. Gas production fallsunderthePSA,andproducing Gas impacts the recovery of Oil of theco-venturers,soultimatelythey arrived at a Gas Sales Agreement (GSA).”

On April 12, this newspaper reachedouttoPrimeMinisterMark Phillips regarding the country purchasing its gas resources from Exxon.ThePMdidnotrespond,as suchafollowupmessagewassent to on May 4, seeking clarity on whether the pipeline costs are indeedbeingdeductedfromcostoil and whether an agreement was inked with Exxon for Guyana to purchase gas through a sale agreement with the operator of the StabroekBlock.

The Prime Minister to date has not responded to the queries although he only recently cited support for the crucial work of journalistsandlaudedtheeffortsof independent reporters on the event ofWorldPressFreedomDay

Additionally, Head of the GTE Taskforce, Winston Brassington explained that GoG will be paying Exxon US$55 million annually for 20 years to clear the costs associated with constructing a 12inch pipeline that will be used to transport natural gas from the Liza Fields offshore to the Wales developmentsite.

Sources close the project however revealed that

approximately US$1B is already beingrecoveredfromGuyana’soil to pay for the pipeline More disturbing however is the fact that thecountryallegedlysignedontoa secret contract with Exxon to purchaseitsowngas.

Insiders were clear that the agreement between GoG and Exxon is a commercial gas contract,andnotarepaymentofan investment.

Sources said, “Initially the government wanted a Gas Supply Agreement, given the political

Despite calls from various stakeholdersfortheGoGtorelease all agreements and contracts relative to the controversial Wales gas project, the government continues to lock away the documentsfromthepublic,treating the most expensive project in the nation’s history as its personal business.

At the same time, VP Jagdeo, thechiefonoilandgaspolicieshas not held a single press conference for the year, with government opting for side interviews with reporters at the tail end of events, offering limited opportunity for deep discourse on these and other issuesofnationalimportance.

Amid silence from top governmentofficialsontheproject, Kaieteur News reviewed the security filings of both ExxonMobil and Hess which also signaled a possible sale agreement withGuyanaforthegasresources.

The SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) filings confirm the US$1 billion investmentandthe50millioncubic feet per day volume, but report the repayment as a standard costrecovery deduction from offshore oil production, rather than a standalone financial loan. Hess in its SEC filings registered a Sales Commitment of 375 billion cubic feetofgastotheGoGfor20years.

Policeseizelicensedguns fromtheMohameds

Members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Tuesday morning confiscated five personal firearms belonging to Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and father, Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed at their Houston, East Bank Demerara (EBD)residence.

Inspectors L. Blair McGregor andT Hinds,accompaniedbytwo Continued on page 32

Some say society now encourages cutting people off too quickly

Others say previous generations normalisedunhealthyfamily dynamics for too long. By age 5, a child knows which parent is good or bad Children begin fantasizing aboutdivorcingtheirparents betweentheagesof5and12. It’snoteasy,it’sdifficultyet vital, within the past six months, I began navigating two adult children from different families through

the combination of acceptance, grief and psychodynamic therapy facilitate the divorce, and grieve the parents they wantedbutneverhad.

Children divorcing their parents refer to adult children intentionally reducing contact or completely cutting ties with one or both parents. This is often called parent-child estrangement Itisbecoming more open across many societies, including in the Caribbean, North America, andEurope.

Family estrangement is not caused by a single argument. It is often the resultofyearsofunresolved pain, conflict, unmet

emotional needs, or changing social values

inflicted by parents i n t e n t

l l y o r unintentionally Parents are the single largest group of people to inflict the worst traumas on children, 18 years of it only to realize it continuesintoadulthood.

Many adult children describe growing up with, emotional abuse or chronic criticism: There are deep emotional wounds that alter a person’s thinking, feelings and behaviours towards themselves and others in distorted ways throughout childhood and adulthood

u n l e s s t h e r a p y i s administered. Physical or Sexual Abuse: In many cases, estrangement is connectedtoserioustrauma, neglect, or violence within thehome.InGuyana,during COVID, sexual abuse of children by family members rose by 200% compared to 2019, when there were 400 cases.Ofthatfigure,55%of sexualabuseofchildrenwas committed by parents and grandparents.

Different Values and Generational Conflict: Modern generations face several factors. Millennials and the older generations

Towards a better life with your psychologist

Children are ‘divorcing’ their parents

have been raised to value obedience, authority and family loyalty above individual feelings Thus, staying in psychologically imbalanced relationships, GenZaren’tstaying;theyare choosing self and mental health first. Staying in a dysfunctional and toxic relationship with a parent(s) conditionyoutodothesame in romantic relationships, this clash creates deep misunderstandings.

Unresolved Family Roles: In a dysfunctional family,eachchildisassigned a role unconsciously and unspoken. This role is a burden the child carries into adult life. It alters who they are, both to themselves and toothers.

The “responsible one” (often called The Hero)—usuallytheeldestor, indysfunctionalsystems,the one who becomes an overfunctioningcaregiver,ahigh achiever, or an emotional stabiliser to ensure safety, reduce parental stress, suppressor of their feelings. This role often developed intointense,lifelongtraitsof reliability and perfectionism atthecostofchildhoodplay

The peacemaker is a coping mechanism adopted by children to maintain harmony and alleviate tension, often by managing their parents’ or siblings’ emotions.Thesechildrenact as mediators, buffers, or “caretakers,” frequently sacrificing their own needs tokeepthefamilyunitstable, often resulting in emotional exhaustion.

The scapegoat in most dysfunctional or narcissistic families is one child who is unfairlytargetedandblamed for all familial problems. Acting as the designated “problem child” allows parentstoavoiddealingwith their own dysfunction, shame,ormaritalissues.

The “parentified child” takes on adult emotional burdens, such as mediating conflict, comforting parents, or managing household moods—to create a sense of safety or control in unstable e n v i r o n m e n t s Dysfunctional family dynamics or crisis results in children “growing up too fast”. As adults, they pull away to protect their mental health.

Divorce, Remarriage, and Family Fragmentation: Childrenbornordraftedinto

blended families, absent parents, inheritance conflicts,orloyaltystruggles after divorce or separation experience significant damage, which not only affects long-term trust but also forces them to find peaceandhealing.

Addiction or Mental Illness in the Family: Untreated addiction, rage, instability, or severe emotional unpredictability can make relationships feel unsafe. Mental illness in the family forces children far away

Cultural Silence Around Emotions:Inmanyfamilies, especially where survival and discipline were emphasised, emotions were not openly discussed. Adult childrenlatercontinuetofeel emotionally unseen or misunderstood.

Estrangement is helpful foradultchildren:Emotional relief, distance reduces anxiety, guilt, fear, or emotional exhaustion Knowing the parent will never improve but waxing worse, while refusing psychotherapy

Ability to Heal, divorcing from parents provides adult children with space to develop selfesteem, process trauma, buildhealthierrelationships, and crea

ier parenting styles. Divorcing from parent(s) but not engaginginpsychotherapyis counterproductive.Onemay leavephysically,butthe18+ years of culturing and

n e r v o u s

e m dysregulation, genetics, and connectiontothesametoxic parent are significant. You may escape the physical space,butindueseason,you becomethesameparentyou divorced.

Stronger Boundaries, you may live in the same country or district, that’s ok. Boundaries and their enforcement are effective in stopping cycles of manipulation or abuse from continuing.

Identity Development, having a toxic, emotionally dysregulated parent, robs a child of his or her identity Being in your 20s, 30s, or even40sandhavingparents, especially mothers, still control choice, threaten, guilt-trip, and invade boundaries, taking away a child’sautonomy Divorcing thatparentnotonlyprovides freedom but also removes familypressure.

The benefits parents get are discussed less often, but they exist Emotional reflection, some parents begin examining their own upbringing, unresolved trauma, parenting patterns, and communication styles. This is an opportunity for personal growth. This can motivate parents to seek therapy, spiritual growth, or healthierrelationships.

Adult Children, even when estrangement feels necessary, often carry grief.

S o m e e m o t i o n a l Consequences are sadness, loneliness, identity confusion, and fear of becomingliketheirparents.

Loss of extended family, estrangement can also separate people from grandparents, siblings, cousins, and cultural traditions.

Complicated grief, if a parent dies before reconciliation, unresolved emotionscanbecomedeeply painful Relationship Difficulties,unhealedfamily

wounds may affect

Divorcing from one’s parent (s) calls for a p r o

e s s

By Dr. Telford Layne Jr. PsyD, MSc. Postgrad, BSc. Clinical and Developmental Psychologist - Psychoanalyst Unwrapping Gift -Clinic

o n a l approach, a very clinical intervention to mitigate the side e f f e c t s a n d consequences of. Divorcing from a parent(s) without qualified mental health professionalhelpisano,no.

Negative Impacts on Parents can be extensive. Parents often experience profound emotional pain

For many parents, parenting is central to identity

Estrangement can feel like

Intergenerational Loss may lead to a loss of connection w

n

nd grandchildren. Isolation in Ageing, as parents grow o

estrangement increases; loneliness, financial vulnerability, and health-relatedstress.

With intentional effort and a commitment to workingwithaprofessional, thatseveredrelationshipcan be rekindled. Both parent and child can have the best relationship going forward. Reconciliationismorelikely whenbothsidesacceptsome responsibility, apologies are sincere, boundaries are respected, communication improves, and there is a willingness to listen without defensiveness.

In some severe cases involving abuse or ongoing harm, permanent distance remains.Healthyfamiliesdo not lack conflict; they allow conflict to be addressed safely, honestly, and respectfully

ByDr.KarenAbrams, MBAAA

Itisanuncomfortable headlinetowrite,and a m o r e uncomfortable one to defend.Guyanaisthefastest growing economy in the

Western Hemisphere

Capital is flowing Construction cranes dot the Georgetown skyline The country has a young population, a globally distributed diaspora, and a national budget beyond

anything previous generations could have imagined.

By every visible measure, this should be a countryintheearlystagesof aninnovationsurge.Andyet bythemeasure…

[5:38 PM, 5/9/2026] +5926166898:Shallowness produces a second problem. In larger markets, an innovator can capture meaningful sales volume before imitators catch up, earning enough to recover investment, fund the next round of innovation, and buildafirm.

In small, highly concentrated markets, this almost never happens Before a Guyanese innovator can scale, established firms with deeper pockets, political

c o n n e c t i o n s , a n d distribution networks can absorb the idea, launch their ownversions,andcrowdthe originatorout.

M a n y G u y a n e s e innovatorsknowthispattern. You spend years developing a product You seek investment or a partnership. Within a year, a version appears under a logo you do notown,marketedbypeople you did not authorise, sold through channels you could notaccess.

Theoriginatorisleftwith a depleted savings account. Theincumbentgainsanother product line. This is not always theft in a legal sense—though sometimes it is but the predictable outcome of a market where the institutions that would protect originators have not beenbuilt,andthefirmsthat benefit from their absence have no incentive to build them.

Advancing Education, Technology & Innovation in Guyana…

DR. KAREN ABRAMS, ED.D.

Guyana’sinnovationfuturedepends onchoiceswearenotyetmaking

The American legal scholar Jonathan Barnett documents this mechanism inhis2021bookInnovators, Firms,andMarkets.

In environments like Guyana’s, without functioning intellectual property enforcement, only large vertically integrated firms can protect their ideas through scale, distribution control, and political influence.

Small inventors, lacking those advantages, are systematically captured Strong IP enforcement, accessible to small inventors, is what levels the playingfield.

Guyana does not have that. There is no dedicated intellectual property office. IPfunctionsarehandledasa registry within the Deeds and Commercial Registries AuthorityundertheMinistry of Legal Affairs, governed byaPatentsandDesignsAct from 2002 and a Trade Marks Act largely inherited fromcolonialstatute. Processing times for a national patent run to roughly three years. Guyana is not a signatory to the Patent Cooperation Treaty, the main framework for cross-borderpatentfiling. InApril2024,theUnited StatesPatentandTrademark Office formally engaged the Attorney General because Guyana’s outdated IP laws were assessed to be disincentivising investment, and offered technical assistance for reform. The Attorney General publicly acknowledged that modernisation of the commercial architecture is a priority Two years later, the modernisation has not arrived.

As theory predicts, originators lose and imitators with scale and access win. Rational young people conclude that investing their best years in originatingideasathomeisa poorbet.

A third structural force compounds these problems. Economists David de la Croix and Frédéric Docquier,ina2014paperon small island developing states, show that smallness itself drives skilled emigration. Independent of

other factors, being small pushestalentout.Braindrain insuchstatesaveragesabout 50 percent of the highskilled labour force and exceeds 75 percent in extremecaseslikeGuyana.

Their model shows that small states face two possible equilibria. In the good equilibrium, skilled workers stay, innovation accumulates, productivity rises,andwagesclimb.Inthe bad equilibrium, skilled workers leave, innovation collapses, productivity stagnates, and wages decline.

Small states are more likely than large ones to settle into the bad equilibrium, and the cost of beingstucktherecanexceed 100 percent of observed GDPpercapita.

That is not a marginal loss. It is everything the countrycouldhavebeen.

The Guyanese data match this picture. Roughly 39 percent of all Guyanese citizens live abroad, and about half of all Guyanese with tertiary education have emigrated to the United Statesalone.Thepeoplewho might have built the next generation of Guyanese firms, founded the venture capital architecture, run the Competition Commission, or demanded better procurement transparency are not here to do those things. They are in Toronto, Brooklyn, London, and Houston, doing them for other countries. Every wave ofemigrationmakesthenext wave more likely, as the friends and mentors who might have anchored young talent at home are themselves abroad. This is the bad equilibrium in motion.

These structural forces are not a mystery to the global research community

The Startup Genome research firm, which produces authoritative

rankings of startup

ecosystems, recently releasedadedicatedanalysis oftheCaribbean.

Across the entire region, including Guyana, it identifiedonly154validated technology startups. All Caribbean ecosystems sit at the earliest developmental

stage the methodology measures.

The constraints are shared: limited access to capital, limited mentorship, andlimitedpolicysupport.

G u y a n a h a s n o equivalent of the United States National Science Foundation, which deploys about US$9 billion annually to fund research the private sector will not. There is no meaningful venture capital architecture.

Innovation hubs lack sustained public funding University research budgets do not meaningfully drive private-sector deal flow Publicprocurementdoesnot systematically favour Guyanese-ownedinnovators overforeignincumbents.

The infrastructure that would translate Guyanese ideas into Guyanese firms

does not exist, and current policy shows little sign of buildingit.

Thisisthediagnosis,and it is harsh. The domestic marketistoosmalltoreward innovation.Incumbentfirms

c a n c a p t u r e m o s t innovations they do not originate.

IP enforcement does not protect originators. Skilled young people have rational reasons to emigrate before investing in creating anythingatall.

Venture capital and public research funding architectures are absent Procurement too often rewards relationships over merit.

And political leaders, with rare exceptions, treat innovationasasloganrather thanaseriouspolicydomain. Innovation in Guyana is not

doomed because Guyanese citizensareincapableofit.It is blocked because our institutions, by accumulated design and neglect, have made it economically irrationaltoattempt.

The economic literature on how small economies escapethebadequilibriumis unusually clear about what must change, and several of theleversarewithinreachif political will exists The headlineofthiscolumnasks whether innovation is doomed in Guyana. Doom, however, is a description of present conditions, not a permanentfate.

Conditions can be changed.Thecountryhasthe resources to do so. Whether this becomes a genuine priority for our national leadership remains to be seen.

Working moms are quietly rewriting what it means to succeed-

ByKamlaDeviSharma

Today, across Guyana, mothers will receivecardsdrawninunsteadyhandwriting. Breakfast trays will be carried with great seriousnessbysmallhands.Phonecallswill travelbetweencountries.Flowerswillarrive atworkplacesandfrontdoors.Somemothers willbecelebratedloudly

Others will be remembered quietly, by daughtersandsonswholostthemyearsago. And many will spend part of the morning thinkingaboutmotherstheyhavenotseenin too long, or children they could not have, or seasons of motherhood that did not turn out thewaytheyhadhoped.

As a Guyanese coach and corporate trainer,Mother’sDayisalsoamomentforme to highlight something happening more quietly across the country: a generation of working mothers who are not waiting for permission to live differently They are alreadydoingit.

Thestoryweareoftentoldaboutworking mothersisoneofoverwhelm.Thatisnotthe story I have witnessed. The mothers I have coachedoverthepastdecadearesomeofthe most capable, strategic, intelligent women I have ever worked with. They are running businesses, leading teams, holding institutions together, making consequential decisions - and increasingly, they are choosing to do all of it without sacrificing themselves in the process. That is not weakness.Thatisleadership.

It is in service of those women that my newlyreleasedbookisintendedtosupport.

Shifting From Hustle: How to Succeed WithoutSacrificingYourselfisnowavailable on Amazon in Kindle, paperback, and hardcover editions, with physical copies arriving in stores in Guyana within a few weeks. The book is for high-achievers, professionals and entrepreneurs navigating burnout in the age of always-on workanyone, in other words, “who is capable, disciplined, and tired of the old model, and ready to build something more sustainable.”

It speaks to many audiences. But this Mother’s Day, I believe it has particular resonance for the working mothers of Guyana already leading the conversation in theirownlives.

CHOOSINGNOTTO

From her years of coaching working mothers,Ihaveobservedaparticularkindof tiredness I believe many women are now refusingtoacceptasthepriceofsuccess.

Itisnotthetirednessofalongday,which sleepcanusuallyanswer Itistheotherkind; the kind that lives underneath everything else.Thekindthatdoesnotlooklikecollapse -itlookslikeacompetentwomanwhokeeps showingupwhilerunningonempty

For too long, this kind of tiredness has beenquietlypricedintowhatwecallsuccess for women. The mothers I work with have decided, collectively and individually, that this is no longer the deal they are willing to make.

NEW BOOK RELEASED TO SUPPORT THEM

This is not women claiming they cannot dothework.Itiswomenrejectingtheliethat the work has to cost everything. There is a profounddifference.Thefirstisaconfession of weakness. The second is a claim of intelligence - the recognition that running yourselfintothegroundisnottheonlypathto results, and that more sustainable methods producebetterresults,notworseones.

The daily realities working mothers navigate - the early mornings, the school runs,theworkperformancethatmustremain consistent, the aging parents requiring care, the household, the emotional labour of holdingeveryonetogether-arereal.Butfor meitisclearthatnamingthemisnotthesame asdescribingwomenasoverwhelmed.

Working mothers have been carrying enormousloadsforgenerations.Thewomen in this country know how to work. The conversation now is not about whether they can. It is about what they are ready to stop acceptingasthecostofdoingso.

THEQUIETREBELLION

One of the things working mothers are increasinglysteppingawayfrom,Iobserved, is the cultural climate of judgment that has historically constrained how women define theirlives.

The old script was relentless.Aworking mother who stayed late was criticised for neglecting her children. A working mother wholeftontimewascriticisedfornotbeing committed enough. A mother who stayed homewasaskedwhenshewouldgobackto

What I am watching now is a generation ofwomenquietlysteppingoutofthat

They are no longer organising their lives aroundtheavoidanceof judgment.Theyare organising their lives around their own values,theirownbodies,andwhatthey

Continued on page 46

GrassrootsfeministprojectsinGuyanainvited toapplyforTamùkkeCommunityPotfunding

The Tamùkke Community Pot has officially opened applications for its latest funding cycle, offering financial resources to communityled feminist initiatives across Guyana Built on the principle that local communities are best positioned to identify their own challenges and design their own solutions,thefundaimstoempower grassroots collectives through a trust-based, accessible application process.

To accommodate projects of different sizes and stages, the TamùkkeCommunityPotisoffering two distinct funding tiers: Micro Projects (USD $500), tailored for small, focused activities with a simplified application process, and Full Projects (USD $1,500), intended for more comprehensive initiativesthatrequireadeeperlevel ofplanninganddetail

For this cycle, the fund is prioritizing projects that fall within four critical thematic categories These include Bodies & SelfDetermination, which focuses on bodily autonomy, disability rights, chronic illness, mental health, and gender identity; and Care & Community,aimedatstrengthening informal support systems like mutual aid and community caregiving. Additionally, the fund

An Under the Benab Community activity

seeks to support Youth & Coming of Age initiatives that empower young people navigating identity and puberty, as well as projects under the Stigma & Silence category, which work to break the silence on taboo topics such as abortion, menstruation, HIV, addiction,andsexwork.

In a move to lower barriers for

local organizers, the Tamùkke Community Pot does not require applicants to be registered organizations Funding is open to anygroupoftwoormoreindividuals working collaboratively, including studentgroups,informalcollectives, and grassroots organizations operating within or for Guyanese communities

documents are required to apply

However,thefundmaintainsastrict policy against supporting projects that promote discrimination, partisan political campaigning, or activities that benefit only a single individual.

Eligible groups are encouraged tosubmittheirideasbeforethefast-

approaching deadline of May 22 at 11:59PM Interestedapplicantscan access the application form at https://formsgle/apxVzeWAzk3G1

2Pg8.TheTamùkkeCommunityPot invites all those working toward a more equitable Guyana to bring forward projects that reflect the diverse realities and strengths of theircommunities

GNBS CONDUCTS OVER 1,000 CALIBRATIONS TO BOOST LOCAL INDUSTRIES

In Guyana’s dynamic l a n d s c a p e o f industries, the quest for precision and reliability is an unavoidable journey

The Guyana National

Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has emerged as a steadfast ally for local

sectors, providing indispensable calibration services that contribute significantlytothereliability and excellence of diverse industries.

For over 15 years, the GNBS has been calibrating instrumentsusedtomeasure temperature, pressure, dimensions, mass, volume, electricity and torque.

Standards used in calibrationbyourIndustrial Metrology and Testing (IMT) Department are traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), PTB Germany and other highly

recognized National

Measurement Institutes (NMIs) in South America andtheCaribbean

The range of GNBS calibration services spans various sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, food and technology

F r o m p r e c i s i o n instruments in laboratories to machinery on production floors, GNBS ensures that every measuring instrument calibrated is within required

tolerance, fostering reliability and precision acrossindustries.

From January to May of 2026, the IMT Department has already calibrated 1,168 measuring instruments

including balances, multimeters, pressure gauges, calipers and micrometers.

The sum also includes bimetallic, liquid in glass

and dial thermometers for manufacturing, health and publicsecuritysectors.

Being able to access reliable calibration services isessential.

These services assist local manufacturers and otherstakeholderswithlegal and quality assurance

requirements which guarantee the production of quality goods and trustworthyservices.

This enhances their market competitiveness and ensures accurate diagnosis and treatment during patient care.

GNBS boasts a team of qualified laboratory technicians equipped with the expertise to calibrate a diverse array of measuring instruments.

F o r t h e m , t h e commitment to providing reliable calibration services is an ongoing endeavor

Meanwhile regular updates

t o e q u i p m e n t a n d methodologies ensure that the GNBS remains aligned with standards, offering localindustriesaccesstothe latest advancements in calibrationtechnology

On May 20, GNBS will jointheglobalcommunityto observe World Metrology Day, under the theme: ‘Metrology:Buildingtrustin policymaking’.

Thisyear,theGNBSwill be hosting the Sistema

I

Metrologia (SIM) MidTermCouncilandQuality

System Task Force (QSTF) Meetings for the firsttime.

The meet

are scheduled for May 11-15, 2026, and bring together regional and international stakeholders who are focused on strengthening collaboration, enhancing quality systems and advancing measurement

standards ac

oss the Americas.

GNBS encourages companies and laboratories to submit their measuring

instruments for calibration. Servicerequestscanbemade b y v i s i t i n g https://gnbsgyorg/metrolog y/industrial-metrology/ Upon completion of the calibration process, a certificateorreportisissued by the GNBS to show that the instrument was calibrated.

F o r f u r t h e r information contact GNBS on telephone numbers: 2190064-66orWhatsApp6924627.

You can also visit our website:www.gnbsgy.org and our Facebook page: gnbsgy.

Frompage22 plainclothes officers, arrived at the property around 10:00hrs The operationwascarriedoutunderthe instruction of the Divisional Commander of Region 4 “A,” Deputy Police Commissioner Simon McBean. The officers were orderedtoseizetheweapons,citing

sanctions imposed on the Mohameds by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) The operation resulted in the removaloffivepersonalfirearms.

A z r u d d i n M o h a m e d surrenderedone12-gaugeshotgun, one 5.56 mm (.223) rifle, and one .45 pistol. His father handed over one.32handgunandone12-gauge shotgun This brings the total numberofweaponssurrenderedby the family to approximately 75, includingthosepreviouslyheldfor securitypurposes.

Authorities have not yet

he Mohameds.

Inspector McGregor read a letter to the Mohameds signed by Deputy Commissioner McBean Theletterstated:

“In light of these serious allegationsofconspiracytocommit mail and wire fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, for which they were indicted in the Southern District of Florida, the suspects must show cause, in writing, why their firearm licences should not be revoked in keeping with the Firearms Act Furthermore, you are required to immediately surrender all firearms and ammunition currently in your possession, along with their corresponding licences, to the police officer(s) serving this document.”

Speaking to members of the media during the operation, Azruddin Mohamed stated that the move was inconsistent with earlier engagements with authorities and lefthimfeelingexposed.

“We had our firearms our security firearms…until March of 2025,” he said “The President himself told my father, after we were sanctioned, that they would not go after our personal firearms; the sanctions have to do with the United States of America. We are Guyanese.Itismydemocraticright to protect myself, my family, and mybusinesses.Thesamegunsthey seized are the same guns that protected the President, his wife, Zulfikar Mustapha and many others.”

Azruddin added, “Every day, I’m going out here to meet the people. Just yesterday, I went to Bartica…Iwanttheworldtoknow that we had our security firearms untilMarch2025.”

Mohamed also claimed he had been pressured politically “All of this happened because I refused to release a statement saying that I

won’t be running for office,” he alleged. He further explained that he had already complied with previous requests to surrender weapons linked to his security business.

“Whenthreepolicecametomy business place to collect the security weapons, I asked them, ‘Doyouwantmypersonalweapons too?’and they said, ‘No… we are here only to collect the security weapons because your licences as they relate to the business have beencancelled.’”

“I handed over about 70 guns. Theysaidthentheydidn’tneedmy personalfirearms,”hecontinued.“I even renewed the licences for my guns just 10 days ago… and then suddenly,youcomeheretoday.”

While stressing that he respected the police, Nazar Mohamedsuggestedtherankswere acting on higher instructions. “I’m notblamingyouinanyway Iknow you get instructions from higher up… I respect the police and the role they play in our country,” he said.

NazarMohamedalsoaddressed the media, invoking both his long

history as a firearm holder and his religiousfaith.“Ihavehadgunsfor over40years.IhadgunswhenMr. Hoyte was president,” he said. “I amamanofGod.Gunsdon’treally matter to me… I put my trust in Allah.Allahistheonewhoprotects me,notguns.Ifgunscouldprotect people,JohnF Kennedywouldnot havebeenassassinated.”

He further questioned the basis for the seizure, noting, “Jagdeo himself said there was no need for the police to seize personal weapons because the security firearms were related to the business.”

A z r u d d i n M o h a m e d maintained that the latest action placed his life at risk. “Of course, I’mscaredformylife.Thiswasmy last straw… we had security at my residence, and now we have nothing.”

“I want the world to know that thepoliticalpersecutioncontinues.

No one is safe under this dictatorship,” he declared He insisted all firearms were legally held, noting that his father’s licences were renewed as recently as April 27, 2026. “We have had

reminded that the Mohameds were sanctioned in June 2024 “so I cannot understand why, if seizure of their weapons was necessary, it tooktwoyearstodoso.”

“Atthetimethesanctionswere issued, several steps, like termination of cambio and marine licenses in addition to closure of bank accounts, were taken. It is obvious that the wicked PPPcabal did not see seizure of personal weaponsaslegalorevennecessary at that time. Consequently, I have no hesitation in describing today’s seizure as a political move which should be roundly condemned by all Guyanese It is yet another reason why this wicked governmentmustberemovedfrom office.”

firearms for 20 years and have never been asked by the police to give a statement for anything inappropriate.”

He also raised concerns about unequal treatment, claiming, “I know of another individual sanctioned by OFAC who still has their firearms. So, this is political persecution.”

Hana Mohamed, sister of the Opposition Leader, echoed these sentiments at the scene “Why should any citizen of this country have to go through this degree of harassment? The government is doingtoomuch,”shesaid.

Similarly, Odessa Primus a Member of Parliament (MP), who was present during the seizure, argued that the move undermined personalsafety “Peoplehavetobe able to protect themselves This nowopensthisfamilytoanything,” she said. Primus condemned the timing of the action, noting it occurredonArrivalDay.

“It’sashameandadisgracethat this PPP (People’s Progressive Party) government continues to trample on the rights of Guyanese citizens,”Primusadded,callingon theU.S.Ambassador,aswellasthe Canadian and British High Commissioners,tointervene.

Meanwhile,Parliamentarylead for the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Dr Terrence Campbell in a personal statement posted on his Facebook page empathized with the Mohameds. The parliamentarian said while he holds no brief for the Mohameds, theyarefacingnocriminalcharges in Guyana and have been indicted butnotconvictedintheU.S.courts.

“…in any event, gun licenses have been issued to folks who served criminal sentences in the US. Fifth, the decision to seize the personal weapons of the Mohamedsisclearlyapoliticalone and is further evidence of the weaponization of state agencies like the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Revenue Authority against political opponents,” Campbellsaid.

The APNU representative

Campbell said, “I, therefore, havelittledifficultyinempathizing withtheMohamedsonthisArrival Day.”

THURSDAY

‘Govt.notbudgingon changestoExxon’scontract’ …Pres.AlitellsInt’linstitute

President Irfaan Ali has once again made it clear that his administration will stick to the terms of the Production Sharing Agreement(PSA)betweenGuyana and ExxonMobil along with its partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOCforthelucrativeStabroek Block.

The 2016 deal has long faced criticisms due to its lopsided nature-benefitting the oil companiesmorethanGuyana.

Despite calls for the deal to be changed, the Irfaan Ali led administrationhasrepeatedlycited ‘sanctityofcontract’asitsreasonto not push for any changes to the deal.

AddressingtheaudienceatRice University’s Baker Institute in Houston, Texas, the Guyanese head-of-state shared that many peoplehaveaskedabouttheExxon oil deal. “We have made [it] very clearthatthesanctityofcontractis importantforus,”Alisaid.

Ali pivoted to note that instead of making changes to the Exxon PSA,hisadministrationhascreated anewPSAwhichgovernsfutureoil agreements with the state for offshoreoilblocks.

Hestated,“Sothere’snosecond guessingwhatwearedoing.Weare ready to make the hard decisions, wemakethosedecisions,wemake them public We stand by the decisions we make So, there’s predictability.”Alistressedthatone ofthemostimportantthingsinthis sector is predictability, as a key component for investors, wanting to see predictability in State’s policyanddecisionmaking.

Governing the Stabroek Block is a deal that waives all taxes from the oil companies, stipulating that Guyanamustcoverthesecosts.It Continued on page 33

Frompage32 allowsthecompaniestorecoverup to 75% of their investments before theremaining25%issplit.Ofthis, Guyanareceives12.5%,inaddition to a 2% royalty paid by the oil companies.

The oil deal was signed by former Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, who served under the APNU + AFC Coalition government between 2015 and 2020. A few years ago, Trotman in his book titled, ‘From Destiny to Prosperity’ offered support to the government to renegotiate the lopsided Stabroek Block deal However, Trotman’s offerwasrefusedbyVicePresident (VP)BharratJagdeo.

During an interview while running for president back in March 2020, Ali had strongly criticisedtheExxonPSAsignedby the Coalition Government with

ExxonMobil.Hestatedatthetime, “We have made it very clear, and we can never agree, how could, how could, I don’t think any Guyanese agree with this, no Guyanese except the government thatisdefendingit.Wehavemadeit very clear that we have to go towards, we’re looking at these contracts, renegotiating these contracts, looking at contract managementandallofthesethings. Everything we have to relook at becausewehavetoensurethatour countrydoesnotgetthewrongend ofthestick.”

Ali’s remarks back then indicated a willingness to “review and renegotiate” the contract to secure better terms for Guyana However, since assuming office in August 2020, his administration hasshiftedtosanctityofcontract.

Speaking with British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) SeniorJournalistGideonLongina 2023interview,PresidentAliwhen pressed about the possibility of renegotiation and the Exxon deal noted, “Well, I would say definitely,wedidnothavethebest of deals, Exxon have a good deal signed by the last government ” President Ali had outlined that

sanctity of contract is very important to his government, adding,“Wecan’tgobackonthat.”

While the PPP administration hasmadeitclearitwillnotseekto makechangestotheExxondeal,it should be noted that the former APNU+AFC government had renegotiated and signed the Stabroek Block PSA with ExxonMobil’saffiliate.

Afewyearsaftertheagreement was signed, the David Granger administration approached the Exxon consortium, and successfully renegotiated a critical fiscal element of the deal

According to Addendum No. 1 to the Petroleum Agreement dated April 26, 2019, it was evident that the named parties were in agreementthatthecontractallowed forthe2%royaltytoberecovered. To plug this loophole, the Addendum that was subsequently filed with the deeds registry categoricallystatedthatitshallnot be recovered in any way Sealing the new arrangement were former President, David Granger and President of Exxon Guyana affiliate,RodneyD.Henson.

The PPP’s administration’s commitment to honour the deal as is, and not make changes has been publicly praised by one of the Stabroek Block partners – Hess. Ahead of the 2025 General and Regional Elections where Irfaan AliandthePPPsecuredvictoryand returned for a second term, Hess Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), John Hess, a companythatholds30%interestin the Stabroek Block, assured stakeholders of political and fiscal stability in Guyana. Citing comments made by President Ali, Hess noted that he was categorically clear about no changes will be made to the StabroekBlockPSA.

“Foreigncompanies eatingupeverything” …localtruckoperatorsprotest ‘unfaircompetition’ …say foreigners taking over

Morethanadozentruckdrivers and owners staged a protest on Wednesdayattheroundaboutofthe Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge calling for an even playing fieldinthetruckingsector

They told Kaieteur News that foreign companies, especially Chinese, are “eating-up everything” leaving them without work and forcing them into economichardships.

The local truckers are alleging thatgovernmentincentivesgranted to the foreigners such as duty-free concessions are giving them an unfair advantage in the local market.

One of the affected truck owners, S. Ahmed said some of these foreign companies entering Guyana to do road works but are

also using their trucks to private work.

“…Killing the market price for us,asforinstance,theygoingtillto Oglewherethepriceislike$60,000 per a load of sand, they carrying it for 50,000, some doing it for $45,000”,Ahmedtoldthepress.

Ahmedcontinued,“Ihavetruck parkedformonthsnowcan’tgetno work, right is unfair for we as Guyanesetofacethisherefromthe Chinese.”

He contested that the Chinese companies don’t have to do anything.

“They getting duty free, they getsandpit,theygettingtheirown sourceoffuel,right,weoutherega battle it look the other day fuel raise.” Ahmed said while adding, “Foreigners coming and benefit morethanuswhichisnotsupposed tobehappening,youunderstand,so that’s our major concern why we out here today (Wednesday) from myperspective.

Another affected trucker, Anil said, “From since January I am home;Iamnotgettingnowork.”

He while work comes sometimes,itisdecreasingrapidly “TheChinesethemaredominating the trucking industry because they have more than one trucking service and I was made to understandthattheyhavetheirown sandpitandsoon”,hedisclosed.

Aniladded,“Ameantheycome and take over our local truckers workandifsobethecase,thenthe local truckers them will have to punish.”

The truckers who protested on Wednesday said they have now come to publicly voice their concerns because it is “getting moreandmoredifficultforthem”.

“Everybody just losing but the Chinese just gaining all the time” were the words of another trucker ontheprotestline.

“We losing a lot, the fuel is expensive, everything expensive,” he said while adding “It’s almost two weeks now I am not working, progressisnotdoing,wejustlosing

allthetime.”

According to the trucker, his boss’ trucks are parked while the “Chineseeatingeverything.”

I glad if the government or somebodycouldcomeoutandhelp us,becausewearelosingalotsowe pleading for help because this nonsensegastop.”

Meanwhile political figures visited the truckers on the protest line.

Amongthemwereleaderofthe Vigilant Political Action Committee (VPAC) Guyana, Dorwain Bess and Opposition Leader,AzruddinMohamed.

The opposition leader, criticisedthegovernmentforbeing too “cozy” with the foreigners and called for an immediate intervention.

Thisisnotthefirsttimetruckers havebeenontheprotestlinedueto an uneven playing field in the truckingindustry.

In May last year, truck drivers staged two days of protests in the miningtownofLinden,RegionTen overanallegedforeigntakeoverof the trucking and businesses in Guyana and locals being unable to get‘abite’.

In response to that protest action, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill assured that Chinese are not getting any duty-free concessionsfortheirtrucks.

“The only thing that was dutyfreewasthemillwhichisoperating inside the quarry (Chinese-owned quarry), so if the Chinese bought trucksandareoperatingit,theyare buyingitjustlikeyou,”hehadtold thetruckers.

He had promised that the government will intervene to stop localtruckersfrombeingside-lined whenitcomestoliftingstonesfrom a Chinese owned quarry atArisaru Mountain, Region Ten – an issue that local truckers had raised with Kaieteur News back in February 2025.

Despite the minister’s assurances, the local truck drivers were dissatisfied and called on the

government to clamp down on the number of trucks, which the Chineseareallowedtoimport.

One driver had said, “Then tomorrow morning, the Chinese wake-upandbringin200trucks,all a we… wha’ we doing with we truck? and 200 drivers, wha’ we doingwithwetruck?”

Theministerhadacknowledged that there is competition on the market over rates but declined to comment further noting that “Guyanaisopenforbusiness”.

Notwithstanding, he assured that “the government will not sit idly by and allow Guyanese to be taken advantage of, even in that openenvironment.

FRIDAY AppealCourtoverturns JusticeKissoon’srulingon unlimitedparentcompany guaranteeforoilspill

Justice Sandil Kissoon’s 2023 ruling orderingAmerican oil giant ExxonMobil to provide Guyana withanunlimitedparentguarantee for oil spills, was on Thursday unanimously overturned by the justices at the Guyana Court of Appeal.

The Court also overturned Justice Kissoon’s Order that the Environmental Permit issued to Exxon be suspended until the company provided the unlimited guarantee.

The landmark ruling by Justice Kissoon was issued on May 3, 2023. Citizens, Frederick Collins and Godfrey Whyte had taken the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to court to enforce a critical clause in the Liza Phase One renewed environmental permit issued to Exxon subsidiary, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL). They were successful in getting the court to declare that EMGLwasnotincompliancewith theinsuranceprovisionsofitsLiza Phase One Permit, which requires anunlimitedparentguaranteefor Continued on page 34

Frompage33 oilspillsintheStabroekBlock.

However, the Court ofAppeal, comprising Justices of Appeal

Dawn Gregory, Nareshwar Harnanan and Priya SewnarineBeharry, held that Justice Kissoon fell into error when he held that Exxon’s liability under the Environmental Permit was unlimitedinnature.

The justices further ruled that neither the Environmental Permit nor the Environmental Protection AgencyActmadeanyprovisionor referred to an unlimited guarantee and that Justice Kissoon erred in seeking to substitute his own discretion and decision for that of theEPA.

A stay of Justice Kissoon’s ruling was granted by the Court of Appeal after EPA and Exxon approached the court. Earlier this year, the Court heard arguments from the applicants and the respondentsinthecase.

Collins and Whyte were represented by a team of lawyers including Trinidadian born Senior Counsel, Seenath Jairam and attorneysMelindaJankiandAbiola Wong-Inniss as well as BritishbornKing’sCounsel,TimPrudhoe who joined the appeal The respondents lawyer had contended that EMGL as the permit holder must be able to meet its liabilities. Inthelikelihoodofanoilspill,the responsibilities of Exxon are uncapped.

Notwithstanding the Act requires financial assurance in the Exxonpermit,theattorneysbelieve that the core of the issue is for the corporation to provide unlimited guarantee for all costs related to cleanup, restoration, and compensation for damages caused by any discharge of contaminants, including investigations into pollutionincidents.

Meanwhile, lawyers for the EPA,Mr.SanjeevDatadinandMs. Mohanie Anganoo raised contention over the legitimacy of the claims of an unlimited parent company guarantee. EPA lawyers advanced that the term was introducedatthelevelofTheHigh Courtwhenthetrialjudgesoughtto give legal effect to the term “unlimitedguarantee”.

TheysubmittedthatSection31 of the EPAAct requires financial assurance to be provided in a specifiedsum Condition14 3sets the formula to calculate the amount

Thelawyerscontendedthatthe trial court erroneously issued a mandamustocompeltheappellant to issue an enforcement notice withindaysofitsdecisiondirected to Exxon to provide the said unlimitedassurances,which,ifnot produced within thirty days would result in the suspension of the environmentalpermit.

Notably, Exxon was represented by Mr Edward

Luckhoo,S.C;Mr AndrewPollard, S.C.andMs.EleanorLuckhoo.

Attorney General and Minister ofLegalAffairs,AnilNandlallSC, representing the Government of Guyana was represented by Mr Darshan Ramdhani, K C ; Mr Nigel Hawke, Solicitor General; Mr Arudranauth Gossai; Ms Shoshanna V Lall, Deputy SolicitorGeneralandMs.Raeanna Clarke,SeniorLegalAdvisor

In this Appeal, the Attorney General sought to intervene in order to advance the legal position oftheStateinclusiveoftheState’s contractual obligations under the Agreement with Exxon but the Court of Appeal refused the application to intervene which resulted in an appeal to the CaribbeanCourtofJustice.

The CCJ agreed with the position that the Attorney General is the protector of the public’s interestandthereforemustbeheard for and on behalf of the State in a matterofsuchnationalimportance.

As a result, the Attorney Generalwasaddedasapartytothe proceedingsintheCourtofAppeal.

At the Court of Appeal the Attorney General argued that Parliament is the entity to which financialassuranceismadeandthat therefore, it was for the Government, and not the Court, to determine what assurance, if any,

was required, its terms and conditions,andtheeffectoffailure toprovidesuchassurance.

Further to that, it was outlined that the quantum, circumstances when necessary, and terms and conditions, are matters which Parliament has vested exclusively withinthefunctionaldomainofthe EPA, the Government and the PermitHoldertodetermine.

In the High Court, EPA had arguedthatthecountryispoisedto receive a US$2B parent guarantee from Exxon. But Justice Kissoon had said that even then, EMGL wouldstillbeinbreachofitspermit obligations.

Justice Kissoon had categorically stated that the Liza Phase One Permit carries a confluence of measures, specifically at Condition 14 which stipulates and imposes full, complete and unlimited liability upon the Permit Holder for any discharge of any contaminant into theenvironmentandforallcostsof clean up, restoration and any damages all of which constitute legitimate liabilities under the Permit.

He reasoned that the norm or standard in relation to activities of this nature has been and continues to be that the Permit Holder is exclusively and solely responsible for all such liabilities arising from

its operations without limitation or exception.

Justice Kissoon cited

Condition 14 of the permit titled FinancialAssurance and Liability forPollutionDamageprovidesat: 14:1, outlining that the Permit Holder is liable for all costs associated with clean up, restoration and compensation for any damages caused by a discharge or any contaminant including the cost of all investigations into pollution i

contaminants conducted at the instanceoftheAgency

“Condition 14:01 does not contain any word or term of limitation upon liability, quantum of costs, quantum of damages nor restrictionsonthecircumstancesof release or discharge nor on containment nor restriction on the sphere of adverse effects caused directly or indirectly,” the judge ruled, adding that the unlimited liabilitywhichisexclusivelythatof EMGL, is by no means unusual in anysense.

SecondpipelinetohitBerbice beforePres.Alidemitsoffice–RoutledgetellsInt’lconference

Foroveroneyear,agaspipeline from the Liza Fields offshore Guyana to Wales, West Bank

Demerara has been completed and remains inactive, yet a second pipeline that is expected to cost Guyana double the cost is being planned for Berbice- a piece of infrastructurethatshouldbelanded before President Irfaan Ali completeshissecondtermin2030.

This ambitious agenda was announcednotbytheHeadofState butbythePresidentofExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), Alistair Routledge during the United States-Guyana Business Exchange Reception in Houston Texas this week.

About200personscongregated in the room, comprising a private sector and government-mixed delegation from Georgetown and anxiousforeigninvestors.

Routledgeinremarksrevealed, “We have now landed a pipeline and we are ready to deliver gas to the Wales Development Zone in Region Three but the vision of his excellencyandthechallengehehas set us on timeline is by the end of his presidency, we will have also the Berbice Region supported gas flow and a whole new set of industries.”

The EMGL President added, “So we are excited, in fact more than excited, very, very excited about what has happened in Guyanasofar.

ExxonMobilishonouredtobea part of this. Yes, we are making huge investments, over US$65B committed to the country but what we have been able to do in the partnershipsandwiththepeopleof Guyanagivesusthatconfidenceto continueonthatjourney.”

He noted that the company is moving onto more complex resourcesasitpursuestheLongtail project, its eight proposed development, but it has also set eyes on a ninth, Haimara, which will be used to give life to the President’svisionforBerbice.

Routledge said, “ hopefully also with the Haimara project next year, bring that forward to the governmentandbuildtheresource, develop that resource to support developmentintheBerbiceareafor awholenewonshore

Continued on page 35

Frompage34

development. ” Meanwhile,

PresidentAlidescribedGuyanaasa primeinvestmenthubwhichwould notlimitbusinessestojustthelocal market in Georgetown but would offeropportunitiesbeyondborders. “Ifyou’reinvestinginGuyana,you arenotinvestingwithintheborders ofGuyana.Thejourneythatweare taking must allow you to understand that we are targeting a market of over 400 million consumersbecausewearepartofa Regionwherewehavepreferential treatment and trade agreements with a market of over 400 million consumers,”thePresidentsignaled while questioning small and mediumscaledenterprisestothink about how they can benefit from “lowcostofenergy”anda“highly efficient system” in a great geographiclocation.

Alsodeliveringremarksduring theforumwerethePresidentofthe Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Kathy Smith, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Gerald Gouveia (junior) and Honorary Consul General, Lutfi Hassan.

Thesecondpipeline Exxon’s 12-inch pipeline was completed in December 2024 to support the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project. The structure is estimated at US$1B while a US$759M NaturalGasLiquids(NGL)facility and 300-megawatt power plant at Walesisbeingconstructed.

The new pipeline to Berbice will not be an affordable piece of infrastructure, but can cost this nation a whopping US$2B, Routledgepreviouslycautioned.

“To do similar for Berbice in larger volumes, a larger pipeline could easily be US$2 billion or more,”henoted.

During a press conference earlier this year, the President of ExxonMobilGuyanatoldreporters that both the government and Exxon have been receiving letters from companies around the world that are interested in using Guyana’s gas to develop projects such as data centers, converting bauxitetoaluminaandmorepower generation.

Given the significant interest, Routledge explained that large gas resourceswillberequiredtosupply andsustainthesedevelopments.

Before making such an investment, Exxon said it is ensuring that there is a market for thegaswhichcanbesoldataprice toensureitsfeasibility

SATURDAY

Pres.Alijumpsofftrack whenaskedaboutwindfall revenuefromoil

President Irfaan Ali was recently interviewed by Baker

– a think-tank

- about how Guyana is managing the population’s expectations in light of windfall revenues following recent events in the Middle East andRussia.

The head-of-state in response embarked on broad discussion ranging from AI, digitisation and the approach by his government to invest in infrastructure, free health careandoldagepensions.

See below the question posed toPresidentAliandhisresponse.

Question- Recent events in MiddleEastandRussiaisbringing windfall to your country How do youmanagetheexpectationsofthe population? How do you combine prudence with macroeconomic stability and the different dimensions?

Answer: “I want to start from the premise of your question and thatisawindfallbecauseofwhatis happening and we have to be careful about classifying this as a windfallbecauseweliveinaglobal system. We don’t live on an island by ourselves Whilst we see increaseinrevenuefromcrudeoil, we also see massive increase in everything else Global transportation, fertiliser, grains, insurance Every single aspect, food prices, pharmaceuticals because some of the important ingredient for pharmaceuticals You will see the impact on the speed of AI and digitization when weseetheimpactontheproduction ofsemiconductors.

So, this crisis is multifaceted and yes, you will get some additional revenue but you would have to net off that against the increasedcost,increasedpricesand the opportunities missed because investments would also be redirected to rebuilding and we have not calculated that in the matrixasyet-howmuchinvestment will go back to rebuilding where those investments would be made

so whilst you may have thousands ofpersonsonanFPSOatdeep-sea, thepopulationwillhardlyseethat. They don’t full hotel rooms or apartments and that’s the big difference. Therefore, we have to createthetypeofinfrastructureand model that will allow the other aspects of the economy to showcasehowtherevenueunlocks opportunitiesforourpeople.

expectationthatcomesoutofthose headlinesmakesitsometimesvery difficult for the policymaking environment because whilst you make long-term decisions, you have to always understand that the short-terminterestandexpectation mustbeexamined.

mostly Whethercountrieswillnow try to shore up their military capacity and capability Whether countries will try to build new systems to avoid drones, what are the new critical infrastructure routesthatwillbecreated,whether its maritime routes, who are the new strategic partners that will be integrated together These are all big questions that this conflict has opened up that we will have to manoeuvre.

“So yes, additional revenue, windfall I would not go so far because you have to balance this off.”

This brings me to the question of additional revenue and we have Exxon here in the room too. This allowsustodealwiththecostbank atafasterpace.Sowealsohaveto matchthatwiththeexpectationsof Exxon in moving to a new development How we add new cost to the bank, but how we deal withthecostbanksowecangetthe additionalrevenuetocomeintothe systemtohelpthedevelopmentand deal with the expectations and this isthecomplexityofthemessage.

When people wake up every morning and see the headlines that you are flushed with money, it drives a certain expectation. That expectation if not managed and if governed by kneejerk reaction can leadresourcecurse.Itcanalsolead tocreatingasocietythatisnotbuilt onsacrificeandhardwork.Thatis notbuiltonthevalueoflabourand innovation, the value of ideas, the value of creativity and we have to avoidthat.

Thatiswhyweareinvestingin tools and mechanisms that will optimise the potential of our people,givethemahighqualityof life and open opportunities for them.Thatiswhythelocalcontent legislation is so important in developing as much local opportunities from the sector as possible.

One of the differences here is thatourdevelopmentisdeep-water

Take for example hotels, in the last four or five years, we have 14 hotels,internationalbrandedhotels completed or under construction, nearing completion We have to ensure that those hotels are meaningful that is why we have to build out an orange economy that createsdemandsothisiswherethe revenue and the model becomes critical, increasing pensions, whether its old age pension, free universityeducation-allofitfree, free health care Investing in a world class health care system, world class infrastructure that allows your value and your propertytogoup.Wehaveproperty valuesthatwentupbythousandsof percentage points. That increases your net value, unlock financial capital liquidity for you to start a newbusiness.

So, these are all spinoff effects ofthestrategicinvestmentsthatwe are making to create an enabling environment for prosperity and wealth creation but managing that expectation is not easy, especially in a world where as some people classify, we are in an information pandemic.

If you look at social media, the speed at which information flows, every time the Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance by law must declare all the revenue that comes to the Natural Resource Fund within 30 days. Every time that declaration is made is a national headline but the

And we are in the business of policy making but we are also politicianswhowereelectedandit willbefoolishnottoaddressthese challenges but it is a responsibility of addressing it, keeping in mind the long-term sustainability of the country

Thatiswhyweprefertoinvest in opportunities that create wealth, invest in the development of the human capital and infrastructure, social safety nets that allow our people not to lose their own capacity, to be innovative, hard workers and to be builders rather than waiters, waiters for opportunity,waiterforacashgrant, waiter for some cash transfer It’s notsustainable.

We don’t know ultimately where the price of oil and gas will rest but we know it will not be whereitistoday Wealsoknowthat Guyana is blessed because of the cost of recovery Our break-even point is much more efficient than many other producers which allow us to be in the top tier of development and developersthat’s an added advantage that will work in our favour in an oilproducing world beyond 2060 because then efficiency and production comes into play and efficiencyandproductionwillleast impact on the environment becomes a major indicator of successandwhowillbeabletostay in the industry and that is what positions Guyana ahead of all its competitors and that is what positions our investors in the best possible manner for the long term andI’msuretheyknowthis.”

LOVEYOU,FOREVER

andherson,Lucas.

Theirhousewasn'tbigorfancy,butitwas always full of warmth. The kind that came from laughter, bedtime stories, and soft goodnighthugs.

Every night, when Lucas was still very small, Lily would rock him gently before bed. She would hum a simple lullaby and whisper,

“I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always,aslongasI'mliving,mybabyyou'll be.”

Lucas didn't understand the words yet—buthefeltthem.

As Lucas grew, the house grew louder. Thereweretoysonthefloor,muddyshoesby the door, and endless questions about everything.

“Whyistheskyblue?”

“Wheredobirdssleep?”

“CanIstayupjustalittlelonger?”

Lily answered what she could, laughed when she couldn't, and tucked him in every nightjustthesame.

“I'llloveyouforever…”

One sunny afternoon, Lucas decided he couldridehisbikewithouthelp.Hewobbled, pedaledfast,andthen—thump!

He fell right onto the grass For a

MOM's LED Floating Pearl Frame

MaterialsNeeded

Clearacrylicsheets(2pieces)

Around5x7orA4size

2–3mmthickness

Woodenframeorshadowboxframe

Strongtransparentglueoracrylicadhesive

Smallspacers(foamtapeoracrylicstrips)

Fauxpearlsorpearlbeads

Clearglycerin

Distilledwater

moment,hewantedtocry ButLilyranover, brushed off his knees, and said, “Try again. I'mrighthere.”SoLucastriedagain.

Andthistime,herodealittlefarther That night, as Lily tucked him in, she smiled and whispered the same words. Years passed. Lucas went to school, made friends, and brought home drawings full of bright colors and crooked shapes. Some days were easy, andsomewerenot.

One day, he came home quiet and upset.

“Idon'tthinkI'mgoodatanything,”hesaid.

Lily sat beside him and gently squeezed hishand.“Youdon'thavetobethebest,”she said. “Just keep trying. That's how you grow.” Lucas didn't feel better right away—but he remembered her words. And littlebylittle,hekepttrying.Astimewenton, Lucasgrewtaller Helaughedlouder,stayed outlonger,anddidn'talwaysneedhelptying his shoes or packing his bag Lily still watched from the doorway sometimes, smiling but a little quieter now One evening,Lucaspackedasmallbag.

He was ready to leave home and follow his own path Lily helped him fold his clothes. She didn't say much—but when it was time to say goodbye, she hugged him tightly

“I'll love you forever…” she whispered again.

Lucas nodded, even though histhroatfelttight.

FormyMother

Mommy, I will always love you

For all that you have done and still do; I will hug you and kiss you Because I know you love me, too.

You feed me and clothe me And teach me to play and pray, So smile because I love you On this your own special day.

BasicAssemblyOverview

1 Placeoneacrylicsheetastheback

2 Addspacersaroundtheedgestocreatea thincavity

Life moved on. Lucas grew older, built a life of his own, and chaseddreamsfarfromthatlittle house He worked hard, made mistakes, and learned many things along the way But sometimes,lateatnight,hewould remember the soft sound of his mother'svoiceandthewordsshe used to say And one day, he returnedhome.

The house looked smaller thanheremembered.Inside,Lily sat quietly in her chair Her hair was gray now, and her hands movedslowerthanbefore.Lucas walkedoverandgentlyheldher

Thistime,hewastheonewho whispered,

“I'll love you forever, I'll like youforalways…”

Lilysmiled.Thesamewords. The same love. Just passed from one heart to another And in that little house, nothing really changed. Because love like that doesn'tgoaway Itjustgrows. The End!

Optional: a tiny amount of clear glue gel for slower movement. The glycerin mixed withwaterhelpsthepearls“float”slowly

LEDstriplightsorfairylights

Warmwhiteusuallylooksbest

USBLEDpowercableorbatterypack

Smallswitch(optional)

Printedphotoorvinylprint

Transparent photo film (optional for floatingeffect)

Siliconesealantorhotgluegun

Waterprooftape

Scissors

Craftknife

Ruler

Drill(optionalforwiringhole)

Gluegun

3 Insertpearlsintothecavity

4 Fillpartlywithdistilledwater+glycerin mixture.

5 Sealtightlywithsilicone

6 Attachthesecondacrylicsheet

7 AddLEDlightsaroundtheframeedges

8 Placeinsideawoodenframeorshadow box

Forsmoothfloating:70%distilledwater+ 30%glycerin

Moreglycerin=slowerfloatingpearls

OptionalAdd-Ons

Glitterforsparkleeffect

Pressedflowers

Personalized vinyl lettering (“Mom”, names,quotes)

Remote-controlRGBLEDs

Follow these next bits of advice to makeyourstudiesmoreeffective:

1.Trytonotgetexhaustedinyour studies

Taking a lot of time on one subject can make you lose your concentration. Oneofthemostimportantstudytipsfor schoolexamsistochangetopicsevery 30 minutes or so to prevent learning fatigue. Once you have given your brainabreakyouwillbeabletoreturn toworkfeelingmorerefreshed.

2. Read and Review—Early and Often

Going over new ideas a day after class will help increase retention and comprehension—so make time each

EffectiveStudyTips forStudents

eveningfor quick review

Make notes by ummarising the main aspects of the readingsoyoucaneasily review them without having to reread entire chapters. Mark any you may not understand well to revisit later, or to consult your teacher aboutthem.

3.TakeGoodCareofYourself

Makesurethatyoueatproperlyand regularly to fuel your mind. The same goesforsleep:Plantogetagoodnight's rest after your studies, especially the nightbeforeanyexam.

4.PaceYourself

Cramming in all your studying during finals week can lead to burnout

Number the Stars

Continued from last edition

That night, back at her bedroom window, Elsa held the Star Key and looked up at the Wishing Star She closedhereyesandmadeherwish.“I wish for everyone in the village to havehappinessandneverfeellonely,” shewhispered.

TheStarKeyglowedbrightly,and asoftlightfilledtheroom.WhenElsa openedhereyes,shesawtheWishing Star shining even brighter in the sky

The next morning, the village was filled with joy People smiled and greeted each other with kindness Neighborswhorarelyspokewerenow sharingstoriesandlaughter Itwasasif agentlemagichadtouchedeveryone's

Elsaknewthatherwishhadcome true.Shefeltawarmhappinessinher heart,knowingshehadusedthepower ofthestarstobringjoytoothers.From thatdayon,shecontinuedtocountthe stars,eachoneareminderofthemagic thatlieswithinusall.

TheEnd.

Follow-UpQuestions:

Why did Mr Finch say that only the bravest and kindest souls could findtheStarKey?

How did Elsa show kindness to nature, and why was it important for hertodoso?

If you could see theWishing Star, whatwishwouldyoumake,andwhy?

and anxiety Split the material into topics and review in stages to fully absorb information into real understanding. The night before any exam,writeoutafewkeyideastolook overandtrytolearnbetter

5.TaketheRightApproach

Different types of exams require different study approaches. Multiple choice means focusing on definitions andconcepts. Essaytestsrequireyouto exhibit a real understanding of the material. Ask your teacher about the formatoftheexamsoyouknowhowto prepare.

6.LearnbyTeachingOthers

Explaining concepts to a classmate is a great way to make sure you really understand the material yourself—and to help them learn as well. When you findnewwaystoexplainaconcept,you are mastering the information by processingitforothers.

7.TestYourKnowledge

Once you have dealt with a subject in class, try creating a practice exam based on what you think the test might cover This will help you understand thematerialonadeeperlevel,andguide whatyoushouldbestudying. Youcan then use your practice exam to quiz yourselfandyourstudygroup.

TOTO by Krazydad

“Each

There is a unique solution"

If I could give you diamonds for each tear you cried for me, if I could give you sapphires for each truth you've helped me see, If I could give you rubies for the heartache that you've known,

If I could give you pearls for the wisdom that you've shown, Then you'll have a treasure, mother, that would mount up to the skies, And that would almost match the sparkle in your kind and loving eyes. But I have no pearls, no diamonds, As I'm sure you're well aware, So I'll give you gifts more preciousForever my devotion, love and care

The greatest thing you can do for your mother in celebration of her special day is to let her know that you care for her and thank her for all she has done for you.

MindYour Business

“That’s Not What

I Meant” — Communication, Tone, and the Psychology of Misunderstanding

-HowTone,Timing,andInterpretationQuietlyCreateConflict

By Dr. Eon Andre George, PhD, EdD

Some of the biggest

arguments start with ordinary words. Not insults. Not threats. Just ordinary wordssaidinthewrongtone, at the wrong moment, or interpreted through the wrong emotional lens A simple “Okay then” can suddenly change the atmosphere in an entire house. A “Watch yuhself” can sound playful one day and threatening the next. Even silence can become communication That is because people rarely respondonlytowords.They respondtowhattheybelieve thewordsmean.

In many of our everyday interactions,communication carries emotional weight beneath the surface Questions often sound sharper than intended Advice can feel like criticism.Concerncancome across as control And because many people grow up around emotionally charged communication, theylearnveryearlytolisten for attitude, disrespect, or hidden meaning, even when nonewasintended.

TheMindDoesNotHear WordsAlone

Psychologists explain that communication is deeply tied to emotional perception, meaning the

brain is constantly trying to read emotional intent beneath what is being said. Tone, facial expression, pauses, body language, and even timing all shape interpretation. This is why one person can hear correction while another hearsinsult.

Imagineamothersaying to her son, “You coming in now?” Depending on the tone,thatsentencecansound caring, suspicious, annoyed, or angry The words remain the same, but the emotional m e a n i n g c h a n g e s completely

Over time, the brain developswhatpsychologists call cognitive schemas, mental patterns built from repeated experience In simple terms, people begin expectingcommunicationto sound the way they are accustomed to hearing it. A person raised around criticism may automatically interpret neutral comments as negative. Someone raised in constant conflict may become highly sensitive to emotionaltension.Themind prepares itself before the conversation even fully unfolds.

WhenConversations EscalateTooQuickly

This helps explain why some arguments seem to explode out of nowhere. A father asks a simple question. A teenager

respondswithacertaintone.

T

immediately The teenager becomes defensive. Within seconds,everybodyisupset, and later no one fully

argument even started. The r

conversationwasneveronly about the words being exchanged.Itwasconnected to emotional memory, past frustration,andexpectation.

Psychologists refer to this as emo

l triggering, where present situations activate older emotional experiences. In many homes, people are not reacting only to the current conversation They are reacting to ten previous conversations that felt similar That is why a small comment can suddenly feel muchbiggerthanitreallyis.

TextingHasMadeIt Worse

Modern communication has made misunderstanding even easier because texting removes the emotional cues people naturally rely on. There is no voice tone. No facial expression No immediate clarification.The reader supplies the emotion themselves.

A short reply like “K”

can create an entire emotional reaction. “Why she answered so?” “He s o u n d s a n n o y e d . ” “Something’s wrong.”

Meanwhile, the sender may have been busy, distracted, orsimplybrief.

The danger is that the mind dislikes uncertainty When tone is missing, the brain fills in the blanks. Psychologists describe this as projection, where people unconsciously project their own emotions, fears, or insecurities onto unclear situations. That is why so manypeopleenduparguing over meanings that never actually existed. A delayed reply becomes disrespect. A short response becomes attitude. Before clarification evenhappens,theemotional reactionhasalreadystarted.

Humor,Sharpness,and EmotionalWeight

Another important part of communication is how humor and sharpness are normalized Many people grow up hearing teasing, sarcasm, and emotionally sharp comments woven into ordinary interaction Somebody gains weight and immediately becomes “fat boy.” Somebody makes one mistakeandhearsaboutitfor the next month. Somebody sharesanideaandisquickly told,“Thatain’tgonwork.”

Often these comments are not intended to be cruel. They are part of how people socialize and relate to one another. However, repeated exposure to emotionally sharp communication trains p e o p l e t o s t a y psychologicallyalert.

This connects to what psychologists describe as hypervigilance, where individuals become highly sensitive to emotional tone becausetheyhavelearnedto anticipate criticism, embarrassment, or conflict. Eventually people stop relaxing into conversations. Theystartscanningthem. WhenSilenceFeelsSafer

Over time, repeated misunderstanding changes behaviour A young woman excitedly shares a business idea but immediately receives skepticism and ridicule disguised as “real talk ” After enough experiences like that, she stops sharing ideas altogether Not because she lacks ambition, but because vulnerability now feels

emotionallyrisky

A young man tries expressing emotion but is mockedforbeing“toosoft.”

Eventually he becomes quieter, more guarded, and emotionally distant. These are not random personality changes They are psychological adaptations

The mind naturally moves away from experiences that repeatedly produce embarrassment, tension, or rejection. In many cases, silence becomes emotional protection.

CommunicationIsAlso Learned

One of the most import

hings to un

stand is that communication styles are often inherited Children absorb not only what adults say,buthowtheysayit.They watch how conflict is handled, how correction is delivered, and how emotion isexpressed.

This reflects social learning theory, which explains that people often repeat behaviours they observed growing up A childraisedaroundshouting maylaterassociateloudness withauthority

Another raised around sarcasm may struggle to separate humor from criticism Many adults eventually hear themselves speaking exactly the way theyoncecomplainedabout.

Rethinking

HowWeSpeak

Understanding these patterns does not mean people must become emotionless or robotic

P a s s i o n , h u m o r , expressiveness, and directnessarepartofcultural personality and connection. Theissueisawareness.

Acalmertonecanchange an entire conversation. A

question asked with

curiosity instead of accusation creates openness instead of defensiveness. A

correction delivered privately instead of publicly

preserves dignity Small changes in communication often produce large emotionaldifferences.

TowardHealthier Communication

H e a l t h i e r communicationbeginswhen people become aware that words carry emotional weight beyond literal meaning Psychologists describe this as emotional regulation, the ability to manage emotional reactions instead of allowing emotion to completely control interaction Emotionally regulated individuals pause more,assumeless,andreact lessimpulsively

Over time, this creates s a f e r e m o t i o n a l environments People become more willing to speak honestly because they no longer feel every conversation may become conflict.And sometimes the difference between c o n n e c t i o n a n d misunderstanding is not the words themselves, but the tonewrappedaroundthem.

UnderstandingBehaviour ThroughContext

When viewed more closely, communication problems are rarely just about language. They are deeply connected to emotional interpretation, learned behavior, memory, and experience. What appears as disrespect may actually be defensiveness. What appears as aggression may reflect accumulated frustration. What appears as oversensitivity may come from years of criticism or emotionaltension. Understanding this changes the conversation itself. Because in the end, people do not only hear words They hear tone, history, emotion, and expectationallatonce.

Every belief has a history

Everyreactionhasaroot. Understanding them is wherewisdombegins.

Katty ENGRAVES

“Young entrepreneurs play an important role in society by bringing fresh ideas, creativity and innovation. They create opportunities, inspire others to pursue their passions, and contribute to economic growth in their communities.”

ByAllyiahAllicock

As we honour our mothers todayfortheirresilience,sacrifices and unconditional love, we would like to highlight and celebrate a mother who does it all, Dr Britny A.Mack,theproudownerofalaser engravingbusinesscalled‘KATTY Engraves’

Twenty-six-year-old, Mack is notjustamotherandentrepreneur; she is a medical doctor who has contributed significantly to Guyana’s sports landscape having been a powerlifter during her teenage years. Dr Mack holds the Commonwealth records that have remained unbroken for nine years, along with earning numerous medals throughout her athletic journey

inspired to get into business, she explained“Myloveforcraftingand bringingideastolifeinspiredmeto start my business, turning my passionintopurposeandcreativity intoincome.”

Forthosenotfamiliar,‘KATTY Engraves’ is a business which creates personalized items such as gifts, home décor, and business products. It turns simple ideas into beautiful,lastingpiecesthatyouas customers can cherish or use to representyourbrand.

Having been operating the businessforalittleoverayearnow, the woman stated that support has sincebeenamazing.

Shesharedthatoneofthemain challengesshefacedwasbalancing hertimebetweenwork,family,and building her business. She added therewasalsoafinancialburdenin getting started, along with the trial anderroroflearningtheengraving machine and perfecting her products.

shewillbeabletomanageandkeep pushingforward.

In a recent exclusive interview with this publication, she said she started KATTY Engraves in January 2025, and it is a laser engraving business where she creates personalized products, combining her passion for creativity with her desire to build somethingofherown.

When asked what really

She elaborated “My fiancé believed in me and helped me get started, my mom supports me by helping with my daughter, and my friends and colleagues continue to support my business. I’m truly grateful for my amazing support system.”

Whilethesupportandfeedback has been good over the past months, Dr Mack said her entrepreneurial journey just like any other had its fair share of challenges.

Despite this, she noted, each challengehelpedhergrow “I overcame these challenges bystayingconsistentandbelieving inmyvision.Itookthetimetolearn from my mistakes and practicedto improve my skills,” she related. While she is still learning as she goes,shementionedthatsheisstill working on strengthening her financial management as the business grows. She is confident thatwiththesupportofherfamily,

As KATTY Engraves is still growing, Dr Mack said her longtermgoalistoexpandherbusiness beyond where it is today That is offering a wider range of personalized products, building a strongbrandpresence,andcreating areliablesourceofincome.

Already on the road of turning her passion into a lasting, successful business, she hopes through her craft she can inspire otherstodothesame.

Speaking of inspiring others, our featured entrepreneur is of the view that “Young entrepreneurs playanimportantroleinsocietyby bringingfreshideas,creativity,and innovation They create opportunities, inspire others to

pursue their passions, and contribute to economic growth in theircommunities.”

That being said, she suggest that to boost small businesses locally, is for there to be more support through the access to funding, training programs, and mentorship opportunities She added “Increasing awareness by encouraging people to shop local and providing better platforms for marketingandexposurewouldalso makeabigdifference.”

For persons interested in the services of KATTY Engraves, you can reach out to them on the number (592) 609-8687 or via email: kattyengraves@gmail.com. You can also find them on Facebook, Tic Tok and Instagram @kattyengraves.

PCOS and Pregnancy:

Achallengingjourney tomotherhood

ByDavinaBagot

Motherhood for some comes naturally As women

we are designed to “produce” so the world automatically expects a woman to bring forth children, but this isn’t always an easy journey for manywomen.

Igotmarriedin2018and both my husband and I agreed not to have children immediately When we did begin “trying” along came h e a r t b r e a k a n d disappointment.

Months after quitting contraceptive pills I began experiencing pains in my lower back and tummy. “These were good signs,” I convinced myself, but the painslaterbecamesointense that I had to be taken to the hospital.

THEDIAGNOSIS

After an ultrasound with my doctor, the news came that there were cysts in my ovaries- a condition medically referred to as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Prior to my diagnosis, I came across articles online which hinted that this may have been my conditionbutIjustrefusedto acceptit.

PCOS is a hormonal disorderthatcausesirregular periods in women and high androgen levels Most disturbingisthefactthatitis the leading cause of infertilityinwomen.

I always dreamed of havingchildrenofmyownso after I was diagnosed, I almost slipped into depression. I cried for days andfelthopelessasawoman

FIGHTINGBACK

Itwasn’tlongafterthatI decidedIwasnotgoingtolet

a medical condition hinder my goals. While PCOS can make getting pregnant very difficult, it does not mean that women with the conditioncannotconceive.

At the time I was diagnosed,Iwasoverweight andeatingunhealthy.Iloved sweet treats and drinks and never exercised.These were all things that needed to be changed.

I began my fitness

journey that wasn’t necessarily the strictest but was dedicated enough to help me through my weight lossjourney

My doctor prescribed some drugs that also helped

PCOS exercise can seem drainingwithouteventrying. I pushed myself to work out at home for at least 10 to 15 minutes in the beginning beforeworkandthisquickly ran over to 30 minutes and more daily because of how gooditfelt.

THELOSS

Despite the sacrifices, use of tablets and physical efforts, I became frustrated because pregnancy seemed distant. Each time, someone close to me announced their pregnancyIbecamesad,not because I wasn’t happy for them but I because I wondered when I would experiencethat.

Sharing an intimate moment with my baby girl

doapregnancytestandthere itwas,asmallstreakofhopeafadedlineappearednextto the dark line for the first time.

My stomach curled and

to balance my hormones whichIusedforatleasttwo years, consistently. Through exercise and changes to my diet- using more water and lesssweet-Iwasabletoshed someweight.

For some women with

Laying in the cold recovery room on December 24, 2022 after my loss.

As a person of faith, I eventually reached a point where I surrendered my plans to God and allowed him to work. Soon after, I noticed that although I was sticking to my routine my period was late. I decided to

myentirebodywasshaking. Wasitright?Iampregnant?I didn’t even share the news w i t h m y h u s b a n d immediately because I was afraid of giving him false hope. I called my mom and didasecondtestthenextday

It was then that I decided to share the news with my husband. We both were in disbeliefanddecidedtodoa bloodtestthatconfirmedthe resultswelongedtohear

The joy, the excitement, the plans and the hope for what could be was shortlived My husband just two months later became seriously ill and was hospitalized. I was under tremendous stress and while he was still being treated I went for a check-up that piercedmyheart “I’msorry, there’s no heartbeat,” those were the words the sonographer uttered as I felt my entire world crumbled, twodaysbeforeChristmasin 2022.

BRIGHTERDAYS

After losing our first child we continued to hope andprayandin2024without any treatment I became pregnant naturally and gave birthtothesweetestlittlegirl inJune2025.PCOScandim your light but only if you allow it. Choosing not to give up is a decision is a choice I will never regret, especially when I hear my baby’s laugher, watch her sleeporholdherclosetomy chest.

Close relatives and friends showering our baby girl with love just weeks before she arrived.

If you are a businessperson, particularly a woman in business here in Guyana, it is nearly impossible for you not hear about or somehow have an encounter withdynamicradiopersonalityand quintessential businesswoman, SophiaDolphin.

Dolphin has over a decade of experience in public relations, where she has steadily built her brand, Glo-See Marketing & PR. She is a familiar voice on local radio frequencies, known for promoting upcoming and popular brands.

Thebusinesswomanisalsointo content creation and social media brandmanagement.Sheabsolutely loves what she does. She told The Waterfalls, that she has had to overcomemanypersonalobstacles and challenges to build a family business all in the name of her children.

Dolphinsaidherjourneyisone deeply rooted in faith, resilience, motherhood, purpose, and perseverance.

Shetoldthispublication“Iama full-time mother to my three beautiful children Orion, Ezekiel, and Emma — while also leadingGlo-SeeMarketing&PR,a growing advertising and public relations agency focused on purposeful storytelling, community impact, holistic wellnessadvocacy,andmeaningful brandvisibility.”

Thisweek'sSpecialPersonhas spent over a decade in the retail industry as a Sales and Marketing Manager.

She said before launching her

business, those experience shaped herpassionforbranding,customer relations, marketing, and helping peoplefindvaluethroughtrustand connection.

“I loved meeting new people daily, understanding their needs, and providing solutions that genuinely made a difference. Over time, I realized that when customers trust you, it pushes you to continuously raise the bar, improve your service, and pour evenmoreintoothers.”

She said “Seeing the outcome of successful campaigns and watching businesses grow fueled my passion even further and inspired me to build something of myown.”

SURVIVOR

However, behind the achievements is a story of overcoming adversity and rebuilding through God's grace. Dolphin learnt the importance of family bonds very early in life through her grandmother, whom she said never neglected her even whenherparentsseparated.

“Shebecameoneofthegreatest influences in my life and faith

journey Due to difficult circumstances,Iwasforcedtodrop outofschoolattheageof12,butat 19, I received a second chance at education through Critchlow LabourCollege,”Dolphinsaid.

Reflectingonthatperiodofher life,Dolphinsaidthatshecertainly believes, “God was preparing me allalongforagreaterpurpose.”

She noted: “Throughout every season, my faith remained my anchor The teachings and values

my grandmother instilled in me becamethefoundationthatcarried me through some of the darkest moments of my life. I survived domestic violence, faced financial andemotionalhardships,navigated thechallengesofCOVID-19while raisingmychildren,andcontinued pursuing purpose despite difficult circumstances.”

The devoted mother and entrepreneur (Mompreneur) said stayingcloselyconnectedtoGod's guidance has been the key ingredient behind her healing, consistency, growth, and ability to persevere.

MOMPRENEUR

With motherhood is at the

c e n t e r o f

everything she does, Dolphin declared “my children as not only my motivation but also part of the visionbehindtheGlo-Seebusiness journey.”

“Each of my children plays a role within Glo-See Marketing & PR in their own unique way, and I intentionally involve them in experiences that build confidence, discipline, creativity, character, leadership, and togetherness I strongly believe in creating opportunities not just for my family, but for others as well through collaboration, outsourcing, and meaningful partnerships.”

and

This is evident at Dolphin's annualBrunchforBossesbusiness expo and networking event; a platform she created to allow business people to particularly female entrepreneurs to share and networkwithotherbusinessandas a result growing their own net worth.

She said “Through my platforms and personal experiences,Iampassionateabout empowering women, especially single mothers, to understand that their current situation does not definetheirfuture.Iwantwomento know that healing, growth, and success are possible with faith, (Continuedonpage46)

Car stolen during test drive …Fake

A man pretending to be interested in the purchase of a car quickly showed his true colours whiletestdrivingaHondaVezelat ahousingschemeabackDiamond, EastBankDemerara(EBD).

The fake buyer, while test drivingthevehiclewiththeowner, stoppedthecaralongalonelyroad in a housing scheme that is now being developed and tried to stab him in a bid to escape with the vehicle.

Theownerofthecarfoughtthe thief and sustained a cut to one of his fingers before the knife broke. Duringthescuffle,theownerofthe car managed to unlock the front passenger door and fell out of the car

The traumatised man recalled asking the thief, “this is what you bring me here for? to kill me for a car?”Thethiefresponded,“Idehin

buyer tells owner, ‘I deh in the pressure’ as he escapes

the pressure”, before snatching the keys from the owner and speeding offwiththevehicle.

The owner was later rescued andtakentoapolicestationwhere hereportedthetheft.

During a brief interview with Kaieteur News on Saturday, the owner disclosed that he had advertised the vehicle for sale on theFacebookMarketPlace.

The thief contacted him to purchase the vehicle under the pretense that he is an ExxonMobil employee and a contractor by the nameofNathan.

Themanclaimedthatheworks sixmonthsoffshoreandspendsthe other six months home where he buildshousesforpeople.Hesaidhe wanted to examine the vehicle and take it or a test drive before purchasing it and arranged to meet theowner

“IsaidSaturdaybutafterhedeh pon me, deh pon me, we settle for Friday”,theownerrecalled.

The two had initially agreed to meetattheold“harbourbridge”but then the thief changed the location toEccles,EBD.

The owner said he drove to Eccleswherehepickeduptheman andtookhimtoanotherlocationin Eccles where he (the thief) could checkthevehicleproperly

After checking the vehicle's engine, the thief requested the test drive.

Theowneragreedandtheman, who was professionally clad was allowedtothecar

The fake buyer then drove to Diamondbutinsteadofleavingthe area and returning to their meeting point,hedrovetothenewhousing scheme.

The owner said he asked the man where he was taking him to which he reportedly responded, “I takingyoutoshowyouthemhouse thatIbuilding.”

“The man even show me lil cement pon he hand so I believe he,” the

Persons with information that mayleadtothelocationofthe

or the thief can contact the

policestationorKaieteurNews

MotheringbeyondBiology,PlantingBeyondOurselves

BySoniaNoel

Ihavejustreturnedfrom what was truly a beautiful and productive journey through two Caribbean islands that both hold very special places in my heart: SaintLuciaandBarbados

Saint Lucia remains, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean Thereisawarmth there that goes beyond the scenery Over the years, I havebuiltlastingfriendships, created meaningful memories, and experienced moments that continue to shape me personally and professionally. Barbados, on the other hand, will alwayscarryadifferentkind of significance for me becauseitistheonlyplaceI have ever lived outside of Guyana. There will always beanelementofhomethere forme.

This trip felt especially meaningful Forthefirsttime in many years, I will not be stayingforthefinalclimaxof theSaintLuciaJazzFestival, which traditionally falls on Mother’s Day Usually, I remain there through the celebrations, but this year is different. This year, I am returning home to spend Mother’s Day with my own mother, and I am deeply lookingforwardtothat.

There is something profoundly special about mothers and the love they carry Itisakindoflovethat shapes us quietly and consistently I love my mother beyond words, and one of the greatest blessings inmylifeknowsthatloveis reciprocated.

As I moved through this trip, however, I also found myself reflecting on motherhoodinabroaderway

While in Saint Lucia, I hadtwowonderfulinterviews withintwenty-fourhours,one on television and one on radio The first was with phenomenal Candy Nicholas on her programme The WELL NEST Show, where sheexploreshowwecanlive healthier and more intentional lives through wellness, nutrition, and mindset.

Our conversation centered around something I oftenspeakabout:theinternal wardrobe Wespokeaboutthe idea that who we are before we get dressed matters

deeply That confidence, emotional wellness, selfworth, and identity influence not only how we present ourselves to the world, but how we care for ourselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually Fashion and wellnessaremoreconnected thanmanypeoplerealize. It was a meaningful conversation, but what happened afterward touched meevenmore

Followingtheinterview,I receivedacallfromateacher inSaintLucianamedPriscilla Philip-Khodra, Head of the Vocational Department at Castries Comprehensive Secondary School She shared that the interview resonated deeply with her and aligned perfectly with work they are currently doing around sustainable fashionandrevitalizingtheir textiles and fashion programme. She spoke passionately aboutwantingstudentstosee fashiondifferently,notjustas clothing, but as identity, creativity, sustainability, and purpose She also expressed interest in collaborating and c

industry

What moved me most wasnotsimplytheinvitation to collaborate, but the reminder that our words travelfurtherthanwerealize

Sometimes we speak, share, encourage, or tell our stories without fully understanding whose life maybeimpactedontheother sideofthatconversation

That moment reminded methatplatformsmatter

Whetherwearespeaking on television, on radio, in classrooms,online,orevenin casual conversation, we are constantly planting seeds. Thequestionis:whatkindof seeds are we planting? Are they seeds of division or healing? Fear or possibility? andDiscouragementorhope?

As I reflected on that, another experience from the tripcametomind

My radio interview SHE SPEAKES with fantastic Mareen Alexander was equally meaningful We connected instantly, and I appreciated the energy and authenticity of our conversation After the interview, and just before heading to the airport, I stoppedtopickuponeofmy favorite Saint Lucian breakfasts: roast bake, saltfish,andcocoa.

restaurant, someone

recognizedmefromprevious visits to Saint Lucia and immediately began speaking about the interview The owner, who is a friend of Maureen, complimented my outfitandmentionedthatmy collectionisavailableat Risk Couture in Saint Lucia When I was about to payforbreakfast,sheinsisted thatInotpay

It may seem like a small gesture, but moments like these are deeply meaningful to me Not because of the meal itself, but because it reinforced something important: relationships matter People are listening. Peoplearepayingattention.

Andwhenwhatyoushare comes from a place of authenticity and purpose, it canreachpeopleinwaysyou mayneverfullyknow

That is why I believe we must be intentional with our words and our platforms Words carry energy Words shape environments Words cannourishordamage They canlimitorliberate

In many ways, nurturing people through our words, guidance,andexampleisalso aformofmotherhood

As I reflected on these experiences while preparing toreturnhometomymother,I

engagingwithyoungpeople, especially in schools across Guyana and throughout the region I want the next generationtounderstandthat success is not only about achievement, but about character, self-awareness, wellness,andpurpose.

I want them to know that who they are internally matters just as much as what theywearexternally Iwantthemtounderstand thatfashioncanbeconnected to sustainability, confidence, culture,andidentity

Most importantly, I want them to understand that they havethepowertocreatelives and communities they are proudof

began thinking deeply about motherhood itself and how often we define it too narrowly

Motherhood is not only biological Yes, there is immense beauty in giving birthandraisingchildren,but there is also another form of mothering that exists in our communities every single day There are women who motherthroughmentorship

Women who nurture through teaching; women whoencourage,guide,uplift, and protect the next generation; women who create safe spaces; women who see potential in others before they see it in themselves; women who plant seeds of confidence, healing, discipline, creativity,andhope.Thattoo ismotherhood.

And perhaps that is why the call from that teacher touched me so deeply It reminded me that every time we share knowledge, offer encouragement, mentor a young person, or create opportunities for growth, we areparticipatingintheactof nurturingthefuture.

We are mothering possibility

As I continue my own journey, I feel increasingly called to spend more time

S o m e t i m e s w e underestimate how deeply encouragement can impact a person’s direction One conversation can shift perspective Oneopportunity can build confidence One person believing in you can change your trajectory entirely That is why mentorship matters That is why intentional leadership matters And that is why motherhood, in all its forms, matters

As I prepare to spend Mother’s Day with my own mother, I do so with deep gratitude Gratitude not only for the life she gave me, but for the countless ways she nurtured, guided, protected, and shaped me into the womanIcontinuebecoming. ButIamalsoreflectingon the many women across our communitieswhomaynever give birth, yet continue to mother through service, compassion, wisdom, creativity,andcare

May we celebrate them too; may we continue to use our voices, our gifts, and our platforms to uplift others; may we continue planting seeds that grow into flourishinggardenslongafter wearegone

And as we reflect on motherhood in all its beautiful forms, let us continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called life BEYONDTHERUNWAY

Govt. seeks new contractor to complete Princes Street Road project

TheMinistryofPublicWorksisseekinganewcontractor to complete the Princes Street Road widening project in Georgetown after the initial contract was terminated in December2025.

The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board(NPTAB)disclosedthattheministryrequestedbidsfor the “Rehabilitation/construction of Princes Street-Cemetery RoadtoSt.StephensStreet(1070m)”.Sevenbidsweresince receivedfortheproject.Contractorssubmittedbidsbetween $1.7billionand$2.9billiontoexecutetheworks.

Subject minister Juan Edghill and his team visited the project site back in December where he announced that the $631 million contract to Yhardram & Sons Construction Establishmenthasbeenterminatedduetopoorperformance.

“The contractor has failed to execute his contractual obligations. Not only did he fail to execute his contractual obligations, but he also left the thoroughfare in a mess,

Belowarethecompaniesandtheirbids: MinistryofPublicWorks Rehabilitation/construction of Princes Street-Cemetery RoadtoSt.StephensStreet(1070m).

Bidder

GuyAmericaConstructionInc

causing inconvenience to residents and other users,” the minister was quoted in a Department of Public Information article.

At the time, Edghill said that the ministry's Special Projects Unit (SPU) will take over the project and do road

RehabilitationofNationalCulturalCenterBuilding

Bidder AmountTendered

E&AConsultantsInc

SizweJacksonConsultancyService

CB&AssociatesInc.

$22,505,300

$3,085,600(vat)

$22,297,500

$31,350,000

workssoastoimprovetrafficflowandaccessibilityalongthe criticalcorridor.

Designandsupervisionservicesfortheconstructionof CricketAcademy,Albion,RegionSix.

Bidder

E&AConsultantsInc

SizweJacksonConsultancyService

GREngineeringCompanyInc.

C.B&Associates Inc

AmountTendered

$26,993,563

$3,146,500(vat)

$23,997,500

$14,800,000

$34,827,000

SRKN'gineering&AssociatesLimited $44,320,000

AmountTendered

$2,329,833,705 AroncoServicesInc.

DCSNConstruction&General SuppliesInc.

QualityDeliverer

GaicoConstruction&General ServicesInc

AssociatedConstructionServices

$1,767,256,722

$1,808,793,705

$1,796,405,462

$2,958,510,975

$2,179,115,348 BKInternationalInc

$1,795,284,415

MinistryofCulture,Youth&Sports

Design and supervision services for the construction of CricketAcademy,GoodHope,RegionFour

Bidder

SizweJacksonConsultancyService

E&AConsultantsInc

GREngineeringCompanyInc

AmountTendered

$22,297,500

$23,757,656

$2,980,250(vat)

$13,300,000

C.B&Associates Inc $33,231,000

SRKN'gineering&Associates Limited

$43,820,000

Design and supervision services for the construction of threestoreybuildingwithPowerliftingHallandRooms.

Bidder

Engineering&Management ConsultancyGroupInc

AmountTendered

$31,650,000

SizweJacksonConsultancyService $22,297,500

E&AConsultantsInc

$28,339,063

$3,622,500(vat)

GREngineeringCompanyInc 418,000,000

C.B&Associates Inc $33,231,000

SRKN'gineering&Associates Limited

$45,690,000

Designandsupervisionservicesoftheconstructionof High-PerformanceConditioningFacility

Bidder AmountTendered

SizweJacksonConsultancyService

E&AConsultantsInc

GREngineeringCompanyInc

C.B&Associates Inc

SRKN'gineering&Associates

$23,257,500

$25,354,719

$3,214,750(vat)

$13,300,000

$33,231,000

$45,690,000

1 welder, spray painter, mechanic and handboy. Living accommodation. Call:6391315,627-5043.

StoresMan/BondClerkresponsible for tracking inventory & loss prevention. Call 644-7088 / 624-7248. LocationTriumph

OneclerkforTSIEcclesoffice English 1, Maths 2 call 615-9132oremailapplication totechserigy@gmail.com

Drivermustbeabletoassist in workshop at Eccles, age 23-50,Car/VanlicenceCall 615-9132.

MaidforEastBankareacall 615-9132.

DynamicradiopersonalityandMompreneur...

From page 41 discipline, support, and the couragetokeepgoing.Often, ourgreatestlimitationsarethe ones we place on ourselves.”

One of the experiences closest to her heart is her participation in the Mother and Daughter Pageant with heronlydaughterEmma.

“For us, it was much deeper than a pageant. It was an opportunity to showcase our bond, friendship, love, and intentional parenting journey. I wanted the world to see the importance of nurturing emotional connection with our children and raising them through faith, communication, positiveguidance,andlove,” she added.

FAMILYBUSINESS

— combining digital marketing, branding, social media,anddigitalradiotohelp businesses grow while also usingourplatformstoinspire andupliftcommunities.”

Through both radio and socialmedia,Glo-Seecreates spaces not only for brands to gain visibility and connect with audiences, but also to encourage conversations surroundingwellness,health, empowerment, faith, and personal growth.

“We believe businesses thrive even more when they are connected to purpose and positiveimpact.”

wellness advocacy, community influence, and meaningful storytelling is what truly sets our company apart.

“Above all, my greatest motivationwillalwaysbemy children,” she said adding that “In today’s noisy world, I want Orion, Ezekiel, and Emmatotrulyknowwhothey are, where they came from, theirpurpose,theirvalue,and thattheyarecapableofliving limitless lives through faith, self-belief, discipline, and God’s guidance.”

inspiring others to do the same.”

To this end, Dolphin said sheisincrediblygratefulthat the work, she is doing throughGlo-SeeMarketing& PR.

Wanted one maid preferably from the E.B.D. Call: 616-5700

Wantedskilledmason,carpenters and labourers to workinLinden.$18,000per day.Call701-1998

MAI INVESTMENT INC

.Lot 1 Public Road Ruimveldt,wanted salesman/VanDriver.Pleasecontact638-0850or652-7444

Live-inwaittresstoworkin abar.MusthaveanIDCard. Contact / Whatsapp: 6591930.

WANTED – One Housekeeper/CookAged25-55for Private Home in Georgetown.Call:226-3393

Wanted Carpenter, Mason, Labourer, Painter, AC Techinician, Electrician, Welders / Fabricators & Plumber.Call:683-4700/7124700.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

1HondaCRV,includesTV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, spoiler, low mileage, PTT Series (first owner).Call:649-0956.

TRUCK TIRES 295 / 75R22.5 $40KEACH.FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL /WHATSAPP:+592688-3201. FOR SALE

Apt building in Grove & Diamond, Seaforth Stree, Charlestown&La-Penitence

Public Road. Contact Ray's Realty627-9685

One (1) Plumber call -6159132

Vacancy for Cashiers, Sales Attendant, Drivers. Email: survivalsupermarket16@ gmail.com.16VlissengenRD. NewtownKitty

Construction company seeks Junior Accounts Clerk, Maths & English required,BelAirVillage,Email latchmiekumar @amcomguyana.com or whatsapp758-4277

General Domestic (4 day work) & experiened handyman,applyatKeyfoodTrading Mc Doom next to the post office.

Vacancy exists for one nanny & one house keeper Pleasecall:647-8005.

LAND FOR LEASE

Wales Public Road, W.B.D, Parcel21(0.467acres)20,342 sqft.AvailableLongterm2025 years. Sign on property Phone/Whatsapp:615-2270/ 628-8619.

Wales Public Road, W.B.D, Parcel25(0.494acres)21,388 sqft.AvailableLongterm2025 years. Sign on property Phone/Whatsapp:615-2270/ 628-8619.

Malgre Tout, W.B.D, (South of Masjid)-Lot "C" (1.347 acres) 58675 sq ft.Available Longterm20-25years.Sign on property. Phone/ Whatsapp: 615-2270/6288619.

Versailles, W.B.D, (South of AracariHotel)-Lot167(4.6606 acres)203,016sqft.Available Long term 20-25 years. Sign on property. Phone/ Whatsapp: 615-2270/6288619.

SERVICES

Visa Application:U.S.A, Canada & UK:Graphics design, advertisements, wedding arch rentals.Tel:6267040.

OfficeAssistant Supervisor responsible for overseeing office operations, expense tracking & equipment maintence schedules. Call 644-7088/624-7248.LocationTriumph Layers Chick Beak cutting (debeaking).Call627-7835

At Glo-See Marketing & PR,Dolphinandherchildren believe public relations should go far beyond promotion.

“Our approach is holistic

For this family business, it is about creating the full package — helping brands tell authentic stories while alsousingmediatomotivate, educate,andinspirepeopleto become healthier, stronger, and more purposeful versions of themselves.

She noted that balance between business growth,

She noted that if there is one thing that readers take away from her story, she hopes it is this, “setbacks do not cancel purpose.”

“There is life after pain, thereisgrowthafterstruggle, and there is purpose even in difficult seasons.With God’s grace, a supportive community, and determination,itispossibleto rebuild your life while

She said the agency continues to be recognized both locally and internationally In2025,shewashonored with the Influential Women Leaders Award and also receivedaglobalrecognition award that reminded me that purpose-driven work never goes unnoticed.

“Another unforgettable experiencewasattendingthe GETForum in El Salvador to represent my company among inspiring entrepreneurs and leaders from around the world. I remain thankful to every organization that has recognized our work and the positive impact we strive to create,” Dolphin stated.

Workingmomsarequietlyrewritingwhat...

From page 27 actually want to build.

That shift is happening in kitchens, in boardrooms, in classrooms, and in the conversations women are having with each other across the region. It is a quiet rebellion, and it is reshaping what leadership is going to looklike.

ADIFFERENTPLACE

This is the cultural moment her book is written for.Women are entering the most influential decade of theirprofessionallives-their thirties, forties, and fiftieswith more clarity than the

ACCOMMODATIONS

Aracari Hotel Renovated rooms,A/C,TV,Restaurant, Bar,Pool,Gym.Stay7nights, 1FREE!Call:264-2946.

ENTERTAINMENT

Family Fun Aracari Resort! Crystal clear pool, safe kids & adult sections, Music & food.W.B.D.Call:264-29469.

LAND FOR SALE

La-Grange W.B.D road to river,SilverHill20acres,Craig (9 acres) Spring Gardens (Dora) 20 acres,Long creek & Tucan Drive.Contact Ray'sRealty627-9685.

generation before them had access to. They are taking on leadership roles, building businesses, raising children, holding marriages and friendships,anddoingitwith a deeper question running underneath everything: what doessuccessactuallyrequire, and what am I willing to refuse?

Thecardsandtheflowers today are real. The love behind them is real. But the most powerful Mother’s Day giftthewomenofthiscountry can give themselves is the permissiontokeepchoosing, every day of the year, to lead their own lives differently than the model they were handed. That permission is not something the rest of us can give them. They are already taking it. The role of those around the working mother, I believe, is to catch up.

Husbands and partners, who carry weight without being asked; employers who design work around how it is actuallybestdone;andfamily members, who help without being summoned and cultures that respond to a focused mother with respect rather than commentary None of this is charity. It is recognition. The women are leading. The rest of us are being asked to follow them

intoahealthiermodelofhow work and life can be organised.

NEWBOOK

Shifting From Hustle draws on decade of my experience coaching leaders ,professionals, and entrepreneurs through the kind of burnout that hides behindachievement.Itisbuilt around what she calls the MESS.

Alignment frameworkMindset, Energy, Strategy, and Soulful Outcomes - the four dimensions through which most lives either flow or stall. Each chapter pairs reflection with practical exercisesandendswiththree closing sections: The Shift, Money Overflows, and Reflect +Apply The book is paired with a Companion Journal for those who would prefer to do the work alongside the reading.

The book is for the woman who has already started asking better questionsofherownlife.Not the woman waiting to be rescued.Thewoman,readyto take the next step in her own thinking, the high-achievers, the entrepreneurs, the leaders, the professionalsandyes,theworkingmothers among them, who are often the most strategically intelligent readers of their own circumstances. The

book offers a different question. Not how do I keep going, but what is asking to change. The answers are usually closer to the surface than a reader expects.”

Thebookspeaksnotonly to those navigating burnout, but to those around them. “It is for the husbands and partners ready to listen. For the sons learning what real partnershiplookslike.Forthe employers ready to update theirmodel;forthedaughters watching the women in their lives and learning what is possible. The shift the women in our region are leading is one we all have a part in supporting.”

The book lands at a moment when conversations about workers’ health and well-beingaresurfacingatthe national level in Guyana – a developmentI believeislong overdue, and one she sees women themselves having driven into the public conversation through the way they are reshaping their own lives.

If there is a single message I hope might travel into Guyanese homes this morning,itisdirect.Toevery working mother holding this newspapertoday, I see what you are choosing. I see the strength it takes to lead a life on your own terms in a culture still catching up to who you have already become. I see you. May this Sunday be the start of a year in which the rest of us see what you have been showing usallalong?Mynewbookis available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/ B0GZ8K6YVj. Physical copies arrive in stores in Guyana within a few weeks. The book is paired with a CompanionJournal.

IranwarnstheU.S.againstattacksonitsoiltankers andothershipsbutceasefireappearstohold

DUBAI, UnitedArab Emirates (AP) Iran’s Revolutionary Guard navy on Saturday warned that any attack on Iranian oil tankers or commercial vessels would be met with a “heavy assault”ononeoftheU.S.basesin theregionandenemyships,evenas a tenuous ceasefire appeared to be holding.

Iranian state TV reported the warning a day after the United States struck two Iranian oil tankers, casting doubt on the month-old ceasefire that the U.S. has insisted is still in effect. The U.S.militarysaidthetankerswere trying to breach its blockade of Iran’sports.

Meanwhile Bahrain, which hosts the U.S. Navy’s regional headquarters, said it arrested dozens of people it alleged had links to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.

Washington awaits Iran’s responsetoitslatestproposalfora deal to end the war, reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping and rollbackTehran’sdisputednuclear program. And Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow’s proposal to take enriched uranium from Iran to help negotiate a settlementremainsonthetable.

Bahrainsaysarrestswere linkedtoGuardfunding attempt

Bahrain said it had arrested 41 people it said are part of a group affiliated with the Revolutionary Guard. The interior ministry said investigationsconfirmedtheywere

in contact with the Guard and collected funds “with the aim of sendingthemtoIran”tosupportits “terroristoperations.”

ThesmallPersianGulfislandis led by a Sunni Muslim monarchy but,likeIran,hasamajorityShiite population. Rights groups have said the kingdom has used the war between Iran and the U.S., which bases its Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, as anexcusetocrackdownondissent.

IranissuedawarningtoBahrain: “Siding with the U S -backed resolution will bring severe consequences The Strait of Hormuz is a vital lifeline; do not risk closing it on yourselves FOREVER,” EbrahimAzizi, head ofthenationalsecuritycommission of Iran’s parliament,saidon social media.

Iran has mostly blocked the criticalwaterwayforglobalenergy since the U.S. and Israel launched thewaronFeb.28,causingaglobal spike in fuel prices and rattling worldmarkets.

The US has imposed its own blockadeofIran’sports US Central CommandsaidonSaturdayitsforces hadturnedback58commercialships and “disabled” four since the blockadebeganApril13

Britaindeployswarship totheMiddleEast

Britain’s defense ministry said it was deploying a warship to the Middle East to join a potential mission to protect commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz once hostilitiesend.

The ministry said the HMS

GGMCseizes15mining...

Frompage11 holding ponds into the Walabaka Creek.Thishashadadirectimpact onPumpCreek,wheretheGuyana Water Incorporated (GWI) pumps waterfortreatmentanddistribution to residents of Port Kaituma,” the ministrysaid.

On April 15, subject minister Vickram Bharrat and the Housing Minister Collin Croal, visited the area and issued stern warnings to the miners, whose actions were contributing to the pollution. A two-week time span was given to fixissuesandbringoperationsinto compliance They were also advised that if they failed to take thenecessarycorrectivemeasures, consequenceswillfollow

Despite repeated cautions, the ministry said that the reckless wastedisposalcontinued,resulting in hundreds of residents in Port Kaituma being affected by the inability of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) to supply water due to the high levels of sediment in the water, caused by irresponsibleminers.

To remedy the situation, an enforcement team from GGMC, that was supported by members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) wasdeployedtoWalabakaonMay

Dragon will “preposition” in the region, ready to join a U.K.- and French-led security plan. France announcedthisweekitwasmoving its aircraft carrier strike group into theRedSeainpreparation.

Britain and France have led meetings involving several dozen countries on a coalition to reestablish freedom of navigation inthestrait.Buttheystressitwon’t start until there is a sustainable ceasefireandthemaritimeindustry is reassured ships can go through thestraitsafely

Diplomacycontinues ‘dayandnight’

U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated threats to resume full-scale bombing if Iran doesn’t accept an agreement to reopen the strait and roll back its nuclear program On Friday, Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson

Esmail Baghaei said the country was not paying attention to “deadlines,”accordingtostate-run IRNA.

Diplomacy continues

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said his country has been in contactwiththeU.S.andIran“day andnight”inanefforttoextendthe ceasefireandreachapeacedeal.

Russia’s foreign ministry said thatit,aswellasSaudiArabia,was calling for diplomatic efforts to reach a “sustainable, long-term agreement”toendthewar

Separately, Putin told reporters in Moscow that taking enriched uraniumfromIrantohelpnegotiate asettlementwouldalloweveryone tosee“howmuchofitthereis,and whereitislocated,”and“allofthis would be placed under the control of the IAEA,” the U.N. nuclear watchdog.

Egyptian and Qatari top diplomats reiterated that diplomacy is the sole path to a solution,accordingtoareadoutofa phonecallbetweenthetwoforeign ministers.

Still publicly unseen and unheard since the war began is Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, fueling speculationabouthisstatus.

OnFriday,atopIranianofficial said Khamenei was in “complete health” and eventually would appear in public Mazaher Hosseini, affiliated with the office of Iran’s late supreme leader, AyatollahAli Khamenei, who was killed at the start of the war, made the comment at a pro-government gathering. Hosseini said Mojtaba, Khamenei’sson,hadkneeandback injuries in the war’s opening attacksbutthey’velargelyhealed.

4, 2026. Since their arrival, the necessary enforcement actions weretakentorectifythesituation.

“This enforcement exercise remains ongoing. The Ministry of Natural Resources wishes to make it clear that while mining remains an important pillar of Guyana’s economy, it must be conducted responsiblyandinfullcompliance with the law Operators are requiredtotakeallnecessarysteps to prevent environmental damage, protect water sources and safeguardthehealthandwellbeing ofcommunities,”theministrysaid.

Additionally, through the GGMC the ministry will continue to monitor the Walabaka drainage basin and additional mining areas across the country to ensure compliance with environmental and mining regulations. Operators whocontinuetoactindisregardof thelawwillbeheldaccountable.

The ministry also assured the residents of Port Kaituma, and the surroundingcommunitiesthattheir concerns are being treated with urgency, as the government remainscommittedtoensuringthat miningdevelopmentsdonotcome at the expense of the public’s health, environmental protection andcleanwater

LebanonsaysIsraelistrikeskilled39

Reuters - Thirty-nine people have been killed in another day of intense Israeli strikes in Lebanon, thecountry’shealthministrysaid.

One Israeli strike on the southerntownofSaksakiyehkilled at least seven people, including a child,theministrysaid.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it had been targeting Lebanese armed group Hezbollah and was “aware of reports regarding harm to uninvolved civilians”.

Israeli forces and Hezbollah have continued to trade fire since US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire deal between the governments of Israel andLebanonon16April.

MostofIsrael’sairstrikeshave hit southern Lebanon, with the military saying it is striking infrastructure and people linked to Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militiaandpoliticalparty

On Saturday, Lebanon’s staterunNationalNewsAgency(NNA) reported Israeli strikes across the south,includinginSaksakiyeh.

The health ministry said that raid “resulted in an initial toll of sevenmartyrs,includingagirl,and 15 wounded, including three children”.

The IDF said it struck “Hezbollah terrorists operating from within a structure used for militarypurposes”inthearea.

“Prior to the strike, steps were takentomitigatetheriskofharmto civilians as much as possible, including the use of precise

The strike on Saksakiyeh also injured 15 people including three children, the Lebanese ministry said (Reuters)

munitionsandaerialsurveillance,” itsaid.

Detailsoftheincidentareunder review,itadded.

The Lebanese health ministry reported that another Israeli strike on a motorbike in Nabatieh hit “a Syriannationalandhis12-year-old daughter”.

“After they managed to move awayfromthesiteofthefirststrike, the drone attacked a second time,”

killingthefather,theministrysaid, adding the drone then targeted the girl“directlyforathirdtime”.

The girl was undergoing lifesavingsurgery,itadded.

Meanwhile Hezbollah targeted northernIsraelwithadrone,which the Israeli military said wounded threesoldiers.

According to Lebanon’s health ministry,Israeliattackshavekilled more than 120 people across the

country in the last week, including women and children. The ministry does not distinguish combatants fromcivilians.

The Israeli military also occupies a strip of Lebanese land along the border, and officials say the aim is to create what they describe as a Hezbollah-free security zone to protect Israel’s northerncommunities.

In those areas, entire villages

have been destroyed, in actions similartotheonesdeployedbythe Israeli military in Gaza. Rights groups say some cases could amounttowarcrimes.

Hezbollah, meanwhile, has carriedoutattacksonIsraelitroops inLebanonandnorthernIsraelwith rocketsanddrones.

The group said it targeted northern Israel with a drone on Saturday in response to continued Israeliattacks.

The Israeli military said it had identified “an explosive drone launched by the Hezbollah terrorist organisation”neartheborderin the north. It said three army reservists were injured in the attack,oneofthemseriously IsraelandHezbollahagreed toaceasefireendingaprevious conflict in November 2024, after which Israel carried out near-daily attacks on targets and people it said were linked toHezbollah.

After the US and Israel attacked Iran on 28 February and killed Iran’s supreme leader, Hezbollah launched rocketsanddronesintoIsraelin retaliationon2March.

In response, Israel bombarded Lebanon with air strikes Israeli forces reentered southern Lebanon in early March, where they have destroyed villages and remained occupying 10km (6 2 miles) of Lebanese territory

Atotalof2,795peoplehave been killed in Lebanon since 2 March, according to the Lebanesehealthministry

Israeliauthoritieshavesaid that17soldiersandonecivilian have been killed in southern Lebanon, along with two civiliansinnorthernIsrael.

Guyana shut out of Global Clean Energy Coalition - Policy Forum Guyana

Guyana was absent from the high-profile Santa Marta Conference held in Colombia last week,anexclusionthathasbrought renewed scrutiny to the nation's commitment to a global energy transition.

While representatives from 59 countriesgatheredtomovebeyond stagnant debates and focus on concrete renewable energy solutions, Policy Forum Guyana, through a statement, revealed, that Guyana did not qualify to be invited.

The grounds for the noninvitation were based on the country not yet being an official member of the group of countries committed to transitioning away fromfossilfuels.

The absence is particularly notable given the recent launch of

…over Lack of transition commitment

the Global Biodiversity Alliance (GBA) in July 2025; an initiative intended to protect life from the destructive effects of extractive industries.

However, Colombian Minister of Environment and Chair of the Conference underscored a more definitive stance: “We decided not to resign ourselves to an economy built on the destruction of life. We decided that the transition away from fossil fuels could no longer remainasloganbutmustbecomea concrete, political, and collective endeavour.”

Thisexclusionfollowsarecent policyshiftarticulatedbyPresident Irfaan Ali. During a speech at an Offshore Technology Conference

in Houston, Texas, the President urged nations to move away from the concept of "energy transition" infavourof"energybalance."

It is important to note that in 2015 Guyana's National Determined Contributions (NDC) for Energy was to eliminate complete dependence on Fossil Fuels (develop a 100% renewable power supply by 2025), again in 2024, "Guyana's NDC set out a commitment to eliminating near complete dependence on fossil fuels."

In its statement, Policy Forum Guyana (PFG) said that Guyana's new position serves as a public rejection of Guyana's previous (NDC) submission to the Paris

COP, which aimed for 100% alternative energy by 2025. Critics arguethisshiftreinforcesconcerns that Guyana's environmental diplomacy is designed to justify contradictory goals, with some labeling the strategy as "greenwashing."

The PFG has also raised questions regarding regional leadership, suggesting that Guyana's oil wealth has not yet translated into solidarity with CARICOMneighbours.

The organisation pointed out that Guyana has not considered replacing the PetroCaribe oil subsidy programme for Caribbean states,evenasglobalenergyprices rise.

"Meaningful acts of regional solidarity would better defend Guyana against accusations of hypocrisy and political windowdressingwithrespecttotheclimate crisis,"thePFGstated.

To reg

al credibility, PFG suggests Guyana must embrace a transformative approach incorporating climate, gender,andfinancialjustice.

Thisincludesacallforcitizens to embrace a "1.5 Lifestyle", an initiative pioneered by PFG to encourage personal responsibility inaddressingtheclimatecrisis.

Policy Forum Guyana said it remains committed to using the outcomes of the Santa Marta Conference to inspire renewed efforts to place climate change at the centre of both national policy andpersonalaction.

Linden Town Week

Cycle Race…

Marke Lewis cops first with 9 Prime Prizes

Promising cyclist Mark Lewis (Jr.) took tophonourswhenthecyclingraceinhonour of Linden’s former National cyclist and United States-based James ‘Joelyn’ Joseph was held last Saturday on the Linden Highwayandfinishedbeforetheroundabout atMillie’sHideout.

In placing first, Lewis (Jr.) carted off the lion’sshareofthesprintprizesinthe34-mile event, winning nine of the ten on offer, with Joseph,whowassecond,coppingtheother Organised by Nigel London, a Linden veterancyclistwhoincidentallyistheheadof the governing Guyana Cycling Federation,

theracewasusedtohaveLindencyclistsonly contest the race in keeping with many other sporting events which were held during the Linden Town Week celebrations of the Town’s56thanniversary

London took third place, as Deleus RichardsonandGarfieldLorrimercompleted the top finishers Mayor of Linden, Dominique Blair, was there to present the trophyandprizestothevariouswinners.

This race gained sponsorship from D. Sookram and Daughters Contracting Company through efforts by the Linden MayorandTownCouncil.

BCBlaunchesCardiologistServiceInc.U-21...

Frompage53

theirsupportandnotedthattheUnder21isan importantpartoftheboard’sagelimitformat.

The BCB, he disclosed, has secured sponsorshipfortournamentsattheUnder12, 13,14,16,19,21,and23levels,inadditionto females, second division, intermediate, and firstdivisionlevels.TheBCBbossexpressed thanks to his administration for hosting a successful tournament and to complete it by theendoftheyear

Dr Carpen stated that Cardiologist ServiceInc.wasveryproudtobeassociated with Berbice Cricket. The game in the Ancient County has a proud tradition of producing top-class players, and he

Sunday May 10, 2026

ARIES(Mar 21–Apr 19)

Your dreams are quite telling tonight, so do your best to remember them. Keep paper or other recording means by your bed so you can take notes, and then see what it all means as you drink your morningcoffee.

TAURUS(Apr 20–May20)

You and your people are seemingly of one mind today, which should make planning relatively easy If you need to make a big group decision, nowisdefinitelythetimetogo forit!

GEMINI(May21–June20)

You're not especially productive today, but then again,mostpeopleareequally untethered to reality! It's a great day to indulge your creative side, so make sure that you're keeping the ideas flowing.

CANCER(June21–July22)

You're feeling more connected toyourpeoplethanusual,which issayingquitealot!Letatleast one of them know you're there with them no matter what they maybegoingthrough

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

People are getting rather emotionaltoday,butifyoucan keep a lid on your temper, thingsshouldgowellforyou. Things are likely to get much bettersoon,somakesurethat you'vegotsomepatience.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Other people can't handle the stressoftheday'sactivities,so try not to pile on them with unnecessary criticism You should be able to get your point across gently or, better yet,onanotherday

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

You've got far too much going on today to take a break, though it might all leave you feeling exhausted by tonight! Just take it all as it comes and knowthattomorrowshouldbe alittleeasier

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21)

Youneedtohavemorefunthan usual today It's in your blood! Whetheryou'remakingagame out of household chores or takingthedayofftogohiking, you need to make your life moreplayful.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

Try to get things together early today, as you need to makesurethatyourslowpace isgettingyouwhereyouneed to go Things should speed up in a big way tomorrow, so get readyforit!

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Yourcreativesideisunleashed today,andyoumaywanttouse this energy to help you communicate with someone important.Youcantouchthem in a new way and forge a strongerconnection.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Anything you share with a friend or partner today should make both your lives much more interesting Stories, assets, and even debts can makelifebetterforbothofyou ifyouplayitright.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Your energy is bursting outward in all directions today, so make the most of it! Reachouttofolksyouhaven't seen in ages, offer to help a neighbor with their new project, or just say hi to randomstrangers.

expressed the hope that more players would emergefromtheUnder21tournament.

He added that his company will sponsor the tournament for the next five years with increasedfinancialsponsorship.

The famed medical surgeon also announcedthatin2027,thesponsorship,apart from being increased, would include cricket gearsforparticipatingteams,acomprehensive coachingprogrammeforplayers,andabroadbasedcontributiontotheoveralldevelopment ofthegameacrossthecounty

Dr Carpen,whohailsfromthecricketing villageofAlbion,statedthatheiscommitted tomakingapositivedifferenceinthelivesof youththroughtheavenueofsports.

Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Rashid power...

Frompage55 turn off the surface, but bowling in tandem through themiddleovers,theycutoff the risk-free boundary optionsfortheopeningpair

Aleginjurywhilerunning between wickets affected Gill’s running as well Punja tookoutSaiSudharsanfor55 off36,holingouttolong-on, and Jadeja speared in a delivery to Jos Buttler at 107kphtorushhimonadrive straighttolong-off Washington,Tewatia giveGTbigfinish

After GT’s whirlwind start, 220 was a base expectation from their innings Bytheendofthe19th over, they were on track to finish under it, stuck on 208 for 4 Brijesh Sharma had plucked out Jason Holder’s wicket and given away just fourrunsinthe19th,varying hispaceandbowlingintothe blockhole However, his gold-dustoverwasreducedto a footnote when Tushar Deshpandemissedhislinesin the last over Rahul Tewatia maneuvered around the creasetoleatherback-to-back sixes, before Washington Sundar hit one of his own to dragGTto229for4 Sirajoutfoxes

Sooryavanshiinthe powerplay

It is the stuff of routine now The bowler chugs in, bowls a perfectly okay delivery, and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi sends him into thestandsfirst-ball Saturday night was no different, as Sooryavanshi clobbered Mohammed Siraj across the line over the long-on boundary Next ball, a Siraj yorker rifled towards the stumps, and Sooryavanshi inside-edgedontohisfootand felltotheground.

Sooryavanshi looked set for another big start, despite limping between wickets, blasting Siraj for three fours infourdeliveries Onthefifth delivery,hewasrushedintoa

hook off a fiery bouncer that carried to square leg In the blinkofaneye,Sooryavanshi wentfromzeroto16-ball36, then from the middle to the dugout

Siraj(1for55)andKagiso Rabada(2for33)becamethe first pair of IPL bowlers to bowl through the powerplay four matches in a row. Jurel ventured down the track to plundera22-runoveragainst Siraj before the powerplay ended Rashid would pluck

himoutsoonanyway

Rashidkillsoffthechase

With Sooryavanshi and Jaiswalgone,theonuswason Jurel and Ravindra Jadejawho clobbered six and four offhisfirsttwodeliveries-to play against type and shift intofifthgear.ButRashidgot the ball to jag and turn off a pitchlikenootherspinneron the night. He also bowled morelegbreaksthangooglies -ararityforhim-tokeepthe battersguessing

GFF boss Forde says Ensemble Football Program to revolutionize youth soccer

ByCliftonRoss

G

uyana Football

Federation (GFF) president Wayne Forde, yesterday commissioned what he called a new era in football, followingthehistoriclaunch of their Development Ensemble Youth Program which kicked off at the National Training Center, Providence.

The program, which is thefoundationfortheGFF’s plansfortheremainderofthe calendaryear,asitrelatesto growth and development from the Under-13 to U-17 levels, has found a strong partner in FIFA who have thrown their full support behind the countrywide program.

Forde, during his feature address said the ensemble programissettospanacross nine associations, signaling growth and refinement which is necessary for the growthofthesport.

The GFF boss said the system was created to sync

with the best model for footballdevelopment,which according to Forde is a welcoming sign of a successfulnewera.

Heexplainedthattheact is a huge part of expansion which is geared towards groomingsaferandbetterfor kids.

“Child safety is of paramount importance in every aspect” said Forde, who added that the

GFF Technical Manager, Bryan Joseph

on of workshops was conducted withkeystakeholders.

He noted that the GFF’s journeyhasnotbeenwithout challenges, adding that strugglestomaintainayouth structure of this magnitude, finances,shortageofplaying facilities among other areas werehurdlestheyhavesince managedtoovercome.

Forde believed that the vision of GFF would have

not become a reality were it notforthesupportofFIFA.

The GFF boss said the programisnotaoneoffevent, but a permanent fixture for youthfootballwhichisahuge benefitofFIFA’sbacking

Inclosing,Fordethanked FIFA, GFF, the coaches, players and all those who believed in the endeavor; which now targets some 4500youngmenfromacross more than 1000 clubs in Guyana.

GFF President, Wayne Forde

preparations, for upcoming events like the U14 Boys’ series in Dominican Republic as well as the National U15 lads who will beplayinginaFIFAseries.

From August to NovembertheU-17National series will kick off, with DecemberandJanuarybeing used as preparations for the BoysFIFAU-17competition

The U-13 format will be played on a 9v9 cross-field format on Saturdays, with theU-15’splayingSundays.

Joseph said the overall goal is to have a more transparent na

GFF Technical Manager

Bryan Joseph gave a bit of in-depth insight into the operations He explained thattheyouthleagueoverthe next four years will be a countrywideprogram.

He outlined that through thefirstyearoftheprograma 20 team format will be dividedinto4groups.

Thecompetitionswillbe used as international

ional selection process with additional structure for the game, while strengthening the visibility of football in Guyana.

Also, some 40 newly trained FIFA referees will playahugeroleintheyouth program,whichfurtheradds to the growth of coaching and by extension the overall quality of football from the grassroots/youthlevels.

BCB launches Cardiologist Service Inc. U-21 Tournament; commits to five year deal

The Berbice Cricket Board, in its continuing effort to promote cricket in the ancient county, last Thursday launched the BCB/Cardiologist Services Inc Under21Tournament.

Thesimplelaunchingceremony wasattendedbyBCBPresidentDR. Cecil Beharry, Administrator Angela Haniff, Junior Selector ChairmanBalramSamarooandthe staffofCardiologistServicesledby itshead,Dr MahendraCarpen.

Chief Selector, Balram Samaroo, at the presentation ceremony held in the Cardiologist ServiceofficeattheMercyHospital in Georgetown, noted the importance of the Under 21 tournament.

He stated that it was a bridge between players finishing at the Under19levelandtheseniorlevels. Samaroo noted that many players become frustrated when they complete the Under 19 level,

thinkingthattheircricketingcareers are over The Under 21 tournament offers them a chance to take their cricketing career forward and a chance to make the GWI BreakawayTournament.

Atleasttwentyteamsacrossthe county are expected to play in the tournament.

The tournament will be played on a knockout format for players born on or after the 1st of September,2005.Samaroo,asenior member of the BCB Competition Committee, also stated that players like Adrian Hetmyer, Romesh Bharrat, Matthew Pottaya, Vishal Williams,AfrazBudhoo,Nathaniel Ramsammy, Ramario Ramdehol, MicahAmsterdam,FeazBaksh,and Richard Ramdehol are expected to play.

BCB President Dr. Cecil Beharry expressed thanks to Dr. Carpenandthemedicalgroupfor Continued on page 51

West Indies Championship Playoff…

Secondfinalisttobedecided,HarpyEaglestoplayWIAcademy

STJOHN’S,Antigua-Thereisa strong sense of optimism and confidence surrounding both the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force and the Barbados Pride as they prepare tosquareoffinaplayofffromMay 10-13 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, for the chance to join reigning champions the Guyana Harpy Eagles in the final of the WestIndiesChampionship.

The Red Force secured their placeintheplayoffafteradominant inningsand271-runvictoryoverthe LeewardIslandsHurricanesintheir first encounter, followed by two consecutive drawn matches, to finishsecondinthestandingswith 53.6points.

Meanwhile, the Barbados Pride rebounded from an opening-match defeat to the Jamaica Scorpions to outscoretheiropponents422points to 34 by the end of the bilateral series Theysecuredtheirspotinthe final with an impressive innings and11-runvictoryinmatchthreeto

level series at one win apiece after the second match ended in a highscoringdraw

Thepreviousresultshavesetthe stage for a fascinating showdown between two fierce rivals, both determinedtofinishontopwhenthe tournamentconcludesonMay20

Intheirmostrecentmeeting,the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force walked away with a memorable inningsand56-runvictoryoverthe Pride at Kensington Oval in Barbadosin2025

The match saw the Pride dismissedforamere86intheirfirst inningsthankstotheRedForcepace bowling attack, before the visitors cruisedtovictoryinsidetwodays

Jayden Seales returns to the squad after being rested, having already claimed 13 wickets in two matches, while Anderson Phillip, with 17 wickets, is the championship’s leading pace bowlerthisseason.

Sunday’s encounter, however,

offersbothteamsanotherchanceto renew their rivalry Red Force captainJoshuaDaSilvasaidhisside willnotunderestimatethePrideand isinsteadrelyingontheconsistency that has marked the team’s strong starttotheChampionship.

“It is about getting back to the basics and the drawing board by sharpening up a few skills that we may need for the upcoming games, butallinalltheteamisgellingwell We have a good core here that I think can take us to the final and winit.”DaSilvasaid.

ForthePride,confidenceishigh headingintotheplayoffmatch They boastthemost300-plusteamtotals in the tournament and feature the competition’sleadingscorer,Kevin Wickham, who has amassed 371 runsinfourinningsatanaverageof 123.66. Their morale was further boosted after overcoming a series deficit against the Jamaica Scorpions to secure their place in theplayoffs.

S e e k i n g n e w b a l l reinforcements, the Pride have drafted in Akeem Jordan for Jair McAllister from the bilateral series against the Scorpions and captain KraiggBrathwaiteiseagertoseethe consistencylevelsmaintained.

“Overall, I just want to see discipline in both departments but especially bowling,” Brathwaite shared “Batting wise we had four inningswherewescoredabove300 plus, but I think will still need to make improvements all round, batting, bowling and getting better in the field, because there are always things to work on and we can’t take things for granted becausewehavetogetstronger.”

EAGLESVERSUSTHE ACADEMY

Away from the intensity of the playoffbattle,defendingchampions the Guyana Harpy Eagles are finetuning their preparations with a match against the West Indies AcademyattheAntiguaRecreation Ground.

The Harpy Eagles have been flawless so far, recording three consecutive victories to sit atop the standings. They also boast the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, Gudakesh Motie, who has claimed 24wicketstodate.

Jonathan Van Lange and Thaddeus Lovell have been drafted intothesquadtoreplacetheinjured Isai Thorne, while Shamar Joseph hasbeenrested

Captain Tevin Imlach believes the match against the Academy presents another valuable opportunity for the batting unit to sharpen its skills ahead of the final showdown

“We have some things to work on to be at our best, we need to be better as a batting group especially our top five, we need to be more consistent and score hundreds,” Imlachexpressed

Bothmatchesbowloffat10am localtime/9aminJamaica.

Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Rashid power GT to second spot with fourth straight win

(Cricinfo) - Twenty-eight overs into the contest in Jaipur, Rajasthan Royals(RR)werekeepingpacewith GujaratTitans(GT) Theywere86for 3insevenovers,chasing230 Dhruv Jurel looked like he had excised his slow-batting demons He was on 24 off9andreadytogobigger

Then,RashidKhanspunonepast Jurel’sslogtopegbackhisstumps.It wasthefirstofhisfourwickets.Ona nightofspinchokeholdsbybothRR and GT, Rashid’s spell of 4 for 36 was the point of difference between bothsides.

Attheendofitall,GTzoomedup tosecondspotinthepointstablewith 14 points It was their fourth consecutive win, as they continued theirlatesurgeinthisIPL

Earlier in the evening, half-

centuries from Shubman Gill and B Sai Sudharsan - and their 118-run openingpartnership-headlinedGT’s biggest IPL sc

Ahmedabad They had been greeted by an all-pink Jaipur RR’s jerseys were the same colour, in honour of their women’s empowerment movement By the end of the powerplay, Gill and Sudharsan couldn’t have felt more at home themselves.Theyhadracedawayto 82 for 0, and alongside Rashid’s spell,theyheadlineda77-runwin.

Wideandwiderinthepowerplay

JofraArchertook11deliveriesto getthroughthefirstoverofthematch It featured nine extras and was the longestopeningoverinthehistoryof thetournament Bytheendofit,Gill and Sai Sudharsan - without taking

any big risks - had raced away to 18 fornoloss.Thiswasthethemeofthe powerplay: the opening pair kept getting balls on their pads or bouncers shooting way over their heads. They played most of their shotsinthe‘V’downtheground.By theendofthefirstsix,theywerejust 18 runs away from their ninth 100plus partnership, the second-best tally in the IPL, just behind Virat KohliandABdeVilliers.

PunjaandJadejachoke themiddleovers

Despitetheirbigstart,GillandSai Sudharsan slowed down in characteristic fashion Both of them reachedtheirfiftiesoff30balls Yash Raj Punja (1 for 37) and Ravindra Jadeja(1for34)didnotfindmuch

Continued on page 51

Independence 3-Stage Cycling Race

2026 announced for May 23 -24

TheMinistryofCulture,YouthandSport, through the National Sport Commission, in collaboration with the Guyana Cycling Federation, has once again extended its valuedsupportfortheAnnualIndependence Three-Stage Cycle Race, scheduled to take placeon23–24May2026.

The Federation warmly acknowledges the continued commitment of Minister CharlesRamsonJr,aswellasthepivotalrole playedbyMrSteveNinvalleinensuringthe successofthisprestigiousnationalevent.

In celebration of Guyana’s 60th Anniversary of Independence and to highlight the nation’s ongoing development, Stage One of the race will utilise the newly constructed Lethem–Mabura Road, whilst the final stage will traverse the iconic Dr Bharrat

JagdeoDemeraraHarbourBridge

The Guyana Cycling Federation welcomes the Minister’s announcement and expresses its appreciation for his steadfast dedication to the advancement of sport in Guyana.

In 2025, Colombian rider Mateo Garcia, representing Trinidadian outfit Team Raiders, delivered a scintillating performance to win the National Independence Three-Stage Cycling Road Race, conquering the local field to win all threestages.

In the Junior category, KFC Evolution’s Alex Newton was dominant, capturing first placewithanimpressivetimeof2hours,25 minutes, and 5 seconds (2:25:05). Veterans RobinPersaudandMarkSpencerexcelledin theMastersdivisions.

BCB launches GUYBIZ

Female 40 Overs Tournament

...Patron to support Cricket Development Programme

​Female cricketers in the ancient county of Berbice would soon be participating inacrickettournamentafter an absence of a few years. The Berbice Cricket Board, (BCB) on Thursday last, launched the BCB/GuyBiz FemaleTournamentduringa

simple presentation ceremony at the company's head office in Bel Air, East CoastDemerara.

BCB President DR CecilBeharrystatedthathis board, in 2026, intends to playthegameatalllevelsas part of a comprehensive developmental programme. Hestatedthatfemalecricket would be given special emphasis during the year, with the BCB eyeing the hosting of another tournament to support the GUYBIZ 40 Overs tournament The BCB expects three teams - Rose HallTownMetro,RoseHall Canje and West Berbice to play in the round robin tournamentwiththetoptwo teams advancing to the finals. The top team would receive $60,000.00 and the winner's trophy, while the runner-up and the 3rd place team would also receive a financialprize.

​RoseHallTownMetrois expected to be led by national captain Shemaine Campbelleandshewouldbe supported by Sheneta

Grimmond, Shakobi Gajnabi, Trisha Hardat, Danielle Manns, Sherica

Campbelle, Plaffiana Millington, Jada Fraser, and Daniela Hicks, among others Rose Hall Canje

Challenge would be spearheaded by the exciting Realeanna Grimmond, skipper Ashmini Munisar, Tiffany Rose, Renata Ramdeo,CrystalDurantand Sarah Sewnarine. West Berbice would depend heavily on Tia Issacs, TamekaGeorgeandKantana Mentore. President Beharry

expressed confidence that the tournament would be well organised and the female players would take the opportunity to showcase their talents on the cricket field.

BCB Administrator Angela Haniff, who is also the Manager of the Senior Inter County team, stated that the tournament would assist the female cricketers greatly,asthereisnocricket in Guyana for them apart frominter-county Sheurged the players to recommit themselves to the game and totakeadvantageofthehard work of the BCB. Sponsor Ishwar Singh expressed delight at sponsoring the t o u r n a m e n t a n d congratulated the BCB for its interest in the development of the female players He committed himself to cont

supporting Berbice Cricket andalsohandedoverasmall contribution to the printing of the BCB coaching manual.

Meanwhile, the BCB delegation led by President DR. Beharry and four other members met with Board Patron, Minister Vickram Bharrat,foraboutanhourat his Duke Street, Kingston office The delegation broughttheHonoraryPatron uptodateontheBCBplans for 2026, which included over fifteen tournaments at all levels and several developmentalprogrammes. The Patron committed himself to sponsoring the two-day first division tournament in 2026 and s e v e r a l p e r s o n a l development programmes for youth players, including the cricket academy. The twopartiesalsoagreedtothe hosting of a historic T10 tournament involving the top 8 first division clubs in Berbice in November The tournamentwouldbeplayed under the patronage of

Minister Bharrat and would include special prizes and incentives for players

Efforts would also be made to acquire the presence of a former West Indies captain during the tournament

Funds raised from the tournament would be used for the BCB youth programmes.

Sports

Second finalist to be decided, Harpy Eagles to play WI Academy WestIndies ChampionshipPlayoff… Independence

3-Stage Cycling Race 2026 announced for May 23 -24