K
AIETEUR Guyana gold project Sunday Edition NEWS
Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
catapults Canadian firm into TSX spotlight
January 11, 2026
Online: www.kaieteurnews.com
Price $150
...shares surge 280% in 2025; analysts rate stock a buy
Online readership yesterday, 36,546
Trump threatens ...warns of Greenland hard ‘easy way or way’ over takeover Arctic strategy
Cash grants for Guyanese uncertain ...as Trump’s grip on Venezuelan oil could depress prices, economist says
The new AC Hotels Marriott located at Ogle, ECD was on Saturday declared open. President Irfaan Ali, Minister of Tourism Susan Rodrigues and other government officials and diplomats joined the owners for the opening. (Luxury Lens productions)
More than 1,700 Reg. Six fisherfolk receive govt. cash grant ‘Poor policies, weak oversight’ doomed GuySuCo – MP Jordan ...as Pres. Ali laments missed 2025 target
Govt. yet to engage Opposition on 2026 budget
APNU Leader, Aubrey Norton
PAGE 02
Kaieteur News
Sunday January 11, 2026
Kaieteur News
Sunday January 11, 2026
PAGE 03
'Poor policies, weak oversight' doomed GuySuCo – MP Jordan ...as Pres. Ali laments missed 2025 target Shadow Minister of Agriculture and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP) Vinceroy Jordan on Saturday said that the Guyana Sugar Corporation's (GuySuCo) failure to meet its 2025 target is a result of government's continued use of a failed model. In a letter to the editor, published in Sunday's edition of the Kaieteur News, Jordan made it clear that the government cannot continue to use the sugar industry as a bottomless pit for funds. “The failure of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to meet its 2025 sugar production target is not surprising—it is disappointing, costly, and entirely predictable. What is shocking, however, is the continued refusal of the Minister of Agriculture to accept responsibility for this ongoing national embarrassment. (GuySuCo) has consistently revised its initial targets for every year it has set since taking Office
President Irfaan Ali at the meeting. APNU’s Member of Parliament Vinceroy Jordan
in 2020 to the point that it even revised its revised targets and still failed to meet same,” he said. Jordan reminded that he has repeatedly issued warnings in the National Assembly that the corporation was bound to fail because of the approach taken by the government. Instead, he said his warnings were ignored, arrogantly brushed aside and dismissed by the minister “who instead chose propaganda over planning and excuses over execution.” “Year after year, billions of taxpayers' dollars are poured into (GuySuCo) with
little to show but missed targets, declining productivity, poor field management, labour shortages, factory inefficiencies, and weak leadership. The 2025 production shortfall is not an act of God—it is the direct result of poor policy choices, weak oversight, and a stubborn refusal to reform a failing model,” Jordan added. The MP accused Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha of being consistent with overpromising and underdelivering, while offering bright projections to citizens,
with the reality on the ground telling an entirely different story. Rehabilitation of estates has been slow and ineffective, while mechanisation continues to be inadequate, he said. Management accountability has been virtually nonexistent with continued demoralisation of workers. In spite of these blatant failures Jordan said the minister “continues to behave as though GuySuCo's collapse is someone else's fault,” Jordan added. The politician reiterated that the government cannot
“continue to treat the sugar industry as a bottomless pit for public funds while offering no clear, credible, or realistic recovery plan. Sugar workers, their families, and the wider economy deserve better than recycled excuses and empty assurances.” Furthermore, he said that the failure to meet the 2025 production target, vindicates what the opposition has been saying all along that without competent management, serious reform and honest leadership the corporation will continue along a failing path. “The Minister of
Agriculture must stop deflecting blame, come clean with the nation, and take full responsibility for this failure. The time for excuses is over. Accountability is long overdue,” Jordan added. On Saturday too, President Irfaan Ali expressed disappointment that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) failure to meet its target last year. In a brief statement via his Facebook page, he said that he met with the Board of Directors and Management of (GuySuCo), where he voiced his dissatisfaction “with the performance of estates' management and their inability to achieve the 2025 targets.” “The President informed management that every estate will be held (Continued on page 33)
Kaieteur News
PAGE 04
Kaieteur News
Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: DR. GLENN LALL - TEL: 624-6456 Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Keeping Venezuela’s oil To some observers, the US strategy in Venezuela is one that slips and slides, seemingly not knowing what the end game is. Nothing could be further from the truth, because regardless of how much the US slips and slides with Venezuela, it always is sliding closer and closer to the oil. It is a massive tub of oil, a bottomless one that has thinned the juices in President Donald Trump, and gets him going. The politician in him sees the angles, while the businessman sees green, as in a huge boost to the economic fortunes of the US. He could be both over-calculating and over eager, if not over his head, in that there is every impression that he has not fully thought through this Venezuelan adventure that could get out of hand in a snap. Without a doubt, that pool of Venezuelan oil has been eating away at the brain of the US at the highest levels. Midas was so captivated by gold that he lost his head, and never recovered. From Homer, Helen of Troy made another man lose his heart, and for which 10,000 ships sailed to make matters right. To some destiny, the 300 billion barrels of heavy crude in the Orinoco Basin suck in US visions and could capsize them. Never one to hedge, President Trump was only too glad to provide confirmation of US intentions. “In 2016, I said we should have kept the oil. It caused a lot of controversy. Well, we should have kept the oil… And we are going to rebuild their broken-down oil facilities, and this time we are going to keep the oil” (as recalled by the Morning Joe host of MS Now, Joe Scarborough). Long experience has taught hard lessons. It is better to adopt a wait-and-see outlook than put credence in his every statement and end up chasing shadows. However, there are some hard realities that the US has to confront, and there is no one better at doing so than Donald Trump. It is unmoving reality that the economic and military juggernauts of the world’s leading superpower have to be kept lubricated, and the main lubricant is oil. Like oil corporations, countries must also be on the hunt for new oil, and the latest from Trump is that agreement has been reached for 30-50 million barrels from Venezuela, which recognises US domestic conditions. The Permian Basin in the American Southwest has been an extraordinary bonanza for the US, but it has been slowing down in recent times, with the emphasis being on stretching the remaining oil assets to maximise remaining value. The Bakken Field in North Dakota and Montana is a producer, but does not rank as a field with superstar status. Also, from a US perspective, Middle East oil is best thought of in terms of a love-hate relationship. The economics and good times were great for many decades, but in the last 50 years, the negatives have included fractured relationships, wars, and great divisions. From a Trumpian standpoint, why go halfway around the world, when the largest oil known oil reserves are right in this hemisphere, in the US backyard, figuratively speaking. There can be no better deal than that for someone of Trump’s mindset, and Maduro has proven just as troublesome as his mentor and predecessor, the late Hugo Chavez. In the worldview of Trump, all the oil that the US needs is right here, and there is the added benefit of knocking Maduro and his socialist friends out of the picture. Given that US military assets have been deployed in the Caribbean Sea and elsewhere in the region, it could be that he is recovering US expenditure by first committing to keeping Venezuela’s oil, then collecting that 30-50 million barrels as an instalment. Only someone who thinks like Donald Trump could search for justification of his actions, which are dubious at best, and outright robbery, to look at critically. It is unclear how long the US will continue “to keep this oil”, and keep what gives every indication of blood oil (3050M barrels) flowing. This can be couched or rationalised several ways. Regardless how pitched, it is still ransom by another name.
Sunday January 11, 2026
Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News, 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com
Govt. must take responsibility for GuySuCo’s 2025 failure DEAR EDITOR, The failure of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) to meet its 2025 sugar production target is not surprising—it is disappointing, costly, and entirely predictable. What is shocking, however, is the continued refusal of the Minister of Agriculture to accept responsibility for this ongoing national embarrassment. G U Y S U C O h a s consistently revised its initial targets for every year it has set since taking Office in 2020 to the point that it even revised its revised targets and still failed to meet same. As an Opposition Member of Parliament, I, Vinceroy Jordan, repeatedly warned in the National
Assembly and in the public domain that GUYSUCO was bound to fail under the current approach. Those warnings were ignored, dismissed, and arrogantly brushed aside by the Minister, who instead chose propaganda over planning and excuses over execution. Year after year, billions of taxpayers’ dollars are poured into GUYSUCO with little to show but missed targets, declining productivity, poor field management, labour shortages, factory inefficiencies, and weak leadership. The 2025 production shortfall is not an act of God—it is the direct result of poor policy choices, weak oversight, and a stubborn refusal to reform a failing model.
The Minister of Agriculture has consistently overpromised and underdelivered, offering rosy projections to the Guyanese people while the reality on the ground tells a very different story. Estate rehabilitation has been slow and ineffective, mechanisation remains inadequate, workers remain demoralised, and management accountability is virtually non-existent. Yet, despite these glaring failures, the Minister continues to behave as t h o u g h G U Y S U C O ’s collapse is someone else’s fault. This Government cannot continue to treat the sugar industry as a bottomless pit for public funds while offering no
clear, credible, or realistic recovery plan. Sugar workers, their families, and the wider economy deserve better than recycled excuses and empty assurances. The failure to meet the 2025 sugar production target vindicates what we in the Opposition have been saying all along: without serious reform, competent management, and honest leadership, GUYSUCO will continue to fail. The Minister of Agriculture must stop deflecting blame, come clean with the nation, and take full responsibility for this failure. The time for excuses is over. Accountability is long overdue. Yours faithfully, Vinceroy Jordan Member of Parliament
Kaieteur News
Sunday January 11, 2026
PAGE 05
Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox Guyana and American currencies Lewd vehicle art and wording are becoming and the Chinese Yuan a public nuisance
DEAR EDITOR, Businessmen claim there is a shortage of foreign currency (US dollars or greenback). The Central Bank and the Vice President say no; they kept injecting greenback (nice, new, crisp ones) into the banking system. As explained by a source at the Central Bank, the real issue is not a shortage of currency but more of ‘manipulation’ by banks and foreign businesses (mostly from China and to a lesser extent Trinidad) operating in Guyana. The Central Bank (CB) releases large amounts of American dollars to banks at a going rate and mandates that banks make available a certain amount ($1500 to ordinary customers wishing to travel) at $216, a few dollars above the CB’s selling rate to banks. (Determining exchange rates is a complex and complicated mechanism that the public may not understand unless you study economics or engage in foreign currency market). Suffice it to say that government has made it simple by selling US$ at a ‘fixed’ rate; T&T gov’t has done same by selling US$ to banks at a fixed rate of about 6.7). Banks and cambios prefer to sell the greenback at a more lucrative rate to earn higher profits; the foreigners and some businesses and individuals with huge amounts of Guyana dollars earned from questionable transactions offer higher rates to banks and cambios to purchase greenbacks. Banks also have preferred customers (friends, relatives). Local
businesses complain that the Chinese and Trini businesses and those in money laundering use up the bulk of the US dollars. That has largely led to unavailability of American dollars to local (small) business and ordinary Guyanese engaged in honest business practices. Access to foreign currency is uneven; small businesses and travelers have to wait while larger (or more favored) businesses usurp almost all of it. Most Guyanese are not aware that they are entitled to purchase at least US$1500 from a bank at a fixed rate (set by the CB at $216) but must give the bank ample time to obtain it if not immediately available. If denied, they should file a complaint with the CB which has enough US dollars to meet demand way beyond the $1500. Banks could charge more for US$ beyond $1500. The Guyana $ has been sliding in value versus the greenback. I recall as a child that the Guyana dollar was trading around $1.65 against the US dollar around 1968. Around 1977, it was G$2 to one US$ but greenback was impossible to obtain; people exchanged the US$ on the black market at higher rates. If caught with foreign c u r r e n c y, i t l e d t o confiscation and imprisonment. To avoid confiscation of foreign currency and jail, Guyanese in USA, UK, Canada, etc. would give their money to
businesspersons overseas and their relatives would collect G$ at home – informal remittances that evaded official count. Since 1977, Guyana $ has steadily fallen in value and is around $215 now. It will take a lengthy essay to explain the fall of the Guyana $; one can read the works of brilliant economists Drs. Ramesh Gampat, Tarron Khemraj and others on foreign exchange. No need-to-know mechanics of it unless you are a government official. Currently, cambios and unofficial traders and some banks are trading US$ at about $220. Individuals in shady deals offer higher rates. I n i t i a l l y, ( B r i t i s h ) Guyana had a floating exchange rate meaning it was determined by supply and demand. Then it became fixed after independence, and the government would periodically change the value of the G$ based on foreign pressure and local demand. Since around 1990, the G$ became (semi) floating – determined by supply and demand. Over the last decade, the CB intervenes in the value of the dollar (exchange) rate to maintain stability so that there is no wild loss in the value of the G$ that hurt small business and consumers. Government intervenes by buying and selling currency to adjust its value. Factors affecting supply and demand are regulated by government’s
monetary and fiscal policy; Jagdeo is a master at both. As I learned from my doctoral studies in economics some four decades ago, it was learnt that a currency’s value is primarily set by supply and demand in foreign exchange markets. And this itself is influenced by inflation, GDP, interest rates, trade balances, overall economic well-being, and political s t a b i l i t y. I n f l a t i o n negatively affects the value of our dollar. Higher interest rates appreciate the value of the dollar. Growing GDP also boosts value of c u r r e n c y. L o w unemployment signals strength of our economy. And we have been running trade with surplus that should also strengthen our currency. The economy is doing very well. But G$ has been depreciating. Demand for greenback outpaces supply – foreigners and crooked individuals have been gobbling up the greenback. The greater the demand of US$ (for trade and other reasons), a higher rate of $G will be offered. If there is too much foreign currency in the market, lower G$ is needed to purchase it. Guyana has not been flush with foreign exchange since independence in 1966. There has been great demand for foreign currency (US$), resulting in a slide in value of G$. The American dollar is the most valued currency in (Continued on page 32)
DEAR EDITOR, I am writing to raise serious concern about the increasing display of lewd artwork and sexually suggestive wording on vehicles operating on Guyana’s public roads. What was once an occasional nuisance has become common enough that many parents and ordinary road users now feel trapped into witnessing—and explaining—content that does not belong in shared public spaces. Across various routes, one can see vehicles bearing crude outlines of women stripping, sexually suggestive poses, and vulgar slogans painted or pasted in bold lettering. These displays are not “creative expression” in any harmless sense when they are placed on vehicles that travel through communities, pass schools, and stop at busy junctions where children, families, and commuters gather. Our roads are not nightclubs, and our daily commute should not come with explicit visuals forced on everyone-especially minors. This issue is bigger than personal taste; it is about public decency, respect, and basic standards. A licensed vehicle is not only private property - it is also part of a regulated public transport e n v i r o n m e n t . Roadworthiness and safety must remain the priority, but
s o t o o s h o u l d professionalism and public responsibility. When a vehicle is openly decorated with obscene imagery or language, it demonstrates disregard for community norms and for the fact that children are constantly watching and reading what is around them. Many parents can attest to the embarrassment and discomfort this causes. Children are naturally curious; they notice words and pictures quickly and ask questions without warning. Recently, the phrase “hawk tuah” has been splashed and joked about in public spaces, including on vehicles. Parents are then put in the impossible position of being asked by a little child what it means—when it is clearly not a topic suitable for them. No parent should be forced to either lie, stumble through an explanation, or scramble to distract a child because an adult chose to advertise crude content on a vehicle. For this reason, I believe stronger enforcement is needed. Vehicles displaying explicit artwork or vulgar sexual wording should be denied road licence and certification until the content is removed. Inspections and renewals should include a clear standard for inappropriate visual and written material, with penalties for repeat offenders. Public transport operators, in particular, should be held to a higher (Continued on page 06)
Kaieteur News
PAGE 06
Sunday January 11, 2026
Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox Guyana must remain Electricity rollout lagging balanced and inclusive behind housing expansion DEAR EDITOR, A s a p u b l i c communications analyst, I have been observing ongoing discussions across the Caribbean surrounding gender affairs, human rights, and social inclusion. These conversations are increasingly relevant to Guyana, where shifting demographics, regional integration, and global engagement are reshaping social dynamics and public expectations Several pressing human rights concerns continue to affect citizens, including persons born with or living with sexually transmitted diseases, survivors of domestic violence, and individuals who face discrimination in the workplace based on sexual orientation. These challenges often lead to stigma, reduced access to services, and economic hardship, reinforcing cycles of marginalisation that demand urgent and sustained attention Equally troubling are offences of rape, sexual assault, and all crimes involving children. Regional
bodies such as UN Women Caribbean have consistently emphasised the need for survivor-centered justice systems that prioritise personal rights, dignity, and protection. Reports of children being coerced into illicit activities, including digital crimes, further highlight the importance of strong child protection mechanisms and effective enforcement of existing laws. Within this context, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups across the Caribbean have actively challenged discriminatory legislation through the courts, including the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. These efforts have resulted in the decriminalisation of certain laws in some jurisdictions, reflecting a broader regional movement toward legal reform, equality, and the recognition of fundamental personal rights. It is also important to acknowledge that legal frameworks and cultural norms differ across the world, as seen in countries such as Cuba; Argentina, Niger, Western Sahara, and
parts of Mexico; and Brazil, Colombia, East Timor, China, and some European nations. As people travel, migrate, and settle across borders, they inevitably bring cultural behaviors and social expectations with them, which can at times create tension within host communities if not guided by clear laws and mutual respect However, Guyana must remain balanced and inclusive, particularly given the importance of tourism, investment, and international engagement to national development. Cultural diversity should be embraced while ensuring that all conduct aligns with the rule of law, human rights standards, and community safety. Through education, dialogue, and firm but fair enforcement, Guyana can foster a society that is open to the world while protecting the dignity and well-being of all its people. Sincerely: Mr. Blane R Bunbury Public Communications Analyst & Community advocate
DEAR EDITOR, In a recent letter, I highlighted how misalignment between water-sector planning and house-lot distribution inevitably leads to delays in household service delivery. It is a feature we see in c o m m u n i t i e s d a i l y. Additionally, a review of publicly available procurement activity suggests that a similar structural issue is now emerging in the electricity sector, where the sequencing of essential grid infrastructure does not appear to be keeping pace with the rollout of new housing schemes and expanding residential demand. Based on what is observable from tender listings and timelines, the procurement of transformers and related distribution equipment remains a critical gating factor. When these items are not secured and deployed in tandem with land allocation and housing
construction, electricity connections lag behind physical development, leaving completed or nearcompleted homes effectively unserviceable. The practical consequences are already familiar to many households. Families waiting to occupy new homes remain without power, while existing communities face more frequent outages and unstable supply as growing demand stretches aging infrastructure. These are not abstract inconveniences but disruptions that affect refrigeration, water pumps, internet access, and small home-based economic activity. There are also direct financial implications. Where public infrastructure lags, households absorb the cost privately, through generators, appliance replacements due to voltage fluctuations, or higher rents in areas perceived to have
more reliable supply. These costs do not appear in project budgets, yet they are a predictable outcome of poor infrastructure sequencing. As with water, the burden falls most heavily on newer and expanding communities. Areas already connected are better able to cope, while new housing schemes fall further behind, reinforcing uneven development despite official claims of coordinated planning. The conclusion mirrors that reached in the water s e c t o r. I n f r a s t r u c t u r e delivery is not merely a matter of capital expenditure but of timing, coordination, and institutional discipline. Where procurement and service-connection planning are not aligned with land distribution, citizens inevitably pay the price through delays, added expense, and reduced quality of life. Yours faithfully, Sherod Duncan, MP
Lewd vehicle art and wording... From page 05 expectation of professionalism, since they serve the public directly. Guyana deserves roads that reflect respect, maturity, and a minimum standard of decency. Freedom of expression should not override the right of families and children to
move through public spaces without being confronted by sexualised images and crude phrases. I urge the relevant authorities to act, and I encourage citizens to speak up until this practice is properly addressed. Sincerely, Mikoowanyah Yisrael
Sunday January 11, 2026
Kaieteur News
PAGE 07
Kaieteur News
PAGE 08 10
Sunday 2026 MondayJanuary May 02,11, 2022
BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCIES! In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Dr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecencies in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation. MONDAYJANUARY 05, 2026 It is about oils The capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by the United States is a brazen act of international lawlessness that should alarm every sovereign nation, especially small states like Guyana.
Whatever one thinks of Maduro, no country has the right to seize a sitting head of s t a t e , declare control over another nation, and dress imperial aggression in the language of "democracy" and "justice." This is not about drugs or g o v e r n a n c e . It is about oil, power, and the
d a n g e r o u s B L ' precedent that might makes right. When Washington decides who may rule, who may fall, and who may be dragged off in chains, sovereignty becomes a hollow word. Latin America has seen this script before; regime change, economic strangulation, and chaos left in its wake. Guyana must not cheer lawlessness simply because it is committed by a powerful ally. Silence today invites vulnerability tomorrow.
WEDNESDAYJANUARY 07, 2026 Crackdown on Brazilian gold miners The Government's decision to suspend the operations of 107 Brazilian miners sends a clear message that compliance with mining laws is not optional. After repeated warnings and a direct presidential directive to declare all gold produced in 2025, the government has chosen enforcement over accommodation.
This is a necessary step to protect national revenues, strengthen transparency, and restore confidence in the gold sector. For too long, low or nondeclarations have undermined regulatory credibility and disadvantaged compliant miners. The GGMC's move to halt operations pending engagement and full compliance reinforces the principle that foreign and local operators must be held to the same standard. It also signals seriousness about deregistering idle dredges and removing illegal o p e r a t o r s . H o w e v e r, enforcement must be matched with due process and clear communication. If applied consistently, this crackdown could mark a turning point for Guyana's mining sector overall. THURSDAY JANUARY 08, 2025 Journalism being
"choked" As Guyana steps into 2026, the country's media landscape stands at a dangerous crossroads. On paper, Guyana boasts media plurality, constitutional guarantees of free expression, and a government that routinely proclaims its democratic credentials. In reality, journalism is being steadily suffocated by state-managed access, curated appearances, selective silence and an alarming retreat from accountability. The Guyana Press Association's New Year's statement should therefore be read not as routine commentary, but as a warning flare. The GPA's description of journalism b e i n g "choked" by information control is neither hyperbole nor political rhetoric It reflects a lived reality familiar to every serious newsroom in this country.
Kaieteur News
Sunday January 11, 2026
PAGE 09
Old age pensions could increase to $82,000 monthly without raising Treasury costs Recently, the President announced that the government had “triangulated” the records relating to the issuance of d r i v e r ’s l i c e n s e s a n d discovered anomalies. This announcement came amid long-standing suspicions that a large number of persons driving on our roads were doing so with licenses obtained without meeting all legal requirements. Rumors have circulated for years that some people were paying as much as $140,000 in bribes to secure a license. Yet, to date, no report has emerged of a single license being revoked. While we are told that action will be taken against those who issued these fraudulent licenses, the fact remains that the system’s integrity has been seemingly compromised for years. If the government is serious about protecting the public interest, then driver’s licenses are not the only records in need of triangulation. Another critical area demanding scrutiny is the issuance of old age pensions. This is not a trivial matter. Old age pensions are intended for those who have spent their lives contributing to the development of Guyana and have reached the age of 65, provided they meet the residency and
domicile requirements. The rules are clear: to be eligible for an old age pension, a person must be at least 65 years old and have been resident and domiciled in Guyana for at least two consecutive years. Yet, over the years, questions have arisen about how faithfully this law has been applied. I recall learning of a case from many years ago of an elderly woman who returned to Guyana after decades abroad. Despite being 70 years old, she was denied a pension because she had not met the two-year residency requirement. Tragically, she passed away before the residency requirement could be fulfilled. Her case is a stark reminder of the strict rules designed to ensure fairness. However, stories continue to circulate of persons permanently resident overseas receiving Guyanese pensions. It is suspected that some individuals exploit loopholes in the system, such as using a Guyanese passport to enter the country while traveling on a foreign passport. This allows them to avoid creating official travel records that could expose their absence from the country. Worse, it is alleged that some corrupt o f ficials within the system a r e accepting bribes to
register overseas-based Guyanese for local pensions. Word on the street is that for one month’s pension as a bribe, you can get on the pension roll. These allegations take on even greater significance in light of recent data on the pension roll. Last year, it was reported that some 73,000 persons were receiving old age pensions. To put this in perspective, the 2012 Population and Housing Census indicated that 38,319 persons in Guyana were aged 65 or older. The largest group was those aged 65 to 69, numbering 13,835. The next age bracket, ages 70 to 74, included 10,339 individuals, followed by 6,908 persons aged 75 to 79. The population aged 80 to 84 stood at 4,079, while those 85 years and older numbered 3,158. Even allowing for population growth over the past decade, it is difficult to reconcile how the elderly population in Guyana could jump to 73,000 by 2024. Could it be that nearly twice the number of elderly persons are now receiving pensions than exist in the population? It is worth noting that many years ago, when the pension roll had swelled to 54,000 persons, an AFC parliamentarian raised concerns about potential irregularities. Yet, no
DEM BOYS SEH
Kitchen Garden in Every Yard Dem boys seh, we used to have Burnham wid he Grow More Food campaign. Everybody was supposed to get full belly and strong body, but instead some people end up wid “white mouth.” Yuh know what dat mean? That yuh tek de campaign too literal, eat de food but not de nutrients! But now, leh we face reality—back then it was white mouth, now it is empty pockets. De price of food get so high, even de mosquito seh, “Ah cyah afford no more blood, man!” Now Pee Pee Pee bring back de Grow More Food ting during de global food crisis, and people still did manage to find ways to complain. But here we are again, 2026, and Guyana have a crisis—Cost of Living Crisis 2.0. Dem boys decide it time for a new plan, a real plan. Not just talk, not just handout. We need Kitchen Garden in Every Yard campaign. Yes, every yard, even if yuh yard only small enough to hold a plant pot. Grow yuh own lettuce, tomatoes, pumpkin, maybe even yuh own pepper. No
more paying five hundred dollars for a bunch of thyme that yuh coulda plant yuhself. De neighbours would stop asking, “Eh, how much for dat tomato?” and start asking, “Eh, yuh cyah spare a few seeds?” Everybody start getting creative. Maybe yuh grow watermelon in de bathtub. Maybe yuh train yuh cat to water de plants. Who know? And leh we be real, a yard wid plants is better than a yard wid idle mosquitoes. At least yuh can blame de plant for missing water, not de landlord. Plus, children could learn early that food don’t come from shop shelves alone. Dem could get skills, dem could get pride, and who knows, maybe dem could even sell some extra greens and pay fuh minibus fare. So, dem boys seh, mek we start dis Kitchen Garden in Every Yard campaign. Not only it go help cushion de high cost of living, but it might even bring back de taste of real food—yuh know, de kind dat don’t leave yuh wid white mouth. Talk half. Leff half.
investigation followed. The failure to investigate then, combined with the current discrepancies, makes it urgent for a thorough forensic audit of the pension roll today. A forensic investigation would answer key questions: Are the residency and age requirements being strictly applied? Have bribes or other forms of corruption allowed ineligible persons to be added to the roll? Are overseas-based Guyanese improperly receiving pensions intended for local residents? And perhaps most i m p o r t a n t l y, c a n t h e government restore public confidence in one of its most vital social programs? The issue has significant financial and social implications. Old age pensions are funded from
public resources, and any c o r r u p t i o n o r mismanagement undermines the system’s sustainability. Inflating the pension roll with ineligible recipients diverts funds away from increasing pensions. If, for example, twice as many persons receive pensions, than are eligible, it means that if these ineligible persons were removed from the roll, old age pensions can increased to $82,000 per month without any additional cost to the treasury. The President has demonstrated the capacity and willingness to act when anomalies are discovered, as seen with driver’s licenses. The same rigor should now be applied to the pension s y s t e m . Tr i a n g u l a t i n g records, conducting a full
forensic audit, and pursuing accountability for any irregularities are essential steps. Only through such measures can the government ensure that old age pensions reach the rightful beneficiaries, prevent misuse of public funds, and restore public confidence in the system. This is why a forensic investigation into Guyana’s old age pension roll is not just warranted—it is overdue. The people of Guyana deserve a pension s y s t e m t h a t i s f a i r, transparent, and free from corruption. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Kaieteur News
PAGE 10 S
UTH
D TR
HAR
HK
BY G
LALL
Sunday Monday January May 11, 02, 2026 2022
H@RD TRUTHS
BY GHK LALL
Fear cripples govt. on Maduro The fate of Guyana's oil wealth is sealed. Aside from Guyanese within the onepercent circle, other citizens can kiss goodbye to their own oil prosperity. It's strange how this confirmation came about, but proof came. Remember Nicolas Maduro and his recent experiences. It is all enmeshed in his involuntary removal from Caracas to New York. What does the oil wealth of Guyanese, and
their share in it, have to do with Maduro's removal? Plenty, be assured. What gives a clue? It was the drum that sounded and should have deafened locals still harboring expectations that their day will come, they will collect a rightful slice of their inheritance. The PPP Govt. leadership that bubbles about democracy and democratic ideals has been rendered speechless by
Senor Maduro's removal, stunned how his removal occurred. When a stream of soundbites was expected about democracy's nonnegotiable demands, the compelling and restraining power of international law, and the applicable UN Charter about the ironclad barriers of national s o v e r e i g n t y, t h e P P P leadership, beginning with Excellency Mohamed Irfaan Ali, was struck dumb. I
recoiled in shame and disbelief. Surely something could have been said, even some commercial from the bag of platitudes that the ruling PPP reserves for such occasions. If the party that parrots the return of democracy, and the strengths of Guyana's democracy, couldn't have the guts to say that this is not a wholesome development, and the way it was executed unacceptable, then what else can it say? What more can the PPP Govt represent? Who can it? It was the beginning only. For there was the opposition and, at first, I searched for offerings on the same issue. What came out initially was on the bland and uninspiring side. Then, Mr. Aubrey Norton, PNC leader, spoke with Journalist Enrico Woolford, and it was a strong and unambiguous statement. When someone in the local political fold had to take a stand, the opposition PNC did the honors (More on this soon). For the PPP Govt., it was if the removal of Maduro did not happen, or if it did, it was in keeping with how such high-level matters are managed. Wait people, our own people, my people, do not have the heart, do not have the nuts, do not have the backbone, to stand and say before the world that 'we condemn?' To lower the
temperature: 'we deplore.' I lower still further: 'we can't agree'. That was all, if only for the show, which politicians are very good at, and Guyana cursed with the best such artistes. If they couldn't do that, then what can they do? What is the government afraid of, almost like death? What froze the minds, stopped the hearts, locked the lips from the president down ? After all the big talk and big chested bravado, I am still searching for a govt leader to say: I'm against the forced extraction of Maduro. I wish I didn't dislike what dances in Mr. Maduro's eyes. Land and gold and oil. Mine. The treasures that belong to every Guyanese, whether they live in Aishalton or Azerbaijan. But what can I say about my own beloved leaders in the PPP? When they can't stand for anything? Except skirt around, sneak away, play dumb, and put as much distance between themselves and the predawn lift of Pres. Maduro by force. They are so crippled by dread that they lost touch with the English Language at the worst time. I put before all Guyanese this national oil patrimony, long the subject of a similar hijacking, a high seas piracy, for sure. Oil talk has been about
2% and a queasy 50-50 sharing setup. About taxes and cleanup billions. About the environment and related rules that are Guyanacentric. About having real oil audits and then being transparent with them. The cry has been for much more to come out from those, this precious national asset, than have been had from the inception. Sanctity of contract has been brandished as the platinum standard. It is a deception, retreating, a joke. Sanctity of contract is a patented political farce. Fear is in the air. There is fear in the face and fear in every place held dear by Guyana's political posse. They say one word, and it's out on their behinds. The reinforcement of Massa and slaves. If Pres. Ali cannot say a word against how Maduro was removed, then the same governing, crippling fear is what dictates that nothing is said or done with this great oil wealth. Fear exposes, floors. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Rape suspect escapes police custody in Matthew's Ridge A rape suspect who was in police custody at Matthew's Ridge North West District escaped, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) announced on Saturday. In a statement, the police identified the escapee as Randy James Smith. “Randy was in custody for the offence of rape of a child under the age of 16. The investigation into the sexual offence has been completed, and the suspect was expected to be formally charged,” the statement said. All necessary measures have been put in place to locate and re-capture Smith. The GPF urges members of the public to share any information they have that can lead to the swift recapturing of the escaped prisoner.
Escapee: Randy James Smith
Kaieteur News
Sunday January 11, 2026
PAGE 11
Advancing Education, Technology & Innovation in Guyana…
Preparing the Whole Child for Success in a Changing World As parents of four children, close in age, my husband and I spent years stressing over how best to prepare our children for the future. We emphasised strong academics and encouraged extracurricular activities, many of which we chose for them. In hindsight, now that our children are adults, what stands out most is not any single subject or achievement, but the environments they were exposed to. These experiences, places where they were supported and challenged, allowed to fail, build resilience, form friendships, and try new things, are what best prepared them to thrive in the real world. And the real world is full of challenges and unfair experiences, requiring our children to develop the strength, courage, and resilience to navigate it and succeed. That word, environment, matters far more than many Guyanese parents are willing to admit. We live in a culture obsessed with grades, placements, passes, and rankings. From NGSA to CSEC, success is narrowly defined as academic dominance. Yet decades of research in developmental psychology and neuroscience tell us something deeply uncomfortable. You do not design your child. You guide them. You place them in pastures where they can grow. You shepherd. This distinction, articulated powerfully in contemporary developmental science, should liberate parents from guilt and refocus us on what actually matters. Academic achievement
has never been the sole predictor of life success, and in the age of artificial intelligence, its dominance is declining rapidly. Today, every child with a phone or laptop has access to tools that can tutor them, explain concepts, correct grammar, generate examples, and even simulate expert reasoning at any hour of the day. Studies on technology-assisted learning already show that access to intelligent tutoring systems narrows achievement gaps and flattens traditional academic hierarchies. When everyone has access to a near-genius advisor 24 hours a day, grades alone lose their power as a differentiator. So, the real question for Guyanese parents is this. What will distinguish your child? The evidence is clear. Leadership skills matter, and leadership is not the loudest voice in the room or inherited privilege masquerading as authority. Longitudinal studies such as the Harvard Grant Study and work by economist James Heckman show that noncognitive skills like leadership, perseverance, and social competence are stronger predictors of adult success than test scores. Yet our schools rarely teach leadership intentionally, and our society often confuses leadership with ownership, control, or worse, abuse and entitlement. Self-confidence is a n o t h e r d i ff e r e n t i a t o r, especially for girls. Research consistently shows that confidence predicts academic persistence, career advancement, and earnings, yet Caribbean culture frequently discourages
confident children, particularly confident young women, labeling them as rude, forward, or problematic. When confidence is suppressed, talent follows it into silence. Conflict resolution and collaboration are equally critical. Guyana is not good at either. Our political culture, our workplaces, and even our schools reward dominance over dialogue and silence over cooperation. Yet the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs reports repeatedly rank collaboration, emotional intelligence, and conflict management among the top skills employers seek globally. Children who cannot work with others, manage disagreement, or navigate differences will struggle regardless of how many subjects they pass. Digital fluency and AI literacy now sit alongside reading and numeracy as core survival skills. This does not mean passive screen time. It means reading books deeply, using technology purposefully, understanding how tools work, questioning outputs, and learning how to think with machines rather than defer to them. OECD studies show that students who combine strong literacy with meaningful technology use outperform peers who rely on rote learning or unstructured digital exposure. What ties all of this together is the whole child. Cognitive development, emotional maturity, social skills, ethical grounding, creativity, and adaptability. Neuroscience confirms that once basic developmental needs are met, piling on more stimulation or pressure
does not create better outcomes. What matters is the quality of experiences, peers, mentors, schools, and communities’ children are immersed in. As research summarised for parents over the past two decades makes clear, where you live, who your child interacts with, and what environments you choose matter more than micromanaging outcomes inside the home. For Guyanese parents fixated on success, this is the
uncomfortable truth. You cannot engineer brilliance, and we may all differ on what brilliance even means. What you can do is cultivate the right conditions. You can ensure your child reads, builds a strong academic foundation, and fills gaps early, because mastery of foundational concepts allows children to absorb new ideas more effectively as learning becomes more complex. Just as important is
exposing your child to environments that reward curiosity, cooperation, confidence, leadership, and the ethical use of technology. In a world where academic answers are increasingly a u t o m a t e d , c h a r a c t e r, judgment, collaboration, and courage become the real currency. If we want our children to thrive in a technology-driven future, we must stop raising exam-takers and start raising whole human beings.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 12
WEEK-IN-REVIEW SUNDAY U.S. to ‘run’ Venezuela until ‘safe transition’ – Trump …as Nicolás Maduro, wife captured, transported to U.S. for prosecution Aljazeera - US President Donald Trump says the United States will “run” Venezuela until a political transition can take place, just hours after US forces bombed the South American country and “captured” its president, Nicolas Maduro. Speaking during a news conference on Saturday, Trump said the US would “run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition”. “We don’t want to be involved with having somebody else get in, and we have the same situation that we had for the last long period of years,” he said. The Trump administration launched attacks on the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, in the early hours of Saturday after a months-long pressure campaign against Maduro’s government. That campaign included US seizures of oil tankers off the Venezuelan coast, as well as deadly attacks on alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean that were widely denounced as extrajudicial killings. Washington had accused the Venezuelan leader, who has been in power since 2013, of having ties to drug cartels – a claim rejected by Maduro, who said the US was working to depose him and take control of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. D u r i n g S a t u r d a y ’s n e w s conference, Trump said “very large United States oil companies” would move into Venezuela to “fix the badly broken … oil infrastructure and start making money for the country”. He added that his administration’s actions “will make the people of Venezuela rich, independent and safe”. The Trump administration has defended the “capture” of Maduro by saying the left-wing leader faced drug-related charges in the US. Trump earlier said the Venezuelan president – who was taken into US custody along with his wife, Cilia Flores – was being transferred to New York to face those charges. ‘Illegal abduction’ But legal experts, world leaders and Democratic Party lawmakers in the US have condemned the administration’s actions as a violation of international law. “Attacking countries, in flagrant violation of international law, is the first step toward a world of violence, chaos, and instability, where the law of the strongest prevails over multilateralism,”
UNHCR, and the Red Cross to the potential need for logistical and financial support, ensuring Guyana is not left to bear a disproportionate burden as a result of the influx of Venezuelans,” the party said. APNU stressed the importance of inclusive decision-making during this period, in the face of a potential emergency. “There is need for an approach that transcends partisan politics. We stand ready to lend our full support to the promotion and protection of national sovereignty and territorial integrity. We offer our cooperation in developing legislative measures, mobilizing community-based support networks, and providing bipartisan political backing for the necessary resource allocations to protect both vulnerable people and our nation’s stability,” APNU stated. The We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) echoed the call for preparedness, noting that the U.S. action in Venezuela fundamentally she really doesn’t have a choice.” alters the geopolitical and security Rodriguez appeared to environment in which Guyana contradict that in a news conference operates. in Caracas later in the day. “This moment demands “We demand the immediate n a t i o n a l u n i t y, i n s t i t u t i o n a l release of President Nicolas m a t u r i t y, a n d r e s p o n s i b l e Maduro and his wife. The only leadership. Guyana has had to president of Venezuela is President continuously contend with Nicolas Maduro,” she said. sustained pressure and microReporting from Chile, Al aggressions from Venezuela arising Jazeera’s Latin America editor out of its unlawful claim to Lucia Newman said that, if Essequibo. Those tensions do not Rodriguez is “on board” with the disappear because of regime US plan for Venezuela as Trump change; in fact, they may intensify and Rubio previously suggested, in unpredictable ways,” the party “she certainly didn’t sound like it” said. during her address. Further, WIN made a call for “She sounded like her typical peace in the region. It stated that fiery self, very much on the side of stability in the Caribbean and South … Maduro, demanding that he be America serves the interests of all released and saying that Venezuela peoples and must be pursued would not be a colony of the United through diplomacy, international States,” Newman explained. law, and mutual respect. Meanwhile, Harlan Ullman, a The party highlighted potential former US naval officer, also told risks, including cross-border Al Jazeera that “the notion of movement, refugee flows, America taking over Venezuela is retaliatory actions by Venezuelan going to explode in our faces.” actors within Guyana, and threats to “When Trump says, ‘We’re citizens, infrastructure, and going to run the country’ – We’re economic stability. It also stressed not capable of running America, the need for regional peace and how are we going to be able to run adherence to diplomacy and Venezuela?” Ullman said. international law. “I do not believe that we have a “In circumstances such as plan for dealing with Venezuela,” these, no responsible government he added. “A country is governs alone. Yet the Guyana extraordinarily complex. We lack government has chosen a path of the knowledge, understanding and unilateralism. It has refused all the logistics to do this.” to meaningfully engage the Opposition on matters of Guyana must prepare for national security and any eventuality after U.S. effectively sidelined strike on Venezuela – APNU Parliament. This deliberate -WIN warns of exclusion undermines consequences; FGM calls Guyana’s ability to present a for information on coherent, national response protective measures to a regional crisis. National security is not a party matter. G u y a n a ’s o p p o s i t i o n It is not a PPP matter or an parties have called on the Irfaan opposition matter. It is a Ali-led administration to Guyana matter,” WIN said. ensure protective measures are Chairman of A Partnership for Continued on page 13 in place, maintain National Unity (APNU) Aubrey Norton The party called for an transparency, and involve all
Venezuela accused the United States of ‘an extremely serious military aggression’ after explosions rocked the capital Caracas. (Luis Jaimes – CBS19))
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva wrote on X. Ben Saul, the United Nations’ special rapporteur on human rights and counterterrorism, slammed what he called Washington’s “illegal abduction” of Maduro. “I condemn the US’ illegal aggression against Venezuela,” Saul wrote on social media. A spokesperson for UN chief Antonio Guterres said he was “deeply alarmed” by the situation, describing the US’s actions in Venezuela as setting “a dangerous precedent”. “The Secretary-General continues to emphasize the importance of full respect – by all – of international law, including the UN Charter. He’s deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected,” G u t e r r e s ’s o ff i c e s a i d i n a statement. E a r l i e r o n S a t u r d a y, Venezuela’s defence minister had released a defiant statement in response to the US attacks, urging people to remain united. “We will not negotiate; we will not give up,” Vladimir Padrino Lopez said in a statement, stressing that Venezuela’s independence is not up for negotiations. “We must maintain calm and [be] united in order to prevail in these dire moments.” Uncertainty prevails It remains unclear how exactly the US plans to “run” Venezuela – and how long the purported transitional period will last. D u r i n g S a t u r d a y ’s n e w s c o n f e r e n c e , Tr u m p s a i d U S Secretary of State Marco Rubio had spoken with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez. “She was sworn in as president just a little while ago,” Trump told reporters. “She had a long conversation with [Rubio], and she said, ‘We’ll do whatever you need.’ I think she was quite gracious, but
Sunday January 11, 2026
st a k e h o l d e rs i n p r e p a ri n g t h Venezuelan President e Nicolás Maduro on c board the USS Iwo Jima.o (The White House) u n tr y for potential crises following the capturing of Venezuela’s president Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores on Saturday morning. A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) urged the government to immediately activate contingency plans, particularly to address the potential humanitarian and security crisis along the western border. The party outlined that Guyana has find itself in a very precarious position – emphasizing the need to think and act strategically. “While our position on the territorial controversy remains fixed on the International Court of Justice (ICJ), process and international law, the unfolding situation demands a pragmatic, and comprehensive national response to a probable immediate movement of displaced persons seeking refuge,” the party said in a statement on Saturday. To this end, APNU outlined four suggestions to the government which includes: formalize a humanitarian task force; designate and prepare reception areas; and enhance border monitoring & security protocols. APNU also called for government to engage regional & international partners proactively. “Formally alert CARICOM, the
Sunday January 11, 2026
Kaieteur News
From page 12 The party called for an immediate meeting with the Opposition to discuss security, humanitarian, and diplomatic implications and urged a briefing to the nation on risks, preparedness, and Guyana’s stance. WIN also called for the Opposition Leader to be elected so that the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on the Security Sector can collectively review policy. WIN added, “Silence, exclusion, and executive control are not strength. In moments of regional instability, unity is strength, transparency is strength, and constitutional governance is strength. Guyana cannot afford division or democratic paralysis at a time when regional tensions may spill across our borders. Leadership now requires engagement, not avoidance; consultation, not control; and nationhood, not partisanship.” Meanwhile, Forward Movement Guyana (FGM) warned that the removal of Venezuela’s president marks a dangerous turn for the region. “Moments like this test the resolve of governments and expose whether leaders are prepared to defend national interests with clarity, competence, and courage. Small states do not have the luxury of complacency. We must be deliberate, strategic, and fully informed,” the party stated. FGM also called on the government for transparency, stressing that limited or disjointed information undermines public confidence. “The Government of Guyana has a duty to speak plainly, to brief the nation honestly, and to make clear what risks are being assessed and what measures are already in place to protect our borders, our citizens, and our national assets,” FGM said. F u r t h e r, t h e p a r t y u rg e d immediate briefings to Parliament and the nation on the situation in Venezuela, protective measures in place, and contingency plans for potential escalation. Meanwhile, former President Donald Ramotar condemned the U.S. action, saying it violated international law. “The bombing of Venezuela and the kidnapping of that country’s president and first Lady has taken us back to the days of gunboat diplomacy. International laws are being trampled on and totally disregarded Sovereignty of small and medium sized countries have become meaningless and the US has emerged as a Super Colonial power,” the former president said,” he said. The former president warned that regional countries are being pressured to support the U.S. and linked the action to broader U.S. and Israeli interventions. He said, “What has happened early this morning is a continuation of the US
“We are outraged because in the end everything was revealed — it was revealed that they only want our oil,” added Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello. Once one of the most prosperous nations in Latin America, Venezuela’s economy tanked in the 2000s under President Hugo Chavez and nosedived further under Nicolas Maduro, sending about one in five Venezuelans abroad in one of the world’s biggest exoduses. Meanwhile, on Sunday a top Venezuelan official declared that the country’s government would stay unified behind President Maduro, whose capture by the United States has sparked deep uncertainty about what is next for the oil-rich South American nation. Maduro is in a New York detention center awaiting a Monday court appearance on drug charges. President Trump who went golfing on Sunday, ordered his s e i z u r e f r o m Ve n e z u e l a o n Saturday and said the U.S. would take control of the country. But in Caracas, top officials in Maduro’s government, who have called the detentions of Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores a kidnapping, were still in charge. “Here, the unity of the revolutionary force is more than guaranteed, and here there is only one president, whose name is Nicolas Maduro Moros. Let no one fall for the enemy’s provocations,” Cabello said in an audio recording released by the ruling PSUV socialist party. Without providing specifics, Defense Minister General Vladimir Padrino said on state television the U.S. attack killed soldiers, civilians and a “large part” of Maduro’s security detail “in cold blood.” Venezuela’s armed forces have been activated to guarantee sovereignty, he said. Vice President Delcy Rodriguez who also serves as oil minister has taken over as interim leader with the blessing of Venezuela’s top court, though she has said Maduro remains president. Because of her connections with the private sector and deep
United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio and Israel’s action in Palestine and unless the peaceful and democratic forces of our world unite, we will see more of the same Cuba and Iran may be next.” MONDAY ‘Venezuela’s oil must serve US interests’ – Rubio United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Venezuela’s next leader should be aligned with Washington’s interests, which include keeping Venezuela’s oil industry out of the hands of U.S. adversaries and stopping drug trafficking. He cited an ongoing U.S. blockade on tankers under sanctions as leverage. “We have a quarantine on their oil,” Rubio said on ABC’s “This Week.” “That means their economy will not be able to move forward until the conditions that are in the national interest of the United States and the interest of the Venezuelan people are met.” The Venezuelan government has said for months US President Donald Trump was seeking to take t h e c o u n t r y ’s v a s t n a t u r a l resources, especially its oil, and o ff i c i a l s m a d e m u c h o f h i s comment on Saturday that major U.S. oil companies would move in.
PAGE 13
knowledge of oil, the country’s top revenue source, Rodriguez has long been considered the most pragmatic member of Maduro’s inner circle. But she has publicly contradicted Trump’s claim she is willing to work with the United States. Trump said Rodriguez may pay a bigger price than Maduro “if she doesn’t do what’s right,” according to an interview with The Atlantic magazine on Sunday. T h e Ve n e z u e l a n communications ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on that remark. MUTED STREETS Some Maduro supporters gathered at a governmentsponsored protest march on Sunday afternoon in Caracas. Once ruled by Spain, Venezuela’s “people must not surrender, nor should we ever become a colony of anyone again,” said demonstrator Reinaldo Mijares. “This country is not a country of the defeated.” Maduro opponents in Venezuela have been wary of celebrating his seizure, and the presence of security forces seemed, if anything, lighter than usual on Sunday. Despite a nervous mood, some bakeries and coffee shops were open and joggers and cyclists were out as usual. Some citizens were stocking up on essentials. “Yesterday I was very afraid to go out, but today I had to. This situation caught me without food and I need to figure things out. After all, Venezuelans are used to enduring fear,” said a single mother in oil city Maracaibo who bought rice, vegetables and tuna. To the disappointment of Venezuela’s opposition, Trump has given short shrift to the idea of 58-year-old opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado taking over, saying she lacked support. Machado was banned from standing in the 2024 election but has said her ally Edmundo Gonzalez, 76, who the opposition and some international observers say overwhelmingly won that vote, has a democratic mandate to take the presidency.
LOOMING QUESTIONS It is unclear how Trump plans to oversee Venezuela and he runs the risk of alienating some supporters who oppose foreign interventions. U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, who leads Senate Democrats, said the White House has failed to answer critical questions, including how long the U.S. intends to be in Ve n e z u e l a a n d h o w m a n y American troops might be required. “The American people are worried that this is creating an endless war—the very thing that Donald Trump campaigned against over and over and over again,” Schumer said on ABC’s “This Week.” He said lawmakers would weigh a measure to constrain further Trump administration action in Venezuela. While many Western nations oppose Maduro, there were many calls for the U.S. to respect international law and resolve the crisis diplomatically. Questions arose over the legality of seizing a foreign head of state. The U.N. Security Council planned to meet on Monday to discuss the U.S. attack. Russia and China, both major backers of Venezuela, have criticised the U.S. Maduro was indicted in 2020 on U.S. charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy. He has always denied any criminal involvement. (Reuters) ‘Silica City is Pradoville 32 – Ram warns of exploding costs, lack of accountability The Silica City housing project is shaping up to be “Pradoville Three in the making,” unfolding with little transparency, weak institutional oversight and a dangerous erosion of accountability, according to Chartered Accountant and Attorney-at-Law Christopher Ram. Highlighting this troubling state of affairs in his most recent column published by Stabroek News Ram explained that while the public remains largely ignorant of the Continued on page 14
The Silica City housing project located along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway
o
Kaieteur News
PAGE 14
From page 13 ongoing development, touted to benefit “young professionals” he has observed the dangerous repeat of patterns that were unearthed in the probe of Pradoville Two, constructed in Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara. The new housing development, which Ram made the subject of his first column for 2026, is being built along Soesdyke Linden Highway. The attorney however pointed out that beyond the periodic, campaign-style announcements, the project operates in nearcomplete secrecy. “It is repeatedly celebrated as the President’s “brain-child”, yet the public has been told nothing of how it is financed, how it is structured within government, or by what criteria the beneficiaries of its house lots will be selected,” he argued. The lawyer was keen to note that this pattern was maintained most recently as last week when the Minister of Housing, Collin Croal announced that agreements were signed and allocations of houses made, without accompanying disclosure of any legal authority, eligibility rules, pricing framework, or institutional approvals governing those allocations. Ram is of the firm view that the silence is not accidental. He reasoned, “We have seen this movie before. The Sparendaam housing project – Pradoville 2 – did not unravel by accident. The investigation showed that it was financed through multiple state entities, with no single institution carrying the full cost and no consolidated accounting of the project. That fragmentation diluted responsibility, obscured the true cost, and prevented scrutiny until long after land was transferred and beneficiaries entrenched. By the time the full picture emerged, accountability was already lost – and no one was ever held responsible.” Notably, a forensic audit later revealed how the absence of clear statutory footing, the bypassing of institutional processes, undisclosed allocation criteria, missing records, and political direction substituting for law, produced outcomes that benefited a select few, including the then President, Ministers, party figures, and carefully chosen beneficiaries. The advocate believes that the current project is more troubling, as many of the same enabling conditions have re-emerged but on a far larger and more expensive scale. “Then, Dr. Ali operated as Housing Minister under a President. Now, he is the President. Then he reported to Cabinet. Now, Cabinet reports to him,” Ram warned. Erosion of transparency In presenting a detailed account of the safeguards that have been
Sunday January 11, 2026
Nicolás Maduro, the ousted leader of Venezuela, at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport before being taken to the federal courthouse in Lower Manhattan on Monday. Credit-Vincent Alban/ The New York Times
deliberately ignored, Ram noted that the administration of Silica City fall under the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), established under the Housing Act. Although the agency was designed to prevent the opacity and looseness exposed by the Sparendaam investigation, Ram highlighted that a key tool required has been dispensed with by the CH&PA- Annual Reports- to the convenience of Silica City. The Lawyer explained, “Annual Reports have disappeared. There is no identifiable public accounting for the project. The project does not appear in the National Estimates, nor is it identifiable in the financial statements of the CHPA or any other government authority. This is despite the vast sums being spent on infrastructure and construction.” Further, he pointed out that the Housing Minister reports directly to the President which results in a flagship housing project executed by CHPA under direct political oversight, with diminished reporting and no transparent disclosure of financing, governance, or allocation criteria; all in an environment of an explosion of funds accompanied by an erosion of accountability. Ram reminded readers that since the PPP/C returned to office in 2020, CHPA abandoned the comprehensive Annual Reports required by section 49 of the Housing Act. The agency has substituted bare audited financial statements that say nothing about projects, allocations, beneficiaries, or policy decisions. As such, the advocate cautioned, “The stage was set: no meaningful statutory reporting. As
a result, Silica City is rendered financially invisible to citizens and Parliament alike. This violation of the law shields the project from scrutiny while land is allocated, infrastructure constructed, and commitments locked in.” The Audit Office did not escape the blistering pen of Ram, who called out the institution for failing to detect these issues. “The Audit Office of Guyana exists to ensure compliance not only with accounting standards, but with the laws governing public authorities. The absence of Annual Reports, and the complete invisibility of Silica City in CHPA’s published accounts, should have been explicitly flagged,” he argued. Likewise, he roasted the Opposition members for their silence on the matter. “When a statutory reporting framework collapses in plain sight, unnoticed by auditors and unchallenged by Parliament, accountability disappears, and lawful administration collapses,” Ram said. Given his involvement in the investigation of the Sparendaam project, the Lawyer said he recognised the warning signs. “I fear that if this project is allowed to continue under existing conditions of opacity, avoidance of scrutiny, and deliberate invisibility, we will not later be wondering whether Silica City was Pradoville 3. We will already know the answer.” TUESDAY Maduro pleads not guilty to U.S. narco charges - says he is still President of Venezuela NEW YORK, Jan 5 (Reuters) –
Toppled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro pleaded not guilty on Monday to narcotics charges after President Donald Trump’s stunning capture of him rattled world leaders and left officials in Caracas scrambling to respond. Maduro, 63, pleaded innocent in New York federal court to four criminal counts: narco-terrorism, cocaine importation conspiracy and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. “I am innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man. I am still president of my country,” Maduro said through an interpreter, before being cut off by U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein. Maduro’s wife Cilia Flores also pleaded not guilty. The next court date was set for March 17. Dozens of protesters, both pro- and antiMaduro, gathered outside the courthouse before the half-hour hearing. ACCUSATIONS OF COCAINE-TRAFFICKING Maduro is accused of overseeing a cocaine-trafficking network that partnered with violent groups including Mexico’s Sinaloa and Zetas cartels, Colombian FARC rebels and Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang. Maduro has long denied the allegations, saying they were a mask for imperialist designs on Venezuela’s rich oil reserves. Trump has made no secret of wanting to share in Venezuela’s oil riches. U.S. oil companies’ shares jumped on Monday, fueled by the prospect of access to its vast reserves. While world leaders and U.S. politicians grappled with the extraordinary seizure of a head of state, an emergency order in Venezuela, published in full on Monday, ordered police to search and capture anyone who supported
Saturday’s U.S. attack. At the United Nations, the Security Council debated the implications of the raid, which was condemned by Russia, China and leftist allies of Venezuela. U.N. chief Antonio Guterres raised concerns about instability in Venezuela and the legality of Trump’s strike, the most dramatic U.S. intervention in Latin America since the 1989 Panama invasion. U.S. Special Forces swooped into Caracas by helicopter on Saturday, shattered his security cordon and dragged him from the threshold of a safe room. MADURO,WIFE APPEAR, PLEAD NOT GUILTY On Monday morning, Maduro – his hands zip-tied – and his wife were escorted by armed guards in tactical gear from a Brooklyn detention center to a helicopter bound for the Manhattan federal court. The judge began the hearing at 1 2 :0 2 p . m. ( 1 7 0 2 G M T) b y summarizing the charges in the indictment. Maduro, in orange and beige prison garb, listened on headphones through an interpreter. Hellerstein asked Maduro to stand and confirm his identity. He replied in Spanish. The judge told the couple of their right to inform the Venezuelan consulate of their arrests. Prosecutors say Maduro has been involved in drug trafficking from the time he began serving in Venezuela’s National Assembly in 2000 to his tenure as foreign minister and subsequent 2013 election as the late president Hugo Chavez’s successor. MADURO’S LAWYER PREDICTS LEGAL FIGHT OVER ‘MILITARY ABDUCTION’ Maduro’s lawyer Barry Pollack said he anticipated voluminous and complex litigation over what he called his client’s “military abduction.” He said Maduro was not requesting his release but may later. F l o r e s ’s l a w y e r, M a r k Donnelly, said she sustained significant injuries including severe bruising on her ribs and asked that she be provided X-rays and a physical evaluation. Federal prosecutors in New York first indicted Maduro in 2020 as part of a long-running narcotics trafficking case against current and former Venezuelan officials and Colombian guerrillas. An updated indictment made public on Saturday added some new details and co-defendants, including Cilia Flores. The U.S. has considered Maduro an illegitimate dictator since he declared victory in a 2018 election marred by allegations of massive irregularities. Experts in international law have questioned the legality of the raid, with some condemning Continued on page 24
Kaieteur News
Sunday January 11, 2026
PAGE 15
Towards a better life with your psychologist
Conflict Recovery in Romantic Relationships
I
f you are in a conflict-less relationship, you are in the worst relationship setting. If you are in a relationship with consistent and constant conflict it’s the ending of that relationship, conflict strengthens relationship and conflict destroys relationship. Effective conflict recovery is crucial in romantic relationships for building trust, increasing satisfaction, and ensuring l o n g - t e r m s t a b i l i t y, transforming fights from damaging events into growth opportunities through open communication, empathy, positive post-conflict rituals, and a commitment to mutual understanding, rather than avoiding issues or resorting to withdrawal. If every time there is a conflict and you are unable to recover the relationship is becoming extinct. Conflict recovery in a relationship is not dependent on your partner; it depends on you. The health of your personality and your childhood experience or lifestyle after psychotherapy. Avoid relationships if you are poor at conflict resolution until you have mastered the skills and the personal healing. Conflict in adult romantic relationships is primarily based on family of origin; so too is our inability to resolve those conflicts. What we have seen and experienced in conflict between our parents are what adult children are still grappling with in their adult relationship. Several factors can prohibit or slow down conflict recovery time in a relationship, often involving c o m m u n i c a t i o n breakdowns, unaddressed underlying issues, and individual emotional challenges. Communication and Conflict Management Issues Stonewalling and Withdrawal: When one or both partners shut down emotionally or physically (give the “silent treatment”) during or after a conflict, it prevents communication necessary for repair and compromises relationship satisfaction. Lack of Effective Communication: An
inability to express feelings respectfully, listen to each other, or find solutions means arguments are frequent but rarely resolved. The “CCDS”: The presence of criticism, contempt (sarcasm, eyerolling, belittling), defensiveness, and stonewalling are toxic communication patterns that actively damage the relationship and prevent recovery. Constant Conflict Without Resolution: When issues accumulate without resolution, it leads to lingering negative feelings and makes subsequent conflicts harder to recover from. Deep-Seated Emotional and Psychological Factors Unresolved Resentment: Storing up past hurts and ignored issues create bitterness that can escalate future disagreements and hinder the healing process. Broken Trust: Betrayal, d is h o n es ty, o r b r o k en promises shatter the foundation of a healthy relationship, making it extremely difficult to recover from conflict as suspicion lingers. Attachment Styles: Anxious attachment individuals experience protracted distress and rumination, while avoidant individuals may defensively minimize negativity, both of which complicate postconflict behavior and recovery. Poor Emotional Regulation: Difficulty managing strong emotions like anger or frustration can lead to disproportionate reactions during conflicts, making a calm recovery challenging. Fear of Vulnerability: A reluctance to be open and honest about one’s true feelings and needs can prevent partners from addressing the root causes of conflict and fostering true connection. Lack of Intimacy: A lack of physical or emotional closeness reduces the “buffer” that normally helps cohabiting couples reduce withdrawal after a fight. Relationship Dynamics and External Pressures One-Sided Effort: If only one partner is willing to invest the time and energy into recovery and repair, the imbalance can breed further resentment and stall
progress. Unmet Needs and Expectations: When core emotional needs or expectations are consistently unmet, unspoken yet expected leads to chronic tension and recurring arguments that never fully heal. External Stressors: Outside pressures, such as financial strain or work overload, can exacerbate existing tensions and reduce the emotional resources available for conflict recovery. Ultimately, the failure to recover from conflict often stems from a cycle where unaddressed issues and poor communication lead to repeated arguments, which further erode trust and connection, making recovery increasingly difficult. These problems are what we have brought over into our relationship from what we see and have experiences with our parents or caregivers; and must be addressed in therapy. The time it takes to recover from relationship conflicts varies greatly depending on the individuals and the nature of the argument. Immediately after a fight, the goal is to calm down, which can take anywhere from 20 minutes to a few hours or even a few days. Full recovery and resolution may take longer, but healthy couples focus on the repair process to strengthen their bond. Ideally and in a health relationship recovery takes a few hours, conflict should be resolved and recovery should be within 48 hours. Immediate Recovery (Cooling Down) Ta k i n g a b r e a k immediately after a heated argument to allow your nervous system to regulate. This is very difficult for insecure partners or couples. A childhood trauma response, which only makes the relationship difficult. Trying to force a resolution while emotions are high often backfires Time needed: it takes approximately 20 minutes for stress hormones to subside and feel calm again. An emotionally or mentally unstable individual, may need the day, depending on the person. However, the longer cooling down period
makes connection and strengthen in the relationship weaker. There are those while in this calming down phase go outside the relationship to seek validation, revenge or to be emotionally support by others. This is very detrimental to the recovery and sustenance of the relationship and should be avoided. Action during this time: Engage in self-care activities like taking a walk, journaling, or listening to music to get out of the negative headspace. A void seeking attachment, a ff e c t i o n , a ff i r m a t i o n , attention, approval or acceptance from outside Full Resolution & Healing Once both partners are calm, discussing the conflict, understanding each other’s perspectives, and repairing the emotional damage begins. The total time for full recovery depends on several factors: Severity of the conflict: A minor disagreement resolves much faster than a serious fight involving trust issues or deeply held emotional triggers. Effort put into repair:
Actively working through the conflict using healthy c o m m u n i c a t i o n By Dr. Telford Layne Jr. PsyD, techniques (e.g., using MSc. Postgrad, BSc. “ I ” s t a t e m e n t s , Clinical and Developmental validating feelings, Psychologist - Psychoanalyst taking ownership) Unwrapping Gift -Clinic speeds up healing. Define the problem. feelings. Example, “I feel Label your emotions in the when you raised your voice process, if not unlabeled on me you are taking me for emotions hijack logics in granted by bullying me and problem solving or critical dismissing my contribution; thinking. something I experienced as a Key Steps for Faster child with my father”. Take Recovery ownership: Apologize for Rather than focusing your role in the conflict, solely on a timeline, focus on focusing on your actions healthy recovery strategies: rather than your partner’s As a couple you can have one faults. day per week for resolving Re-affirm connection: conflict. Or you can use Simple gestures like a hug, morning hours while in bed holding hands, or saying “I when your brain is refreshed love you” can help bridge the to address conflict. emotional distance. Drain A c k n o w l e d g e t h e the impact of the hurt: this conflict: Accept the impact it can give you a few more h a d a n d t h e f e e l i n g s hours or days to address the involved. core problem but the Create a safe space: recovery is in progress. Ensure your partners feel If conflicts remain safe enough to be vulnerable unresolved or follow a and honest without fear of destructive pattern, consider blame or criticism. seeking help from a U s e e f f e c t i v e professional who can communication: Practice provide tools for healthier active listening and use “I” conflict resolution. My s t a t e m e n t s t o e x p r e s s number is 5926550796.
PAGE 16
Kaieteur News
Sunday January 11, 2026
Kaieteur News
2202 ,2 0 yaM y11, adn2026 oM Sunday January
PAGE 01 EGA 17 P
God, good food and family
...100 years of sunshine for Eileen Bumbary In the heart of Sparendam, East Coast Demerara ( ECD) lives a new centenarian, Eileen Bumbary, who has held God above everything, and whom she is confident is responsible for her reaching her ripe old age. Eileen was born on January 6, 1926 in the very community she now lives. While over the years, she may have moved to different parts, she never stepped foot out the village. She now lives in a home saturated with pure love. It was evident when Kaieteur News visited recently. She was surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great- grands, days after the entire community showered her with affection. “I feel proud of it. I never
Ms. Bumbary at 100 Students of the nearby Plaisance Secondary school in attendance at Ms. Bumbary's birthday celebration. expected to meet so far. I am shocked over it. I am glad for the attention that was paid to me. Everybody throw in their lot and was there for me. They made me feel
good, they made me feel happy,” she told this newspaper about reaching 100. Just a baby when her father left her mother and
Family members gather to celebrate Ms. Bumbary's birthday
More celebrations for Ms. Bumbary's 100th birthday two other siblings to venture into the interior, Ms. Bumbary said she never saw her father again until she was 36 years old. A month later he passed away. When she was in her teens, her mother gave birth to little sister Lucille. In 1949, at age 23 she married Cecil 'Sunny' Bumbary. Together, they produced 13 children, nine of who are still alive. One of those children is
her daughter Bernadette Bumbary who watched her mother toil as a “stay at home” mom, and who, even
after Mr. Bumbary passed away in 1981, remained at home tending to poultry, (Continued on page 32)
PAGE 18 10
Kaieteur News
Sunday Monday January May 02, 11, 2022 2026
Sunday January 11, 2026
Kaieteur News
PAGE 19
PAGE 20
Kaieteur News
Sunday January 11, 2026
GGDMA calls on miners to operate in the best interest of the country
Handing over mining equipment
The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has called on miners to operate in the best interest of Guyana, urging full compliance with mining regulations and proper declaration of production. During a recent event, Managing Director of the GGDMA, Avalon Jagnandan, said the association remains committed to the sustainability and growth of the local mining sector and is actively pushing for increased production and declarations. He reminded miners that strict adherence to mining regulations must become the norm and reiterated the association’s call for miners to sell their gold only to legitimate buyers and the Guyana Gold Board. The call was echoed by Vi c e - P r e s i d e n t o f t h e GGDMA, Dabria Marcus, who said the initiative is part of an ongoing effort to help miners re-enter and remain in the industry. He noted that the association is responding to President Irfaan Ali’s call to expand the sector and urged miners to operate in the best interest of the country by becoming fully compliant and declaring all production. Marcus also encouraged miners to join the association, noting that it represents all miners. GGDMA began the year with a donation to small
miners as part of its assistance programme aimed at helping them re-enter the industry and expand operations. Essential mining equipment was handed over to two small-scale miners from the Jackman family, who the association said had encountered difficult circumstances. According to the GGDMA, the decision to assist the Jackman family was taken by the committee of management, including the president and executive members, to help them resume operations. The Jackman’s expressed gratitude for the assistance and committed to operating in a fully compliant manner, with the association monitoring their declarations and operations through reporting. Notably, as a condition of receiving assistance, all small miners are required to provide evidence of their gold declarations at the end of the year to ensure the support contributes to formal sector reporting and regulatory compliance. Miners were also reminded that gold must be sold to the Guyana Gold Board or licensed buyers and that all records must be properly maintained. G G D M A s a i d empowering miners with the necessary tools and promoting compliance are interdependent pillars for building a robust and sustainable mining sector.
Sunday January 11, 2026
Kaieteur News
PAGE 21
PAGE 22
Kaieteur News
Sunday January 11, 2026
Guyana gold project catapults Canadian firm into TSX spotlight …shares surge 280% in 2025; analysts rate stock a buy An aerial view of the project
Louis-Pierre Gignac, President & Chief Executive Officer of GMIN Canadian gold producer G Mining Ventures (GMIN) has been recognised as one of t h e To r o n t o S t o c k Exchange’s top-performing companies, amid a strong year for gold producers driven by rising prices. In its annual review, La Presse highlighted the robust performance of precious metals companies in 2025, noting, “The past year was one for gold. Producers of precious metals benefited from the rise in the value of an ounce of gold on the markets. The yellow metal can be seen as a hedge at a time when tariffs, as well as economic and geopolitical uncertainty, remain in focus.” The publication pointed to GMIN as a compelling growth story, citing the company’s execution track record and the clear path forward for its flagship Oko We s t G o l d P r o j e c t i n Guyana. Analyst Rabi Nizami of National Bank Financial, in a report said G Mining, “remains a very compelling growth stock given the management team’s now proven execution capabilities and a clear, fully permitted and financed path that will demonstrate the success of a larger-scale project at Oko West, in Guyana.” According to the report, shares of the Montreal-based gold producer surged 280 per cent in 2025, with all 13 analysts officially covering the company maintaining a “buying” recommendation on the stock. The recognition comes on the heels of major
regulatory and construction milestones GMIN achieved in Guyana. I n D e c e m b e r, t h i s publication reported that GMIN secured a 20-year mining licence from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) for its 100 per cent-owned Oko West Gold Project in Region Seven. The licence, which took effect on December 5, 2025, authorises full development, operation and commercial production at the site, which is estimated to contain approximately 5.4 million ounces of gold. At Oko West, GMIN is targeting an average annual production of 350,000 ounces of gold over a 12.3-year mine life. In October 2025, the company had announced that its Board of Directors approved the start of full construction of its 100 percent-owned Oko West Gold Project in Guyana. The project carries an initial capital cost of US$973 million. P r i o r t o t h e aforementioned GMIN had received the environmental permit from Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The five-year permit is valid through July 2030. It authorises the construction and operation of Oko West, which is expected to create an average of 1,270 direct permanent jobs during its lifetime. The feasibility study for Oko West outlines a long-life, low cost, and highmargin operation. Louis-Pierre Gignac, President & Chief Executive Continued on page 32
Sunday January 11, 2026
Kaieteur News
PAGE 23
GNBS - OFFERING PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS-RELATED TRAINING TO IMPROVE INDIVIDUAL AND COMPANY PERFORMANCE In an increasingly competitive and quality-driven environment, continuous learning is essential for building competence and organisational growth. Through targeted training courses premised on National and International Standards, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is rolling out new programmes aimed at helping businesses improve their effectiveness and address gaps in their management systems and documentation. Over the last two decades, the Business Development team of GNBS has been providing training to educate individuals, businesses and regulators throughout the country on the requirements, implementation and benefits of standards. This year, the Bureau’s training programmes commence from February 03, with the first course being on Quality Management System Principles, which are crucial for organisations desirous of demonstrating quality at all levels to the stakeholders. Indeed today, the expansion of the local economy with the influx of foreign investors and joint ventures necessitates the implementation of management systems and standards by more companies looking to meet market requirements, safety, efficiency and product and service quality. GNBS prides itself on being capable of providing training
to meet these needs. The bureau’s cadre of experienced and qualified trainers, each of whom holds certifications in internationally recognized standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO/IEC 17025 can meticulously clarify the various concepts to help individuals understand the requirements of these standards, as well as how to implement them within their operations. Additionally, some companies are facing challenges in upkeeping their management systems especially in the areas of reviews, document control and addressing nonconformances. The Bureau’s Business Development team will embark on aiding businesses in addressing these challenges through the addition of three new one-day courses to its training schedule. These courses are the Overview of the Management Review Process, Understanding Document Control Process and Identification of Nonconformity and the Corrective Action process. The Overview of the Management Review Process Course will cover thirteen (13) crucial aspects and their importance to the smooth functioning of a QMS. The aspects include internal audits, management review meetings, complaints, review of requests, and feedback.
Meanwhile, recognizing that many leaders within organisations and businesses do not understand the importance of document control, the training on Understanding Document Control Process will address the importance of following processes for reports. It will cover the implications of using uncontrolled or outdated documents, labelling documents appropriately for continuation within the company or organisation and will help to ensure the systems are followed to reduce errors and promote greater accountability. And finally, the training on Identification of Nonconformity and the Corrective Action process will help participants to identify the root causes of issues within their organisations and to implement long-term
corrective actions. These new courses are scheduled for March 2026 and interested individuals and organisations are encouraged to register early with the GNBS. Further, this year’s schedule includes courses on ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems, ISO 22000:2018 – Food Safety Management Systems, Risk Analysis, Good Manufacturing Practices, Introduction to Metrology, and IRCA Lead Auditor for ISO 45001:2018. These will be conducted yearround in-person, virtually, or hybrid to ensure that individuals and organisations can conveniently capitalize on them. For more information, contact GNBS on Tel: 2190064-66 or visit our website: www.gnbsgy.org.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 24
From page 14 Trump’s actions as a repudiation of a rules-based international order. TRUMP ASSERTS OIL ASPIRATIONS In Caracas, senior officials from Maduro’s 13-year-old government remain in charge of the South American oil producer of 30 million people, first spitting defiance then pivoting to possible cooperation with the Trump administration. American oil companies will return to Venezuela a n d r e b u i l d t h e s e c t o r ’s infrastructure, Trump told reporters on Air Force One on Sunday. “We’re taking back what they stole,” Trump said. “We’re in charge.” However, four oil industry e x e c u t i v e s s a i d t h e Tr u m p administration did not consult major U.S. companies Exxon Mobil (XOM.N), ConocoPhillips ( C O P. N ) o r C h e v r o n C o r p (CVX.N), before or after U.S. forces seized Maduro. U.S. oil executives were expected to meet Trump administration officials on the Venezuela plan, an oil industry source said. Venezuela has the world’s largest reserves – about 303 billion barrels – but the sector has long been in decline from mismanagement, under-investment and U.S. sanctions, averaging 1.1 million bpd output last year, a third of its 1970s heyday. ACTING VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT URGES COOPERATION After first denouncing Maduro’s capture as a colonial oilgrab and “kidnapping,” Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, softened her stance on Sunday, saying it was a priority to have respectful relations with Washington. “We invite the U.S. government to work together on an agenda of cooperation,” Rodriguez said. “President Donald Trump, our peoples and our region deserve peace and dialogue, not war.” Trump has threatened another strike if Venezuela does not cooperate with opening its oil industry and stopping drugs. Trump also threatened Colombia and Mexico on Sunday and said Cuba’s communist government “looks like it’s ready to fall”. Just how the U.S. would work with a post-Maduro government, full of sworn ideological enemies, is unclear. Tr u m p a p p e a r s t o h a v e sidelined for now the Venezuelan opposition, where many antiMaduro activists had assumed this would be their moment. Rodriguez, daughter of a leftist guerrilla who has been praised as a “tigress” by Maduro, is also known as a pragmatist with good connections in the private sector and a belief in economic orthodoxy.
Over gold miners havehave Over100 100Brazilian Brazilian gold miners had their suspended. had theirmining mininglicences licences suspended. CONSTERNATION GLOBALLY, POLITICAL STORM DOMESTICALLY Washington’s allies, most of whom did not recognize Maduro as president due to vote-rigging allegations, have been more muted, stressing the need for dialogue and adherence to law. Trump’s raid has created a political storm in the U.S., with opposition Democrats saying they were misled. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was due to brief top lawmakers later on Monday. One in three Americans approve of the strike on Venezuela that toppled the country’s president and 72% worry the U.S. will become too involved in the South American country, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll that concluded on Monday. While a handful of conservative figures have criticized the Venezuela operation as a betrayal of Trump’s “America First” pledge to avoid foreign entanglements, most supporters have largely praised it as a swift, painless win. I n s i d e Ve n e z u e l a , M a d u r o opponents have kept celebrations on hold as his allies remain in power and there is no sign of the military turning against them, even though many suspect some insiders helped in Saturday’s operation. GGMC shuts down 107 Brazilian gold operations Three days after a 24-hour deadline for miners to up their declarations and get themselves aligned with Guyana’s laws and requirements for the local mining sector was issued by President Irfaan Ali, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission on Monday announced the suspension of mining operations of 107 Brazilians. In a release, the commission said subject to the immediate suspension of all mining operations, Permissions to Operate, and any related authorizations. “Such suspension takes effect immediately and shall remain in force pending the affected persons’ engagement with, and compliance to the satisfaction of, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission,” the oversight body relayed. It said the notice was issued
without prejudice to any further regulatory or enforcement action which the commission may lawfully pursue. Last Friday, President Ali had given foreign gold miners, particularly Brazilian nationals, who have had low to zero declarations, 24-hours to fully comply with local laws and the requirements surrounding gold declaration. The head of state had earlier met with the leadership of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) at state house, where instructions were given to immediately address noncompliance in the gold mining sector. According to the president, all gold miners must fully comply with their obligations to declare all gold produced in 2025. He further directed that all registered dredges with no declarations will be deregistered. “All foreign miners operating illegally in Guyana must be identified for prosecution and expulsion. It was also noted that some Brazilian miners operating in Guyana have had very low or no declarations. These miners have 24 hours to comply fully with the laws of Guyana and the requirement to declare to the Guyana Gold Board,” the post stated. He said the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) and the MNR will work together to ensure that all miners, a c r o s s e v e r y c a t e g o r y, a r e registered with the ministry and have a local bank account. The meeting with officials of MNR, GGMC and GGDMA followed a recent announcement by President Ali that there would be a comprehensive assessment of Guyana’s mining sector to be completed and presented on January 5, as the government moves to strengthen accountability, environmental protection and production compliance across the industry. President Ali had explained that the assessment will review every mining license, claim, and operational decision, with firm action to follow where miners fail to declare production or hold lands
Sunday January 11, 2026
without productive use. The head of state also announced that gold declarations will now be linked to mercury p u r c h a s e s t o r e d u c e u n d e rdeclaration, environmental harm, and illegal activities in the industry. “We are going to link the mercury they buy with their declarations. If they have land that they are working on and there is no declaration, those lands will be repossessed,” the president stated. He stressed that environmental destruction without production will not be tolerated. “There is no sense destroying the environment if there is no production,” President Ali added. He observed that the mining sector, which faced a serious decline, has recovered, thanks to significant financial incentives that have helped protect miners and workers during global crises and supported communities near rivers and in remote areas. WEDNESDAY ‘We’re going to keep the oil’ – Trump says after ousting Maduro (The Hill) President Donald Trump on Monday dismissed comparisons between past U.S. involvement in Iraq and the recent military operation in Venezuela, saying the difference is that his administration plans to keep the seized oil from Venezuela. “The difference between Iraq and this is that [former President George W. Bush] didn’t keep the oil. We’re going to keep the oil,” Trump said, according to MS NOW’s Joe Scarborough, who detailed his conversation with the
president. “In 2016, I said we should have kept the oil. It caused a lot of controversy. Well, we should have kept the oil,” Trump continued, as recalled by the “Morning Joe” host. “And we’re going to rebuild their broken-down oil facilities, and this time we’re going to keep the oil.” Tr u m p ’s c o m m e n t s t o Scarborough come after the president told NBC News on Monday that he was open to the U.S. supporting oil companies to h e l p b u i l d u p Ve n e z u e l a ’s infrastructure, which he said could take less than 18 months. “I think we can do it in less time than that, but it’ll be a lot of money,” Trump told the network. “A tremendous amount of money will have to be spent, and the oil companies will spend it, and then they’ll get reimbursed by us or through revenue.” Venezuela’s future remains uncertain following a U.S. military raid in the country’s capital Caracas on Saturday that resulted in the capture and arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. Maduro’s vice president Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as interim president Monday, but Trump has maintained that the U.S. is running the South American country. Trump told NBC News on Monday that a group of U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, deputy White House chief of staff Stephen Miller and Vice President Vance, would lead the U.S.’s involvement in Venezuela. “It’s a group of all. They have Continued on page 25
Kaieteur News
Sunday January 11, 2026
From page 24 all expertise, different expertise,” Trump said, telling the network that he was ultimately the person in charge. 30 to 50 million barrels M e a n w h i l e , Tr u m p s a y s Venezuela will be “turning over” 30 to 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil to the United States. ”This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!” Trump said in a social media post. Rodrigues admits owning U.S. property, company …but denies cash purchase, corruption claims …says all declarations made to Integrity Commission Amid mounting calls for her resignation over corruption allegations and a day after fresh reports surfaced of her purchase of a $116M property in the United States, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues have admitted to the acquisition of the property through a loan. The presumptive Opposition Leader who heads the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, Azruddin Mohamed on Sunday evening revealed a paper trail, linking the former Housing Minister to the purchase of the Florida property, which he claimed was purchased in cash. Mohamed therefore raised questions regarding the minister’s access to such funds on a public servant’s salary. He also questioned how such a large cash transfer, cross-borders was made without being flagged by relevant authorities. Although documents suggest that the Florida property owned by Minister Rodrigues was purchased cash, she disputed this accusation. “Azruddin Mohamed stated that I purchased this property in full on March 11, 2024. This property
PAGE 25
Local human rights activists protested the abduction of Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro, cautioning Guyanese that Guyana's oil could be next on President Trump's agenda. The demonstration was held a few feet away from the U.S. Embassy in Kingston, Georgetown. was in fact purchased with a mortgage from a US Financial Institution, AD Mortgage,” the embattled minister wrote on her social media timeline on Tuesday morning. She explained that the property, located at 8601 NW 46th Court, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33351 is rented to service the mortgage. Further, she pointed out that this could be verified through public records in the State of Florida. Rodrigues added, “As evidence, I have attached my annual tax and interest statement for 2024 showing the date and value of the mortgage.” While Mohamed hinted that she may be the owner of three properties in the U.S, the minister pointed out that 3037 SW 179th Ave., Miramar, FL is the home address of the Realtor, who permitted her temporarily to use the address as her mailing address. Meanwhile, she said, “Address t w o : 3 5 5 0 S W 1 2 4 t h Av e . , Miramar, FL, is the property of Guyana’s Honorary Consul to Florida. Both of these can be independently verified since they form part of the public record. The third address, 8601 NW 46th Ct. Lauderhill, FL is that of a property owned by a company of which I have shares.” It was Azruddin Mohamed who
The house reportedly purchased by Minister Rodrigues in Florida, USA
first revealed that she owns Revelle Investments LLC, created on January 16, 2024. In addressing concerns of how her salary was able to finance the assets she owned locally and overseas, the minister explained, “Azruddin Mohamed has repeatedly and wrongly equated my assets to my public service salary. This is an unfair and asinine comparison that completely disregards how a person leverages equity to access loans from the banking system. In addition to my public service salary, I receive rental income from other properties and proceeds from our family businesses.” Rodrigues reiterated that all her assets, locally and abroad have been declared to the Integrity Commission and can be accounted for. With regard to the source of funds for the two plots of land at Lots 1242 and 1243 Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara, owned by Rodrigues, the minister noted that she acquired mortgages to facilitate the payment. With regard to the property at Lot 946 Herstelling, East Bank Demerara where the minister said she currently resides, that house was acquired in 2016 by DenishaBobb, her spouse.
Rodrigues denied that she was the owner of a gas station at 224 Camp and New Market Streets in Georgetown. She pointed out, “The gas station has been owned by Shell Antilles and Guianas Limited since 1962 and never changed ownership. The transport for this property is part of the public record and can be easily verified. My partner is the operator of this establishment. We do not own any of the assets on that property.” As a minister, she explained that she is classified as a Politically Exposed Person (PEP). As such, every bank and financial institution demands that she provide proof of funds when conducting any transaction. Further, she explained that she is prohibited from making any deposits to banks without proving how she obtained the funds. Similarly, the wiring of funds cannot be facilitated without documentary proof. As such, the minister argued, “The desperate narrative being perpetuated by Azruddin Mohamed that my assets are funded by corruption and illegal activity are libelous and simply false.” THURSDAY ‘Guyana could be next target of illegal oil grab by Trump’ - protestors warn With the largest oil discoveries recorded within the last decade, Guyana has become the envy of many nations. It must therefore be mindful of its relations and policy decisions in this regard as tensions soar between its neighbour, Venezuela and its ally, the United States of America (USA). This message was central as a handful of picketers lined up We d n e s d a y i n K i n g s t o n , Georgetown, a stone’s throw away from the U.S Embassy to demonstrate against the abduction of Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro and the killing of over 80 persons in the process. “It was an abduction- plain and simple…the only reason for any of
this, just like Iraq is oil. America does not give a damn about Venezuela, Guyana, Colombia or any of us. All they are interested in is oil,” said Vanda Radzik, a human rights activist. She warned that the events in Venezuela should send a clear message to Guyana on what can possibly recur here should politicians fail to dance to the tune of the Trump administration. “We are back to imperialism, we are back at attempted colonialisation and Guyana should be warned that it doesn’t go down the path of becoming another colony in all of this big talk about support of Trump and America,” Radzik told this newspaper as she lowered her placard. The activist argued that the appropriate method of addressing any concerns or suspicion the US president might have had about drug trafficking and other illegalities was through a court. Instead, his brazen acts, according to her, demonstrate that the rule of law does not apply to him. “Tell me, give me one example when rule of law has applied to Donald Trump and the way he rules.” To this end, she warned that Guyana should be mindful in its dealings with such a leader. In fact, she reasoned, “Guyana should be more than mindful and we should be speaking out against the atrocities of Trump today.” Further she said there is a big lesson for Guyana to learn from the Venezuela situation. Radzik noted, “Trump does not care about Guyana or the government or us the people of Guyana. It is only the oil that he is concerned about and he wants to do everything to protect his interests in our oil; Venezuela has the largest oil reserves in the whole world and he is determined to pocket those for the USA. What right have they to our sovereignty and our resources? They belong to us!” Meanwhile, attorney Christopher Ram who joined the Continued on page 26
Kaieteur News
PAGE 26
From page 25 women-dominated exercise, told Kaieteur News that the move by President Trump was not only a violation of international law but a desecration of the Caribbean region for which for decades fought to maintain a zone of peace. In fact, Ram believes that the region has now disintegrated into a zone of hostility and bullyism which he strongly condemned. He argued, “I don’t think one has any doubt that this is about democracy. In fact, if it was democracy the US government would not be doing what it is doing. They have admitted that this is about oil and we have to be mindful that we ourselves are a newly developing oil economy.” The lawyer continued, “We are probably the envy of lots of people. We are on the radar and we can easily have a situation where we are told, you have to sell your oil to the United States of America or you have to part with CNOOC (the Chinese partner in the Stabroek Block). Those are some of the dangers.” ‘Charge Trump!’ Meanwhile, executive director and founder of Guyana Trans United, Candacy Mcewan told Kaieteur News she was in firm solidarity with the people of Venezuela, since an injustice has been committed that affects everyone. “One of the things we must be mindful of is that we can’t go about bombing people, because there are innocent people in the process who lost lives, and if I am going to murder, I would be held accountable and Trump or whoever carried out such an order should be placed before the court,” she urged. Dangerous precedent Also raising concern about the persons killed while Maduro was extracted from his country, Danuta Radzik argued that the US hailed the mission a “clean cut operation” simply because none of its soldiers were harmed. The activist noted that the abduction of the head of state sets a
Sanjay Peter, now serving 23 years in jail for child rape.
dangerous precedent and should act as a warning for nations in western hemisphere. She reasoned, “It started off by their declaration of a policy in which the United States of America is now claiming the right to the resources and to the control of the entire western hemisphere. This is utter and total madness. It is imperialism and it is very dangerous. It means that any country in the western hemisphere is now open to the US now coming in and wanting to claim their resources and wanting to ensure that the government supports the US and their policies.” Radzik said while the US president claims that Venezuela is responsible for trafficking and other crime, there is no legal ground for his actions. The activist pointed out, “There is no legal ground and besides that this is not the way that you stop trafficking of drugs. This is not the way it is done. It is not done by bombing little boats and killing people.” F u r t h e r, s h e n o t e d t h a t Guyanese are deeply shocked by the position of the Guyana government which has failed to voice its support in defense of the sovereignty of Venezuela. Corentyne man gets 23 years for raping 5-year-old boy Sanjay Peter, a 29-year-old r e s i d e n t o f Wi l l i a m s b u rg , Corentyne, was on Tuesday handed a 23-year jail sentence for rape committed on a five-year-old boy back in 2018. Imposing the sentence in the Berbice High Court, Justice Sandil Kissoon cited the gravity and discouraging rate of such offenses in society. Peter was indicted on two counts: first count- sexual activity with a child family member, and the second count-rape of a child under 16. Back in December, a 12member jury found Peter, also known as ‘Akash’, guilty on both counts of the indictment, which summarised that between July 1 and August 5, 2018, he committed the act on a child, said to be a family member. He also knew that the boy was under 15 years old. Following his trial, sentencing was scheduled for January 6, 2026. The state was represented by prosecutor Cicela Corbin, while attorney Kevin Morgan represented Peters. Justice Kissoon also pointed out that individuals abusing the trust reposed in them by minors and taking advantage of them is a social scourge. He said the accused is unsuitable at this point for society. Together with his jail term, Peters must also undergo rehabilitation services through the prison system, as ordered by the court.
Former President, Donald Ramotar FRIDAY ‘U.S. chasing lost power by trying to own the world’ – Former President Ramotar warns of dangerous situation Former President Donald Ramotar has warned that the recent United States military operation in Caracas, Venezuela will place the world in a very much more dangerous position, as countries may now take additional precautions, wondering if they could be next. Speaking during an episode of Caribbean Tea, the former head-ofstate pointed to countries such as Iran and North Korea, which he believes may now be on heightened alert following the U.S. operation that led to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores who were transported to the U.S and placed before the court for narco-terrorism charges. He said this would occur, “instead of trying to move towards the reduction and create a safer world many countries will now be thinking how do I protect myself from bigger countries who would like to bully me.” Ramotar described the incident as tragic and warned that the world is heading back to a stage where “might is right” and where “the law of the jungle and where sovereignty is becoming meaningless as international laws are being destroyed and all international law and international institutions are being disregarded and undermined.” He believes the January 3 operation in Venezuela by the U.S military is a continuation of what has been unfolding for some time, as the U.S, in an effort to restore some of its lost position in trade and other areas of international life, has resorted to brute force to reinstate itself as the number one power in the world. “They want to displace China from the Caribbean. They want to replace everybody else in the Middle East. That’s why they were supporting the genocide in Gaza and they continue to support it right now, as the ethnic cleansing continues in the West Bank, in Palestine and in other areas too we
Sunday January 11, 2026
see them, their idea is to get rid of any type of competition and to own as much of the world as they possibly can,” Ramotar noted. According to the former Guyanese leader, Latin America and the Caribbean, because of their geographical proximity, are now easy targets for the U.S, and Venezuela, he said, “is a big victim in this regard.” Following the military operation, President Donald Trump at a press conference disclosed plans for the U.S. to “run” Venezuela until, “we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition.” He also disclosed America’s ambitious plans for the oil-rich nation resources. Moreover, in response to criticism of his initial social media post following the operation, Ramotar said, “I think people are mixing up our problems with Venezuela on the border issue and on this much more, much more dangerous situation that has developed within the world for that matter. Because I don’t know if anybody isn’t thinking that any country now, whatever resources they have, will try to get if they are serious about their sovereignty and their independence, will have to try to find ways and means where they can protect themselves.” He added that there is no other way countries can protect themselves against “big powers” unless they acquire nuclear weapons. He said this could lead many heads of government to begin thinking in that direction, resulting in the proliferation of dangerous weapons worldwide. Citing Einstein, the former president said, “You can’t prepare for war and expect to have peace and it’s making the world a far more dangerous place for all of us because we all know that if a nuclear war ever breaks out that’s the end of all of us whether we have it or not.” Pensioner, suspected of wife’s murder, found dead Eighty-eight-year-old Michael Raymond Haralall Tamassar called ‘Mike’, the suspect in the murder of his wife Lackandai Tamessar, 89, of
Ogle Airstrip Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was on Thursday morning found dead at Bladen Hall School Compound Living Quarters, ECD. Police in a statement said that the elderly man reportedly died between 07:00h and 09:38h. Investigations revealed that the deceased was last seen alive at about 07:00h by his son with whom he was residing. He was discovered unresponsive at about 09:38h in the living room. “Mike’s body was examined by Detectives for marks of violence, but none were seen on the exposed parts. He was then escorted to the Buxton Health Centre and was pronounced dead by a doctor on duty,” police said it its statement. Tamassar’s body was taken to the Memorial Gardens Mortuary where it awaits a post-mortem examination. The 88-year-old man was arrested for his wife’s murder about a week ago. Police said the woman was likely murdered between December 26, 2025 about 16:00hrs and December 30, 2025 about 13:00hrs at the Ogle Airstrip Road home. Investigations are ongoing. SATURDAY ‘This is not law, this is oppression’ – Nazar Mohamed ...says Govt. has declared war on his family Business magnate Nazar Mohamed, the father of Azruddin Mohamed, the presumptive Leader of the Opposition on Friday said that his family is being subjected to what he describes as “continuous, deliberate, and malicious political persecution,” allegedly orchestrated by the highest levels of the state. The statement comes against the backdrop, that both Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed are sanctioned by the United States and are currently facing extradition proceedings to answer to charges that include money laundering, gold smuggling, tax evasion and Continued on page 27
Business magnate Nazar Mohamed
Kaieteur News
Sunday January 11, 2026
From page 26 wire fraud. In a lengthy and emotionally charged letter, Mohamed insists that what is unfolding locally has little to do with law enforcement and everything to do with political retribution. He claimed that for the past two years his family and himself have been subjected to what he described as deliberate, continuous and malicious political persecution. “Our Constitution does not permit the victimisation of citizens for political reasons. It does not allow the state to weaponise its institutions to intimidate, strip, harass and destroy the lives of an individual or family because of their political position and public standing. What is being done to us violates every principle of due process, equality before the law and protection from arbitrary state power,” he lamented. The elder Mohamed pointed out that this persecution commenced after an article by Reuters on Mohamed’s Enterprise, referenced sanctions which were allegedly confirmed by a senior government source. He stressed that from that moment the full weight of “state machinery was unleashed, not through lawful proceedings, but through coordinated punishment. While the investigation started with a well-known lawyer in collusion with local informants who are well known to us, it subsequently emerged with serious political overtures from the highest level of government and political foe.” The elder Mohamed reminded that he and his son have endured sanctions, disruption of their consortium for the shore base, the immediate termination of foreign currency traders license and gold dealers’ license. There was also the non-renewal of gold mining land permits as well as quarry operational permits. Motor vehicle insurances were also cancelled and there was the refusal to renew the fitness certificates for same. The businessmen were also refused the renewal of their Private Security Service license and all security service firearm licenses, as well as Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) operational licenses.
Chairman of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Aubrey Norton “Essential services were interfered with- even the supply of cooking-gas. Members of the disciplined services were victimized if they spoke with us or shook our hands and were transferred to unfamiliar territory with immediate effect if they extended any courtesy or kindness to us. These actions were not r e g u l a t o r y. T h e y w e r e r e t a l i a t o r y. T h e y w e r e ridiculous and undignified. The deliberate arrest of my son, Azruddin Mohamed and myself, minutes before Jummah, the Friday prayer, a sacred obligation in Islam, was a calculated act of humiliation to shame and intimidate us. This was not policing; it was political theatre and a display of force,” the businessman said. In the letter, the senior Mohamed said that the persecution extended beyond members of the M o h a m e d f a m i l y, a s political candidates, friends, supporters and even associates have been made targets, having their bank accounts closed and insurance policies cancelled. The members of the Mohamed family have faced airport harassment, “unwarranted police stops and searches and constant surveillance from the Special Branch. Our vehicles are followed. Our movements monitored. Again, my Guyanese friends, this is not security, it is political intimidation.” He said, “imagine the bullet proof vehicles which are over five years old and were used to transport and protect the same political players and their families, have now personally instructed all insurance companies in Guyana to terminate “with immediate effect” all insurance policies which cover the said vehicles.” The businessman said several vehicles belong to his
family were sold. The vehicles that are around five to thirteen years old were sold at giveaway prices and complied with all mandatory and regulatory processes to ensure successful transfer of ownership. “…only to be served with a letter from Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) letter that they have decided to cancel all the newly issued registration. The GRA also issued a letter to the owner to have all bulletproof door glasses and windscreens from the vehicles removed,” he said. However, Mohamed is arguing that this is a task that will prove impossible as the vehicles were custom designed with these features. In addition, he revealed that the employees of the authority with whom interactions were had in the process of having the request for transfers done assured them that there was “no block” or restrictions in GRA to deny or prevent the request for transfers, making it clear that they were not even familiar with some of the staff. “Soon after, the GRA in collusion with the Guyana Police Force then arrested and detained for days those innocent GRA employees who processed the applications for motor vehicle transfers. I caution you, for Allah hates those who use their authority to oppress people. Even our property rights have been violated. Currently at Tuschen Public Road and Little Diamond, lands lawfully owned by us have been illegally occupied. Excavators were installed, squatting was encouraged and political influence was used to legitimise trespass. This is ordered to happen even though we have our legal papers and transports proving ownership. When we sought police protection and made formal reports, the officers involved were
disciplined and transferred. This is obstruction of justice. This is state-enabled lawlessness,” he added. Mohamed said the action being taken against him and his family spells oppression while noting that it is also unconstitutional, as they are being treated as if they have no rights as business owners, political actors, or even as Guyanese citizens. “Yet despite all of this, we remain peaceful. We remain lawful. And we remain resolute. We remain bound by duty to the people of Guyana who placed their trust in us. I now call on the people of Guyana to pay attention. This is bigger than one family. When the state can do this to us, it can do it to anyone,” he assured. Meanwhile, Mohamed is calling on the international observers, the Caribbean Court of Justice, CARICOM heads of government, regional institutions, global news organizations, and the wider international community to take notes, as democracy cannot exist where the rule of law is selectively applied and the s t a t e ’s p o w e r “ h a s i t s overreach to a particular family.” “History will remember this moment. And it will remind those who chose to abuse power instead of upholding the Constitution,” he warned. ‘Halt discussions with the U.S. for third-country nationals’ – Norton Chairman of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Aubrey Norton, has called on the Government of Guyana to halt all discussions with the United States (U.S.) regarding the acceptance of third-country nationals. Speaking during an APNU press conference on Friday, Norton said the coalition remains firm that Guyana’s oil wealth must be managed prudently. He warned that current geopolitical developments in Latin America and the Caribbean could further s t r a i n t h e c o u n t r y ’s economy. “The situation is exacerbated by the potential negative economic impacts on trade by recent Geopolitical occurrences within the Latin America and Caribbean regions. Additionally, should any migration issues pop up we
PAGE 27
will be forced to distribute national wealth to supply the needs of migrants,” he stated. Norton strongly rejected the idea of Guyana accepting deportees who are not Guyanese nationals, describing the move as unacceptable. “We wish to reiterate our position that accepting nonGuyanese deportees through deportation is unacceptable. This is more so, when they are rejects of another society and detrimental to ours. APNU cannot understand the logic behind accepting deportees that another society does not want. Were they assets, the sending government would have kept them? The question becomes; why would we accept what others do not want? We demand a halt to this insane hurtling to an agreement that is not in our national interest. This is, in environmental terms, like sending toxic material to another country to affect them rather than the sending country,” Norton said. His comments come amid media reports that Guyana is in discussions with the U.S. to accept thirdcountry nationals. Guyana’s Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud, has since confirmed that the government is engaged in consultations with the U.S. on an arrangement to facilitate such transfers. “Specific details and operating procedures
including the responsibilities of the sending and receiving parties are still being discussed both bilaterally and internally, to ensure that the arrangement is implemented in full compliance of international legal obligations and national laws and policies of Guyana,” Persaud had said. Persaud noted that the United States remains a strategic partner of Guyana and that both countries will continue to strengthen bilateral relations through cooperation in areas including security, defence, migration, trade, investment and energy. However, he said that because consultations are ongoing, it is not possible at this time to provide specific details on the thirdcountry nationals arrangement. Norton during an interview with News Source this week said government must halt all discussions with the U.S. until national stakeholders are consulted and a migration policy is in place along with requisite systems to support such a movement. He also expressed concern that the Government has advanced discussions without first holding consultations. He told News Source that at this stage the PNCR is not “disposed” to supporting the proposed arrangement but is willing to engage in meaningful consultation to ensure that there is clear policy in place.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 28
Sunday January 11, 2026
BEYOND THE RUNWAY BY SONIA NOEL The legacy of reflection, family, and time before I go any further this week, I want to pause and say thank you. Since my New Year’s article was published, my phone has not stopped buzzing. I received private messages, calls, and notes from men and women across different age groups and from various parts of the world. It was deeply humbling to know that people not only read the article, but took the time to reflect on it and reach out personally. In an age of fast scrolling and short attention spans, it reminded me that thoughtful writing still has a place. More importantly, it reminded me that when words are written from a place of truth, alignment, and purpose, they find their way to the hearts that need them. That article was written during my recent sabbatical. It was a quiet season for me. A time of reflection, prayer, and realignment. I intentionally stepped back from noise and pressure to listen more closely to God, to myself, and to what truly
matters. I wrote from that still place, not knowing how far those words would travel. Adetula Abiodun in Nigeria wrote: “It is a thoughtful and uplifting reflection on gratitude, purpose, and spiritual alignment. I appreciate the beautiful blend of personal experience with practical wisdom, which encourages readers to slow down, reflect deeply, and enter the new year with clarity rather than pressure. Your introduction of the Vision Life Book adds a meaningful and structured approach to intentional living, making the article both inspiring and actionable.” Another response came
from a woman who said something that stayed with me deeply. She told me she was fifty-two years old and had never asked herself those kinds of questions before. She said the article would now be her guiding light. That sentence reminded me that reflection is not bound by age. It is never too early or too late to pause and ask meaningful questions. The reach of the article extended even further when a senior journalist in Suriname contacted me to request permission to publish it in their newspapers as well. What began as a personal reflection during a sabbatical became a shared
conversation across borders. When my sabbatical ended, there were two people I felt called to see immediately. The first was my mother. Before stepping back into meetings and commitments, I went to sit with her. Being in her presence grounded me in a way nothing else could. As I sat there, I reflected on the DNA I inherited from her. She is a woman who gives naturally. She gives her time, her love, her care, without needing recognition. That spirit of generosity lives in me because I watched it live out daily. I felt overwhelming gratitude at that moment. Gratitude for her sacrifices. Gratitude for her example. Gratitude for the quiet lessons she taught simply by how she lived. Spending time with her reminded me how important it is to honor those who came before us while we still can. The second person I spent intentional time with was my grandson, Jaidyn. We had a scheduled lunch, and it became one of those moments you wish you could pause forever. We reminisced about his childhood, laughed about his earliest memories, and laughed about the long hair he once had and the many times he disrupted my office as a little boy. But beyond the laughter, there was depth. At nearly fourteen, his maturity and insight amazed me. He shared how he sees the world, asked thoughtful questions, and told me he had read my previous article. He said the questions made him think. That alone reminded me how powerful words can be when they reach the next generation. Time moves quickly. One day you are guiding little hands, and the next you are sitting across from a young man with his own voice and perspective. That lunch reminded me how precious presence truly is. It also stirred memories of my grandmother. There are questions I wish I had asked her. What shaped her resilience. What dreams she carried. Those unanswered questions are why intentional time with both our elders and our children m a t t e r s s o d e e p l y. Jaidyn is truly blessed to be surrounded by a dedicated and nurturing family. His mom and dad, along with grandparents on both sides, are deeply invested in his journey. I must especially commend his grandparents, Mr and Mrs Jordan, for their
Sonia Noel
wholehearted devotion to his growth and wellbeing. Whenever he visits or calls my mother, so much joy is added to her day. He loves being reminded that he is her first great grandson, a bond that brings pride, love, and connection across generations. At Christmas, I gave Jaidyn a gift that may have seemed simple at first glance. It was a ball. Not an expensive gift. Not something flashy. But it carried meaning. Yesterday, during our conversation, we reflected on that Christmas gift and why I chose it. I told him, “I’m giving you this ball not because of sports, but because of what it represents.” I asked him to look closely at the black shapes on the ball. Each one has five sides. I explained that those five sides represent five things I pray will always guide his life. Faith. Always put God first. There will be times when life feels confusing or heavy, but God’s presence will steady you. When you pray, listen, and trust Him, you will never walk alone. Character. Do what is right even when no one is watching. Integrity will protect you, open doors, and shape the man you become. Wisdom. Choose your words, your actions, and your decisions carefully. Learn from mistakes and seek understanding. Wisdom will help you navigate life with confidence. P u r p o s e . Yo u w e r e created for a reason. Your life has meaning beyond today. Discover who you are called to be and walk boldly in that purpose. People. Be mindful of the peers you surround yourself with. Choose those who encourage you, respect you, and help you grow. Never dim your light to fit in. As we spoke, I told him that as he grows, there will be challenges, distractions, and
moments of doubt. When that happens, he must remember those five things. They are his foundation. I told him how proud I am of him and that I see his heart, his growth, and the young man he is becoming. I reminded him that he carries strength, kindness, and potential within him, and that I believe deeply in who he is and who God is shaping him to be. That Christmas gift was never about the object. It was about the conversation. It was about planting seeds. It was about legacy. Legacy is not built only through accomplishments. It is built through conversations, shared moments, and the passing of wisdom from one generation to the next. Family time does not happen by accident. It must be protected. It must be scheduled. It must be valued. As we move through this year, my encouragement is simple. Spend time with those who came before you. Spend time with those coming after you. Ask the questions. Share the stories. Pass the baton. When we live intentionally, we design lives that reflect our values. Reflection helps us make room for what truly matters. It reminds us that time is sacred and that how we use it shapes our legacy. Because in the end, success is not only measured by what we build, but by the love we give, the wisdom we pass on, and the presence we choose. Legacy lives there. We are just days away from the commencement of the Vision Life Book event, and I am grateful to have a front row seat to the visions of lives across Guyana and beyond. Feel free to share your vision for 2026 by e m a i l i n g beyondtherunway1@gmail. com or via WhatsApp at 592 684 8129 as we continue this beautiful journey called life Beyond the Runway
Sunday January 11, 2026
Kaieteur News
PAGE 29
PAGE 30
Sunday January 11, 2026
Eve at the North atercolour Pole W velope Bunting En
Continued from previous edition A girl named Mia, age seven, was building a little snowman. She gasped when she saw a real elf in her yard. “Hi—I'm Finn!” he said, nearly tripping on his own shoes. “I need help.” Mia blinked. “Are you from the North Pole?” Finn nodded fast. His hat flopped. “I uh… accidentally set off the New Year's fireworks early. If we don't make new ones, the celebration will be ruined.” Mia's eyes sparkled. “I love crafts. And glitter. And fixing things. I'll help!” “Perfect!” Finn beamed. “Hop in!” They flew back to the North Pole, where elves
were chewing their mittens in panic. Mia looked around. “We need new fireworks. But instead of making them out of chemicals… let's make them with magic and joy!” “How?” asked Finn. Mia thought. “What if fireworks spark every time someone shares a good New Year wish?” The workshop buzzed. Elves gathered glitter, ice crystals, jingle bells, hopes, dreams, giggles, and just a pinch of cocoa powder (because elves put cocoa in everything). They mixed wishes into glowing snow-orbs: “I wish for more laughter.” “I wish to be braver.” “I wish to help others.”
The Truth is always the Best by Uncle Roy There are times when it happens That I have to tell others About something that has happened To myself or a sister or brother. This thing that I have to tell Can make me look bad or good, And I have to make up my mind To tell a lie or the truth as I should. Then I must always remember That the truth is at all times the best, As, whenever I cheat and tell a lie, It will always end in a big mess. We know that honesty is the best policy In all the things we do and say, So tell the truth at all times, And you will always be in the right way.
Each wish made an orb shimmer brighter. Mia held one up. “These are better than fireworks—they're wishworks!” Santa smiled. “Midnight approaches. To the launch hill!” Crowds filled the snowy field. The countdown began. 10… 9… 8… Mia handed Finn the first glowing orb. 7… 6… 5… He whispered, “I wish to fix my mistake.” The orb burst into the sky— POOF—SPARKLE—S HOOOOM! Golden streams of light swirled like dancing ribbons. Snowflakes turned into glittering hearts. Everyone gasped and cheered. 4… 3… 2… 1… BOOM! Orbs shot upward like shooting stars. Wishes e x p l o d e d i n t o shapes—dragons made of light, glowing cupcakes, sparkling snow-owls, even a giant jingle bell that rang across the sky. It was the most magical New Year the North Pole had ever seen. When the show ended, Finn looked up at Mia. “Thank you for helping me. Even though I messed up.” Mia smiled. “Mistakes can become magic—if you fix them with heart.” Santa nodded proudly. “Well said. Finn, from now on, you aren't just the Firework Guard. You are the Wish-Works Master Elf.” Finn's ears perked up. “Really?” “ R e a l l y, ” S a n t a chuckled. “Just… keep tissues handy next year.” Everyone laughed under the sparkling New Year sky. And Finn never forgot that one sneeze, one mistake, and one kind friend… created the most magical celebration ever. The End
Supplies: A4 Watercolour Paper Watercolour Paint Cotton String Heart Foam Stickers Value Pack (Pack of 300) Red, Pinks & Purple Self-Adhesive Gems (Pack of 90
Step 2: Cut out the envelope shapes using the template.
How to Make:
Step 1: Paint patterns onto watercolour paper using watercolour paints, then let it dry. (Each half sheet will make one envelope.)
Step 3: Outline each envelope for definition.
Step 4: Fold in the sides and bottom, then stick them down.
Step 5: Fold the top flap over a length of ribbon to create bunting.
Step 6: Decorate with heart stickers and gems for a sparkling finish.
Sunday January 11, 2026
Kaieteur News
PAGE 31
Adopt the Values to enrich your life We fill your year with in this New Year and onwards
Blessings by Oswald Gunraj
Enhance your life further by adopting these other essential values:C o m m u n i t y mindedness, Congruence, Contentment, Contribution, Dedication, Dependability, Devotion, Education, Endeavour, Freedom, Grace, Gratitude, Health, Humour, I m p r o v e m e n t , Inquisitiveness, Integrity, Leadership, Nurturing, Perfection, Perseverance, Preparation, Refinement, Respo n s i b i l i t y ,
Satisfaction, Serenity, S i n c e r i t y, S t a n d a r d s , Support, Taste, Tenderness, Thoughtfulness, Teaching, Trustworthiness, Understanding, Upliftment. Some questions you may ask to help you in this effort are:Which of these values are expressed in your life already? How have these values influenced your life? Which values still need
Just as how you accrue physical value by working, you add spiritual value to make your life by making the effort to adopt good principles.
to be expressed in some way? Once you are clear about the values you treasure most, you will start to notice how your life is moving towards positive change. Make a list of all possible changes you could make to better express these values in your life. Try to incorporate one of these changes at regular intervals. As you make the effort to align your personality with the values you most desire, you will find that you will begin to create a solid relationship with yourself and others, and start taking steps in the right direction. When our life becomes a true expression of our
BRIDGES
values, we make our greatest contribution to the world. We feel inspired, eager to live every day, and at peace with ourselves knowing that we are fulfilling our greatest potential. This gives us the courage and confidence to live a life of meaning and purpose. To truly fulfil this purpose, we need to make a conscious commitment to our loftiest ideals, elevating our thoughts, words, and actions to a higher, more enlightened level, and secondly to move beyond ourselves and contribute to others, so that we leave this world a significantly better place than when we came here.
Connect these islands with bridges until each island can be reached from any other island, and each island has as many outgoing bridges as its number. You may only connect islands vertically or horizontally and bridges may not cross. There may be one or two bridges connecting pairs of islands, but no more than two. Each puzzle has a unique solution that can be found without making guesses.
Hello there! My name is January, I commence the New Year with wishes to make you happy; After me comes my sister February, Filled with Valentine love and sometimes as extra day to party; Look out for March, he approaches very fast, In this new year, he makes you forget the ills of the past; Then comes brother April, that guy is very nice, His time is to fly kites, which reminds of the Resurrection of Christ; The month of May consists of many holidays, With Labour, Arrival and Independence days; June and July are when life is in spring, As we marry our cupids in big fancy weddings; To be followed by the school break of August, When we feel games and vacations are a must; Then come the final Big Four; With Thanksgiving, Halloween and a whole lot more; The first of this quadruplet is September, We go back to school with so much to remember; October is the time when Libra is celebrated, He is the balance for which we all waited; Next the cold wind starts to blow in November, Bringing on the jolliest month of December. I and my siblings complete the year of seasons, You can now see why we are all famous for different reasons.
2 0 2 6
Solutions to last week’s
BRIDGES
Cash grants for Guyanese uncertain ...as Trump’s grip on Venezuelan oil could depress prices, economist says
Guyana gold project catapults Canadian...
Kaieteur News
Sunday January 11, 2026
Linden/Mabura road project to get another 110-kilometre of paved road by April
Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill engaging contractor and team of the Linden/Mabura road project (DPI) DPI - Another 110kilometre stretch of the transformative Linden to Mabura road project is expected to be paved in time for the highly anticipated Lethem Rodeo in April. The critical road network, which serves more than 50,000 Guyanese transporting goods from the coast to hinterland communities, is currently 65 per cent complete. Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill met with the contractor, Álya Construtora, and team on We d n e s d a y t o a s s e s s progress, address challenges and chart the way forward to ensure completion within the revised deadline of August 23, 2026. “I got the assurance that the project for 2026 will not reopen in February; it will reopen in January. There will be teams to match or even improve on all of October’s production, which was the best month in the cycle of the project. I want the assurance that everything is running
smoothly and we are not delaying,” said Minister Eghill. While the overall progress of the project stands at 65 per cent, grading and grubbing works are 100 per cent completed. To date, 73 per cent of the sub-base has been completed, accounting for 88 kilometres, while 86 kilometres of base, 85 kilometres of binder and 70 kilometres of weld have been completed. The contractor has committed to executing 110 kilometres of continuous paving ahead of the Lethem Rodeo. “We are going to the Rodeo on the 1st and 2nd of April, and I want the 110kilometre ready. Besides getting this road finished by August 23, 2026, is ensuring that while we do it, we leave a good taste in the mouth of the Guyanese,” Minister Edghill said. In an effort to ensure the project is completed within the scheduled timeline, the contractor has employed an additional 100 workers,
adding to the chorus of approximately 800 workers that are currently employed. To this end, Minister Edghill raised concerns relating to the treatment of local employees, calling for improved labour relations and transparent communication on the project. “I want to hear better testimonies and treatment from them [local workers] …Let’s have improved relationship and communication…and get this project moving,” he said. The historic project signed in 2023 forms part of the government’s strategic plan to strengthen connectivity between the coast and hinterland, while advancing regional integration through a future link with Brazil. It will also connect to the planned deep-water harbour in Berbice facilitating the movement of goods and services between Guyana and northern Brazil.
PAGE 33
'Poor policies, weak oversight' doomed GuySuCo... From page 3 accountable for achieving its targets, and that beginning with the first crop of 2026, estates that fail to meet their targets will see changes,” the statement added. During the first six months of 2025, the sugar growing industry was estimated to have expanded by 136.7 percent when compared with the first half 2024. The corporation produced 15,954 tonnes of sugar in the first crop of 2025, compared with only 6,739 tonnes during the same period in 2024. The 2025 Mid-Year Report said heavy rainfall, labour shortages and cane quality affected further expansion from occurring. Notwithstanding, the government said it was targeting an overall production of approximately 101,000 tonnes of sugar for 2025, with the second crop being traditionally the larger of the two crops. However, sugar exports for the first half of 2025 dropped by $US3.6M or 4.063 metric tonnes, in spite of the price increasing by $US0.4. This is according to the Bank of Guyana’s (BoG) Half Year Report. The report said that the export earnings for the time frame in question, amounted to US$3.6M which is 47.2 percent or US$3.2 million below what was earned for the same period ending June 2024. “This outturn was attributed to a 47.2 percent decline in the volume of sugar exported despite a 0.1
percent increase in the average price for the commodity. The volume of sugar exported amounted to 4,533 metric tonnes or 4,063 metric tonnes less than the recorded export for the same period in 2024,” the report said. The CARICOM region was responsible for 95.9 percent of total sugar exports, in comparison to 25.8 percent in 2024. Additionally, the United States of America (USA) under the USA Bagged accounted for 0.6 percent. Even though the average export price saw an increase of 0.1 percent which translates to US$0.4 taking prices to US$784.77 per metric tonne, when compared with US$784.37 per metric tonne at the end June 2024, overall exports for the first six months were lower than 2024. In December 2024, Kaieteur News reported that despite pouring billions into the sugar company with little results since it returned to government – the PPP/C Administration warned of a management shake-up if the underperforming state entity does not meet its target. President Ali, during an interview with reporters said that he is aware of the challenges facing the corporation but is also cognizant of the management’s underperformance. “We sat down with them [and] they brought together an investment plan that is needed to keep the factory efficient. We have supported that investment plan [and] I
have made it very clear that if the target for 2025 (first and second crop target) is not met, then heads will roll,” President Ali was quoted in a Department of Public Information (DPI) press release. The ailing sugar corporation has, over the years seen continuous decline in performance in terms of production, but has seen billions of dollars from the nation’s coffers being plugged annually into the industry. In the 2024 mid-year report, Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh said the industry is estimated to have contracted by 60.4 per cent in the first half of the year, with production of 6,739 tonnes of sugar reported by the sugar company. This performance was attributed to the carried over impacts of drier-than-usual weather conditions. A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e Government said its interventions in the industry are aimed at diversifying and modernising the sugar industry, while reducing the cost of production. The same report stated that some 2,734 hectares of land were converted to support mechanised cultivation and harvesting of sugar cane at the Rose Hall, Albion, Blairmont, and Uitvlugt estates, bringing the total land converted to 8,400 hectares. Moreover, six additional cane harvesters were expected to be operational by the end of 2024, increasing the fleet to ten.
PAHO issues alert on simultaneous circulation of seasonal influenza and respiratory syncytial virus in the Americas Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C . , January 10, 2026 (PAHO) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has urged countries across the Americas to remain vigilant and strengthen health system preparedness in response to the simultaneous circulation of seasonal influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). In a statement on Saturday, the organization said that the situation could place additional pressure on hospitals and clinics for the remainder of the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere. The epidemiological alert, issued Friday, updates an advisory released on December 4, 2025, which warned of the possibility of an earlier or more intense respiratory season than usual.
G l o b a l l y, i n f l u e n z a activity has been steadily increasing since October 2025, with A(H3N2) predominating and early signs of seasonal activity observed in several Northern Hemisphere countries. At the same time, RSV circulation is showing a gradual upward trend. In the Americas, influenza positivity remains above 10% in the Northern Hemisphere, with sustained increases in North and Central America and levels approaching 20% in the Caribbean, where A(H3N2) predominates. PA H O s a i d t h a t a n analysis of selected countries (the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Spain) indicates an early and rapid start to the influenza season in the Northern Hemisphere,
with increased outpatient visits—particularly among children—and rising hospitalizations, especially among older adults. While these patterns align with expected seasonal dynamics and overall severity remains comparable to previous seasons, with no excess mortality observed to date, some countries are experiencing activity levels—measured by influenza detection and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness—that exceed those of recent seasons. In this context, the gradual increase in RSV circulation could further strain health systems, making close and continuous monitoring essential to adjust health service response plans. “The simultaneous
circulation of influenza and RSV is a significant challenge that requires us to p r i o r i t i z e vaccination—which protects against severe cases that may require hospitalization—and maintain close surveillance, enabling timely action to prevent larger outbreaks and a v o i d h o s p i t a l overcrowding,” said Dr. M a r c R o n d y, PA H O Regional Adviser in Epidemiology of Epidemicand Pandemic-Prone Diseases. PAHO emphasizes that interim studies show current influenza vaccines are effective at preventing hospitalizations (30–40% effectiveness in adults and 75% in children), and calls on countries to achieve high vaccination coverage, especially among priority
groups such as children, pregnant people, older adults, and those with chronic conditions. In light of this situation, PAHO recommends that countries in the region: Strengthen integrated surveillance of influenza, RSV, SARS-CoV-2, and other respiratory viruses, reporting weekly data to FluNET and FluID to support regional and global monitoring. Prepare and adjust health service response plans to address possible simultaneous increases in influenza and RSV cases and hospitalizations. Prioritize influenza and COVID-19 vaccination for at-risk groups, including older adults, young children, pregnant people, individuals with chronic conditions, and healthcare workers.
Implement RSV prevention strategies, including maternal vaccination and long-acting monoclonal antibodies for newborns and infants, in line w i t h PA H O / W H O recommendations. Strengthen risk communication, promoting key preventive practices. PA H O r e m i n d s t h e public that vaccination against influenza, frequent hand washing, covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, wearing masks indoors if symptomatic, staying home when experiencing fever or respiratory symptoms, and seeking prompt medical care for severe symptoms are simple and effective ways to protect themselves and their families, especially young children and older adults.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 34
Sunday January 11, 2026
Extreme cold kills another infant in Gaza as Israel blocks vital aid Israel continues to block vital necessities, such as mobile homes, as the Palestinian enclave is hit by harsh weather conditions.
Aljazeera - A seven-dayold infant has died due to the extreme cold in the Gaza Strip as the Israeli blockade of vital necessities worsens the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave. Medical sources told Al Jazeera on Saturday that Mahmoud Al-Aqraa died in Deir el-Balah in central Gaza amid rapidly decreasing temperatures. Palestinians living in makeshift tents have little protection from strong winds and rain, as most shelters are made of thin canvas and plastic sheeting. Israel continues to limit the number of tents and sustainable shelters entering Gaza, in violation of the ceasefire it agreed with Hamas in October as well as its obligations under international law as the occupying power in the Strip. It has also blocked other vital necessities, such as mobile homes, as well as tools and materials to fix damaged tents. Temperatures at night in Gaza have fallen to as low as nine degrees Celsius (48
Israel continues to limit the number of tents and other shelter supplies entering Gaza [Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters] degrees Fahrenheit) in recent days. In a statement, Gaza’s Civil Defence said on Friday that “every low-pressure system turns into a humanitarian disaster in light of the prevention of the entry of building materials and the disruption of reconstruction”. The organisation warned of a “catastrophe” due to the “low-pressure system that caused serious damage to
temporary shelters, and thousands of tents were completely damaged”. It also urged citizens to secure their tents to prevent them from being blown away, given that mobile homes are not allowed to enter. “What is happening is not a weather crisis, but a direct result of preventing the entry of building materials and disrupting reconstruction, as people are
living in torn tents and cracked houses without safety or dignity,” Civil Defence spokesman Mahmoud Basal said. He also said Palestinians were forced to set up their tents on the beach due to the lack of available space inside the cities as a result of the extensive Israeli destruction of them. Al Jazeera’s Hind Khoudary, reporting from Gaza City, said many tents
she visited have been de troyed. “There is no way to fix these tents, because the families do not have the materials to do that,” she said, adding that people whose tents have been destroyed are forced to look for somewhere else to stay, becoming displaced over and over again. The meteorological authority in Gaza has warned that strong winds are expected to continue alongside a further drop in temperatures. In a statement to the AFP news agency last week, Amjad Shawa, director of the Palestinian NGO Network in Gaza, said about 1.5 million of Gaza’s 2.2 million residents have lost their homes in Israel’s genocidal war against Palestinians in the territory. Of more than 300,000 tents requested to shelter displaced people, “we have received only 60,000”, said Shawan, pointing to Israeli restrictions on the delivery of humanitarian aid. The Israeli military also demolished residential buildings in areas under its
control southeast of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on Saturday. Nearly 80 percent of buildings in the enclave have been destroyed or damaged by Israel during its more than two-year war, according to the United Nations. Meanwhile, sources in Gaza’s hospitals reported that Israeli troops killed three Palestinians and injured seven more in attacks across the Gaza Strip on Saturday. In one incident, an Israeli quadcopter killed a Palestinian man who was being transferred to a hospital in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, medical sources told Al Jazeera. The Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that two men had been killed by Israeli military gunfire east of the Zeitoun neighbourhood in Gaza City. It also reported that there had been several casualties in an Israeli air strike on the entrance to the Maghazi camp in central Gaza and that Israeli artillery continued to target the outskirts of Rafah in the south of the Strip.
Trump threatens Greenland takeover ...warns of 'easy way or hard way' over Arctic strategy BBC News - President Donald Trump says the US needs to “own” Greenland to prevent Russia and China from doing so. “Countries have to have ownership and you defend ownership, you don’t defend leases. And we’ll have to defend Greenland,” Trump told reporters on Friday, in response to a question from the BBC. We will do it “the easy way” or “the hard way”, he added. The White House said recently the administration is considering buying the semi-autonomous territory of fellow Nato member Denmark, but it would not rule out the option of annexing it by force. Denmark and Greenland say the territory is not for sale. Denmark has said military action would spell the end of the trans-Atlantic defence alliance.
In a joint statement on Friday night, Greenland’s party leaders, including the opposition, reiterated their call for the “US’s disregard for our country to end”. “We do not want to be Americans, we do not want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders,” they said. “The future of Greenland must be decided by the Greenlandic people.” Despite being the most sparsely populated territory, G r e e n l a n d ’s l o c a t i o n between North America and the Arctic makes it well placed for early warning systems in the event of missile attacks, and for monitoring vessels in the region. The US president has repeatedly said that Greenland is vital to US national security, claiming without evidence that it was “covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the
Greenland and Denmark have rejected Trump’s offer to buy the semi-autonomous territory. (Reuters)
place”. The US already has more than 100 military personnel permanently stationed at its Pituffik base in Greenland’s northwestern tip – a facility that has been operated by the US since World War Two. Under existing
agreements with Denmark, the US has the power to bring as many troops as it wants to Greenland. But speaking to reporters in Washington, Trump said a lease agreement was not good enough. “Countries can’t make
nine-year deals or even 100year deals,” he said, adding that they had to have ownership. “I love the people of China. I love the people of Russia,” Trump said. “But I don’t want them as a neighbour in Greenland, not going to happen.” “And by the way Nato’s got to understand that,” the US president added. Denmark’s Nato allies – major European countries as well as Canada – have rallied to its support this week with statements reaffirming that “only Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters concerning their relations”. Stressing they were as keen as the US on Arctic security, they have said this must be achieved by allies, including the US, “collectively”. They also called for “upholding the principles of
the UN Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders”. Concerns over the future of the territory resurfaced after Trump’s use of military force against Venezuela on Saturday to seize its president, Nicolás Maduro. Trump previously made an offer to buy the island in 2019, during his first presidential term, only to be told it was not for sale. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is to hold talks with Denmark next week. In recent years, there has also been increased interest in Greenland’s natural resources – including rare earth minerals, uranium and iron – which are becoming easier to access as its ice melts due to climate change. Scientists think it could also have significant oil and gas reserves.
Kaieteur News
Sunday January 11, 2026
PAGE 35
Govt. yet to engage Opposition on 2026 budget As preparations commence for Budget 2026, the Government of Guyana (GoG) is yet to engage Opposition parties for recommendations in crafting the fiscal plan. Leader of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Aubrey Norton on Friday told reporters that while his party has not been engaged on the budget, he is certain that the
skewed allocation of resources will continue. He explained, “The fundamental problem we face is the skewed allocation of resources, into programs and projects that allow family, friends and favorites to get rich.” Norton believes that a change in this pattern would be difficult, adding that this year's budget is not likely to be produced on equity.
According to him, this means, that those with less in the population would get less while those getting more are likely to benefit from more. “They are going to continue down the same road that they have been going. And so, I can say to you, I didn't expect them to consult us, because if they consult us, we will put to them the things we have in our manifesto, which is based on
More than 1,700 Reg. Six fisherfolk receive govt. cash grant Attendees at Saturday's cash grant distribution exercise (DPI)
DPI - The government of Guyana through the Ministry of Agriculture on Saturday distributed financial relief to 1704 fisherfolk on the Corentyne Coast, Berbice. Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha reaffirmed the government's commitment to the fisheries sector, as he spearheaded the cash relief distribution exercise. He reminded that the initiative fulfills a commitment made by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali to provide direct, timely support to those operating within the fishing industry. In Region Six alone, the relief represents an investment of $245.6 million. Addressing fisherfolk at the Albion community centre ground, Minister Mustapha said the exercise goes beyond the distribution of financial assistance. “What we are doing here today is another commitment and a promise … We want to build an industry that is strong, resilient and one that will take us into the future,” he said. Minister Mustapha noted that hundreds of landing sites have been developed or upgraded across the country, including several in Region Six. These landing sites are facilities that include sheds, lighting, water systems and washroom facilities, aimed at improving working conditions for fisherfolk. “You are risking your lives out there to bring into this country the cheapest form of protein, and the government recognises your role and your contribution,” the minister said. The minister also outlined efforts to modernise and diversify the sector, including improved marketing systems, the expansion of aquaculture, cage culture projects, and the production of Vannamei prawns for export. He encouraged fisherfolk to organise
themselves into groups and cooperatives to better access government support and alternative income opportunities, including shade house farming for high-value crops. Additionally, Minister Mustapha highlighted the removal of taxes on fishing equipment, gears and outboard engines up to 150 horsepower, the distribution of sails and tracking devices for boats, and enhanced security measures, which have significantly reduced piracy. “The future of the fishing industry is bright. We recognise your importance, and we will continue to work with you to ensure you prosper,” he said. Minister Mustapha noted that this is the second time fisherfolk are receiving a cash grant under the current administration, adding that the total payout to fisherfolk nationwide will amount to approximately $1.5 billion. He urged beneficiaries to use the funds wisely and assured them that government engagement and support for the fisheries sector will continue. “We will work with you, engage you, and ensure that this industry remains vibrant and capable of meeting the needs of your families and our country,” Minister Mustapha said. While in Berbice, the minister also oversaw the distribution of $300 per bag subsidy assistance to rice farmers on the C o r e n t y n e C o a s t , r e a ff i r m i n g t h e government's commitment to providing timely and direct support to the rice sector. A total of 1,452 farmers are set to benefit from the initiative, representing an overall government investment of approximately $490 million.
putting the people first,” the former Opposition Leader said. Norton argued that while the government has a tendency of refusing to consult, it has been implementing a number of policies proposed by the party in its manifesto. “A number of things they are doing now came from our manifesto and so, they have this tendency to reject what you see, or not comment on it, but then go and bring it under a different name or approach. I expect them to do that again,” he noted. Further, he argued that the government lacks ideas and is instead focused on ensuring resources flow to themselves and associates. To this end, he pointed out, “They can only become involved in meaningful consultation if they are prepared to make the changes, and to ensure that Guyana is governed in a way that the resources from Guyana go to a wide cross section of the Guyanese
APNU Leader, Aubrey Norton
society.” Norton is adamant that this year's budget will not address poverty in a holistic manner, as this would not serve the interest of the People's Progressive Party (PPP). He reasoned that a number of recommendations so far made by the party have been ignored by government. Consequently, he said, “I expect the same old budget.” Meanwhile, Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Sharma Solomon pointed out that recent independent statistics point to an alarming 58% poverty rate in Guyana which speaks to the quality of the previous budgets presented by the
government. With government likely to produce yet another economic blueprint for the nation without consulting the opposition, Solomon said the plan is expected to continue benefitting only a portion of the population. He noted that the administration has already met with the private sector to seek their input while the opposition remains blanked from the process despite its representation of thousands of Guyanese. In a brief telephone interview, Leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party also confirmed that the group has not been consulted on crafting the fiscal plan.
PAGE 36
Kaieteur News
Sunday January 11, 2026
Sunday January 11, 2026
Kaieteur News
PAGE 37
PAGE 38
Kaieteur News
Sunday January 11, 2026
Sunday January 11, 2026
PAGE 39
Kaieteur News
Harmanpreet, Sciver-Brunt lead MI’s demolition of DC (Cricinfo) - After a nailbiter slipped through their hands in the last over of the opening night of WPL 2026, defending champions Mumbai Indians bounced back with style and thrashed three-time table-toppers Delhi Capitals with bruising half-centuries from their experienced duo of Nat Sciver-Brunt and Harmanpreet Kaur, and a three-for from their fresh r e c r u i t N i c o l a C a r e y. Chasing an imposing 196,
DC slipped to 33 for 4 in the sixth over and hardly ever looked like bouncing back, eventually falling short by 50 runs. As is often the case for MI, the heavy lifting with the bat was done by SciverBrunt and Harmanpreet, especially in the absence of the injured allrounder Hayley Matthews. After the boundary-laden half-century from Sciver-Brunt and some late sixes from Harmanpreet powered MI close to 200,
C a r e y ’s e a r l y s e a m movement knocked over the off stumps of Shafali Verma and Laura Wolvaardt, before also accounting for Marizanne Kapp. From 33 for 4, DC stuttered to 86 for 6 as Amelia Kerr also chipped in with an economical spell and three wickets that rolled over DC for 145. Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet lead MI again For the second game in a row, MI’s openers failed:
Sunday January 11, 2026 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Tension may arise today, Aries. It's possible that you're either too dreamy or too practical to deal effectively with the issue. It's important to strike a balance. The toughest part will be finding others who agree with you.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) There may be dreaminess about your emotions today, Scorpio, which could keep you from focusing on the task at hand. The aspects dictate that people may be stubborn and confused - and you're likely to be one of them.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Yesterday's trajectory may run into trouble today, Taurus. Your intrinsically dreamy nature is dragging down the action you initiated. This conflict could create tension that will be difficult to resolve.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Little voices whisper in your ear and ask you to take flight and join them in the clouds, Sagittarius. There's tension between what your heart and mind tell you. They're pulling you in very different directions.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Try to align your mind with your emotions today, Gemini. It's possible that a powerful yet subtle force is slowly pulling you off track.
SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Recent spiritual breakthroughs might have you feeling both exhilarated and downcast, Scorpio. Your sensitive side tells you that this is a definite step forward on your spiritual path.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) An emotional issue could be rubbing you the wrong way, Cancer. Your impulse is to escape. Try to do so in a healthy manner. Go see a movie or read a book. Don't fall prey to the temptation to indulge in alcohol or food. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Your artistic side wants to take to the airwaves in some way, Leo. Perhaps you should consider building a website or becoming a commentator on a local radio show. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) It may be apparent that what was so light and active yesterday is running into a few roadblocks today, Virgo. You're suddenly heading into a brick wall with some of the projects you've been working on.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Something or someone may prod you to take action today, Capricorn. It may be best if you beat them to it and motivate yourself. Break away from the herd and go wherever you want to go. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) You might experience a great deal of emotional confusion, Aquarius. There's a debate brewing inside you, and you're having a hard time deciding whether to be practical or more fanciful. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) It will be a challenge to keep your emotions on an even keel today, Pisces. Conflict may be brewing and you might fear it could get out of hand. Everything will work out.
Chinelle Henry struck with her first ball to dismiss Amelie Kerr for a duck (AFP/Getty Images) Kerr fell for a duck while G Kamalini struggled to 16 off 19. After a scratchy 4 off 15 on Friday night in the season opener, Kerr edged her first legal delivery - an outswinger from Chinelle Henry - behind, as Lizelle Lee completed a diving catch on her second attempt. Kamalini also handed a diving catch to Lee, soon after she smashed Nandani Sharma for consecutive fours down the ground, but the debutant’s riposte earned her a maiden WPL wicket with Kamalini’s thick outside edge. Sciver-Brunt then led MI’s innings and looked in top form, smashing three fours in her first four balls to different corners of the ground. She collected another pair of consecutive fours, again going after Henry, and took MI to 43 for 1 in the powerplay. While Sciver-Brunt went about finding the boundaries against the spinners too for a 32-ball fifty, Harmanpreet took her time to reach 15 off 17 before taking off. Harmanpreet’s finishing touches The Harmanpreet act started when she dispatched Henry for six over long-on. She followed it with her trademark loft over the covers for four, to take MI past 100 at the end of the 13th over. Sciver-Brunt then outfoxed Minnu Mani with late adjustments for three fours in the next over, which went for 14, and even though the England batter was soon caught for 70 at cover, MI were set for a strong finish on 127 for 3 after 15. Harmanpreet was not going after the bowlers by herself, however. She found a hard-hitting partner in Carey, who reverse-pulled for one of her four fours during her 21 off 12. But it was Harmanpreet’s clean striking that left the new DC captain Jemimah Rodrigues sweating, as the experienced MI leader played with the
hope with depth in their lineup, but when Kapp was also sent back by Carey, DC needed a stiff 150 runs from 78 balls. Chinelle Henry’s hitting from No. 7 was the only silver lining for DC. Her penchant for boundaries belied DC’s score as she went after the inexperienced Triveni Vasishta - on WPL debut - and even the experienced Kerr. While she collected boundaries, wickets fell at the other end, and the asking rate climbed from over 12 after the halfway mark to nearly 20 by the time four overs were left. Henry brought up her second WPL fifty in eight innings with a big six over long-on, but once she fell for 56 with the score 133, DC lasted just 11 more balls for 12 runs, before going down in their season opener.
field, especially in the last over off Shree Charani. She hit four back-to-back fours to help MI collect 53 runs in the last four overs. DC’s batting fails to turn up With Meg Lanning - the W P L’s s e c o n d - h i g h e s t scorer - released before the auction, DC had big shoes to fill at the top of the order. It didn’t happen on Saturday, at least, as Lee fell for 10 on her WPL debut. Shafali and Wolvaardt then saw their off stumps pegged back as Carey seamed the ball into them, in the space of three balls in the fifth over. When Rodrigues fell to a onehanded stunner from Kamalini behind the stumps off Shabnim Ismail, DC had lost four wickets in the powerplay for the first time in the WPL. DC still had
Berbice River Bridge Closure to Road Traffic Sunday January 11, 2026
For Ocean going Vessels & Trawlers 10:40hrs Monday January 12, 2026
For Ocean going Vessels & Trawlers 11:45hrs For Ocean Going Vessels opening last 1-1½ hrs DATE: 01/10/2026
2
11 15
3
16 17 21
6 1
7 6 Evening
DATE: 01/10/2026 Afternoon
3 3
DATE: 01/10/2026
3
4
6
5
17
DATE: 01/10/2026
3 21
5
13
15
16
18
I
G.L.C. 357 Lamaha Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown Tel:226-0753. While every effort is made to ensure numbers are correct, please call the hotline for confirmation, The G.L.C. and Kaieteur News cannot be held responsible for printing errors.
PAGE 40
Kaieteur News
Sunday January 11, 2026
Durant passes legend Chamberlain on all-time list
Kevin Durant is a two-time NBA champion (Getty Images) Kevin Durant moved p a s t t h e g r e a t Wi l t Chamberlain on the NBA all-time scoring list but his 30 points could not guide the Houston Rockets to a win against the Portland Trail Blazers. Durant, 37, has 31,435 points in his career and is now seventh on the all-time list. LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers leads the way with 42,601. T h e Tr a i l B l a z e r s triumphed 111-105 at Moda Center in Portland. Chamberlain, who died in 1999, is the only player to score 100 points in an NBA game and was a two-time champion with the Philadelphia 76ers and the Lakers. In 1962 he averaged a record 50.4 points a game, and was the leading NBA scorer when he retired in 1973. “You see the numbers. You just can’t comprehend somebody putting up 50 a game with 25 rebounds,” Durant said before Friday’s game. “You want to compete with that and try to match that as much as you can.
“It’s amazing just being in the top 10 with him, but to have the opportunity to pass him up, it’s pretty sweet.” Giannis Antetokounmpo blocked a shot by James and stole the ball from him on consecutive possessions in the final minute as the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Lakers 105-101 in LA to claim a fifth win in seven games. Stephen Curry finished with 27 points and a seasonhigh 10 assists as the Golden State Warriors triumphed 137-103 at home against the Sacramento Kings. The Oklahoma City Thunder overcame a 21point deficit in the second half to win 117-116 at the Memphis Grizzlies. Top 10 NBA points scorers LeBron James* 42,601, Kareem AbdulJabbar - 38,387, Karl Malone - 36,928, Kobe Bryant - 33,643, Michael Jordan - 32,292, Dirk Nowitzki - 31,560, Kevin Durant* - 31,435, Wilt Chamberlain - 31,419, Shaquille O’Neal 28,596, James Harden* - 28, 563
Kaieteur News
Sunday January 11, 2026
GSA reaffirms commitment to full Tournament Calendar in 2026 Following a highly successful year of competition in 2025, the Guyana Squash Association (GSA) has reaffirmed its commitment to hosting its full slate of annual tournaments in 2026, underscoring its focus on sustained player development and competitive growth. This assurance was given by Chairman of the GSA Competitions Committee, Deje Dias, in the association’s most recent update, where he emphasized the critical role that regular, structured competition plays in building both junior and senior talent. According to Dias, the GSA’s ability to successfully stage all of its major domestic tournaments in 2025, along with additional i n t e r n a t i o n a l championships, has laid a strong foundation for continued progress in the coming year. “2025 was a very productive year for the association,” Dias noted. “We were able to host all of our major competitions and expand our calendar with two international championships. That level of consistency is vital if we are serious about developing our
GSA Chairman of Competition, Deje Dias players.” Dias stressed that tournaments are not merely events on a calendar, but essential tools in shaping competitive athletes. “Tournaments are the cornerstone of player development,” he explained. “Second only to training, match practice in a tournament setting is the high-octane exposure squash players need to implement all techniques.” He added that regular competition allows players
to test their skills under pressure, gain valuable match experience, and better understand tactical and mental aspects of the game—elements that cannot be fully replicated in training alone. The GSA’s commitment to maintaining a full tournament schedule in 2026 is expected to benefit players across all age groups, providing consistent opportunities for juniors to transition into higher levels of competition while enabling senior players to remain sharp and competitive regionally and internationally. Action is set to commence early next month, with the BCQS Masters Competitions, slated for February 4-7 at the Georgetown Club Courts. With momentum firmly on its side, the association believes that continuity in competition will not only strengthen individual performances but also elevate the overall standard of squash in Guyana. As preparations begin for the 2026 calendar, the GSA remains focused on building on the successes of the past year, ensuring that tournaments remain at the heart of its development strategy.
PAGE 41
PAGE 42
Kaieteur News
Sunday January 11, 2026
Ninvalle pays tribute to late Boxing Coach Gregory ‘Chassis’ Cort
Gregory ‘Chassis’ Cort (left) collects an accolade from Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle at the conclusion of a boxing tournament. President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle, has paid glowing tribute to the late Gregory Cort, describing him as the driving force behind the growth and success of boxing in Berbice and a passionate servant of the sport in Guyana. Cort, who died on Friday after a period of ailment, was 63 years old. He was the long-serving head coach of the Rose Hall Jammers Boxing Gym and one of the most influential grassroots boxings figures the country has produced. In expressing condolences, Ninvalle said Cort’s passing represents a major loss to the boxing fraternity, particularly in
Berbice, where his impact was both deep and lasting. “Gregory Cort was more than just a coach, he was the heartbeat of boxing in Berbice,” Ninvalle stated. a “His passion for the sport, his commitment to young athletes, and his belief in what boxing could do for lives and communitaies were unmatched. He has left a void that will be extremely hard to fill, and he will be deeply missed,” Ninvalle said. Under Cort’s guidance, boxing in Berbice reached new heights. He was instrumental in identifying, nurturing, and developing talent, producing several of Guyana’s top boxers, many
of whom went on to compete regionally and establish themselves among the best in the Caribbean. Ninvalle noted that Cort’s contribution went beyond medals and titles, emphasising his role in discipline-building, mentorship, and the longterm development of the sport. “His legacy will live on through the fighters he developed and the standard he set,” Ninvalle added. Gregory Cort’s name, Ninvalle highlighted, will forever be etched in the history of Guyanese boxing as a coach who gave selflessly to the sport he loved.
MVP Domino Bash set for Everest Sunday
MVP Domino Bash is set for Sunday, January 11 at Everest Cricket Club pavilion, Georgetown. The Bash will be hosted by Strikers Sports Club with the action slated to commence at 1:30 pm. There will be a $15,000 entrance fee. The first-place prize is $225,000 and a trophy, while the second-place winner
collecting $120,000 and a trophy and thirdplace champion taking home $50,000 and a trophy. The MVP will pocket $10,000 and will get a trophy as well. In addition to those prizes above, one hamper each for the first 3 all-female teams. Blue Flames Family will be providing the musical entertainment throughout the day.
Kaieteur News
Sunday January 11, 2026
PAGE 43
18th Running of the Guyana Cup… JJTRC unveils 5 Feature
Races as purses ascend new heights T
he Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred R a c i n g Committee (JJTRC) has officially released details of five of the most featured races on the card for the 18th running of the Guyana Cup, scheduled for August 23, 2025, confirming yet another significant purse increase across the marquee events. The announcement underscores the continued upward trajectory of horse racing in Guyana, as the Guyana Cup steadily gains international recognition across the Caribbean, South America, and beyond. Organisers have reiterated that the long-term vision is to increase purses annually, with the ultimate goal of aligning the Guyana Cup with major North American racing events, while already matching regional standards. “This is a deliberate and strategic investment in the future of the sport,” an official close to the planning process noted. “Every year the bar is raised, not just financially, but professionally.” The flagship event remains the most lucrative race in Guyana’s history. When combined with nomination incentives where some horses may earn 100% entrance fee waivers, a qualifying horse that goes on to win the Guyana Cup could effectively realise winnings in excess of GYD 13,000,000, making it one of the most rewarding races in the region. Five Feature Races – Purse Breakdown 1. Guyana Cup (Open – 1 Mile) Total Purse: GYD 22,000,000 First Prize: GYD 12,000,000 Estimated Entrance Fee: GYD 1,320,000 The sprint continues to attract top-class speed horses and international attention, serving as a vital showcase of raw pace and tactical brilliance. 2. Guyana Cup Sprint Total Purse: GYD 7,500,000 First Prize: GYD 4,000,000 Estimated Entrance Fee: GYD 440,000
One of the most notable changes from last year is the transition from an open imported 2 year old race to a fillies-only event (Photo: Newsroom)
The Imported Derby remains a cornerstone for imported talent, providing elite competition and a benchmark for local horses to measure themselves against proven international bloodlines. 3. Imported Derby Total Purse: GYD 7,500,000 First Prize: GYD 4,000,000 Estimated Entrance Fee: GYD 440,000 The locally bred division continues to grow in stature, reflecting steady improvements in breeding quality, training standards, and race management. 4. Locally Bred Derby Total Purse: GYD 5,625,000 First Prize: GYD 3,000,000 Estimated Entrance Fee: GYD 330,000 One of the most notable changes from last year is the transition from an open imported 2 year old race to a fillies-only event. Organisers believe this strategic move will play a critical role in strengthening Guyana’s breeding future. 5. Imported 2-Year-Old Fillies Race Total Purse: GYD 3,750,000 First Prize: GYD 2,000,000 Estimated Entrance Fee: GYD 220,000
Building the Future Through Fillies and Breeding By attracting top-class, well-bred imported fillies, organisers envision these horses eventually becoming broodmares, laying the foundation for stronger local bloodlines. This initiative complements
Guyana’s already impressive lineup of stallions along the coast, while addressing a longstanding gap, the need for quality broodmare stock. “Our ultimate goal is that the biggest purses like the Guyana Cup and the Sprint are won by locally bred horses,” an organiser
explained. “But to get there, we must first raise competition levels, improve breeding depth, and give our horses the ability to travel and compete in West Indian bred races in Barbados and Jamaica.” The ripple effects of this vision extend far beyond the
racetrack. A stronger breeding industry would create hundreds of direct jobs in breeding farms, stables, transport, and veterinary services Support thousands of indirect jobs across agriculture, logistics, tourism, and hospitality will position Guyana as a regional hub for Thoroughbred development Industry leaders believe that sustained investment, paired with structured nomination systems and international standards, will unlock long-term economic benefits for the country. With record purses, refined race structures, and a clear development roadmap, the 18th Guyana Cup signals more than just a n o t h e r r a c e d a y, i t represents a maturing industry with global aspirations. And as organisers boldly hinted, the future may hold even bigger transformations, perhaps one day seeing the prestigious Guyana Cup contested as an open fillies feature, further redefining Caribbean racing history.
18th Running of the Guyana Cup…
The Guyana Cup Sprint continues to attract top-class speed horses and international attention
JJTRC unveils 5 Feature Races as purses ascend new heights
rts o p S Mary Fung-a-fat in full flow during a 2025 CASA Senior Championship match.
GSA reaffirms commitment to full Tournament Calendar in 2026
Ninvalle pays tribute to late Boxing Coach Gregory ‘Chassis’ Cort
Travis Sancho (left) was one of the many young Talents coached by Gregory Cort.
Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.