U.S. military strikes Iran facility after Trump says Iran is ‘negotiating on fumes’
Two-year delay of Wales gas project costing
Guyana US$884M more
Nurse hands over ‘weed’ snacks meant for Mazaruni Prison to police
Exxon plans to reduce oily discharge in Guyana’s waters -9thproject summary
Bandit found dead after robbing Lethem businessman
Two teens among trio arrested for pensioner's murder
Single mother, children homeless after Port Mourant fire
Guyana, Trinidad refuse to sign CARICOM statement against U.S. military action in Cuba
Ganja found stashed in snacks for Mazaruni Prison
Two-year delay of Wales gas project costing Guyana US$884 million more
The two-year delay of the Wales Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project is expected to cost the country approximately US$884M morethantheinitialcostofthetwo gas plants currently under construction.
Thetwoplantsinitiallypegged atUS$759Mislikelytodoubledue totheincreasinglyhighimportbill forHeavyFuelOil(HFO),rentalof powerships and a costly legal dispute Notwithstanding, the government hopes that the project couldstartupbytheendoftheyear, but by then, the financial hemorrhage to the country would besevere.
Fuelimportbill
The country was initially informedofa2024year-endstartup for the Wales project- intended to slash electricity tariffs by half and supply stable, cleaner energy Due to delays in the site preparation phase, government is now anticipating that the project will come online by end of this year- a timeline experts believe is unattainable.
In the meantime, Guyana is forced to swallow an increasingly expensive pill: the exorbitant cost ofimportingHFOtokeepthelights on in the country which amount to
aneye-wateringUS$619Mforthe two-yearperiod.
Since January 2025, the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) have relied almost entirely on imported HFO. During the 2026 budget defense by the PPP, it was revealed that GPL's base fuel bill stands at a staggering GY$47 billion per annum roughly US$18 78 million every month—with 93% of that fuel beingHFO.
The situation is rapidly worsening. Recently, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillipsrevealedashocking74.8%
average increase in fuel import costssincethebeginningof2026.
But here is what that actually means for the country During 2025, operating at the baseline of US$18.78 million monthly, the import bill was approximately US$225.36million.
With the Prime Minister's acknowledged 74.8% surge, the monthly bill skyrockets to over US$32.83million.FromJanuaryto May 2026 alone adds another US$164.15Mtothefurnace.
Should this inflated price for HFObeappliedtokeepthecountry powered to the end of this year, it
Consequently, the two-year delayinstartupoftheGTEproject is costing this country a whopping US$619.32Minfuelimportsalone.
It was reported that the GoG signed a contract with the GTE contractor, Lindsayca/ CH4 to construct a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) plant and 300-megawatt power plant to the tune of US$759M.
ThismeansthatGuyanawillbe paying almost double the initial projectcostgiventhelengthydelay in delivery, forcing the country to
importHFOs.
Powershipcosts
It should be noted that in addition to the fuel cost for GPL, Guyana was forced to hire two Turkish powerships to supplement thenationalgrid.Therentalbillon the country is GY$126M daily, as was previously highlighted by Interim Leader of theAlliance For Change(AFC),DavidPatterson. Heexplainedthatinadditionto thedailyrentalfeeof$48.8million for the two barges, Guyana is also saddled with a daily fuel cost of $72.6 million and $4.2 million (Continuedonpage3)
GECOM work stalled as Mohamed awaits legal advice on nominees
Though it has been months since the Leader of the Opposition, Azruddin M o h a m e d s t a r t e d consultations on moving forward with nominees for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), he isyettomakeanyprogress.
Mohamed,toldKaieteur News that he is proceeding cautiously to ensure full c o m p l i a n c e w i t h constitutional requirements governing appointments to theelectionsbody
“Our intention is to proceed carefully, lawfully, and responsibly, with due
the constitutional obligations vested in the Office of the
Leader of the Opposition,” hesaid.
The WIN party leader noted that the Constitution requires the Leader of the Opposition to engage in meaningful consultation with the non-governmental political parties represented in the National Assembly prior to advising on persons to be appointed as Opposition-nominated commissioners to the GECOM.
F o l l o w i n g t h a t consultative process, the names of the nominees are submitted to the President for formal appointment in accordance withArticle 161 oftheConstitution.
However, Mr Mohamed said in light of the current
Two-year delay of Wales gas project...
Frompage2 daily for transportation expenses. As such, hepointedoutthatGuyanaispayingcloseto $126 million daily to generate power at the ships.
According to a document seen by this publication, which was provided to the NationalAssemblyonApril22,2025,during the consideration of the 2025 Estimates of RevenueandExpenditureGuyana,thetotal dailycosttorentbothshipsis$48,847,450. Therefore, for the first year Guyana paid $17,829,319,104. The two years combined would cost the country $35,658,68,208 or
U.S.$165,854,131. Legaldispute
Inadditiontotherentalofpower,andthe heavy import bill for fuel, Guyana was also caughtinalegaldisputewiththecontractor, Lindsayca/CH4.TheGoGrecentlyadmitted that it was forced to pay out a US$97M settlement to the consortium. Government also paid close to US$2M for the battery of lawyers that represented Guyana during the disputeprocess.
Assuch,theextensivedelaysinprojectis expected to cost Guyana a massive US$884Mmore.
C o n s t i t u t i o n , t h e RepresentationofthePeople Act, and the broader legal framework governing the G u y a n a E l e c t i o n s
Co
Commissioners.”
This is not the first time thattheoppositionleaderhas s p o k e n a b o u t t h e appointment of his party representatives to the commission.
Last January, Mr Mohamed announced plans toformallyrequestthattheA Partnership for National Unity (APNU)-appointed commissioners on GECOM vacatetheirseats.
thattheCommissionhasnot been able to move forward withitsworkuntilMohamed submits the names for his nominees.
According to the Chair, this includes critical work such as preparations for the LocalGovernmentElections (LGE) which were originally slated for November of this year, as well as the filling of vacancies within the Commission.
circumstances prevailing at GECOM, and the important constitutional and institutionalissuesthatarise therefrom, “we have engaged legal counsel to advise on the matter and to ensure that any steps taken are fully compliant with the
The move came shortly after Mohamed's election as leader of the opposition, a position previously held by the People's National Congress-ledAPNU, whose nominees currently occupy thethreeoppositionseatson GECOM.
Earlier this week, Chairperson of GECOM Justice (ret'd) Claudette Singh told this newspaper
Justice Singh recalled during a meeting with Mr Mohamed last January, that he was told to submit the names of his nominees but heneverdid.
J u s t i c e S i n g h emphasised that as Head of GECOM, she has chosen to tread cautiously given the newpoliticaldispensation.
Shesaid,“Icannotmove forward taking the law into consideration. If I call a meeting, now, the next day he(Mohamed)willcarryme to court or something…for excludingtheirparty.”
WeareonthesamepageasPresidentIrfaanAli.“Atthis stageofournationaljourney,nooneshouldseektodivide Guyana in pursuit of power Government and opposition, private sector and labour, civil society and citizens, coastline and hinterland — no one should seek to divide.” Wefindnofaultwiththosewordsofthepresidentspokenso earnestlyduringtheflag-raisingceremonyatFortIslandin theEssequibo.
The grand occasion of Guyana’s Independence Diamond Jubilee called for words that suited the moment. Thatisthestartfromwhichtakingownershipofthosewords follow Then forging ahead to make them a reality If not, theyfailthroughdisinterestandneglect. Puttingthemout before a friendly, believing anything and asking-noquestions audience is easy Putting forward the required untiringandbackbreakingleadershipeffortstomakethem cometopass,thatisthehardpart.
Unfortunately, President Ali is his own book of contradictions.Hebelievesthatwhateverhesaysisgoingto happenonitsown.Apparently,thereisnoissuethatinthe aftermath of his smooth words, he goes in the opposite direction. As a glaring example, he talks up and calls for nationalunity, for Guyanese to be done with what divides, but avoids committing to engaging the recognized major opposition.
Over a hundred thousand Guyanese are represented by that now main opposition group. The president rightly insists that unity must be the way forward, if Guyana is to succeed. But then beats around the bush when questioned abouthisreadinessorplanstomeetwiththeLeaderofthe Opposition.Buildingonwordsstressingtheimportanceof nationalunity,ordistancingfromwhenthemomentisover andthecamerasareoff?
It may not necessarily hold true, but some sizable fraction of that voter support for the We Invest in Nationhood political party has to be angry at how their leader is disrespected, how their vote is treated with contempt.
On the face of it, that alone contradicts the president’s callforcomingtogetherandworkingtogether Wearegoing on the assumption that President Ali is sincere, and is genuinely interested in a different Guyana. Not only in a stream of encouraging words, but through his own actions thatreinforceadeterminedpushtowardsnationalunity The Guyaneseenvironmentisnotsocooperative.
Guyanese continuing to idolize leaders and political partiesthatareprimarilyaboutoneethnicgroupdilutecalls for unity Leaders who play that card during elections to triumph by any means are a liability to national unity In a small, interconnected, nation made up of many diverse peoples,eachwithitsowncultureandpractices,Herculean effort is needed to make unity get off the ground. Policies mustbeseenasinclusive,whichcanonlyhelponthewayto unifying. Policies must be implemented fairly, connected closely, in both letter and the spirit of what they represent. Thatgivesajumpstarttounity.
National unity is not strengthened by sound bites and photoopsthatcamouflageobjectivesthatfurtherdividethis alwayspolarizednation.
It is true that the majority of Guyanese want a unified Guyana. A Guyana existing in unity is a better Guyana, a country loaded with potential, and more mentally and emotionally prepared to engage in the hard work of nation building.
But a unified Guyana will only become a reality when everythingcomestogether Leaderscometogether Policies and practices come together And every effort is made to bring the diverse people of this country together Words ignitegenuinecommitment,whichinspiresresults.Because there is a leader relentlessly driving forward to prove how
DEAREDITOR,
The recently announced directroutefromWestAfrica toBarbadoscoupledwiththe launch of visa free entry between Barbados and Guyana may amount to being a recipe for disaster if not properly managed. The outbreak of Ebola which is spreadingquicklyinpartsof Africa may eventually find itswayontoGuyana'sshores if the proper safeguards are notputinplaceatourportsof entry.Inthisverydangerous
situation prevention is definitelybetterthanacure. It was only earlier this month that the U.S. had to redirect a flight from a French carrier due to potential Ebola exposure The flight was coming from Paris with a passenger from Congo.Thesensitivityofthe current health crisis and the riskofthepotentialexposure that could result from increased exposure to African travellers from carriers with less stringent
safeguards as those of EuropeandtheU.S.mustbe taken very seriously It is of utmost importance that the Ministry of Health put in placesimilarrequirementsas thoseoftheU.S.totrackthe origin of passengers especially those coming from Barbados via direct flightsfromAfrica.
Our fragile healthcare sector will not be able to easilycopewithanoutbreak of Ebola if it reaches our shores,andthepoorsanitary
environment around the Cap
c
ea
w
e conditions that will make containment of such an outbreakextremelydifficult. CRG calls upon the government to take the necessaryprecautionsandto workcloselywiththeU.S.to quickly establish the n
ve measures to ensure that Ebola doesn't reach our country
Sincerely,
JamilChanglee
Together we must aspire to achieve a future in unity, working and living together in love and harmony
DEAREDITOR,
Sixty (60) years ago, on May 26, 1966, Guyana achievedindependencefrom its colonial ruler Britain, chartering the course for self-governance and determination of its own future development and that of its peoples. This meant that, as of that date, sovereignty of the Country was in the hands of the people.Guyanacontinuedto recognize the British Monarchy under Queen Elizabeth II as the ceremonial “Head of State,” until February 23, 1970, when the Country became a CooperativeRepublic.
One would have thought thatthefanfarethatfollowed would have represented the upliftment of the Country and its peoples, not only from a state of dependence, but also to unveil the creativityandinnovationofa people, emerging from the pangs of slavery and indentureship and with the Almighty’s blessings of enormous natural resources within the bounty of its lands On the day Independence was declared, the observing masses would have destroyed any hapless critic, who may have mistakenly alluded to possibilities of impending developmental seizures or prolonged poverty Such negative outcomes were unimaginable, because the 83,000 square miles of
territory that was occupied by the initial approximation of648,646people,offeredso muchpercapita. Notwithstanding this remarkable ratio, and the purported innovations by Governments over the 60 years of nationhood, the population of the country seems irreversibly buried in themorassofpoverty,asthe Country’s vast wealth was squanderedbypoorpolitical d e c i s i o n m a k i n g , mismanagement and corruption. Irrespective of what went wrong, the major underlyingfactorof“Unity,” which was meant to be achieved through the nation’sbeliefinthenational motto of “One People, One Nation, One Destiny,” was noticeably absent mainly becauseofpoliticallydriven divisionsandpartisangreed.
The deep-seated divisions did not escape the international community, which in their own selfinterest engineered economic obstacles to Guyana’s profitability, in almost all major indigenous exports, such as, sugar, rice, and bauxite Balance of payments became unstable, leading to foreign currency shortages (a situation that still persists) and for which the nation was asked to forego costly and unnecessary imports and to find or plant economic alternatives The nation rebelled under persistent
dedicatedheistofulfillinghismissiontounite.Thenation’s oilwealthdoesnothavetobeadivider(whogets,whodoes not).Itsfairsharingcanbetheunifiersourgentlyneeded. President Ali can be a unifier He needs to overhaul himself first. His leadership could guide towards unity He cansucceed,buthemustholdhimselfaccountable.Whenhe ismorethanwordsforunity,byhismanifestationofstrength hecoulddragalongthereluctant,unbelieving,andobjecting inhisgroup,inGuyana.
opposition political goading and was eventually faced with severe currency devaluations.Therewerethe state managed devaluations inthe1970’s,beginningwith the pegging of the United States dollar at G$2.55 to US$1, and then to G$33 to US$1 in 1989 and later to G$100toUS$1in1991.The rate stabilized in 1996 at G$140 to US$1, and from 2010 onward the rate has consistently slipped to G$210 to US$1 The exchange rate now totters between G$230 and G$240 to US$1, even though significant gold and oil deposits were tapped and related revenues have transformed Guyana into one of “the fastest growing” economies.
ItisclearGuyanaisinthe middle of an economic conundrum, where foreign exchange earnings have gone up significantly, as is the foreign debt and its currency has become more unstableasaretherealwages per capita This is a remarkable story that would bring tears to future generations, who would question the current stewardship.
Over the 60 years of our “independence,” which we now eagerly seek to celebrate, the nation was separated from some economic forms of transportationthatfacilitated internal and external travel, viz.
· Our iconic railway that was put into operation since 1848, as a first in South America, was dismantled in stages and officially closed in1972.
· The Guyana Airways Corporation that served domestic destinations in Guyana, such as, Annai, Bartica, Bemichi, Ekereku, Imbaimadai, Kamarang, Kurupung, Lethem, Mabaruma, Mahdia, and Matthews Ridge, together with the international destinations of Bridgetown, Barbados,BoaVista,Miami, NewYork City, Paramaribo, and Port of Spain This Corporation became bankruptinJune1999andits assets used to form a successor carrier called Guyana Airways 2000, which operated for a short time before also going bankrupt and shutting down inMay2001.
The fallout of all these closures required citizens to pay considerably more to travel,whethertosecurenew work opportunities or recreational purposes. Many Guyanese who live on the coastlandhaveneverhadthe opportunity to traverse the hinterlands due to the significant transportation costs. It is cheaper to visit someCaribbeandestinations than to visit some parts of Guyana. While natives of this beautiful land Guyana wrestled daily for survival over the sixty (60) years of “independence,” a few politicalelites,togetherwith their families, friends and croniesbecameinexplicably rich, powerful and oligarchic.Asifthatwasnot enough, natives found that theirlivelihoodswerebeing Continued on page 5
· The Government controlled interconnected bus system that provided safe and reasonable transportation within the Country was dismantled in thelate1970’sbecauseofthe high cost associated with maintainingthebuses.
GTUC hails ICJ ruling affirming workers’ right to strike
DEAREDITOR,
The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) welcomes the landmark advisory opinion delivered by the United Nations' International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Thursday,May21,affirmingthattherightto strike is protected under the International LabourOrganisation's(ILO)ConventionNo. 87onFreedomofAssociationandProtection oftheRighttoOrganise.
The Court's opinion brings long-awaited clarity and finality to a decades-old dispute regardingthescopeofConventionNo.87and stands as a resounding victory for workers andtradeunionsworldwide.
By recognising that the right to strike is intrinsic to freedom of association, the ICJ has reaffirmed a fundamental principle of democraticsociety—thatworkermustbefree to organise and collectively defend their economicandsocialinterestswithoutundue interference.
The ruling comes at a particularly fitting moment for Guyana. This year marks the nation's 60th Anniversary of Independence and coincides with the centenary of the moderntradeunionmovement'sstrugglefor politicalandsocialadvancement.
Long before independence became a reality,organisedlabourstoodattheforefront of the fight for universal adult suffrage, popularlyexpressedas"oneman,onevote," internalself-government,improvedworking conditions,andthebroaderquestfornational self-determination. The freedoms Guyanese enjoytodayaredeeplyrootedinthesacrifices made by generations of workers who understood that economic justice and politicalfreedomareinseparable.
The ICJ's opinion also vindicates the landmark 2024 decision of Justice Sandil Kissoon in the matter involving the Guyana Teachers Union and the Ministry of Education. In that case, Justice Kissoon reaffirmed that the right to strike enjoys constitutional protection in Guyana and forms an essential component of workers' freedoms.
Hisrulinggavepracticaleffecttotheclear and unambiguous language contained in Article 147 of the Constitution of Guyana, titled "Protection of freedom of assembly, association and demonstration " Article
147(2)expresslyprovides:
"Except with his or her own consent no personshallbehinderedintheenjoymentof hisorherfreedomtostrike."
The GTUC notes that this constitutional guarantee leaves little room for ambiguity The right to strike is not a privilege to be granted or withheld by employers or governments; it is a protected constitutional freedom and an internationally recognised labour right The ICJ's pronouncement strengthens this position and confirms that the principles embodied in Guyana's Constitutionareconsistentwithinternational labourstandards.
International Labour Organisation for its steadfast commitment to the protection of workers' rights and for seeking definitive legalclarificationonConventionNo.87.The ILO's efforts have now produced an authoritative interpretation that will strengthen freedom of association and collectivebargainingrightsacrosstheglobe.
At the same time, GTUC reminds workersthatrightsendureonlywhentheyare understood, valued and defended. History teachesthatrightscanbeweakenedoreroded whencitizensbecomecomplacent.
The freedoms secured by previous generations were won through organisation, sacrifice, courage and persistence. Like liberty itself, workers' rights require eternal vigilance.
As Guyana celebrates sixty years as an independent nation and reflects on the century-long contribution of the trade union movement to democracy and nationbuilding, the ICJ's opinion serves as a powerful reminder that the struggle for justice, dignity and freedom remains ongoing. The right to strike is not merely a labourissue;itisacornerstoneofdemocratic participationandhumandignity.
The GTUC therefore urges all workers, tradeunions,employersandpolicymakersto embrace this ruling as an opportunity to strengthen industrial relations, respect constitutional rights and recommit to the principles of social dialogue, mutual respect anddemocraticgovernance.
Regards, GuyanaTradesUnionCongress
Together we must aspire to achieve a...
Frompage4 transferred to foreign interests, engaged in the supplysectorandotherareas suchas,construction,mining and the production of government services The bauxiteindustrywasscuttled by Government and handed to foreign investors, with little labour, environmental and other protections or checks and balances that would guarantee accurate paymentsofroyalties.
Amid all the chaos, the people languish and scrambleforalivelihoodand exchange rates grow unexplainably higher, amid an eerie silence from Public Information sources, where anything questioned is not answered and nothing is garnered if not questioned, but Parliamentary appropriationsandpayments fromthePeoples’coffersare guaranteedwithoutredress.
The workers thrust to achievealivingwageseems even more elusive considering the economic d o w n t u r n s s i n c e independenceandthefailure of Governments to seriously address the declining purchasing power of the masses.Itismoresignificant to note that the diaspora in the USA alone remitted approximately US$550M in support to family units in 2025, which points to a growing mendicancy, countrywide This is particularly troubling when itisconsideredthatcountry’s overall growth rate was estimated at 19.3 percent, following the payment of a miniscule8percenttoPublic Service Workers How independent could we be, if wearedependentonpersons intheworldwidediasporato
survive?
Remarkably, the
pervasive unity seemed unshaken when Venezuela’s challenge for two-thirds of Guyana’s territory was aired toallandamidthefurorand excitement, majority
consensus was clear Haplessly, for political power it seems that the majority believes that only majority must rule, whether itbringsmorenonsensethan sense, in our Country’s defense. So foreign firms in the guise of investments present plans to the unwise and wins favour for development of themselves, their shareholders and ultimately their countries, much to the exclusion of Guyana that is forever condemned
lose, irrespective of who the Governmentmaychoose.
The reality is that as a nation there is enormous potential and coupled with theexistingnaturalresources theCountryhasthepotential to succeed. If, however the existing disunity is arrested and wasted
gies redirected, Guyana as a
n a t i o n w o u l d b e unstoppable.
May the Almighty bless the patience of Guyana’s people, and may much wisdom be granted to them, astheychoosefutureleaders worthy of the challenges theyaretofaceinthefuture. MaytheAlmightyalsoguide the nation to the path of unity, so that as one we can withstand the trials and tribulations ahead. As an independent nation, let us takeaunifiedstancetowards the rooting out systemic corruption and put Guyana on a path to recovery before itistoolate.
With a new beginning in mind, I would like to extend best wishes to my Countrymen and Women on this 60th Independence Anniversary,onbehalfofthe Executive Council, Members, and Staff of the Guyana Public Service Union. Together we must aspire to achieve a future in unity, working and living togetherinloveandharmony
PatrickYarde President, Guyana PublicServiceUnion
Brazil’s Flavio Bolsonaro meets with Trump amid troubled presidential bid
Son of former President Jair Bolsonaro is fighting to recover from a scandal that has rocked his presidential campaign
Aljazeera - Brazilian Senator FlavioBolsonarohassharedaphoto that appears to show him meeting withUSPresidentDonaldTrumpat the White House, as he seeks to bolsterhisimageamidascandalthat threatens to derail his presidential campaigninBrazil.
Bolsonaro shared a photo on TuesdayofhimstandingbyTrump’s side in the Oval Office, with a caption showing the thumbs-up emoji.
Flavio is the son of former BrazilianPresidentJairBolsonaro,a right-wing Trump ally who is servinga27-yearprisonsentencein connectionwithacoupattemptafter hisre-electionlossin2022tocurrent leftistPresidentLuizInacioLuladaSilva.
The younger Bolsonaro has replaced his father as the standard-bearer of Brazil’s politicalrightandisseenasthetopcontender challenging Lula in the South American country’selectioninOctober.
Buthiscampaignhasstruggledtoregain its balance following a report that he sought funds from a disgraced banker convicted of fraud to finance a film about his father Bolsonaro has acknowledged requesting the money, but denied any impropriety or wrongdoing.
Recentpollssuggestthatthescandalhas setbackhiscampaign,withLularetakingthe lead from the younger Bolsonaro after
previous polls had shown them in a close race.Mediareportsinrecentdaysstatedthat BolsonarohadsoughtameetingwithTrump, who previously placed tariffs on Brazil in a bid to have the case against the elder Bolsonarothrownout.
Flavio then travelled to Washington withoutaguaranteedappointmentinthehope ofmeetingwiththeUSpresident.Trumphas yettoshareinformationaboutthemeetingon hissocialmediawebsite.
While tensions have remained between TrumpandLula,thetwoleadershavebuilta more cordial relationship in recent months, with the Brazilian leader visiting his US counterpart at the White House earlier this month.
Six bid to construct Warapoka Health Centre
TRegionOnehasreceivedsix bidsfortheconstructionofa h
Amerindian community of Warapoka.
The construction of the health centre is estimated to cost$35,817,978.
Bidsfortheprojectwere opened recently at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board office. In addition to Warapoka, the Region One RDC will be expanding the Kwebanna, Arakaka, and Hotoquai Health Centres to establish rehabilitation hubs there Each expansion
project is estimated to cost $18,303,311.
approximately $9 1B was approvedfortheRDCinthe 2026 budget and out of that $2.8B has been set aside for health. Belowarethe companiesandtheirbids:
Guyana, Trinidad refuse to sign CARICOM statement against U.S. military action in Cuba
Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago have reserved their positions on CARICOM's statementontheU.S.government's “ongoing and intensifying economic, commercial, and financialmeasures”beingimposed onCuba.
The two countries are the lone CARICOM states that are part of theShieldoftheAmericas-aU.S.led security framework launched by President Donald Trump at a March2026summitinMiami.The 17-nation body is focused on fighting transnational criminal organizations, stopping illegal immigration, and countering Chineseinfluence.
Guyana's President Irfaan Ali wasamongleadersfromArgentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay,andTrinidadandTobago who were invited by President TrumpfortheSummit.
On Wednesday, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Council for Foreign and Community Relations(COFCOR)expressedits “profound concern” over what is transpiringinCuba.
“The COFCOR reminds that the mounting hardships facing the Cubanpeoplealsoseriouslyimpact CARICOMnationalsstudyingand living in Cuba, whose well-being remains a priority for the
Community. These measures compound the trade and economic embargo imposed on Cuba for over six decades, which has had a deleterious effect on the lives and livelihoods of the Cuban people,” thestatementsaid.
Further, COFCOR said it “unequivocally affirms Cuba's sovereign right to import and receive fuel, and condemns the
obstruction of energy supplies to Cuba, which has precipitated a gravehumanitariancrisis.”
The Region's Foreign and Community Relations body reiterated the need to preserve the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace and “expresses alarm at recent statements that suggest the possibility of military aggression againsttheRepublicofCuba.” “ any such action would
inflict unnecessary human suffering, impose grave material
Asamatterofinternationallaw and in solidarity with the resolutions adopted year after year by the overwhelming majority of United Nations member states, the COFCOR reaffirms that Cuba posesnothreattoanynation,thatit
stands as a peaceful and cooperative member of the international community, and that the continued application of these unilateral coercive measures constitutes an unjustifiable violation of human rights, the principles of free trade, and the fundamental norms governing relations among sovereign states,” COFCORsaid.
TherelationshipbetweenCuba and the United States has been strainedandfragilefordecadesand overthelastfewweeksdeteriorated significantly
TheU.S.hasaccused the Spanish-speaking country of being a national security threat while imposing oil blockade and sanctions on the country Last week, the U.S. went further to indictformerleaderRaúlCastrofor murder
The U.S. has accused Castro over the 1996 downing of two planes, an incident that killed four people and fuelled diplomatic tensions between Washington and theCaribbeanisland.
The BBC reported last week that both China and Russia condemned the U.S. decision to charge Castro with murder. The Chinese foreign ministry called on the U.S. to stop using "coercion" and"threats"againstitsally, while theKremlinsaidthepressurebeing exerted on Havana "borders on violence".
President Irfaan Ali with regional leaders at the Shield of the Americas Summit held in Miami, Florida in March 2026 (Irfaan Ali Facebook page)
Flipping and flopping
If there is one thing that should be simple in a democracy, it is a press conference.Onepersonasks questions on behalf of the public. One person answers on behalf of the state. No drama. No tricks. No role reversal.
Yetwekeepmanagingto complicateeventhat.
Wehaveseen,morethan once, how sections of the independent media are treated at press conferences hosted by the General Secretary of the People’s ProgressiveParty Thereisa pattern that leaves a sour taste: impatience with certain questions, selective irritation,andanattitudethat sometimes suggests the questionitselfistheproblem rather than the answer being required.
S o , i t w a s disappointing though, sadly,notsurprising—tosee howthePresidentofGuyana engagedwithareporterfrom this newspaper at his most recentpressconference.This was the President’s first press conference in more thansixmonths.
To the reporter’s credit, she did not crumble under pressure She stood her ground and refused to be humiliated or pushed into a corner Shestoodtallanddid not allow the roles of journalistandintervieweeto beblurred.
Shemustbecommended for that because once a
defending herself instead of asking questions, the public stops getting answers. What theygetisdrama.
Apressconferenceisnot adebate.Itisnotacourtroom where the accused gets to cross-examine the prosecutor It is not a stage for rhetorical gymnastics
The host answers The reporter asks. That is the basicplot.
But on this occasion, a simple and straightforward questionwasputaboutwhat benefitsdoesGuyanaderive when companies flip local concessions?
Instead of answering directly, the President
attempted a familiar manoeuvre turning the question back on the reporter It is a political reflexthatsometimespasses for cleverness. But in this case, it looked more like evasion. When leaders are not prepared to answer a question,theysometimestry to turn the questioning itself into the story That may create a moment of spectacle,butitdoesnothing forpublicunderstanding.
The issue of “flipping” local assets is not new in Guyana.Ithasbeenraisedin different forms under differentgovernments.
We have had concerns raised about foreign companiesacquiringmining interests and later transferring or selling them, sometimes at significantly higher valuations, including
Dem Boys Seh...
transactions involving gold mining concessions and Chinese-linkedcompanies.
In2004,underthePPP/C administration, portions of the old state-owned LINMINE operations were restructured into new arrangements involving Omai Bauxite Mining Inc., with IAMGOLD holding a majority stake and the Government retaining a minority share Later, in 2 0 0 6 , I A M G O L D announced the sale of its 70 percent stake to Bosai Minerals Group, reportedly for tens of millions of US dollars, along with assumed debt Critics immediately pointedtowhattheysawasa pattern: assets entering one set of hands and leaving in another at a significantly higher implied valuation withinashortperiod.
Then there is the older controversy from the early 1990s involving Demerara Woods Limited, sold under thethenPNCgovernmentto Lord Beaverbrook, with large timber concessions attached Shortly after, Beaverbrook’s interests were reportedly transferred ormergedintoanothergroup atamuchhighervaluation.
The PPP at the time describeditasa“giveaway” and evidence of asset flipping. The PNC rejected thoseclaimsanddisputedthe figures and interpretation. Even today, versions of that argument still echo in politicalspeeches.
Are we Celebrating Independence or Dependence?
Dem boys seh every year when Independencecomearound,politiciansdoes pull out de flag, de speeches, de cultural show and de same tired line bout “true freedom.”Isonlydeordinarymanwhostill trying to find where de freedom hiding. Some people searching for El Dorado; de average Guyanese searching for affordable groceries.
Dem boys seh long ago we had sugar plantation economy Whole country was built around cane. If sugar sneeze, Guyana catchcold.Bookerwasking.Demboysused to seh “Booker own Guyana.” Is like if yuh spit in de trench, yuh had to ask Booker permissionfirst.
Now fast-forward sixty years after Independenceandpeopleaskingifwereally get independence or if we just switch plantationowner.Insteadofcanefield,isoil field.Insteadofoverseeronhorseback,isoil executives flying in private jet. Instead of Booker’s Guyana, is Exxon Guyana. De plantationchangeownersbutisdesameold exploitation.
Dem boys seh before, workers used to wait pun crop money Now whole country waiting pun cash grant. Every election
In fact, not too long ago, then Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo himself repeated the samenarrativeofflippingin strong terms, pointing to what he described as large and rapid gains from resale of Guyanese assets. He said then, “They sold the assets to Lord Beaverbrook.
J u s t G o o g l e L o r d Beaverbrook…theysoldit,[ Beaverbrook] resold it for a major set of money,” he declared.
So, the idea is not new Thelabelschangedepending on who is speaking, but the underlyingconcernremains: didGuyanagetfairvalue,or didsomeoneelsecapturethe upside?
That is why the
President’srecentattemptto dismiss the question by shifting focus back to “investments made” and “exploration costs” does not settle the matter It raises more questions than it
answers.
From an accounting and valuation standpoint, exploration costs and early investments are not magic shields that erase concerns about asset appreciation. In fact, in mining and natural resourcesectors,exploration costs are often sunk costs already expended, already risked, and frequently capitalised only under specific conditions. They do not automatically justifyadramaticincreasein resale value unless clearly demonstrated through proven reserves, audited feasibility studies, market conditions, and independent valuation.
In other words, saying “weinvestedbeforeselling” isnotafullargument.Itisan
conclusion.
This is precisely why journ
questions Not to score points,buttoseekclarity
There is nothing wrong with being challenged by questions. In fact, that is the pointoftheexercise.
The President should be encouraged to hold more frequent press conferences. Buttheyshouldbestructured withaclearerunderstanding of roles: journalists ask, leadersanswer Nottheother wayaround.
Because in the end, the public is not interested in who “won” the exchange. They are interested in whether the questions were answered.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper)
seasongotmoregrantthanSantaClaussack gat toys. People lining up for “Because We Care,” grant, another set waiting for “Cash Grant,” and some praying for “Everybody HoldaEnvelopeDay.”
OneoldmansehGuyanabecomedeonly country where billion-dollar oil wealth got citizensbehavinglikecontestantsonagame show:“Congratulations!Yuhwinoneblack watertankandabagahfertilizer!”
And de funny thing is everybody boasting bout prosperity while still importing nearly everything from toothpick to thyme. We producing millions of barrels of oil but can’t guarantee steady water pressure. Is like owning a rum shop and borrowing neighbours sugar to make lime juice.
Dem boys seh independence was supposed to mean standing on we own two feet. But nowadays it looking more like standing in line waiting pun handout while multinational companies carrying out shiploadaftershiploadfromdeseabed.
So one man ask de real Independence question:“Wefree…orweshackledwitha shinierchain?” Talkhalf.Leffhalf.
H@RD TRUTHS
Foreigners maltreated
Themigrantinmehurts. This mistreatment of foreigners flocking here for economic opportunity, so that their families can make it, doesn't sit well. I speak againstit.
The government should take a close look, be serious aboutdoingsomethingabout their plight Though this same PPP Govt has tried hard to make me into an illegal migrant, the fight inside grows stronger, compels saying a word on behalf of maltreated foreign workers.
I urge fellow Guyanese, none more than fat cat ones, to reflect on the life of more thanafewforeignworkersin this month of May, where there are four national holidays.
Here's the first clue.
When the passport of a foreign worker is withheld, then that worker is being held hostage, subject to any demanding ransom. What elsetothink?Towherecould theyabscond?Howdoesthat action signal an interest in
I know about minimum wage.Havingreceiveditfor monthsalmost50yearsago, I can identify with low paid workers, blue collar toilers squeezed for all that can be extracted from them. From firsthand reports, from the victims themselves, they are collectinglessthanGuyana's national minimum wage for a full week's work. Often, more than the 40-hour standardthatprevails.Forget about 37.5 hours a week for somemigrants. Think again, because it doesn't exist. Nor overtime pay for weekends and holidays,whensuchoccurs.
treating newcomers in the midst fairly and squarely? Theycanonlypayinlabour, and the pay that never reach theirhands.
I t i s a c o s t l y combination, one that's seemingly fully exploited. I do not like this. Nor is there much patience with, or goodwill for, the Guyanese who exploit foreigners trying to make a new start, hustling to make a living fromthebottomrungsofthe ladder
Thereisappreciationthat thecostofaplanetickethas to be repaid, but to hold a migrant'spassportistokeep he or she on a short leash. Under control. Able to operateonlyinatightcircle. Beholden to benefactor who alsodoublesasanexploiter
Proceedingfurther,there is housing that has to be
arranged, documents to be obtained (work permit, police permit, among others), and the costs attachedtothose.
For an importer of labour, who doubles as an all-purpose fixer, then as an exploiter, each new migrant in hand represents a sweet pool of income that keeps refilling itself. I seem to be back in the days of Black American sharecroppers in America'sJimCrowSouth.
Recall how they were ripped off, through one schemeortrickafteranother. But that was last seen about 60yearsagointheU.S.
ThisisOilGuyanaandit is the long morn of its splendid Oil Age. How to categorize what's going on here?
Filling a need? Protecting one's role as arranger and sponsor from
beingcheated? H o w ?
against them So, also, the culture and environment. The list of the foreign workforce taken advantage is growing: Indians, Bangladeshis, C u b a n s , p r o b a b l y Venezuelans, and other foreigners trapped in that net Now, I encourage Guyanese to put on their thinkingcaps.
What is he or she workingfor,$1000aday? A 10-hourday?Idon'tseehow it can be otherwise, and is most probably much worse for that category of migrant workers.
If these kinds of disadvantages (passports seized, hours manipulated, work conditions distressed [andlawsviolated])existfor foreign workers with employment and entry permits,thenwheredoesthat leave the illegal immigrant who sneaked across the borders? Or overstayed his visa?
The Labour folks are investigating. I think the government must be more vigilant, proactive, and attuned to how migrant conditions are in this country I share this helpful clue: the exploiters are PPP regulars.
The views expressed in this article are those of the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper
Region 9 RDC to spend $24M to upgrade three health posts
The Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Nine is planning to spend approximately $24 million to repair and upgradethreehealthpoststohealthcentres.
According to a recent invitation to bids issued by the Regional Administration, the health posts are located in Rewa, Surama, andTiperuVillages.
The tender document states that $5 million is estimated for the works at the Surama Health posts while $6 million and $13,657,000fortheRewaandTiperuhealth posts. Bids are expected to open at the Regional Tender Administration Board on June 9, 2026.In addition to these works, the RDC will be spending $6 million each for repairs to Churikidnau Health Post, and
Wowetta Health Post, and $10,831,000 to repairtheYurongParuHealthPost.
Kaieteur News understands that the projects will form part of the $2.5 billion allocated in the 2026 national budget and approvedforhealthservicesinRegionNine.
MinisterofHealth,Dr FrankAnthonyon numerousoccasionssaidthatthegovernment is constructing and upgrading health centres and posts across the country to complement the regional hospitals and ensure modern facilities for healthcare workers across the regions.
This is aimed at decentralising and expanding the range of public healthcare services provided to citizens, enhancing accessibilityforcommunitiesnationwide.
The Surama Health Post.
ShamefulabandonmentofCuba
For decades, Cuba has been one of Guyana's most loyal allies, training hundreds of Guyanese doctors, strengthening our healthcare system, and extending solidarity without demanding anything in return.
Through successive governments, Guyana consistently opposed the unjust U.S. embargo and stood firmly with Havana at regional and international forums.
That is why the Ali administration's decision to reserve Guyana's position on the recent CARICOM statement on Cuba is both disgraceful and deeply disappointing.
At a moment when the Cuban people face worsening economic hardship and increasing external pressure, Guyana chose political caution over principle.
This move reeks of appeasement and undermines the spirit of Caribbean unity. It does not reflect the gratitude, solidarity, or independent foreign policy that many Guyanese believe should define our nation's stance toward a trusted friend of the Caribbean.
Stephanie Cecil's residence which was completely demolished by fire
Single mother, children homeless after Port Mourant fire
A single mother and her three children are now homelessafterafire,deemed to be maliciously set, destroyed their two-storey Port Mourant, Corentyne home early Tuesday morning.
The mom, 29-year-old Stephanie Cecil, of Free Yard, Port Mourant, told Kaieteur News that she is a security guard attached to QueenswaySecurityService Inc. She recalled that her cousin'ssoncalledouttoher frantically while she was at her mother's home a short distancefromherhome.
"He was shouting my name, and I jump up, and whenIjumpupandIrunout, hetellmemyhouseonfire," Cecil said noting that she wasindisbelief.
The woman said she dashedovertoherhomebut bythetimeshegotthereher house was completely flattened. She was unable to saveanything.
Cecilexplainedthatafter returning home from her shiftat23:30hrsonMonday she secured her home properly and proceeded to hermother'slocation,astwo of her children were with their father, and the other
remainedwithher The woman and her childrenlivedatthelocation for nearly five years. She disclosed that she has since lost several important documents, her son's phone andherdaughter'selectronic tablet.
"We do not have anything.I'matmymomfor now, until I catch up back myself,thenIwilllookfora placeorseetomakealilonebedroom something behind my mother," Cecil told KaieteurNews.
Further, the woman believes that her home was maliciouslysetonfirebyher ex-lover "Isuspectmyex,because meandhehaditoutthesame Monday night at my workplace,andIdon'tgetthe spirittocomehome,because Ifrightenhecomebymeand
domeanything,that'swhyI go and sleep by my mother the night. I suspect him, because he send me a message yesterday saying that he coming for me, lemmelookoutforhim.And he send me a picture with a gun," the woman told KaieteurNews.
Meanwhile, Divisional F
publicationthat“thefirewas maliciouslyset”.Theofficial saidthatthefirewasreported at 05:17hrs on Tuesday at ThirdStreet,FreeYard,Port Mourant, Corentyne. Two unitsfromtheRoseHallFire
Stationresponded,butatthe time of arrival, the fire had already destroyed the twostoreywoodenbuilding.
The single mother is pleading with the public for assistance. Persons desirous of assisting can contact her via634-3115.
Nurse hands over ‘weed’ snacks meant for Mazaruni Prison to police
However, when police opened the snacks, stashed inside were cannabis,tobaccoleavesandapack ofmints.
totalganjafoundamounted
Anursewhowasgivenaparcel of snacks to take to the Mazaruni Prison, Region Seven instead took the parcel to the Bartica Police Station after she said they reeked marijuana.The nurse visited the policestationatabout09:40hrsand handedtheparceltothepolice.The womantoldpolicethatamangave hertheparcel. Policereportedthatthepackage wasopenedinfrontofthenurse
29-year-old
Stephanie Cecil
Bandit found dead after robbing Lethem businessman
of suspect
One of three bandits was found deadonTuesdaywithgunshotwounds followinganarmedrobberyatLethem, Central Rupununi, Region Nine
Another was reportedly later arrested andisinpolicecustodywhilethethird remainsatlarge.
The trio was reportedly in a gun fightwithpoliceduringachase.
Policesaidthatthebanditsrobbeda 27-year-oldbusinessmanaround14:00 hrs at a business enterprise at Lethem. The victim was conducting business insidethebuildingwhentwomen,one
Aquantity of the stolen cash was found in a haversack
ofwhom,wasarmedwithahandgun.
The duo approached the cashier area and the armed bandit pointed the gun at victim and demanded that he handedoverthemoney
The businessman complied and handed over a total of $650,000 in GuyanadollarsandBrazilianReais.
Theduothenfledthestorewherea
thirdsuspectwaswaitingforthemona motorcycle. They mounted bike and escaped.Areportwasmadetopolicein Lethemandranksrespondedpromptly Ranks conducted searches in the areas were the suspects reportedly escapedtoandeventuallyfoundthem.
Instead of surrendering, the (Continuedonpage16)
Two teens among trio arrested for pensioner’s murder
Three persons have been arrested after a 69-year-old man was found dead on Tuesday at his Parker Street, Providence, East Bank Demerara(EBD)home.
The dead pensioner was identified as Mohammed Shaheed, called “Fizal” or “Artist”.
Anautopsyconductedon his remains found that he died from brain hemorrhage duetomultipleblunttraumas to the head. The findings have led police to believe he was beaten to death sometime between Saturday (May16),andthedayhewas founddead.
Police said, “Through diligent investigative work, intelligence gathering and the use of available technology, investigators were able to advance the investigation and identify severalpersonsofinterest”.
“As a result, a 19-yearold construction worker of Parker Street, Providence, East Bank Demerara and a 22-year-old porter of Back Street, Peter's Hall, East Bank Demerara were arrested and placed into custodyonMondayMay25,
2026,” police further disclosed.
On Tuesday, police also arresteda17-year-oldalsoof Parker Street, Providence. Police learnt that Shaheed was last seen alive around 21:00hrsonMay16.OnMay 19, after calls to his phone went unanswered, relatives visited his home where he wasfounddead.
Police noted that there werenosignsofforcedentry atShaheed'shome. His body was found in a stateofdecomposition.
President Ali calls for daily sacrifice, unity and peace as Guyanese observe Eid al-Adha
DPI-Markingoneofthe holiest observances on the Islamic lunar calendar, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali prayed alongside the faithful on the West Coast of Demerara on Wednesdaymorning,calling onGuyanesetoembracethe spirit of sacrifice, patience, and peace as a daily obligation.
Guyanese Muslims are observing Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice”, commemorating the Prophet Abraham's unwavering devotion to G o d , e v e n w h e n commandedbythedivineto sacrificehissonIsmael.
The festival of Eid-ulAdha is observed through communalprayers,theritual sacrifice of livestock, and the sharing of meat with family, neighbours, and thoseinneed.
Speakingtoworshippers at the Leonora Masjid, President Ali described the day as one of “ultimate obedience,” reminding the
congregants that faith, rooted in prayer and adherencetothetraditionsof
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), must be strongest when circumstances are mostonerous.
“When the most is
expected of us, and the circumstances are dire, that is when we need to showcase theextentofourfaithandthe patience of our faith,” PresidentAlisaid.
Hestressedthatthespirit of sacrifice extends beyond
Worshippers gather in prayers
the ritual act itself, urging Guyanese, as individuals, community members, and leaders, to commit daily to building better families, strongercommunities,anda moredevelopednation.
“The sacrifice today is notonlyaone-offact.
It is a reminder to us of what is expected of us every single day of our lives,” he said.
PresidentAliclosedwith a prayer for national and globalpeace,callingonallof humanity to recognise their shareddutytopursuepeace, not through conflict, but through how they live their liveseachday
Dead: Pensioner Mohammed Shaheed (PC:IgniteNews)
President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali
A blurred photograph
The motorcycle used in the robbery
Canadian firm says concerns about uranium mining reduced due to location of Guyana project
…identifies Venezuela border controversy as principal political risk
Canadian firm, U92 Energy Corp. has said that
concerns and public perception about uranium
mining and uranium processing are largely reduced due to its project in Guyana being located in a remotearea.
Thedisclosurewasmade in a January 2026 Filing Statementwhichrevealsthat U92 gained control of Guyana's only uranium
project through the acquisitionofaSingaporean firm.
The Kurupung uranium project in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni),islisted as U92's only project Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive element that serves as the primary fuel for nuclear power plants worldwide. It is primarily used to produce electricity, providing a highly concentrated energy source and its special properties also make it the main source of fuel for nuclearreactors.
U92 has assessed Guyanaasarelativelystable mining jurisdiction with strong government support and a mining-friendly permitting process, and also cited the country's focus on theextractiveindustriesasa keyeconomicdriver Under Risk factors to access to the Property, the filing stated that, “public perception about uranium mining and processing, and nuclear energy in general that may resultinrestrictionofaccess to the Property by nongovernmental groups. The relativelyremotelocationof the Property largely mitigatesthisrisk.”
Moreover, the filing highlighted that Venezuela's
claimtoGuyana'sEssequibo region, the area where the project is located, as the principalpoliticalrisktothe project. The company also outlined that ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) made large oil discoveries offshore Guyana, also in the Essequiboarea.
Since the publication of Kaieteur News' article on uranium mining in Guyana, questions surfaced about permission to drill for the radioactive chemical element in Region Seven with environmental concerns topping the list of fears as commentators opined that uranium mining can cause significant environmental damage, throughthecontaminationof water and soil with heavy metals.
Meanwhile, on Friday, PresidentIrfaanAlisaidthat Guyana is confident that the International Court of Justice(ICJ)willupholdthe 1899 Arbitral Award establishing the country's border with Venezuela, as the long-running territorial dispute entered its final
Uranium
phase Guyana is now awaiting a ruling from the world court in its border controversy case against Venezuela, with a decision expected by or before January2027.
Kaieteur News had reported that the project hosts some 20 6 million pounds (Mlbs) historical resource.
The historical Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) comprises of 10 6 Mlbs indicated at a grade of 0.072% and 10Mlb Inferred atagradeof0.067%U₃O₈.
Therearefourdepositsat the project site: Aricheng North, Aricheng South, ArichengWestandAricheng C. Other targets previously drilled include Aricheng A, Aricheng Alpha, Aricheng Epsilon, Aricheng Sigma andWildCow
Back in March, U92 entered into a commercial agreementwithOrbitGarant for phase one 5,000 metre diamond drill programme at the Kurupung uranium project. In its most recent upd
confirmed that the diamond
drill rig assigned to U92 is currently in Guyana. The companyanticipatesthatthe rig will be available for mobilisation to site in the near term to commence phase one drilling on highprioritytargetsattheproject.
The Canadian firm has already submitted the required environmental application for drill pad preparation, and that field teamsareonsitetocomplete camp infrastructure, including construction of a fuel storage facility in accordance with the applicable requirements. It was also revealed that key machineries have been sourced to support access road upgrades and drill pad construction.
Now Hiring Bus Drivers. Route 47 Zone (can be changed if required). Call / Whatsapp:592-681-8119
U.S.militarystrikesIranfacilityafterTrumpsays
Iranis‘negotiatingonfumes’
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. forces carried out new defensivestrikesonWednesday on an Iran military facility after downing Iranian attackdrones,accordingtoU.S. officials.
The officials, who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity, said U.S.CentralCommandforces shot down four Iranian oneway attack drones that posed a threat around the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. forces also struck an Iraniangroundcontrolstation in Bandar Abbas that was about to launch a fifth drone, according to the officials.
The strikes came after President Donald Trump asserted Wednesday that Iran is“negotiatingonfumes”and insistedthatNovember’smidtermelectionswon’tmakehim rush into a deal to end the nearly three-month-old conflict that’s spurred unease across the global economy
Speaking at the start of a Cabinet meeting, Trump expressed confidence that a deal is near. Over the weekend,heevendeclaredthathis administration and Tehran had “largely negotiated” a settlement, though the talks arestillinflux.
The president is looking for a settlement that will reopentheStraitofHormuzand provide him with a credible argument that Iran’s nuclear capability has been diminished enough to declare victory,windingdownaconflict that’s been politically unpopularforRepublicans.
But as things stand, Trump also risks finding that closure to his war of choice comeswithanunsatisfactory ending.
The emerging deal puts off many critical issues to be resolvedlaterandhasalready exposedtheRepublicanpresidenttofiercecriticism—even from some of his own supporters—thatIran’shardline leaders will emerge from the conflict battered but emboldened.Itallcomestoa headjustasthemidtermelections to determine control of Congress come into focus and as Republicans worry that rising costs and fuel prices are darkening the Americanelectorate’smood.
But Trump on Wednesday dismissed the idea that
the upcoming elections wouldshapehisIranstrategy
“They thought they were gonnaoutwaitme.Youknow, ‘We’ll outwait him. He’s got themidterms,’”Trumpsaid.“I don’t care about the midterms.”
Trump acknowledged there’sstillworktodo,buthe spoke with a measure of certainty that the two sides would get there.
“They want very much to makeadeal,”Trumpsaid.“So far,theyhaven’tgottenthere. We’renotsatisfiedwithit,but wewillbe—eitherthatorwe’ll have to just finish the job.”
TalkswerefurthercomplicatedafterU.S.forcescarried out what the Pentagon called “defensive”strikesonmissile launch sites and minelaying boats in southern Iran on Monday The U.S. said it acted with “restraint” in light of the weekslong ceasefire, while Iran decried the action as a sign of “bad faith and unreliability.” Wednesday’s strikesarelikelytocausemore complications.
SomeTrumpbackers areskeptical
WhileTrumpinsistsadeal is within reach, there appears to be daylight between the U.S. and Iran on several key issues. The president is also facingscrutinyfromRepublican allies, including Sens. RogerWickerofMississippi, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Ted Cruz of Texas, who have said the terms seem too favorable to Tehran.
They’rebalkingataspects of the deal that have emerged publicly that they say too closely resemble the nuclear agreement reached with Iran by Democratic President BarackObama,whichTrump scrappedduringhisfirstterm.
Under the potential deal, Tehranwouldagreetogiveup its stockpile of highly enriched uranium — a key Trumpdemand—inreturnfor sanctions relief. That’s according to two regional officials and one senior Trump administration official, all of whomspokeonthecondition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive negotiations.
Oneregionalofficial,with directknowledgeofthenegotiations, said how Iran would giveuptheuraniumwouldbe subjecttofurthertalksduring a60-dayperiod.Somewould
likelybediluted,whiletherest would be transferred to a thirdcountry,theofficialsaid.
Trump said that he “wouldn’t be comfortable” with either Russia or China taking Iran’s stockpile of highlyenricheduranium.The two countries have the closestrelationswithTehran,and nuclear analysts have said they could be a potential acceptablethirdpartytotheIranianRepublictotakepossession of the enriched uranium as part of a potential deal.
Iran has 440.9 kilograms (972pounds)ofuraniumthat is enriched up to 60% purity, a short, technical step from weapons-grade levels of 90%, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency.Iranhasnotpublicly committed to giving up its uranium.
HowTrump’splanaffects Israel’swarinLebanon
Another key issue unresolved is whether the ceasefire will also cover Israel’s operations against Hezbollah,theIranian-backed militant group in Lebanon. Iran has insisted that Lebanon must be covered by any ceasefire agreement negotiated with the United States.
The administration appears to leave some wiggle room on the Lebanon question.Theemergingmemorandum of understanding calls for a ceasefire between the U.S.anditsalliesagainstIran and its proxies, such as Hezbollah, but also underscores Israel’s right to act against imminent threats and in self-defense.
PrimeMinisterBenjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday announced that the Israeli military is “deepening its operation”inLebanon.Overnight, Israel’smilitaryclashedwith the Iran-backed militant Hezbollahgroupalongastrategic river in southern Lebanon as Israeli troops pushed farther north.
Jonathan Conricus, a former spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces, said IsraelexpectsthatIranwould quickly move to direct any sanctions relief to restore its military capability and boost proxy groups, including Hezbollah and Hamas in Gaza.
“We’renotdonefighting, because the Iranian regime isn’t done,” said Conricus,
whoisaseniorfellowwiththe Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a hawkish Washington think tank.
Trump on Wednesday alsoreinforcedhiscallthatthe dealshouldincludearequirement for several additional countries, including Kuwait, SaudiArabia,QatarandPakistan,tojointheAbrahamAccords, the U.S.-brokered agreementsfromTrump’sfirst termaimedatnormalizingdiplomatic and economic relations with Israel.
“We’re, you know, requesting strongly that they join,”Trumpsaid.
Trump’soptimismthatthe other Middle Eastern and majority-Muslim countries could soon sign on to the accords might be overly ambitious.
For example, Saudi Arabia, the most significant power in theArab world and longseenasthebiggestprize for the normalization effort, has insisted that establishing a guaranteed path to a Palestinianstateremainsaprecondition. It’s something that Israel vehemently opposes.
Trump pushed for the Abraham Accords during a
call with leaders of Mideast alliesovertheweekend.
Barbara Leaf, a retired U.S. ambassador to the UnitedArabEmiratesandseniorStateDepartmentofficial during President Joe Biden’s Democratic administration, saidofficialsfromGulfcountrieswhowereonthecalltold her that Trump’s pitch was greetedby“stunnedsilence.” Apersonfamiliarwiththecall disputed that characterization and said that some regional allies responded positively to the president’s call to join the accords. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity about the private conversation.
Leaf,adistinguisheddiplomatic fellow at the Middle East Institute, said that Middle Eastern allies of the United States recognize that Iranwilllikelyuseanymoney from sanctions relief to bolster its military capabilities. Still,theyhavebeensupportive of Trump’s efforts to end the conflict.
“They see no other way out,” Leaf said of American alliesintheregion.“Andthey seenootherwayoutbecause of many of these early mistakes that the president and the administration made in conducting the war.”
From page 14
suspects tried to evade police and reportedly shot at ranks in an attempt to get away
Ranks fired back even as the suspects reportedly managedtomaketheirwaythroughafloodedand“heavilybushy area,”policesaid.
However, two of the three thieves did not get far A35year-oldmaleofCulvertCity,CentralRupununi,wasarrested. He remains in police custody assisting with investigations. A second suspect was later found dead with gunshot woundsbehindPlasticCity,BonSuccess,Tabatinga,Lethem. Hewasidentifiedas18-year-oldEdwardArjune,called“Black Spanish”ofLethem,CentralRupununi.
Police were also able to locate the get-away motorcycle, along with two helmets suspected to have been used during robbery
A haversack found in the area was searched and a quantity of the stolen cash was found.
Police are on the hunt for the third suspect.
VACANCY
Banditfounddeadafter...
President Donald Trump speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Wednesday, May 27, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/ Jacquelyn Martin)
Bolivia clears path to send troops onto streets to calm protests
LAPAZ, May 27 (Reuters) - Bolivia’sPresidentRodrigo PazonWednesdaytookstepstowardpotentiallydeclaringa state of emergency as anti-government protests have escalatedintheearlymonthsofhisadministration.
Astate of emergency would let Paz send military forces intothestreetsinanefforttocontaintheprotests,ameasure that some opposition lawmakers have warned could further ratchet up tensions after almost a month of roadblocks and demonstrations.
The official gazette on Wednesday showed that Paz signedoff‘onavotefromCongresstorepealalawthathadset limitsontheexecutivebranch’suseofemergencyorders.
If Paz moves forward to declare a state of emergency, it wouldneedapprovalfromCongress.
The unrest is driven by union leaders and supporters of former leftist President Evo Morales, who want the new conservativegovernmenttorollbackausteritymeasuresand addressrisinglivingcosts.
The protests have triggered shortages of food, fuel and medicines in La Paz and El Alto, which together form Bolivia’s‘largesturbanarea.
OnWednesday,speakingtojournalistsaheadofmeetings with community leaders, local officials and industry representatives,Pazsaidhewantedtofindsolutionsthrough dialogue,butwouldnotruleoutotheroptions.
“Wearepouringgasolineonthefire,”Siñani`saidduring acongressionaldebateonTuesday,whichwasheldvirtually because the roads in La Paz have been blocked by demonstrators.
PaztookofficeinNovember,endingnearly‘twodecades of governments under the leftist Movement Toward Socialism(MAS),foundedbyMorales.
A police officer runs in front of demonstrators during a march calling for the resignation of Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz, as the country’s economic and fuel crisis worsens due to a shortage of U.S. dollars and declining domestic energy production, in La Paz, Bolivia, May 25, 2026. (REUTERS/ Claudia Morales/ File Photo)
Israel declares new swathe of Lebanon ‘a combat zone,’ warns residents to leave
BEIRUT, May 27 (Reuters)Israel’s military on Wednesday declared a new swathe of southern Lebanonasacombatzoneandsaid residents in the area should move north, warning it would act “with great force” against Lebanese armedgroupHezbollahinthezone.
The military’s statement, posted on X, appeared to signal further escalation after more than 120 strikes on Tuesday hit Lebanon’ssouthandeast,despitea ceasefireannouncedonApril16.
“We advise residents of southern Lebanon to evacuate to thenorthoftheZahraniRiver,asall areas south of the river are considered a combat zone,” an Israeli military spokesperson postedonX.
TheZahrani‘Riverrunseastto westabout40kilometres(25miles) north of Israel’s border with Lebanon, and the Lebanese territory south of it covers about 2,000squarekilometres.
ISRAEL RESTRAINED IN BEIRUT, OFFICIALS SAY
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that Israel needed to take furtheractioninLebanontoprotect communities in northern Israel fromHezbollah.
The Israeli military has previously ordered people below the Litani River further south to leave.
It already issued individual evacuation orders and carried out strikes in several dozen towns betweentheLitaniandZahrani.
Wednesday’sorderwasthefirst time that residents were ordered to evacuate the entire zone south of theZahrani.
An Israeli military artillery unit drives into Lebanon after crossing the IsraeliLebanese border, as seen from northern Israel, May 27, 2026. REUTERS/Rami Shlush
The Israeli military urged civilians to stay away from Hezbollahoperatives,facilitiesand weaponssites.
Lebanese security sources told Reuters that people were fleeing north to the port city of Sidon, already hosting thousands of displaced from other parts of southern Lebanon The ‘new statement came as Muslims across Lebanon were celebrating Eid alAdha.
Lebanese have been displaced by Israeli strikes and evacuation orders since March 2, when HezbollahfiredatIsraelinsupport ofitsallyIran
Since then, Israeli strikes have pummeled Lebanon’s south, east and its capital Beirut, killing more than 3,200 people, according to Lebanon’shealthministry
Fighting has continued in southern Lebanon despite a U.S.-
brokered ceasefire announced on April 16 The World Health Organization has said at least 608 ‘people in Lebanon have been killed in Israeli attacks since the truce.
TheIsraelimilitarysaidthat10 ofitssoldiershadbeenkilledsince theApril 16 ceasefire, six of them byHezbollah’sexplosivedrones.
The Israeli military expanded its ground operations in southern Lebanon past a security zone its troops are occupying, but gave ‘no detailsontheextentoftheadvance beyondtheso-calledYellowLine.
TheLebanesecapitalBeiruthas been spared new strikes, although Israeli surveillance drones are heardbuzzingabovethecityevery day and a warplane was heard flying low on Wednesday, according to Reuters reporters there.
Three senior Israeli ‘officials said Israel believes it has freedom of action in southern Lebanon but lesssoinBeirut.
The officials told Reuters that Israel does not want to be seen as derailing U.S. President Donald Trump’spotentialdealwithIranby knocking down buildings in the Lebanesecapital.
Exxon plans to reduce oily discharge in Guyana’s waters
ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), the operator of the Stabroek Block intends to limit oil content in its discharges offshore throughproducedwater
This is outlined in the company's Project Summary for the ninth proposed developmentHaimara Produced water, according to the American GeosciencesInstitute,isanaturally occurring water that comes out of the ground along with oil and gas. Produced water can also contain varying amounts of oil residues, sand or mud, naturally occurring radioactive materials, chemicals from frac fluids, bacteria, and dissolvedorganiccompounds.
Theseelementscanbeharmful to marine life, therefore requiring oil companies to treat the waste to international standards that ensure marinespeciesareprotected.
In Guyana, the impact of Exxon's oil and gas operations on the environment has caused considerable concern, especially for marine life. Guyanese have often raised alarm over the impact tofishandotheroffshorelife,while the operator continues to describe theimpactas“negligible”.
According to its Project
Summary, Exxon plans to treat produced water on board the Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel (FPSO) “to an acceptable specification prior to discharging”.Itsaiditwould“limit oil content of discharged produced watertothedailymaximumofless than or equal to 42 mg/L and the monthly average of less than or equalto29mg/L.”
Exxonadded,“Ifoilcontentof produced water is observed to exceed these limits, route it to an appropriate storage tank on the FPSOuntilthetreatmentsystemis restored and the discharge meets thenotedspecification.”
Additionally, the company has informed Guyanese regulators of plans to “limit dispersed oil content” of discharged slop water to both the daily maximum of less than or equal to 42 mg/L and the monthly average of less than or equalto29mg/L.
- 9th project summary
Produced water prior to treatment
Offloading vessel (FPSO), prior to the remaining gas stream being reinjected into the reservoir for pressure maintenance and increasedrecoveryofcondensate.”
The company added that gas may be exported from Haimara as themarketbecomesavailable.The anticipatedproductioncapacityfor theFPSOisexpectedtobebetween 1,000 to 1,500 million Standard Cubic Feet (MMscfd) per day of produced natural gas and 160 to 220thousandbarrelsofcondensate per day (kbd) (separated from produced natural gas). Condensate isaverylightoil.TheFPSOwillbe capable of storing approximately twomillionbarrelsofcondensate.
The ninth project will be located in the southeastern portion of the Stabroek Block, approximately 222 km from Georgetown.
Slop water, according to the GuyanaEnergyAgency(GEA)isa byproduct of cleaning operations on offshore oil and gas rigs, contaminated with hydrocarbons, chemicals, and various wastes. It may contain corrosive salts, drillingmuds,formationwaterand solid impurities,posing significant environmental and operational challenges.
economicallyviable.
Exxon's ninth project aims to develop the Haimara, Bluefin and Hatchetfish natural gas fields, and other discoveries within proximity
Exxonexplained,“Asanatural gas development, the primary produced fluid is retrograde gas, from which condensate will be separated on the Floating
Exxon plans to develop the projectusingdrillshipstoproduce retrogradegasfromapproximately 24 – 60 production and gas injection wells. Hamaira is expected to commence production in 2031 with an expected field life ofatleast30years,accordingtothe projectsummary
Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva celebrates winning her second round match.
PARIS, (Reuters)Elena Rybakina was sent spinning out of the French Openaftera3-66-17-6(104) loss to Ukrainian Yuliia Starodubtseva in the second round on Wednesday, leaving the women’s draw shortofagenuinecontender forthetitleinParis.
Russian-born Kazakh Rybakina arrived at Roland Garros as the second seed
following her Australian Open victory in January and earned her tour-leading 31st m
Erjavec in the opening round.
The 26-year-old was unabletoconjureupherbest form on Court Suzanne Lenglen, however, as she wilted in the deciding set tiebreak and handed the victorytoheropponentwith aforehand‘thatwentlong.
“Honestly it’s hard to describe, I’m super happy,” said Starodubtseva as she soaked up cheers from the crowd.
Thursday May 28, 2026
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
Make sure there's an equal amount of give and take in your day, Aries. Sometimes when you love someone, you just want to keep giving and giving to demonstrate your incrediblelove.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
You may be at a point where youjustwanttostopandrest, Taurus. This is the time to do so. You deserve a break, so take this day and enjoy yourself.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
Don't let things bother you, Gemini.Haveconfidencethat you'reontherighttrack.Your strong will and erratic habits willprovequiteeffectiveona dayliketoday,whenthingsare floundering and indecision abounds.
CANCER(June21–July22)
Frolic in a wide-open field today Pick some wildflowers andputtheminavase.Ifyou can't leave the house or go beyond the back yard, do something equivalent to frolickingandpicking.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
Tapintotheelectrifyingenergy of a day that encourages safe, appropriate social interactions andactivities You'llfindplenty ofoxygentokeepyourinternal fire raging. Take the lead and otherswillfolloweagerly
VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)
Social contact may be limited to Zoom conversations and waving to masked strangers onthestreet, butthefactorsof risk and reward are still in play The "dangerous stranger" myth is more about fearoftheunknown
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
Take off to the stars today, Libra,andkeepyourmindand heartopentoallthat'spossible whenyouhavefaithinyourself and the work you do. Mastery ofaskillcomeswhenyouhave thegutstoalwaystakeittothe nextlevel.
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)
The masculine and feminine sides of your personality should be working together welltoday,Scorpio.Thekeyis tokeeptheenergymoving.Try not to stagnate on any one issue.
SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)
There is power in your words today,Sagittarius,alongwitha great deal of emotional selfconfidence. Things may be moving rapidly, but you have the strength and swiftness of mindtokeepup.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
This is a good day for getting outofthetrenchesandintothe airforafresh,newperspective onasituation,Capricorn.Don't dwell on things beneath or behindyou.Keeplookingup.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)
Don't twiddle your thumbs todaywaitingforsomeoneelse to make the first move. The burningrestlessnessinsideyou is a clear sign that things have to happen. Don't wait any longer to quench this thirst for adventure.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
Keep yourself open to all the possibilities that the day brings, Pisces You'll be surprised at the incredible opportunities that come your way when you stop judging peopleandtheiractions.
Twice Grand Slam champion Rybakina did not help her own cause, committing 71 unforced errors in a match that featured107intotal,butshe begantoa‘spiritedfightback towardstheend.
“I expected her to come back,” said Starodubtseva, who was previously 0-6 in matches against top-10 opponents.
“You can’t be thinking it’s ever going to be easy, even at 3-0 up (in the decider), I had a feeling it wasn’t going to be easy Tough match, but happy to bethewinnertoday.”
“Elena is one of the top players She’s had an incredible year I’m super proud of myself that I was able to do this. It was a hard thirdset,butIgotitdone.”
It was world number 55 Starodubtseva’s first topfivewinandshewilltakeon AmericanHaileyBaptisteor China’s Wang Xiyu in the thirdround.
Rybakina, who lifted ‘a claytitleindoorsinStuttgart in the build-up to Roland Garros, was left to rue the errorsthatultimatelyproved costly
“It’sjustapity,becauseI think I was practising well beforetheFrenchOpenandI was`feelinggood,”shesaid.
wasaverybadperformance, too many unforced errors, and yeah, I didn’t feel the greatest.Iwastrying`tofind a way, but it clearly didn’t work.
“I won’t say that physically I felt really bad. There have been matches whenIfeltworse.Definitely, theenergywasn’tthere.Ijust couldn’t find the right balanceontheball.”
But he was then dragged intoafiercebaselinescrapas 24-year-old Royer, who has barely won a match on the ATPTour this season, began to make his mark with some hugeforehandpower Royer saved a match pointinthethird-settiebreak and then pounced to extend the contest to the delight of thecrowd.
There were signs of irritation as ‘railed at his coaching box but he was soon back in the groove to forge4-1aheadinthefourth set as the shadows lengthened.
The three-time French Open champion, making his record-equalling 22nd appearanceinthemaindraw, suffered a wobble when serving for the match at 5-3, letting three match points slip by and saving a break point before sealing the win as he ‘came out on top in a gruelling18-strokerally
He becomes only the fourth man in the professional era to reach the third round in Paris after his 39th birthday but will have hiseyessetonamuchdeeper run.
Djokovic expressed his hope ‘that he would avoid playing any more French players for the rest of the tournamentandhiswishwas granted, although he faces one of the most exciting young talents in tennis next in the form of Brazil’s ‘Joao Fonseca.
“Hispotentialandquality asatennisplayerisobvious, nodoubtaboutit,”Djokovic said of the player two decadeshisjunior.“He’sgot big Brazilian support anywhere he goes. I think he’s a big-stage player He really loves the occasion, lovestoplaynightsessions.”
CWI officially announces 2026 International Home Season for West Indies Men “WIOUTSIDE!”:
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has officially unveiledthefullschedulefor the2026Men’sInternational Home Series, setting the stage for an electrifying summerofcricketacrossthe Caribbeanunderitsboldnew “WIOUTSIDE!”campaign.
The 2026 home season will feature international series against Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Pakistan, bringing world-class cricket to multiple territories and delivering months of highenergy action for cricket loversthroughouttheregion.
As part of the finalised schedule,Barbadoshasbeen addedasahostvenueforthe One-DayInternationalseries against New Zealand, with the final two matches now settobeplayedthere.
CWI CEO, Chris Dehring explained the adjustment: “Cricket West Indies engaged in discuss
ons with the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana regarding logistical challenges associated with hosting the five ODIs. S
GovernmentsofGuyanaand Barbados proposed a collaborativearrangementto share the matches and associated operational costs betweenthetwoterritories.
Following consultation with New Zealand Cricket, Cricket West Indies approvedthearrangementas part of its continued commitment to delivering a successful and memorable series for players, fans, and the wider Caribbean community Cricket West Indies wishes to express its sincere gratitude to the GovernmentsofGuyanaand Barbados f
heir cooperative spirit, flexibility, and swift action in ensuring the series p r o c e e d s w i t h o u t disruption.”
The summer officially bowls off in Jamaica with a white-ball series against Sri Lanka from June 3–14, featuring three One Day Internationals and three T20 Internationals The teams will then travel to Antigua for a two-match Test series
scheduled for June 25–29 andJuly3–7.
Attention will then shift to a five-match ODI series against New Zealand, with Guyana hosting the opening threematchesonJuly11,13 and 16, before the series concludes in Barbados with the final two encounters on July19and21.
Thefinallegofthehome season will take place in Trinidad & Tobago, where the “Men in Maroon” will facePakistaninatwo-match Test series from July 25–29 andAugust2–6.
Theserieswillalsomark a historic milestone for the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, which is set to host its first-ever internationalTestmatch.
Throughout the season, the “WI OUTSIDE!” campaign will serve as the unifying theme connecting fans and players through immersive match-day entertainment, school and community outreach programmes, digital fan experiences, exclusive behind-the-scenes content,
and interactive fan engagementactivitiesacross theCaribbean.
Dehring said the initiative captures the spirit and energy that have long defined West Indies cricket and urged fans throughout the region to fully embrace theexperiencethissummer “West Indies cricket has alwaysbeenaboutmorethan whathappensonthefield.It is about people, passion, culture, pride, and the unmatched energy that comes alive when our fans rallybehindthemaroon.‘WI OUTSIDE!’is a celebration ofthatspiritandaninvitation to every cricket fan and proud West Indian to come out,fillthestands,wavetheir flags, and create the kind of atmospherethatmakesWest Indies cricket special,” said theCEO.
“Wewantthissummerto feel like a movement across the region, where fans are fully engaged with the team and part of the experience everystepoftheway.”
Fans are encouraged to secure their tickets via
tickets windiescricket com andbepartofwhatpromises to an exciting and thrilling summer of cricket For updates on the “WI OUTSIDE” campaign and the2026InternationalHome
S e r i e s , v i s i t www windiescricket com and follow @windiescricket on all major social media platforms.
2nd ODI – July 13 @ Guyana National Stadium, Guyana
3rd ODI – July 16 @ Guyana National Stadium, Guyana
4th ODI – July 19
@Kensington Oval, Barbados
5th ODI – July 21 @ KensingtonOval,Barbados VersusPakistan:Tests
1st Test – July 25-29
@Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago
2nd Test – August 2-6
@Queen’s Park Oval, TrinidadandTobago
Campbell credits opening phases of Windies white ball High-Performance camp
OpenerJohnCampbell,followingthefirsttwodaysWest Indies’ high-performance training camp, revealed that the team’s mindset heading into June’s ODI home series against Sri Lanka, is one of cohesiveness adding that players have bought into the team’s tactical planning ahead of a packed summer.
Theleft-handerwhoiscurrentlyapartoftheWestIndies high performance camp in Antigua, during an interview followingthefirstcoupledaysofthe10-daycamp,saidthings havebeengoingwell.
“Ithinkoursessionwentprettywellthismorning.We’ve had some plans in place, and I think the way we’ve been implementing them over these training sessions, we’ve had conversationsbeforethiscampaswellaboutwhatweneedto do as a team to get better And I think that everybody has boughtintoit,andwe’reheadingintherightdirection.”Said Campbell. The basis of the encampment is set to work as a preludetotheupcomingstarttotheirSummerfixtureswhich bowlsoffwithaODIseriesagainstSriLankainJamaicanext month.
Campbell,speakingontheupcomingbattles,believedthat takingitonegameorseriesatatimeisakeypartoftheteam’s game-plan. “Well, obviously, every series matters. Every seriescarriesalotofweight.Soforus,wejustwanttotakeita gameatatime.Ifwegothereandexecuteourskills,thenwe shouldbegood.”
The opener, who has had more luck in theTest area, will looktobuildonadecentODIcareerstartwithjustonecentury underhisbelt.Hesaidtheteamwasfocusedandlaser-fixedon theimportanceofearlymomentum,ashebelievesthekeyto seriessuccessliesinafaststart.“Ithinkoncewecanstartwell, oncewecangetawininthefirstgame,itwillaidusinwinning theseries,”hesaid.“Ithinkoncewehaveaplatform,thenwe couldbuildonitthroughouttheseries.”outlinedCampbell The Coolidge Cricket Ground has been a hive of intense drills,simulatedmatchscenarios,andtacticalmeetings,with thecoachingstaffemphasisingdisciplineandexecution.
FIFA subpoenaed by New York, New Jersey in World Cup ticket investigation
U.S. States react following increasing criticism of football’s global governing body for the pricing of FIFA World Cup 2026
Reuters - FIFAfaces a subpoena from the of NewYork andNewJerseyaspartofaninvestigationsurroundingticket pricing and ‘accuracy of seat locations for the 2026 World Cup.
In a joint news release on Wednesday, New York Attorney General Letitia James and New Jersey Attorney GeneralJenniferDavenport‘saidpricesforthe2026World Cupmatches“farexceededthepricesforanypreviousWorld Cuptournament”.
FIFAhasdetailedthefirst-timeuseof“dynamicpricing” toadjustticketcostsbased`ondemand.Fancomplaintsand allegations of paying for tickets in one location of the stadium but receiving a less-desirable seat caught the attentionofstateofficials.
When pressed to explain why prices of tickets, which wentonsaleinOctober,weresohigh,FIFAPresidentGianni Infantinothegoverningbodyonmultiplefrontsbypointing to the limited ticket supply for an event with worldwide demand.
The state attorneys general confirmed they are seeking information regarding the general event pricing structure, location pricing structure, seat locations and other details related to the eight World Cup matches scheduled to be playedatMetLifeStadiuminEastRutherford,NewJersey, intheUnitedStates.TheJuly19finalaswellasgroupstage matches and early knock-out round games are to be held at MetLifeStadium.
“New `Yorkers have been waiting years for the World Cupto`cometotheirbackyard,andtheydeserveafairshotat affordabletickets,”Jamessaidinarelease.“Nooneshould be manipulated into paying sky-high prices for seats, and fans should be able to trust that the `tickets they purchased willbetheonestheyreceive.”
The investigation seeks to soothe concerns for fans who’ve purchased – or hope to have an ‘opportunity to purchase–ticketsbutfeelmisledabout‘thefinalproduct.
“FIFAhasturnedbuyingatickettotheWorldCupintoa gauntlet of confusion, fake scarcity and impossibly high prices – all at the expense of consumers and hard-working NewJerseyans,”Davenportsaidinthestatement.
FIFA contributed to elements of the seating location confusion with the late introduction of a premium ticket option,or“FrontCategory”,afterinitialticketshadalready beensold.
CPL and GSL ticket bundle goes live at box office
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA –
The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and the ExxonMobil GuyanaGlobalSuperLeague(GSL)are thrilled to announce a limited-time bundle ticket promotion, bringing the best of regional and international cricket action to spectators at unbeatablevalue.
From May 28, fans who purchase GSL tickets will unlock the exclusive opportunity to purchase CPLtickets in thesamequantityandinthesamestand -uptosixticketspermatch.
This special offer celebrates the passionGuyanesefanshaveforcricketa sport that continues to unite communities, inspire pride, and showcase Guyana on the world stage. Through the ExxonMobil Guyana GlobalSuperLeague,Guyananowhas amajorannualcricketeventofitsown: ahomegrownspectaclethatengagesthe world while celebrating the country’s deeploveforthegame.
Fans are encouraged to come
together, fill the stands, and show the world the unmistakable spirit of Guyanesecricketsupport.
The bundle ticket promotion is as follows:
·BuyGSLticketsandgetaccessto purchase the same number of CPL ticketsinthesamestand
· Maximum of six CPL tickets per match (*maximum of four for GAW/TKRgame)
· Available only while inventory lasts
·OfferendsJune2,2026
·OfferonlyavailableattheAmazon Warriors Box Office, 233-234 Camp Street
Don’t miss this chance to witness fierce cricketing rivalries and world class stars - all while enjoying unmatchedticketvalue.
Secure your seats now before this exclusivebundleisbowledout.
TheCampStreetBoxOfficewillbe
open from 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday and 9:00am to 1:00pm on Saturday
AbouttheExxonMobilGuyana GlobalSuperLeague(GSL)
The Global Super League is an annual T20 cricket tournament hosted in Guyana, bringing together teams from top cricketing nations. The 2026 tournament will feature five teams competing in 12 thrilling matches, all held at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, from 23 July to 1 August 2026.
The competing teams for the 2026 tournament will be Desert Vipers from theUAE,theGuyanaAmazonWarriors from the West Indies, Perth Scorchers XI from Australia, Lahore Qalandars from Pakistan and San Francisco Unicorns from USA. With a focus on delivering high-quality cricket and unforgettablefanexperiences,theGSL aims to promote the sport while enhancing Guyana’s reputation on the globalstage.
Erratic Swiatek reaches French Open round three
PARIS, (Reuters) - World number three Iga Swiatek continued her bid to rediscover her best form at the French Open onWednesday,reachingthethird roundwitha6-26-3victoryover Czech Sara Bejlek in a match litteredwithunforcederrors.
The four-times champion, whohaslostonlytwiceatRoland Garros since 2020, had far too muchqualityforheropponentbut made 38 unforced errors, includingaseriesofdoublefaults.
Swiatekexplainedher‘lackof precision by the nature of the opposition.
“She was pretty good in defence, and I had many opportunities to attack Sometimes even too many So when you attack, you’re going to makemoremistakes,becauseit’s easier to push the ball back than to actuallyaddalotofenergytoitandtry toopenthecourt,”the24-year-oldtold reporters.
Poland’s Iga Swiatek in action during her second round match against Czech Republic’s Sara Bejlek. (REUTERS/Benoit Tessier)
Swiatekwillnextfaceeitherformer champion Jelena Ostapenko or fellow Pole Magda Linette for a place in the last16.
seventh game. The Pole repeatedly confused pace with haste but ‘still claimed the opening set comfortably despitespraying19unforcederrors.
“So, yes, sometimes I made some mistakeswhileplayingthesehighballs, because the ball is jumping quite high. It’snoteasytojudgeifit’stheonethat youshouldgoorstaybackandwait`the nextone.
“The rhythm wasn’t quite obvious. ButIdidn’tmind.Iwantedtobeflexible and adjust and play my game. I had some moments where the mistakes happened,butattheendIfeellikeIwas theonewhohadcontroloverthegame, and it was up to me if I’m `going to finishthesepointsormakeamistake.”
After an early exchange of breaks, Swiateksurged‘intoa5-1leadonasundrenched Court Philippe Chatrier before gifting world number 35 Bejlek anotherbreakwithadoublefaultinthe
Five of the opening eight games in the second set went against serve in a scrappy contest before Swiatek finally sealed victory when Bejlek dumped a forehandintothenet.
Premier Eagles, Classic Ball Blasters (CBB) headline Independence volleyball weekend
Premier Eagles and Classic Ball Blasters (CBB) emerged as winners after a string of elite performances this past weekend in the Demerara Volleyball Association (DVA) Independence Tournament played at the National Gymnasium.
The Eagles and CBB showed skill, grit, and championship mentality, stamping their mark as thepowerhouseclubsoftheseason.
This achievement isn’t just about silverware, it’s about pride, teamwork, and raising the bar for volleyballinGuyana.
A special salute to PMTC’s female and male squads for their strongsecondandthirdplacefinish respectively, proving Berbice volleyballisaliveandthriving.
Action in the GVF Independence volleyball Tournament.
Unity Through Sport”, focused heavily on development in both maleandfemalecategories,aswell asthenextgenerationofplayersto come.
Both teams ended with a 6 out of 8 trophies at the Independence Volleyball Tournament is nothing shortofdominance.
Male Division winners:
Champions
Classic Ball Blasters (CBB)runners-up
PMTC(Berbice)–ThirdPlace
MVP: Evgeny Titov (Premier Eagles)
FemaleDivisionwinners:
Classic Ball Blasters (CBB) –
Champions
PMTC(Berbice)–Runner-up
Eagles MVP Evgeny Titov copped the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award after his all-rounder performancesinthematch.
Female MVP Eureka Dennis
Bengaluru secure final berth after win over Gujarat in IPL
DHARAMSALA, (Reuters) - RoyalChallengersBengalurustormed intotheIndianPremierLeaguefinalwithacommanding92-runwinover Gujarat Titans in qualifier one, powered by captain Rajat Patidar’s unbeaten93thatmovedthedefendingchampionsclosertoasuccessive title.
Putintobat,Bengalurudominatedthepowerplaytoreach76-1before KrunalPandyaandPatidarcapitalisedonfavourablebattingconditionsat the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in the ‘foothillsoftheHimalayas.
“I don’t think our fielding was at par, dropping a couple of catches, and then our ground fielding was not up to the mark,” Gujarat captain ShubmanGillsaidatthepost-matchpresentation.
“I’m not worried about my wicket. So, I always like to put bowlers underpressure.”
RahulTewatialedalatepushwith‘68off43inGujarat’schase,butan early collapse to 51-5 in the powerplay proved costly Rasikh Dar’s double-wicketmaidenwasahighlightofthefirstsixovers,whileJacob ‘Duffyreturnedfiguresof3-39.
bagged the top award in her category after she too pulled out some excellent performances
duringherteam’svictory
The competition, which was playedunderthetheme“Peaceand
Premier Eagles VC – Third Place
MVP:EurekaDennis(CBB)
Danish veteran Valgrenwins Giro’s17thstage
EF EducationEasyPost’s Michael Valgren celebrates winning stage 17.
(REUTERS/ Jennifer Lorenzini)
ANDALO, Italy, (Reuters)With race leader Jonas Vingegaard having a relatively easy day in the bunch, fellow Dane Michael Valgrenchosehismomentperfectly to win stage 17 of the Giro d’Italia onWednesday
The 34-year-old EF EducationEasyPosthungongrimlyalongside Movistar’sEinerRubiointhelatter stages of a hilly 202km trek from Cassano d’Adda dominated by a largebreakaway
After the two leaders were joined by a small group of chasers inside the final two kilometres, Valgren showed his superior sprintingskilltogoaloneandcross the ‘line three seconds ahead of Norway’sAndreasLeknessund.
Italian Damiano Caruso was third. “When I have good legs I’m prettygoodatit,”Valgrensaidafter winninghisfirstGrandTourstage.
His compatriot Vingegaard finished safely in the main peloton to preserve his big lead in the generalclassification.
He will take a lead of 4:03 into Thursday’s 171-km stage from Fai dellaPaganellatoPievediSoligo.
It was an emotional victory for Valgren who four years ago sufferedcareer-threateninginjuries when he crashed over a guard rail intoaravineatRoute‘d’Occitanie.
He was part of a large breakaway group of 28 riders that formed early in the stage and was neverfarfromthefront.
As the group began to splinter, he and Colombia’s Rubio pulled clearwithValgrenclosetobreaking pointattimes.
Butwhena‘groupofsixformed atthefrontneartheendofthefinal 5km climb to the finish, Valgren tookmattersintohisownhandsand noonecouldstaywith‘him.
“This was missing from my resume,”hesaid.“IthinkIdeserved this. I think I’ve always said, my career has been pretty good, but I neededthis`GrandTourstagewin.”
While the GC battle took a day off, the Maglia Ciclamino (points jersey) changed hands with Ecuador’sJhonatanNarvaez(UAE Team Emirates XRG) grabbing it fromFrance’sPaulMagnier
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2). (Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images)
Reuters - ShaiGilgeousAlexander might not have liked the way he started on Tuesdaynight.
But the Oklahoma City Thunder star came up big in thesecondandthirdquarters — getting plenty of help from the cast around him — as the Thunder beat the San Antonio Spurs 127-114 at
hometotakea3-2leadinthe WesternConferencefinals.
“I thought we were first to the fight tonight on both ends and I thought we weren’t the other night,” Thunder coach Mark
Daigneaultsaid.“Ijustloved the way we tonight on both endsofthefloor.”
OklahomaCitywillhave
Djokovic battles past French hope Royer to reach third round
a chance to close out the seriesinGame6Thursdayin SanAntonio.
It was a rough start for Gilgeous-Alexander, who missed his first four shots and had three first-quarter turnovers.
“If it was four or five me’soutthere,wewould’ve been down 20 after the first quarter, ” GilgeousAlexander said. “Probably should never start like that again.”
But even with the backto-back Most Valuable Player’s struggles, the Thunder led after a quarter thanks in part to Gilgeous-
Alexander’s seven points in thefinaltwominutes.
In Sunday’s 103-82 loss, ChetHolmgren,AlexCaruso andJaredMcCaincombined for just 14 points on 4-of-19 shooting.
In Game 5, the trio all cameupbig.
McCain was inserted into the starting lineup for ‘his first playoff start, as Daigneault went with McCainoverCasonWallace with the Thunder playing without both Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell for the secondconsecutivegame.
McCain didn’t make muchofanimpactonthestat
sheet early, with just two points on 1-of-5 shooting in the first half, but Diagneault saidMcCainstillmadeabig impact on both ends of the floorfromthestart.
In Tuesday’s game, the trio combined for 58 points, going18of38fromthefloor
McCain scored 18 of his 20pointsafterthebreakand didn’thaveaturnoverinthe secondhalf.
Holmgren finished with 16pointsand11rebounds.
Caruso,whoaveraged21 pointsoffthebenchoverthe firstthreegamesoftheseries before being held scoreless on just one shot Sunday, got
goingearlyandfinishedwith 22 points, six assists and threesteals.
Gilgeous-Alexander eventuallygotgoing,scoring 12 points in Oklahoma City’s 40-point second quarter and 11 more in the third, finishing with 32 points on 7-of-19 shooting andhandingoutnineassists.
Stephon Castle, who led SanAntonio with 24 points, exp
on afterward with the way the gameshavebeencalled.
Tuesday, the Thunder attempted38freethrows,six morethantheSpurs.
PARIS, (Reuters) - NovakDjokovicovercamesomestiff resistancefromhomeplayerValentinRoyertomoveintothe third round of the French Open with a 6-3 6-2 6-7(7) 6-3 victoryonWednesday
TheSerbianthirdseed,eyingahistory-making25thGrand Slam title at the age of 39, was precision personified as he breezed through the opening two sets on another sweltering dayonCourtPhilippeChatrier
But just as in his first round against another Frenchman, GiovanniMpetshiPerricard,Djokovicwasforcedtoexpend more of his energy reserves than he would have liked, eventuallysubduingRoyerinthreehoursand44minutes.
“That was really, really hard, it was a big challenge,” a weary-looking Djokovic said on court after sealing victory `onhisfifthmatchpoint.“I’veplayedtwomatchesandIfeel likeI’veplayedfortwoweeks.”
Djokovic took the opening set by converting one of the twobreakpointsonofferwhilenotgivinghisopponentasniff. Itwasjustasclinicalinthesecondsetandhewasincontrol
Continued on page 21
Premier Eagles, Classic Ball Blasters (CBB)
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players have been gelling nicely as they bowled off their 10-day camp ahead of next month’s ODI home series
Eagles all-star Evgeny Titov copped the MVP award for his team.
Windies opener John Campbell said that
against Sri Lanka.
CBB’s Eureka Dennis bagged the Most Valuable Player Female aware (MVP).
