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Idle oil refinery NEWS in Trinidad may not be best option for Guyana AIETEUR

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September 08, 2026 - Vol. 19 No. 36 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $200 readership yesterday, 54,415

Jagdeo demands greater accountability from ministers, other officials GGMC pulls out of …says breaches of procurement Chinese Landing rules will have consequences mediation talks Fisherman stabbed to death during brawl at Albion GHRA blasts Guyana’s U.S. deportee deal — says it’s a ‘lamentable decision’

Some of the government ministers at Monday’s meeting.

GPL blames constant blackouts - customer base on citizens’ heavy use moved from 201,000 in 2020 of AC, fans, lights to 250,000

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Tuesday September 08, 2026

Chinese contractor builds road around poles on new East Coast corridor A Chinese contractor hired by the government to expand the East Coast Demerara Corridor between Sherrif Street to Orange Nassau has built the new highway around a number of existing utility poles, raising serious questions about safety of motorists, the use of the country’s resources and the likelihood of costly correctional works that may be required. The US$192 million project is being executed by China Railway First Group Co. Limited through a loan by the China Export Import (EXIM) Bank. This newspaper observed that the poles were left firmly in place along the new roadway, a glaring infrastructural failure and evidence of poor planning on a newly paved highway, exposing structural deficits in the Ministry of Public Works’ engineering oversight, according to procurement documents and visual evidence. Photographic evidence obtained by this publication reveals a severe breach of standard engineering practice on an ongoing

Cart before the horse? The newly constructed East Coast Demerara highway has been paved around electric poles that will have to be removed, costing extra $$$ to Guyanese.

highway expansion project under the purview of public works minister, Juan Edghill. A number of wooden electricity poles remain in place in the centre of the newly paved, curbed asphalt tr aff ic lan e, r en d er in g th e infrastructure unusable, wasting taxpayer capital, and creating an acute public safety hazard. The operational failure stems

from severe administrative fragmentation. According to sources familiar with the project’s execution, Minister Edghill authorised the paving works to proceed without securing critical utility relocation approvals or coordinating with key institutional stakeholders, like the Guyana Power and Light Inc and the Ministry of Public Utilities and

Aviation. This bypass of standard interagency protocols resulted in the contractor laying costly asphalt directly around live electrical infrastructure. The collapse in oversight directly contradicts formal assurances made to international lenders. The GoG has approached the World Bank to finance phase

three of the project which will stretch from the Mahaica Bridge to the Abary Bridge. A confidential document constructed jointly by the World Bank and the Ministry of Public Works in April 2025, reviewed by this publication, details the project launch and implementation support mission for the Integrated Continued on page 16

Modular CEO denies $145M fraud allegations as fresh claims emerge ...says he will return to Guyana only if police contact him The CEO of Modular Builds Guyana Inc., British businessman Hardeep Singh Bharya, has publicly denied allegations that he fled Guyana after allegedly defrauding four Guyanese of approximately $145 million. Regarding the police probe into the alleged fraud, Singh told Kaieteur News that he will return to Guyana for questioning only if the Guyana Police Force (GPF) contacts him. Singh first denied the allegations publicly in a video statement posted on his company’s Facebook page. “I categorically deny allegations that I have defrauded and stolen money to the value of $100,000 or $200,000. I don’t know who is gonna go out there and shoot me and kill me,” he said. He reiterated that he did not flee Guyana, but relocated from the country last September, arguing that a business owner does not necessarily have to be physically present in a country for his operations to continue. Kaieteur News again asked Singh whether he intends to return to Guyana to deal with the police matter. “First of all there is no police matter because I have spoken to my contacts in the Guyana Police Force, which are probably higher than people who you know, and

A Modular Builds Guyana Inc. cheque that reportedly bounced. Modular Builds CEO, Hardeep Singh Bharya there is no evidence, there is no fact. So why am I gonna come back there to talk to the police if I haven’t been asked to come back?” he responded. “They haven’t contacted me once, the GPF, whoever is in charge has not contacted me once. I answer all my calls. You think I am hiding from you guys? I am not hiding from you guys. My intention is to get everyone’s jobs done, but you guys have just fabricated this whole [expletive] lie. So why am I going to come back there? Talk to who?

Which policeman? Where am I gonna go? Where should I hand myself in? Is there a warrant out for me and, if there is, what is it for?” he questioned. He added: “Get the police to call me. If they want me back in Guyana, I am going to fly to Guyana. I promise you now I will book the next flight and I will come back to Guyana. But until I get that phone call from any high-ranking official in the Guyana Police Force and they want me back and they want to question me or indict me because four persons have made false allegations, until then I have no intentions of coming back.” Singh, however, said a new set

of contractors will arrive in Guyana on September 15 to resume work on his company’s incomplete projects. Fresh allegations Meanwhile, fresh allegations have surfaced against Modular Builds Guyana Inc., this time concerning outstanding payments to suppliers. According to information reaching Kaieteur News, one concrete supplier was paid by the company with a cheque which subsequently bounced. When queries were made about the unpaid amount, Modular Builds Guyana Inc. reportedly responded that the company was being sold

and that the buyer would assume responsibility for its liabilities. Kaieteur News asked Singh about the bounced cheque. “I am not sure who you are talking about, but I can look into it and, if there is an issue, then I can obviously sort it out, yes,” he said. Singh also addressed his previous conviction, saying that he had served his sentence and that repeatedly raising the matter in the media has defamed him and caused problems with other business ventures in the Caribbean. Singh has reportedly established a similar business in Barbados and plans to open another in Jamaica.

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Jagdeo demands greater accountability from ministers, other officials ...says breaches of procurement rules will have consequences A section of the gathering of public officials.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo addressing ministers of government and other top government officials. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo on Monday summoned ministers, permanent secretaries, regional executive officers, accounting officers of key semi-autonomous agencies and other officials for a highlevel meeting focused on tightening accountability and improving the management of public resources. Jagdeo held the meeting even as President Irfaan Ali departed Guyana over the weekend for a visit to Qatar. The meeting held at the

Arthur Chung Conference Centre zeroed in on a number of measures aimed at improving management in the ministries, regions, and other public sector agencies, with special focus on accountability and transparency, including in relation to procurement transactions, government payment systems, and information dissemination with the public, in order to ensure more effective delivery of government programmes. According to a

Department of Public Information (DPI) release, at the meeting, Jagdeo emphasised the important role of the Permanent Secretaries and Regional E x e c u t i v e O ff i c e r s i n ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations while ensuring sound and efficient

management of the public resources allocated and entrusted to their respective ministries, regions, and agencies. The meeting also discussed a number of initiatives aimed at strengthening the tracking of compliance, including with procurement and payment

systems. The Permanent Secretaries, Regional Executive Officers, and other accounting officers were also cautioned that breaches and violations would lead to consequences for those responsible. Jagdeo also spoke about “government’s commitment to ensuring effective

delivery of services including with the use of modern technology, in the interest of ensuring that citizens enjoy a better experience when interacting with state institutions, receive better quality public services, and ultimately realise a better quality of life,” the release added.

CIOG undertaker confesses to helping set up $800,000 robbery An undertaker employed with the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) has reportedly confessed to police that he helped set up the robbery at the organisation’s Woolford Avenue location on August 18. Police have already charged a suspect in connection with the robbery. He was identified as Lester Leung, the undertaker’s nephew. In his confession to police, the undertaker reportedly said Leung approached him with a plan to rob the CIOG building and that he agreed to assist. His role, according to police, was to provide information about the building’s layout, how the men could gain access and where money was kept. The undertaker reportedly told investigators that he informed Leung that the building was equipped with cameras that could trigger alarms. He claimed that on August 14, Leung dropped him off at work, during which time he showed him the location of the alarm and its wires. The undertaker reportedly also told Leung that they could enter the

building through a western window on the upper flat, which was usually left open. Sometime after that, Leung allegedly showed up at the undertaker’s home with another man, and he provided them with further details about the CIOG building. This time, he reportedly directed them to the location where the money was stored and pointed out the location of a camera inside the building. The undertaker further confessed that at around 6:00 a.m. on August 18, mere hours after the robbery, Leung called him for his share of the money. He allegedly told Leung to bring the money to his home instead. Leung reportedly complied, arriving with a black bag containing $375,000. The undertaker later reported for work, where he allegedly heard employees discussing the robbery but said nothing. A few days later, he reportedly learnt from another suspect involved in the robbery that Leung may have short-changed him from his share. The undertaker said the suspect

The CIOG building on Woolford Avenue and another man later invited him into a yard while he was riding through Albouystown and asked how much his cut was. He reportedly told them $375,000. The men allegedly informed him, however, that they had sent a total of $800,000 for him. The undertaker remains in custody as investigations continue. Bandits zip-tied security guard Kaieteur News reported on August 19 that bandits had snatched cash from the CIOG after reportedly zip-tying a security guard.

The bandits, armed with a knife and crowbar, reportedly restrained 63-year-old security guard Dennis Ragnauth during the early hours of August 18 before breaking into the CIOG building. Ragnauth had reported for duty at about 7:00 p.m. on August 17. He told police that while conducting routine checks around the CIOG compound early Tuesday morning, he was confronted by four men wearing ski masks and hoodies. One of the bandits reportedly placed an object against his back.

Fearing that it was a firearm and that he might be shot, Ragnauth said he froze and did not resist. He recalled that one of the men was carrying black plastic straps, which were used to tie his hands in front of him. The bandits then reportedly relieved him of his $25,000 cellphone and ordered him to lie on the ground. One of the men remained behind to guard him while the other three proceeded into the CIOG building. About an hour later, Ragnauth said, the three men returned and left the compound with the lookout. He waited approximately five minutes to ensure that the men had left before getting up and managing to free one of his hands from the zip-tie. Ragnauth then made his way to the nearby Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) building, where he called out to caretaker 69year-old Barrat Parbu. When Parbu responded, Ragnauth reportedly told him that gunmen were in the compound. Parbu subsequently contacted his employer, while Ragnauth returned to his post at the CIOG building.

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Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: NIGEL WILLIAMS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

The reports and the President President Irfaan Ali's recent response to a Bloomberg's warning that Guyana may already be showing symptoms of the dreaded oil curse is revealing, not because the President has disagreed with the assessment, but because of the manner in which he has chosen to do so. Instead of confronting the substance of Bloomberg's findings, the President has sought to diminish the report as a matter of “perception” and urged Guyanese to focus instead on the International Monetary Fund. For a government that repeatedly boasts of its commitment to transparency, accountability and good governance, the proper response to an uncomfortable international assessment should be to confront the evidence not to question the circumstances under which the journalist met the President. Whether the Bloomberg journalist met Mr. Ali in a bar, a lobby, a conference room or under a mango tree is largely irrelevant to the central question. Are Guyana's institutions strong enough to manage an unprecedented oil windfall in the national interest? That is the issue. And on that question, Bloomberg did not simply pull an opinion out of thin air. The report measured Guyana against principles developed specifically to help resource-rich countries avoid the very catastrophe that has afflicted so many oil-producing nations. It found Guyana performing well in some areas, partially meeting others, but falling short in critical areas including transparent and competitive allocation of petroleum rights, local content participation, environmental, social and human rights standards, and the ability of the State to capture the full value of its natural resources. Most troubling was the conclusion that Guyana's biggest weaknesses are institutional. That should have been a red flag to the President. Instead, it appears to have become an irritation. The President's attempt to place Bloomberg's assessment on one side and the IMF's assessment on the other is also misleading. The IMF did not hand Guyana a certificate declaring: “Oil wealth safely managed. No further questions.” Far from it. The same IMF assessment cited by the President called for stronger oil and gas audit systems and greater financial oversight and accountability. That is not a clean bill of health. That is a doctor telling the patient: you are doing reasonably well, but there are serious areas that require attention. And those concerns overlap significantly with Bloomberg's warning. So why should Guyanese be forced to choose between Bloomberg and the IMF? They should not. We should read both. We should listen to both. And more importantly, we should examine the evidence ourselves. Guyana is now producing billions of dollars in petroleum wealth. The country is borrowing heavily, spending at a breathtaking pace and transforming its physical landscape with massive infrastructure projects. The national debt is projected to rise to approximately US$10.3 billion by the end of 2026. The President may quite correctly point out that the IMF considers the debt sustainable. But sustainable does not mean risk-free. And economic growth does not automatically mean development. A country can have gleaming highways, impressive buildings, new hospitals, billions in foreign exchange and spectacular GDP growth and still be laying the foundations for an oil curse. The oil curse is not defined simply by poverty. It is defined by what happens to institutions, democracy, accountability, productive sectors and public finances when enormous natural-resource revenues suddenly enter a relatively small economy. It happens when oil money becomes so powerful that institutions become weaker than the political machinery controlling the money. It happens when contracts are opaque. It happens when citizens cannot determine whether the country is receiving the best possible value from its natural resources. It happens when public spending becomes politically attractive but economically inefficient. It happens when local businesses

Immigration has divided and is dividing political parties Dear Editor, Some time ago, news filtered in that our government through its illustrious head-of-state had agreed to accept a number of persons not wanted by the United States government. I found this unbelievable and no more than malicious rumour being spread to taint our government. Over the weekend, reliable sources have confirmed that this travesty of accepting individuals unwanted, or deemed persona non grata by another state is true, and its implementation has started. I discussed this matter with some young Guyanese and one youngster put it simply, even though I said we must not say it, he said “we have a rookie in charge of government business”. In the UK, most of Europe, the Middle East, and in the North and South Americas, immigration is a major issue. Immigration has divided and is dividing political parties, and citizens in many parts of the world, many countries and Guyana should be numbered among such, ought to be concerned that wanton foolish immigration can change the demographic and cultural landscape of their countries, in the majority of cases, certainly not for the better. What makes this adventure by our government heart-rending and stressful is that there is no logic, and no good

sense to what is happening. However, by way of example, if we are short of medical professionals, such as physicians, specialist, nurses, and laboratory technicians, the policy should be to admit into our country only persons with verified qualifications. This policy should apply to other areas where Guyanese whose naval-string is buried here, lack the necessary skills and experience. Further, in each and every case, we must be satisfied with the character, moral standing, physical and mental state of persons coming into our country to work and live. Of course, the question of security must always be paramount, and therein editor and citizens, is my problem. I have been in public life for more than seven decades and witnessed the dismantling of the best internal and external security system in the region from the late 80s. On the external front, no matter what the challenges a small country like ours face, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, our ambassadors, envoys and representatives must have the skills, personality and perspicacity to deal with a tricky, and I say, treacherous international environment. Meaning disrespect to no one, but I have not observed the likes of Sir Shridath Ramphal, Fred Wills, Bishop Fred

Talbot, Sir Lionel Luckhoo, Sir John Carter, Dr. Cedric Grant, Rashleigh Jackson, Ronald Austin, Rudy Collins, Rudy Insanally, Malcom Parris, Dr. Mohammed Shahabeen, Cheryl Miles, Ann Jardim, Cecil Pilgrim, Sydney Saul, Carl Greenidge and Dennis Gouveia, representing our country. In addition to these persons of commitment and sagacity, annually we hosted meetings involving all our diplomats to review and understand the changing world, and the dynamics affecting Guyana. First time in the hemisphere, Guyana in 1972, hosted a well-attended meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the non-Aligned movement. All of the above and its diplomatic corps, the confidence to deal with foreign powers large and small, to preserve our dignity, our sovereignty enabled us to be held with due regard by the majority of nation states. Today, we must all speak up against this abomination, and this disrespect for the sanctity of the contract we signed at independence on May 26, 1966. That contract was signed on behalf of our ancestors and our descendants, we must not betray them or fail them, and remind all and sundry that Guyana is not for sale. Sincerely Elder Hamilton Green

39.8% profit share means ring-fencing but short-lived with many questions – looks fishy! Dear Editor, There has been an array of public missives about the welcomed oil profit share to Guyana being more than tripled to 39.8%, or approximately G$8 billion (B) per day at the current production rate and oil price. However, what seems to be missed is that this is unadulterated ring-fencing, proving that contrary to the Govt's falsity, the contract does not disallow ringfencing, as yours truly stressed in letter “Nothing in oil contract bars ringfencing” published in the broad media including Kaieteur News (KN) June 14, 2025 edition. That was the good news, but something seems fishy going on here with lots of questions, signaling that the 39.8% is most likely shortlived as evident by the fact that the numbers do not add up; and by HE President Ali's head spinning convoluted

press conference. There should be no doubts whatsoever that Exxon notified President Ali of the increase before it made the news, and it goes without saying that any Leader would be jumping up and down shouting from the rooftops grabbing credit and scoring political points for such good news. However, beyond belief, it had to take weeks of public pressure to force Dr. Ali into doing the normal; and when he did, his uneasiness was most noticeable, when, instead of a gleeful announcement, he inexplicably first went on the defensive, taking great pains to lecture us on how the profit share formula works, and being emphatic that the contract was not changed to bring about the increase. Why was this uncalled-for defensive posture? Ali's strange behaviour begs the question: was this just a shrewd business move

become dependent on government contracts rather than developing internationally competitive capacity. It happens when oil becomes the economy rather than a means of transforming the economy. And it happens when those who raise uncomfortable questions are dismissed as negative, uninformed or motivated by perception. Guyana therefore needs less defensiveness and more scrutiny. The Bloomberg report should not be treated as gospel. Neither should the IMF report. Both are assessments. Both deserve examination.

by Exxon to boost its stock price and financial leverage which caught Ali by surprise, embarrassing and throwing him under the bus, since his Gov't has been berating and making enemies of all and sundry who dare to advocate ring-fencing and/or renegotiations? Ask Glen Lall who made fierce fighting for ring-fencing and renegotiations his daily ritual to the nation. The ring-fencing and renegotiations question: Most revealing was Dr. Ali's disorienting answer to a question from Davina Bagot of KN about whether he will take this opportunity to renegotiate the contract to ensure the profit share remains at 39.8%. Amazingly not prepared for such an expectedly inevitable question, Ali resorted to confusingly speak from both sides of his mouth that he is having “internal discussions” and seeking expert advice how to “get greater benefits” while at the same time spouting his old song and dance of “sanctity of contract”. First, despite what VP Jagdeo believes, Guyanese are not stupid, and know fully well that Exxon is the Govt's only advisor and controller, so the “discussions” start and end

how Exxon wants it. Second, how could the President still not comprehend that “greater benefits” beyond ring-fencing can only come with renegotiations which he and his Gov't pledge not to do? Third, this is the same Ali and oil czar Jagdeo, who vow to never renegotiate because of “contract sanctity” and cowardly to even raise it with Exxon, though allowed for in Article 32 of the contract; and despite their manifesto promise and their rabid admonition that it is the worst contract ever, so, renegotiation will be of highest priority when in office. The President now finds himself in a bind knowing that this increase is temporary and would be a hard sell to the people; thus, to soften the blow of this bad news, he slickly comes up with fancy talk about “discussions with experts” for “path forward to get greater benefits”. Notwithstanding Exxon being his only expert and advisor, the President is still advised that there is nothing more to discuss nor think about, since the precedent for ring-fencing has now been set, whether or not motivated by Exxon's (Continued on page 5)

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remain silent is to demonstrate He more times feel unprecedented Tocomplicity with the oppressive the more we reach for past parallels acts of government and the Dear Editor, One of the challenges confronting open-source opiniators is how to capture present-day political events in Guyana and how to cast those events as historical in letter columns. If there is one of the many paradoxical tendencies of modern political life in Guyana, it is the more times feel unprecedented, the more we reach for past parallels. A good example of this reach for parallelism is the current public debate and the making of a comparative analysis of the modus operandi between the 1999 Ramkarranled Constitution Reform Commission and the 2026 Carl Singh-led Reform Commission. That public debate has been settled by A.G.Nandlall… hopefully. That aside, some have argued that there were occurrences in Guyana where 'history repeated itself first as a tragedy and then as farce,' and that personalities did play roles in shaping the political landscape of Guyana. True. In case he was not aware of it, Dr. Bertrand Ramcharran (a non-Marxist) in his KW column of August 11, 2026 ventured exactly where Marx did in his 18th Brumaire Louis Bonaparte;' where he wrote, 'The tradition of all the dead generations weighs like a nightmare on the brain of the living' .Ramcharran in his brush at parallelism made comparisons between the postindependence histories of Guyana and India, identifying a 'number of areas for vigilance.' Debatable. At home, one just have to look at the sudden burst of social media posts by followers of Forbes Burnham who they claim, 'played a major role and accomplished certain achievements' while he traversed the land of the living.

However, in an effort to draw certain parallels between Burnham and Jagan as fighters for Guyana's independence, Burnham's followers failed to make the qualitative distinction between the two men whose contributions were like comparing chalk to cheese. On the domestic front, local diplomatic pundits have already began drawing parallels albeit prematurely between the Ramphal-RodriguesBirkett contest for the top post at the UN. Efforts at drawing parallels. Early days yet. We shall see. Another compelling example of the reach for parallelism can be found in government's efforts at reaching out to the populace through outreaches, its significance and how they should be interpreted from a social psychological perspective.Presidential, cabinet or Ministerial outreaches are not new, the practice has been a permanent feature of political life in Guyana ever since the PPP/C assumed office. The practice became a hallmark of Jagdeo's presidency. Outreaches are organised depending on the exigencies of the political situation obtaining at a given point in time, as well as on the disposition of the political leader at the time; whether he is prepared to listen and transform learning experiences from people on the ground into policies for consideration at cabinet and implementation by government. The thought process as it regards to parallelism becomes even more complex with the effort to understand the unity and struggle of the opposites in a Guyanese context irrespective of how unbelievable it might be. By opposites, I mean the position of government versus the position of the parliamentary opposition and non-state

actors. The opposition, while seemingly united on crucial issues such as defence of Guyana's territorial integrity; the need for free and fair elections; poverty reduction and a market, rather than a socialist-oriented economy, seem more inclined at fighting down, rather than working with government on issues that unite rather than divide us as a nation. And if that appears to be politically naive and idealistic or even opportunistic, the perennial challenge within the opposition camp has always been, who is best qualified to lead knowing that their efforts, however disguised, is nothing but a grab for political power. But there is still time and space for those opposed to back away from toppling over the precipice. And it will not be for the sake of a utopia but a society where, everyone, irrespective of social standing or class differences wins, with no one being left wondering “what did I do wrong?” Or “why have I got nothing?”And while there is no agreement between government and opposition over how the 'oil money' ought to be spent for public sector projects, and on an individual basis, it begs the question which comes first, the chicken or egg? The role of historical analogy in Guyana's political life cannot be done by simply drawing parallels, in doing so, we may be drawing parallels in a way that solves nothing politically, it only upsets our expectations. In other words, to minimise harm to our body politic, we must learn how to choose the right parallels if we are to judge well in politics. Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee

39.8% profit share means ring-fencing but... From page 04 financial interests, and must stay in place. Any drawing of a line at the end of any project is the definition of ringfencing; so, there can be no going back! Moreso, the President must demand that this new dispensation be retroactively dated back to the first ringfencing point in 2022 when the first project (Liza 1) was truly paid off, along with recovery of the 39.8% worth of USD $B owed to the country since that time. Costs do not add up: Ring-fencing means each project having its own independent cost bank (all monies charged to that project) and no use of revenues from any project to offset costs in another project. Despite the contract not barring ring-fencing, the Gov't gives Exxon a free rein to mixup all of the revenues and spending into one bucket or “cost bank” being filled with the daily running costs from every project including the US$55B costs announced on July 31, 2026, to have been paid off for the 1st 7 projects; but most conspicuously suspicious is that there is no mention that the paid off cost bank also includes all costs running into USD $B for drilling exploration and appraisal wells and other costs for

projects 8 & 9 already submitted to the Gov't early this year for approval. It takes years of drilling exploration and appraisal wells and other activities such as preparing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) before applying for Gov't approvals. For example, the Liza 1 was discovered in 2015, but it took years of drilling before discovery and over one year afterwards to apply for permits. Similarly, since applications for permits for projects 8 & 9 were submitted early in 2026, there had to have been many USD $B charged to the cost bank at least starting in 2025 and before for those two projects.The quandary facing the President and maybe why he has been so bashful, is that if there is no ringfencing, how could there be a claim that the cost bank of USD $55 B was paid off for only the 1st 7 projects, when projects 8 & 9 have been also charging their costs to this same cost bank. The Gov't must explain how is this possible, and come clean with what are the costs left in the cost bank for projects 8 & 9, other projects in the works, and the cumulative costs carried over every month above the 75% cost oil. It gets more confusing when the President and Minister Bharrat acclaim

that the cost bank includes expenses for both capital (Capex) and operating (Opex) equivalent to the 75% cost oil; but something else kept quiet is that the 75% cost oil is not the maximum deducted recoverable costs, for all costs above the 75% are carried over into the next month, month after month, into the cost bank.In any case, if the Opex is 20 barrels oil out of each 100 barrels according to the President, it means that the Capex accounts for the other 55 or 73.3% of the 75 barrels of cost oil or cost bank. Thence, the USD $55 B supposedly paid off for the 1st 7 projects will have been proportionally divided into USD $40 B for Capex and USD $15 B for Opex. However, the Field Development Plans (FDPs) which are the heart of the projects, document a total estimated Capex of USD $61 B. With Exxon's project management expertise, it is hard to swallow that their estimated Capex could be a whopping 52% higher than the actual costs, unless the Guyana Gov't happens to be managing their projects. This looks like something fishy is going on here with the people's money that must be explained. Best regards, Dr. Vincent Adams

violation of the rights of citizens Dear Editor, Given what happened last week with government's intensified attack on Azruddin Mohamed, Opposition Leader, particularly the event surrounding September 3, where he was arrested twice over spurious allegations, is further evidence the People's Progressive Party (PPP) regime, in support with the Guyana Police Force, is b e h a v i n g m a n i a c a l l y, kicking down the guardrails of democracy without concern that the consequences of such actions are contributing to the demise of society. Guyana is witnessing a full-scale abuse of the Constitution and citizens' rights by the PPP to settle political scores or target persons it deems enemies. We are losing our way as a nation. For some time now, the society has come to believe that the people of Guyana no longer matter to the politicians, and those in power have unfettered reigns to do as they please without accountability.The PPP/C regime has stolen every element of Guyanese society. Further, all the ill things the regime accused the administration of the People's National Congress (PNC) or the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition of, it has committed and continues, without challenge, to do even worse. Never in the history of independent Guyana have we had any minister accused of inappropriate acts of any kind who have not been held accountable or removed from office for the appropriate investigations, except for the Bharrat Jagdeo and Irfaan Ali regimes. The PPP has taken the decision for years that it is not only going to be confined to making policies and decisions to guide the nation in keeping with the role of politicians, but is taking over every operational space within the Executive prescribed for department heads. The regime is inserting loyalists who are then beholden to the PPP and not the rule of law and universally acceptable p r i n c i p l e s . We h a v e witnessed the overreach everywhere—the Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Police Force, Public Service,

Teaching Service; even the Judiciary and Legislature, which are constitutionally independent arms of government.Guyana is no longer a democratic state. Let's face this reality.The PPP's tentacles are in every arm of the State and nonstate sector, snuffing life out of every facet of society and human life form that it cannot control. Our society has become repressive and is becoming more dangerously so every day. We are at a very critical point, a point at which we need to oppose before it is too late. We are almost there and will suffer the fate of a brutal dictatorship if we remain silent.Even the police have taken the decision that the Opposition Leader, an elected/constitutional position, must be limited in his freedom to fulfil the role of his office. As Opposition Leader, Mohamed is more than entitled to move around the length and breadth of this country without fear or interruption to his travel and movement, whether in private or public capacity. If the holder of such a powerful office, elected by more than 100,000 voters, according to GECOM, has his movement on the public thoroughfare being questioned, what next can be expected for the average citizen?Guyanese should not take this act of the PPP regime lightly or for granted because it threatens not only Mohamed but every citizen whom the PPP perceives not to be in its camp. And, as history has shown, even those within its camp can suffer a similar fate. This is a warning, sounded again, to all Guyanese, be it in the opposition, government, or presumably non-aligned. We have to be enlightened to this threat which the nation currently faces and develop an awareness of what it means to every single person in the 83,000 square miles of Guyana, regardless of your connection/support to the government, religion, race, class, colour, creed, or geographic location. To remain silent is to demonstrate complicity with the oppressive acts of government and the violation of the rights of citizens and others in Guyana. The violation of anyone's rights is a threat to all. Sincerely Lincoln Lewis

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Tuesday September 08, 2026

The Road to First Oil - Every Man, Woman and Child Must Become Oil Minded

Column 200: Sovereignty in the Age of Oil By Christopher Ram Introduction The series began on May 26, 2017 as Oil and gas – The New Economic Horizon and was expected to run for twenty-five weeks. As the re s e a rc h d e e p e n e d , i t became Road to First Oil – Every Man, Woman and Child Must Become OilMinded, borrowing the Daily Chronicle exhortation brought to my attention by h i s t o r i a n D r. N i g e l We s t m a a s . Tw e n t y - f i v e columns became fifty, then one hundred, and this is number 200. I can feel cramp setting in. That first column identified the legislative framework, taxation, corruption, the Sovereign Wealth Fund and the border controversy with Venezuela. It also recalled Cheddi Jagan's 1986 warning against giving oil companies a “blank cheque” and putting Guyana's independence and energy policies in the hands of transnationals. Nearly nine years later, Venezuela has moved from the margins to the centre, touching our t e r r i t o r y, s e c u r i t y, relationship with the United States and even the value of our petroleum. The question now is larger: how sovereign is Guyana in the age of oil? In 1939, while British

Guiana was still a colony, petroleum legislation vested the country's petroleum resources in the State. The Petroleum Activities Act 2023 repeats the principle. In law, the petroleum is ours, but legal ownership should not be confused with e f f e c t i v e s o v e r e i g n t y. Cheddi Jagan understood that danger. As Leader of the Opposition in 1986, he warned against putting Guyana's independence and energy policies in the hands of the transnationals. Yet thirteen years later, the PPP Government under President Janet Jagan signed the 1999 Petroleum Agreement with Esso. No one then knew the scale of the Stabroek resource, but the irony is unavoidable: the party that warned against surrendering energy policy to transnationals entered the agreement that became the f o u n d a t i o n f o r ExxonMobil's dominant role. Energy security and Energy sovereignty Last week I considered President Ali's proposed r e f i n e r y, n a t i o n a l o i l company and increased fuel storage as questions of energy security. Guyana needs reliable supplies of petroleum products, but energy security is not energy

sovereignty. Storage, a refinery and even a national oil company may improve security without giving Guyana effective control over production, technology, capital, markets or the geopolitical forces surrounding its petroleum. We need look no further than Venezuela for the clearest warning. It nationalised its petroleum industry and possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves, yet the United States showed through raw power and its influence over the critical elements of the petroleum sector t e c h n o l o g y, f i n a n c e , shipping, insurance and markets - that legal ownership does not guarantee the ability to produce and sell oil. Washington did not need to own the wells; power over the systems surrounding them was enough. N o w Wa s h i n g t o n i s demonstrating the reverse power by helping to bring Venezuela back into the international petroleum system. This is about more than oil. Drawing Caracas away from Russia, China, Iran and Cuba is itself a major political and strategic prize, reviving in some respects the old Cold War contest for influence in the hemisphere. For Guyana, that is transformational, though not necessarily entirely in its interest. American c o m p a n i e s o w n approximately 75% of the

Stabroek Block, with ExxonMobil as operator, while the United States is Guyana's most important external strategic partner against Venezuela's claim to Essequibo. The danger is not that America will abandon Guyana for Venezuela. Guyana has embraced Trump's America so completely that Washington can now regard Ali's cooperation as a given. The consequence is that Guyana and Venezuela increasingly exist in the same hemispheric “ecosystem”, to borrow President Ali's word - an ecosystem led by President Trump and administered through Secretary of State M a r c o R u b i o . A transactional President may see two neighbouring countries tied to American power and capital and ask why their century-old controversy should disturb h i s l a rg e r h e m i s p h e r i c design. The message may simply be: you are both within my sphere of influence, so settle your differences and move on. For Guyana, that is where dependence becomes a sovereignty problem. The risk is aggravated, paradoxically, by the very fact that Guyana properly chose the legal route. There are strong reasons for confidence that the ICJ will uphold the 1899 Award and confirm Guyana's title to Essequibo, but a favourable judgment may not end the

controversy. The Court can decide; it cannot enforce. If Ve n e z u e l a r e j e c t s i t s judgment, Guyana would have to depend heavily on diplomacy and international pressure which, in practical terms, would mean above all the United States. The unsettling question is whether Guyana would still be free to insist on the full benefit of that victory if Wa s h i n g t o n p r e f e r s a negotiated political settlement. T h e r e i s a n uncomfortable irony in the arrangement on which Guyana's security depends. Jurisdiction is secure under the 1966 Geneva Agreement and the Secretary-General's choice of the ICJ. Enforcement is another matter. If Venezuela refuses to comply, Guyana may turn to the Security Council, where the United States holds a veto. That is the same United States that withdrew from the Nicaragua case and later vetoed Security Council action seeking compliance with the Court's 1986 judgment. Guyana's legal position may be secure; its practical protection still depends heavily on crude power. Ali's sellout The recent agreement under which Guyana will receive certain third-country nationals removed from the United States adds to the concern. Economics can hardly explain it. If not money, is it goodwill, strategic credit or insurance against Venezuela - or is this simply President Ali's vulgar, unauthorised and unlawful attempt to find favour with Washington? In the process, he has placed Guyana in the same basket as Eswatini, Equatorial Guinea, Liberia and other states recruited into the Trump administration's thirdcountry deportation programme. Eswatini is receiving deportees under a U S $ 5 . 1 m i l l i o n arrangement, while Liberia has agreed to accept as many as 1,200 third-country nationals. This perhaps is the most discomforting development of all, coming on top of the broken promises at home. I believed the PPP/C when it pledged to renegotiate the 2016 Petroleum Agreement.

Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram In office, it abandoned that promise for “better contract administration”, while refusing to insist on protections such as ringfencing and stronger fiscal terms. Production accelerated; State capacity and contractual protection did not. Conclusion Two hundred columns ago, I was filled with hope, expectation and confidence about what petroleum could mean for Guyana. Those have been shattered by the quality of leadership, the failure to build strong institutions, the amateurish a n d f r a g m e n t e d management of the sector, and the willingness to accommodate ExxonMobil and now Washington rather than insist consistently on the national interest. Too much rests on a handful of political personalities and too little on independent expertise, disciplined policy and institutions capable of standing up to interests far more powerful than Guyana. A personal milestone of 200 columns means little against that record. We have oil, money and strategic importance, but supine leadership, little courage and too little institutional capacity to use the power we possess. Energy security is not sovereignty, and neither legal ownership nor an ICJ judgment can substitute for the capacity and will to defend the national interest. I expected this journey to last twenty-five weeks. It has lasted nearly nine years and produced 200 columns. With cramp and fatigue setting in, that is excuse enough to retire hurt. The bleaker thought is that the Ali Administration has already retired from the harder contests: building the institutions and expertise required to manage the s e c t o r, d e l i v e r i n g t h e promised better contract administration, and, most importantly, exercising real sovereignty.

Tuesday September 08, 2026

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Idle oil refinery in Trinidad may not be best option for Guyana By Davina Bagot Guyana is determined to refine its crude oil being generated offshore as part of its strategy to achieve energy security, but utilising nearby existing infrastructure such as the idle facility in Trinidad and Tobago may not be the best option for the country. This is the view of energy expert, Marta Jara, a nonresident Fellow of the Institute of the Americas and former President of Uruguay’s National Oil Company (ANCAP) and Shell Executive. Jara is a chemical engineer and currently heads Ventus Hidrigeno, a multi-Latin company pioneering the development of green hydrogen for heavy transport. In an invited comment, Jara explained that oil producers have historically entered into long-term supply contracts with refiners. She referenced Venezuela’s ownership of CITGO and Mexico’s former partnership with Shell in the Deer Park refinery as prominent examples of upstream producers participating in refining systems.

She said, “Such integration can provide a secure outlet for crude and a more predictable supply for the refinery. Crude oil is internationally tradable and, within technical and commercial limits, can normally be redirected to other buyers. Likewise, a refinery may be able to substitute another crude or crude blend, although doing so can materially affect yields, operating conditions and margins.” The chemical engineer said these options generally provide sufficient commercial flexibility to create exit options if longterm arrangements become untenable. Regarding Trinidad’s offer to refine Guyana’s crude oil, she noted that this might not be the best option for the country. “The fact that there is an idle asset very close by might not be the best option for Guyana, given crude quality, refining margin and downstream investment needed. The facility was historically configured for a different crude slate, and prolonged idleness increases the importance of a full technical due-diligence

exercise,” Jara detailed. She further noted, “From a purely business economics point-of-view, the decision regarding the supply of refined oil products should consider not only investment in refining or long-term supply contracts, but also tolling agreements and spot trading. What combination provides the lowest cost of supply for Guyana’s fuels demand and the highest netback for its crude?” Beyond the economical front, other key factors should also be considered such as job creation. She explained that job creation is sometimes the driver for investing in the oil products m a n u f a c t u r i n g s e c t o r. Although the construction normally takes the largest chunk of employment, a significant share of engineering, projectmanagement and specialised construction positions may need to be filled by workers with experience not yet available in Guyana for the facility. Meanwhile, Jara pointed out that workforce development can begin during construction for the operations phase so that more operating and

maintenance positions are filled locally. She said, “A refinery does indeed typically employ hundreds of people in stable, low rotation jobs, given the value of experienced staff against operational and safety considerations. On the other hand, workers and trade unions tend to be very powerful in the sector and tend to advocate for restrictive work practices that can reduce the flexibility needed to remain competitive through the refining cycle.” Since 2017, Trinidad proposed the use of its oil refinery to Guyana. At the time, the state-owned oil company Petrotrin in a media release said the company was open to the possibility of “further developing business relations with fellow energy companies in neighbouring Guyana” and, as if to emphasise its experience in the oil industry, noted that the company had accumulated “significant experience and expertise in the refining business in the Caribbean as its Pointe-aPierre refinery this year celebrates its 100th anniversary.” In April this year,

Non-resident Fellow of the Institute of the Americas and former President of Uruguay’s National Oil Company, Marta Jara. President Irfaan Ali confirmed that his administration intends to engage the Government of Trinidad and Tobago directly on a potential collaboration that would see Guyana’s crude oil refined in the twinisland state. The country’s energy m i n i s t e r, D r. R o o d a l Moonilal, indicated while attending a conference in Guyana back in February had pointed out that the country could play a key part in the restart of the refinery. The minister had disclosed that the facility can process about 150,000 barrels of oil daily but will require petroleum from regional partners. At the same event, G u y a n a ’s M i n i s t e r o f

Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, disclosed that the two CARICOM states are already in discussion to look at the possibility of having that refinery restart. At his most recent press conference, President Ali said Guyana must build an oil refinery to guard against global shocks. “We cannot have crude oil and don’t have security of supply, one and security brings with it stability and then give us some shield against shocks that are currently existing,” Ali noted, further disclosing that there are interests in the construction of an oil refinery in Guyana. “We’re hoping that we can have investment in that refinery,” he added.

Spy chief says can’t remember who ordered ...says opposition leader a Mohameds’ extradition threat to national security Head of the Guyana Police Force’s Special Branch, Senior Superintendent Prem Narine, admitted in court on Monday that he could not remember who instructed him to execute extradition proceedings against billionaire businessmen Nazar “Shell” Mohamed and his son, Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, while simultaneously declaring the younger Mohamed a threat to national security. The extradition hearing before Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman centers on a request from the United States, where the Mohameds face charges of alleged wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering tied to their gold trading operations. The defense team, including attorney Siand Dhurjon, is seeking to establish that the extradition process is politically motivated and being weaponised by the

Head of the Guyana Police Force’s Special Branch, Senior Superintendent Prem Narine

Guyanese government against political opponents. During crossexamination, Narine, the h e a d o f t h e s t a t e ’s intelligence arm, colloquially known as the “spy chief”, acknowledged that under police standing orders, Special Branch is tasked with state stability and national security matters rather than standard criminal investigations, which fall

under the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Despite admitting he was explicitly instructed to collect extradition warrants and proceed with arrest filings on October 31, 2025, Narine repeatedly told the court he could not recall who gave the directive. “I could not recall who gave me that instruction,” Narine testified, stating he was

unsure if the order originated from the police commissioner, the crime chief, or a divisional commander. He noted receiving a “general instruction” and taking necessary actions as events unfolded. Defense counsel pressed Narine on how he retrieved the arrest warrants from the attorney general’s chambers, a body the defense argued plays no role in traditional extradition processing, which typically runs through the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs. Narine confirmed collecting the documents there but testified he did not know who drafted them or how they arrived at that office, noting this was the first extradition case in his career involving the attorney general’s chambers. Dhurjon suggested to the court that Narine was under political pressure to ensure

the Mohameds were arrested immediately ahead of a scheduled convening of parliament. Narine rejected the assertion, denying any direction from the executive branch. When asked if President Irfaan Ali had directly ordered his involvement, Narine firmly denied the claim: “Definitely not, because an instruction from the president is a privilege and something that I would remember.” He added that police officers are not obligated to carry out unlawful mandates. Opposition leader a “national security threat” The defense confronted th e in tellig en ce ch ief regarding a July 2025 public statement by President Ali, which reportedly framed Azruddin Mohamed as a national threat. While Narine claimed ignorance of the president’s specific public remarks, he offered a

severe assessment of his own. “Standing here now, the information I have, I would consider him a threat to national security,” Narine declared to the court, expanding on testimony given Friday where he categorised Mohamed as a dangerous individual. Dhurjon challenged Narine’s testimony directly, asserting that the officer was displaying “selective memory” and failing to provide an honest account to the court. Narine rejected the accusation as untrue. Chief Magistrate Latchman instructed both the defense and prosecution to present legal authorities regarding key extradition principles, including protections against onward re-extradition to third-party states, political victimisation, and discrimination based on political opinion.

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Tuesday September 08, 2026

GPL blames constant blackouts on citizens’ heavy use of AC, fans, lights — customer base moved from 201,000 in 2020 to 250,000 Amid daily blackouts, the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) on Monday blamed the situation on an overload of their generation capacity due to consumers constant and heavy reliance on air conditioning, electric fans and the switching on of their lights in the evening. This was the reasons advanced by Head of GPL’s Executive Management Committee, Kesh Nandlall during a news conference where the company sought to explain recent service interruptions. Nandlall said that the current El Nino condition is driving up the use of air conditioning units, and ultimately the use of electricity. “I just want to give you some information as to what is really happening it occurs around 7 to 9 pm that is when everybody goes home and puts on their air conditioning and since the sun is hot in the day and a lot of houses including my home is concrete, what happens is the concrete absorbs the heat and releases it in the afternoon so people are putting on their air-conditioning units, their fans, their lights and it creates a significant surge and requirement of power. We are seeing…feeders now being overloaded, the medium voltage feeder and the transformers in the neighbourhoods are also being affected,” Nandlall said. As a result, Nandlall

From left Head of GPL’s Executive Management Committee Kesh Nandlall (left) and Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Bharat Harjohn at the press conference at GPL office in Kingston on Monday. stressed the importance of energy conservation, particularly during periods of peak demand, and encouraged customers to practise responsible energy use. He also reaffirmed GPL’s commitment to developing a smarter, more efficient and responsive electricity grid. These interventions, he said forms part of GPL’s ongoing efforts to address immediate network challenges while building a stronger and more dependable electricity system. “The company is investing approximately US$800 million to m o d e r n i s e G u y a n a ’s transmission and distribution infrastructure.” Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Bharat Harjohn noted that GPL is working on improvements on the feeders

with various analytics being done to highlight and determine how to effectively improve the system. He noted that there are also several separate incidents, including electrical faults at the Kingston and another substation, as well as feeders tripping in sections of the network. According to Harjohn as soon as the problems occurred technical teams are immediately deployed to identify and correct the faults and restore electricity supply to affected customers as safely and quickly as possible. Emergency works were also undertaken at Houston following an interruption affecting customers from the Ruimveldt Industrial Site to Nandy Park. GPL’s Head of Engineering and Projects, Ryan Ross, explained that

Man found dead in Charlestown canal The body of an identified man was found on Monday floating face down in a canal located in the vicinity of a koker at Lombard and Sussex Streets, Georgetown. “Preliminary investigations revealed that at about 07:00hrs, a machine operator attached to the Mayor and City Council observed the body floating in the canal and an alarm was raised”, police said.

Crime sleuths were sent to the location and they reported that the body was partially decomposed and clad in a blue checkered shirt, black pants and black boots. No marks of violence were seen on the remains. The remains were taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where it is awaiting identification Investigations are ongoing.

the programme includes new 230-kilovolt transmission lines, additional substations, new 69-kilovolt

transmission infrastructure and approximately 350 kilometres of mediumvoltage distribution network. He said GPL is also working towards establishing a smart grid by 2030. According to him, the introduction of smart-grid technology will enhance the company’s ability to monitor the electricity network in real time, identify developing problems earlier and respond more quickly when faults occur. In a release also issued on Monday, GPL said it is advancing immediate corrective works across the electricity network while implementing a major

infrastructure programme designed to reduce faults, strengthen system resilience and improve the reliability of electricity supply nationwide. The power company noted that the modernisation programme is expected to create a more resilient, interconnected and responsive electricity network capable of meeting Guyana’s growing residential, commercial and industrial demand. “GPL remains committed to resolving current challenges while delivering the long-term infrastructure necessary to provide customers with a more reliable and efficient electricity service,” the release added.

Opposition leader’s video editor granted $600,000 bail A 25-year-old video editor attached to the office of the leader of the opposition was granted $600,000 bail on Monday following his appearance in court over charges linked to the alleged illegal operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The defendant, identified as Dwayne Ross, was charged with three offences related to the operation of the UAV. He appeared on Monday, September 7, 2026, at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Ravindranauth Singh, where the charges were read to him. Ross was charged with the unlawful operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle, contrary to Section 6(e) of the Civil Aviation Act 2018; unlawful operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle, contrary to Section 6(d) of the Civil Aviation Act 2018; and failure to obtain authorisation to operate an aircraft, contrary to Section 92 of the Civil Aviation Act 2018. He pleaded not guilty to all three charges. During the proceedings, defence counsel, Eusi Anderson raised legal objections, arguing that the charges were “bad at law” and questioned the statutory definition of a drone under the current aviation legislation. Counsel asserted that the defendant was merely seated in the rear of a vehicle outside a masjid in Leonora alongside the WIN’s leader Azruddin Mohamed, when law enforcement approached. “This is the first time in Guyana’s history that a directive has been given the force of law to form the basis of a criminal charge,” Anderson argued, emphasising that his client denied operating any drone at the time of the police encounter. Anderson further noted that Ross’s drone licence had lapsed in 2024, as he was no longer working full-time in media. The prosecution countered the defence’s characterisation of the events, alleging that

Dwayne Ross

the vehicle sped off when approached by police, leading to a pursuit that ended in Windsor Forest. The prosecutor noted that Ross’s expired licence confirmed he was unauthorised to operate drone equipment. In its bail plea, the defence highlighted Ross’s personal circumstances, noting that he is a father to a one-year-old child and the primary caregiver for his bedridden uncle, who suffers from severe health conditions. Counsel said Ross poses no flight risk and requested the court preserve and disclose all relevant CCTV, body camera, and vehicle dashcam footage from the arrest site. After hearing both sides, the magistrate granted bail in the sum of $200,000 on each charge, totaling $600,000. As conditions of bail, Ross is required to report to the police once monthly, at the Leonora Police Station on the first Friday of every month, and lodge his passport with the court. The matters were adjourned to September 30, 2026, for report, and further legal submissions regarding the validity of the charges, and trial.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday September 08, 2026

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When wealth becomes a god After my first encounter with the Guru, I had to return for some life lessons. So, on my return to his temple, I went looking for him. I found him sitting in exactly the same state in which I had left him: peaceful, unhurried and completely unimpressed by the frantic movement of the world below. “Guru,” I said, “I have another problem.” He smiled. “Only one?” I laughed. “I have been thinking about money.” “Good,” he said. “Money is worth thinking about. But tell me what troubles you.” I told him about something I had been observing everywhere around me. We live in a time when wealth has acquired an extraordinary power over us. We admire people because they are rich. We seek their company because they are r i c h . We l i s t e n m o r e carefully to them because they are rich. We sometimes overlook their questionable conduct because they are rich. And, increasingly, we want to become like them. Sometimes it goes even further. We fawn over wealthy people. We laugh more loudly at their jokes. We praise things we would otherwise criticise. We seek photographs with them, invitations from them, and proximity to them. It is as though money has become not merely a measure of what someone possesses, but a measure of who someone is. The Guru listened quietly. “Is wealth bad?” he

finally asked. “No,” I replied. “Then what is the problem?” “The problem,” I said, “is that we seem to worship it.” He nodded. “In Hindu thought,” he said, “wealth is not evil. In fact, artha, material prosperity, is one of the legitimate aims of human life. A person has a right to work, prosper, provide for a family, build a business and enjoy the fruits of honest labour.” “But,” he continued, “wealth is a servant. It must never become the master.” I thought about that. Perhaps this is where we have gone wrong. There is nothing wrong with wanting a comfortable home, a good education for our children, financial security or the satisfaction of building something successful. There is nothing noble about poverty simply because it is poverty. The Hindu tradition does not ask us to despise wealth. It asks us to put wealth in its proper place. And therein lies the danger. Money can buy a house, but it cannot make it a home. It can buy medicine, but not necessarily health. It can purchase company, but not friendship. It can buy attention, but not respect. It can purchase a seat at a table, but it cannot guarantee that the people sitting around it actually value you. Yet we increasingly confuse the ability to purchase things with the possession of worth. The Guru looked at me.

“Why,” he asked, “do you think people bow before wealth?” I suggested that perhaps they want some of it for themselves. “Exactly,” he said. “Sometimes admiration is simply ambition.” We don't merely admire wealth. We often admire what we imagine wealth will do for us. We believe that if we become rich enough, people will respect us, envy us, listen to us and perhaps even love us. But the Hindu scriptures repeatedly warn about attachment. The problem is not possessing something. The problem begins when the thing possesses you. There is a world of difference between having money and needing money to tell you that you matter. And perhaps this is why the ancient Hindu teaching places artha alongside d h a r m a . We a l t h i s legitimate, but its pursuit must be governed by righteousness. How we make money matters. What we do with money matters. And perhaps most importantly, what money does to us matters. If prosperity makes us generous, it has served us well. If it makes us arrogant, it has enslaved us. If wealth gives us the freedom to serve others, it has value. If it makes us look down upon those who have less, it has impoverished us. I asked the Guru how we should know whether we have become too attached to money.

DEM BOYS SEH

Some people losing dem memory Deh had a time when Guyana had a man who could remember almost anything, especially when it come to dates. Dem boys talking about Sydney Gonsalves, the legendary “Memory Man.” Only the older generation might remember Sydney today. But dem who remember him could never forget the spectacle of this simple-looking man producing dates with the precision of a bank teller balancing his till at the end of the day. Sydney was born on Saturday, October 4, 1930, at exactly 9:22 in the morning at Belfield Railway, where his father was station master. And that “exactly” is important, because Sydney didn't just remember that he was born in October. He remembered the day, the date and the time. If you ask most people today when they were born, dem boys suspect some would have to call their mother. According to a report in de Stabroek News, his mother apparently wanted to send him to Queen's College but thought he looked too stupid to benefit from the education. Little did she know that the boy

would grow up and develop a memory that could put a computer to shame. But dem boys wonder if Sydney was alive today, how he would cope with modern Guyana. Ask somebody now what happened last week and you might get, “Boss, I ain't sure. Check Facebook.” Ask what day something happened and the answer might be, “It was sometime around Wednesday… or Thursday.” And breakfast is another problem. There are people today who cannot remember what they had for breakfast this morning, much less what they ate yesterday. Yet Sydney could tell you what happened on a particular day seventy years earlier. He even remembered being thrown out of the house by his mother in 1946 after cuffing his sister for waking him too early on Sunday morning. Dem boys seh Sydney didn't need Google. Sydney was Google before Google know it had a job. And today, when people say, “I can't remember,” dem boys could only wish Sydney was around to remember for them. Talk half. Leff half.

He smiled. “Ask yourself this: If tomorrow you lost your wealth, would you still know who you are?” I had no immediate answer. He continued. “If the answer is no, then you did not possess the wealth. The wealth possessed you.” Perhaps that is the lesson we need most in an age obsessed with appearances. We should certainly admire achievement. We should celebrate entrepreneurship, hard work, innovation and legitimate success. We should want our children to prosper. But let us be careful about the people we choose as our heroes. A large bank

account tells us what someone has accumulated. It tells us very little about what kind of person he or she has become. The size of a person's possessions and the size of a person's character are two entirely different measurements. The richest person in the room may have the largest house, the most expensive car and the biggest bank account. But the most valuable person may be the one whose presence makes everyone else feel valued. As I prepared to leave, I asked the Guru one final question. “Then, Guru, how much wealth should a person seek?”

He smiled. “Enough to fulfill your duties. Enough to live with dignity. Enough to help others. But never so much that you begin measuring your life by what you have and never so little wisdom that you measure another human being by what they have.” The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper

Caricom urges closer collaboration with Africa CASTRIES, St Lucia (CMC) — Caribbean Community (Caricom) Chairman, Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre, on Monday urged Africa and the Caribbean regions to leverage a collective voice to advocate for sustainable development, climate resilience and the interests of vulnerable states. In a message marking the fifth anniversary of Caricom–Africa Day, Pierre said that “this historic milestone reaffirms our shared commitment to a unified vision for a forwardlooking partnership and strategic cooperation for our two regions.” He said that since the leaders of Africa and the Caribbean met for their first CaricomAfrica Summit in 2021, “Our bonds have strengthened significantly.” He said that the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Caricom and the African Union (AU) Secretariats on September 26, 2024 marked a pivotal step in deepening intersecretariat cooperation. “Concurrently, our member states have expanded bilateral engagement through partnerships with institutions such as Afreximbank, whose Caribbean office continues to catalyse financing for infrastructure, small businesses and trade. We have also advanced joint initiatives in health services and air connectivity to unlock commercial trade, tourism and direct people-

to-people exchanges,” he said. Pierre said that as the two regions observe the Second International Decade for People of African Descent and uphold the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of People of African Descent, “We honour the resilience of our ancestors and pay tribute to those lost to the atrocities of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.”“Caricom continues to play a significant leadership role in the global campaign for reparatory justice, working hand in hand with continental partners, who have embraced and advanced this critical cause for repair and diasporic unity.”Pierre said that in the face of compounded global challenges, including climate-induced natural disasters and geopolitical instability, the two regions must leverage a collective voice to advocate for sustainable development, climate resilience and the interests of vulnerable states.“Caricom remains steadfast in its commitment to regional solidarity, sovereignty and self-determination,” he said, noting that Caribbean people are vital constituents of the African Union's Sixth Region. “And our deepening alliance, as a model of South-South cooperation, seeks to deliver practical, measurable benefits, opening new horizons for youth, expanding markets for local enterprises, and reinforcing our collective resilience.”

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Tuesday September 2026 Monday May 02,08, 2022

BY GHK LALL

H@RD TRUTHS Mohamed must rethink, refine himself S

UTH

D TR

HAR

HK

BY G

L

LAL

Here I am again. The Hon Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Azruddin Mohamed, has to have an e p i p h a n y. A r a d i c a l renovation of his thinking and carriage is now compulsory. He must stop

seeing himself as the Leader of the Opposition (OL); a man going places. He must see himself as a man on the run. Almost literally under the gun. I elaborate. Mr. Mohamed has to reimagine himself by casting

his mind into the PPP’s mindset. This is where his long, intimate, and fruitful PPP relationship could still pay handsome dividends. Part of his reconfiguring of himself is that he sees himself in the manner that

the PPP Govt. does. Less of an OL, more of an outcast now bordering close to an outlaw. From the PPP side, it is to hell with OL. It’s Oh damn him, not this blasted guy again! He is a man being watched. I know about that personally. Thanks to Dr. Clifton Hicken Top Cop, Noise Nuisance Taskforce Head, DC Watts, and senior superintendent Narine, who lost his lines and memory the other day. Good to know that the Guyana Police cares (PPP Govt, too). But the man from WIN should know by now that his surveillance and harassment are at another level, at a sharper degree. Phone seized. Facebook page erased. How many more close shaves and weakening encounters he needs? Overhauling himself is overdue. Recognizing that a frontal approach is neither advisable nor winnable. Being a stealth operator is key. Mr. Mohamed has to remake himself. From Opposition Leader to guerilla fighter operating in an untraditional zone and an unknown dimension in Guyana. He has to live off the land. like the Viet Cong. He has to spread his teams. Like Mossad. In turn, that spreads the Police, force its members to make calls on the run. No time for calls

from OP or Freedom demanding Mohamed’s head. In my book, he has become too much of a sitting duck for the PPP Govt. Picked up here, picked off there, and at will. Either he adapts to the demands of the political environment or he expires as a political force. Take this business about his phone now seized by the police. For his sake, it had better be a decoy phone that has another role: that of a dummy. More tersely, garbage information, a wild goose chase for police and p o l i t i c i a n s . H e r e ’s a jeopardy challenge for Guyanese: who wants to know more about what Mohamed’s phone houses, the Guyana Police, Freedom House, or State House? This is don’t leave home without in reverse. Secure the real phone; hit the road, draw the pursuers into orbit. Let the world observe firsthand how democracy and constitution operate in PPP Guyana. Disperse human and technological assets. Make the PPP and the Guyana Police work for whatever scraps they get. Draw them out into open. Show the face of the PPP now contorted by fear. Is it 2030-31 yet? It’s one of the reasons why General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo is

already beating the bushes, and leaving Pres. Ali to selfdestruct. The general secretary’s priority is to hold the base, pickup any stray votes along the way. One year after the last elections, and the PPP is busy campaigning. Dr. Ali has lost luster. He thinks he is magical; the people see the macabre; quietly study the other Mohamed. Will he last? Will he be around? Will he make a difference? Is he the one? Dr. Ali can continue with his games. Dr. Jagdeo isn’t playing any. Mr. Mohamed must adjust to suit. Not believe he is invincible. Or untouchable. Give the Yanks what they want. What’s in his head. Use the American system to his advantage. If they could have dealt with a Noreiga, Pinochet, and the Shah, what’s the big deal about a Mohamed? He pleas, he bargains; those are what could free him in time for 2030-31. Meanwhile, he had better reset his head. So long. Remember: recalibrate, restart. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Public service portal to go live Sept. 30, cutting paperbased processing - Min. Ally

T

he Ministry of Public Service, Government E ff i c i e n c y a n d Implementation will roll out a digital portal for all government agencies by September 30, ending the largely paper-based system currently used to process p e r s o n n e l a n d administrative transactions. This is according to Minister Zulfikar Ally who made the disclosure during a recent interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) at his Waterloo Street, North Cummingsburg office. The portal will allow every government agency to communicate with the ministry through a single dashboard, replacing manual processes for

administrative matters. “Whether you are requesting unemployment, whether you’re requesting a renewal of a contract, dutyfree scholarships, whatever it may be…it will be done through a portal, and everything will be digitised,” he told the DPI. The initiative forms part of a broader modernisation drive within the ministry itself, one of the priorities set out by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali when the ministry’s mandate was expanded to focus on e f f i c i e n c y a n d modernisation across the public service. To e n s u r e s m o o t h implementation, Minister Ally said permanent secretaries, human resource managers and personnel

department staff are currently being trained ahead of the go-live date. He added that the shift is expected to significantly reduce processing times, noting that employment approvals and entry into the payroll system, which previously took an extended period, could be completed within one to two weeks once the portal is operational. “We have managed as a government under the leadership of His Excellency, the president, to do a lot of things when it comes to the digitisation and modernisation of the public service,” the minister further underscored. The digitisation of the ministry’s records also forms part of the rollout. (DPI)

Tuesday September 08, 2026

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Tuesday September 08, 2026

Ogle house fire under probe, three homeless - Guyana Fire Service T

he Guyana Fire Service (GFS) on Monday said an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of a fire which destroyed a house at Lot 13, Area G, Ogle, East Coast Demerara which has displaced three persons. According to a brief statement on the Fire Service’s Facebook page, upon arrival at the scene, firefighters encountered a building fully engulfed in flames, with the fire threatening a nearby structure. “Through swift and coordinated firefighting efforts, the blaze was brought under control and prevented from spreading further. Unfortunately, the building and its contents were completely destroyed, while two nearby buildings sustained minor damage due to heat radiation,” GFS reported. Kaieteur News learned that the home belonged to APNU’s Region Four Councillor, Mr. Skeik Yaseen who lived with his son and daughter-in-law. Yaseen was at a nearby shop when he was alerted that his house was on fire. At the time, his daughter-in-law Zebina Yaseen was alone downstairs sleeping. The 51-year-old woman told

this newspaper that she lived downstairs with her husband while her father-in-law lived upstairs. Narrowly escaping the blaze, Yaseen said she was awakened by noise coming from upstairs. She shared that “I woke up and watch the camera and when I watch the camera, I see a set of people in the yard already I thought something happened.” After managing to get the grill and door opened, she continued, “I run out and when I watch I see fire start dropping.” Clad in only her sleepwear, the woman said she could not have saved anything. “I don’t know what happened upstairs because I was sleeping. By 8 o’ clock, I was already in my bed. Nobody was not upstairs at the time,” she related. “My father-in-law tell me that he come upstairs and when he come, he open the door and so and then left shortly to go by the bar, and when at the bar somebody call him and told him his house on fire and I was downstairs here, and he thought I wasn’t home,” she related. She said the fire started upstairs

The aftermath of a fire which destroyed a two-storey house at Lot 13, Area G, Ogle, East Coast Demerara. somewhere at the back section. This publication reported that the fire started around 22:30hrs on

Sunday night. The fire was observed shortly after nearby residents heard a loud explosion.

The Guyana Fire and Rescue Service were called to the scene, with three fire tenders responding.

Fisherman stabbed to death during brawl at Albion

O

ne man is in police custody in connection with the alleged murder of a fisherman at Albion Front, Corentyne, Berbice, on Sunday. The dead man has been identified as 34-year-old Franklyn Sauers, called “Franky,” of Glasgow Housing Scheme, East Bank Berbice. Police in Region Six said the suspect is a 28-year-old fisherman of Albion Front. Sauers and the suspect were reportedly acquaintances. Information gathered by this publication indicated that the two men had a heated disagreement earlier in the community, following which Sauers allegedly went to the suspect’s home to settle the matter. Sauers’ wife, Varund Sehadeo, told reporters that her husband left their home around 4:00 p.m. on Sunday to travel to Canje to pick up someone before returning to Corentyne. She said he did not return home immediately because he and the suspect had stopped to purchase snacks and other items for work the following day. “Like about 9 something, the guy’s wife voice messaged me and ask me if my husband and her husband gone out together. I told her I’m not sure. She said she’s calling his phone and not getting through. So I video called my husband and he answered. I asked him ‘way yuh deh?’ He said ‘ah going and drop home Baba’,” Sehadeo related.

The home where the deadly conflict unravelled

Dead: Franklyn Sauers

She said she subsequently informed the suspect’s wife that she had spoken to her husband, which appeared to ease the woman’s concerns. However, about seven minutes later, Sehadeo said the woman called her again, this time screaming. “She saying Baba and Franky jukkin up one another. She was screaming and there was a lot of commotion in the background, and she telling somebody ‘duh man dead, duh man dead’. I ask her what happened, she said Frankie and Baba juk up one another and Franky lie down on the ground and he ain’t moving.” Sehadeo said she was particularly shocked by the incident

because her husband and the suspect were close friends. “That is what shocked me,

because they were really close. Every single afternoon my husband go and pick him up and carry him to

The home where the deadly conflict unravelled

buy their stuff for the next day.” According to police, the suspect was at his residence when Sauers allegedly entered the house, resulting in an altercation. Police were subsequently contacted and ranks went to the scene, where Sauers was found lying motionless in the living room with what appeared to be stab wounds to his neck and left rib area. The suspect was arrested at the scene and taken to the Albion Police Station, where he remains in custody. Sauers was taken to the Port Mourant Public Hospital, where he was examined by a doctor and pronounced dead on arrival. His body was subsequently taken to Ramoo Funeral Home, awaiting a post-mortem examination. Police investigations are ongoing.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday September 08, 2026

PAGE 13

Dilapidated infrastructure, bat infestation plaguing DC Caesar Fox Sec. School, dorms The DC Caesar Fox Secondary School. (Photo credit: Chris Elliman/ Facebook)

W

hile many students returned to renovated classrooms and school buildings when schools reopened on August 31, this was not the case for students and staff of the DC Caesar Fox Secondary School and its dormitories in Waramadong Village, Upper Mazaruni, Region Seven. Students and teachers were met with dilapidated classrooms and leaking, batinfested living accommodations, conditions described as hazardous. The troubling state of the school and dormitories was highlighted by prominent Amerindian rights activist Laura George, who shared photographs of the deteriorating facilities on her Facebook page. In her post, George wrote: “The DC Caesar Fox Secondary School, formerly Waramadong Secondary School, opens its doors and classrooms to hazardous conditions, putting Guyanese Indigenous children and, of course, staff at risk. This must be the last year that our children endure such a condition. Our children may come from humble homes, but that does not mean our children must leave the love and comfort of their homes to be in this situation.” Kaieteur News has also seen photographs shared online by other concerned

residents showing the conditions of the school and its dormitories. On Monday, Toshao of Wa r a m a d o n g , A m r i t a Thomas, confirmed to

Kaieteur News that the images circulating online accurately reflect the current state of the school buildings. Thomas said the DC Caesar Fox Secondary

The current condition of the DC Caesar Fox Secondary School and dormitories in Waramadong Village. (Photo courtesy, Laura George)

School has been in existence for approximately 25 years and is housed in an aging structure that currently accommodates more than 500 students. As the only secondary school in Upper Mazaruni, the institution caters for students from several surrounding communities, including Kaikan, Arau, Paruima, Kamarang, Kako, Jawalla, Phillipai, Wax

Creek, Imbaimadia and Chinoweing. “According to the reports I get, the headteachers of the secondary, primary and nursery have been sending reports to the Regional Education Department complaining about the condition of the schools every month. In fact, they report, but nothing has been done,” Thomas said. She explained that concerns about the condition of the school and dormitories had been raised with regional officials and the central government by parents and village leaders even before she became Toshao. “Since I took over as a

Toshao for almost three years now, the last time in 2025 I brought it to the NTC (National Toshaos Council) conference meeting, and this last time, this year in July, I mentioned it again,” she said. Thomas said about three weeks before the reopening of schools, contractors arrived in the village to carry out a “major rehabilitation.” H o w e v e r, s h e s a i d regional and central ministry officials only visited the village about a week before the August 31 reopening. “Just a week before the school opened, the team Continued on page 15

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday September 08, 2026

Pres. Ali opens Qatar visit with investment talks, eyes deeper economic ties

President Irfaan Ali and CEO of the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) Mohammed Saif al Sowaidi engage in discussions.

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali receives a Guard of Honour upon arrival in Doha. Investment cooperation topped the agenda as President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, touched down in Doha on Sunday (September 6) for the start of a three-day state visit to Qatar. Over the coming days, the president is slated to hold a series of high-level engagements to expand Guyana’s economic partnerships in the Gulf region. President Ali is accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and

International Cooperation, Hugh Todd. On arrival at Hamad International Airport, the delegation was received by Qatar’s Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al K h u l a i f i , a n d G u y a n a ’s Ambassador to Qatar, Safraaz Ahmad Shadood, with the president accorded a Guard of Honour. President Ali’s first stop

was a meeting with Mohammed Saif al Sowaidi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), Qatar’s state-owned sovereign wealth fund. A statement from President Ali’s official social media page said QIA is currently advancing a major hospitality and real estate development in Georgetown. The fund is also “examining other investment

collaborations with Guyana.” Energy cooperation was another focus of the president’s state visit. A separate meeting brough President Ali together with Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad Sherida Al Kaabi. “This engagement forms part of the ongoing bilateral discussions between our governments,” the president said. Finance was also on the agenda, with President Ali holding talks with Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwar, Qatar’s Minister of Finance. The two leaders discussed “several areas of cooperation between our two countries, including collaboration between the Qatar Development Bank and

the Guyana Development Bank, the investment fund, and other opportunities,” the president stated. Doha is familiar ground for the Guyanese Leader, who last visited in May 2023 for meetings with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign M i n i s t e r, M o h a m m e d b i n Abdulrahman Al Thani, and Finance Minister Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, as well as an outreach session with the Guyanese diaspora community. Guyana and Qatar established diplomatic relations in 1996, and bilateral ties have since grown through high-level visits, the opening of diplomatic missions, cooperation agreements, and rising Qatari commercial interest in Guyana. (DPI)

GGDMA distributes 1,000 school packages in $6 million back-to-school initiative The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has launched a major back-to-school initiative that will provide 1,000 school packages to children and children of workers in the mining sector across Guyana, representing an investment of more than G$6 million in the education and development of the nation’s children. The first handing-over exercise was held on Saturday at the GGDMA Secretariat, with approximately 150 students from communities across Region Four benefiting from the programme. According to GGDMA beneficiaries included children from Buxton, East Coast Demerara; Sophia, Georgetown; and families supported by Women Across Differences (WAD). Speaking at the exercise, GGDMA Managing Director, Av a l o n J a g n a n d a n s a i d t h e programme is part of the A s s o c i a t i o n ’s c o n t i n u i n g commitment to corporate social responsibility and investing in Guyana’s future. “Kids are the future of our country, and as a sector, we want to ensure that our kids are well equipped so that t h e y c a n re c e i v e a p ro p e r education. This initiative will continue across the other mining regions and districts over the next

GGDMA Managing Director, Avalon Jagnandan (left) hands over some of the packages to representatives. week,” Jagnandan said. He explained that the programme builds on the Association’s previous social responsibility initiatives. Last year, the GGDMA assisted several small miners in returning to work, while t h i s y e a r t h e A s s o c i a t i o n ’s management and executive team decided to focus on supporting children as they return to school. Jagnandan also thanked the miners who contributed to the initiative. “We have 20 miners on board who contributed towards this

project. The project is valued at over $6 million, and we are looking at over a thousand school packages which will be distributed across the length and breadth of Guyana,” he said. The wider initiative is made up of 500 Primary School Packages and 500 Secondary School Packages, which will be distributed to children in communities across Guyana. Among the organisations benefiting from the first distribution was Women Across

Differences, a non-governmental organisation that focuses on the empowerment of women and youth, particularly young girls and teenage mothers. WAD works with communities in several regions of Guyana, including Regions One, Four, Five, Six and Nine. Clonel Samuels-Boston, Coordinator of Women Across Differences, expressed appreciation to the GGDMA for including the organisation and the children of the teenage mothers it supports in the initiative. “We

really appreciate what the GGDMA has done for the children of our teenage mothers. This is the first time we have engaged with the Association, and we are very grateful for this support. I know this is just the beginning, and we look forward to working together and supporting each other in the future,” Boston said. The school supplies would provide meaningful assistance to the children and their families as they prepare for the new academic year. The community organiser from Buxton, Mr. Devon Adams, was also deeply appreciative for the partnership with the GGDMA On behalf of Team Diamond, I would like to thank the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association for reaching out to Buxton and helping with the school supply for some of the kids. We thank you guys very much and we look forward to working with you in the future in the development of the kids of Buxton. The GGDMA said the initiative reflects the mining sector’s broader responsibility to contribute to the development of the communities in which it operates and to invest in opportunities that can positively affect the lives of young people. Continued on page 16

Kaieteur News

Tuesday September 08, 2026

PAGE 15

GGMC pulls out of Chinese Dilapidated infrastructure, bat... Landing mediation talks

Letter from GGMC as mediation talks collapse

T

he Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has officially withdrawn from its role as mediator in the longstanding land rights dispute between the Chinese Landing Village Council and miner Wayne Vieira, as the breakdown in state-backed efforts continue. In a letter dated September 7, 2026, GGMC Commissioner Newell Dennison informed Chinese Landing Toshao Nikita Miller that the commission is stepping back from the initiative, citing shifting circumstances that have rendered the mediation ineffective. “I regret that the initiative for a mediated solution between the parties appears to have been overtaken by developments and circumstances affecting both sides,” Dennison stated in the correspondence, which was also copied to Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat. The decision formally terminates the mediation process originally launched by the GGMC following commitments made during the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference. The effort was intended to resolve tense, ongoing friction over mining concessions granted within Indigenous village lands. The collapse of the talks follows months of escalating tensions on the ground, where residents and village council have consistently raised concerns over environmental degradation, security, and the enforcement of village rights. With the regulatory body now stepping aside, the GGMC informed the village council that it remains free to pursue alternative remedies. “Of course, you remain at liberty to pursue whatever legal avenues you deem appropriate to address the matter concerning Chinese Landing and Wayne Vieira,” Dennison added. The withdrawal leaves the dispute without a formal administrative mediation

framework, shifting the focus back to legal battles and administrative oversight by the Ministry of Natural Resources as the community considers its next steps. The South Rupununi District Council (SRDC) issued a statement in support of a peaceful, mediated resolution to the ongoing territorial dispute in Chinese Landing, provided the process adheres to strict standards of equity and integrity. For mediation to be valid, the SRDC emphasises that it must be safe, fair, and conduct business on equal footing, recognising the village council as the community’s legitimate representative. The process must grant the community access to independent technical and legal advice, provide adequate time to evaluate proposals, and address underlying land, legal, and environmental issues rather than merely diffusing immediate physical confrontations. The SRDC further warned that mediation should never serve as a mechanism to pressure Indigenous groups into unwanted concessions, stressing that true resolution relies on the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) rather than treating community agreement as a postdecision formality. In its direct appeal to the government, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, the SRDC outlines concrete demands to ensure mediation operates without coercion. The council insists that authorities guarantee any dispute resolution process remains entirely free from intimidation and respects Indigenous land rights alongside the village council’s local authority. Furthermore, the SRDC highlights that effective mediation must give meaningful effect to the July 2023 IACHR precautionary measures, address structural legal frameworks governing mining in Indigenous territories, protect vital natural resources, and resolve physical damages to community infrastructure. Ultimately, the SRDC asserts that economic development and Indigenous rights should not be opposing objectives, urging State institutions to ensure Guyana’s national development does not bypass the fundamental rights and safety of affected communities.

From page 13 went in from central and then from the region, and then we shared the same complaint again to them. I asked them why, at the last moment, this thing should have been done already. Repairs should have been done when school closed, but a week before they come and they expect to do whatever,” she said. “We have been crying out for this, and the condition has remained the same,” Thomas added, describing the situation as “a setback for our children.” According to the Toshao, because the school and

dormitories remain in dire need of upgrades, students from communities outside Waramadong only began returning to school this week. She said when school reopened last Monday, only children from Waramadong attended classes. Meanwhile, some uppersecondary students from surrounding villages are being forced to remain in their communities and attend primary-top classes because of the condition and limited space in the male and female dormitories. “ B e c a u s e o f accommodation, they are

only accepting Grade Seven at DC Caesar Fox. Parents are begging. They said they would purchase their own mattresses for their children, but it’s the space really,” Thomas said. The Toshao is appealing to the education minister and her team to urgently address the situation. On behalf of the Waramadong community, Thomas is also calling for the construction of a new secondary school and dormitory facilities to properly accommodate students from across the Upper Mazaruni.

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News

Tuesday September 08, 2026

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(Trinidad Express) A Trinidad and Tobago national and lawful permanent resident of the United States has pleaded guilty to sex trafficking and admitted to kidnapping six additional women between 2022 and 2023, according to the US Department of Justice. During the plea hearing, Chad Barclay, 33, admitted that on September 13, 2022, he enticed a woman to his residence to engage in commercial sex, where he robbed and sexually assaulted her. As part of his plea agreement, Barclay also admitted to kidnapping six additional women between 2022 and 2023. US authorities said Barclay was charged in August 2023 in a 20--count superseding indictment involving five victims. The charges included interstate prostitution, Hobbs Act robbery, kidnapping, access device fraud, aggravated identity theft, witness tampe-ring and obstruction of an official proceeding. In May 2026, a second

tant Director in Charge James Barnacle of the FBI’s New York Field Office. “The FBI and NYPD’s joint investigation ensured his conduct was exposed and he was brought before the justice system to answer for his crimes. We will continue working closely with our partners to protect victims and ensure offenders are held fully accountable for their actions,” Barnacle stated. Barclay faces a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the US Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI New York Field Office and the New York Police Department are investigating the case as part of the Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. Trial Attorney Olimpia E Michel of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant US attorneys Andy Palacio and Lorena Michelen for the Eastern District of New York are prosecuting the case.

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From page 2 Transport Corridors Project (ITCP). During this mission, world bank officials met directly with Minister Edghill. The document, signed by World Bank Task Team Leader and Senior Transport Specialist Alina F. Burlacu, officially deemed the establishment of t h e m i n i s t r y ’s P r o j e c t Implementation Unit (PIU) as “satisfactory” and cleared the project for implementation. The visual evidence of the embedded utility pole now raises severe questions regarding the actual competency of this PIU, Minister Edghill’s administrative capabilities, and the owner’s engineer legally contracted by the state to validate works, certify milestones, and ensure strict adherence to international engineering standards prior to payment authorisation. The localised infrastructure failure arrives amid escalating geopolitical friction regarding the quality of Chinese-executed public works in the region. In a recent, highly publicised Facebook post, a U.S. State Department official identified as Mr. Juan Pablo Segura directly criticised the substandard performance of Chinese contractors across the hemisphere, specifically citing the protracted and troubled expansion of Guyana’s Cheddi Jagan International Airport. The diplomatic rebuke triggered an immediate re-

sponse from the Chinese Embassy in Georgetown. In a formal statement carried by Kaieteur News, the embassy staunchly defended the performance and integrity of Chinese contractors operating in the country, framing the American commentary as unfounded. However, the undeniable visual evidence of the embedded utility pole on the Edghill-managed highway undercuts the embassy’s defence, shifting the focus from diplomatic rhetoric directly to binding, multilateral procurement enforcement. The timing of this administrative and engineering failure presents a critical compliance test for multilateral lenders operating in the country. On August 20, 2026, the Guyanese government, utilising financing from the World Bank Group (Credit No. IDA-77040/IDA-77050/IDA77060), issued a formal Request for Bids (RFB No: P501759-CW-1) for the Integrated Transport Corridors Project (ITCP). The World Bank tender calls for the rehabilitation and upgrade of a 27.1-kilometer dual carriageway from the Mahaica River Bridge to the Abary River Bridge. Crucially, the official procurement documents explicitly mandate that the scope of works includes “the relocation of existing utilities from within the works limit.” With bids scheduled for submission by October 2,

2026, the impending tender presents a critical test of the World Bank’s global debarment and sanction policies. Procurement monitors and compliance officers are questioning whether the specific Chinese contractor and the owner’s engineer responsible for the current highway obstruction should be legally permitted to bid on the upcoming US$156 million project. Industry analysts argue that their demonstrated failure to execute basic engineering competency—and the subsequent misallocation of State funds—should trigger immediate investigations under standard World Bank procurement frameworks, raising the question of whether they should be debarred and legally prohibited from securing State con-

tracts in Guyana or anywhere else in the world. As Guyana attempts to rapidly modernise its infrastructure utilising both State petrodollars and international credit, the continued reliance on contractors and engineering supervisors who demonstrate a persistent failure to execute foundational construction standards threatens to undermine the financial viability of the nation’s broader transport integration strategy. Minister Edghill and the World Bank’s assigned implementation team now face mounting pressure to account for the wasted taxpayer funds and the systemic breakdown in oversight. Efforts to contact Minister Edghill for a comment on this matter were unsuccessful.

GGDMA distributes 1,000... From page 14 With the beginning of the new school year, the Association hopes the packages will help ease some of the financial burden faced by parents and guardians while ensuring that children are properly equipped to return to the classroom. The Region Four exercise represents the first phase of the nationwide distribution, with additional packages expected to be distributed to children in other mining regions and districts. The GGDMA expressed its appreciation to the 20 miners who contributed to the programme and requested to remain anonymous, noting that their generosity made the initiative possible. Through the programme, the Association said it hopes to demonstrate that Guyana’s mining sector remains committed not only to the country’s economic development, but also to strengthening communities and investing in the next generation.

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Evidence handed over as MV Barima accused trio further remanded The three men facing murder charges in connection with the catastrophic July 18 sinking of the MV Barima were further remanded to prison on Monday, following state prosecutors’ confirmation that full disclosure of evidence has been handed over to the defense. Vessel Captain Kevin Price, Chief Mate Rondell Roberts, and Goods Superintendent Delon Granderson appeared virtually before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir at the Charity Magistrate’s Court. The court granted the defence until September 14 t o r e v i e w t h e S t a t e ’s evidence and decide whether to file preliminary statements. Should they choose to do so, Magistrate Mohabir set an October 19 deadline for submission, with formal paper committal proceedings scheduled to begin on November 16.

The formal murder charges, instituted following legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), stem from one of the deadliest maritime disasters in recent m e m o r y. T h e v e s s e l capsized on the night of July 18, en route to Port Kaituma, Region One from Georgetown. The tragedy claimed 73 lives, including children, while 76 survived. At least 30 individuals remain unaccounted for at sea. The court appearance follows emotional scenes earlier in the legal process when Captain Price broke his silence while being escorted in handcuffs into the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Overcome with tears, the 40year-old Melanie Damishana resident shouted out that the governmentassigned vessel was wildly unseaworthy and 87 years

old. “I ain’t deserve this, father God... I ain’t deserve this,” Price cried out to reporters outside the courthouse, alleging the ferry lacked critical safety gear, including a functional anchor, radar, search and rescue transponders, and an Emergency PositionIndicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB). Price further alleged that the ship’s inflatable life rafts had been expired for two years. “Those life rafts expired since 2022, and maritime did an inspection and did not write off that vessel,” he claimed. The disaster has ignited intense public scrutiny surrounding regulatory oversight, vessel maintenance, and potential overloading. While survivors and grieving relatives maintain the ferry was carrying far too many passengers and heavy cargo,

Kevin Price

Rondell Roberts

Delon Granderson

government authorities have continued to deny claims of overloading. All three defendants, Price, Roberts, 42, of Grove Public Road, and Granderson, 33, of Fellowship, will remain in custody pending the start of November ’s committal proceedings. The captain of the illfated MV Barima and two

other senior crew members were jointly charged back in July, with murder over the ferry disaster that claimed more than 100 lives off the Essequibo coast. The trio was hauled before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where they were remanded to prison pending the start of legal proceedings. The indictable charge was read by Chief

Magistrate Judy Latchman, who remanded all three men to prison. The matter was transferred to the Charity Magistrate’s Court and adjourned to August 3, 2026. Meanwhile, in a press release, police said following legal advice obtained from the Director of Public Prosecutions, the three employees attached to the Transport and Harbour Department were charged with the offence of murder, contrary to common law, in relation to the tragic deaths of passengers who were on board the MV Barima.

GHRA blasts Guyana's U.S. deportee deal ...says it's a 'lamentable decision’ The Guyana Government's decision to support a United States policy of forcibly relocating asylum-seekers and migrants to third-world countries has come under blistering criticism from the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), which says the arrangement reeks of disregard for human rights and may violate Guyana's Constitution. The GHRA, in a strongly worded statement, rejected President Irfaan Ali's reported claim that persons sent to Guyana “chose” to come here, arguing that such a claim is difficult to sustain when the alternatives reportedly include countries such as Equatorial Guinea and El Salvador. The organisation said no amount of official justification could erase what it described as the “pervasive stench” surrounding the agreement. More seriously, the GHRA contends that the Government's decision could breach Article 141(1) of the Constitution, which states that “No person shall be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading punishment or other treatment.” The human rights body stressed that the constitutional protection applies to all persons, not merely Guyanese citizens, and contains no exception permitting the State to expose deportees to inhumane or degrading treatment. The Government, it said, has also failed to explain the legal basis for

agreeing to receive an undisclosed number of deportees in the future. The GHRA further argues that the arrangement runs counter to international obligations undertaken by Guyana, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and the InterAmerican Convention. The organisation said the latest controversy is also symptomatic of what it described as a continuing deterioration in principled governance during Guyana's oil boom. It pointed to what it considers the growing acceptance of exploitative forms of overseas labour, alleging that some Guyanese businesspeople, with the involvement of public officials, have facilitated arrangements resembling modern-day indentureship. The GHRA said the plight of foreign workers only came to public attention after a group of Indian labourers revolted and Indian diplomats intervened. It also raised questions about the 2025 elections and the interpretation of “domicile” by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), claiming that temporary workers from the Indian sub-continent were allowed to vote on the basis that Guyana constituted their “primary residence.”

The organisation said neither that controversy nor the workers' revolt appeared to have triggered meaningful concern at the governmental level. It further pointed to recent notices concerning Bangladeshi workers being contracted for a major project reportedly associated with the brother of President Ali. Against this backdrop, the GHRA questioned why the Indo-Guyanese community whose foreparents themselves endured indentureship would not be especially sensitive to arrangements involving forced relocation and vulnerable migrants. The organisation argued that forced deportation represents the potential end point of a chain that begins with people fleeing poverty and violations of their social and economic rights. The GHRA's immediate demand is straightforward: the Government must release the full text of the agreement with the United States governing the acceptance and treatment of deported persons. Until that document is made public, the organisation contends, serious questions will remain over exactly what Guyana has agreed to and at what cost to the country's constitutional and international human rights obligations. The government has finalised a one-year migration cooperation framework with the United States, under which the country will

receive, according to a statement issued on Saturday, limited, vetted group of non-criminals, skilled individuals through the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Assisted Voluntary Return Programme. The agreement marks the immediate rollout of a temporary thirdcountry deportation mechanism, with an initial cohort of six deportees, four originating from Cuba and two from Afghanistan, arriving in Guyana on Friday. In brief remarks on Sunday, Nicole Theriot US Ambassador to Guyana said the U.S. has been working on the arrangement with Guyana for many months. The deal outlines a temporary arrangement for individuals who voluntarily opt for relocation to Guyana while awaiting the final determination of their immigration status. Official government statements detailed that depending on the outcome of their cases, individuals will either return to their country of origin or relocate elsewhere of their choosing. The arrangement operates under strict parameters and does not offer open-ended residency or permanent resettlement. Under the agreed terms, the United States Government will bear the complete financial burden of the relocation exercise, ensuring Guyana incurs no financial liability. The operational execution of the framework falls directly

President of GHRA, Michael McCormack under the IOM, which will fund and manage reception, housing, basic support, and social integration services, including healthcare, employment supervision, and facilitating contact with legal counsel and family. The IOM confirmed that the arrangement does not transfer any of the state's official legal duties concerning immigration admission, protection, legal stay, or deportation. The administration maintained that Guyana holds total sovereignty and retains complete veto power to review and deny any individual put forward by U.S. authorities. Only individuals who explicitly consent to relocate of their own free will, have been denied asylum in the U.S. without wanting to return home, and meet strict non-criminal and skill criteria will be admitted. Foreign Secretary Robert (Continued on page 18)

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Iran says it plans to announce a new ‘exclusion zone’ near the Strait of Hormuz (AP) — The new head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council on Sunday said Tehran plans to announce an “exclusion zone” outside the Strait of Hormuz aimed at vessels it believes are attempting to transit the waterway. Mohsen Rezaei's comments to Iran's state broadcaster came with few details, a day after the U.S. struck three Iranian oil tankers in response to Tehran launching ballistic missiles at U.S. warships. Experts called the launches a dangerous escalation after Iran's previous attacks at sea targeted commercial shipping. The new zone should be announced in the coming days and weeks and “will begin from the line of the U.S. naval blockade, extend toward the Strait of Hormuz, and from this side continue into the Persian Gulf,” Rezaei said. “Any ship that enters this area with the intention of passing through the Strait of Hormuz and is identified will be placed on our sanctions list.” It is not clear where Iran defines the location of the weekslong U.S. blockade, which is aimed at Iranian ports and keeping Tehran from shipping out its oil. The U.S. military has said over 20 warships are supporting the blockade, which as of Sunday had redirected 92 commercial ships and disabled three. The U.S. has been introducing new measures to increase the economic pain on Iran after

negotiations collapsed and no end to the intermittent fighting appears in sight. Meanwhile, Iran continues to attack some ships trying to transit the strait, which has become an important source of leverage for Tehran in the war that began Feb. 28 with U.S. and Israeli strikes. Iran earlier Sunday said it struck an unmanned U.S. vessel trying to enter the Strait of Hormuz, a claim that the U.S. military dismissed as a “total lie.” Fighting resumed a week ago The United States and Iran resumed attacks last week, following a month of relative calm, with the Strait of Hormuz and areas along Iran's southern coast again being targeted. At least five people were killed earlier in the week during a U.S. bombardment that returned attention to the area where a school was hit in the war's opening strikes. The Trump administration appears to have adopted a dualprong approach to the conflict, responding militarily to attacks on the strait while going after foreign financial institutions that handle Iran's money. But Tehran's hard-line new senior leaders including Rezaei have signaled a willingness to dig in after weathering decades of sanctions. Iran has found ways over the years to circumvent sanctions, and now the U.S. blockade of its ports, and get its oil to buyers to help ease growing economic pressures.

GHRA blasts Guyana's... From page 17 Persaud confirmed to Al Jazeera that the initial cohort had been vetted by Guyanese authorities and found to have no criminal backgrounds. The Miami Herald quoted Persaud as stating that Guyana reached the agreement after months of discussions dating back to January. He pointed out that Guyana's position regarding accepting skilled migrants is tied to its ongoing oil boom, which has created an estimated skills gap of 70,000 to 80,000 workers. Persaud added that the U.S. has not made any further requests for thirdcountry deportations to Guyana at this time. Guyana is the latest of several member states to receive U.S. deportees, joining St. Kitts and Nevis, Belize, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, and St. Lucia. Nevis signed a memorandum of understanding to accept noncriminal deportees from CARICOM nations, excluding Haitians, after facing US visa restrictions. Other nations agreeing to third-country deportations include Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico, El

Salvador, Paraguay, Ghana, Eswatini, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Poland, and Uzbekistan. Reports indicate the Trump administration has approached at least 58 governments, utilising leverage such as tariff concessions or threats of travel bans and diplomat restrictions, while paying ancillary integration expenses. Human rights activists and organisations such as Amnesty International, Refugees International, and Human Rights First have denounced third-country deportations as inhumane and potentially illegal under international law, noting that many deportees lack ties or language familiarity in destination countries, face severe human rights abuses, or risk unlawful repatriation to places of persecution. Conversely, the Tr u m p A d m i n i s t r a t i o n h a s defended the legality and merits of the mechanism under its mass deportation programme, portraying it as a vital national security tool to deter unlawful migration and clear backlogs where home countries refuse repatriation.

A cargo vessel carrying shipping containers lies anchored in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas, Iran, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

On the matter of the collapsed negotiations with the U.S., Rezaei on Sunday expressed wariness not only of the U.S. but also of the mediators. The memorandum of understanding that the U.S. and Iran signed in mid-June began to fall apart within days as each side accused the other of violations. “We had trusted our friends in Pakistan, Qatar or Oman, thinking that since they had stepped in as mediators, one of a mediator's responsibilities is that if one side violates the agreement, they should stop them,” Rezaei said. “We are now pursuing diplomacy with guarantees.”

US says 9 million barrels of oil a day pass through the strait The Strait of Hormuz is crucial to global oil and natural gas shipments and was seen as an international waterway before the war began. On Sunday, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said that on average, 9 million barrels of oil a day are getting through the strait, which should help to relieve pressure on energy prices. His estimate appeared to exceed average flows over the past 28 days through the strait, according to TankerTrackers.com and other sources.

Wright told CNN that with oil also flowing through pipelines in the region, “we're probably twothirds or more of preconflict flows.” But those flows depend on the presence of the U.S. Navy to help escort tankers and provide some protection against possible Iranian attack. Wright said he expected that other countries would eventually support the Navy's efforts. Meanwhile, Iran's Rezaei in his interview with state TV claimed that “every day we are selling one million, one and a half million (barrels), as if Iran's oil production and trade are continuing as usual.”

Pushing a bicycle taxi in the Cuban capital Havana, September 7, 2026 [Yamil Lage/AFP]

Cuba says no negotiations with U.S. despite ‘genocidal’ blockade (AL-JAZEERA) Cuba says it is not currently negotiating with the United States, as the Trump administration continues its campaign of economic pressure on the island. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez said on Monday that Havana and Washington are not negotiating, and that there is no agenda for future talks. His comments came during a media conference, as he laid out Cuba's latest estimate of the damage caused by the decades-old US embargo, imposed since former leader Fidel Castro's communist revolution in 1959. The Cuban government says the US embargo cost its economy $8bn between March 2025 and February 2026, the highest figure yet recorded and seven percent more than in the previous reporting period. The total does not include some of Washington's more recent sanctions, including restrictions on the island's energy supply imposed in January and secondary sanctions imposed in May, said Rodriguez. In a post on X, Rodríguez called the policy one of “economic asphyxiation” and described the blockade, which Havana has long blamed for shortages and economic hardships, as “genocidal”. “These are long months of living with only two or three hours of electricity per day or less,” Rodríguez

wrote, painting a bleak picture of what the country's worsening energy crisis looks like for Cubans. He described food spoiling without refrigeration, parents fanning their babies through the heat, children trying to do their schoolwork in the dark and young people going without internet access. “All family life [is] damaged,” he said, adding that Cuba is not a threat but the blockade is. Rodríguez called the situation “collective punishment”, blaming what he described as a US “energy siege”, an “extreme tightening of the blockade” and secondary sanctions. Tensions between Washington and Havana have intensified under US President Donald Trump, even after officials held talks earlier this year. Those contacts have since stopped. The diplomatic fight will soon move back to the United Nations. Rodríguez said the General Assembly will take up its annual resolution calling for an end to the US embargo on October 27 and 28. He accused Washington of putting “extraordinary pressure and intimidation” on other UN member states ahead of the vote, but said Cuba still expects “overwhelming support” for ending the embargo.

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Slingerz rain on... From page 25 for their first point of the campaign. POLICE FC 2 – 1 FRUTA CONQUERORS Meanwhile, Guyana Police Force FC bounced back from their opening-night defeat to Slingerz with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Fruta Conquerors. Fruta, who had opened their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Den Amstel, appeared determined to respond positively and took an early lead against the Law Men. Police, however, refused to surrender and produced a strong second-half response, with Nicholas McArthur scoring twice in the 78th and 88th minutes to complete the comeback and give GPF their first three points. MONEDDERLUST FC 2 – 1 DEN AMSTEL Monedderlust FC also recorded their first victory, recovering from their heavy 5-0 defeat to GDF on opening night to beat Den Amstel 2-1. The Elite League resumes this weekend, with Fruta Conquerors facing Ann's Grove United SC in Saturday's opening match from 6:30 pm, while Camptown and Western Tigers will both be seeking their first points of the season. Sunday's action sees GDF FC tackle Den Amstel from 6:30 pm, before Slingerz FC return to the field against Santos FC, with the defending champions aiming to preserve their unbeaten record and maintain their early position in the Elite League.

Mujeeb wickets gets Tridents back to winning ways CPL - The Barbados Tridents got their third win of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season with an eight wicket victory over the Saint Lucia Kings at the Kensington Oval. This result is the Tridents' second win against the Kings this season and snaps a four game losing streak. A number of Tridents bowlers combined to restrict the Kings to a below par score, before Quinton de Kock and Rivaldo Clarke took the game away from the Kings in the back half of the innings. Kamil Pooran got the Kings off to a handy start and

Tuesday September 08, 2026 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19 Don't be surprised if lots of people contact you today. Perhaps you're in the mood to gossip or neighbors have news of changes nearby. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You could be feeling a bit antsy today and may want to spend time exercising or trying a new sport or game that you've never played before. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) An exciting communication could inform you of an advancement opportunity that you should explore. While you'd be quick to act under normal circumstances. CANCER (June 21–July 22) A friend could ask for a loan and you might hesitate to give him or her the money. Follow your instincts. The person probably isn't too savvy about money. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today you're likely to experience a powerful burst of energy that may temporarily turn you into a workaholic. Chores may have piled up around the house that desperately need to be done. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Frustration may be the word for today, Virgo. You could be experiencing a bit of wanderlust. Distant states and foreign lands may beckon to you, but circumstances could make it hard for you to get away.

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LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You've probably had a busy week, Libra, and may feel out of sorts today. Perhaps you had too much good food last night, stayed up too late, or both. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) There might be a lot of work to do at home today. Since certain family members are conveniently absent, you may feel that the burden falls on you. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Too much indulging may leave you with a headache or stomachache to the point where you may want to spend most of today sleeping. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You like to be honest with those you care about, but today you're likely to be a bit too honest. Don't be too quick to take offense and watch the tendency to be too blunt. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) It might feel like your home has turned into Grand Central Station. Lots of family members present, deliveries made and phones ringing, and you may just want to watch TV or read a book. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You might have to do a lot of running around when you probably want to stay home. Obligations to friends and family are likely to come up, and even though you're a bit tired you'll want to help out.

used the PowerPlay to his advantage. The Kings were looking to rebound from being bowled out for 98 against the Patriots on Thursday night and they were on track to do so, at 51 for 1 after the first six. But the Tridents responded as Mujeeb Ur Rahman bowled the danger man Pooran just six balls later. This sparked a period of excellent, tight bowling from the Tridents as Mujeeb and Jakeem Pollard got on top of the Kings' batters and slowed the run rate down. Roston Chase tried to take the reins from Pooran shortly after, but the Tridents' bowlers found their

groove and runs continued to be hard to come by for the Kings. Only one of the Tridents' bowlers finished with an economy in double digits and they were rewarded with wickets as the Kings attempted to finish strongly. Mujeeb ended as the standout, with figures of 3 for 22 from his four. Daniel Sams showed his all his quality in this format, finishing 2 for 20 from four as well. The last five overs saw the Kings take just 29 runs for 3 wickets as the boundaries dried up rapidly. They finished on a modest 138 for 6 putting the home side in the driver's seat at half

time. The Tridents started well with the opening pair of Brandon King and Zachary Carter getting ahead of the required run rate. They put on an opening stand of 41 before Roston Chase got the breakthrough for Saint Lucia, removing King. Carter continued on but shortly followed King after a handy cameo of 32. That brought out Rivaldo Clarke alongside Quinton de Kock and the pair navigated the innings cautiously to begin with, as the Kings' bowlers began to exercise the same control that their opponents had done earlier on. Joshua Bishop and Charith Asalanka continued to ask questions of the pair with a couple of chances going down and falling short of the Kings fielders. But de Kock and Clarke were determined to see through in through and secure a vital win in front of the home fans. They paced their innings perfectly and produced an unbeaten 76 partnership to secure victory. The two even started to flex their muscles and in the end got the job done with a comfortable 13 balls to spare. The Tridents will continue their homestand against the Patriots on Thursday. The Kings play their final group stage match against the Warriors on Wednesday.

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Sandhu's 6 for 7 seals Pakistan's semi-final spot Nashra Sandhu and Fatima Sana celebrate a wicket. (ACC)

before the latter fell in the 10th over. No Pakistan batter, barring Zafar and Fatima, was able to emulate the 21-year-old in an innings which saw only four batters post in the double digits. Zulfqar was eventually outsmarted by Joyleen Kaur as she smashed a flighted ball outside off right back to the bowler to be caught and bowled in the 12th over. Pakistan seemed well in control until she was at the crease, but could add only 51 runs in 8.4 overs

Joyleen Kaur picked up career-best 4 for 19. (Getty Images)

after her dismissal. Joyleen brings joy to Hong Kong Dubai has played slow throughout this women's Asia Cup and naturally the idea was to make the most of the surface by bowling slow. While all the Hong Kong bowlers followed it, none of them executed it as perfectly as Joyleen as she hung the ball outside the hitting arc of the Pakistan batters who were desperate to post a big total.

It resulted in Zafar handing a simple catch at point while trying to slash hard at a tossed-up delivery outside off and Zulfiqar mis-hit a smash down the ground. She continued with the plan and it brought her two more wickets in her last over as Sadaf Shamas holed out to long-on and Eyman Fatima played all around a lobbed offbreak to be trapped in front. Joyleen finished with careerbest figures of 4 for 19, the first time she took four wickets in a T20I. Pakistan's bowlers too good for Hong Kong Hong Kong needed to overhaul the 144-run target inside 12.3 overs to beat Pakistan in the race to the

semi-finals but it was always going to be an uphill task considering Pakistan's strong bowling. They may have been subpar with the bat or in the field this tournament, but their bowling has been rated highly. Sana defeated the defences of Mariko Hill at the end of the first over and Sadia Iqbal started the second by trapping Natasha Miles in front with an arm ball. From there it was a struggle for Hong Kong. Kary Chan struck a few boundaries as she finished with the highest score (30 off 47) in the innings. Scores: Pakistan 143 for 8 (Zulfiqar 47, Zafar 26, Kaur 4-19) beat Hong Kong 71 (Chan 30, Sandhu 6-7) by 72 runs.

Tucber Park Cricket Club trash Black Bush by 205-runs in Berbice

Gavin Kisten Centurian

Centurian Micha Amsterdam.

Cricinfo - Pakistan will play Sri Lanka in the Women's Asia Cup semi-final on Friday after they secured a thumping win over Hong Kong in the final Group A contest. They finished second in their group with a 72-run win set up by a record-breaking spell of 6 for 7 from Nashra Sandhu and a resolute 35-ball 47 from Shawaal Zulfiqar. Pakistan scored 143 for 8 after electing to bat first for the third time in as many matches, with Ayesha Zafar and captain Fatima Sana making valuable contributions of 26 off 19 and run-a-ball 24, respectively, before an excellent display of bowling saw Hong Kong fold for 71 in 19 overs. Zulfiqar lives up to expectations Zulfiqar made a thumping comeback to the T20I side last month in Sri Lanka and it made Pakistan persist with her at the top of the order despite the return of experienced Gull Feroza, who slid down to one-down. She could not build on a start against India with the wickets tumbling from the other end and the pressure mounting. But the right-hander fought through on Monday, despite the dismissals of experienced batters around her in Muneeba Ali (6 off 7) and Feroza (3 off 4). Despite batting on a challenging surface that played slow and gripped, Zulfiqar timed the ball well as she struck six boundaries. She hit a few sparkling cover drives and stitched a sparkling partnership of 47 off 34 with Zafar

Orlando Tanner claimed 6 wickets.

Tucber Park Cricket Club (TPCC) of New Amsterdam continued their good run in the cricket circles as they trashed Black Bush Cricket Club by 205 runs in a second division game. Led by centuries from Micah Amsterdam 109 and Gavin Kisten 102, TPCC galloped to 277 all out. National U19 All-rounder Amsterdam, was in a destructive mood as he hammered a pugnacious 109 off 64 deliveries including 9 sixes and 8 fours. Gavin Kisten was also in good form as his 102 came off 90 deliveries, including 6 sixes and 8 fours. Black Bush CC in reply had no answer to the TPCC bowling and were skittled out for a merger 72 with A. Motie scoring 20 and P. Tyndell 15. Bowling for Tucber Park Cricket Club, Orlando Tanner led the way with 6 wickets for 32 runs. He had admirable support from Kwesi Mickle with 2 wickets for just 2 runs, while Jermaine LaFleur picked up one. (Samuel Whyte)

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Village Rams defeat Bronx Crusaders to win first New York Masters Cricket Association title

V

illage Rams Masters, for the first time after 22 attempts, captured the New Yo r k M a s t e r s C r i c k e t Association over45 title, by defeating 13 times champion, Bronx Crusaders Masters by 7 wickets. The match was played on Saturday, August 29th at the Roy Sweeney Oval aka Gateway Oval, Brooklyn, New York. The tournament was played on a round robin basis with 9 teams participating with the top 4 contesting the semifinals, then the grand finale. The match started at 12pm on a beautiful Saturday with the defending champions winning the toss and took first strike. They were bowled out for 142 runs in 26.4 overs off their allotment of 35 overs.

Roderick Ricketts top scored with 51 and got support from Prassanna Ramaswamy with 30. Bowling for Village Rams Masters, off spinner Ballister McLeish took 4 for 30, George Adams 3 for 29, Mikhail Miller 2 for 24 and Barrington Bartley, 1 for 25. In reply, Village Rams raced to 143 for 3 off 23.1 overs with Bartley leading the way with 58 not out. He got support from Ainsley Edwards with 27 and former West Indies 'B' allrounder, Derrick Kallicharran with a smart and well-constructed 21, to take his team close to victory and dethroning the champions. Steve Massiah, former Guyana youth player and USA senior team captain, was part of the Bronx Crusaders Masters.

The champions posing for the camera with Kallicharran on the right stooping.

Rybakina thumps Osaka to reach US Open quarters, close in on top ranking

CPL Hall of Fame Trophy named the Sir Garry Sobers Award The CPL Hall of Fame trophy will be named the Sir Garry Sobers Award. (CPL)

CPL - The trophy presented each year to the player inducted into the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Hall of Fame will be named the Sir Garry Sobers Award, CPL announced yesterday, in honour of the man widely regarded as the greatest allrounder West Indies cricket has produced. The naming follows the launch of the CPL Hall of Fame, which recognises two inductees annually, one player and one off-field contributor. Dwayne Bravo and Ian Bishop were confirmed as the inaugural class, and CPL has now secured the Sobers family's support in attaching Sir Garry's name to the trophy presented to each year's player inductee, one of the most significant moments in

the league's history. As one of the finest cricketers the game has produced, and a defining figure of West Indies cricket, Sir Garry's name gives the award a weight and a history befitting the Hall of Fame it represents. The Sir Garry Sobers Award will be presented for the first time at the CPL Hall of Fame Gala Dinner on Tuesday 15 September 2026 at the Hilton Barbados, held in support of the Sir Clive Lloyd Healthcare Foundation's prostate cancer awareness, testing and early detection work across the Caribbean. With the trophy now carrying Sir Garry's name, the evening brings together two of West Indies cricket's most respected figures for a single showpiece night in support

of the region. Pete Russell, CEO, CPL, said: “Sir Garry Sobers was, without question, the greatest all-rounder the game has ever seen, and having his name on this award means a great deal to everyone at CPL. We are enormously grateful to the Sobers family for trusting us with his name and his legacy. It gives this trophy, and this Hall of Fame, a weight our players will carry with real pride. To present it for the first time at a gala dinner in support of Sir Clive Lloyd's Healthcare Foundation makes 15 September an even more prestigious night for West Indies cricket.” More information on securing a place at the CPL Hall of Fame Gala Dinner can be obtained by emailing crystal@cplt20.com

NEW YORK, (Reuters) - Elena Rybakina cleared another big hurdle in her bid to win a third Grand ​Slam title by outclassing former U.S. Open champion Naomi Osaka 6-1 6-4 on Monday to reach the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows. The flawless victory for Rybakina, who won Wimbledon in 2022 and ​this year's Australian Open, booked a last-eight clash ​with Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen and left the Kazakh ⁠one match win away from becoming world number one ​for the first time. Second seed Rybakina raced through the opening ​set in 22 minutes, converting two of her three break-point opportunities before sealing it with a booming serve to leave twotimes New York ​champion Osaka on the

ropes at Louis Armstrong Stadium. The ​13th-seeded Osaka, who had arrived in style in a fur-collared overcoat that ⁠oversized signage, a mural-like city scene and a portrait, showed greater resistance early in the second set, but Rybakina soon seized control again. Osaka clutched her left leg at 2-2 in ​the second ​set, still feeling ⁠the effects of an Achilles niggle that flared up in the third round, but the ​28-year-old managed to save a break point ​and stay ⁠in the fight. Rybakina continued to heap pressure on Osaka with her deep groundstrokes and earned the decisive break in the ⁠seventh ​game when her Japanese opponent hit ​a forehand into the net, before she closed out the match in 66 ​minutes.

Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina shakes hands with Japan's Naomi Osaka after winning her round of 16 match. (REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz)

Tuesday September 08, 2026

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Slingerz, GDF set for another Elite League title tussle ...Army takes one-goal lead after two weekends of action By Rawle Toney The early standings of the 2026 Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League are already hinting at a familiar rivalry, with defending champions Slingerz FC and the club they dethroned last season, Guyana Defence Force (GDF) FC, setting the pace after two rounds of action. Both title contenders have opened the campaign with perfect records, collecting six points from two matches. But it is GDF who currently occupy top spot, courtesy of a superior goal difference. The Army side have scored six goals without conceding, giving them a +6 goal difference, while Slingerz have also kept two clean sheets but have scored five goals for a +5 differential. It is an early advantage for GDF, but one that could prove significant in what is already shaping up to be an intriguing battle for the Elite

League crown. GDF began their campaign in emphatic fashion, hammering Monedderlust FC 5-0 before grinding out a 1-0 victory over Western Tigers FC.

Slingerz, meanwhile, have been equally resolute defensively. The defending champions edged Guyana Police Force FC 1-0 in their opening fixture before making a statement against

Elite League newcomers Camptown FC, cruising to a 4-0 victory. The results have left the two heavyweight clubs as the only teams yet to drop

points, with the early table providing an immediate reminder of the rivalry that could define the championship race. GDF, of course, will be eager to reclaim the title surrendered to Slingerz, who completed an unbeaten championship-winning campaign last season. Slingerz, on the other hand, have wasted little time in signalling their intent to retain the crown. While it is far too early to call it a two-team race, the opening standings have certainly set the stage for one. Behind the leading pair, Santos FC sit third on three points from one match after defeating Ann's Grove United 2-1. Den Amstel FC occupy fourth with three points from two matches, having recorded one victory and one defeat, while Guyana Police Force FC are fifth, also on three points. The Lawmen rebounded from their 1-0 loss to Slingerz by defeating

Fruta Conquerors 2-1. Monedderlust are sixth on three points after recovering from their heavy loss to GDF with a 2-1 victory over Den Amstel. Their -4-goal difference, however, keeps them below the teams above them. Western Tigers are seventh without a point from their lone match, following their narrow 1-0 defeat to GDF. Ann's Grove is eighth, also without a point after their 2-1 loss to Santos. Fruta Conquerors sit ninth after losing both matches, while newly promoted Camptown occupy the bottom position following their 4-0 defeat to Slingerz. There is still a long road ahead, with the Elite League campaign stretching deep into next year and plenty of opportunities for the chasing pack to close the gap. But if the opening two rounds are anything to go by, the battle at the top could once again come down to Slingerz and GDF.

Zheng wins set from 5-0 down again to stun Swiatek BBC Sport - Zheng Qinwen won a set from 5-0 down for the second match in succession as she extended her fantastic US Open run by beating former champion Iga Swiatek to reach the quarter-finals. Zheng, the reigning Olympic champion and former world number four, dropped outside the world's top 100 earlier this year while struggling to regain her best form following elbow surgery in July 2025. The 23-year-old from China had trailed Madison Keys 5-0 in the deciding set of their third-round match on Saturday before winning seven successive games to secure her spot in round four. And Zheng was 5-0 down in the opening set against Poland's eighth seed Swiatek, but won 13 of the next 16 games on Arthur Ashe Stadium to set up a quarter-final against either Naomi Osaka or Elena Rybakina. The second set was on serve until the seventh game, when Zheng crushed a powerful backhand return winner to secure a crucial break, and she broke again two games later to complete a 7-5 6-3 victory. This latest win - her seventh in a row in New York having come through three rounds of qualifying will put her back to the brink of the top 50.

Zheng Qinwen has matched her best ever performance at the US Open by reaching the quarter-finals. (Getty Images)

"The more matches I play, the more rhythm I have on court," said Zheng. "People have asked me if I'm tired and when I arrived I was not tired at all. I felt really pumped for my match, trying to reach better levels here and enjoy this fantastic stadium." Elsewhere, French Open winner Mirra Andreeva recovered from losing the first set to Austria's Anastasia Potapova to reach the last eight in New York for the first time in her career. Andreeva through against 'warrior' Potapova Andreeva, 19, was severely tested by Potapova until the 24th

seed injured her knee in what proved to be the final game of their match on Louis Armstrong Stadium. Potapova seemed to twist or hyperextend her knee while attempting to hit a ball on the run from the baseline and Andreeva was across quickly to check on her grounded opponent. Potapova returned to the court after receiving treatment but lost the remaining points in her service game, confirming her exit from the tournament. Fifth seed Andreeva, who won 5-7 6-4 6-3, said: "Anastasia is my good friend and seeing what a battle we had and seeing her fall like that

Andreeva consoled an emotional Potapova at the end of their fourth-round match. (Getty Images) in the last game, it's not easy. "I told her that she's been playing amazing and having one of her best seasons. I'm sure she'll come back even stronger - she's a warrior and an even better fighter

than me." Andreeva will play either Coco Gauff or Iva Jovic, who play their all-American fourth-round match in Monday's night session, in the quarter-finals.

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Tuesday September 08, 2026

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Slingerz rain on Camptown's homecoming parade GDF FC Captain, Collin Nelson

By Rawle Toney Defending champions Slingerz Football Club and former champions Guyana Defence Force (GDF) FC maintained their unbeaten starts to the 2026 Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League season following another weekend of competitive action at the GFF's National Training Centre, Providence. Slingerz continued their

…GDF, Police and Monedderlust march to three points Western Tigers' Samuel Garnett had a solid performance in his side's 1 - 0 loss to GDF.

impressive title defence with a commanding 4-0 victory over Elite League newcomers Camptown FC in Sunday's opening fixture, while GDF FC followed with a narrow 1-0 win over Western Tigers in the second encounter. The weekend also produced first victories for Guyana Police Force FC and Monedderlust FC, adding further movement to the

early league standings. For Camptown, Sunday represented an Elite League baptism, with the newly promoted side entering the contest against Slingerz FC with ambition and belief, despite facing the reigning champions in their first-ever top-flight fixture. Coach Calvin Allen had made it clear before kick-off that his team was not merely entering the Elite League to

make up the numbers. Allen revealed that Camptown had set an ambitious target of leaving the contest with three points, but Slingerz' quality and experience ultimately proved decisive. Camptown adopted a disciplined, defensive approach from the opening whistle, sitting deep and attempting to frustrate a Slingerz side that dominated possession and territory

Mount Sinai Cricket Club continues good run in U12 cricket, defeat Albion CC by 3 wickets - Hope and Southwell outstanding

Alden Hope

A good all-round performance by the Mount Saini U12 Cricket team of Angoy's Avenue helped them defeat the powerful Albion Cricket Club by 3 wickets. The game, which was played at the Locaber Ground West Canje, saw Albion CC batting first and being dismissed for 99 in 15.4 overs, Deonarine Chattergoon top scored with 22. Bowling for Mount Sinai, the wickets were shared between Justin Southwell 2, Alden Hope 2, Christiano Ramdeo 2 and Melroy Grant 1. In reply Mt. Sinai reached 103-7 from 15.1 overs with Alden Hope returning to top score with 26, Elijah Bhandan 19, Justin Southwell also had a good match with 13 while Keron DeJonge made 12. Mt. Sinai CC U12 has played unbeaten so far and will play their next opponent in a semifinal clash for a place in the final.

Justin Southwell

throughout the opening half. The champions repeatedly threatened, with last season's MVP Darron Niles, Kelsey Benjamin, Neron Barrow and Jamaican forward Kemar Beckford all coming close as Slingerz applied sustained pressure. Camptown's defensive structure, however, held firm for much of the half before Slingerz captain Curtez Kellman finally broke the deadlock in the 38th minute. Kellman rose above the defence to power a towering header into the net from a corner, giving Slingerz a deserved advantage heading into the interval. Camptown remained compact after the restart, continuing to make life difficult for the champions. Slingerz, though, gradually changed the tempo of the contest with a series of second-half substitutions, injecting greater pace and attacking movement into their play. That adjustment paid dividends when forward Yusifu Kargbo, who hails from Sierra Leone, doubled the advantage, finishing from close range for his first Elite League goal. Kargbo almost added a second moments later, but his effort struck the side post as Camptown were left under increasing pressure. The match was effectively put beyond Camptown's reach late in the contest when 19-year-old Bryan Wharton produced a decisive cameo off the bench, scoring in the 83rd

minute, before striking again just three minutes later to complete a quickfire double and stretch Slingerz' advantage to 4-0. The teenager came agonisingly close to completing a hat-trick, but his right-footed volley crashed against the post. The result marked Slingerz' second victory from two matches, leaving the champions unbeaten and firmly positioned at the top of the early standings as they pursue another league crown. For Camptown, meanwhile, the defeat provided a valuable introduction to the intensity and quality required at Elite League level. GDF 1 – 0 WESTERN TIGERS GDF FC also maintained their perfect start, but had to work considerably harder for their three points against Western Tigers. The two sides battled in a closely contested encounter, with neither able to establish a decisive advantage for much of the match. Just when the game appeared destined to remain deadlocked, GDF were awarded a penalty in the 90th minute. Colin Nelson accepted the responsibility and converted from the spot to give the former champions a dramatic 1-0 victory. The win moved GDF to two victories from two matches, while Western Tigers were left searching (Continued on page 21)

Slingerz rain on Camptown's homecoming parade …GDF, Police and Monedderlust march to three points

Curtez Kellman goes up to score his beautiful header against Camptown FC in the GFF Elite League.

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Mujeeb Ur Rahman ended as the standout, with figures of 3 for 22 from his four. (CPL)

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