Rice farmers from Region Two on Thursday protested atAnna Regina over low paddy prices. The farmers were supported by Members of Parliament representing the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party and other officials.
Govt. takes control of 22 city streets
...City Hall, WIN and others call move 'power grab’
By Rehanna Ramsay
In a sweeping and controversial move that has ignited political backlash and alarm at City Hall, the Government of Guyana has taken control of 22 major streets in Georgetown- a decision critics are branding as a brazen power grab with s e r i o u s f i n a n c i a l consequences for the capital city
The Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC)
h a s s u m m o n e d a n extraordinary statutory meeting today to deal with the matter The takeover, quietly formalised in a March 21, 2026 gazette order,stripsthemunicipality of authority over key
revenue-generating corridors,includingthebusy V l i s s e n g e n R o a d , transferring control directly to the Ministry of Public
Works The orders, numbered 15 through 37 of 2026andsignedbyMinister Juan Edghill declare a wide network of streets as public
roads under central government control.Among them are Regent Street, Robb Street, Camp Street, Charlotte Street, Lamaha Street and the Eastern Highway— arteries that are n o t o n l y v i t a l t o transportation, but crucial to the city's income stream. Otherstreetsinclude:Cowan Street, New Market Street, Middle Street, Aubrey Barker Road, Cane View Avenue, Garnett Street, D'andrade Street, Da Silva Street,DennisStreet, Sandy Babb Street, Albert Street, Cummings Street, Charlotte Street, America Street, East Street and Hadfield Street Public. When contacted on the issue, Minister Edghill saidhewasatameeting,but promised that he would makeacomment.
Unilateraldecision
City Mayor Alfred Mentore has expressed concern and outright condemnation of what he d e s c r i b e d a s t h e Government's unilateral decisiontoseizetwenty-two (22) roads that form part of the Georgetown City Council'sstatutoryportfolio. He has since written to government to reverse its decisionorfacelegalaction. The mayor's statement comessixdaysaftergazetted on 20th March 2026 by the Minister of Public Works undertheRoadsActalistof roads under the Ministry's control.
Mentorecalledthemove as “not just unlawful governance but it is the arbitrary centralisation of local assets by executive fiat/decree.”
Mentore noted that the sudden takeover without consultation undermines the constitutional principle of local self-government and treats the elected Council as irrelevant.
“The roads, which should be managed, maintained, and funded by theCouncilusingratepayers' resources, were simply gazetted as “public roads” with zero prior notice, zero consultationwiththeelected Council, and zero engagement with the residents and businesses who depend on them daily,” heasserted.
He explained that “The Municipal and District CouncilsAct,Chapter28:01, explicitly defines and protects the Council's jurisdictionovertheseroads. TheGovernmenthaschosen to ignore the clear statutory framework that vests responsibility for council roads in the democratically electedlocalauthority.”
The Mayor pointed to key provisions within the Municipal and District
Councils Act, that defines: “council road” as any highway or other road or streettowhichthepublichas right of access in a council areaotherthanapublicroad; and any reference to a council road includes the roadway, shoulders, verges, embankments, pedestrian walks, cycle tracks, bridges, culverts, canals and drains on the line of the road and connected therewith He explained further that section 274 of theAct states unequivocally that a council shall have power, subject to the provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act, theRoadsActandtheMotor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act to construct, maintain, repair, protect and carry out works for the betterment of council roads in its council area and to regulate and controltrafficthereon.
“Nowhere in the Municipal and District Councils Act does the Central Government or the Minister possess the power to unilaterally reclassify council roads as public roads,transferownership,or remove them from the Council's portfolio without due process, notice, or
contravenes the letter and
MayorMentorecalledon the Government to immediately revoke the gazetting of these 22 roads, res
Georgetown City Council's portfolio, and engage in good-faith consultation as requiredbytheprinciplesof good governance and the ruleoflaw
“ T h e p e o p l e o f
Georgetown elected this Counciltomanagetheircity - not to stand idly by while centra
spirit of the Act ” By reclassifying these 22 roads as public roads, he said the PPP/C Government has stripped the City Council of thepowersexpresslygranted toitunderSection274ofthe Municipal and District Councils Act. According to thechiefcitizen,theCouncil cannolongerfulfillitslegal dutytomaintainandregulate trafficontheseroads-aduty ithasdischargedfordecades usinglocalfunds.
DANGEROUS PRECEDENT
According to the Mayor, theissuewillnotonlyaffect Georgetown but it sets a dangerous precedent for All Local Authorities: If the Government can simply gazette away council roads without notice or consultation, no council asset – roads, vendors using thoseroads,councilrevenue, drains, markets, or other infrastructure - is safe from similar arbitrary seizure Thisactionsignalscontempt for the entire framework of l o c a l g o v e r n m e n t established under Chapter 28:01.
“We will defend the Municipal and District CouncilsAct,wewilldefend our council roads, and we will defend the democratic rightofGeorgetowntolocal controloverlocalassets.”In the interim, he revealed that the Georgetown City Councilisactivelyexploring a
parliamentary avenues to protect the capital city's interests and restore the roads to their rightful jurisdictionundertheAct.
Attorney-at-lawBrenden Glasford in an online post said the takeover by the government matters “if you advertise and would like to place billboards on road parapets. It also matters for any person or business seeking to use the parapets, such as trading permission for roadside festivals, like Mashramani or Guyana Carnival,Easteretc.Forany permission would now have to be sought from the Ministry of Public Works rather than the Municipality of Georgetown. Also, the more public roads under the
auspices of the Government o f G u y a n a w i l l proportionately increase the number of public contracts f o r r e p a i r a n d / o r rehabilitationofthosepublic roads.”
Former Georgetown Mayor, Hamilton Green called the move an abomination. “Something beyond belief came to my attention. The Government announced that they will be takingoverseveralstreetsin Georgetownwhileowingthe City Council large sums of money Dictatorship is a handmaiden of corruption,” Green a former prime ministersaid.
Accordingtohim,thisis not a matter to be taken lightly “Those who are genuinely concerned must continue to speak out and actively engage in efforts to bring about meaningful change History has repeatedly demonstrated humanity's tendency to ignore warning signs, often proceeding along a selfdestructive path, frequently led by individuals driven by greed and the pursuit of economic and political power.”
Governanceand transparency
The main opposition party, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) says it viewswithdeepconcernthe government's move. “While p
v
o
developmental intervention, this action raises fundamentalquestionsabout governance, transparency, and respect for the constitutional framework
“We were anticipating sometime next year in 2027 that we were going to get to the point where we had recovered those historic cost (sic)…what we are now seeing in this price environment is that will accelerate ”
Considering that oil prices are frequently breaking the US$100 a barrel mark, ExxonMobil's Chief Executive Officer in Guyana, Alistair Routledge spoke to truth. The reality is that Guyana is set to fully payback the entire US$40B that he calls “historic cost.” Currently, that US$40B debt has only a half billion left to repay. It should be a joyful time in Guyana, given that prospect. So, why isn't it? Why is Routledge not coming straight out and say that within the matter of a few short months Guyana will be finished paying the past costs, the “historic cost”, and will begin to collect its full and fair 50% share of profits? The 2016 Production Sharing Agreement says that in black and white, so why is it that there is this vagueness over Guyana starting to collect that now due, that rightful half share from its oil profits? What kind of trick is being played, when ExxonMobil's Routledge circles around that full 50% share, and speaks about 'some percentage', but which he is not ready to say how much it is? We expected that, by now, the PPPC Government would be talking of little else, and sharing its excitement about Guyana closing in on receiving its half share of profits from the nation's oil patrimony. Citizens should have been hearing their leaders stirring up anticipation, and building awareness, that this is going to happen. We look at what that means. From the time that this country begins to collect its 50% share from the oil profits, that would be the equivalent of four times (12.5% X 4 = 50%) what is being received today. Considering that oil prices are in the US$100 a barrel range and this country's daily production level is over 900,000 barrels; then even more billions should flow into the Natural Resource Fund. Four times more to be received soon means that the Guyana Government would have much more in the bank, so that all citizens could have a much better life. At the 12.5% level that Guyana has been getting, most citizens have not tasted the richness of their oil.
Because no kind of decent money has reached them, they cannot assert honestly that oil has made a difference in their lives. Truth be told, it could be said with some
Opposition must be involved in selecting Expert deciding fate of $214 MAudit dispute
DEAREDITOR, Kaieteur News’s (KN) March 17, 2026 edition reported Minister Vickram Bharrat’sannouncementthat the “Govt. and Exxon agree on expert to settle the US$214Mauditdispute”.To the casual eye, this comes acrossasapositivestepafter
t h e g o v e r n m e n t pussyfooting for five years, but not so fast! This is nothing but a slick move to avoidarbitrationandquietly cut a deal with Exxon, splitting the difference somewhere between the US$214 M Exxon hoist and itsridiculouscounterofonly US$3M MARK MY WORD!
Further, lest we forget that this scandalous audit
resultmaynothaveseenthe light of day had it not been leaked, not to mention the coverup which followed with the government scapegoatinganemployee.
Lestwealsoforgetthe6yeargovernmentblackoutof information on oil & gas including reserves estimate, and how government officials habitually pretzel themselves to subserviently parrot whatever Exxon ordains.
By reason of the above, plus the innumerable instances of the government and Exxon teaming up against the country, the people have had enough of this betrayal, and so, have absolutely no trust in their government The people
have seen that scary movie over and over before and despite VPBharrat Jagdeo’s belief that Guyanese are “stupid”,theyarenotglutton for punishment The
Honorable Judge Sandil Kissoon’s evidence driven words say it all in his landmark ruling in favor of the people against Team Exxon-Govt , concluding thattheGovt.has“abdicated the exclusive statutory responsibilities entrusted to it”and“actedinunisonwith Exxonwhichisengagedina course of action made permissible only by the omissions of a derelict, pliantandsubmissiveGovt”.
Asnormalleaderswould do to save face and soothe any suspicion, this
government’s only recourse is to involve at least one memberoftheOppositionto select the expert who will decide whether the US$214M grab stays in Exxon’s pockets or the rightful share returned to people.Addedly, this expert mustalsobetaskedtoreview the failed audit process; for, if not fixed, such improprieties are bound to be repeated in perpetuity with the Guyanese people losing US$ Billions that go intoExxon’spockets.
The US$214 M is the m i n i m u m d a m a g e discovered, since audits are conducted on a very small sample typically 5-10% of activities;hence,onecould (Continuedonpage06)
GECOM Employment Policies and Practices are in Keeping with Legal Provisions
DEAREDITOR, Reference is made to a letter published in the 25th March, 2026 edition of the Kaieteur News under the caption, “Arbitrary Policy Changes, Selective Enforcement, and Labour Rights Concern at GECOM”, purportedly written by a ‘concerned employee.’
This letter is not only startling but it is a direct attack on the Chief Election Officer (CEO) who heads
the GECOM Secretariat; especially since no employee has ever formally raised any such concerns with the management of the agency In this regard, G E C O M w i s h t o categorically dismiss the falsehoods in the letter whichcanonlybedeemedas an effort to sow discord among employees in a wellrun constitutional agency, create mischief, cause confusion, and undermine public trust and confidence inGECOM.
much confidence that the arrival of oil has made their lives harder, since they just cannot see their way when high prices are suffocating them. Constantly rising prices for food, and the general cost of living have hurt Guyanese badly.
So, the combination of higher oil prices (US$100 a barrel), higher daily production (900,000 barrels or more) and a historic cost bank soon to go to zero (currently at approximately US0.05B) makes possible 50% profit share for Guyana and 50% for ExxonMobil. Instead of excitement from leaders, there is a seeming lack of interest, and the silence that goes along with that public posture.
This prompts us to ask these questions: What is going on with the full and fair 50% profit for Guyana now hanging impatiently overhead? Why was it necessary for ExxonMobil's Routledge to beat around the bush with
The opening paragraph of the letter alleged that the CEO has been increasingly undertaking arbitrary, selective and legally questionable administrative actions However, after careful perusal of the entire letter,thereisnoevidenceto prove any of those allegations.Infact,themove to reduce the 28 days concessionary sick leave to 14daysonlysoughttobring GECOM’s employment
unspecified percentages? What was stopping him from saying clearly and authoritatively that, once oil prices remain high, Guyana will have 50% profit in its hands?
A n d , w h y i s t h e P P P C Government, usually so vocal on most issues, so distant and uninterested, not going near when 50% profit kicks in for this country?
We do not like the look of this, nor the sound of it.
A certain smell is given off, and it is neither healthy nor inspiring. It seems that the groundwork is being laid for Guyana to be skimmed and victimized again. We do not know the shape or manner of what's being plotted. But 50% profit for Guyana is under attack, already being stripped down, and primed for more manipulations. Guyanese have a choice: continue to sit on their hands, or fight for what is right.
policies and practices in alignment with what is legallypermissible.
Whereas Public Service Rule(2004Edition)No.H41 clearly states that, “a pensionable employee may be granted by his/her Permanent Secretary/Head of Department/Regional ExecutiveOfficerSickleave notexceeding28daysinany one year”, No. H42, states that “a non-pensionable employeemaybegrantedby h
Whereas, all categories of employees were benefitting from the annual 28dayssickleavebydefault, the move to regularize the sick leave concession was simplytoensurecompliance in line with Public Service Rule No. H42. There is absolutely nothing arbitrary orselectiveinthisaction.
Further, the unknown letter writer’s statement rega
ct
ve enforcement is reckless and evidently mischievous since our records will prove otherwise. The fact of the matter is that staff has benefitted and continues to benefit from various forms of leave in accordance with the extant Public Service Rules.
Inviewoftheforegoing, it is of importance to note t h a t t h e G E C O M management has an opendoor policy and regularly engageswithstafftoresolve
(Continuedonpage06)
Rembering the great Dr. Cheddi Jagan
DEAREDITOR, Dr CheddiJaganformer PresidentoftheCooperative RepublicofGuyana,asonof thesoil,agreatleader,would always be remembered. Dr Jagan was born on the 22nd March1918inPortMourant Berbice-Corentyne.
When you look at the history of this great leader, who started the political fight for this beautiful country we live in, he is undoubtfully and rightfully the father of this nation. He grewupinCorentynewhere he attended the Primary school there, before leaving toattendQueen’sCollegeat the age of 14 years between years1933to1936.
He then migrated to the United States of America where he attended the Howard University, and the North Western University where he was qualified as a DoctorinDentalSurgery
During his time in the USA, he met Janet Jagan of Chicago Illinois in December 1942 and on the 5th August 1943, they got married.Dr JaganandJanet Jagan got two children, Cheddi Jagan Jnr. and Nadira Cde Dr Cheddi returned with his wife to then British Guiana and set up his dental clinic in Georgetown During that period while practicing dentistry, he got involved in the trade union movement and politics fighting for workers’rights and in 1946 he established the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) along with his wife Janet, Ashton Chase and Jocelyn Hubbart.
Thismovementwasalso supported by Sydney King. Dr Jagan then campaigned as a candidate for the East C o a s t D e m e r a r a constituency and was successfully being elected a member of the Legislative Assembly in 1947. He and his team then decided to formapoliticalparty.Atthat time, Forbes Burnham was included in the team and on the 1st January, 1950 the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) was birthed with Dr Jagan as leader, Forbes Burnham as Chairman and Janet Jagan as Secretary This was Guyana’s first large mass-base political partyformed.Inthe1953the PPP contested the British Guiana elections and had won the majority of votes. However, Dr Jagan and his teamofMinistersonlylasted
for 133 days when the British suspended the constitutionputtingthemout ofgovernment.
H o w e v e r , t h e
constitution was restored in 1957,thePPPagainwonthe majority of votes and was allowed to form the government. At the 1961 elections the mighty PPP won again, however at that elections Dr Jagan became the Premier and Minister of Developmentandplanning.
Duringthosetimes,both
B
comfortable with Dr Jagan and Guyana being too friendlywithRussiabecause thatwasthecoldwarperiod. So, they were thinking of a method that could be used instead of the first past the post system that could put thePPPinadifficultposition in winning 1964 elections, so they introduced a Proportional Representation system However, at the 1964elections,althoughthe PPP had acquired the majorityofthevotesatthose elections, the British allowed the People’s National Congress – Forbes Burnham Party and the United Force – led by Peter D’aguiar to join forces
together using the proportional representation
system to form the government and putting the PPPoutofpower
From1964t01992some 28yearsDr Jaganservedas Opposition Leader, because alltheelectionsfrom1973to 1985 were massively rigged in favor of the PNC. Based on our constitution, every 5 years Guyana holds
elections; however, no elections were held in 1990 because Dr Jagan rejected thevoterslistofelectorsdue the thousands of PPP supporters were not on the lists, also Dr Jagan called forthecountingofthevotes at the place of polls
Desmond Hoyte was Presidentatthattimedidnot want to accept the counting ofvotesatthepollingplace. H o w e v e r , d u e t o international pressure and theintroductionoftheCarter Centre he was able to overcomethatbarrier
Dr Jaganknewthatifthe votes were counted at the pollingplace,hewouldhave won the 5th October 1992 elections, which he did and became President of Guyana.
The first free and Fair elections since 1964. Dr CheddiJagandiedonthe6th March1997.BothDr Jagan and Janet Jagan were Presidents of Guyana. He w o u l d a l w a y s b e remembered for his great leadership and a man who had fought for the working class and to restore democracytoGuyana.
AndrewForsythe
Why is foreign exchange restricted and unacceptably unavailable?
DEAR KAIETEURNEWS
,
TheBankofGuyanaandthe Government of Guyana is still to give a plausible explanation as to why foreign exchange continues tobeunacceptablyrestricted a n d u n a c c e p t a b l y unavailable from Guyanese bankinginstitutions.
Myrequestforanonline bank-to-bank transfer of foreign exchange after one month, has still not been processed and I have been informed that it is still in a queue. No explanation from theGuyanesebankinvolved as to when funds will be available has been given, apart from a word-of-mouth promise that my request has been placed in a priority queue.
There are numerous reports of sick and injured peoplebeingunabletotravel and receive medical treatment unavailable in Guyana due to a lack of available foreign exchange, placingtheirhealthandlives at risk and placing them in the very embarrassing position of being unable to payforservicesnotbecause of unavailability of funds in
Guyana but because the Bank of Guyana and the Government of Guyana has placed Guyanese into this embarrassingsituation.
Business persons have also told me that they are forced to deal with this ongoing lack of foreign exchange in effect for more thanayear
Guyana the so called fastest growing economy in theworldandacountrythat the President of Guyana has said is open for business, is infactNOTopentobusiness for Guyanese, not open for access to foreign exchange, not open for the average Guyanese citizen to access essential and lifesaving services needed, neither open to access for foreign exchange for paying for higher education tuition and amyriadofotherneeds.
TheBankofGuyanaand Guyanese banking institutions MUST explain who are the persons, companies, ministries, ministers, projects foreign and Guyanese who are receiving and taking out of the banking system the vast majority of foreign
exchange thereby denying law abiding Guyanese citizens from access to foreign exchange for essential and other services which should be their right toaccess.
This situation is very similar to years ago when under the PNC Burnham Administration Guyanese has little access to foreign exchange. In a twist of fate Guyanese find themselves back to a situation which olderfolkfelttheywouldnot returnto. Thisisbutanother exampleofaGuyananotfor Guyanese.
The Bank of Guyana needs to release a credible explanationforthisongoing situation, local banks must all give an explanation as to why their customers continue to experience the unfair, discriminatory and illegalrestrictionoffundsto their customers Finally, those responsible for this state of affairs, release the categories of entities and people who are benefitting inordinately from Guyana foreign exchange at the expenseofcitizen’sneeds.
DanutaRadzik
GCAA defends suspension of ASL operations
…but company says flights to Matthews Ridge reinstated, pilot remains grounded
In response to recent complaints by Air Services Limited (ASL) that it is being unfairly pushed out of business following restrictions on its flights to theMatthewsRidgeAirstrip in Region One, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has defended its actions, stating that the suspension of ASL’s operationswascarriedoutin accordancewithitsstatutory mandate.
In a statement on Thursday, the GCAA explainedthatthedecisionto suspendASL’soperationsto Matthews Ridge pending a full investigation into a reported incident, was necessary to ensure aviation safety The authority noted, “The pilot’s suspension and temporary operational restrictions were necessary as preventive measures against a more serious accident, subject to formal
investigation and review, ensuringproceduralfairness while upholding the GCAA’s duty
t decisively in the interest of safety.”
However, ASL’s
attorney, Motee Singh, has since revealed that the companyhasbeenclearedto resume flights to Matthews Ridge Speaking with KaieteurNewsonThursday, Singh disclosed that the Director General of the GCAA sent correspondence on Thursday morning granting the airline permission to recommence operations.
“This morning, the Director of the GCAA sent us an email stating that we can resume operations to Matthews Ridge. However, the pilot remains suspended until further notice,” Singh said. He maintained that the c o m p a n y w a s n o t responsible for the incident andcriticizedthedecisionto
suspend the pilot without what he described as sufficient evidence. While notingthattheemaildidnot indicate whether the investigationhadconcluded, Singh said the airline has nonetheless been given clearancetooperate.
Meanwhile, the GCAA reiterated that its actions stem from ongoing operational reviews and safety assessments within the aviation sector The authority emphasized that increased oversight in certain areas is necessary to safeguard passengers, crew, aircraft airworthiness, and public confidence “All regulatory decisions of the GCAA are made strictly in accordance with our safety and security mandate,” the statementsaid.
The agency further stressed that safety remains vital,adding,“Safetyisnonnegotiable in the aviation industry When risk patterns
emerge, early action is not optional;itisessential.”
On Wednesday, ASL Chairman Captain Ahamad MazaharAlly raised serious concerns about what he described as abrupt and undocumented decisions made by the aviation authority Heclaimedthaton Sunday, the company receivedverbaldirectivesto ceaseoperationsandrestrict flights to Region One, its largest service area, placing the livelihoods of more than 300employeesatrisk.
Ally explained thatASL typicallyoperatesthreedaily flights to Matthews Ridge, butanincidentinvolvingone of its aircraft on Sunday triggeredthesuspension.
“The first aircraft was involved in an incident.The second aircraft went in and returned with the pilot, and then our Operations Manager, Captain Zahir,
GCAA Director General Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Egbert Field
received a call from the Director General indicating thathehadreceivedareport abouttheincidentandthathe would ground our air services and the pilot with immediate effect,” Ally stated. He noted that while the airline was initially allowed tocompleteitsoperationson Sunday, it was fully grounded by Monday a directive that later escalated
into a complete restriction from operating at Matthews Ridge.
Providingfurtherdetails, Ally said the incident involvedanothercompany’s aircraft that had landed, suffered a puncture, and veered off the runway but remainedontheairstrip.Asa result, the ASL aircraft was forced to manoeuvre and ultimately landed on a nearbyconstructionsite.
“There is no supervision or air traffic control there,” headded.
Ally also argued that such incidents are not uncommon in the aviation sector but believes ASL is being unfairly singled out. “All operators have incidents, but they are not subjected to these kinds of measures. As far as we are concerned, only our company is being targeted,” hesaid.
GECOM Employment Policies...
Frompage04 issues as they may arise. In fact, it was only quite recently that the CEO and the Chairman held a general staff meeting where the opportunity was given openly to all members of staff to raise whatever concernstheymayhave. At that meeting the issue of sick leave concession was discussed with no question beingleftunaddressed. Also at that meeting, staff members were encouraged
to bring to the attention of Management, any issue which might be affecting them through the Human Resources Manager, and withtheundertakingthatany such issue will be addressed transparently
Further, the CEO has been traversing Registration Offices to have similar engagements with field staff None of those engagementsresultedinthe airing of any of the issues mentioned in the above
referencedletter
While we found it necessary to offer clarification regarding the disinformation spewed in the letter, we also use this opportunity to assure all concerned that GECOM remains grounded in ensuring that its operations areeffectivelymanagedand that staff welfare is prioritized
Yourssincerely, GuyanaElections Commission
Opposition must be involved...
Frompage04 only imagine the real extent of Guyana’s shortfall, especially when Exxon refuses access of auditors to key information such as oil meters and production data. Inthiscase,poorGuyanahas effectively given filthy rich Exxon an interest free loan of US$107 M (Guyana’s share) for five years and counting, for Exxon to use and make more money as it pleases, while Guyana borrows and spends with hefty interest attached Simply put, while Exxon makes massive amounts of money from the disputes regardless of outcome, Guyana loses huge sums from cost of loans in lieu of keepingitsmoneysuchasits US$107M which could go a long way in a country suffering from a 58% povertyrate,andthehighest childmalnutritionrateinthe Caribbean and Latin
AmericaRegion.
Unfortunately, the government’s knowledge of standard audit processes leaves much to be desired and unquestionably manifesting Guyana’s endingupontheshortendof the stick with Exxon having a field day taking full advantage of this incompetence. It is most bizarre seeing the Govt handing over full control of audits to its sub-contractor, when the standard practice callsfortheGovt.toleadall audits from start to finish. The sub-contractor has no contractual authority to direct Exxon, and reason why Exxon refuses their access to critical information.
The standard process starts on the first day inbriefing when rules are laid down by the lead Govt. official and when specialist teams consisting of
representativesoftheGovt., Exxon and the audit company are identified to focus on their specialty areas. A general closeout meetingisheldateachday’s end when questions and issues are identified, discussed,clarified,fixed,or tabledforfurtherreview As aresult,allremainingissues are fully understood by all parties and documented by theendofthefinaldaywith verylittle,ifanysurprisesin the final report; thus, avoiding the Team ExxonGovt. shenanigans and loss ofmoneytoGuyanaasinthe U S $ 2 1 4 s c a n d a l Undoubtedly, Exxon fully adheres to this standard practice in the USA, but takes advantage of an unknowledgeable, derelict, pliant and submissive Govt. at the dire expense of the Guyanesepeople.
Sincerely, Dr VincentAdams
AFC slams ExxonMobil's lawless ‘overproduction’
...says party lacks funds to take matter to court
Although its previous Leader is a renowned Attorney, the Alliance For Change (AFC) says it is financially constrained and w o u l d c h a l l e n g e ExxonMobil in Court if it had resources, as the company continues to breachthedesignratesonall ofthevesselsproducingoil.
During its first press conference for the year, the AFC on Friday through its Executive Member, Dr. Vincent Adams raised concernsoverthecompany's plans to increase oil production at the fourth project,Yellowtail.
Asaformerexecutiveatthe DepartmentofEnergyinthe UnitedStates,hearguedthat Exxon's operations could be shut down for attempting any such activity which is permitted by this administration. To this end, hequestionedthecapacityof the Ministry of Natural Resources to determine the safetyofpushingproduction beyond the design rates of the Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessels(FPSOs).
He believes that breaching the design limits of the vessels as outlined in the EIAs endangers Guyana asthecountry'schanceofan
He argued, “They have rampedupproductiononall fouroftheoperatingprojects abovewhatisrequiredbythe EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) which is the law, which means that they are illegally producing above the safe operating limit.” Dr Adams told reporters that this breach is not only “reckless” and “dangerous” but “lawless”.
oil spill significantly increases while there is still limited financial protection asthegovernmentcontinues tofightagainsttheunlimited parentcompanyguarantee.
Inresponsetoaquestion from this newspaper on whether the party would challenge the alleged illegality in Court, another AFC executive member, CatherineHughessaidifthe party had the resources, it would willingly do so. “If theAllianceForChangehad adequate resource or financial support I am convinced that we would be goingtotheCourtsforallthe injustices that we see that this government is meting out to the people of Guyana,”sheexplained. Hughes said the party “unfortunately do not have the range of financial
resources” but it remains willingtoputtheissueonits agenda since it holds national significance. “We wouldbewillingtoputiton our agenda and since it is a nationalissue,maybewecan get companies, individuals, that will volunteer to work with the Alliance For Changetotakethismatterto theCourt,”Hughesnoted. Nevertheless, the she said that the party expects E
businesses and citizens, including government, to upholdthelaw
For his part, Dr Adams believes challenging Exxon, the EPAand government on this issue would be an easy win. Accordingtohim,“It's clear law The EIA is law The EIA is tied to the EPA Act debottlenecking is
nowhereinanylingo,lawor anything else but they are using this debottlenecking stuff which is basically to make adjustment to the system-thepipes,thevalves, etcetera.”
Further,headdedthatthe EIA sets the safety limit based on technical assessments and breaching that limit is illegal which would require adjusting the law or the EIA, which requires reopening the legal processoutlinedintheAct.
Todate,ExxonMobilhas conducted debottlenecking activities on three of four FPSOs in the Stabroek Block.Payara,Exxon'sthird project which commenced productiononNovember14, 2023, was designed to produce 220,000 (bpd) but Exxon has increased production to over 260,000 bpd.
Similarly,bothLizaOne and LizaTwo are producing above the design capacity
The Environmental Impact
AFCExecutive, Cathy Hughes
Assessments (EIAs) for the twoprojectsindicatethatthe Liza One and Liza Two projects were designed to safely operate at 120,000 and 220,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd), respectively Recent data on the Ministry of Natural Resources website indicates that the two projects are producing about 130,000 bpd and 263,000bpd.
The company has submitted plans to the government, seeking approval to increase Yellowtail production from 263,000bpdto290,000bpd.
T&T opposition slams Kamla over CARICOM stance
( T R I N I D A D EXPRESS) Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar's latest disagreement with Caricom has wrought complete condemnation from the Opposition, which on Thursday deemed her "unfit"toleadthenation.
In a statement posted to Facebook, Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles that the PM's actions could hurtordinarycitizens,noting Trinidad and Tobago's trade in essential goods and services with the rest of the CaribbeanCommunity Beckles was responding to Persad-Bissessar's statements on Wednesday thatshedoesnotsupportthe reappointment of Caricom Secretary-General Dr Carla BarnettandthatT&Twillbe reducing its financial contribution to the regional group "I completely condemn Kamla PersadBissessar's most recent reprehensible attack on the Caribbean Community, and her lazy, childish, and irresponsible posturing on t h e i s s u e o f t h e reappointment of the Secretary General," Beckles stated.
OppositionLeader, Pennelope Beckles
The Opposition Leader said Persad-Bissessar has "demonstrated that she is unfit to continue in the role of Prime Minister of our nation."BecklessaidthePM must be reminded that CARICOM is the secondlargest market for this country's goods and services, and "the regional backlash she is inviting will only hurt the ordinary citizensandworkerswhoare already under extreme pressure due to the policies of her UNC government." Stating "we have had enough", Beckles ended the post with the hashtag "#enoughisenough."
The PNCR and City Hall should be rejoicing
You would be surprisedbyjust h o w m a n y personsareoftheviewthatit is central government’s responsibilitytotakecareof the streets in the country Thisisnotsoatall.
I t i s c e n t r a l government’s responsibility to take care of public roads. It is the responsibility of town councils to maintain s t r e e t s w i t h i n municipalities, excluding those designated as public roads, while neighbourhood democratic councils are tasked with looking after village and community roads.
This basic distinction is often overlooked. And that misunderstanding is at the heart of the current debate
s u r r o u n d i n g t h e
government’s recent decision to designate an additional 21 streets in Georgetownaspublicroads.
It is therefore surprising that one of the opposition parties, A Partnership for NationalUnity(APNU),has raised concerns suggesting that something sinister may be afoot in relation to this move.
To be fair, it is understandable why many members of the public hold the mistaken belief that the government should build andmaintainallstreetsinthe
city For decades, the condition of Georgetown’s streetshasbeenpoor,andin many cases, outright deplorable.
TheCityCouncil,which bearsresponsibilityforthese streets, has done such a dismal job over the past 50 years that citizens have come to associate neglect with central government ratherthanwithCityHall.
This perception did not develop overnight It is the result of years of visible deterioration potholes left unattended, drainage issues ignored, and roads falling into disrepair.
When people drive daily on damaged streets, it is only natural that they look to the most visible authority the central government for answers andsolutions
However, the reality is that the City Council, which has long been under the control of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), the main party within APNU, must bear responsibility for this prolonged neglect Given this context, one would expect both the PNCR and City Hall to welcome, rather than criticize, the government’s decision to assume responsibility for anadditional21streets.
After all, this move
effectively reduces the burden on a municipal system that has clearly struggled to meet its obligations It should be seenasrelief,notcausefor alarm
Infact,foryearsnow,it is the central government thathasbeensteppinginto do what City Hall should have been doing all along:
across the city Through
, including its community roads programme, the government has invested heavily in improving road infrastructure not just in Georgetown, but across Guyana
W i t h o u t t h e s e interventions,thestateofthe city’s streets would likely have been far worse. One could argue, only halfjokingly, that without government action, some roadsmighthavebecomeso riddled with potholes that a visitorcouldbeforgivenfor thinking the city had been subjected to an aerial bombardment.
Against this backdrop, the claim by APNU that thereissomething“sinister” about the designation of these streets as public roads a p p e a r s t o b e a n overreaction.Thereisaclear and practical explanation:
DEM BOYS SEH
Governmentrunning likeacakeshop
Yesterday was Ram Navami, and dem boys seh extend greetings to all Hindu brothersandsisterscelebratingthebirthof Lord Rama. A sacred day, a time for devotion,reflection,andprayer.
But apparently, it was also a time for last-minuteannouncementbecauseonlyon theverysameday,likeasurprisebirthday candle,governmentannouncetime-offfor peopletoattendobservances.Nowlehwe beseriousfuhonesecond—well,asserious asdemboysdoesget.Youmeantotellme Cabinet sit down, discuss, agree, and approve time-off… and then forget to tell anybodyuntilthemorningoftheholiday? Thatain’tgovernance;thatisguesswork.
Dem boys seh it got more questions thananswers.WhenexactlyCabinetmake this grand decision? Was it after lunch? Before breakfast? Or when somebody suddenlyremember,“Eh-eh,todayisRam Navami, you know!” And just like that, boom—announcementdrop.
And who job it is to pass on important decisions like these? Because clearly, somebody either fall asleep on the job or lose the memo behind the filing cabinet. Was any circular sent out to ministries? Any email? Any WhatsApp message? Or wastheplantorelyontelepathy?
the government is stepping in where local authorities havefailed.
That said, there may be some merit in examining which streets have been designated.Apublic road is generallyunderstoodtobea major artery one that facilitates significant traffic flow and connects key parts ofthecity Inthisregard,itis entirely reasonable that streetssuchasMiddleStreet, Vlissengen Road, Cane View Avenue, Aubrey Barker Road, Lamaha Street,theEasternHighway, and Camp Street are included.
These are well-known thoroughfares that serve ascriticallinkswithinthe urbanroadnetwork
However, questions may arise regarding some of the other streets on the list
Not all appear to meet the standard of a major artery This raises a legitimate point as to whether these are being reclassified because they already function as key routes, or because there
are plans to upgrade them intosuch?
Ifthelatteristhecase, thenthedecisioncouldbe part of a broader strategy to improve the city’s infrastructure and traffic flow
But if not, then greater clarity from the authorities would help to address public concerns and avoid unnecessary speculation
Ultimately,thissituation points to the ongoing weakness of local government bodies. Many municipalities and neighbourhood democratic councils across the country are cash-strapped and have c o n s i s t e n t l y underperformed Their inability to effectively m a n a g e b a s i c responsibilities,suchasroad maintenance, has forced central government to intervenerepeatedly
Given this reality, a stronger case can be made for central government to relieve local authorities entirely of responsibility for streets. If these bodies lack the resources or, capacity to
perform their duties, then it may be more efficient for a single, better-equipped authoritytotakeover
Some may even go further and suggest that these local authorities, in theircurrentform,shouldbe dissolvedaltogether
That may be a drastic proposal, but it reflects growing frustration with institutionsthathave,fortoo long,failedtodeliverforthe people they are meant to serve.
At the very least, the designation of these 21 streets should prompt a s e r i o u s n a t i o n a l conversation about the futureoflocalgovernancein Guyana.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Demboyssehthewholethingstarting to look like government running a cake shop. You ever go in a cake shop and the lady tell you, “Come back later, we might bake something”? That is exactly how things operating. Decisions baking in the back,butnobodyknowwhatcomingoutor when.
Today it is time-off announcement same day Tomorrow it might be tax changesannouncedafterthedeadlinepass. Next week, dem might declare a public holidayaftereverybodyalreadyreachwuk.
Onemantelldemboysheonlyfindout about the time-off when he reach office—andbythen,hebosstellhe,“Well, you here already, so you might as well stay.” Dem boys seh running a country is notlikeicingaspongecake—youcan’tjust add things at the last minute and hope it come out sweet. People need notice. People need planning. And most of all, peopleneedagovernmentthatrememberit managing a nation—not a neighbourhood bakerywithunpredictableopeninghours. Becauserightnow,ifthisishowthings going, citizens might soon have to check themenueverymorningtoseewhatpolicy freshouttheoven. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.
H@RD TRUTHS
Longtail – the sting in the scorpion's tail
Exxon is moving ahead withoilprojectnumbereight -Longtail. No government approval,butExxonisgoing great guns with that eighth project. Two questions are
presented again to Guyanese: who is making decisions here? Decision involving billions in US dollars. So as not to insult anynationalleader,allIwill sayisthatExxondoesn'tcare
about any Guyana Government. Thecompany knows where its strengths are, and where Guyana's Achilles'heelis.
Exxon's strength is in more than in its binding, crippling 2016 oil contract
that hangs Guyana helplessly The company's strongest features are in Washington. Guyanablinks atExxon,andWashingtonis ready to sink this country
The PPP Govt is not touching Exxon in any way that causes it discomfort, introduces alarm, makes it think twice Former President Granger made thosemistakes,andPres.Ali and Vice President Jagdeo
have learned that lesson well. Exxonwantsanewoil project,onelikelyinthelow double-digit billion-dollar range, rushes ahead with spending, with the PPP Govt.obtuseorcomatose. It is playing safe, enjoying a long, healthy political life. Thanks to David Granger and the PNC, a priceless tutorialwasgiventoGeneral SecretaryJagdeo'sPPP Hence, Exxon gallops aheadwithoneproject,then another. Standdown; let it be. Thegreenlightfromthe government is guaranteed, regardless of environmental impacts, potential safety concerns, and Exxon's history of spending (and accountingfor)money The oil billions of the Guyanese people. Whocares? Exxon bobs and weaves with how much found in recent discoveries, and is tricky with the true level of Guyana's oil reserves What's the big deal? The PPP Govt. creates a ruckus, Exxon gets nervous, and watch how quickly Washington gets serious
Donald Trump or the belated, beloved Jimmy Carter, and it doesn't matter, simply the same old story American interests are
Whoever tampers with that just made himself into a firingrangetarget. There is nobody who knows that as well as Dr Bharrat Jagdeo His professors at Patrice Lumumba University in Moscow didn't indoctrinate him. He has his own tonic. DareeventoglanceatExxon sideways and it is into the political wilderness where theUShaspackeditsfriends who got ideas about being the boss, calling the shots. Outofdeferencetoaformer president, I will not insult himbyrepeatinghisnamea third time. He showed his hand, set his face into steel, and out came Excellency Sarah Ann Lynch and Secretary Mike Pompeo in full battle armor Imagine that! and all for electoral democracy in Guyana Burnham went against that foralmostthreedecades,and
whowerehisbestfriends,if not those in DC. Guyanese had better come to their senses,understandhowthey are yoked, and where they are trapped. I term it the irrefutablelogicofthelawof oil. Guyana has it, Exxon takesit.
Thus, Exxon's Project Eight,Longtailishittingthe airwaves. Howmuchwillit cost, and with what hit on Guyana'sprofits?
What do the studies, if anycredibleonesweredone, raise about gaps and the concerns that those bring to the forefront? All that GuyaneseknowiswhatIcall that bait-and-switch tactic: 250,000 more fresh barrels of oil Makes citizens swoon Then, comes Longtail's brutal lash. Oh, the project is priced at between US$10-15 billion, giveortakeamillionortwo. Guyana wants more daily production volume doesn't it? Here's the solution. Put the eighth oil project, Captain Longtail, on the table Money doesn't matter; just keep on spending and billing G u y a n a How it is accounted for is a frivolous matter. Risks, who cares about risks?
Exxon knows that it hastheGuyanaGovernment where it wants it. In a bag.
And, the PPP Govt. knows that if it starts to get restless and agitate about being disrespected, or taken for granted, that Washington will be riled up, the special relationship strained to the breaking point. One move, howeverslight,thatprompts suspicion in Excellencies
NicoleD.TheriotandMarco Rubio, and it is up the river for Bharrat Jagdeo and company. Longtail takes over, andAlistair Routledge rubs his hands gleefully, heads to Texas National Banktocelebrate. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
...chooses own relief path T&Toptsoutof CARICOMCubaaid
Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers
(TRINIDAD EXPRESS) Trinidad and Tobago is not joiningCARICOMinsendinghumanitarianaidtoCuba.
A media release on Tuesday stated that CARICOM governments were preparing to dispatch humanitarian aid to Cuba, with the effort being coordinated by the CARICOM Secretariat, headquartered in Georgetown, Guyana. The release stated items such as powdered milk, including baby formula;non-perishablessuchasbeans,wheatflour,riceand cannedgoods;basicmedicalsupplies;solarpanels;batteries; andwatertankswillbepurchasedonbehalfofmemberstates and shipped to Cuba. It added that the Mexican government willalsoprovidesupportthroughitssuppliers.
In response to questions from the Express yesterday, Sobers said T&T has been in communication with organisations in Cuba that are well known for their relief efforts. He said T&T expressed its commitment and willingnesstosendreliefsuppliesandrequestedalistofitems neededtoensuretherewasnoduplication.Theministersaid this country has always been responsive in sending aid to nations in need, and assistance will also be provided to the peopleofCuba.
TheExpressalsoquestionedSobersonhispositioninthe Senate on Tuesday, where he declined to answer a series of questions from Independent Senator Anthony Vieira regarding T&T's position on United States-led efforts to combat narco-terrorism, citing concerns over the public interest. The minister cited Standing Order 26(3), which allowsministerstowithholdsensitiveinformationthatwould becontrarytothepublicinterest.
SobersonWednesdaymaintainedthisposition,reiterating that information related to security and safety must be safeguarded. He said he was not bothered by the criticisms proffered by both Vieira and Opposition Senator Dr.Amery Browneoverhisrefusaltoprovidetheinformation.“Irarely listentothePNMAandthePNMBteams.Iusemyjudgment inrespondingtoquestions,”Soberssaid.
CCJ finds no breach of contract in procurement
process for Cara Investments Ltd
...urges respect for the law of contract, tender processes
The Caribbean Court of Justice(CCJ)onWednesday dismissed an appeal by
Guyanese firm, Cara Investment Limited over its claimofabreachofcontract with Bank of Nova Scotia ('BNS') and the appointed Receiver-Manager, Christopher Ram for assets being sold for of Hotel TowerLtd.
The case stems from a dispute after the bank appointed Ram as ReceiverManager ('the Receiver') of Hotel Tower Ltd ('HTL') to c l e a r t h e h o t e l ' s indebtedness. In November 1999, Ram advertised a Request for Proposals ('RFP') inviting bids to sell off HTL's assets The Appellant,CaraInvestments Ltd ('Cara'), paid the required registration fee, accessed the information room, and submitted a proposal in December 1999 describing its submission as an 'expression of interest' and making it conditional upon the completion of due diligence and the provision ofadditionalinformation.
Cara also sought and obtained an extension of time to submit a final proposal. However, before the process was concluded, C a r a c o m m e n c e d proceedings in the High Court alleging that contractual or collateral contractualobligationsarose from the RFP and that the receiver had acted unfairly and in breach of those obligations by failing to considerCara'sproposaland by terminating the tender process.
Cara sought declaratory reliefinjunctionsrestraining the disposition of HTL's assets, and damages for breach of contract, misrepresentation and loss of opportunity In the High Court,thenChiefJustice,Ian Chang dismissed the claim holding that the RFP constituted no more than an invitation to treat and that Cara's proposal, which was expressly conditional and dependent upon due diligence and further steps, did not amount to a definite or unconditional offer capableofacceptance.
He found that in the absence of offer and acceptance, no contractual or collateral contractual relationship arose between CaraandeithertheReceiver ortheBank.Changalsoheld that the receiver, acting as agent of the bank, owed no
contractual duty of fairness to Cara in the context of a private commercial receivership and that the tender process could lawfullybeterminated.Cara appealed to the Court of Appeal of Guyana which dismissed the appeal affirming the decision of Chang.
The Court of Appeal agreed that the RFP was an invitation to treat, and that Cara's conditional proposal did not constitute an offer capable of acceptance. It further held that while considerations of fairness wererelevantthroughoutthe tender process, any such obligations in a private commercial tender arose from the contractual framework or the tender documents rather than from public law principles governing statutory or governmental procurement. Cara obtained leave to appeal to the Caribbean CourtofJustice.
On Wednesday, the Court unanimously agreed that the appeal should be dismissed. Delivering the lead judgment , Justice MaureenRajnauth-Lee said that the Court found a process contract does not ariseautomaticallyuponthe submissionofabid.
The Judge noted that the doctrine of a process contract should be recognised in Guyana and mayariseinbothpublicand private tendering contexts where the intention of the parties, objectively derived from the tender documents a n d s u r r o u n d i n g circumstances, supports suchaconclusion. Shesaid too that the recognition of a process contract promotes the integrity of competitive bidding by imposing obligationsoffairness,good faith, transparency and accountabilityintheconduct ofthetenderprocess.
Justice Rajnauth-Lee also concluded that Cara's proposaldidnotconstitutea bidcapableofgivingrisetoa process contract or Contract A In addition, justice Rajnauth-Lee observed that Cara's commencement of legalproceedingsbeforethe submissionofafinalbidwas not only premature but may havedisruptedthetendering process and the possible formation of Contract A. In those circumstances, Cara had not accepted any offer embodiedintheRFPandno ContractAarose.
The Judge further held that although receivers in Guyana are subject to a statutorydutytoacthonestly and in good faith, Cara had not pleaded or established anybreachofsuchadutyin the conduct of the RFP process.
Justice Peter Jamadar agreedthattheappealshould bedismissedanddelivereda separateopinioninwhichhe examined the doctrinal significance of good faith in the law of contract and its relevance to tender processes.
Tracing the historical foundations of the principle a n d a n c h o r
constitutionally, he emphasised that honesty, fairness and good faith are fundamental legal norms u n d e r p i n n i n g a l l commercial dealings and integral to the performance ofcontractualobligations.
Jamadar explained in detail how these values are not merely private law concepts but are connected to deeper constitutional principles. Drawing on this Court's jurisprudence on the ruleoflawandtheprinciple of legality, he observed that in Caribbean constitutional democracies the rule of law formspartofthe'basicdeep structure'ofthelegalsystem
and that the values of fairness, reasonableness and good faith permeate, shape, and reshape the entire legal order.
These constitutional values therefore inform and guide the incremental developmentofthecommon law, including the law governing commercial tenderprocesses.
JusticeChileEboe-Osuji alsoconcurredindismissing the appeal but wrote separatelytoelaborateonthe doctrinal requirements for the formation of a process contract in the context of tendering, as well as the principle of good faith that (Continuedonpage22)
Chris Ram
Govt. takes control of 22 city streets
Frompage3
that underpins local governmentinGuyana,”the partysaidinastatement.
Firstly, Win says this development bears the unmistakable imprint of a gradual but deliberate centralisation of authority “The apparent absence of meaningful consultation withtheGeorgetownMayor and City Council is not merely an oversight, it is indicative of a troubling pattern where local democratic institutions are sidelined in decisions that directly affect their jurisdiction Nothing in governance occurs in isolation; such actions are often precursors to broader shiftsincontrol.”
T h e p a r t y s a i d government's reluctance to clearly articulate the wider development agenda surrounding this move only deepens public unease. “It compelsustoask:whatisthe ultimateobjective,andwhat additional powers vested in localauthoritiesmaynextbe subject to unilateral takeover?Thisissue,though seemingly administrative in nature,strikesattheheartof Guyana's constitutional order Local government bodies derive their authority from the Constitution, and
any erosion of their autonomy,whethersubtleor overt, must be treated with theseriousnessitdeserves.A democracy cannot function o p t i m a l l y w h e n constitutionally established institutions are weakened or bypassed, ” the Win statementread.
Secondly, Win said the implications of this move extend beyond governance into the economic viability
of the Georgetown Municipality
“ A r e a s s u c h a s Vlissengen Road and its surroundingenvironsarenot merely thoroughfares; they a
paces, particularly during national events such as Mashramani.
Revenues derived from vendor permits, eventrelated activities, and commercial engagement along these routes form an important part of the municipality's financial e c o s y s t e m T h e Government's takeover of these spaces will inevitably deprive the City Council of much-needed income, further constraining its already limited capacity to deliver essential services to citizens.”
“Taken together, these actions cannot be viewed in
isolation.Theypointtoward a broader reality, one where power, control, and revenue streams are systematically removed f
m local democraticinstitutions.This approach risks crippling the Georgetown Municipality, not th
gh overt dismantling, but through i n c r e m e n t a l disempowerment.WeInvest in Nationhood firmly believes that national development must be p u r s u
n The Government should work alongside local authorities, empowe
ing them, resourcing them, and including them in the planning and execution of development initiatives
This is not only a matter of good governance but a constitutional imperative We therefore call on the Government to immediately engage in transparent dialogue with the Georgetown Municipality, to clarify its intentions, and torecommittoagovernance model that respects the autonomy, authority, and vital role of local government bodies in Guyana's democratic framework,” the statement concluded.
Trinidad opposes reappointment of CARICOM SG
...signals cut in CARICOM funding
( T R I N I D A D EXPRESS) Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar saysshedoesnotsupportthe reappointment of Caricom Secretary-General Dr Carla BarnettandthatTrinidadand Tobago will be reducing its financial contribution to the regionalgroup.
CARICOM chairman andStKittsandNevisPrime Minister Dr Terrance Drew issuedastatementyesterday advising that, during the CARICOM meeting in St
T&Tsendsletter
The Express also contacted Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Sean Sobers and enquired about a letter that was sent to the CARICOM chairman, expressing concernabouttheprocessof Barnett's reappointment
Sobers confirmed that a “self-explanatory”letterwas sent yesterday, adding that Trinidad and Tobago disagreedwiththemannerin which the reappointment
the deliberations on this matter, Sobers stated. Based on these issues, the minister said “we wish to place on recordTrinidadandTobago's disagreement with the reappointment of SecretaryGeneral Barnett. We believe thiswasnotdoneinthespirit
andletterofArticle24ofthe Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC) that states that the SecretaryGeneral shall be appointed by the Conference, on the recommendation of the Community Council, for a (Continuedonpage19)
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar
Kitts in February, the “required majority” of CARICOM heads of government agreed to the reappointment of Barnett as Secretary-General, and her second term of office will begininAugust2026.
The Express contacted thePrimeMinisteryesterday andaskedifsheagreedwith this reappointment Her response was “no”.Asked if she was disappointed in the reappointment, Persad-
B i s s e s s a r a d d e d , “CARICOM has been failing for 52 years and will continue to fail for the next 52 years Trinidad and Tobago is not going to c o n t i n u e f u n d i n g CARICOM at the current levels that we are providing.”
Asked what this country's current financial contribution was, the Prime Minister said Trinidad and Tobago currently provides 22% of the regional bloc's budget.TrinidadandTobago is one of the major financial contributors, which aligns with CARICOM's funding formula under which more developed countries pay a larger share based on economic size. The Express understands that T&T contributes between US$4 million and US$5 million annuallytoCARICOM.This country also provides additional financial assistance through regional development funds, energyrelated assistance, and trade financingprogrammes.
CARICOM Secretary-General
Dr. Carla Barnett
took place, as the country wasnotpartofthatexercise. “IamdisappointedbecauseI support the Prime Minister's position in that we want a better and stronger CARICOM that should serve all the people, and we will continue working towardthat,”hesaid.
SoberssaidTrinidadand Tobago maintained its allegiance with CARICOM,
a s s t a t e d i n i t s correspondence The Express obtained a copy of the letter, in which Sobers pointed out to the CARICOM chairman that
Barnett's proposed reappointment was not placed on the provisional agenda for the Fiftieth Regular Meeting of the Conferenceandwasalsonot discussedduringtheplenary sessions. It also noted that the current term of the Secretary-General was due to conclude on August 14, 2 0 2 6 , a n d f o r m a l communication on this had notyetbeenreceived.Sobers stated that during the retreat of heads of government on February26,2026,inNevis, discussions reportedly took place regarding Barnett's reappointment. He said it was a matter of record that Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, and The Bahamas were not allowedtoparticipateinthis retreat as representatives on behalf of their respective headsofgovernment. Consequently, Trinidad andTobagowasnotprivyto
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has issued a blunt warning to Caribbean leaders: abandon rigid climateposturingand“fancy speeches,”orriskremaining stuck in a cycle of talk with littlerealprogress.Speaking at a high-level regional meeting in Georgetown on
T h u r s d a y, J a g d e o challenged policymakers to fundamentally rethink how the region approaches climate change, arguing that global realities including
ongoing geopolitical conflicts have exposed just how dependent the world still is on fossil fuels. “In spite of all the advances, we'restillsoreliantonfossil
fuel,” he said, pointing to rising costs and economic shockstriggeredbytensions involving major global p
backdrop,Jagdeocalledfora pragmatic reset of the climate debate— one that
movesbeyondthesimplistic
renewables”narrative.
Theforumwasthe124th
Special Meeting of the COTED Environment and Sustainable Development meeting in Georgetown
“We need to reframe that debate for us to make progress,” Jagdeo said, urging leaders to move beyondwhathedescribedas a binary framing of fossil fuels versus renewables Instead,hecalledforamore pragmatic approach that treatsnet-zeroemissionsasa balanc
of multiple solutions.
He warned that without such a shift, Caribbean r
arguments at global forums suchastheConferenceofthe Parties (COP) without
“There'll be a temptation to give all these very lofty speeches,” he said, stating, “But your quest has to be a search for solutions.” of the COTED Environment and Sustainable Development heldatthePegasusHotel.
FOUR AREAS OF ACTION
The vice president outlined four areas he said should guide a more practicalregionalstrategy— beginningwithenergy “The first is, he said, dictated out of necessity,” adding,
“When you look at …the costofenergyforthisregion, many of us are using more than 10% of gross domestic product to import fuel energy.”
Jagdeo, an economist by profession, contrasted that with larger economies that spendasmallershareoftheir output on energy, recalling that Caribbean countries once spent the equivalent of 25 per cent of GDP on fuel.
“How could you really craft a development policy in the medium long term with that leakage… it's impossible,” he said, positing that even if we don't have a climate challenge,itisaproblemthat mustbeaddressed.
Secondareaofaction,he emphasised, is the Caribbean's extreme vulnerability to disasters, citing data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). “Since 1950, a totalof511disastershavehit s m a l l d e v e l o p i n g countries… and of those, 324 were in our region,” he said. Suchevents,henoted, can erase decades of economic progress overnight. “How could you accumulatewealthandbuild up social and economic infrastructure when overnight it could disappear,” Jagdeo said, pointing to the need for concrete planning to climate-proof infrastructure. “So whether there was a climatecrisisornot,weneed to foolproof our region against disasters.” The third area of priority, he said, is biodiversity “We're losing corals. We're using a lot of the biodiversity which would have a societal impact.”
AccordingtoVPJagdeo, even climate skeptics, particularly in the United States, are likely to support environmental conservation efforts. As such, he argued, framing policies around biodiversity could broaden political support Jagdeo called for reforms to global climate finance systems to ensure faster and larger flows of funding to vulnerablecountries.
“And the fourth, let's reformtheinstitutionstoget the money flowing faster,” he said, urging leaders to move beyond rhetoric. The vicepresidentsaid,“Youcan payattentionandgothrough these fancy speeches and stuff, but be deliberate. The deliberate action on the part ofcountries'ownershipleads to success ” Jagdeo also voiced frustration with the pace and complexity of international climate
(Continuedonpage22)
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, Caricom Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett, Minister within the Ministry of Housing Vanessa Benn (left at the back) and other regional officials at the 124th Special Meeting of the COTED Environment and Sustainable Development
Man remanded for attempted murder, rape of minor
ChristopherAli,themanaccusedof stabbing a teen more than 25 times about her body, on Thursday, was charged with attempted murder and rapeofaminorwhenheappearedatthe NewAmsterdamMagistrates'Court.
Ali,27,ofPepperStreet,Edinburgh Village, East Bank Berbice, made his firstcourtappearancebeforeMagistrate MichelleMatthias.
The court heard that between December 1 and 31, 2024 at Heatburn Village, East Bank Berbice, Ali engaged in the sexual penetration of a 15-year-oldgirlchild.
Thepoliceprosecutortoldthecourt that the file on the rape charge is complete and that legal advice is still being sought. However, a request was madefordisclosuretobeheldonApril 16.
Further,theprosecutionobjectedto bailcitingthegravityoftheoffence,the existence of another serious matter concurrent to this, and the accused beingconsideredaflightrisk.Thelatter position was supported by the fact that Ali, subsequent to the commissioning ofthecrime,willfullyevadedpolicein RegionSixforabouttwoweeks,hiding himselfmilesuptheBerbiceRiver
The prosecution argued that should the accused be granted bail, there is a strong possibility that he will abscond from the trial. Also, the safety of the complainant was also raised The prosecutiontoldthecourtthattheteen's family is worried that should he be
Christopher Ali at the New Amsterdam Magistrate's Court on Thursday
releasedonbail,hewouldbeincontact with the teen, given that he resides a shortdistancefromthevictim.
Ontheattemptedmurdercharge,the courtwastoldthatonFebruary24,2026 atHeatburnVillage,EastBankBerbice, Ali with intent to commit murder unlawfully and maliciously wounded the teen.The prosecution informed the magistrate that further legal advice is being sought, while again objecting to bail on the primary basis that the accused stabbed the teen 25 times, and himbeingaflightrisk.
On March 13,Ali was accosted by individuals up the Berbice River, who
assaulted him before turning him over the police He was subsequently admitted to the New Amsterdam Hospital.On Thursday morning, the injured man appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrates' Court with bandageswrappedabouthisrighthand andleg.Hewasassistedbypoliceranks upthestairsandintothecourtroom.
Ali told the court that he works at sea, and has been residing at a friend's houseforafewmonths.
Magistrate Matthias taking into consideration the arguments proffered by the prosecution denied bail and remanded Ali to prison until April 16, 2026 Ali, upon completion of Thursday's court matter said, “to God betheglory”.
Elderly couple busted with raw gold at Ogle Airport
Policesaidthatthebustwasmadearound07:20hrsduring screening procedures. “Preliminary investigations revealed thatthesuspectedrawgoldwasfoundinthecarry-onluggage of a 62-year-old man and a 59-year-old woman, both Guyanese/Canadian citizens, who were scheduled to depart GuyanaonaflighttoToronto,Canada.”
Caribbean labour leaders rally in Guyana …as workers
face
rising global pressures
The 7th Caribbean Regional Conference of the InternationalUnionofFood,
Agricultu
al, Hotel, Restaurant, Cate
ing, TobaccoandAlliedWorkers' Associations (IUF) opened inGuyanaonThursdaywith a strong call to action to confront exploitation, inequality and the rapid transformation of work acrosstheregion.
Bringing together trade union leaders and international partners, the conferencestruckafirmand forward-looking tone, focusing on the urgent need to protect workers amid
uncertainty, technological disruption, and climate pressures.
According to a press release from the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), delivering the feature address, Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, anchored his remarks in the enduring legacy of former President, Cheddi Jagan, invoking his lifelong fight for justice and dignityasaguidingforcefor today's labour movement. He noted that Guyana's current efforts to strengthen protections for workers r
commitment to equity and socialprogress M
welcomed delegates to Guyanaandunderscoredthe profound transformations
Soesdyke man wanted for murder of gold miner
TheGuyanaPoliceForce has issued a wanted bulletin for 41-year-old Adrian Edwards Hartman also known as 'Redman' in connection with the murder of Rowell La Cruz, a gold miner who was beaten to deathatabackdaminRegion Eightearlierthismonth.
Police said that Hartman's last known addressisLot72DRCharlie Housing Scheme, Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara. This publication reported that 32year-old La Cruz also called “Kabaloo,” of Warapoka Village, North West District, Region One was beaten to deathovertheallegedtheftof gold at a mining camp along the Siparuni River, Region Eight.
During the incident whichoccurredonMarch10, two other persons were injured. According to the police, La Cruz and another male worker, who were both employed at a dredging operation,wereinthecamp's kitchen area when they were approached by three men whoaccusedthemofstealing goldfromasluicebox.
The men were then ordered to go to a nearby watch camp where they met another male. “It is alleged thatthesuspects,armedwith a handgun, cutlasses and a mattock handle, dealt the men several blows about theirbodies,causinginjuries, after which they left,” police said.
The injured men were
reshaping the global world of work As artificial intelligence, mechanisation, and automation accelerate structural change, he emphasised the urgent need to equip workers with the skills, protections, and opportunities necessary to
navigate this transition. He called on the conference to (Continuedonpage22)
Wantedbythepolice: Adrian Edwards Hartman also known as 'Redman’
later assisted by publicspirited citizens and taken towards the riverfront However,LaCruzreportedly succumbed to his injuries while being transported and his body was subsequently placedatanearbycamp.
“ P o l i c e r a n k s subsequently visited the scene where the body of the miner was found lying motionless with marks of violence about his body,” policesaid.
Thebodywasescortedto theLindenHospitalComplex Mortuary where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Meanwhile, the two other injuredmen—a36-year-old man of Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara and Fair View Village, North Rupununi, and a 25-year-old miner of Paramakatoi Village,NorthPakaraimas— were taken to separate medical facilities where they were treated and admitted. An investigation was launchedintothematter.
Labour Minister, Keoma Griffith pose with officials at the opening of the conference
Two cops under close arrest
...as family mobilises legal team in custody death probe
Two members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) are now under close arrest as investigators probe the controversial death of Otis Jordan while his family, backed by opposition lawyers,ismovingswiftlyto pursuejustice.
The arrests, confirmed on Thursday, come as the Office of Professional
Responsibility (OPR) intensifies its investigation intoPayne'sdeathincustody at the Cove and John Police Station. At the same time, a legal team assembled with support from A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has stepped in, signalling that the case is heading toward a potential legal showdown.
Payne, a father from SouthHaslingtonontheEast Coast of Demerara, was found unconscious at the station on Tuesday and was subsequently pronounced dead upon arrival at the Enmore Regional Hospital. According to a statement fromthepoliceonThursday, “an investigation has been
launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the matter.” The police also stated that several ranks and civilian witnesses were interviewed, with their statements leading to the arrest of two officers. The GPF emphasised that they are treating the matter with utmost seriousness, assuring the public that all necessary procedures are being followed in the ongoing investigation A postmortem examination is scheduled for today to ascertainthecauseofdeath.
Meanwhile, the tragic event has sent shockwaves throughout the community and the nation Jordan's mother, Amanda Kato, is devastated by her son's sudden death and is now demanding answers. One of themosttroublingaspectsof the case is the fact that Kato wasnotinformedofherson's death until she went to visit him in custody on the morning of his scheduled court appearance.This delay in informing the family has raised serious concerns and
questions.
Kato, struggling to cope with the loss, has assembled a legal team to assist her in seeking justice for her son.
The legal team, dispatched by the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), includes attorneys-at-law and Members of Parliament (MPs) Dr Dexter Todd and Mr Ronald Daniels In a press release, the APNU stated, “The PNCR/APNU took decisive action by
dispatching a legal team to engagethePaynefamilyand closely examine the troubling circumstances surrounding the death of 30year-oldJordanPayne.”
kicked with boots," she claimed.
The lawyers along with thecoalitionrepresentatives, Robin Simon and Delon Carter, met with Acting C o m m a n d e r S e n i o r Superintendent Dennis Stephens The delegation was informed that the Commissioner of Police has assigned Superintendent Blair, Head of the Office of Professional Responsibility, toleadtheinvestigation.
“This is a moment that calls for transparency, integrity, and unwavering commitment to justice. We will continue to stand with the Payne family and ensure that no stone is left unturned,” theAPNU said in astatement.
Mother's Heartfelt Plea for Justice
Amanda Kato, visibly distraught, has vowed to seek justice for her son, and will not rest until she receives answers. Holding back tears, she spoke to Kaieteur News on Thursday, expressing the profound pain she is enduring. "This thing just keeping to my headtoknowthatmysonleft and go in the vehicle as a healthymanandtoknowmy son get such a cruel death. I want to know who violate my son,” she said alleging that the police may be involvedinhisdeath.
Kato alleged that her son may have been assaulted while in custody "My son was murdered. When I went tothemortuaryandsawhim, they turned him over, and I noticedmarksofviolenceon his body—like he had been
She added, "I am losing my mind; I can't sleep. You know what it feels like to hear shocking news like this?" Kato, holding back tears, continued, "No one knows the pain I'm feeling right now I just want justice formyson."
Kato is now awaiting the results of the post-mortem examination, which will determine the cause of Payne's death She disclosed that the findings will play a crucial role in guiding the next steps she willtakewithherattorneys.
The Payne family's grief has sparked widespread outrage in the Haslington community On Tuesday morning, residents gathered in protest, blocking the Public Road at Haslington, East Coast Demerara, demanding justice for the young man's death The protestors expressed their anger and frustration over what they believe is an attempt by the authorities to concealthetruth.
In a statement, the GPF acknowledged that Payne had been detained at the Cove and John Police Station in connection with a domestic violence matter. Police claimed that Payne had complained of feeling unwell and was escorted to the Enmore Regional Hospital for treatment.After being returned to the station, Payne allegedly complained again of feeling ill and collapsed He was rushed back to the hospital, where hewaspronounceddead.
Authorities have stated that no marks of violence were observed on Payne's body, and his remains are currently at the mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination Despite this official account, tensions haveonlyescalated,withthe Payne family and residents rejecting the police's version ofevents.
Payne's mother speaking with her attorneys, Ronald Daniels and Dexter Todd
Otis Payne's mother, Amanda Kato
Dead: Otis Payne
Trinidadopposes...
From page 13 termnotexceedingfiveyears, and may be reappointed by the Conference”. The letter concluded that Trinidad and Tobagoremainscommittedto the revitalisation of the CARICOM Secretariat to ensure it is fit for purpose and addresses the needs of the peopleoftheregion.
Background
Without calling names, Persad-Bissessar voiced
c o n c e r n s a b o u t t h e CARICOM Secretariat when she attended the CARICOM meeting in St Kitts in February and addressed the opening ceremony It was the first CARICOM meeting she attended since her election in April2025.
The Prime Minister criticised the CARICOM Secretariat for its silence in 2022 when Trinidad and Tobago national Brent Thomas was “kidnapped” from Barbados, describing the matter as deeply “unsettling”.
She said the former People's National Movement (PNM) government had “ c o o r d i n a t e d ” t h e “kidnapping” from another CARICOM state using an RSS aircraft, adding that the court had ruled that Thomas had been kidnapped.As thenopposition leader, the Prime Minister said she wrote to the CARICOM Secretariat seeking answers but, to date, has received no response. Barnett was seated in the audience when PersadBissessar made her remarks.
The Prime Minister suggested the lack of response could reflect poor m a n a g e m e n t , l a x accountability or, more troublingly, that one ceases to be recognised by the Secretariat as a CARICOM
citizen when not in government She said CARICOM must be a voice forallCaribbeanpeople—not onlygoverningparties.
At that meeting, PersadBissessar also made it clear that, while Trinidad and Tobago remained “vested” in
the regional bloc, the country would no longer bind itself to the region's political ideologies, foreign policy positions or security frameworks. Instead, she said T&Twillcraftitsownforeign and security policies to defend its sovereignty as it sees fit. She also signalled that, while T&T supported regional movement in principle, the burden of illegalimmigrationprevented any further commitment at this time. Persad-Bissessar laid bare the issues she had with the regional body and criticised CARICOM's “unreliability” in defending Trinidad and Tobago against threats from the former N i c o l a s M a d u r o administrationinVenezuela. She said it was the United States that stood with T&T and extended gratitude to US President Donald Trump Tension among CARICOM states has been high amid Persad-Bissessar's strong support for the US military presenceintheregionandher criticism of CARICOM as an “unreliable partner” over its collective silence when the f o r m e r M a d u r o administration threatened T&T
The Prime Minister held talks with US Secretary of StateMarcoRubioinStKitts, following which she was invited to Trump's Shield of the Americas Summit in Doral, Florida. Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana were signatoriestoanewcoalition, comprising mostly Latin American countries, that agreed to collectively protect the hemisphere from drug cartels and external forces. Trinidad and Tobago also took action to expand its ties outside of CARICOM and applied for associate membership of Mercosur ( S o u t h e r n C o m m o n Market)—a South American tradeblocestablishedin1991 by Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay to promote free trade and the fluid movement of goods, peopleandcurrency
The online portal for the citizens to apply for their $100,000 cash grant is now live,theMinistryofFinance announcedonThursday
In a statement to the media,theministrysaidthat thegovernmentismovingto distribute the second phase of the grant as promised by the president. Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh announced that the online portal, through which eligible citizens can selfregister for the grant, went live onThursday and can be a c c e s s e d a t https://cashgrant.gov.gy
The minister indicated thatpersonscanself-register using the portal and that government continues to urge citizens to ensure that they have a bank account in their name at a local commercial bank as this is the easiest and fastest way they can receive the cash grant.
He added that without leavingtheirhomes,eligible citizens can access the new online platform, fill out the information required and once a simple verification
process is completed, they should receive their cash grant. Dr Singhemphasised too that government has dispatched persons on the groundtoprovidesupportto hinterland communities while a call centre to aid citizens facing difficulties is available and could be accessed during working hours,”theMinistrysaid.
The finance minister further explained that the government is aiming to ensure that the distribution process goes smoothly so that everyone eligible receives their money Last Friday a total of 48,858 employees of central government which included public servants, teachers, and members of the Disciplined Services, received their grants when the initiative was initially launched.
The ministry reminded that this amounts to a whopping $5 billion of additional disposable income being “placed in the hands of these public servants”.Incontrastto2024 this year, the grant will be
paid directly into bank accounts through the banking system, which is in keeping with the president’s announcement, where he encouraged all citizens to open bank accounts, as part of government’s digitization agenda.
T h e e l i g i b i l i t y requirements to receive the National $100,000 Cash Grant paid into your bank accountareasfollows:
• Must be a Guyanese Citizen aged 18 years and olderasatFebruary28,2026
• Must have a valid NationalIdentificationCard, Digital Identity Card or GuyanaPassport
• Registrant must have a bankaccountintheirnameat anylocalcommercialbank
• Must be physically presentinGuyanatoregister “Governmenthassetupa national help desk to assist persons This can be accessed on telephone numbers 501-5085 and 5032977 during working hours. It must be noted that with active bank accounts, governmentwouldbeableto transfer cash grants swiftly,
securely,andefficientlyasis currentlybeingdonewiththe disbursements made last week to central government employees,”itsaid.
Before the grant was rolled out, the Finance Ministry in collaboration with the Central Bank collaborated with financial institutions to have the opening of bank accounts done online through a simplifiedprocess.
T h e f o l l o w i n g commercial banks have since been facilitating the online opening of bank accounts:
• Demerara Bank L i m i t e dhttps://demerarabank com/i ndividual-application/
•GuyanaBankforTrade and Industry Limited –https://gbtibank com/applyfor-an-account/
• Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited –https://www.republicguyana .com/republiconboard
AFC sounds alarm over ballooning cost of Wales gas project, lack of transparency
...accuses Govt. of inflating country’s projected energy demands to justify project
The Alliance For Change(AFC)on Thursday raised analarmovertheballooning cost of the Wales Gas-toEnergy(GTE)projectwhich continues to be executed in secrecy by the government ofGuyana(GoG).
“When first announced, the public was told that the GastoShore project would cost approximately US$900 million to US$1.3 billion and would be completed by theendof2024.Today,those projectionshavecollapsed,” the interim party Leader, David Patterson told reporters during a virtual mediaconference.
Patterson pointed out that the cost of the pipeline, constructed by Exxon has risen above the initial estimate while the Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility and 300-megawatt power plantcontinuetofacedelays. Additionally, he argued that t r a n s m i s s i o n a n d distribution upgrades essential for delivering the promisedcheaperelectricity — remain behind schedule andunderfunded.
It is important to note that the pipeline was completed since December
2024 but despite repeated requests from th
s newspaperforthefinalprice tag of that component both Exxon and government continue to hide the figure fromthepublic.
Moreover, the former MemberofParliament(MP) reminded that the Prime Minister,Brigadier(Retired) Mark Phillips made at least three commitments in the National Assembly to lay over all documents regarding the project to the House which was never done.
Patterson therefore flagged the failure of government in providing a revised, consolidated cost
whichanalystsbelievecould be well over US$3B after including all other associatedinfrastructure.
The former minister of Public Infrastructure, who held responsibility for the energy sector, blasted the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government for inflating the country’s projectedelectricitydemand tojustifythegasproject.
GY&product=31¤cy =GYD
On completion, over $60B is expected to be transferred to these citizens and the current initiative represents the “third major cash grant initiative rolled
Heexplained,“Whenthe PPP launched the gas-toshore project in 2022, they justified this project based onourprojectedpeakpower demand would be 480 MW bytheendof2025,theAFC immediately challenged these projections as being unrealistic.”
Patterson said that between 2020 and 2026, the highest peak demand on the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS)was220MW,while the country’s current peak demandisjust200MW He therefore noted that this was a staggering 60% b e l o w t h e P P P ’s projection
The party leader has called for the government to publish a full, updated cost assessment for the entire GastoShore project, including the cost of the power ships currently supplying the country with electricity until the power plantcomesonstream
AFC also demanded that a revised timeline be
mechanisms along with an updated electricitypricing modelreflectingthehigher capital cost and disclosure of all major contracts, financing terms, and procurement arrangements
progress, spending, and technicalcompliance
government with the first National Cash grant of $25,000 per household initiated when the PPP/C resumedofficein2020inthe midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Gov’t moves to crack down on medical errors
- New national push targets hospital quality, patient safety
Inamajorpushtotighten standards and reduce medical errors, the Ministry ofHealthhasteamedupwith the Mount Sinai Health System to roll out a nationwide initiative aimed at improving patient safety and hospital quality across Guyana’s expanding healthcarenetwork.
The launch was held at the opening of a two-day workshop by the ministry
which focuses on implementing the new initiative According to information provided by the ministry, this initiative supports Guyana’s broader vision to modernise its health services and expand access to high-quality care.
The new, state- of-the-art regional hospitals are already transforming healthcare access by bringing advanced diagnostic, surgical, and emergencyservicescloserto communities, the ministry said.
This development reducestheneedforpatients to travel long distances to Georgetown for specialized care, ensuring more timely and efficient treatment
“As we work towards improving quality, we must prioritize coordination,” Dr Anthony stated. He noted that they are also looking at establishing a Hospital Quality Improvement Council, which will provide broad oversight for the implementationprocess.”
“The minister further explained that Regional Health Officers will play a criticalroleinadvancingthis agenda by establishing regional quality councils
Additionally, each healthcare institution will form dedicated committees to drive and monitor quality improvement efforts at the facility level,” the ministry reported.
M e a n w h i l e , o n Wednesday during the launch of ‘Project ECHO’ another collaborative initiative with Mount Sinai, the minister in his address said that they recognize in any healthcare system that theyaregoingtobemedical errors,andthisissomething (Continuedonpage)
Delivering brief remarks at the ceremony, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, underscored the importance ofimprovingservicequality across all health facilities.
AFC Leader, David Patterson
Caribbean labour leaders rally in Guyana...
Frompage17 prioritise strategies to build and sustain human capital acrosstheregion.
Highlighting the importance of inclusion, the ministerstressedthatspecial attention must be given to womenandothervulnerable groups to ensure they are uplifted,protected,andfully integrated into economic progress.
He described the Conference as a critical platform for strengthening regional institutions, empowering workers, and safeguarding the well-being of their families. He urged delegates to engage in purposeful dialogue and to leave with concrete commitments to advancing the interests of Caribbean workers.
IUF Caribbean Regional Secretary, Clifton Grant, acknowledgedthemounting challenges confronting workers and their families, including the ripple effects of ongoing conflict in the MiddleEast.Drawingonthe
teachings of Dr Jagan, he highlighted their continued relevance in addressing contemporarystruggles. He pointed to increasing attempts in some countries
to curtail freedom of
association, while commending Caribbean affiliates for their resilience indefendingworkers’rights. Healsodrewattentiontothe escalating impacts of climate change on the region’s people and economies.
IUF General Secretary (a g ), Kristjan Bragason, addressing the Conference during his first visit to Guyana, spoke to the intensifying pressures faced by workers globally He noted the widening gap of inequality, the growing concentration of corporate power,andtherelentlessrise inthecostofliving.
These global trends, he affirmed,aremirroredinthe Caribbeancontext.
Brother Bragason emphasised that effective organising remains the
cornerstone of progress, particularly among women, youth,andmigrantworkers.
He called for deeper international solidarity, recognising that as capital has globalised, so too must the struggle for workers’
rights He expressed
confide
at the Conference provides a vital opportunity for strategic reflection and coordinated action that will strengthen theIUFatbothregionaland globallevels.
Bringing solidarity greetings, Derek Johnstone of the United Food and Commercial Work
(Canada) highlighted the indispensable contribution
C
t workers to North American agriculture.
He noted that their labour underpins the p r o
y
n d sustainability of food systems in the region, yet lamented that many are subjected to exploitative conditions akin to a modern form of servitude. He called for urgen
forms to dismantle exclusionary systems and ensure that migrant workers’ rights are fullyrespected,expressinga strong commitment to collaboration with Caribbeanpartners. The Opening Session also featured messages of solidarityfromIUFaffiliates in Guyana the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), and the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU)—alongside contributions from the Young Workers Committee a n d t h e Wo m e n ’ s Committee.
The strong, principled tone set during the Opening S e s s i o n s i g n a l s a Conferencepoisedtodeliver meaningful dialogue, strategic direction, and renewed momentum in advancing the rights and dignityofworkersacrossthe Caribbean.
CCJfindsnobreachofcontractinprocurement...
Frompage11 should attend it. He agreed with the adoption of the Canadian ‘Contract A/Contract B’ framework He also agreed with the adoption of the principle of goodfaith.
He emphasised that while Contract A does not arise merely by tendering a b i d , i t d o e s a r i s e automatically upon the tenderingofacomplaintbid inaccordancewiththeterms of the tender invitation. On the facts of the present appeal, Eboe-Osuji found thatCarahadnotsubmitteda compliantbidgivingrisetoa ContractA.
“This is because Cara’s proposal was expressly made subject to several conditions, including the completion of its due diligence process under an arrangement that was d i ff e r e n t f r o m t h e arrangementindicatedinthe RFP,andbeforeitsbidcould be considered for selection asthedesignatedinvestor,as well as subject to the approval of its financial backers,”hesaid Without the existence of Contract A, there was no contractual foundation upon which Cara could sustain its claim for breach of contract or let alone its claim for damages This Court therefore dismissed the appealandaffirmedtheorder of the Court of Appeal, awarding costs to the respondents.
‘Stopthetalk,fixthesystem’...
Frompage14
financing,includingmechanismssuchasthe Green Climate Fund. “We’ve been waiting for climate funds, etc., forever,” he said. “It seemsasthough,ifwedon’tbreakthiscycle, thenyou’regoingtogettired,asIamnow.”
He pointed to Guyana’s own efforts, including raising nearly $1 billion through forest carbon credits, as evidence that countriescanactindependentlywhenglobal systemsfallshort.
ACTDELIBERATELY
Throughout his presentation, Jagdeo returned to a consistent theme – urgency paired with realism. Global conditions, he
Gov’t
Frompage21
argued, are unlikely to change quickly, particularly with major emitters playing a reduced role in climate negotiations, and Caribbeannationsmustadapttheirstrategies accordingly His appeal, especially to younger policymakers, was to focus less on rhetoric and more on implementation. “If we don’t break this cycle,” he said, “you’re going to get tired… listening to the same thing over and over again.”Thevice president stressed that the path forward is clear – rethink the debate,actdeliberatelyandpursuesolutions groundedinreality Alsodeliveringremarks attheforum
moves to crack down...
health authorities want to reduce. “I was in a meeting earlier this morning (Wednesday)withsomefolks that are dealing with patient safety,andoneofthestatistics thatjumpedoutatmewasthat they said in developed countries, there are four mistakes to every 10 persons thatarebeingseen,andthat’s quite a lot, and in developing countries, it’s even more,” he shared
He said that in the ministry, they are going to develop a Quality-of-Care Unit,andthepurposeofthat
Unit he said is that they are going to visit and check in different facilities to ensure healthcare workers are compliant with all guidelines they have produced.
The minister said they wanthealthcareprovidersto follow the guidelines and if they see anything wrong, these medical professionals will be called for a discussion to have the problemfixed.
“I think by continuously working to improve our system, we would get better and a system that is built on continuous improvement, we are going to see better outcome for patients, and that’s the end goal here,” he mentioned.
“Wedon’twantthistobe punitive. We want to go out first to make sure that people understand guidelines, for example,liketheonethatwas shown earlier with diabetes, and that we are following it That’s the reason why we spend time to develop the guidelines Butifwedevelop these guidelines and then people are not following it, then that can easily lead to errors,”hedisclosed.
UNICEF, Assuria join forces to tackle child health
- 6,000 students targeted in Region 4 push
In a decisive move to combat rising health risks among young people, UNICEF and Assuria Guyana have partnered to roll out a major initiative aimed at
promoting healthier lifestyles among children in Region4.
The collaboration, formalised this week, will reach approximately 6,000 students, focusing on improving nutrition, boosting physical activity, and introducing hands-on learning programmes such as school gardens. “Good nutrition and physical activity are fundamental to the physical, mental, and social development of children and young people.
As chronic diseases increasingly affect younger
populations, early intervention is essential to fostering lifelong healthy habits,” stated Mr Javier Córdoba,Representativea.i. for UNICEF Guyana and Suriname during the launch ceremony
Mr Yogindra Arjune, Managing Director of Assuria << , underscored t h e c o m p a n y ’ s commitment to sustainable development, “Through this partnership, we are investing in the well-being of future generations and c
Sustainable Development Goals, while strengthening the resilience of our communities ” Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Education Officer, Ms. Fazia Baksh welcomed the collaboration, noting, “When corporate partners
aligntheirresourceswiththe expertise of international organizations such as UNICEF, it creates a powerful platform for advancing social progress.”
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to equipping young people with the knowledge and practices necessary to lead healthyandproductivelives.
Reuters - Maduro and his wife werequietincourtonThursday,as their lawyers argued over who wouldpaytheirlegalfees
A judge appeared sympathetic onThursdaytolegalargumentsthat ex-Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores should be allowed to use Venezuelan government money to fundtheirdefence.
Maduro and Flores’s attorneys asked the judge to dismiss the narco-terrorism case against the pair because the US has denied them use of the funds due to sanctions in placeagainsttheLatinAmerican country.
The 92-year-old Judge Alvin Hellerstein however, noted that “the right to defence is paramount” He said he would not be dismissing the case over thedispute
The judge said he would issue a ruling at a later time, includingthenextcourtdate
USforcesseizedMaduroand Flores from their compound in Caracas in a dramatic, nighttime raid on 3 January, and
brought them to New York to face allegations of weapon and drug offences, which they deny On Thursday, wearing green khaki prison jumpsuits, Maduro and his wife sat quietly with several lawyers in-between them as they listened to a translation of the arguments throughheadphones
The mood stood in stark contrast to their first court appearance, when Maduro gave a speech lasting several minutes claiming he had been kidnapped and was innocent. That hearingendedwithamanyellingat Maduro from the back of the courtroom.
Because the Maduros and the Venezuelan government are subject to US sanctions, they needed to obtain a licence toallowthegovernmenttopaytheir legalfees.
The US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) initially granted that licence, then revoked it Prosecutors argued in court that the Maduros should not be able to access Venezuelan government funds because of national security concerns and claimed they have access to personal funds available to pay for attorneys, which the
Maduros deny Under US law, Maduro, like every defendant, would be entitled to a courtappointed lawyer if he is unable to affordhisown.
J u d g e H e l l e r s t e i n appeared to side with Maduro lawyer Barry Pollack’s argument that the unusual case against the former leader, taking place in another country, would be overwhelming for a public defender to take on and would hamper the counsel they provide.
Prosecutors, meanwhile, claimed OFAC was not allowing the Maduros to access Venezuelan government funds
because of longstanding sanctions the US has had in place duringhisregimeandbecausethe couplehad“plunderedthewealth of Venezuelans” for their own gain
J u d g e H e l l e r s t e i n questioned that logic, saying that because of the Maduros’ capture, that foreign policy situationhadchanged.
“We are doing business with Venezuela,” he said Since Maduro’s arrest, former Vi c e - P r e s i d e n t D e l c y Rodríguez has taken power and the country said it has resumed
diplomatictieswiththeUS.
He also noted that the “Venezuelan government is willing to pay” The judge appeared at a loss for how to resolve the issue, since Maduro’s legal team was seeking to dismiss thewholecaseoverit.
“What is the relief?” the judge asked both sides several times
The US has accused Maduro of narco-terrorism
c o n s p i r a c y, c o c a i n eimportation conspiracy, possession of machine gunsand destructivedevices,andconspiracy to possess machine guns and destructivedevices.
Maduro and his wife have yet to make an application for bail and have been held in B r o o k l y n ’ s f e d e r a l Metropolitan Detention Center Notrialdatehasbeenset.
During a cabinet meeting on Thursday in Washington, President Donald Trump said the US was weighing bringing additional cases againstMaduro
He also said Maduro would be given“afairtrial”
Residents of Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, told the BBC they would be watching
developmentsincourtclosely Ana Patricia, a 72-year-old retired lawyer, said that despite government censorship, everyone is trying to follow the process
“They can control what Venezuelan media publish, but not what is published in the internationalpress ” Regarding Maduro’s fate, she said she felt a degree of sympathy: “He is a man who had everything but lost it through greed and an inflated ego.
Ifeelsorryforhim,becausein the end, he is a human being, but I hopehereceivesalifesentence.He hastopayforhiscrimes.”
In western Caracas, Agustina Parra, a 67-year-old retired nurse, told the BBC that she has faith that “my President Madurowillbereleased”
“Despite his flaws, he has not beenabadpresident.Heknowshe isinnocentandhewillproveit.”
Parra claims that the US government “doesn’t even know what to accuse him of”: “They accuse him of drug trafficking, of weapons possession And I cannot accept the actions of President Trump in Venezuela, in whichsomanypeopledied.”
Officials of UNICEF and Assuria at the launch of the programme
Trump says US will be Iran’s ‘worst nightmare’ if it doesn’t agree to peace plan
WASHINGTON/DUB
AI/TEL AVIV, March 26
(Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he would pause attacks on Iran’s energy plantsfor10daysatTehran’s request and said talks with Iranweregoing“verywell,” although an Iranian official dismissed a U.S. proposal forendingnearlyfourweeks offightingas“one-sidedand unfair.”
Trump made the comment in a Truth Social postshortlyafterthreatening during a cabinet meeting at theWhite House to increase pressure on Iran if it did not makeadeal.“AsperIranian Government request I am pausingtheperiodofEnergy Plantdestructionby10Days toMonday,April6,2026,at 8 PM , Eastern Time,” Trumpsaidinthepost.
“Talks are ongoing and, despiteerroneousstatements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others, theyaregoingverywell,”he said. The war, which has ragedfornearlyfourweeks, has massively disrupted shipping, sending crude oil prices up nearly 40% and causing a spike of nearly 67% in shipments of liquefiednaturalgastoAsia. Prices of nitrogen-based fertilizers, critical to food production, have risen by nearly50%.
Despite Trump’s upbeat assessment, Iran continued to retaliate against U.S. and Israeli strikes by hitting IsraelandU.S.bases;italso struck Gulf states and
effectively blocked Middle East fuel exports via the StraitofHormuz.
During the White House meeting, Trump said the U S would become ‘the Islamic Republic’s “worst nightmare” if it did not comply with U.S. demands, which include opening the strait and ending Tehran’s nuclear program. He said taking control of Iran’s oil was an option, but gave no details.
The Iranian official told Reuters that a 15-point U.S. proposal, conveyed to Tehran by Pakistan, was reviewed in detail on WednesdaybyseniorIranian o ff i c i a l s a n d t h e representative of Iran’s supreme leader While they felt it served only U.S. and Israeli interests, diplomacy had not ended, the official said. Trump said during the White House cabinet meeting: “They now have the chance, that is Iran, to permanently abandon their nuclearambitionsandtojoin anewpathforward.”
“We’llseeiftheywantto do it. If they don’t, we’re theirworstnightmare.Inthe meantime, we’ll just keep blowingthemaway.”
Oilhadjumpedto$108a barrelonThursdayandstock markets fell on renewed pessimism over ceasefire prospects as global plastics, technology, retail and tourism struggled with the impact. But Trump’s social mediapostbuoyedthedollar lateintheday
STRAITOF
…pauses attacks on Iran’s energy plants;
says talks ‘going well’
Aview of a residential building damaged by a strike, amid the U.S. -Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 23, 2026. Majid
Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS
HORMUZA CRUCIALISSUE
Trump suggested on Thursday that Iran let 10 oil tankers transit the Strait of Hormuz as a goodwill gesture in negotiations, including some Pakistanflaggedvessels.
The president has sent thousands of troops to the MiddleEast,someofwhom havealreadyarrived,driving expectations of a ground invasion, although details remainscant.
A note seen by Reuters on Tuesday to the United NationsfromIransaid“nonhostilevessels”couldtransit the strait if they coordinated withIranianauthorities.
A Thai oil tanker has passed through the strait
following diplomatic coordination with Iran, and Malaysia said its vessels were also being allowed ‘to transit in a sign that restrictions were loosening
for some countries. Iran would be receptive to any requestfromSpainrelatedto the strait, its embassy in Madridsaid,inthefirstsuch offertoanEUstate.
One former senior U.S. official said Iran, whose leadership apparatus had been shattered by the war, likelyfeltitneededtoinflict more pain to deter future attacks. “We’re a long way fromanactualpotential,real negotiationwiththeIranians at this stage,” the former official said, adding that Trumpwouldneedtodecide soonwhethertouseforceto opentheStrait.
Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, confirmed thattheU.S.hadsenta“15point action list” as a basis for negotiations to end the war It includes demands ranging from dismantling Iran’s nuclear program to curbing its missiles and effectively handing over
control of the strait, according to `sources and reports. Pakistan’s foreign ministersaid“indirecttalks” between the U.S. and Iran were taking place through messages relayed by Islamabad, with other states including Turkey and Egypt also supporting mediation efforts.Anytalks,werethey to happen, would likely proveverydifficultgiventhe positions laid out by both sides. Iran has hardened its stance since the war began, demanding guarantees against future military action, compensation for losses,andformalcontrolof the strait, Iranian sources s a y I t a l s o t o l d intermediaries that Lebanon must be included in any ceasefire deal, regional sourcessaid.
Trumphasnotidentified with whom the U S is negotiating ‘in Iran, with many high-ranking officials
among the thousands of people killed in the war acrosstheMiddleEast.
Israel removed Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf from its hit list after Pakistan urged Washington to press Israel not to target them, a Pakistani source with knowledge of the discussionstoldReuters.An I s r a e l i m i l i t a r y spokesperson declined to comment.
WAVESOFMISSILES
On Thursday, Iran launched multiple waves of missilesatIsrael,strikingTel Aviv, Haifa and other areas, includingaPalestiniantown incentralIsrael.
At least one ballistic ‘missile hit Tel Aviv, according to Israel’s military,whileotherscarried cluster munitions that dispersed smaller explosives, damaging homes and cars. Israel’s ambulance service said a man was killed in Nahariya after Hezbollah fired a rocket barrage at the northerncity
In Iran, strikes hit the southern city of Bandar Abbas and a village on the outskirtsofthesoutherncity of Shiraz A university building in Isfahan was reportedtohavebeenhit. U.S. and Israeli officials said Israel had killed the naval commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, and thatithadmanymoretargets left as it degraded Iranian capabilities.
BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT
Celebratinghandrails
Guyana is being asked to celebrate handrails on a US$6.8 billion oil vessel as progress. That alone should raise alarm. While two local companies securing contracts may appear encouraging, the reality is far less impressive. These are low-value, peripheral works—far removed from the engineering, fabrication, and technical expertise where real wealth and capacity are built.
This is not meaningful local content. It is symbolism. At a time when billions are being generated offshore, Guyanese businesses remain largely confined to the margins. The promise of oil was transformation—skills transfer, industry growth, and genuine participation. Instead, we are seeing token involvement repackaged as achievement.
The responsibility cannot be ignored. Without stronger policies and enforcement, foreign companies will continue to dominate the most lucrative segments. If this is the standard today, Guyana risks remaining a bystander in its own oil economy tomorrow.
The motor lorry that struck the pedal cyclist
Cyclist killed in collision with truck at Rome
A 2 4 - y e a r - o l d construction worker lost his life on Thursday afternoon after being struck by a truck along the Rome Access Road,EastBankDemerara.
DeadisShawnRoacheof Lot 99, Second Street, Agricola.
The fatal accident occurred around 13:50hrs, sendingshockwavesthrough the community as yet another road death was recorded on the busy
corridor According to information received, the circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, as the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has yet to issue an officialstatement. However, reports indicate that the collision involvedamotorlorry,GAK 7143, with an attached trailer,TYY9718,ownedby S a j R i c e G r o u p Incorporated. Atthetime,thetruckwas
being driven by a 30-yearolddriverfromNorthPublic Road, Little Abary, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara.
TheGuyanaPoliceForce responded quickly to the scene, where investigations are currently ongoing Attempts to reach Deputy Commissioner of Police S i m o n M c B e a n , Commander of Police Division 4A, for further commentwereunsuccessful.
Minervanishesmid-trip,
A 35-year-old miner lost his life tragically on Wednesday after reportedly fallingoverboardwhilepilotingasmallboat alongthePomeroonRiver
Dead is Zandon Daniels of Wakapao Mission,LowerPomeroonRiver
Reports indicate that the incident occurred around 14:30hrs in the vicinity of Yacouri Creek as Daniels was captaining a wooden boat powered by a 15-horsepower outboard engine en route to Massarrie Mission.
The lone passenger aboard told investigatorsthathewasseatedatthefrontof thevesselwhentheenginesuddenlycutoff. Upon turning to check what had happened, Daniels had mysteriously disappeared. The passenger immediately plunged into the waterinadesperateattempttolocatehim,but hiseffortsprovedunsuccessful.
Residents in the area were alerted, prompting a search operation. After several
Guyana protests Suriname's river charges
Guyana has formally objected to new charges reportedly imposed by Suriname for the use of the Corentyne River, with President Irfaan Ali calling the move a troubling disruption to cross-border commerce.
He also warns that the fees impacting key sectors like timber and quarrying risk undermining longstanding bilateral arrangements and eroding businessconfidencebetween the two neighbours. In a statement on Thursday the Guyanese leader said that it has been brought to his attention that the authorities in the Republic of Suriname have instituted charges for the use of the Corentyne River, particularly affecting timber and quarry operators. “These reports, represent a troubling development that has implications for economic activities and the long-standing arrangements between Guyana and Suriname. The Government of Guyana has formally lodged a protest with the Surinamese authorities on this matter and we are currently awaiting a response.Wehaveraisedour concerns in the spirit of dialogueandmutualrespect, mindfuloftheimportanceof preserving the cooperative and friendly relations between our countries,” PresidentAlisaid.
He said it is his sincere hope that, in the interest of sustainingandstrengthening bilateral trade, fostering
hours,
…warnsofthreatto
private sector development, andupholdingtheprinciples of good neighbourly relations,theGovernmentof Suriname will give urgent attentiontothisissue.
“Measures of this nature risk creating unnecessary barriers to commerce and could undermine the confidenceofbusinessesthat rely on predictable and fair operating conditions. I wish toremindtheGovernmentof Suriname that Surinamese businesses and investors have long benefited from opportunities within our economy, where they have o p e r a t e d w i t h o u t discrimination or undue
restriction This openness hasbeenacornerstoneofour engagement,” President Ali said.
He said reciprocity remains a fundamental principle underpinning our relationship. “We therefore expect that the Surinamese authorities will reconsider and ultimately desist from any actions that may be perceived as arbitrary or detrimental to the shared objective of deepening cooperation. Such steps are essentialtoensuringthatour relations continue to be guidedbymutualrespectand good neighborliness,” the statementconcluded.
Daniels’bodywasrecoveredfromthe river Investigations into the circumstances surroundingtheincidentareongoing.
President Irfaan Ali and his counterpart, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, President of Suriname
Dead: Zandon Daniels
The body of 24-year-old pedal cyclist Shawn Roache
the availability and management plans for three of its frontline fast bowling assets Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph, and Alzarri Joseph—astheorganisation continues to prioritise the long-term health and performance of its players
ahead of an exceptionally demanding international calendar. Seales and Shamar
Joseph — Managed Return toRegionalCricket Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph will both participateintheWestIndies Championshipinacarefully managed capacity Seales
will be available for selection fromApril 9, with his participation confirmed for Rounds 1 and 2 of the Championship. Should his territorial side, the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, advancetothesecondphase of the tournament, his continued involvement will beassessedatthatstage.
Shamar Joseph will be available for competitive selectionfromApril13,with the Guyana Harpy Eagles able to involve him in managed practice sessions priortothatdate.Structured loading plans for both players will be provided by the Bowling Coach to guide their preparation and integration into their respectivesquads.
Alzarri Joseph — PSL CommitmentandContinued Recovery
Friday March 27, 2026
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
Studyofreligionandspiritual matters could well be of particular interest for you today, Aries. You're likely to discuss your knowledge and beliefsregardingsuchmatters withaclosefriend.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
Today communication with othersismorelikelytobeona subtleratherthanverballevel, Taurus When the phone rings, you might already know who's on the other end of the line before you pick it up.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
Inspirationdrawnfromrecent religious or spiritual occurrences could have you writing down accounts of yourexperiences,Gemini.
CANCER(June21–July22)
You should be feeling especially strong and healthy today, Cancer The drive to exercise, particularly if you do it alone and outdoors, is likely to get the endorphins going and thus give you a naturalhigh.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
Today, Leo, you might find yourself picking up uncanny telepathic messages from a friend who lives some distance from you A telephone call might reveal that this person has just receivedsomegoodnews,.
VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)
Creative inspiration flows freely today, Virgo, enabling youtochannelitinmorethan one way An opportunity to earn a sizable fee doing somethingartisticcouldcome yourway
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
Usuallyyouprefertoapproach events with a practical and scientific attitude, Libra, but todayyou'refeelingespecially intuitiveandmoreawareofthe other worlds, so it might be difficult to hang on to your usualmindset.
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21)
If you've been thinking about taking up the study of astrology, numerology, alchemy, or any other occult science, this is the day to get started,Scorpio.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)
Someratherintenseandvivid dreams could inspire you to embark on some in-depth study of a subject that specifically interests you, Sagittarius.Thiscouldinvolve the arts, philosophy, or metaphysics.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
Romantic relationships take on a fairytale aura, Capricorn, bringingupthekindofdesire, passion, and sense of unity associated with Lancelot and Guinevere.Therefore.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Today you might attend more than one group activity or social event involving spiritual or metaphysical matters.Yoursenseofintuition is very high, Aquarius, and your level of understanding is especiallyacute.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar 20)
Intellectual or artistic work couldtakeupalotofyourtime today, Pisces. Your level of inspiration is high, and you're apt to be full of ideas that otherswouldfindbeneficial.
Alzarri Joseph will miss t h e W e s t I n d i e s Championship season, having been granted a No ObjectionCertificate(NOC) to fulfil his commitment in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). His participation in the PSLalso forms part of a broader programme to support his return from an extendedinjuryabsence.His workload and progress will be closely monitored throughout the tournament and into the preparatory camps ahead of the home serieswindow,asCWItakes a measured and intentional approachtohisreintegration into the international programme.
CWI recognises the value of its players competing at the highest leveloffranchisecricketand remains supportive of such opportunities where they complement the broader performanceprogramme.
The Bigger Picture —A Packed International Calendar
The intentional management of these
playersreflectsthescaleand intensity of what lies ahead.
Prior to the commencement of the home international window, preparatory camps will be held to ensure the squad arrives primed for competition The home series schedule features an all-format series against Sri Lanka, a five-match ODI series against New Zealand, andatwo-Testseriesagainst Pakistan—aformidablerun of fixtures that will place significant physical demandsonthefast-bowling group.
F o l l o w i n g t h e conclusion of the home series, the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will provide further highintensitycompetition,before the squad turns its attention to away tours to India and Bangladesh Across this entire window, all-format fast bowlers represent some of the most valuable and heavily utilised assets in the
s q u a d , a n d t h e i r management will remain a prioritythroughout.
“Our fast bowlers are among our most valuable assets, and this season demands the best of them across every format and every competition The plans we have put in place are deliberate — we are being proactive and precise so that Jayden, Shamar, and Alzarriarefit,available,and at their sharpest when it counts most.” said Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director ofCricket.
CWI remains fully committed to fielding its strongest possible squads at everystageoftheseasonand is confident that this structured and proactive approach to player management will keep the West Indies fast bowling group in peak condition throughout a historic period for the
Caribbean.
Transgender athletes barred from female category events
L A U S A N N E , Switzerland, (Reuters) -
Only biological female athletes, whose gender has been determined by a onetime gene-screening test, will now be eligible to take part in female category events at the Olympic Games, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) saidonThursday
Thenewrulesessentially stop transgender athletes from competing in female category events at the Olympics They had previously been eligible to compete at the Games once clearedbytheirrespective
Following an 18-month consultation phase, the IOC unveiled its policy for the Olympic Games, Youth Olympics and Games qualifiers It is widely expected to be adopted by international sports federations and become a universal rule for competitors in female elite sports, after years of fragmented regulation that ledtomajorcontroversies.
All athletes wanting to qualifyortakepartinfemale category events from the LA2028 Olympics onwards
willhavetoundergoanSRY gene test to determine their eligibility
“Based on scientific evidence, the IOC considers thatthepresenceoftheSRY geneisfixedthroughoutlife and represents highly accurate evidence that an athletehasexperiencedmale sex development,” the IOC saidinastatement.
The screening will be conducted via saliva, cheek swaborbloodsampleandis unintrusive compared to othermethods,theIOCsaid, and will be done only ‘once in the athlete’s career SRY stands for sex determining regionYgene.
The Olympic body had long declined to apply any universalruleontransgender participation in the Olympics and in 2021 instructed international federations to come up with theirownguidelines.
New IOC President KirstyCoventrydidaU-turn immediately after taking overinJunelastyear,saying her organisation would take the lead for a uniform approach. “At the Olympic Games, even the smallest margins can be the
difference between victory and defeat,” Coventry said. “So,itisabsolutelyclearthat it would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category In addition, in some sports it wouldsimplynotbesafe.”
“I really believe this policy is foundationally based in science and led by medical experts,” she told a pressconference.“Weknow thatthistopicissensitive.”
“Safety on the field of playandfairness.
Oneofthethingswelike to see in sport is fair and equal treatment of everyone on that field of play Those arethetwopersonalreasons I felt very strongly about this.”
VintageKohli,teenager
Olympic rings are pictured outside the International Olympic Committee (IOC) during an Executive Board meeting at the Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland, March 26, 2026. (REUTERS/Denis Balibouse)
The new rules have no retroactive power and no impact on grassroots or amateursports.
RAREEXCEPTIONS
Thereareexceptions,the IOC said, for rare cases of sexdevelopment.
“With the rare exception of athletes with a diagnosis of Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS) or other rare differences/disorders in sex development (DSDs) who not `benefit from the a n a b o l i c a n d / o r performance-enhancing effects of testosterone, no athletewithanSRY-positive screen is eligible for
Sooryavanshi
headlinenewIPLseason
N E W D E L H I , (Reuters)-The19thedition of the Indian Premier League gets underway in Bengaluru on Saturday, a touch lighter on overseas firepower but buoyed by a confirmation of its financial healththisweek.
A h i g h - p r o f i l e consortium has acquired
Royal Challengers
B e n g a l u r u f o r a n eyewatering $1.78 billion, while another is splashing $1.6billiontotakecontrolof
Rajasthan Royalsreminders of the enduring pull of the world’s richest T20league. That financial muscle, coupled with the league’s administrativeclout,ensures the 10-team competition proceedswithitsusualpomp even as the Pakistan Super League across the border opens behind closed doors, citing a fuel shortage linked totheconflictin‘theMiddle
East.Onthefield,theseason begins with a notable first: 10homegrowncaptainswill leadtheirsidesatthetoss.
SunrisersHyderabadare the outliers, with Ishan Kishan set to hand the reins to Pat Cummins once the Australia captain is fit later inthetournament.
Cummins’ compatriots
J o s h H a z l e w o o d (Bengaluru) and Mitchell Starc (Delhi) will also miss early matches as they work back to full fitness, while Rajasthan’s England allrounder Sam Curran has beenruledoutentirely
Bengaluru, having finally shed their “nearly men”taglastyear,opentheir title defence against Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, where the mood is likely to besubdued.
The joy of last season’s breakthrough turned to tragedy when 11 people
were killed in a stampede
outside the ground, ‘uncertainty lingered before RCB received clearance to host home fixtures at the venue.
Virat Kohli’s presence, however, should lift the mood.
No longer captain but still the beating heart of Bengaluru at 37, the India great remains box office beyondfranchiselines.
NEWSTAR
Now based in London and active internationally only in 50over cricket, Kohli is a rarer sight for home fans, who will again throng the stands to watch ‘him in the twilight of his career
Eyes will also be on a newstarinIndiancricket
Rajasthan Royals
o p e n e r V a i b h a v Sooryavanshi, who turns 15 this week, lit up his debutseasonwitha35ball
hundred against Gujarat Titanslastyear
The left-hander was also the architect ‘of India’s successful campaign at the Under-19 World Cup this year
Expectations will naturally follow as he walks out alongside fellow Rajasthan opener YashasviJaiswal.
C o n d i t i o n s a r e e x p e c
t o b e unforgiving for bowlers oncemore
s could become the ‘rule on battingfriendly pitches, especially with the Impact Rule - allowing teams to swap a bowler with a batter-inplay
Mumbai Indians will be gunning for a record sixth title, while Gujarat Titans, led by India’s test and ODI captain Shubman Gill, will beeyeingasecondcrown.
competition in the female category at an IOC event,” theIOCsaid.
Athletes with an SRYpositive screen would continuetobeincludedinall other classifications for whichtheyqualify
“For example, they are eligible for any male category, including in a designated male slotwithinanymixedcategory, and any open category,” the IOCsaid.
The Paris 2024 Olympics werehitbyamajorgenderrow involvingtwoboxerscompeting in the female categories, who both won gold in their weightclasses.
A year earlier they had been banned from the world championships by their internationalfederationover agendereligibilitytest.
FEDERATIONRULES
Some federations, including athletics, swimming and rugby union, ‘had already drawn up their own rules, barring athletes
who have gone through male puberty from competing in the women’s class.
M a n y s m a l l e r federations, however, had yet to finalise their own regulationsonthematter WorldAthleticsisamong sporting organisations which have already adopted gender testing,introducingaone-off SRYgene test obtained by a cheek swab for all female athletes ahead of last year’s World Championships in Tokyo.
Even before the IOC policy announcement, however, human rights and sports advocacy groups voiced their opposition to ‘anygendertesting
“Sports is where excellence, respect and inclusion meet,” said Kimberly Frost, World CoSecretary-General of ILGA, a federation of LGBTQ+ rights groups, following the IOCannouncement.
CWI publishes 2025Annual Report following 27th...
Frompage31
requires ca
eful reexamination and thoughtful redesigntoensureastronger and more sustainable pathwayforthefuture.”
Chief Executive Officer, Chris Dehring, outlined a clear roadmap for modernising CWI’s cricket production pipeline to meet t h e d e m a n d s o f contemporary professional sport.
“First, we must attract from much earlier stages of development more of the bestmaleandfemaleathletes in the region, aligning with what obtains in modern professional sport and creating clear, aspirational pathways to professional careers.Second,wemustre-
engineerourtournamentand administrative structures to improve both productivity and financial sustainability Third, the retooling of the production pipeline with modern training facilities and infrastructure is paramount.”
The2025AnnualReport underscores Cricket West Indies’ commitment to transformation, innovation, and unity as it navigates a rapidly changing cricket landscape. With a renewed emphasis on grassroots development, highperformance systems, and financial sustainability, the organisation is positioning itself to build a stronger, more competitive future for WestIndiescricket.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has published its Annual Report for the 2025 financialyear,followingthe staging of its 27th Annual General Meeting on Saturday,March21.
The virtual meeting was attended by representatives from each Full Member shareholder Barbados Cricket Association (BCA), Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), Jamaica Cricket Association(JCA),Leeward Islands Cricket Board (LICB), Trinidad & Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB), and Windward Islands Cricket Board(WICB).
Also in attendance were representativesfromvarious Special Members, including the West Indies Cricket
Umpires Association (WICUA), and the West Indies Players Association (WIPA), with auditors, Grant Thornton, present for the reading of the audited FinancialStatements.
The2025AnnualReport provides a comprehensive o v e r v i e w o f t h e organisation’s performance across cricket operations, h i g h - p e r f o r m a n c e development, commercial activity, and financial management, while outlining the strategic priorities required to strengthen West Indies cricketinanevolvingglobal landscape. It reflects on a year of transition and recalibration, as CWI continues to respond to the shifting dynamics of international and franchise cricket,whilereinforcingits
Hope calls outs CWI for shortening 4-Day season, no Regional/international games in Barbados
President of the Barbados Cricket
Association (BCA), Calvin Hope, recently lashed out at Cricket West Indies (CWI) after no first-class or international matches were slated to be hosted at the iconic Kensington Oval CricketGround.
Mostcommonlyreferred to as the ‘The Mecca’, was not named as a host venue for any of the upcoming the four Tests, six One Day Internationals (ODI) or six T20Is scheduled to be played between June and August during home series against Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Pakistan later this year Instead, those tournaments will be hosted in Jamaica, Antigua,
commitment to sustainable growth and long-term competitiveness.
In his President’s message, Dr. The Hon. Kishore Shallow, spoke to the challenges facing the organisation and the global game.
“It is clear that the continued rise of franchise c
y dominates the international game.CricketWestIndiesis notimmunetothisreality,as we are already experiencing itseffectsinareassuchasthe acquisition of commercial
negotiation of broadcasting
e
Council is aware of these dynamicsandwillinevitably havetoplayaleadingrolein addressing a significant globaltrend,onethatposesa long-term challenge to the traditional international game.”
T h e P r e s i d e n t emphasized the collective approach required at the regionalleveltoensurelongtermsustainability
“The time has certainly come, perhaps overdue even,forgreateremphasisto be placed on our domestic andregionalsystems.While West Indies cricket represents the pinnacle of achievement, the journey begins much earlier: in our schools, our communities, and our clubs. The entire m o d e l o f c r i c k e t developmentinourregion
(Continuedonpage30)
Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana.
“I really don’t see the rationale, something is w r o n g w i t h t h e methodology in which matches are allocated” said HoperecentlyontheMason andGuestsShow Hope during another comment recently said, “Any first-class or international cricket being played in Barbados is welcomed. Cricket fans in Barbados deserve, our members of the BCA deserve to have the opportunity to watch and witness cricket live on the island.”
“It is extremely disappointing that Cricket West Indies has found whatever method they are
BCA President Calvin Hope
usingnottoschedulecricket in Barbados,” Hope pointed out.
Hope also called out CWI for their decision to shorten this year’s Regional 4-day Championships, dubbing it as a step in the wrongdirection.
“In my view, it is appalling that our regional cricket has been put under
distress.That’swhatIcallit, because everything is being cut.”
This season, players and teams alike will brace themselves for a new experienceasitrelatestothe more compact version, which is set to be played under somewhat of a Bilateralformat. Inclosing, Hope stressed on having a more competitive approach tothegamewhileurgingthe CWItoreassessthemselves.
“If you want to be competitive, you have to look very carefully at what p r o d u c e s t h a t competitiveness. I think we are going in the wrong direction, and something needs to be relooked at the whole operations of CWI,” Hopeexplained.
Senegal appeal to CAS against removal of African Cup of Nations title
(Reuters) - The
Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) lodged an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Wednesday against the decisiontostripthemoftheir African Cup of Nations title after the final result was overturned.
Senegal were ruled to have forfeited the game in RabatonJanuary18because theywalkedoffthe‘pitchin protest at a potentially decisive penalty awarded to opponentsMorocco.
They returned after 14 minutes to win the match 10, but the appeal board of African soccer’s governing body (CAF) last week replacedthatresultwitha30victoryforMorocco.
Senegal’s Sadio Mane lifts the trophy with teammates as they celebrate after winning the Africa Cup of Nations. (REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh)
“TheFSFappealseeksto set aside the CAF decision `declare the FSF winners of AFCON. It also requests an immediatesuspensionofthe time limit to submit an appeal brief until the CAF decisionisnotified`withfull grounds,” the CAS said in a statement.
“A CAS Arbitral Panel willbeappointedtoconsider this matter `Following this, aproceduralcalendarwillbe established.”
India’s Soccer team coach, players denied entry at home stadium over payment delay
(Reuters) - Indian soccer team coach Khalid Jamilandsomeplayerswere denied entry on Thursday into the stadium hosting their home game Hong Kong, forcing their press conference ahead of the Asian Cup qualifier to be called off, media reports said.
T h e p r e s s
c o n f e r e n c e w a s cancelled because the
Kerala state soccer
association (KFA) had ‘not paid a mandatory security deposit to the city authoritieswhoownKochi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, newsagencyPTIsaid,citing an All India Football Federation(AIFF)official.
The AIFF said in a s t a t e m e n t t h a t T u e s d a y ’s m a t c h should go ahead as planned
“We have full faith that the formalities will be completed by the `Football Association with the local authorities,”itpostedonX.
TheAIFFfacedcriticism after the Indian women’s team were sent undersized kits at the Women’s Asian Cup earlier ‘this month, sending staff scrambling to getjerseysmadelocally
The Indian men’s team, bottom of their group at the Asian ‘Cup 2027 qualifiers, have alreadybeeneliminated
The KFA, stadium owners Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) and the ‘AIFF did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment made outside regular workinghours.
Turkey edge Romania to reach playoff final with Guler-inspired win
ISTANBUL, (Reuters)Turkey moved within one game of ending their long World Cup absence as Ferdi Kadioglu’s second-half goal secured a 1-0 win over Romania in their playoff finalonThursday,following a moment of brilliance from ArdaGuler
In a high-stakes encounter at Besiktas Park, the deadlock was broken in the 53rd minute when Real Madrid midfielder Guler produced a superb defencesplitting pass to pick out Kadioglu, who controlled and finished ‘calmly to give thehoststhelead.
Thatproveddecisiveina tight contest between two sides seeking a return to the World Cup after long absences, with Turkey last appearing in 2002 and Romaniain1998.
Guler said the move had been discussed in the
dressing room at halftime as Turkey looked to break down Romania’s defensive block.
“Wediscussedthegoalat the halftime break. I would gettheballand`wouldmake arunintothepenaltybox.It happened exactly how we planned it,” he told Turkish broadcasterTV8.
Turkey grew in confidenceaftergoingahead and came close to doubling their advantage shortly afterwards, with Juventus’ Kenan ‘Yildiz cutting in fromtheleftandstrikingthe crossbar with a superb curlingeffort.
Romania, who had kept thehostsatbayinacautious
first‘half,pushedforwardin search of an equaliser but wereunabletobreakthrough asTurkeyheldfirmtoseeout the‘victory
The win sends Turkey into the playoff final on March 31, where they will face Slovakia or Kosovo for a place at the 2026 World Cup.
governmentearliercalledfor an inquiry into ‘the removal ofthetitle.
The FSF’s lawyers will addressapressconferencein ParisonThursday
Turkey’s Ferdi Kadioglu scores their first goal. (REUTERS/Murad Sezer)
Dominant Sinner eases past Tiafoe to reach Miami semi-finals
to reach the last ‘four in Miamiforthefourthtimein his career, extending his record of consecutive sets wonatMasters1000levelto 30.
“I feel like starting the match is very important.
When you start by going a breakup,itgivesyoualready a slightly good confidence,” saidthe24-year-oldSinner “Atthesametime,they be very aggressive, so I try to stay as compact as possiblewithmyshots.
Also mentally, there can be some ups and downs on both sides, so I try to stay very calm and take the chances I can get. I think today, that was the key.”
The Italian, who ‘is
aiming to become the first man since Roger Federer in 2017 to win Indian Wells and Miami ‘in the same season, will next face third seed Alexander Zverev or 18th seed Francisco Cerundolo.
Jannik Sinner of Italy reacts after a point against Frances Tiafoe of the United States in the quarter finals of the men’s singles at the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. (Mike Frey-Imagn Images)
(Reuters) - World number two Jannik Sinner putonadominantdisplayas he beat home favourite Frances Tiafoe 6-2 6-2 to reachtheMiamiOpensemifinals on Thursday, extending his bid for the ‘Sunshine Double’ after his IndianWellstriumph.
Sinner was barely troubled, dropping nine points on serve before sealingthewinin71minutes
Guyana’s Over-40 topple Wales in 2026 World Indoor Master’s Hockey C/ship opener
Guyana’smen’sMasters hockey teams began their 2026WorldMastersHockey IndoorWorldCupcampaign with mixed fortunes, as the Over-40 side secured an impressive opening win while the Over-50 team sufferedaheavydefeat.
The Over-40 squad got offtoaflyingstart,defeating Wales 8–4 in a strong allround performance They maintained control for most of the contest, keeping a narrow lead before pulling away to seal a comfortable victory Theresultputsthem inapositivepositionasthey look to build momentum in thetournament.
In contrast, the Over-50 team endured a difficult opening encounter, falling 10–1 to England Masters. The loss leaves them under pressure early in the competition, with a tough challenge ahead against Canada.
Guyana entered this year ’s tournament determined to improve on their previous showing, where they finished second. Withambitionsofgoingone betterthistime,theteamsare eager to prove themselves against some of the world’s topMasterssides.
The tournament is being heldfromMarch26to31at the David Ross Sports Village at the University of Nottingham in England, featuring top indoor hockey talent across men’s and women’s age categories rangingfrom35to65.
Looking ahead, the Over-40 team will face France, while the Over-50 side take on Canada in their second encounter as both teams continue their campaigns today, Friday The Women Over-40 also faceAllianceat10:00amin theiropeningclash.
(Reuters)-Italy’sfailure to develop and trust young players lies at the heart of a 20-yeardecline,2006World CupwinnersMassimoOddo and Marco Amelia told Reuters, as theAzzurri head intoanotherplayoffatriskof missing a third successive finals.
After lifting the trophy 20 years ago, Italy crashed out at the group stage in the next two editions, winning just one game. They have since missed the last two WorldCups,losingoutinthe playoffs.
Former goalkeeper Amelia says those results werenotisolatedsetbacks.
“The victory in 2006 covered and hid the limits that the national system already had in terms of structures and preparation,” Ameliasaid.
“We didn’t put enough faith in promising young players, and clubs invested too little in long-term planning.
“InSerieAthere’savery high percentage of foreign players. The only way to change this is for clubs to invest more `in young Italians, knowing that some of those investments might fail.”
According to former defender Oddo, Italian footballhasbeenleftbehind.
“Other leagues have overtaken Serie A, due to economicandinfrastructural factors,”Oddosaid.
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“Before, Italian players never went abroad. Now they do, and mediocre playersarriveinItaly,taking space away from Italians. Italian football should modernise the youth sector, becausethetalentexists,but isnotwellsupported.”
Oddo, now coach ofAC Milan’s reserve team, believes a complete mentalityshiftisneeded.
“Much more should be invested in those who are
called coaches, and turn them into educators,” he said.
“You have to focus a lot on the individual growth of the boys, not so much on results. Today, the coach is questionedevenintheyouth sector Everyone expects results, and if results don’t come,thecoachisreplaced.
“Where this kind of problem exists, the coach endsupplayingtheboywho is perhaps readier, but who
potential.”
AFALSEDAWN
Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph briefly masked problems.
“At`boththeWorldCup and Euros we won, Italy did whatithadtodo,relyingona strongdefensiveunit,”Oddo said.
“(Alessandro) Nesta, (Marco) Materazzi, (Gianluca) Zambrotta in 2006, (Giorgio) Chiellini
and (Leonardo) Bonucci at theEuros.
“Andthegreatdefenders we once had - I believe Chiellini was the last truly great Italian defender - no longerexist.”
Amelia agreed that the Euros were not a turning point,pointingtothecurrent qualifying campaign that included two heavy defeats by Norway and left Italy as grouprunners-up.
“Italy won the Euros playing a more modern football,butalsorelying`on what has always been our DNA - the ability to defend well,”hesaid.
“In qualifying we concededtoomuch.Nowwe need to think about results, andresultscomefromteams that know how to defend well and make the most of theirattackingqualities.”
Italy’s only previous failuretoreachaWorldCup beforethisbarrenspellcame in 1958, when they finished ‘behind Northern Ireland in
theirqualifyinggroup.
On Thursday they face the same opponent in a playoff semi-final in Bergamo, with the winners travelling to meet Wales or Bosnia & Herzegovina for a placeatthefinals.
“Failingtoqualifyforthe World Cup would be an enormousblow,aboveallon an economic level,” Oddo said.
“Also for everything `around football, the media, the fans.This lack of results at international level dents the enthusiasm of the fans, which is fading, that’s the harshreality.”
Amelia believes the outcome of the playoff should not distract from the widerissues.
“Not qualifying wouldn’t be a disaster,” he said.
“It would simply be a reality that needs to be analysed properly, because even if we do qualify, the problems of Italian football
RHTYSC and Pepsi renew cricket sponsorship for 22nd consecutive year
Th e h i g h l y successful and p r o d u c t i v e relationship between the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS and the DemeraraDistillersLtdwas on Wednesday last renewed forthe22ndsuccessiveyear
international soft drinks brand,Pepsi.
The renewal took place at the company’s head office, located at Diamond, East Bank Demerara and was done under the name of
RHTYSC Secretary, HilbertFoster,statedthatthe long-standingbondbetween theclubandPepsistartedin 2004 when the popular soft
drinks brand replaced the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company as the sponsor of the club’s under19 and intermediate cricketteams.
The under19 teams during the last twenty one years have won the Berbice under19 tournament five times and have reached the semifinals fifteen other times The intermediate team have won all three tournaments at that level, organised by the Berbice CricketBoard.
Club Cricket Manager RobbyKissoonlalldisclosed that the productive relationship has produced three test cricketers, eight internationals and a total of 122 players for Berbice overstheyears.
Among the players are Assad Fudadin, Royston Crandon, Kevin Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Askhay Homraj, Dominic Rikhi, Shemaine Campbelle,
Shene
Grimmond, Shabaki Gajnabi, Eon Hooper, Clinton Pestano, Delbert Hicks, Khemraj
Bharrat, Jonathan Rampersaud and Matthew Pottaya. Presently, Jayden Ganpat and Leon Reddi are intheGuyanaunder16team while Trisha Hardat and Daniellia Manns played for the West Indies under19 teamlastyear Assad Fudadin, Kevlon Anderson and Kevin are the three test players produced by the Rose Hall Town Pepsiteam.
Additionally, the two teams have successfully completed over 2500 community programmes over the duration of the sponsorship as part of their personal development programme.
Theseprogrammeswere held under a wide range of sub headings including sports, charity, educational, community development, social, religious, coaching andyouthdevelopment.
Theyincludethehosting of job fairs, youth fairs, medical outreach, music c o n c e r t s , f e e d i n g programmes, publication of
magazines,cricketacademy, summer camps, tribute to mothers and the popular Christmas Village Kissoolall, the long serving cricketmanager,assuredthe sponsor that the Pepsi team, which has to date reached thequarterfinalsoftheBCB 2026 under19 tournament, would continue to uphold their high standards on and off the cricket field Kumalchand Ramnarais is the captain of the Pepsi under19 A team, while Derwin McKenzie would serve as the Pepsi B team captain.VeteranPlayerRyan Kissoonlall will serve as captain of the Pepsi Intermediateteam.
D D L B r a n d Communication Manager Schemel Patrick stated that her company was very delighted to renew the sponsorship. She said that t h e R H T Y S C h a s represented the Pepsi brand withpassionandpride. Ms. Patrick wished the teamallthebestin2026and urged them to remain disciplinedandfocused.
NBA roundup: Celtics end Thunder’s 12-game winning streak
Luka Doncic scored 28 of his 43 points in the first halfasLosAngelesdefeated IndianainIndianapolis.
Doncic also had seven assists and six rebounds for Los Angeles, while Austin Reaves paired 25 points with eight assists.
LeBron James flirted with a triple-double, racking up 23 points, nine boards and nine assists, and Jaxson Hayes posted season highs of 21
pointsand10rebounds.
Pascal Siakam scored 20 points and Jay Huff contributed 18 as eight Pacers reached double figures T J McConnell added 17 and Andrew Nembhard’s 14 points were complemented by a careerbest 19 assists as Indiana ralliedlatetoturna29-point third-quarter deficit into a two-possessiongamelate.
In other results:
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) goes around a pick set by center Neemias Queta (88) during the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at TD Garden. (Winslow Townson-Imagn Images)
Reuters - Jaylen Brown had 31 points, eight reboundsandeightassiststo help the Boston Celtics end the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder’s12-gamewinning streakwitha119-109victory Wednesday in a game that featured the last two NBA champions.
Jayson Tatum added 19 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists for the Celtics, who trailed by 13
in the first quarter. Boston received 14 points from Payton Pritchard, who was 4 of 6 from 3-point territoryoffthebench.
S h a i G i l g e o u sAlexander had 33 points and eight assists for Oklahoma City, last season’s NBA champion Gilgeous-Alexander was 10 of 12 fromthefieldand 10of12fromthefree-throw line. Lu Dort made four 3pointersandfinishedwith14 points.
Oklahoma City was within six with 1:30 to play, but a Brown jumper gave Boston a 117-109 advantage with 47 3 left to put the game away Bostonwas7of24(29.2%) from the floor in the first quarter and trailed 31-20 after12minutes.
Timberwolves 110, Rockets(OT)
Jaden McDaniels scored 25 points on 10-
for-17 shooting and
Minnesota stormed back for a stunning
overtime win over H o u s t o n i n Minneapolis
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Julius Randle added 24 points for Minnesota (45-28), which won for the fourth time in its past
five games Rudy Gobert finished with 14 points and 14 rebounds and Naz Reidtallied14pointsand13 boardsoffthebench.
Kevin Durant and
Alperen Sengun scored 30 points apiece to lead Houston (43-29), which has lost four of its last six Jabari Smith Jr notched a double-double with 16 points and 12 boards. After the Rockets rallied from down 10 with 5:15 left in regulation to force overtime with Durant scoring the Rockets’ final seven points of the fourth quarter the Timberwolves finished the gameona15-0run. Nuggets 142, Mavericks 135
Jamal Murray scored 33 of his season-high 53 points in the first half, Nikola Jokic had 23 points, 21 rebounds and 19 assists, and host Denver held on to beat Dallas
Jokic, who has tripledoubles in three straight games, recorded his 6,000th career assist on Murray’s layup midway through the second quarter — becoming the first center in NBA history to reach that milestone—onhiswaytoa season-high assist total Peyton Watson scored 21 and Cam Johnson finished with 12 for Denver, which haswonfourinarow
Cooper Flagg had 26 points,NajiMarshallscored 22, P.J. Washington had 19 points and 15 rebounds, and Brandon ‘Williams and Khris Middleton added 11 pointseachforDallas,which has lost five straight and 24 ofitslast28.
Lakers137,Pacers130
76ers 157, Bulls 137
Hawks 130, Pistons 129 (OT)
Spurs 123, Grizzlies 98
Heat 120, Cavaliers 103
Wizards 133, Jazz 110
Trail Blazers 130, Bucks 99
Warriors109,Nets106
Clippers119,Raptors94 (FieldLevelMedia)
CWI will monitor
workload of Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph, andAlzarri Joseph. (CWI)
DDLBrand Communication Manager Schemel Patrick hands over sponsorship cheque to Nicholas Cameron while Robby Kissoonlall and Balraj Narine look on.
