Kaieteur News

Youth beaten by confesses to stealing because he was hungry

Chinese in supermarket

turn to

pleads

to

Govt. to build US$6M Puruni

Bridge to complement gold operations in Region 7

Biker killed after

Guyanese group teams up with murder of girlfriend

Govt.silent on demand for millions more by powership company

Top government

officials,includingPresident IrfaanAli,FinanceMinister, Dr AshniSinghandMinister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar have gonesilentontheexorbitant demands by Karpowership, the Turkish company that was hired to supply electricity for the nation throughtwopowerships.

Leaked information obtained by this newspaper from credible sources indicates that the company demanded an additional $3 4M more daily from government to continue providing 36-megawatts (MW) of power from the vessel stationed in the BerbiceRiver.

Karpowership originally agreed to supply 36-MW at US$0 076 per Kilowatt (KW).

…as blackouts increase across Guyana

things outside of my competence I really honestly would not be able say I think the people who wouldbethebestabletosay arethepeopleworkinginthe sector.”

Meanwhile, when asked what assurances he could give that the country would not be faced with power outages as a result of the demandsofthecompanynot being met, Dr Singh promised that government would do everything in its powertoensurethisdoesnot occur

It is now demanding US$0 095/KW- the same rate Guyana is currently payingforthesecondpower ship, stationed in the DemeraraRiver Thatvessel provides 60-MW of electricity to the national grid.

This means that the company is demanding an additional US$15,760 or G$3.4M per day under the newrates.

On Tuesday, the finance

Chinese firms among 3 that bid to build CJIA’s air traffic control tower

ministerwasaskedaboutthe status of the negotiations with the foreign company at the sidelines of the Local Content Summit, held at Four Points by Sheraton, Houston, Heroes Highway, EastBankDemerara.

Dr Singh bluntly

Three firms, two Chinese and a Guyanese, have submitted bids to construct an air traffic control tower at the Cheddi JaganInternationalAirport,Timehri.

At the recent opening of tenders at the National Procurement and Tender AdministrationBoard(NPTAB)officeitwas revealedthatBKInternationalInc(Guyana) in joint venture with GECI Espnola

Navigation Systems S A bid GY$3,900,000,000; Shandong High-Speed Dejian Group Company Limited, in joint venture with Beijing Institute of Architectural Design Company Limited bid US$21,648,270; and China CAMCE Engineering Company Limited bid US$89,082,635.86fortheproject.

Earlierthisyear,thegovernmentthrough the Ministry of Public Utilities andAviation issued a request for proposals for the “Engineering, Procurement and Construction”ofthecontroltower.

MinisterofPublicUtilitiesandAviation, DeodatIndarataneventlastmonthsaidthat thenewairtrafficcontroltowerwillfacilitate moreparkingspacesforaircraft.

The air traffic control tower at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri.

informed reporters that he knows nothing about the arrangement and directed questions to the executives of the Guyana Power and Light(GPL)Inc.

When he was told that these efforts have proven futile, he insisted, “On that matter,Istronglyurgeyouto makecontactwiththesector minister...I don’t speak on

“Icantellyou,aswithall othermatters,PresidentAli’s government unwavering concern is about service to theGuyanesepeopleandwe will take all actions necessary to protect the interests of the Guyanese people and to ensure their continued convenience and comfortaswithallother

Continuedonpage22

The Department of Public Information, reported that the tower’s current position limits how far the apron can be expanded. Withaircraftnumberssurging,theairporthas reached a point where incoming planes sometimeshavetoholdwhileothersclearthe parkingarea.

“We have no place to park planes anymore,” Minister Indar said, explaining that, “We have to move it and expand the airport further so that we can have parking areasformoreplanes.”

In 2020, four airlines operated out of CJIA: Copa, Caribbean Airlines, American Airlines,andSurinameAirways.Thatfigure nowstandsat16,withmoreexpected.

“So, we have to get more space for the airplanestoparkontheairport,”hesaid.

Control towers are important as they provide safe, reliable and efficient air navigationserviceswithinCJIA’sairspace.

The government allocated $3.2B for CJIA to continue its modernization to meet internationalstandardsandpositionitselfasa regional transport hub with in-transit capabilities.

KaieteurNews

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

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

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

EDITORIAL

Guyanese –the perennial sucker

This is the new Guyana. Restored to democracy, poweredbyoil,ledbythePPP/CGovernment. Allthoseare waved about as proof of Guyana moving and progressing. Yet, Guyanese are made into the same old suckers, taken advantageofbyallandsundry Fromtheirgovernmentto their partners, all use them to squeeze more blood from them. Thelatestgrouplickingitslipsintheexpectationof getting its pound of flesh is Karpowership, the Turkish company with a powerboat in the Demerara River and another in the Berbice River In total, they supply 96 megawatts of electricity to Guyanese households and businesses.

Now Karpowership Company wants more money to keeptheelectricityflowing. Itisgoingtobeinthemillions, and the government is trying desperately to buy time and negotiatethebestratespossible. Whatotherchoicedoesit have? How much bargaining power does it have, when it hasmessedup? WhenitiswidelyknownthatGuyanahas thebillions,andthePPP/CGovernmenthasbeensplurging likeOldYear’sNightrevelers?

Executives of the Karpowership Company has the Guyana Government backed up against a wall. The government does not have much breathing room or negotiating room. In fact, it could not have had a weaker hand. The US$2B Wales Gas-to-Energy (GTE) has been delayedanddelayed,andGuyaneseenergyconsumershave beenplaguedbyblackoutsforlongperiodsandoftenonan almostuninterruptedbasis. ThereliefpromisedbytheGTE hasbeenlongonleadershipspeechesandshortondelivery, shortonsubstance.

Guyanesecontinuetolivewiththestressofthepresent blackouts, and fears over when the next ones are coming. The2026delivery,thelatestinaseriesofdates,fortheGTE appears to be exaggerated optimism at best, considering previous deadlines missed. At its worst, it might more likely be one more PPP/C Government con game being played on trapped energy consumers. Citizens who once had some belief in the government do not mislead themselvesanymoreaboutwhotheyaredealingwith,how they are the ones being tricked, and made to pay a heavy, unaffordableprice.

Those in charge of Karpowership are neither blind or stupid. Theyareseriousbusinesspeople,whorecognizean opportunity when it is there for the grabbing. When the GTE comes on stream, and performs as represented, Karpowership Company could lose some of its utility to Guyana.

A functioning GTE, though not the solution to all of Guyana’s energy woes, would reduce some of the bargaining power of the Turkish company It is in the company’s interests, therefore, to seize the moment and strike while the window of opportunity is still open. To repeattheobvious,thelongerthattheGTEtakestobecome operational, the better it is for Karpowership. The GTE couldgolivebythisyearend,andnomattertheoddsofthat happening,Karpowershiphastoactnow,anditis.

Now the government is scrambling, maneuvering for room. The Turks have the advantage, and they are not playingaround,butmakingtheirpositionclear Theywant tohaveanewcontractatnewratessignedimmediately,or theyarethreateningimmediatecessationofenergysupplies from those two vessels operating in the Demerara and BerbiceRivers.

This is basic business: have the other party on the defensive, then apply pressure with blunt force. It should also provide another eye-opening learning experience. When a government engages in schemes and tricks on its people, other people come and hold that government to ransom. WhatthePPP/CGovernmentisnowforcedtodeal withistheequivalentofagunheldtoitshead. Itispayup, asdemanded,orpaytheprice. Unfortunately,incompetent or unscrupulous governments are not the ones paying

Once again the PPP is branded corrupt

DEAREDITOR,

After suffering a crushing defeat at the polls, the opposition parties have embarked upon a nitpicking campaign to unseat the PPP/C.

Theyhaveembarkedona seriesofapproachesaimedat discreditingthegovernment, it typically relies on spreading false information, rumours, manipulated truths and sensational gossip to swaypublicopinion.

The press for its own part,hasaidedthiscampaign asitchurnsoutitsownform of tabloid journalism on a regular basis They have granted opposition maximumairtime.Thisform of journalism hopes to

irreparably damage the reputation of the present government But is The Opposition gaining the attentiontheysodesperately crave? I think not, because instead of bringing the government down, the opposition exposes themselves in the public space.

For starters, the lead attention seeker, trumps up thatcorruptionchargeonthe government, hoping to gain political mileage, but is he? However, instead of gaining the traction in the public arena, he has in essence opened the searchlight on himself.

So, we ask questions, is the government under

surveillance? Is the PPP/C Government under the spell ofasanction?

Andtheanswerisno,the governmentisnotinanyway under the corrupt microscope, rather the accuser is the one that has questions to answer to The USA on corruption and money laundering charges.

So, as the extradition noose tightens around the neck of this chief nuisance maker, the more he will accentuate thenegativesinsociety

His corruption call rings hollow,injustthesameway TheCoalitiondidin2015.In that 2015 period they cried corruption, Corruption, the treasury is empty! and on their accession to office in a

two-month period, raised theirsalariesby50%.Inthat regard, they exposed themselves before The GuyanesePublicasthemain source of corruption. Because while you shout corruptionandthetreasuryis empty,inthesameveinwhen yougotintopowerwentafter the same treasury and did that which you were accusing the former governmentof.

As a consequence, the people of this country rejected that corruption call inaprofoundwayandinjust the same way the people wouldhaverejectedthemain opposition.

Respectfully,

NeilAdams

Karpowership and Cheaper Electricity

DEAREDITOR,

Reference is made to news report on “Turkish power company holds Guyana at ransom for more $$$” (May 31). The whole affair smells fishy; the contract to Karpowership to supply electricity to Guyana has been mired in controversy There have been corruption allegations stemming primarily from emergency leasing contracts awarded to this foreign companybythestate-owned Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Is it a case of kickbacks?

Expensive foreigners are preferredoverGuyanesethat produces reliable lower cost electricity How was this company selected and by

who?Criticshaverepeatedly called out a lack of transparency in the procurement, exorbitant operating costs, and issues with underperformance in producing electricity by Karpowership and other foreign companies Government must rethink whether to continue using thiscompanyaswellasother foreign companies Electricity can be sourced cheaper from Guyanese companies working with foreignpowerproducers.

Asreported,government ispayingUS$600,000aday to the Turkish company to sell Guyana electricity (less than 96 MW of power). The g o v e r n m e n t p a i d Karpowership US $426 M

overtwoyears.Thecontract isup.Thecompanynotonly sells Guyana the electricity, but it also supplies heavy fuel to the barge to produce t h e e l e c t r i c i t y a t astronomical cost. It costs Guyana about US$0.26 per KW A Guyanese owned company had offered to produce similar electricity using gas turbines (with Exxonsupplyingfreegas)at a cost of about US$0.06; Exxon committed to supplying gas free to the government for the gas to energy project The government rejected the Guyanese company’s offer in favor of Karpowership at four times the cost Karpowership pollutes the environment burning

expensivedieselwhereasthe Guyanese company had planned to burn clean gas with nil effect on the environment.

The company is seeking alargeincrementtocontinue to supply electricity to Guyana. Is there really a s t a n d o f f b e t w e e n g o v e r n m e n t a n d Karpowership on contract renewaloristheentirething contrived to grant the company an emergency contract. Will the pocket of anyofficialbefattened?

Shouldn’tGuyanaturnto Guyanese companies to produce electricity at a fraction of the cost of Karpowership?

Yourstruly, NathanBarton

Small Cards, New Horizons: BarbadosGuyana Mutual Recognition of IDs

DEAREDITOR,

Onceagain,thereislocal concerninBarbadosabouta smallstepinfosteringcloser regional ties. Effective July 1,2026,citizensofBarbados and Guyana will have two options to travel between their nations: by passport or by national identification (ID) card. Similar to the Enhanced Cooperation in Free Movement regime among four Caribbean Community (CARICOM) states (Barbados, Belize, Dominica, St. Vincent and

the Grenadines) that came into effect on October 1, 2025,theannouncementhas already stirred security, administrative and legal concerns. The concern is understandable and stems largely from a lack of information; that failure lies

changes.

NothingNewHere… ID Card use for travel is not novel. Some regional groupings around the world

intolerableprices. Thoseburdensarewhatthepeoplehaveto carry,regardlesshowill-equippedtheyaretodealwithsuch developments.

TheGTEisnowhittingGuyaneseinanotherway From moremoneytotheGTEcontractor,Lindsayca-CH4,itisnow more millions daily to Karpowership Company It has the governmentrightwhereitwantsit. Withoutalegtostandon andheldhostage.

use ID Cards for travel. Within the European Union (EU), the 27 EU member countries and four countries of the Schengen area (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) have the option to travel usingtheirnationalIDcards. Similarly, nationals of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UnitedArab Emirates) can use national ID cards for travel between member states. Closer to home here in the Caribbean region, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) protocol members (Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis,SaintLucia,andSaint VincentandtheGrenadines)

can travel with a valid government-issued ID, whether a driver’s licence, national identification card, orvoter’scard. PossibilitieswithMutual RecognitionofIDCards

There are many benefits to mutual recognition of ID cardsfortravel,especiallyin tourism trade and for business facilitation. Most citizens of a country will likely possess an ID card rather than a passport. So, it is likely, though not guaranteed, that this new option can increase demand for travel between the two countries. It is hoped that countries have been monitoring travel between the two nations and will disclose the findings of the measure,asthiswouldnot Continued on page 5

Suriname’s ultimatum vs Guyana’s slumber on asset declaration

DEAREDITOR,

The recent directive from Suriname’s President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, to her nation’s political establishment arrived with the force of a hammer blow: declare your assets by a specific, immovable deadline or face immediate judicial intervention, including fines and jail time. This “nononsense”languageisarefreshingantidoteto the soft, lackadaisical approach that has regrettably characterized the enforcement of similarlawshereinGuyana.Whileweshare the same Caribbean geography and

aspirations for good governance, our executioncouldnotbemoredifferent.

Compareherdrawingalineinthesandvs the current 231 Guyanese citizens in the employoftheGuyana’sGovernmentthatare yet to publicly declare their assets as mandatedbylaw Finesand/orimprisonment for non-compliance are stipulated Historically,thereisleaninformationthatthe transgressors were ever subjected to judicial intervention,finesand/orimprisonment. HereinGuyana,wearenotsufferingfrom a lack of laws, but a lack of will. The legal

Small Cards, New Horizons: Barbados...

Frompage4

only be a policy driven by research and data, but could serve as a beacon to draw

others towards the possibility of full free m o v e m e n t w i t h i n CARICOM.

A l t h o u g h t h e announcement by the governments of Barbados andGuyanadidnotmention business facilitation, this measure also has the potential to serve as a springboardforcross-border electronic transactions, in which, through mutual recognition, something like signing a contract can be done without leaving Barbados or Guyana Additionally, this can also allowforintegrationofthese countries’digital economies in the future. In sum, the mutual recognition and use of ID cards for travel can driveeconomicandregional integration, enabling safe andmanagedmigration.

StandardsExist!

When countries agree to accept each other’s ID cards as valid travel documents, thecardswouldneedtomeet a basic, agreed-upon thresholdforbordersystems to authenticate them. At the international level, there are standards for machinereadable travel documents, under which ID cards fall.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a United Nations organisation, sets standards (ICAODoc9303)governing the size and shape of travel documents, the position and typeofinformationrequired, photoqualityandplacement, biometricdatarequirements, physical material resilience,

security features, and electronic data chip layouts. ICAO standards not only help border officials verify theauthenticityoflegitimate travel documents, but also equip them to identify and flagfraudulentones.Thetwo governments will certainly have to agree on levels of assurance which will allow travellerstobeconfidentthat theiridentifyinginformation w i l l b e p r o p e r l y authenticatedattheborder Considerationsfor

Readiness

B e f o r e t h i s announcement, all travellers to Barbados and Guyana were required to present a valid passport, so this is a new but not impossible

u n d e r t a k i n g

Notwithstanding the existence of standards, it is imperative that training and capacity building for border officials be in place to facilitate the move. Further, concerning infrastructure, the information technology systems at these borders would need to be in place to facilitatethisstep.

Evidently, the outcry fromsomeonlocalairwaves and in public discourse in Barbados reveals the obvious: there has been no prior public communication aboutthemove.

This is not to say that governments have not been working behind the scenes towards the July 1 commencement date, but this is why persons have been worrying about whether criminals can get in more easily, what will happenifanationalofoneof the countries commits a crime, and there is the

frameworkgoverningassetdeclarationisthe Integrity Commission Act (Chapter 19:12), passed in 1997. Let us be clear: the law is strict. It mandates that public officials, from thePresidentdowntoPermanentSecretaries, declaretheirassetsandliabilitiesannually It even includes a “Code of Conduct”. Yet, whileSuriname’sPresidentthreatensthecell, Guyana’s leadership has mostly resorted to gentlereminders.

possibility that they may haveanalternativetoleaving the country, the legal adjustmentsrequired,among otherconcerns.Iwillproffer that, in the time left, there needs to be intense public communication to explain the facts, debunk the myths, and assure that concerns raised will be addressed through appropriate systems and legal channels The publicdeservesthis.

ABulbintheBeacon

While some see this

measure as merely ceremonial and symbolic, I view it with genuine hope, m u c h l i k e t h e implementation of full free movement among the four CARICOM states last year

As an alumna of a regional success story in The University of the West Indies, and a hopeful optimist about CARICOM

despite its current challenges, I appreciate full freemovementnotsolelyfor its economic benefits, but because my time on campus was a lived regional experience. I, like many, would love to see things movefasteracrossthewider CARICOM region. But recognising that this is a community of sovereign states, small steps matter on the long road to full integration. For me, these incremental initiatives are the beacons that light the way

Regards, Vanessa

Mason

Editor, now Guyana’s Integrity Commission has extended the deadline to June 22, 2026. Will Guyana’s Integrity Commission have the testicular fortitude to enforcetheappropriatelawsgoverningnondisclosure after the elapsed June 22, 2026, deadline?

Thepublicwaitswithbatedbreath.

Forthepublictounderstandtheweakness ofourlocalapplication,onemustlookatthe specifics of the law versus the reality of its enforcement:

1.The“ShameandBlame” vs.TheHandcuffs

InSuriname,thePresidentissignalingthe jailisready InGuyana,despitetheexistence of these severe penalties for nearly three decades, the Integrity Commission has historicallybeentoothless.TheCommission was non-functional for years and even now struggles to verify the accuracy of the declarations it receives. We have laws for prisontime,yetwerelyonnewspaperads.

2.The“Softly,Softly”Culture

While acknowledging that the GovernmentiscurrentlyreviewingtheActto introduce electronic declarations, Minister GailTeixeirarecentlyreiteratedthestrategy

The Government of Guyana has openly admitted to relying on a “shame-and-blame game”—publishing names in the newspaper to embarrass defaulters into compliance Comparethisshamegametothelegalreality Under Section 22 of the Integrity Commission Act, failure to declare is a criminal offense. A public officer who defaultsisliableonsummaryconvictiontoa fineof$25,000andimprisonmentforaterm ofnotlessthansixmonthsandnotmorethan one year Furthermore, a magistrate “shall orderthepersontomakefulldisclosure,”and iftheyrefuse,theyfaceanadditional$10,000 fineforeverydaytheoffensecontinues.

Continued on page 6

Time to fix the flooding problem near the govt. sand pit

DEAREDITOR, I wish to draw the attention of the relevant authorities and the general public to the worsening flooding situation along the Linden Highway in the vicinity of Splashmins Resort, close to the GovernmentSandPit.

Whenever there is heavy rainfall, this section of the roadway becomes heavily flooded, creating serious difficulties for the hundreds of motorists who travel to andfromLindendaily

While larger vehicles such as trucks are generally able to traverse the area because of their height, drivers of motor cars, motorcycles,andevensome minibuses are often forced to take significant risks in order to continue their journey

Unfortunately, many motorists who attempt to crossthefloodedsectionend up suffering engine damage

and other mechanical problems,resultingincostly repairs and unnecessary hardship For working people who rely on their vehicles to earn a living and support their families, these expensescanbedevastating.

This problem has persistedforfartoolongand appears to be the result of inadequate drainage in the area. Every time there is a periodofheavyrainfall,road usersarefacedwiththesame frustrating and dangerous conditions. It is clear that a long-term solution is urgentlyneeded.

I am therefore appealing to the Honourable Minister of Public Works to urgently investigate this matter and take the necessary steps to

correct it The Linden Highway is a major transportation artery that connects communities, businesses, and workers Citizens should not have to fear vehicle damage or unsafe driving conditions simply because of poor drainageandflooding.

The situation near Splashmins Resort and the Government Sand Pit has movedbeyondbeingaminor inconvenience It has become a recurring hazard that deserves immediate attention from the relevant authorities. I trust that swift action will be taken in the interest of public safety and thewelfareofallroadusers.

YoursRespectfully, LorenzoJoseph

Venezuelanman remandedformurder

Thirty-one-year-old Jose Armando Alsena Coll, a Venezuelannational,residingonSheriffStreet,Georgetown, hasbeenremandedtoprisonformurder

TheaccusedappearedviaZoombeforeSeniorMagistrate Clive Nurse at the Mahdia Magistrates’ Court, where the chargewasreadtohim.

He was not required to plead.The charge alleges that on March 10, 2026, at the Iwokrama Protected Area, Siparuni River, Region Eight, he murdered Rodwell La Cruz, called “Kabaloo,” a 30-year-old of Warapoka Village, North West District,RegionOne.

ThematterwasadjournedtoJune26,2026.

Biker killed after crashing into tapir

The alarming rise in road fatalities acrossRegionSix(EastBerbice-Corentyne) hasclaimedyetanotheryounglifealongthe CorentyneCoast.

Remandedformurder: Jose Armando Alsena Coll

Twenty-two-year-old Vinode Jeetendra Deo of Lot 126 Grant 1805, Crabwood Creek, was killed after the motorcycle he was riding crashed into an abandoned vehicle left on the roadway at Crabwood Creek,Corentyne.

Deo, a member of the Community PolicingGroup,hadspokenwithhismother just moments before the tragedy, assuring herthathewasonhiswayhome.

Speaking with Kaieteur News, his mother, Shavnie Motiram, recalled what wouldbeherfinalconversationwithherson.

“I was on my way home from work. I called my son to come home. He said ‘I am right in the area and I promise I am coming home just now’. Later that day I received a phone call, saying my son got in to an accident,”Motiramrelated.

The woman said that she promptly readiedherselftoheadtotheNo.75Regional Hospital, Corentyne. While on the way, she receivedaphonecallbearinggrimnewsthat hersonhaddied.

“Isaid‘no,Iamcoming’.WhenIgoinI sawhimmotionless.Andthedoctorssaidhe

passedaway,”thewomanexpressed.

Deo was her firstborn, she confirmed, notingtoothatsheisstrugglingtoprocessthe realitythatheisnomore.

“My son was a very kind, jovial and helpfulchild.Heneversayno.Nottome,not to anyone. He was always willing and he lovedhisfamilyverymuch.”

“Everymorningmysonwouldcomeand hugmeandmakejokeswithmeandIwould saytohim,‘Boywhenwillugetmarried?’he said‘nomomnotnow Ihavetogetnewcar andnewbikehowIwilldriveoutthegirl’.I willmissmysonbecausehewasneverabad child,”shesaid.

Suriname’s ultimatum vs Guyana’s...

Frompage5 of publishing names to make defaulters “a little bit more sensitive”. Sensitivity is not a deterrent;thethreatofprosecutionis.

In contrast, the approach in Paramaribo treatsthedeclarationdateasaconcretelegal deadline.TheGuyaneseapproachtreatsitas a suggestion, followed by a “notice,” followedbyawarning,followedbyinaction. We have seen this play out repeatedly: the Integrity Commission publishes a list of defaulters (including high-profile MPs), notes that legal action is “imminent,” yet it remains unclear if any political figure has ever actually seen the inside of a jail cell for failingtofile.Thelawsaysjailismandatory; the practice says embarrassment is the ceiling.

3.TheVerificationVacuum

Suriname’s President speaks of judicial intervention—implying a body that actively checks if the assets declared match the lifestyle lived. In Guyana, the Integrity

Commission is tasked with verifying the accuracyoffinancialaffairs,butcriticshave long called the commission “toothless”.The ActprohibitstheCommissionfromdivulging information, leaving the public in the dark regarding whether the declarations of ministers match the allegations of unexplainedwealth.

The contrast is stark. In Suriname, the politicalestablishmentfacesafirmhandand a deadline In Guyana, the political establishment faces a soft touch and a suggestion.

We have the laws—penalties of jail time and fines are already written in the books. What we lack is the ruthless, “no-nonsense” application demonstrated by our neighbor to theeast.

We need President Ali to direct the Integrity Commission to enforce the law as written,notjusthopingforcompliance.

Yourssincerely,

JonathanSubrianEsq.

Canadian gold project in Guyana featured as ‘next big thing’ by global mining network

MiningNetworkInternationalhasfeatured Canadian firm, G Mining Ventures Corp (GMIN’s) Oko West Gold project located in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), showcasingtheprojectasaleadingnewgold development

GMINinapostonTuesdaysaid,“OurOko WestGoldProjectinGuyanawasfeaturedin MiningNetworkInternationalhighlightingthe milestone progress of our construction Our mine-building phase includes significant progress across processing plant foundations, power infrastructure, tailings development, fleetmobilization,andriverlogistics.”

The Oko West project which will include both open-pit and underground mining has been advancing on schedule and on budget Thecompanypreviouslydisclosedthatitmade substantial progress across engineering, procurement, site infrastructure and process plantdevelopment

Bytheendofthefirstquarterof2026,the projectachievedanoverallcompletionrateof 197 per cent; this includes the completion of the barge landing caisson and ramp at the projectsite

A view of GMIN’s Oko West Gold Project site in Region Seven

Meanwhile, construction at the tailings storage facility development is progressing and the power plant is expected to be operational in July 2027, while the grinding millsareexpectedtobeoperationalbyAugust 2027

First gold pour is targeted for the second half of 2027 and commercial production is expectedbyJanuary2028 GMINhasalready revealedthatitanticipatesthreetofourflights

weeklyfromtheOkoWestgoldprojectsiteto transport gold from the interior, as well as facilitateotherbusinessandemergencies.

Commenting on the feature by Mining Network International, GMIN noted it is particularly proud that over 80% of the project’s workforce consists of locals from Guyana, which it noted demonstrated its commitment to local employment, training, and long-term economic development “With more than 1,300 workers on site and significant construction milestones being reached,OkoWestisrapidlyemergingasone of the Guiana Shield’s most important new gold operations Thank you to Mining NetworkInternationalforthefeatureandfor recognizing the dedication and expertise of everyone involved in bringing Oko West to life,”thecompanyadded.

TheOkoWestGoldProjectwasaddedto GMIN’s portfolio back in 2024 following a business combination with fellow Canadian firm, Reunion Gold Corp valued at US$638 million(C$875million)

The project is estimated to hold 464 million ounces of proven and probable reservesatanaveragegradeof189gramsof gold per tonne. Oko West is expected to produce about 350,000 ounces of gold annuallyovera12.3-yearminelife.

The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission(GGMC)in2025grantedGMIN a 20-year mining licence for the project The licence, which took effect on December 5, 2025, authorises full development, operation and commercial production at the site In addition to the aforementioned, GMIN has

already received the environmental permit from Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency(EPA).Thefive-yearpermitisvalid through July 2030 It authorises the constructionandoperationofOkoWest.

OkoWestisexpectedtobecomeoneofthe mostsignificantnewminingoperationsinthe region The project is backed by an initial investmentexceedingUS$972million

In a similar move like its business combination with Reunion, in April 2026, it was announced that GMIN entered into a definitive agreement with another Canadian company, G2 Goldfields for approximately US$22billion(C$3billion)toconsolidatethe two adjacent gold projects in Guyana: G2’s Oko-Ghanie Project and GMIN’s fully permitted and fully financed Oko West Project.

Acquiring G2 will bring the Combined Measured & Indicated Mineral Resources of 70 million ounces and Inferred Mineral Resourcesof23millionounces Thedealwill also expand GMIN’s footprint in Guyana by 293 square kilometers (km²), creating a combined contiguous land package of over 362km².

G2’s Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA)releasedlastyear,outlinesacombined openpitandundergroundoperationwitha14yearminelifeandestimatetotalproductionof 3.2millionouncesgold.Annualproductionis projected to average 298,000 ounces during yearsthreethrough10

The deal is expected to close in June 2026, subject to shareholder and court approvals.

DomesticAirwaysCEOdeniesflying aircraftthatcrashedatAricheng

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Domestic Airways, Orlando Charles, on Tuesday denied flying the aircraft that crashed near Aricheng Airstrip in Region SevenonSundaymorning.

KaieteurNewsreportedthatCharleswas the pilot and escaped with minor injuries. However, he vehemently denied the report makingitclearthatitwasanotherpilotwho crashedandsustainedinjuries.

The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)hassincelaunchedaninvestigation intotheincident.Inastatementpostedonits officialFacebookpage,theauthoritysaidthe accident involved a Cessna 182P aircraft bearingregistrationnumberN9347G.

“The GCAAassures the public that it is working closely with relevant stakeholders to determine the cause of the accident,” the agency stated. The crash marks the second aviation accident in Guyana’s hinterland withinthepasttwomonths.

InApril,NicaraguanpilotRyderAlberto CastillowaskilledwhentheCessnaCaravan aircraft, 8R-YAC, owned by Air Services Limited (AS L), crashed into a mountain in Region Eight shortly after departing the Mahdia Airstrip. Members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) recovered Castillo’s bodythreedayslater Kaieteur News apologises for any inconveniencecausedtoOrlandoCharles.

APresidentmustbemorecarefulthanthis

Foreign policy is not a photo opportunity It is notpublicrelations.Itisnota stage on which leaders can collect flattering invitations andimpressivephotographs. It is the management of a nation’s interests in a world where every gesture, every handshake, every visit and every symbol carries meaning.

That is why President Irfaan Ali should have exercised greater caution before accepting an invitation to tour the USS Nimitz.

The President’s supporters may see the visit asharmlessdiplomacy They may argue that Guyana is strengthening ties with the UnitedStates,oneofitsmost important strategic partners. But diplomacy is about perception as much as reality The question is not merely what the President intended. The question is whatmessagewassent.

The first issue is symbolism.TheUSSNimitz is not just another ship. It is an American aircraft carrier that has participated in decades of military operations and power projection around the globe. Avisitbyaforeignleaderto such a vessel inevitably carriespoliticalsignificance. It creates images. It creates narratives It creates interpretations.

President Ali should have asked a simple question:whythisship?

The USS Nimitz is more thanfiftyyearsold.Itentered service in 1975 It is approaching the end of its

operationallifeandiswidely expected to be retired soon. Whilestillformidable,ithas b e e n s u r p a s s e d technologically by newer carriers The Ford-class vessels, including the USS Gerald R. Ford, the USS John F Kennedy and the USS Enterprise, represent thefutureofAmericannaval power They possess more advanced launch systems, greater automation, e n h a n c e d c o m b a t capabilities and more moderntechnologies. If the objective was simply to showcase American naval capability, why not invite the President aboardoneofthosevessels? Itisafairquestion.

Prudent leaders do not ignore how appearances can be interpreted. PresidentAli should have considered whetherhispresenceaboard the Nimitz would be used to send a message far beyond Guyana’sborders.

That warship’s presence intheCaribbeanrightnowis seenasaclearthreattoCuba.

The United States is increasing its pressure on Cuba, and by stepping aboardthisvessel,Guyana’s leader sends the wrong message to a region that has longdeclareditselfaZoneof Peace.

The concern over the President’s visit becomes even more significant when viewedagainstthebackdrop of Guyana’s evolving foreign policy posture. For decades, Guyana prided itself on adherence to principles such as nonalignment Increasingly, however, the current

Dem Boys Seh...

administration is aligning itselfevermorecloselywith Washington’s strategic interests.

This matters Guyana today faces a territorial challenge from Venezuela. Our strongest argument is not military power It is principle We insist that borders cannot be changed through force.We insist that disputes must be resolved peacefully We insist that international law must prevailoverintimidation.

Those arguments are powerful because they are consistent. But consistency becomes harder to defend when Guyana appears selectiveinitsapplicationof principle.

Many observers have already pointed to Guyana’s decision not to join a recent CARICOM statement critical of American actions toward Cuba. Whether that decisionwasjustifiedornot, it contributed to the perception that Georgetown is increasingly reluctant to challenge Washington even whenregionalpartnerstakea differentposition.

Againstthatbackground, the image of the President touringanAmericanaircraft carrier risks being interpreted as Guyana being eager to endorse displays of military power when they come from allies, while simultaneously demanding that international disputes elsewhere be governed strictly by legal principles. That is a contradiction the government should strive to avoid.

Mature diplomacy requires judgment It

Letdemapplyfuhvisa

Fellowreaders,letwetakeaquietstroll down memory lane. Back before them oil money start flow and make Guyana’s bank account fatter than a minister’s wedding guest list. Back when we was known for rum,rice,andmosquitoes.

Demboysrememberthosedaysclearly Countries used to treat Guyana like a leper with bad breath.Theykept dem distance so far,youwouldthinkwehadplague.Oh,but wait! One bright spark somewhere did say, “We must appoint an Ambassador to Guyana.”

Everybody clap? Nah. Because dem appoint de man and base he in Barbados. Barbados, nuh! De man never set foot on Guyana soil, except to present de credentials. He was an Ambassador in absentia, like a ghost with a diplomatic passport Dem call it non-resident ambassador

Butsoonasthemfirstdropofblackgold tickletheExxonpipe?Hallelujah!Desame mannowpackhebags,brushoffhesuit,and

requires balance. It requires the ability to distinguish between national interest and gestures that may create unnecessarycomplications.

ThePresidentofGuyana mustrememberthatheisnot merelyavisitoracceptingan invitation He is the representativeofasovereign state. Every appearance he makes on the international stage carries implications not only for himself but for thecountryherepresents.

In foreign affairs optics matter Consistencymatters.

The visit to the USS Nimitz may have seemed like a routine diplomatic courtesy Butforanationthat relies so heavily on the principles of international law and non-aggression, it was a gesture that invited difficult questions and produced unnecessary contradictions Those are questions the President should have anticipated beforesteppingaboard.

landatCheddiJaganlikehediscoverusona mapthenightbefore.Nowhewantembassy Nowhewanttoshakehandsandtalkabout “long-standingrelations.”

Dem boys feel we need to teach these Johnny-come-latelies a lesson in selective memory Sincetheyloveddistancesomuch, let we reintroduce the concept. We should announce to the world: “Any country that didnotknowweexistedbeforeoilmustnow applyforavisatosetupembassy.”

Make them fill out forms in triplicate. Make them show proof of genuine interest. Make them sit in a queue at their own embassy–ohwait,theydon’thaveoneyet! Sweetirony

Every man Jack with a flag pin is now running here like we holding a clearance sale.Butdemboysremember Wehavelong memoryandshortpatience.

Let them apply for visa. Let them know whatitfeelsliketobeacountrynobodydid know Isonlyfair Demboyssehso.

Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

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

To avoid repeating mistakes like the USS Nimitz visit, the President needs to question those who are advising him on these matters. The President has donenocredittohimselfand Guyana by allowing the Americans to lure him into thisvisit.

Hess rolling in the money, Guyana rolling in more foolishness

Yet again, a word of thanks is due to Chartered Accountant Chris Ram for hisheavyliftingonbehalfof Guyanese. The man should getamedal. AndsomeU.S. millions. And some senior ministerswuk.

About10ofthem,seeing he is doing more work than all of them put together To stretchthings,Ithinkhedoes morethantheentirecabinet.

Let’s do a little checking of his work products Hess GuyanaExplorationLtd2025 financials NIS SilicaCity Oil columns Constitution AccesstoInformation

Andstillmore. Pres.Ali should do the decent thing. Resign. Rewritehisdoctoral dissertation. Go alone. Go quietlyintothenight.

MakespaceforMr Ram, who does real work in this burg. Not salesman work. Not con jobs. Not Exxon work. Mr ChrisRamdoes realworkforGuyana.

WhileMr Ramishardat work, Mr Ali is working

harder on his speeches, usually his newest fable. Take investors. There’s the well-named Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd (Hess) Hessexploredsowellthatit left Guyana holding the baking pan, while it walked away with the fruitcake toppedwithchocolate.

Hess was/is a 30 percent partner in Guyana’s Grimm fairytale oilfields. There is truth in those fields: real gold. Howdoesa30percent partnerhaulinmoremillions than the host country, Guyana, the owner of those samefabulousoilfields?

This must be Dr Ali’s new math formula arranged insidehissanctityofcontract fortress. Hessgrabscloseto US$3 billion in 2025, GuyanaisgladtogetUS$2.5 billion and Ali boasts about that before the world

Running around the world and inviting investors to Guyana to repeat Hess’s exploits.

More for them, less for

Guyana. See,whyPres.Ali shouldcallitadayandgohis way? To be crystal: resign. Get a load of Oil Guyana under Irfaan ‘I’m the Greatest’ Ali: the workers are making more than the owners of the oilfields. I recognize that as upsidedown mathematics, which has nothing to do with trickledowneconomics.

In passing, I have a

Excellency Ali. When he resigns, he has a new career waitingforhim:humorist. A manwithaPhDcanonlybea humorist; he has had some pract

ce One less credentialed would be a regularjoker

Now try some worldc l a s s a c c o u n t i n g Christopher Ram’s body of accounting, not Mr Alistair Routledge’s ‘world-class accounting

y

tems’ speciallyinventedbyExxon for Guyana. At the end of 2025, Hess had recaptured all the money it invested in

Guyana.

Everynickel,everydime (maybe even some extra US millionslazingaround). So, why is Guyana still being associatedwith12.5percent of this and 2 percent of that, a n d c o s t b a n k , notwithstanding Mr Routledge’sdeclarations?

IfPres.Aliisstillmaking speeches,heshouldstopthat and get going. There’s a door opened for him to pass through. Indeferencetothe presidency, I insert respectfully What’stheuse of Guyana’s politicians in this new age of oil? Heard thatit’stofoolthepeopleand

to fool around with elections.

Meanwhile, the oil drains away Don’t forget the millions. Nor that the Guyana Government and Exxon’s local governor aren’t saying much of anything. WhereisChevron and Mike Wirth? Gosh, I missMr Hess. Hecouldbe counted on for a happy quote.

Let the chips fall wherever they do. Since Chevron doesn’t speak, and theChineseareasstoicasan owl, that leaves Sir Alistair Routledge. My God: what did I do to deserve such a

fate? If it’s thy will, let this cuppass. Butonlyifitisthy will I keep going to whateverawaits.

Of two things I am certain: more exposés from Mr Ram, more fireworks. And more of Pres Ali making himself disappear when oil contract and oil moneyarementioned.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the o p i n i o n s o f t h i s newspaper.)

BeharryHoldingscommitsmulti-year fundingtoIwokramaconservationefforts

The Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development (Iwokrama)hasconfirmedthatithassigneda multi-year conservation pact with Beharry Holdings Inc. (BHI) to support biodiversity conservationactivitiesattheCentre.

In a press release IWOKRAMA said, originallyannouncedatthe30thAnniversary celebration of the IwokramaAct on 18 May 2026, the grant agreement was formally signed on Monday The grant will be made annuallyandinthefirstinstancewillsupport the Centre’s monitoring programme Thereafter, the Centre and BHI will jointly discuss areas of support for future years includingeducationandawareness,research and science and community relations amongstothers.

Dane Gobin CEO of Iwokrama notes, “The Centre is grateful for the support of Beharry Holdings Inc. which is the largest local private sector contribution in the Centre’shistory IamhappythattheBeharry group recognizes the importance of biodiversityconservationastheyembarkon an impressive expansion strategy in Guyana andabroad”.

The CEO continued, “I hope that other

local private sector businesses emulate the Beharry Group in support of the Centre whichhasbeentaskedbyH.E.PresidentDr Mohammed Irfaan Ali to play a significant role in his Global Biodiversity Alliance initiative”.

This announcement comes weeks after the Centre was recognized as one of the top 50eco-tourismdestinationsglobally

Mr Suresh Beharry, Chairman of Beharry Holdings Inc. comments: “For nearly nine decades, the Beharry Group has grown alongside Guyana, and we recognize that our country’s future prosperity must be balanced with the protection of the natural assetsthatmakeGuyanaunique. Iwokrama is a globally respected model of conservation, sustainable development, and scientific research, and we are proud to support its important work through this multi-yearpartnership.

The Centre remains grateful to the Government of Guyana for their valuable ongoingsupporttotheCentre.Specialthanks areextendedtotheCentre’sstaffanditslocal community partners, the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB), for theircontinuedsupport.

Govt. to build US$6M Puruni Bridge to complement gold operations in Region 7

With 2,524 activemining properties in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), the government of Guyana will soon be moving towards the construction of a US$6 million bridge across the PuruniRiver

The announcement was made by President IrfaanAli during a recent government outreachinBartica

While the head-of-state didnotdisclosedetailsonthe projectduringhisaddress,he noted that construction will begin in August and is expected to take eight monthstocomplete.

In October 2021, the Minis

dense forested vegetation. Mining and forestry activities are concentrated along the Puruni River and the Kartabu-Puruni Road, and as such, the river and road serve as a means of access to the resources withinthearea.

The Kartabu-Puruni Road,whichtravelsfromthe Teperu Crossing at Itaballi at themouthofMazaruniRiver, is intersected by the Puruni River Notably, the KartabuPuruni Road is a part of the roadnetworkthatconnectsto the Linden-Lethem access Road.

PuruniRiverisatributary of the Mazaruni River The riverflowsthroughanareaof rich mineral resources and

ry of Natural Resources(MNR)hadissued a Request for Expression of Interest (RFI) for the constructionofbridgeforthe PuruniRivercrossing.

Currently, a pontoon system is used at the intersectiontofacilitatethe

Continuedonpage20

Bodies of pregnant woman, fiancé swept away by waves at Unity Beach recovered

The bodies of 20-yearold Lyodisa Waldron, also known as ‘Loyda’, and her 31-year-old fiancé Special Constable Andri Francis, called ‘Bobby’ was recovered on Tuesday The couple was on a family outing at Unity Beach, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Sunday when they were reportedly swept under by strongcurrents.

Asearchparty,including the police and the Coast Guard,wassentoutoverthe weekend to look for the missing couple. However, the bodies only surfaced on Tuesday when two private

OppositionLeaderAzruddin Mohamedsearchedthearea.

The bodies of the deceased, who were residents of Victoria Village, (ECD) werefounddiscoveredsome distance away from the beach.

Accordingtoastatement issuedbytheGuyanaPolice Force (GPF) the incident occurred at about 2:00 p.m. on Sunday at Unity Beach.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Waldron and Francis were swimming together when Waldron reportedly began drifting further out to sea and

encountered difficulties in thewater

Police said the young woman raised an alarm and called for assistance as she wasbeingcarriedawayfrom shore Francis reportedly entered deeper waters in an attempt to rescue her However, both individuals

were overtaken by the current and disappeared beneaththewater

Persons at the beach immediatelyraisedanalarm, prompting a search of the surrounding area Police ra

s conductedchecksalongthe Continuedonpage20

Birthdayplansturntogrief

...as wheelchair-bound mother dies in blaze

Plans for a birthday celebration in honour of their mother were dramatically changed to funeral preparations for the children of 62-year-old Bibi Ramprashad, who lost her life in an early morning fire on Tuesdayatherhome.

The fire, of unknown origin, destroyed a two-storey concrete structure,andkilledRamprashad, whowasconfinedtoawheelchair duetoanillness.Shewasaloneat thetimeofthefire,whichstarted at around 04:45hrs according to neighbours. Her husband was occupied in the backdam at Blairmont.

Speaking to Kaieteur News on Tuesday, her son, Kevin Ramprashad expressed agony over his inability to rescue his mother

“I got a call that there was a firehomethere,andwhenIcame, thehousewasalreadyonfire.We couldn’t enter the house or anything. All we could do was wait till the fire truck finish, but my mother was inside the house atthetime.”

Heexplainedthathismother Continued on page 20

Sixillegalminingoperationsshutdown

…38 arrested; equipment seized

Images from the illegal mining operation

As part of its continued crackdown on illegal mining, the Ministry of Natural Resources, through the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), has shut down six illegal operations within the Mazaruni Mining DistrictinRegionSeven.

T

enforcementactionwascarriedout onTuesdayandfollowedreportsof unlawful mining activities in the area.

Accordingtothestatement,the six illegal mining sites were operatingwithinaquarryarea,and 38 persons were arrested. Several p

machinerywerealsoseized.

The operation was executed throughajointoperationinvolving the GGMC Corps ofWardens and theGuyanaPoliceForce(GPF).

The ministry also noted that surveillance measures have been established in the area to monitor activities and prevent any resurgenceofillegaloperations.It also underscored to all industry stakeholders that illegal mining will not be tolerated under any circumstance.

“The Government of Guyana maintains a zero-tolerance policy onillegalminingandwillcontinue to take decisive action to detect, disrupt and prosecute all unlawful activities in the sector,” it was furtherstated.

‘IsWe’pleadsguiltyto2021murderofgirlfriend

Shaquawn Alleyne, also known as “IsWe” has pleaded guilty to murdering his girlfriend 20-year-old Shonnette Dover who wasshottotheheadandburiedinashallow graveinhisbackyardatCanvasCity,Wismar, Linden,Region10,backin2021.

Alleyne entered a guilty plea when he appearedbeforeJusticeSandilKissoonatthe DemeraraHighCourtonTuesday Thejudge orderedapsychiatricassessment,aprobation report, and also a report from the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), all to be submitted to thecourtbeforesentencingonJune17,2026.

After being on the run for nearly three years,AlleynewasapprehendedbySuriname

authoritiesin2024,whohandedhimoverto Guyanese authorities. While in custody, Alleyne reportedly confessed to the crime, claimingitwasanaccident.

Following a preliminary inquiry (PI), MagistrateRushelleLiverpoolattheLinden Magistrates’CourtinMarch2025concluded thattherewassufficientevidenceforAlleyne tofacetrialattheDemeraraAssizes.Apostmortem examination conducted on Dover’s body concluded that she died from a single gunshottothehead.

According to reports, Dover’s decomposing body was discovered onApril 30,2021,28daysaftershewentmissing.

Govt.tobuildUS$6MPuruniBridge...

Frompage11 crossingofthePuruniRiver

TheMNRintheRFInotedthatatthepoint ofthepontooncrossing,theareaoneitherside of the river is marked by relatively higher lands, implying that the area is prone to floodingwhentheriverinundatesandduring periods of heavy rainfall. This led to the ministry issuing the RFI inviting individuals and/orbodiescorporate.

Inthe2021RFI,theministrystatedthatit will consider options under various models including Design-Build (D-B) and BuildOperate-Transfer(BOT)oranyothersuitable model.

During his address, President Ali noted that there are 11 outposts and checkpoints in theregiontosupporttheminingactivity.

“I’m also very happy to report that the G Mining Oko West Gold Project, would have started, is moving forward with the initial phaseofinfrastructuredevelopment.TheOko wharf at Kartabo will be operational from June2026,loadingandoffloadingactivitiesis expectedtocommencebyAugust.Thecamp facilities, offices, the welcome center and sports field is to be completed by September 2026 Mining, drilling, sampling and exploration activities continue across the concession area,” Ali said as he highlighted the progress the Canadian firm has made on the gold project which is estimated to hold 4.64 million ounces of proven and probable reserves.

He further noted that GMIN’s workforce stands at 1,193 employees of which 946 are locals.“Thisisprojectedtoincreaseto2,100 by December 2026. 2100 and most of those jobs will be taken up by Guyanese, mostly fromyourregion,”Aliadded.

Shot and buried in a shallow grave, Shonette Dover

After Dover was reported missing, Alleyneinavideothatwaswidelycirculated on social media, appeared to be heartbroken and deeply concerned about his girlfriend’s disappearance.

HereportedhermissingonApril4,2021, claiming he had no knowledge of her whereabouts and assumed she had left for

work However, Alleyne later fled the jurisdictionandawantedbulletinwasissued forhim.

Meanwhile,Dover’s15-year-oldrelative had confessed to helping Alleyne bury her bodyandsubsequentlyledpolicetotheburial site.Therelativewaschargedwithaccessory afterthefactofmurderandwasremandedto theJuvenileDetentionCentre.

Bodiesofpregnantwoman,fiancéswept...

Frompage15

shorelineandnearbysectionsofthebeachin anefforttolocatethemissingpair

Authorities have not disclosed how far offshore the pair was when the incident occurred, but investigators believe strong currents may have played a role in the tragedy

Unity Beach has long been a popular recreational area for residents of the East Coast Demerara, particularly on weekends andpublicholidays.However,concernshave periodicallybeenraisedaboutdangeroussea conditions and strong currents in sections of theAtlanticcoastline.

the current,” Rose recalled. Rose said the incident unfolded in full view of beachgoers and left many persons distressed. He noted that a lifeguard station was located at the beach but claimed that no lifeguard was presentatthetimeoftheincident.

AccordingtoRose,afriendwhowaswith himwitnessedFrancisstrugglinginthewater andbecamefrustratedbytheapparentlackof rescue equipment. “He felt helpless because therewasnothingavailabletoassist.Hesaid thatiftherehadbeenasurfboardorsometype ofrescueequipment,hemighthavebeenable toattemptarescue,”Rosesaid.

The project President Ali highlighted during the outreach is one of several largescale gold projects operated by Canadian companies that are located in the CuyuniMazarunidistrict.

KaieteurNewsreportedthattheOkoWest GoldProjectwasaddedtoGMIN’sportfolio back in 2024 following a business combination with fellow Canadian firm, Reunion Gold Corp. valued at US$638 million (C$875 million). Oko West is expectedtoproduceabout350,000ouncesof goldannuallyovera12.3-yearminelife.

In a similar move like its business combination with Reunion, inApril 2026, it was announced that GMIN entered into a definitive agreement with another Canadian company, G2 Goldfields for approximately US$2.2 billion (C$3 billion) to consolidate the two adjacent gold projects in Guyana: G2’s Oko-Ghanie Project and GMIN’s fully permitted and fully financed Oko West Project.

Acquiring G2 will bring the Combined Measured & Indicated Mineral Resources of 7.0 million ounces and Inferred Mineral Resourcesof2.3millionounces.Thedealwill also expand GMIN’s footprint in Guyana by 293 square kilometers (km²), creating a combined contiguous land package of over 362km².

G2’s Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA)releasedlastyear,outlinesacombined openpitandundergroundoperationwitha14yearminelifeandestimatetotalproductionof 3.2millionouncesgold.Annualproductionis projected to average 298,000 ounces during yearsthreethrough10.Thedealisexpectedto closeinJune2026,subjecttoshareholderand courtapprovals.

Eyewitness Dr Asquith Rose told Kaieteur News that the water was rough and there were warning signs about the currents, but the young woman ventured out to swim. He explained that Waldron appeared to encounter difficulties while in the water, promptingFrancistogoinafterher “Whenshegotintotrouble,hewenttotry and save her, but he too was swept away by

He expressed concern about the absence oflifeguards,particularlyonweekendswhen thebeachattractslargecrowds.“Alifeguard couldnotonlyattemptarescuebutalsowarn swimmers about dangerous conditions and intervene when people venture into unsafe areas,”hestated.

Rosefurthernotedthatseveralonlookers told him there had been previous drowning incidentsinthesamesectionofthebeach.

Birthday plans turn to grief

Frompage16

was a diabetic, having been diagnosed over ten years. As such, she moved about the homeviaawheelchair Theblazeguttedthe estimated $30 million property and caused the roof to collapse on the already trapped woman, who in addition to being badly burnt,wascrushed.

“Shetriedtomovewithherwheelchairto reachthesidedoor,andshecouldn’tmakeit. The smoke stifled her and she was unconscious.”

Duetotheintensityoftheblaze,relatives andneighbourswerehelplessinrescuingthe woman, whose burnt body was nearly unrecognizableintheaftermath.

She was removed from the rubble and takentotheBailey’sFuneralHome.

Her husband of 40+ years, Looknauth Ramprashad, called Prem, recounted the horrific news that were delivered to him whilehewasaway

“About 5 O’Clock this morning, I get a call saying let me don’t leave the backdam, they gon’come for me. I said ‘come for me forwhat?Mehgon’rideout’.Theysaid‘no, don’t come out, we gon’come for you with car’. So when them tell me that, I said (to himself) like my wife tek’ in and that they

gonewithherhospital.”

He reasoned to himself that she must havepassedawayforthemtoopttocomefor him.Halfwayonthejourneybackhome,he demandedtheyofferhimsomedetails.

“Isaidy’alltalktome.Whathappened? Wellmygrandsoncan’tbearitnomore.He said‘grandfather,yuhhousebun’down,and we can’t find granny Granny bun’ in the house’,”thegrievinghusbandrelated.

Anotherson,DevonRamprashadsaidhe and other siblings were in the process of puttingtogetherplansforher63rdbirthday, whichwouldhavebeenonThursday

“Wewasplanningondoingasurprisefor her,butthisisthesurprisewegot,”

RebeccaPersaud,aneighbourofthenow dead woman, told this publication that she heard frantic sounds, and initially believed sametobedogscaterwauling.

“By the time I get up, I heard the voice, (saying) ow God! Ow God! When I come out, I hear a boom, and I thought was somebody robbing somebody and she’s yelling out.Then I saw the big fire. I ran to get my mom and dad, then call the fire department.BytimeIrunouttoseeifIcan do anything, the whole place was on fire,” Persaudshared.

Guyanese group teams up with Nigerian oil company

A Guyanese women-led consortium that won an oil block while participating in the country’s first bid round ishopingtosignaPetroleum Exploration License and Production Sharing Agreementoverthenextfew weeks with the government ofGuyana(GoG).

This was revealed by principals of Sispro Inc.Abbigale Loncke-Watson and Ayodele Dalgety-Dean on Tuesday, during an interview with the media at this year’s Local Content Summit, held at Four Points by Sheraton, Houston, East BankDemerara.

Dalgety-Dean explained that the group has had negotiations with numerous operators but has finally found the right co-partner in the Nigerian oil company, BonoEnergy

That energy firm is currently producing about 2000-5000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) in Nigeria, according to Executive Director of Bono Energy, DejiFawole.

Chairperson of Sispro, Ayodele Dalgety-Dean pointed out that the consortiumhasironedoutall internal matters, relating to directorship that previously stalled the process from moving forward. “Abby and I are the principals of the company, she is company

S

ChairpersonandIthinkthere has been a little bit of confusion regarding the beneficial owners but that has been cleared up,” she added.

Meanwhile, Abbigale Loncke-Watson explained

Ownership information was registeredsincethecompany wasfirstformedbetweenthe two women and their other partner, Dr Melissa Varswyk.

L o n c k e Wa t s o n explained that the group is awaitingsurveydetailsfrom thegovernment’songoing3D seismic study with its partner, with the operator finalizing other key details for the contract with the GoG.“Oncethatisfinished, we are more or less ready to move forward, whether it’s on our own or a multi-client approach for the other block owners for the shallow water,” the businesswoman noted.

Sisprowouldberequired to pay government a signature bonus of US$13.8 millionfortheshallowwater block- S3. It will also be required to pay a fee for the seismic data, amounting to millions of US-dollars. As such, the group anticipated aninitialinvestmentofabout US$150-US$200M.

Sispro Inc initially

comprised four women.The fourth partner, Dee George has since resigned as Director

T h e w o m e n - l e d consortium had won a shallowwateranddeepwater concession, S3 and D2, respectively

Bono Energy said it intends to work with the group in developing both offshoreblocksinGuyana.

The Executive Director of the Nigerian Company said,“Wehavefundingtothe tune of about US$600 million for both assets to startup with and we’re committed to the Local Content development in Guyanaandtoworkwiththe ministry of energy (Natural Resources) in Guyana to develop the oil and gas

upstreamindustry.”

He pointed out that a team from Nigeria flew into Georgetown to sign the agreements with the GoG. Immediately after signing thosedocuments,hesaidthe company intends to deliver the signing bonus to the country’s Natural Resource Fund (NRF) or the oil account.

“We believe there’s potential in the shallow water and in the deep water based on the preliminary work that has been done I believe there is give or take about 300 million barrels of oil in it,” Fawoleadded.

The Nigerian company currentlyholdstwoassetsin its home country which holds about six million

barrels and potentially 400 millionbarrelsofoil.

Govt. threatens to pull block Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat inaseparateinterviewsaidif a favourable agreement is not reached soon, blocks won by companies in the previous auction could be included in a future bid round.

He told members of the media,“Iwantedtosignthis agreement a long time, because a local group of young Guyanese women would have been the forest grouptosignaPSA...assoon asthecompanycanbasically fix whatever issues exists, w e ’ r e r e a d y a s a government.”

Bharrat said that

government has been “very lenient”withtheconsortium, mainly because it is a local group. He however made it clearthattheclockisrunning outinthatregard.

“No, we can’t wait indefinitely,asyousaid.Um, we, at some point in time in the future, I don’t know, because I’m sure you’ll ask me a date but I don’t know when will be the next bid round as yet, but I can tell you,wewillhaveanotherbid round.Um,soifagreements arenotsignedbythen,more than likely that those blocks would be part of the bid round,”theministersaid. He also underscored the importance of connecting with the right operator that boasts experience, capacity andasolidfinancialrecord.

The government has launched a national consultation to develop a framework to address the harmful impact of social mediausageonchildren.

The first session was spearheadedbytheMinistry ofParliamentaryAffairsand Governance on Tuesday at the World Trade Centre in Kingston,Georgetown.

Minister Teixeira was joined by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall S.C; MinisterofEducation,Sonia Parag; Minister of Human ServicesandSocialSecurity, Dr Vindhya Persaud; Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Sarah BrowneShadeek; Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond; Minister of Labour and ManpowerPlanning,Keoma Griffith; Minister of Youth Culture and Sport Charles RamsonandMinisterwithin

in France, Norway and Denmarkasmodelexamples for social media and online safeguards.

“We will look at what Brazil is doing, what the United Kingdom is doing, what Canada’s doing, what Pakistan is doing,” she said, referring to their legislative architecture.“Wewilllookat everybodyandseehowthey find their answers to their realities.”

Minister Teixeira also proposed the creation of a dedicated Child Online Protection Authority to handle monitoring, compliance oversight and internationalcooperation.

“We will ask you, the stakeholders, to go back to your organisations, discuss these issues, and we will meetbackin[three]weeksto hear now what you are proposing,whatyouagree

Continued on page 24

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U.S.targetsBrazilwithnewtariffsovertradepractices

The U.S.

plans new 25 percent tariffs on Brazilian imports, citing issues like deforestation and digital trade practices.

Aljazeera - The administrationofUnitedStatesPresident Donald Trump has proposed a new 25 percent tariff on imports from Brazil amid allegations of unfair trading practices.

U.S.TradeRepresentative Jamieson Greer announced the new punitive tariffs late on Monday, stemming from issues including digital trade and illegal deforestation.

The new tariffs would be imposedunderSection301of U.S. trade policy — a statute that gives the U.S. government broad authority to impose trade sanctions based on violations of trade agreements, as well as what it deems “unfair” trade practices under the Trade Act of 1974.

Greer said there has been aninvestigationthatbeganin July The practices under investigation were related to issues such as illegal deforestation, ethanol market access, and anticorruption en-

NOTICE

APPLICATIONFOR MONEYLENDERS CERTIFICATEPURSUANT TOSECTION4OFTHE MONEYLENDERSACT.I, VEDESHHITLALL,oflot 10,PublicRoad,Vigilance, East Coast Demerara,herebygive Notice that I have applied to the Magistrate of the Georgetown.

forcement, among other key issues, according to the summaryreleasedbytheU.S.Department of Commerce on Tuesday

In the 107-page document, the U.S. government said that trade practices between the two nations “are unreasonable and burden or restrict U.S. commerce”, and pointed to agreements that Brazil has with Mexico and India.“Brazil’stradearrangements with Mexico and India also create incentives to offshoreU.S.productionbycreatingafinancialadvantageto exportingtoBrazilfromthese countries, as opposed to exporting from the United States,” the document says.

Thereisacommentperiod forthegeneralpublictoweigh in on the proposed tariffs, which begins on Thursday The written comment period ends on July 1, and there will be a public hearing in Washington on July 6.

Beef, coffee, rare earths, other metals, energy, and aircraftpartsareamongtheproducts that would be exempt fromthetariffs.

OnCNBC,Greersaidthat itwouldreleasemorefindings onunfairtradepracticesinthe nextseveralweeksinorderto address what Greer called a “giant”tradedeficit.

LulatomeetTrumpat WhiteHousetoreset strainedU.S.–Brazilties

However, the data shows thattheU.S.maintainsatrade surpluswithBrazil.InMarch, Brazil bought more goods, worth $3.3bn, from the U.S. thanitexportedat$2.9bn,representing a $420m trade sur-

plus. Other countries under investigation include China andVietnam.

Thenewtariffwouldpartiallyreplaceatariffof50percentonmanyBraziliangoods imposed last year by Trump, with 40 percent serving as a punishmentforBrazil’sprosecution of former President JairBolsonaro,aTrumpally

TheWhiteHousealsorecently dropped tariffs on select aluminium, copper, and steel imports, which include agricultural equipment such as harvesters. Those tariffs will drop from 25 percent to 15percent.Thetariffsexpire inDecember2027.

The new tariffs come aftertheSupremeCourt,inFeb-

ruary, struck down the use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which the White House used to impose its sweepingglobaltariffs.

“They are the first of many new tariffs to replace the IEPPA national security tariffs. The period of public commentwillallowforpotentialmodesttweaksandexemptions.Ultimately,itwilladdto someinflationpressurecompared to the last few months but not compared to a year earlier,”RachelZiemba,asenioradjunctfellowattheCenterforaNewAmericanSecurity,toldAlJazeera.

Politicaltensions

The changes come de-

spite President Luiz Inacio LuladaSilva’svisittoWashington last month, as relations have deteriorated in recent months.

The U.S. State Departmenthasalsodesignatedtwo of Brazil’s criminal gangs as “terrorist organisations”, a move that supported Senator Flavio Bolsonaro’s position, Lula’smainrivalinOctober’s election, and over the objectionsofBrazilianofficials.

“I expressly asked President Trump not to tariff our companies,”Bolsonarowrote onXonTuesday.“Tariffsare not the solution.”

The White House did not respond to Al Jazeera’s request for comment.

Govt. silent on demand for millions more by...

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From page 3 matters,” the government officialstated.

Since Saturday, Kaieteur News requested a comment from minister Indar on the issue. Questions sent again on Tuesday were ignored. Likewise,PresidentIrfaanAlihas not responded to questions posed by this newspaper since Monday.

In the meantime, Guyanese across the country havebeguncomplainingofan increase in blackouts.

Under the expired energy deal with Karpowership,

Guyanawasrentingpowerat US$0.076/KW, forking out US$23,008,665.6onanannual basis.

The new demands by Karpowershipwilladdabout US$5.8Minrentalfees,driving up Guyana’s annual bill for that vessel to US$28,780,832.

The company’s contract with the GoG ended on 21st May, 2026. Recognising the crisis they are in, the GoG desperatelywrotetothecompanyonMay22,beggingfor an additional 30-day extension to hash out a new contract.

The powership operators however flatly rejected the government’splea,informing thatitcouldnotfacilitatesuch alengthyextension,granting instead a limited one-week window which closed on Monday,1stJune,2026.

A damning joint letter dated25thMay,2026,sentby Karadeniz Powership Yasin Bey Company Limited and UrbaconConcessionsInvestments to minister Indar highlights the chilling reality of Guyana’s energy crisis.

The foreign entity threatened to pull its services if government fails to meet its demands by 1st June, 2026.

Theoperatorsdemandedthat the government moves swiftly, stating that “alignment and unification of the commercial terms and pricing structure across all country operations remain essential requirements for the continuation of the arrangement.”

They ominously concluded that they trust the matter will be settled “to avoid any interruption to operations.”

While Guyana continues to be bullied into submission by foreign companies, the government remains tightlipped on the financial arrangement that is milking the national treasury dry At the heart of foggy transaction is the delayed GTE project which government promiseswillcomeonlineby theendofthisyear-atimeline that energy experts question.

Thetwo-yeardelayinthe project will cost the country more than double the cost of the Wales development whichwasinitiallypeggedat US$759M.

On May 28, this publication reported that these delays are likely to cost the nation an eye-watering US$884Mmore.

Iran stops talking to mediators-Iranianreports

DUBAI, UnitedArab Emirates

( A P ) I r a n s t o p p e d communicating with mediators about extending a ceasefire in the war with the U.S. and Israel, two semiofficial Iranian news agencies reported Tuesday, but President Donald Trump disputed the claim andsaidtalkswerecontinuing.

The reports by the Fars and Tasnim news agencies, both believed to be close to Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, came as tensions flared in Israel’s separate but related fight against the Iranian-backed militia HezbollahinLebanon.

A regional official involved in the mediation, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss thetalks,toldTheAssociatedPress that Iran had not communicated at all on Tuesday after saying that a ceasefire needed to be enforced in Lebanon for negotiations to continue.

Inotherdevelopments,theU.S. militarysaiditfiredamissiletohalt anotheroiltankertryingtoreachan Iranian port in violation of the American blockade. It was the seventh ship stopped by the military while trying to run the blockade, U.S. Central Command saidinasocialmediapost.

The Botswana-flagged merchant vessel M/T Lexie was stopped by an aircraft firing a Hellfire missile into its engine room after the crew ignored repeated warnings over 24 hours, thepostsaid.

Trumpsaystalks ‘goingoncontinuously’

Trump called reports of a cessation in talks “false and erroneous.”

“The conversations between us have been going on continuously,

…BUT TRUMP SAYS TALKS CONTINUE

challenges as its oil-backed economy remains under a U.S. navalblockade.

Economic pressure touched off nationwideprotestsinIranin2017 into 2018, when rising food prices sparked demonstrations that killed over 20 people and saw hundreds arrested.Thenextyear,anincrease ingovernment-subsidizedgasoline pricescausedproteststhatsawover 300peoplereportedlykilled.

People carry packages at Tehran’s historic Grand Bazaar, Iran, Monday, June 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

includingfourdaysago,threedays ago,twodaysago,onedayagoand today,” Trump said in a social media post. “Where they lead, one neverknows,butasItoldIran,‘It’s time,onewayoranother,foryouto makeaDeal.”

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio did not address the reported cutoff in communications as he testified at a congressional hearing in Washington. Instead, he Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. about the nuclear dimension of the negotiations, while cautioning that there’snoguaranteeofreaching“a dealthat’sacceptable.”

Iranhasbeentryingtoincrease pressure on Trump over negotiations on the Iran war ceasefireandlooseningtheIslamic Republic’s chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz and the oil, gas and other commodities that normally pass through it. Trump then could

potentially push Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt or slow the advance of his forces, which have moved deeper into Lebanon than at any time in overaquarterofacentury

Theconflictshaveincreasingly become conjoined, as Iran insists that any potential truce in the war theremustalsoquellthefightingin Lebanon Israel and the U S maintainthefightinginLebanonis separatefromtheIranwartalks.

Inflationtakesan economictollonIran

Meanwhile, year-on-year inflation in Iran reached a level in May unseen since World War II, underlining the economic pain average Iranians are facing. While theU.S.iseagertoeasetheIslamic Republic’s grip on the strait — through which a fifth of all traded oil and natural gas passed in peacetime — Iran faces economic

Thencametheprotestsoverthe collapsingvalueofIran’scurrency, therial,atthestartofthisyear They were the most intense demonstrationstoshaketheIslamic Republic since its 1979 revolution andthechaoticyearsthatfollowed.

Iran’s theocracy met January’s protests with a crackdown on demonstratorsinJanuarythatkilled over 7,000 people, according to activists’estimates.

Now, even as hard-liners hold gun-handling workshops and organize marriages under the shadow of a ballistic missile to bolster spirits, experts note there could be new demonstrations if people find themselves priced out offeedingtheirfamilies.

“I have no doubt that if Trump leaves(Iranwithoutaformalpeace deal)...mostprobably,wewillsee something like January by the end ofsummerbecauseoftheeconomic and social situations,” analyst Mohsen Jalilvand said in a video published by Iran’s Fararu news website.

Pricesclimbat‘an unprecedentedrate’

Iran’s Central Bank said the consumer price index, which measures a basket of goods and

services, reached 77.2% in May compared with the year before.Therateis8.5%higher than in April, the bank added. Inflationindailyandgeneralneeds like medicine, taxi fares, tobacco and communication fees — rose 113.8% from the year before. A private economic think tankinIran,theBamdadInstituteof Economic Studies, described the current figures as “an unprecedented rate since World WarII.”Iran’sCentralBankdidnot acknowledge the significance of thefigures.

The previous record came in 1942. During the war, the British and Soviets invaded Iran and took over its railway, disrupting food supplies The lack of food, worsened by a poor harvest, sparked hyperinflation and a famine Hunger and a typhus outbreakkilledmany Airstrikesthisyearhavegreatly damaged Iran’s businesses and its oil industry, Meanwhile, the U.S. blockadehasbeentargetingIranian crudeoilshipmentstryingtoreach the international market, a key source of hard revenue Tax revenues have been depressed by businessesstrugglingevenafterthe fightingpaused. Therial,whichtradedat32,000 to$1in2015,nowtradesatover1.7 million to $1. “We will definitely have higher prices,” Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned in May “We are fighting, andwemustacceptthishardship.” Tehran-based economist Saeed Leilaz, speaking to theAP, warned that annual inflation in Iran could reach80%.

“Iran’s society cannot tolerate above 25%” annual inflation, he said.

UK police under pressure after dying student was handcuffed

Reuters - Britishpolicefaceda national backlash on Tuesday over the inflammatory case of an 18year-old student who was handcuffed as he lay dying from stab wounds after his killer falsely allegedaracistattack.

Henry Nowak died after the knife attack in the southern England city of Southampton in December last year His murderer VickrumDigwa,a23-year-oldSikh man,wassentencedtolifeinprison onMonday,havingliedtopoliceat the time that Nowak had assaulted him.

In police bodycam footage, Nowak is seen lying on the street saying “I’ve been stabbed” and “I can’t breathe” while an officer responds “I don’t think you have mate”.

Nigel Farage, whose antiimmigration Reform party leads opinion polls, said it was an example of the rights of ‘ethnic minorities trumping those of white British people. “The fear of being called racist was greater than dealing with Henry Nowak’s murder,”hesaidinastatement.

“Weshouldrespondtothiswith pure cold rage.” Judge William Mousleyacknowledgedincourton Monday that the case had stirred racialtensionacrossBritain.

A protest was expected in Southampton on Tuesday evening, with anti-immigrant activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon – known as Tommy Robinson – rallying supporterstoattend.

Othershavebeenadvertisedfor thisweek.

Digwa stabbed Nowak with a knife he said he was permitted to carryduetoexemptionsforSikhsto haveceremonialdaggers.

Whenthepolicearrived,Digwa said his turban had been knocked offandhehadaninjurytohiseye.

Nick Thomas-Symonds, Cabinet Office minister, told BBC Radio that “the conduct of the police when you look at it at the sceneisshocking”.

Nowak’s family called his treatmentbypolice“inhumaneand `degrading” but in a statement outside court, his father said his deathshouldnotbe“usedtocreate furtherdivision,hatredortension.”

That was echoed by Britain’s interior minister, Shabana Mahmood,whotoldparliamenton Tuesday that everyone was equal

before the law and urged calm duringaninvestigation.

Mahmood acknowledged that the footage released was

“disturbingandtragic”butsaidthe case had brought unacceptable threats against police officers and thatinflammatorycommentarywas makingadreadfulsituationworse.

“We must condemn those who `seekpersonalpoliticalprofitfrom tragedy,”shesaid.

Mahmoodaddedthatforpublic services, the only consideration they should weigh is the risk a personposes,notraceorreligion.

Referencing previous efforts to tackle racism in policing she said, “Whatever changes are made, it is important that nobody overcorrects or course-corrects such that all of us as `citizens are no

longerequalbeforethelaw.” ReformleaderFaragesoughtto drawparallelswiththe2020killing of George Floyd in the U.S. which sparked the Black Lives Matter movement. Floyd had said “I can’t breathe”asapoliceofficerkneeled onhisneckforseveralminutes.

Nowakdiedshortly‘afterbeing handcuffed by police. Once they realised he was injured, they uncuffedhimandstartedCPR.

The police force, Hampshire Police,hasapologised.

A spokesperson for the Attorney General’s Office said it had received multiple requests to consider raising Digwa’s 21-year minimumsentence,addingthatlaw officers have 28 days from sentencing to make a decision on anychanges.

13 contractors bid to construct new CPCE Centre in Reg.Two

The Ministry of

Education has received 13 bids for the construction of a Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) Centre at Charity,RegionTwo.

T h e N a t i o n a l Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB)officesaidthebids ranged between $87 million and$113million.

Minister of Education

Sonia Parag, during an

e n g a g e m

i t h headteachersinRegionTwo inApril announced plans to e

training college branch in theregion

The education ministry in a statement at the time reportedthat$45millionwas allocated in the 2026 budget to kickstart the project, whichwillspecificallyserve educators in the Pomeroon River and other nearby remotecommunities.

The ministry stated that theinitiativewillensurethat professional development is accessible to teachers residing in hard-to-reach areas, ending an era where

MinistryofEducation

ConstructionofCPCECentreatCharity,RegionTwo.

SupplyanddeliveryofprintingofCurriculum.

they were forced to leave their homes and families to gaincertification.

A d d r e s s i n g headteachers Minister Parag emphasised that the facility is a fundamental step towards national educationalequity

The minister further underscored that the project is about “quality education and quality delivery in the classroom,” noting that investing in professional growth ultimately translates into better outcomes for the nation’schildren.

The ministry disclosed that once completed, the new, modern facility will feature a dedicated classroom block, staff offices, a kitchen area and washroom facilities, all housed within an elevated, ridge-and-beam structure “This new facility will aid the government’s mission to move the national percentage of trained teachers from over 90 per cent to a perfect 100 per cent,”theministrystated.

Belowarethe companiesandtheirbids:

GuyanaElectionsCommission Procurementofofficeequipment.

AuditOfficeofGuyana

Youth beaten by Chinese in supermarket confesses to stealing because he was hungry

Chinese National caught on camera assaulting a young man who attempted to steal from supermarket

Supplyanddeliveryoflaptopsanddesktopcomputers. AviralvideosurfacedonTuesdayofayoungmanbeing beaten by a Chinese national at a supermarket on the East CoastofDemerarabecauseheattemptedtostealitems.

It is unclear where specifically the incident occurred but reports are that the young man was cornered by the Chinese national,presumablythestoreowner,whoassaultedhim.The youngmanwasheardconfessingtothecrimewhiletellingthe Chinesewhoaccostedhimthatheattemptedtostealtheitems becausehewashungry

The video showed the Chinese man kneeing the young manseveraltimeswhilesaying,“youlikethief”.

The young man explained that he tried to steal the items outofnecessity

Govt.mullsbetter...

Frompage21 to, what you don’t agree to, what you think can work in Guyana,andwhatyouthink can’t work in Guyana,” MinisterTeixeirasaid.

T h e e v e n t s a w participation from some 95 representativesfromvarious organisations, including religious bodies, educators, trade unions, youths, and non-profit organizations Among the topics discussed during the consultation include mental health concerns, the impact on children’s cognitive development, impaired interpersonal skills, cy

exploitation, exposure to harmful content and the addictive features of the platform itself Many attendees called for parental empowerment through national awareness campaignsandfamilyonline safetyresources.

In his remarks, Nandlall explained that the objective is to ensure the safety of Guyana’s children through

proper cybercrime safety channels.

“We are working on modellegislationandweare looking at the models in places like Europe and Australia.Weareexamining them to know which one is most suited for Guyana. We arenotgoingtoreinventthe wheel; we will borrow from those models and examine oursocietytocraftonethatis best suited for us,” the attorneygeneralsaid.

He noted that Tuesday’s sessionwasthefirstofmany tocome.

“We aregoingto engage in a wide-reaching consultativemeasureandwe want engagement of every possible stakeholder and we will come to your community to consult in the coming months,” he said whilemakingitclearthatthe government has no ulterior motivewiththenewlaw

“Thisisnotanattemptto sensor or to interfere with anyone’s freedom of expression this is simply for the protection of our children,”heassured.

“Youthief?Younahlikework!”theChinesemandeclared before slapping the young man. In response, the young man said.“Nobodynahgivemenothing”,whileheremainedinthe gripoftheChineseNational.

The Chinese national then emptied a bag the young man had in his possession stating, “Me nah like thief man”. The man while holding on to the young man emptied the bag whichcontainedabodylotionandpants.

“MetekthemthingtosellsoIcangetmoneytobuything toeatbecausemehungry,”theyoungmanexplained.

“Me nah like thief man,” the Chinese national repeated whilecontinuouslykneeingtheyoungmantothegut.

“YounahknowChinesemanmenahlikethiefman,”the Chinesemandeclaredashecontinuedtobeattheyoungman.

It is unclear if the shop-lifting incident was reported to police.

Questions to the police on the matter are yet to be answered.

‘Region 7 still waiting for basic services despite trillions in spending’ — Opposition Leader demands urgent action

L e a d e r o f t h e Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed, is calling on the PPP/C Government to urgently address the longstanding challenges facing residents of Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), including inadequate access to water and electricity, deteriorating schools and health facilities, and poor infrastructure.

Mohamed’s call comes as President IrfaanAli leads a two-day Cabinet outreach intheregion.TheWINParty Leader said he hopes the visit results in tangible solutionsratherthanwhathe describedasaroutinepublic relationsexercise.

In a video statement on Monday, Mohamed challenged the government to move beyond listening to residents’concerns and take immediate action to resolve them.

“VicePresidentJagdeo,I noticed you sent your entire CabinettoRegionSevenfor the usual show—more for optics than solving the problems that have been affecting people for years, even decades,” Mohamed said.

Mohamed noted that on hisownhewenttotheregion and visited the communities earlier this year, where he highlighted the challenges, people are facing and yet

these are not being addressed “I have h

so m

ny concerns of the different villages in Region Seven, and yet the problems aren’t addressed.Thecostforyour Cabinet to tour the entire

RegionSeven.Oh, my,trust me, it’s about tens of millions of dollars off the backs of taxpayers while I traveled to most parts of Region Seven, the cost probably is not even more thanamilliondollars.WhatI amdoing,whatonemandid, your entire cabinet is doing presently,” he noted, speakingdirectlytoJagdeo. Highlighting some of these issues again, MohamedsaidintheMiddle Mazaruni at Isseneru Village,thereareissueswith airfare prices remaining high, residents not getting access to their own lands, while foreigners can have accesswithnohassle.

“Pensionersareforcedto travel to Bartica to collect pensions as no visits have beenmadebysocialservices tomakepensionpayoutsfor the year, and the travel cost to Bartica and back is like one month’s money, about $40,000,”heexplained.

He stated that despite billions spent on two wells, many residents still lack reliable access to water due to poor functioning and the lack of electricity Not only are the roads in the community deplorable, he also said urgent need for a new primary school as the current school cannot adequately accommodate students.

At Kangaruma Village, he disclosed there are not only issues with water and electricity, but residents’ “private lands are being converted to mining areas without approval or consultationwithvillagesor

thevillagecouncil.”

Intermsofeducation,he said the school building is deteriorating with walls cracking,teachersareforced to live in inhumane conditions,andthereisacall foraproperschoolboatwith shed.

Among other issues, he noted that “many villagers still do not have birth certificates. This is a major concern for children who sit in the Grade Six and CSEC examinations, despite applying for documentation for years. So, our children cannotwritetheexams.This isunbelievable.”

Visiting Tasserene and

Opposition Leader highlighted that the water supply system for the St. Martin’s Primary School is non- functional and parents are currently forced to fetch bucketsofwaterforsanitary useandtheschool’skitchen. Additionally, he mentioned that there is an urgent need for a dedicated boat and engine to transport teachers andstudentslivingalongthe riverbank and residents highlightedadireneedfora new road linking Tasserene to Issano, as the current one isunfit.

“Residents complained of a lack of accountability

regarding village finances and assets under the current Toshao, including the LCDs funds,”hepointedout.

Moving on to Wineperu Village, the opposition leader said residents mentioned to him that no senior government official wouldvisitthem.

“Pensioners are facing extreme stress as they only receive payments every three months, and many are forced to pay $30,000 just for transportation to collect theirmoney,”henoted.

Notably, he said that at Kaburi Village, the school solar system is currently damaged,leavingthefacility without electricity, which resultsininadequatelighting in classrooms. “Money needed to prepare meals for the school feeding programme is very late Snakebitesarerampant,and thereisaneedforsnakebite kits in the health centre, bat infestation in the school compound and in the school poses serious health and safety risks. “There is no

water s

he washrooms.Basicsanitation items, such as buckets and pans, are unavailable,” he explained.

Mohamed, in his statement, stated that similar issues are also affecting residents at Itaballi, Kartabo, Agatash, Dagg Point, Sakaralla Bay, Karrau, Mora Camp and Bartica where he visitedbackinAprilandMay

As he calls for these problems to be addressed immediately, the political leader stated that from 2020 to2026,thegovernmenthas budgets totalling GY$6 trillion and yet people are facingtheseproblems.

“I’m calling on you to ensurethatyoucanmakethe people of Bartica and the entire Region Seven live a comfortableandabetterlife. Please ensure we have the monies available, $6 trillion budgetedfrom2020to2026 unprecedented, never in the history Our country is the fastest growing economy, yet water and electricity are problems,”Mohamedsaid.

Zverev ends Jodar run to reach semi-finals

BBC Sport - Alexander Zverevensuredhispursuitof an elusive Grand Slam title remained on track with a comprehensive victory over highly-ratedteenagerRafael Jodar to reach the French Opensemi-finals.

Second seed Zverev is the highest-ranked man left in the singles draw after a seriesofshockexitsinParis.

The German has long been tipped for Grand Slam glorybuthasstruggledinthe pressure moments, suffering

defeat in three finals and sevensemi-finals. Hecameupshortagainst Carlos Alcaraz in the 2024 French Open final, despite leading by two sets to one, and has fallen four times in theParislastfouralone.

Tuesday’s meeting with 19-year-oldJodarwasbilled as a potentially tricky tie, with the Spaniard tipped to beafuturestar

But Zverev, 10 years Jodar’s senior, used all his experience to come through

7-6(7-3)6-16-3.

“Iwanttokeepgoingand winthematchesaheadofme - that is my goal and my aim,”Zverevsaid.

“Today was a very good test against a very good player

“I am happy to be in the semi-finalbutfornow,thatis it.”

Zverev is one of just three top-10 seeds still remaininginthetournament, with fourth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime and 10th

seed Flavio Cobolli set to meet in Wednesday’s quarter-finals.

But Zverev is on the opposite side of the bracket and cannot meet either of thoseuntilthefinal.

Instead, the world number three will take on either 26th seed Jakub Mensik or 28th seed Joao Fonseca - who are both lookingtoreachtheirmaiden GrandSlamsemi-final.

“I will watch the match tonight, but in my room on the TV with a nice drink in myhand,”Zverevsaid.

“Wehadtwodaysoffbut it is important to keep the rhythmandkeeppractising.”

Wednesday June 03, 2026

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Friends, neighbors, and relatives could be feeling especially stressed out and explosive today This isn't a good day to initiate intense communicationswiththem.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

The economy could well experience some turbulence, and you might hear from people expressing concerns about financial matters. Don't take them to heart, and certainly don't worry about yourownfinancialcondition.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Oppressive stress on you or thoseclosetoyoucouldcause disconcerting upsets within your relationships today, Gemini. Try to be objective andworkthingsoutrationally insteadofgoingtopieces.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Stresscouldtakeatollonyou today, Cancer You might t

wondering if it's all really worthit.Thisisn'tagoodday to start projects or engage in importantdiscussions.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Surprising new developments in close friendships or love relationshipscouldcomeyour way today, Leo. Someone might move away or perhaps moveclosertoyou.

VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)

Unexpected developments might interfere with your home life or with plans to spend a quiet evening with yourfamily,Virgo.Thiscould haveyoufeelingalittledown at first, but don't let it get to you.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Youmaybelookingforwardto talking on the phone with someone dear who lives far away,Libra,butcircumstances beyond your control could get in the way Perhaps you keep missingeachother

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

Although business and money matters continue to go well, some rather unsettling news regarding either your finances or the economy in general could reach you today, Scorpio.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

You may have been looking forward to communicating or spending time with the people you care about today if possible, but circumstances beyond your control throw some unexpected obstacles in yourway

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Although you've been feeling especially strong physically over the past few days, Capricorn, today you might feel a little under the weather You could even experience somegiddiness.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Emotionalmatterscouldhitthe fan today at a group gathering ormeetingofsomekind.Those aroundyouareapttobefeeling especially stressed and volatile, Aquarius, so be preparedforanything.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Stress might be getting the better of a household member today. This person feels emotionally volatile The least irritation could set off a temper tantrum Trytoeasethepressure bystayingoutoftheway

Zverevhasmadehisway to the quarter-finals in routine fashion, dropping just one set across four matches.

In contrast, Jodar had played two five-set matches andspentalmost13hourson court - around four hours morethanZverev

Thatdidnotappeartobe aproblemwhentheyouthful Jodarbroketolead5-2inthe openingset,butZverevtook advantage of the Spaniard’s nervesashetriedtoserveout theopener

TheGermanlevelledthe set and then took control of theresultingtie-breakbefore Jodar, who was playing in just his second Grand Slam maindraw,begantofade. Zverevbarelyletupfrom the second set onwards, wrapping up victory in emphatic fashion with a crashingforehand.

Frompage33

Brentford in contentious circumstances when it was unclear if the ball had gone out.

A 3D animation will be created, just like with goalline technology, which can show the exact ball position.

The chip in the ball will indicate which player touched the ball last, which should enable the VAR to check if a corner was the correct decision as part of newpowers.

Fifa has also expanded ‘Real-time3DRecreation’to make ‘line-of-sight’ judgements for offsides quickerandclearer

There are two virtual feeds, available to the VAR and TV viewers, which replicate the perspectives of bothgoalkeepers.

There were several ‘lineof-sight’ offside incidents thisseasonwheretherewere questions whether the goalkeeper’s view had been impacted.Thisisintendedto givetheVARanextratoolto makethatdecision.

Players representing some of the schools involved along with officials of the sponsors and organisers take time out for a photo.

The National Sports Commission (NSC), Ministry of Culture,YouthandSport(MCYS), and long-standing sponsor Smalta officially welcomed the return of theInter-PrimarySchoolsWindball Cricket Competition on Tuesday lastwithavibrantopeningeventat theNationalGymnasium.

Students, teachers, sports coordinators, sponsors, and NSC officials gathered to celebrate the revival of the popular schools’ tournament, which returns for the first time since 2019 The atmospherewasfestiveasspeakers highlighted the competition’s importance in developing young talent, promoting discipline, and fostering teamwork among students.

Delivering opening remarks, SmaltaTradeMarketingExecutive Mikhail Da Silva reflected on his own journey through the Windball Cricketprogramme.

“Afewyearsback,Iwasjustin your position,” Da Silva told the young participants “I started playingWindballCricketforNorth Georgetown Primary and later for Central High School right here. With the progress and support I received then, I am now in a

SmaltaInter-PrimarySchoolsWindball TournamentreturnsafterSeven-YearHiatus

positiontopartnerwiththeMCYS and NSC in making such an investment.”

He encouraged participants to embrace the spirit of the game and enjoy the competition. “This is a step in the right direction. Play in thebestspiritofthegameandmay the best team win. Have a great competition no fighting, just makefriends,”headded.

Speaking on behalf of the tournament sponsor, Smalta Brand Manager Sonia Ganpat expressed Guyana Breweries Inc.’s pride in supporting youth development

through sport, noting that, “Smalta has been a brand for generations, and Guyana Breweries Inc. is very happy to be a part of thisWindball programme.”

“This is the first event of this kindthatIamwitnessing,somakeit fun and exciting And remember, when you get to the supermarket, pickupaSmalta,”Ganpatimplored Meanwhile, Assistant Director of Sport Melissa Dow welcomed the return of the championship and praisedtheparticipatingstudents

“Iamveryhappytoseeprimary school children playing Windball

Cricketin2026.WeattheNSCand MCYS are all proud of you,” Dow stated. She also reminded participants that Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Steven Jacobs began his sporting journey playing Windball Cricket, just as theyaredoingtoday Dowstressedtheimportanceof disciplinebothonandoffthefield.

“Disciplineisveryimportantin sport and throughout life Teamwork is also important. The word for this tournament is discipline,”sheemphasized.

Sports Officer Allister Munroe expressed his delight at seeing the competition return after a lengthy absence.“Iamverypleasedtohave Windball Cricket back among our primaryschoolsafter2019withthe support of the NSC, MCYS and Smalta,” Munroe said. “This sport has a great history of producing talentedstudentswhohavegoneon to represent their clubs, counties, GuyanaandeventheWestIndies.”

He thanked the participating schools, teachers, and students for embracing the initiative and encouraged them to enjoy the experience.

The tournament is expected to provide a platform for hundreds of

young cricketers to showcase their skills while continuing Windball Cricket’s tradition of nurturing futurestarsofthesport.

While the opening of the tournamentwaswelcomedbyallin attendance, the officials also got a chanceto witness the officialbowl off, featuring action in both the Boys’andGirls’segments.

Here’salookatthefirstresults in the Smalta-NSC/MCYS ASTP ReturnofPrimarySchoolWindball Cricket played inside the National Gymnasium.

IntheGirl’smatch,SaintAgnes Primaryrecordedtheirfirstvictory, knockingoverSmithChurchby20 runsafterposting42-0,thankstoa rock-steady opening partnership fromTevikaBunbury(20runs)and ArwenCox(16runs).WhenSmith Church Primary batted, they could onlymuster22-1.

Over in Boy’s, Craig Primary lost to Graham Hall Primary by nine wickets. Craig batted first, setting a target of 34 runs, with ChristopherHuntetopscoringwith his16tohelphissideupto34-3.In response, Grahams Hall Primary 40-1, thanks to a fine innings from JahazielSmith,whostokerapatient 24runs.

Th e G u y a n a

B o x i n g

Association (GBA) has received high praise from President of the Pan American Boxing

Confederation, Elise Seignolle, following the country’sparticipationatthe recently concluded South American Youth Games in PanamaCity,Panama.

Guyana returned from the prestigious competition withabronzemedalcourtesy ofyoungboxerKenHarvy,a performance that earned

recognition from the continental governing body and further highlighted the progress being made by the GBAindevelopingthesport.

Inalettersentdirectlyto GBA President Steve

Ninvalle, Seignolle congratulated Guyana on its

a c h i e v e m e n t a n d acknowledged the work being done to advance boxinginthecountry

“I would like to extend my sincere congratulations toyourathletes,coaches,and officialsonthebronzemedal

achieved during the competition,” Seignolle stated.

She noted that Guyana’s accomplishment was a

r e f l e c t i o n o f t h e commitment shown by both the athletes and the

GBA receives high praise from President of the Pan American Boxing Confederation for South American Youth Games performance

further opportunities for young athletes and to continue strengthening boxing throughout the Americas.

administratorswhocontinue toinvestinthesport.

According to Seignolle, boxing at the South AmericanYouth Games and Guyana’s accomplishment “reflects the dedication and hardworkoftheathletesand thecontinuedeffortsofyour Federation to support the development of boxing in Guyana.”

The Panamerican

Boxing Confederation

President also commended theconductoftheGuyanese delegation throughout the event, stressed on the positiveimpressiontheyleft on the regional boxing community

“Inaddition,Iwouldlike t o r e c o g n i z e t h e professionalism, discipline, and sportsmanship demonstrated by your delegation throughout the event These qualities contribute positively to the growthofoursportandserve as an example for the next generationofathletesacross the continent,” Seignolle noted.

She further thanked Ninvalle for his continued collaboration and support of boxing initiatives across the region.

Seignolle added that she is looking forward to working together to create

Behind Harvy’s bronzemedalperformance,Guyana was well represented at the championships, in what Ninvalle described as another important step in proving that the nation can competeagainstsomeofthe strongest boxing countries outside of the Caribbean region.

Ninvalle welcomed the commendationfromthePan

reaffirmed the GBA’s commitment to athlete

internationalexposure.

The GBA President said the association remains

g opportunities for young boxers to gain valuable experience against higher levelsofcompetition,noting that such exposure is essential for long-term growthandsuccess.

Ninvallehighlightedthat the continued work being done by the GBA in grassroots and youth development will allow more Guyanese boxers to compete at regional, continentalandinternational tournaments, helping to bridgethegapbetweenlocal talent and elite-level competition.

Meanwhile, Ninvalle said he welcomes any collaboration with the P a n a m B o x i n g Confederation, particularly through competition, while thanking them for allowing

boxingtobepartoftheSouth AmericanYouthGames.

The latest recognition from the continental body

serves as further validation of the strides being made by the GBA as it continues its efforts to develop the next generation of Guyanese boxingtalentandstrengthen thecountry’spresenceonthe internationalstage.

West Indies, Sri Lanka in high-stakes push to claim 2027 World Cup spot

ESPNcricinfo - Big picture: One eye on the ODIrankings

Where once ODI

bilaterals could have been fairly mocked for their lack ofrelevance,theyareplayed less and less, and this series has a bit of heat to it.

Qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup is on the line, and both these sides knowwhatit’sliketobeleft out of a major international tournament (both were missing from the last Champions Trophy, and West Indies had also not playedthe2023WorldCup).

On March 31, 2027, the eight highest-ranking teams - aside from hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe - will

qualifyautomaticallyforthe World Cup, and teams slightly lower will have to fight their way in through a qualifier. Currently, Sri Lanka are ranked sixth in ODIs, whileWest Indies are ninth. Both teams could do

witharankingsboost.

Sri Lanka are in slightly bettershapecomingintothis series.Theyhave,atthevery least, played ODIs this year, losing 2-1 at home to England. West Indies have lost four of their last five

ODIs, and have not played the format for six months. Bothteamshavemoreorless their regular ODI troops to pick from, however Sri Lanka’s seam stocks are in especially good health at present.

Inthespotlight: MendisandHope

Sri Lanka’s ODI captaincy has been one of cricket’s most-puzzling roulettewheelsoverthepast tenyears.KusalMendishad hadthejobuntil2024,when hewasoustedwithnoreason provided.Hehasagainbeen putincharge,perhapswitha view to him leading Sri Lanka into that 2027 World Cupcampaign.There’sbeen little to recommend him for therolethanhisownbuoyant batting form, however How willhefarethistimeinwhat has turned out to be one of cricket’s most tumultuous positions? With an average of 50.52 and 19 hundreds in this format, West Indies captainShaiHopeistheonly batter in the series who can be called a reliable run machine.

Hope hasn’t played competitivecricketsincethe T20 World Cup, but does have a decentrecord against Sri Lanka, against whom he has hit two ODI hundreds and four fifties. Like his opposite wicketkeeperbatter-captainMendis,Hope will be a key figure as West Indies begin their push toewards the 2027 World Cupinearnest.

Teamnews: Hetmyerreturns West Indies will need to find a spot for Shimron

Shai Hope is the only batter in the series who can be called a reliable run machine.

(ICC/Getty Images)

Hetmyer, who is back in the ODI format Ackeem Auguste may make way at the top of the order to allow Hetmyer back in. Gudakesh Motie will also likely lead thespinattack.

WestIndies(possible):1 JohnCampbell,2ShaiHope (capt.)(wk) , 3 Keacy Carty, 4 Shimron Hetmyer, 5 Sherfane Rutherford, 6 Roston Chase, 7 Justin Greaves,8MatthewForde,9

Shamar Springer, 10 Gudakesh Motie, 11 Jayden Seales

Sri Lanka have serious decisions to make on the bowling front In Dushmantha Chameera,

Dilshan Madushanka, and Eshan Malinga, they have three bowlers capable of breaching140kph. Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Kamil Mishara, 2 Pathum Nissanka, 3 Kusal Mendis (capt, wk), 4 Pavan Rathnayake, 5 Charith Asalanka,6JanithLiyanage, 7 Kamindu Mendis, 8 Wanindu Hasaranga, 9 Eshan Malinga, 10 Dushmantha Chameera, 11 DilshanMadushanka Pitchandconditions: It’sbeentoolong,Sabina When Sabina Park last hosted ODIs back in 2022, West Indies and Ireland had played out a low-scoring series The weather for Wednesdayisexpectedtobe good.

Statsandtrivia:West Indies32-32SriLanka

In the 44 matches Hope hascaptained,hisbattinghas been especially good - he averages54.69andstrikesat 95.45whenleadingtheside.

KusalMendishasaneven record as captain, with Sri Lanka winning eight ODIs andlosingeightunderhim

These teams also have exactly32winsand32losses each when playing each other Of their last 10 encounters however, Sri Lankahavewonsix.

These teams haven’t played in Kingston since 2013.

No more delayed flag? Fifa adds new offside tech for World Cup

BBC Sport - The delayed offsideflagcouldalmostbecomea thingofthepastafterFifaunveiled new technology to be used at the 2026WorldCup.

Fifa will introduce advanced semi-automated offside for video assistant referees (VAR) which should make decisions faster and meananassistantcanraisetheflag ratherthanwaitfor a moveto play out.

A real-time audio alert will be sent to the assistant if a player is morethan10cmoffside.

Previous versions of the technologytestedattheClubWorld Cup and the Intercontinental Cup

onlynotifiedtheofficialsifaplayer wasgreaterthan50cmoffside.

The official will remain in chargeofwhentoraisetheflagand stop play They may keep the flag downiftheysuspecttherehasbeen amalfunction,butFifasaysaseries of failsafe measures are in the technology to prevent errors happening.

The technology will still be unable to pick out the closest offsides,whiletherearelimitations if players are on the ground or if thereareseveraltooclosetogether

It can only be used for positional offside and not for subjective calls, those which

require interpretation around whetheraplayerhasinterferedwith an opponent without touching the ball.Fifahopesitwillremovesome ofthefrustrationfeltbysupporters andplayers,andreducethechance of injury due to needless passages of play when an offside flag is goingtoberaised.

In May 2025, Nottingham ForeststrikerTaiwoAwoniyihadto beplacedinaninducedcomaafter colliding with a post when the assistantdelayedraisinganoffside flag.

Fifa also confirmed that lifelike, AI-enabled 3D avatars of every player will be created to

makemoreaccuratedecisions.

Thiswillmeancreatingadigital scan of all 1,248 players in the 26mansquadsofthe48teams.

Each player will enter a chamber to be scanned, a process thatshouldtakejustonesecondand only needs to be done once during theirpre-tournamentphotoshoot.

As a result, enhanced, clearer

Fifa has been working on ways to improve offside decisions for the World Cup. (Getty Images)

offside animations will be used at theWorldCup.

New‘outofbounds’and ‘lineofsight’technology Fifa has also approved the use oftechnologywhichcandetermine iftheballwentoutofplaybeforea goalwasscored.InFebruary,Aston Villahadagoaldisallowedagainst

Continued on page 29

Beharry U-19 School’s Cricket Tournament… NALICO/NAFICO makes history by unveiling extensive insurance protection plan for players

- Coaching staff, umpires, scorers among others to benefit from coverage

ByCliftonRoss

In a move to ensure that players, coaches, umpires, scorersandmanyothersare

well-protected during the upcoming Beharry U19 School’s crickettournament,localinsurance giants North American Life InsuranceCompanyLtd.andNorth American Fire & General

Insurance Company Ltd (NALICO/NAFICO); unveiled a comprehensive protection coverage plan geared towards shielding Guyana’s future crop of ambassadors.

During yesterday’s ceremony held at the company’s Regent and HincksStreetlocation,TroyPeters, Chairperson of the tournament’s representative, Petra Organization thanked the insurance giant for what was a truly historic move geared towards protecting Guyana’sassetsintheformoftheir futurecricketstars.

The company was yesterday

unveiled as the official insurance sponsor of the tournament, which will see NALICO seemingly overlooking the physical wellbeing and preservation of some 1600playersfromacross80school teams; who will now have total insurancecoveragefortheduration oftheendeavor

Peters added that despite preparations gaining momentum, one eye is still on the current weathercycleasorganizersarestill aimingtobowlofftheeventbutare nowputtingtherequiredsystemin placetoensurethatthetournament endures a smooth run from start to end.

Newly elected CEO of NALICO/NAFICO, Dean Robertson, said the opportunity to sponsor and take care of the tournament’s players, teams, coordinators and others is a great deal for the company, who aims to ensure that parents especially can sleep well knowing that their children will be protected at all

Some of the School’s Under-19 Cricket Coordinators pose with a few pieces of cricket protection gear.

cost.

Robertson said it was amazing to see a room filled with youths of today despite coming from different regions or villages in Guyana,justeagertocompete.

Some of the perks of the c

protection package includes Transportation coverages for all players,scorers,coordinators,team managementsupportstaff,umpires

and others with all venues also falling under the umbrella of the protection plan; further adding morepeaceofmindforparents. All schools, matches will also be covered with rides to and from venues,Robertsonconfirmedashe thanked organizers and other sponsorsforthrowingtheirsupport behind the future of Guyana’s cricket. Me

Beharry Group Chief

Officer

lauded all parties involved in making the event a reality

She especially thanked the Ministry of Education, Petra Organization for their continued development across all facets of sports locally, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), insurance sponsors NALICO/NAFICOandmedia.

CARICOMGoldCupHorseraceMeetsetforJuly5

Horseracing will return onSundayJuly5when the CARICOM Gold Cup takes centre stage at the Port MourantTurfClub.

The Guyana Horseracing Committee released a provisional programmewhichwillsee11races on the card and more than G$15 millionincashandprizeswillbeup forthetaking.

The CARICOM Gold Cup feature will be open to all threeyear-oldandoverhorsesgoingata distance of 1900 meters. A total purseoffourmillionwillbeupfor grabsandthetophorsewillreceive twomillion.

Other races on the programme include the CARICOM Sprint Stakesopentoallfour-year-oldand over, CARICOM Derby open to three-year-old Guyana bred, and theEClassandLower There is also the Rising Star Stakes open to three-year-old importedhorses,thethree-year-old andoverWIBredwinners,HClass andLowerWIBrednon-winnerin Guyana, three-year-old and over I/J/KClass,LClasswinners,K&L Maidens and the future star stakes two-year-old Guyana bred juveniles.

All races will run under the Guyana rules of racing and entries willopenfromJune22andcloseon June26.

Full Entries, declaration of Horse, Jockey & Equipment to be madeinpersonattheRacingOffice c/o Director of Racing Operations Mr John Rupert Location of

CARICOM Gold Cup horserace is set for July 5 at Port Mourant.

Racing Office Lot #15, Strand, N e w A m s t e r d a m ( J ’s Supermarket).

AllEntryformsmustbesigned upinfullbyeitherOwnerorTrainer oranagentrepresentingthestable.

AllEntriesaretobepaidinfull at the office when you sign up the form.

Three (3) Race day Bands per horse will be issued upon Entering horses at the Racing Office, 1 for Owner, 1 for Trainer & 1 for Groom.

AllJockeysridingonRaceday mustvisittheRacingOfficetosign Entry form of the horses that they areengagedtorideonRaceday

ImportedRidersbookedtoride, their Entry forms can be signed by the Owner or Trainer that has brought them into the country to ride.

All Jockeys booked to ride are to report to the Jockey Room on Race Morning for 10am. They are askednottobelate.Aregisterwill betheretobooktheirwhichwillbe monitoredbytheStewards.

Grooms must be dressed appropriately to ensure safety, no slippers or short pants or vests or shortsleeveswillbeaccepted.

PostPositionDrawingforALL RACES will be conducted at the Racetrack Grandstand, on Sunday 28thJune2026from2pm.

No late Entries would be accepted. No Entries would be accepted over the telephone, including WhatsApp messages or calls.

All Entry Fees are to be paid upon entering horses at the Racing Office within the 5 Day entry process.

No Entry Payments will be accepted on Race day Entry Fee Refunds on Scratched Runners on Race day would be returned to the Owner or Trainer when official RaceWinningsaredispersed.

Beharry U-19 School’s Cricket Tournament…

NALICO/NAFICO makes history by unveiling extensive insurance protection plan for players

-Coachingstaff,umpires,scorersamongotherstobenefitfromcoverage