Kaieteur News

Hidingreserves?

Key report exposes three

new oil discoveries were made in

2025 but kept quiet by Exxon, Govt.

Amid speculations that the Stabroek Block reserves

a r e b e i n g g r o s s l y understated,amajorleakhas occurred sparking fresh concerns about the incestuous relationship between the government of Guyana and American oil giant,ExxonMobil.

No new oil discoveries were announced by the government for the year or its energy partner. Be that as it may, the Mid-Year Report published by the Ministry of Finance made a bombshell disclosure, a whopping three oil discoveries reportedly made by the contractor for 2025.

The Mid-Year Report states, “Moreover, three discoveriesweremadeinthe Stabroek Block in 2025, includingtwointhefirsthalf oftheyear.”

Thedocumentgoesonto note that the operator not o n l y b a g g e d n e w discoveries, but also continued appraisal activity across the block to assess its earlier finds. According to the Mid-Year report, “Together with these new finds, focus in the first half was primarily on appraising existing discoveries to gather further information onthosereservoirs.

The second half of this year and 2026, will see increased exploratory

Chief Policymaker for the oil and gas sector, Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

activities in search of new discoveries.”

Afterstumblinguponthe shocking revelation, this newspaper contacted the Minister of N

ral Resources, Vickram Bharrat and ExxonMobil to confirm whether any oil finds were made for the year While Bharrat did not provide any clarity on the situation,

E M G L ' s A d v o c a c y Communications Advisor, KwesiIslesinamediagroup confirmed that the company didnotmakeanydiscoveries public. He said, “I just ran through this chat and didn't see any (oil discoveries announced) I'm sure it would have been in here if wehad.”

This new development raisesseriousconcernsabout the management of the country's oil resources. Both g o v e r n m e n t a n d

ExxonMobil Guyana President, Alistair Routledge

ExxonMobil have been facing stark backlash for the secretive manner in which the sector continues to be managed.

Notably, stakeholders h a v e c o n t i n u o u s l y questionedhowGuyana'soil reserve remained stagnant over the past three years, despite the announcement of additional discoveries by Exxon.

ExxonMobil is the operator of Guyana's largest oil block- Stabroek- where thecompanyfirstdiscovered oil in 2015. Since then, there has been a string of successful finds, taking the total discoveries to 46 by the endof2024.

In April 2022, Exxon said the reserves in the Stabroek Block totaled 11 billionbarrels.

After mounting public pressure,twoyearsandeight

A screenshot of the 2025 Mid-Year Report which now announces three additional discoveries by Exxon for the year

discoveries after the last r e s o u r c e u p d a t e , governmentsaidthisgrewto 11.6B. Notably, although Exxon supplies government with data, the company said its estimate of the resources waslowerthan11Bbarrels.

President of EMGL,

A l i s t a i r R o u t l e d g e explained, “The government released a number of 11.6B oil equivalent barrels, ExxonMobil's estimate is lowerthanthatnumber…our number remains a little under 11 billion oil equivalentbarrels.”

M e a n w h i l e , i n explaining the variation between Exxon's figures compared to the reserves announced by government, Routledge noted that the state conducts independent studies, although it is supplied with data by the company.

Previously, the former Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams explained that the American oil major could be hiding Guyana'strueoilreserves,as this would reduce the sum thatcouldbedeductedbythe c o m p a n y f o r decommissioningactivities.

Decommissioning refers to the cleanup and r e s t o r a t i o n o f t h e environment following the end of the life of an oil project.

It involves the safe plugging of wells and removal of equipment used during the operations, including the Floating Production Storage and Offloading(FPSO)vessel.

He noted, “If you read the contract, and this might be tied to something else, because remember the issue that was raised about the money being withdrawn for decommissioning that goes into Exxon's BankAccount? The amount that is being withdrawn is calculated and here is how that amount is being calculated: it's being calculated by dividing the ( d e c o m m i s s i o n i n g ) budget you divide that number by the reserves and then you multiply it by the amount that has been produced.”

Consequently, the former head of the EPA noted, “Right now they are dividing by 11B barrels, if you divide it by let's say 18B barrels…you are reducing it by almost half as to what they can withdraw for decommissioning so is there asuspicionthatistiedtoit?”

No need for PSA to block oil companies

“it is widely understood” that royalty cannot be recovered

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has defended the new oil contract signed with Total Energies and partners, insistingthatthereisnoneed for the deal to explicitly block the companies from recovering royalty payments made to the Government of Guyana(GoG).

out that Petroleum Operations is defined in the Petroleum Activities Act of 2023 as “exploration operations, appraisal, development and production

o p e r a t i o n s o r a n y combination of two or more ofsuchoperations,including construction, operation and maintenanceofallnecessary facilities, plugging and

In a statement to the mediaonFridayevening,the ministry explained, “Recoverable contract costs are those expenses incurred in carrying out petroleum operations and can only be recoveredfromcostoil.This recoverable cost is deducted from the value of crude oil and/or natural gas produced and sold from the contract area.” The ministry was responding to an article published by Kaieteur News on November 21, 2025 whereitwasreportedthatthe new oil deal mirrors the mistake made in the Exxon contract with regard to royalty. MNR however pointed

abandonment of wells, safety, environmental protection, transportation, storage,saleordispositionof petroleum to the delivery point, site restoration and any or all other incidental operations or activities as may be necessary and required”.

As such, MNR reasoned, “The fundamental reason why royalty is not recoverable is that it is a p a y m e n t b a s e d o n production, rather than on profits.

Royalties are paid before the allocation of production between Cost Oil and Profit Oil, which excludes royalty payments from being considered recoverable

costs as such, unless expressly included in the Petroleum Agreement, royalty payments cannot be recovered as part of the Contractor'scosts.”

Notably, government arguedthatroyaltycannotbe considered recoverable understandardprovisions.

It referenced the previous PSA signed with ExxonMobil for the Stabroek Block which also initiallylackedaprovisionto explicitly block companies from recovering royalty This arrangement was later addres

President David Granger in

StabroekBlockPSA.

ministry, “In the context of Guyana's recent oil production history, it's worth noting that in 2019, as the country was new to petroleum production, there was some uncertainty surrounding the status of royalty payments and their recoverability.”

Since then, government claimed it has amassed experience in oil and gas operations and the status of royalty payments has becomeclear

“It is now understood thatroyaltypaymentsarenot recoverable unless expressly stated otherwise in the agreement,”MNRnoted.

Governmentsaid,“Inthe petroleum industry, it is

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat

widely understood that

petroleumproducedandsold are generally not cost recoverable.

Theexceptiontothisrule occurs only in petroleum agreements, where the cost

ty payments is explicitly stated.”

KaieteurNews

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

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

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

EDITORIAL

GRA functioning on one foot

When the crucial Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is forced to operate with handicaps, that can only be to this country' detriment Two years after sounding the alarm, the GRAstillfindsitselfclosetohalf-staffedinthevitalPetroleum RevenueDepartment(PRD),whichhasitshandsfullwithtax oversight and related matters. Working without being anywhere near to a full human resource complement in any entitywouldbeacauseforconcernamongseniorexecutives. Inanoilrichcountry,wheretheexpensesanddailyproduction ratescontinuetoballoonskyward,andtheGRAisstuckwhere itisrelativetostaffingmustqualifyasnothingshortofacrisis SkilledmanpowerisatunworkablelevelsinthePRDof theGRA Skilledmanpowerishardtofind,andcanbeway tooexpensivetoobtainwhenlocated Thishasbeenpartofthe GRA'stroubles,onewhichCommissioner-GeneralStatiahad warned about in 2023, and which the government had promised to address Two years later, the GRA's human resourceproblemsinthePRDseemtohavegottenworse,not better ThechallengesoftheGRAarenotthoseofthisleading Stateagencyalone,butonewithmanynationalimplications

How does a country sitting on top of a new business, its biggest,begintogetagraspofwhatishappeningwithit,when itissoterriblyshortofthetypesofqualifiedandexperienced personnelthatitneeds?

HowdoestheagencyinchargeofoverseeingGuyana'soil businesscopewithitsresponsibilityforpetroleumtaxaudits, VATrefundverification,costrecoveryassessments,appeals, debtmanagement,andriskanalysisfortheoilindustrywhenit is so people poor, and skills deficient? When the GRA is operatingatclosetofullstrength,withcompetentandcredible staffintherightroles,itcanthendeliversatisfactorilyonmost of what falls within its purview In view of where it languishes,withtherecruitmenthorizonlookingjustasbleak, there is the likelihood that many areas in its list of responsibilitieshavetobedoneontherun Inaddition,thereis anequalorgreaterlikelihoodthatsomeareashavetobegiven short thrift, due to the agency's chronic shortage of manpower

More oil projects are being approved, and more oil productionplatformsaregoinglive Onlyrecently,thenews wasthatexplorationexpensessubmittedbyExxonMobilare breaking new multibillion dollar barriers Meanwhile, the GRA is stuck in first gear, and struggles to pull its weight relativetothekindofcomprehensiveandrobustoversightthat Guyana'sexplodingoilsectorcallsfor Oneobviousdeficit thattheGRAfacesisthatitcannotcompeteintheskilledlabor market ThecaliberofpeoplethattheGRAneedssourgently canbefound,andcommonsensewouldsuggestthattheyare mostlyoutsideofGuyana

TogetthemtobepartoftheGRAteamwouldrequirethe bestinincentives,throughatotalcompensationpackagethat couldsendtheagency'sbudgetintothestratosphere Inother words,apackagethathasaveryattractivebaseremuneration, plusanarrayofotherbenefits,allofwhichissuretoeasilyrun intosixfigures,andinUSdollars.

The issue before government decisionmakers is whether theyarepreparedtodealincompensationnumbersthatwould be nothing short of revolutionary by Guyana's standards CommissionerGeneralStatiahastobepullinghishairoutof his head, as the GRA loses ground, and certain in the knowledgethatthedemandingcircumstancesofhisstressed organization call for radical measures To be cheap is to continue along the same heavy staff shortage path, with ExxonMobilgivenwhatistantamounttoagreenlighttotake fulladvantageoftheshakyconditioninwhichGuyana'sPRD hasbeenstuck

Think of the lost opportunities for Guyana In trying to save recruitment dollars, there could be those unflagged oil sectordevelopmentsthatcostthiscountrymuchmorethanit would have had to pay to sign highly skilled workers One thing is certain: this GRA/PRD personnel situation cannot remainso,ifGuyanaistogetmorerevenuefromitsoil

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Shortage in the Oil Payment, January to June 2025: US$ 152 Million

DearEditor,

The Bank of Guyana (BoG) half-year report (Jan to June 2025, page 81: https://tinyurl com/bdd829e c) shows that Guyana received a total of US$1.08 Billion as payments for profit oil (US$ 907 94 Million) and Royalty (US$ 169.6 Million). In keeping withthe2016PSAContract, it is stipulated that Guyana must receive 2 percent of Total Revenue (TR) as royalty Since the royalty p a y m e n t i s US$169,590,000, this impliesthatthetotalrevenue isUS$8.48Billion(whichis: US$169.6 Million divided by0.02). Butonpage17of the BoG report, it lists total revenue of US$8 155

Billion. Consequently, this mismatch of US$325 Millionisveryconcerning. Additionally, since Guyana's share of total revenue (TR) is assumed to be 14.5 percent (2% + 12.5 %),thisimpliesthatGuyana

must receive US$1 23 Billion (which is US$8.48 Billion X 14 5%)

Furthermore, since Guyana only received a total of US$1.077 Billion and total revenuewasUS$8.5Billion, this implies that Guyana's shareoftotalrevenueisonly 12.71 percent, instead of 14 5 percent, assuming maximum 75 percent cost recovery as stipulated in the 2016 PSA (Table 1) Additionally,thebold (Continuedonpage6)

The government must establish clear protocols for all officials regarding photographing and sharing images of minors

DearEditor,

Recently, Priya

Manickchand shared highlights from her walkthrough of Tiger Bay – a

historically black community which has long been neglected by the State. Community walkthroughs can be transformative, if of course they are guided by ethical storytelling, a

strategic plan for

d e v e l o p m e n t , a n d implementation once the camera has been downed. Therewasaclearabsenceof

the former two, and if the 2020 walkthrough of the community by Irfaan Ali is a n y i n d i c a t i o n , implementationofnextsteps isstillafarwayoff. For the purposes of this letter, I want to focus on the lack of ethics around the visit by Priya and her team.

There were several disturbing images and videos that emanated from thispublicityactivity,which furtherreinforcedanti-Black stereotypes, and which effectivelypositionedPriya,

and by extension the party sheserves,assavioursofthis community Areminder that outside of the brief stint in office by the APNU/AFC from 2015-2020, the PPP/C hashaduninterruptedpower and responsibility for the country since 1992. That is 23 uninterrupted years, followed by an additional ten years trajectory from 2020-2030. So, it is clearly notalackoftime,butrather a fundamental lack of care that has resulted in the continued marginalization

of communities such as TigerBay

The entire spectacle was not only disturbing, but incredibly disrespectful to thecommunityatlarge.Alot o f i t s c r e a m e d development/poverty porn. Thiskindofframingseeksto portray those who are poor in unfavourable conditions, in order to push the agenda of the person/institutions selling a narrative of saviourism If these spectacles actually came with practical, community

Guyana is well-set to soon achieve universal secondary education

DearEditor, CarpeDiem!'Seizethese opportunities with both hands' was a timely caption for the news report that showcased events at the recent graduation ceremony forstudentsofChristChurch Secondary

“Speaking on behalf of President, Dr Irfaan Ali, Minister Kwame McCoy told the packed auditorium that the moment was far bigger than a graduation ceremony, describing it instead as a celebration of resilience, renewal and national transformation ” Forme,itwentevenbigger, as I thought of where Guyana is in terms of achieving Universal SecondaryEducation.

I remind all that Guyana is very close indeed to achieving universal secondary education, and the government's aim is for completion of this by mid2026.

Thusfar,thecountryhas made noticeable progress

via its multi-faceted approach,eventhoughsome challenges still remain, and may never be fully attained (Misconceptions about TVET: The stereotype that technical education is less

valuable than academic education still needs to be overcome; Social issues: Persistent social issues like violence against children can impact school a t t e n d a n c e a n d performance; Delays: Some construction projects for new schools have experienceddelays,pushing backdeadlines).

However, the bottom lineisthatGuyanahascome a very far way and is wellpositionedtomeetitsgoalof universal secondary educationinthenearfuture. Some really good high points need mentioning: Infrastructure development, as dozens of new schools havebeenbuiltorupgraded; Teacher training, where the percentage of trained teachers has increased significantly,andinfact,the Ministry of Education in on coursetosoonrealisethatall teachers will be either fully trained or in training; Curriculum integration, where the curriculum has been updated to include more technical and vocational education and training (TVET) to equip studentswithrelevantskills; and I add things like cash grants, free textbooks, and

schoolfeedingprograms.

Editor, there is no need formetogetintothedetails of the 'rebuilt Charlestown, at a cost of some $940.7 million,asitissymptomatic of the on-going progress educationally in Guyana Sufficetosaythatthefacility is quite modern, “… being e

20 c

as

; eight specialised laboratories; an ICT hub; a fully furnished library; an auditorium seating almost 400 students and infrastructure designed with stronger safety standards and the demands of a changing world in mind.”

As McCoy pointed out, President Ali, for whom he substitutedatthegraduation, is all about “ the government's forging ahead in education, empowerment and enlightenment,” as the President himself has committed “has committed that by the end of 2026, every Guyanese child who wantstocompletesecondary school will have that chance,”andthatbytheend of 2025, “100% of teachers will be in or under training, because when our educators grow, every child in their classroomgrows.”

Readers, Universal Secondary Education is a must.Itencapsulates“…the provision of free and equitable access to quality secondary education for all individuals, regardless of their background.” It is a globalgoal,andlistedunder the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, involving “ expanding and reforming secondary education systems to include historically marginalized groups and ensuring all youth and adults have the skills to participate in society.”

Sofarsogood,andIfeel very optimistic that

Universal Secondary Education is imminent in Guyana

Yourstruly, HargeshB.Singh

driven solutions, maybe in the grand scheme of things they might be marginally acceptable,butaswe'veseen and continue to see, promised change has never come to fruition for these communities.

While this is deplorable across the board, it is even more insidious when childrenareusedinthisway Priya and her team shared images of young children dressedhalfnaked,standing next to a well-dressed and made-up Minister Now Editor, for most of my life, PriyahasservedasMinister of Education, so I do know that she is very aware of the protocols of sharing the images of children My question now is, why were these protocols not adhered to?

One of the first things they teach you when doing community outreach, is ethics and adherence to do no harm principles. Where wasPriyaandherteamwhen these introductory lessons were being shared? Organizations such as the United Nations Children's Fund have identified protocolsfortakingpictures ofchildrentoensurethatthe dignity of children are maintained, and that one is notreinforcingracial,social or economic stereotypes. I

want you to read those last two points again to drive home how unethical this practiceis.

Despite the swift criticism from many around the usage of these children's images, Priya has had no apologies to make. Today, the images of these children arestillfrontandcentertobe seen Instead of taking accountabilityforthis,Priya instead chose to remove herself from criticism by h i g h l i g h t i n g h e r predominantly black media team.Whatdoyouthinkthe messaging was here?

Clearly, Priya was insinuating that she cannot becriticizedbecauseitisthe youngblackmembersofher teamwhomadethedecision topostthese.Iwon'tgetinto the asinity of this response, but I do want to highlight that while she clearly has talented members on her team, young people require training to effectively do theirworkinamannerthatis not only ethical, but also transformative. Many of us are raised in anti-black environmentswhichreshape perceptions of self and the communitieswebelongto.It does take intentional effort andunlearningtoensurethat we are not further contributingtoharmful

(Continuedonpage6)

The government must establish clear protocols for all officials...

Frompage5 narratives that further disenfranchise entire communities who already face racial, social and economicstigma.

Theresponsesfrommany commenters,aroundhowthe community is responsible for their poverty was not surprising, because that was exactlythesortofmessaging that those unethical photos and videos facilitated Unfortunately, in the mythical "One Guyana" where racism does not exist unless it is the ruling party being targeted, these concerns are never addressed and all continues aspernorm.

Iwanttofocusonthelast point for a bit, because the danger of putting children's images online, especially in compromising positions, is not one I believe is being takenseriouslyhere.

I must ask Priya, would you allow your daughter or son to be photographed in this manner and shared publicly for all to see? Just

The government and its representativesaresupposed to be the protectors of children, and ensure that they are able to live in safe and healthy environments. Part of that is centered around ensuring that there are good economic conditionsforthemtothrive, safe communities that are well resourced, and responses that do not center egos, but transformative solutions. This also means ensuring that the way that children are portrayed does not further contribute to harmful stereotypes or put themindanger

the thought of that might seem preposterous, right?

Guyana has a serious violenceproblemandalotof this is enacted against children. Posting children's i m a g e s , a n d t h e communities they are from m

vulnerableto sexual abusers andpredators.

Globally,thereisafierce push to ensure that there are protections of children's identities, especially when theyhavebeenpositionedas amarginalizedclass,butthat clearlydoesnotmatterhere.

Beyond Priya, I also recognize that this is an institutional problem. There is a common practice of government ministers, and government workers (teachers in particular) regularlysharingphotosand videos of children on public

profiles with no parental permission, no blurring of children's faces, and often identifying their specific location.Isthedangerinthis notseen?

Since I raised the problematicnatureofPriya's postanditsdangers,I'vehad several persons also highlight how they have tried addressing this issue several times with relevant Ministries and authorities, only to be ignored and dismissed. Police officers are reluctant to address this andthereisnorecoursefrom the relevant ministries such astheMinistryofEducation, or the Ministry of Human Services, whose Minister also recently came under criticism for her own blindnessaroundaddressing

child labour With leaders like this it is not surprising that teachers can now start entire Tik Tok pages regularlysharingimagesand videos of children and it needstostop.Theinternetis now the hunting ground of child sexual groomers and abusersandthereneedstobe more caution and enforced regulation around how the images of children are shared.

I am calling on the government to immediately establish clear protocols for all officials regarding photographing and sharing images of minors, require written parental consent before any child's image is postedpublicly(recognizing that even with parental permission, there is a

responsibilitytoensurethey arecapturedinagoodlight),

communications teams on

y documentation, and create

t h consequencesforviolations. Thesearenecessities. While I can hope for better, I also recognize the track record here speaks for itself. Priya belongs to a party that has several persons with a long list of abuse and rape allegations amongst their leadership, so maybe child protection is reallynotattheforefrontofa lot of their minds. But still, onecanhope.

Sincerely,

AkolaThompson

Shortage in the Oil Payment, January...

Frompage4 figures in Table 1 below are taken from the BoG report and other figures are computed.

This shortfall of 1 79 percent, or US$152 Million, in Guyana's total share may seem to be insignificant;butitislarger than total export value in 2024 of US$134 Million, aggregated for sugar = US$19 Million; bauxite = US$95Million;andtimber = US$ 20 Million (Bank of GuyanaAnnualReportpage 2 1 : https://bankofguyana.org.gy

/bog/images/research/Repor ts/ANNREP2024.pdf).

We cannot solve the mystery of the data not reconciling because the Government of Guyana is notkeepingtoitspromiseto release the oil lift data (Kemol King, 2021: https://kaieteurnewsonline.c om/2021/03/11/ppp-c-govtreleases-report-on-fifth-oillift-with-vastly-reducedinformation/).

This lack of timely information should force Guyanese policymakers to have an enhanced accounting system and

timelymonitoringofwhatis taking place in the oil business.

Inadditiontotheaudited accounts for many previous yearsstillbeingoutstanding, this shortfall of US$192 Million is a clear indication of poor management of Guyana'soilresources.

Sincerely,

C.KenrickHunte DarshKhusial JanetteBulkan MikePersaud On behalf of the Oil & Gas Governance Network G u y a n a (www.oggn.org/about)

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCIES!

In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Dr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecencies in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation.

SUNDAY–NOVEMBER 16,2025

Bluffandblather

President Irfaan Ali's latest “produce or perish” warning to GuySuCo's management has a familiar ring, because we have heard it over and over since 2021. Eachyear,theriotactisread. Eachyear,theexecutivesnod solemnly And each year, GuySuCo returns with the

same story: low production, broken factories, spiraling costs, and yet another request forbillionsinbailouts

The President's tough talkmaysounddecisive,but citizens are increasingly unmoved They have watched more than $50 billion in taxpayer dollars pumpedintoanindustrythat continues to stumble, stagnate,andsink Threatslose their force when repeated

without consequence At this point, Guyanese are not hearingleadership theyare hearingbluffonloop

The truth is simple: GuySuCo has become a political museum piece, preservedatgreatcost,even as the rest of the economy modernizes and expands. If “perish” is never an option, thenthe“produce,”becomes meaningless

The country deserves

honesty; either GuySuCo is restructured with real accountability, or the government must finally admitthatendlessbailoutsare not rescue plans; they are habits

MONDAY–NOVEMBER 17,2025

Stallingontheelectionof anoppositionleader

The prolonged stalling on the election of a leader of the opposition has become more thanapoliticalinconvenience, it is a direct threat to the democratic balance that Guyana's Constitution demands Weeks have passed without meaningful progress, and what is equally troubling is the unsettling silence fromAPNU, the very politicalbody,thatnotsolong agowasthemainopposition

Theirinactionhascreated a dangerous vacuum in the National Assembly, effectively weakening one of the key pillars of parliamentary oversight We believe APNU just like WIN should be up in arms against the government on thisissue

Thissilenceisparticularly alarming as the government continuestoexertfirmcontrol over all three branches of governance executive, legislative,andevenelements of the judiciary through appointments and policy direction. Without a duly elected opposition leader, there is no counterweight, no formal mechanism to challenge, scrutinise, or provide alternative perspectivesondecisionsthat affectcitizens'lives

Guyanacannotaffordthis imbalance The opposition must step forward, fulfill its constitutionalduty,andrestore the integrity of the system beforelastingdamageisdone

TUESDAY–NOVEMBER 18,2025

Bullyingofschoolboy

Bullying in Guyana's schools has again been thrust into the national spotlight following the shocking incident at Uitvlugt Primary, where a six-year-old boy's tongue was slashed by a classmate

No child should ever endure such violence much lesswithinthesupposedsafety ofaclassroom Thedisturbing details, coupled with claims that the injured child was left unattended, expose a deeper

problem: too many schools stilllackeffectivesystemsfor supervision, intervention, and accountability

y of Education'srecentlaunchofits Anti-Bullying and AntiViolence reporting system throughtheMISUplatformis a welcome step Confidential

introduction of Moral and Civic Education can help create safer spaces for students

Butpoliciesandplatforms alone cannot protect children u n l e s s t e a c h e r s , administrators, and parents commit to using them responsibly

Bullying is not “child's play” It is a threat to safety, learning, and mental health Guyana must treat it as such firmly, consistently, and urgently before another child isscarred

WEDNESDAY–NOVEMBER19,2025

Bluntlyput…insteadof vision,we'refedempty promises

Guyana: what a sad state we've become—sitting on oceans of oil yet kept in the dark like bats Nine years sincediscovery,fiveyearsof pumping,andthroughitall silence Not one meaningful wordofhope,prosperity,ora realnationalplanfromanyof theso-calledleadersoneither sideofthepoliticaldivide

When they finally do speak,it'sonlytodefendwhat fattens the foreigners' bank accounts

Instead of leadership, we get lies Instead of direction, wegetsixfornineandpigin bag

And while they wine and dine with foreign interests, we the rightful owners of thiswealth areleftscraping for cash grants, struggling to pay bills, and watching our future auctioned off through oilprojectafteroilproject.

THURSDAY–NOVEMBER20,2025

Taxcollectionandtax waivers

Guyana has once again proven it is the only oilproducingnationonearththat can pump billions of dollars worthofcrudeandstillendup

poorer

The 2024 numbers lay it bare: this country gave up moreintaxesforExxonMobil anditspartnersthanitearned

fromeverytaxpayingbusiness and citizen combined A staggering $493B in income taxes was waived for Exxon, Hess and CNOOC—more thanthe$420BGRAmanaged tocollectfortheentirenation

T h i s i s n o t mismanagement It is a structuralgiveawaybakedinto the 2016 PSA a deal so warped that Guyana pays Exxon's taxes for them while borrowing billions to pave roads, build clinics and keep thelightson Sixyearsintooil production, our national debt hasexplodedfromUS$18Bto US$77B

Oil was supposed to lift Guyana;instead,thecountryis sinking deeper, financing developmentwithloanswhile Exxon walks away with tax receipts stamped “paid”This is not partnership It is surrender—and Guyana is footingthebillwithitsfuture

FRIDAY–NOVEMBER 21,2025

ThePresident'soutburst

President Irfaan Ali's outburst against the EU observer mission is as troubling as it is ironic In 2020, when APNU challenged the legitimacy of the election results, it was the very same EU and other observer groups whose reports the PPP/C government held up as the goldstandardofcredibility

Those assessments were celebrated, quoted, and weaponised to defend democracy Now,faced with findings that highlight uncomfortabletruthsabout the 2025 polls, the President has turned to social media to berate and disparage the observers his owngovernmentinvited

This reaction not only undermines Guyana's democraticreputationbutalso reinforcesthe very concerns raised in the EU report, chief a m o n g t h e m t h e administration's hostility toward independent scrutiny, attacks on the free press, and the misuse of state resources for political gain An election maybefreeinprocedure,but fairness is measured by the environment in which it is contested The EU's conclusion that while Guyanese voted freely, the playing field was far from level deserves sober reflection, not public tirades Leadership requires maturity, especially when the truth is inconvenient

GRAshouldnothavewithdrawnthecharges

Gu y a n a i s supposed to have institutions that should, in their operational decisions, be independent of political or extraneous influences. One such institution is the GuyanaRevenueAuthority

A s a m a t t e r o f international best practice, tax administration must remain wholly free from political direction in the execution of their core functions of auditing, assessing, enforcing, and interpreting the law The integrity of a nation’s revenue system depends on impartiality

While government may set tax policy, they must exercise absolutely no involvement in taxpayerspecificactions:noordering an audit, no halting an investigation,noinfluencing an assessment, and no

shaping enforcement outcomes This strict separationpreservesfairness and prevents the tax system from becoming a tool for politicalorpersonalends.In

every well-governed jurisdiction,neutralityintax

e n f o r c e m e n t i s a fundamental requirement and the foundation upon whichacountry’staxsystem shouldbebuilt.

Those foundations trembled on November 6, w h e n t h e

announced it was withdrawingchargesagainst theMohamedsinlightofthe ongoing extradition request.

But why should an extradition matter, an entirely foreign proceeding, cause an independent tax boy to withdraw charges intended to recoup billions ofdollarsintaxes?

TheGRAistheguardian of the country’s revenues. It isthehousekeeperwhomust collect what is due and lock the doors against leakage and loss If ever an institu

ion required operational independence tool, it is the tax authority For taxes are the quiet glue thatholdsasocietytogether

Yet here we are, confronted with the reality that a case involving allegations said to run into billions of dollars has been set aside because another jurisdiction wants the same individuals for different reasons. Guyana may be a small country, but its revenue laws are not small. They impose duties; they promise consequences; they demandseriousness.Whena tax case rises to the level of charges, it signals that the alleged breach is not a trifling one.And when such charges are withdrawn, not due to lack of evidence, not due to review of the merits, bu t because an extradition

elsewhere,thentheprinciple of independence begin to wobble.

Extradition proceedings are important. International cooperation matters. But a tax authority’s duty is not to accommodate distant legal processes;itistoprotectthe country’s finances The GRA’s core mandate is to assess, collect, and safeguard revenues for the benefitofallGuyanese.That mandate does not shrink or expand depending on what foreigncourtsaredoing.Itis supposed to operate like a lighthouse steady, immovable, and indifferent topassingstorms.

Once the Guyana Revenue Authority files chargesunderthetaxlaws,it is under no legal or administrative obligation to withdraw those charges merely to facilitate an extradition committal Extradition proceedings operate on a completely separate legal track, serving the interests of a foreign jurisdiction, while the GRA’s mandate is strictly domestic: to enforce Guyana’s revenue laws, protect public finances, and pursueallegedtaxviolations wherevertheyarise.

Nothing in the Revenue Authority Act requires the GRA to pause, defer, or discontinue

DEM BOYS SEH

De orange gan turn sour

Dem boys seh de government get one big, bright idea these days—turn Berbice intode“orangeeconomypowerhouse.”Yes bai, orange! Not citrus, not pumpkin, not even de colour of de traffic cone by Canje bridge.Iscreativityandculturedemtalking ’bout.And dem boys seh if is culture dem want, dem better start by finding some venuesforhostingculturalevents.

Becauserightnow,RegionSixain’tgat cultureeconomy Itgatcultureshock. Dem boys tek a drive round Berbice lookingfuhdisbigorangeboom.Firststop: sports. Well, is only one place dat looking promisingisdeAlbionSportsGround.And even that look like it trying it best but still need plenty company All de other cricket grounds?Demboyssehdemcouldqualify fuh UNESCO heritage status— “Ancient SitesofAbandonmentandWildBush.”Not even a regional match can play deh unless you bring your own grass, lights, and boundaryrope.

AndAlbionitselfstillwaitinglonglong for de kinda support facilities that make a ground into a venue and a venue into an industry Dehgataniceplayingfieldbutde standslooklikeitbelongtode18thcentury Anddon’ttalkaboutdewashroomfacilities and dressing rooms fuh de teams. Not readyyet!

country is pursuing its own case.Anysuchwithdrawalis therefore a matter of choice rather than statutory duty, and in a situation involving allegationsofsignificantlost revenue, that choice inevitably raises questions about whether theAuthority maintained the operational neutrality expected of a modern, impartial tax administration.

The decision of November 6 suggested that tax enforcement may be somethingthatcanbeplaced on a side table when other interests international, d i p l o m a t i c , o r political come knocking Yet taxes are not side-table matters. When billions may be involved, the withdrawal of charges should never be anadministrativefootnote.

Tobefair,theGRAmay have believed it was acting prudently, perhaps even responsibly,inthefaceofan extradition request But prudence must never become a cloak for a tax authority retreating from its own proceedings simply because another jurisdiction has stepped forward If anything,concurrentactions strengthen a state’s posture—each arm of law enforcement performing its duty, neither compromising theother

The GRA’s choice on November 6 may have seemed small within the machinery of government, but it cast a long shadow Independence, once bent, does not easily spring back intoshape. The nation needs

reassurance that the GRA will pursue tax enforcement without regard to external p

guarantees that the GRA’s decisions will arise from law, not from convenience. That billions of dollars allegedlyowedtothepeople of Guyana cannot be set aside because another countryhasraiseditshand. (The views expressed in this article are those of the

n

necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

a ctions because another

Butgovernmentsehnottoworry—new stadiumcomingatPalmyra,BurnhamPark getting fix. Dem boys seh that nice, but a stadium alone can’t mek nobody creative. Yuh can’t dish out talent like school uniformcoupon.

Sowhathappentodearts?Tryfindinga properindoorspotinBerbicetohostaplay, a dance showcase, or even an indoor concert. You got a better chance finding a tickettothenextspaceshuttlelaunch.

Dehcouldnotrecentlyevenfindaplace in Berbice fuh host de Berbice Development Summit. Dem host it in Georgetown.Outdoorconcert?Sure—setit up But try finding hotel rooms for everybodywhocomefromouttadeRegion. Dem boys seh is like trying to find snow cone man during rainy season—plenty demand,lilsupply Anddemyouthwidreal talent musical, dance, drama? What programmedegovernmentsetupfuhtrain, mentor, and grow dem? Dem boys seh is easiertofindamangoinDecember

Sodebigorangeambitionsoundsweet, but until dem build de spaces, fix de grounds, train de youth, and develop de wholeecosystem,Berbiceorangeeconomy gonstayjustthat—onebrightidealooking forsomewheretolive. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

H@RD TRUTHS

Chevron in Exxon's choir, trouble looming

The oilmen are like a line of those Chinese toy soldiers of yore; except that they are American through and through They all sound alike. Hear one parrot, brace self for an Amazonofthem. Thelatest onethatwingeditswayinto Guyanese consciousness was Chevron's Vice

Chairman,Mr MarkNelson. Obliged, I am sure. On Chevron's Investor Day, it was Guyana Day Mr Nelson was overcome by this nirvana, this arcadia, of oil.

WhenJohnHessofHess Corporation, formerly of theExxonconsortium,went out the door, in rushed the Chevron hand What

Exxon's CEO Woods has been telling the world, Chevron's Nelson took and carriedtoanotherlevel.

Guyanaisa“worldclass asset”, the man said Messrs Woods and Hess had beat Nelson to that, already did their several victorylaps. Whatcouldbe more indicative of a “world class asset” than a “crown

jewel”inGuyanaanditsoil? (Anditspassive,subservient leaders). Try attaching a valuetothosepricelessgifts. But Chevron's Nelson went further and higher: Guyana ranks “among the highest cash margins” with the “highest growth potential and profitability.” Cats out ofthebags.

Challenge question for

Guyanese: ever remember hearing Mr Woods, Mr Routledge, or Mr Hess speak so precisely about “cash margins” and profitability?” Ah,ah! They are more into being partners with the Guyanese people, with breakeven price per barrelandprofitvisionskept quietly under wraps. What, andrevealtoGuyanesehow much is really being made from their oil? C'mon, as one man said, there are stupidpeople. But,getthis, no one is that stupid. Not stupid enough to disclose breakeven and profit projections, and give Guyanesefancyideas. Like discoveries and new oil reserve levels, some things arebetterleftunsaid.

Exxon and Chevron have all of Wall Street watching and analyzing, plus their heavyweight investors, so they build up theirlong-termprospects.

The Chinese (CNOOC) only have Xi Jinping, so mum is the word

Currently, the latest milestoneinanoilsectorof towering milestones is the stellar achievement of 900,000 barrels of production a day (bpd). It must be admitted these people at Exxon know what they are doing, and where theyaregoing. Howabout2 million bpd? Aright, aright, that's what I get (2) from rounding1.7millionbarrels. Now comes the part when Mr Woods,Mr Nelson(and Wirth), and Mr Routledge andIpartcompany

Unravel this mystery, somebody. Guyana is producing 900k bpd, and Guyana's leaders begging banks to borrow more. Guyana is the proud owner of another local oil record, 900k bpd, and Guyanese waiting for a cash grant to tidy them through

Thanksgiving and

Christmas Scratch Thanksgiving, but the cash grant will be home for Christmas.

Thanks, Dr Excellency, Dr General Secretary

Jesus needed three wisemen Guyanesehaveit so good that they only need two: Ali and Jagdeo Correction: it's that Dr Ali and Jagdeo are so good. Low mortality rates to their names. Mortality is one aspect, being hungry is another

Being emptyhanded when the bills come around is another See why they and their people hate me with a boiling passion! In fairness, the president assured that a raft of helpful measures will come sailing Guyanese way Yessir, I recall those luscious campaign promises. Merry Christmas,Mr President.

All of this is inspiring, but what happens after the pending cash grant runout? Daily production is at 900k casks, and almost half of Guyanaknowfirsthandwhat itistobelivinginStarvation Nation.

How is it that there are those having balls, while Guyanesecan'tbuybreador abanga-mary? Noneofthis is inserted in those glossies calledannualreports. What, a n d r i s k i n v e s t o r indigestion!

TherealworldofWoods and Wirth, Routledge and Nelson, don't have patience withtheplightofGuyanese sittingatopof900kbpd. PR and propaganda (identical twins) take care of such nuisances. Whatwillbethe lot of left behind Guyanese whenoilproductiondoubles to1.7millionbpd?

Their cash grant could be doubled, or be twice yearly,orboth,andthatwill be their share in this world class inheritance (asset) of theirs, amid galloping profitability

I now see why men like Gandhi,King,andMandela (Malcom and Stokely, too) got so bent out of shape ChevronandExxonsinging love ballads, Guyanese singing the blues and bhajans.

One last one for my fellow citizens Chevron is notHess WirthandNelson are definitely better oilmen than John, as crafty as he was. Chevron is already touting its prospects to present and prospective investors,withGuyana'slow breakeven and high profitability emphasized Coexistence with Exxon couldgettense.

Keeping secrets Two pit bulls in Guyana's oil cage

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

NDIA fails to document to determine asset ownership – Audit Office

In a report on the performance of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) auditors flagged the non-presentation of documentation to ascertain theownershipoftheassetsin itspossession

“The audit sought to verify the ownership of over

500 assets recorded in the Authority's Asset Register

However, despite several requests for the relevant documentation to prove ownership, only twenty-one of the total requested were presented for audit,” the reportsaid.

Asaresult,auditorswere unable to determine the

number of assets owned by the NDIA and whether maintenanceexpenditurewas intheinterestoftheauthority

In this light the Audit Office, has recommended that the management of the NDIA “take the required steps to ensure pertinent records for the assets under theircontrolareavailableand p

Elderly man killed in hit-and-run

Policeareonthehuntforthedriverofa silvermotorpickupwhichstruckandkilled a58-year-oldmanalongtheWallersDelight PublicRoad,WestCoastDemerara. The dead man has been identified as AnandPersaud.

Accordingtopolice,Persaudlosthislife around 18:10h on Friday “Preliminary investigations revealed that an unknown silver motor pickup was proceeding west alongthesouthernsideoftheroadwaywhen

it collided with pedestrianAnand Persaud, 58, of no fixed place of abode,” the police saidinastatementonSaturday Persaudreceivedinjuriestohisheadand about his body He was rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital by publicspirited citizens where he was pronounced dead.

His body was taken to the Ezekiel Funeral Home where it awaits a postmortemexamination.

verification”

TheNDIA,inresponseto the findings, said that the necessary corrective steps willbetakentoensurethatits records are kept and compliance with the Store Regulation of 1993 is maintained

The audit office said that thegoaloftheassetsregister

organisation'srecordscontain complete information about

allitsassetssothattherecan be easy tracking where necessary

This ultimately allows for the proper

accountability

It was disclosed that the NDIA did maintain assets register for the audited period However, the entity failedtoproperlywrite-upthe

informationwasomitted The

includes: the location of the

asset, asset serial number, asset identification number and, assets' transfers b e t w e e n Regions/locations,” the reportadded.

Furthermore, the accuracyandcompletenessof the assets register could not bedetermined

The failure of the Authoritytoproperlyaccount for its assets could result in losses, theft, and misuse, the auditofficestated

Teacher dies hours after Corentyne

fatal accident …two critical,14injured

Another victim of the fatal accident that claimed thelifeof16-year-oldJodea Seline died on Saturday On Saturday,JeromeBernard,a teacher of the Central

Corentyne Secondary School succumbed to injuries.

Police in a statement Saturdaysaidthatinaddition to the 31-year-old driver, a 13-year-old female of Brighton Village and a 16year-oldfemaleofCromarty Village are listed as critical.

The trio was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)fortreatment.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that Bernard was one of three persons listed as critical at the Number 75 Hospital. It is unclear whether Bernard was the driver of the minibus.

On Friday, a minibus bearing registration number BAB 7570, which was driven by a 31-year-old teacher of Brighton Village, Berbice was proceeding north along the roadway with several passengers whenthedriverlostcontrol, causing the vehicle to overturnonitsrightside.

Asaresult,thedriverand 17passengerswhichinclude teachers and students were

injured. The injured were assisted by public-spirited citizens and taken to the Number 75 Regional Hospital where Seline was pronounceddeadonarrival.

“The remaining passengers were admitted at the Number 75 Regional Hospital under observation in stable conditions,” the statementfurthersaid.

Seline'sbodyiscurrently at the Number 75 Hospital

Mortuary awaiting a postmortem examination, while investigationcontinue.

The distraught mother of Jodea and Jenia Seline met with representatives of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP) on

Saturday

The woman, popularly called 'Dolly' said that she gotthenewsFridayevening that the bus her children were traveling in had an accident. She said she was told that Jenia, Jodea's younger sister, was responding but she received noinitialnewsaboutJodea.

Dolly said when she arrived at the hospital, she was told her 16-year-old daughter died. “She [Jenia] isinthehospitalresponding to treatment,” the distraught woman said. News of the situation resulted in the mother also being hospitalized.

The woman told the visiting politicians that her children love sports. “They always like sports, especially Jodea,” she said noting that she heard her daughter won one of her races.

Dolly said she was told, the driver of the minibus attempted to avoid a horse thatenteredhispathcausing thevehicletotopple.

As news of Bernard's death circulated on social media, the Central Corentyne Secondary SchoolonitsFacebookpage expressed sadness at the teacher'sdeath.

“It is with profound sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved colleague, Mr Jerome Bernard. Mr Bernard was

notonlyadedicatedteacher, butabrightandvibrantsoul within our school community He had a deep love for writing poetry,” the schoolsaid.

Further, the school noted that Bernard, who was fondly called 'Sir Bernard' was known for his warm humour “Mr Bernardhada giftformakingotherssmile; hisjokes,lightheartedspirit, andabilitytobringjoytoany roommadehimcherishedby studentsandstaffalike.

(Continuedonpage14)

U.S.revokesTrinidadian environmentalist's visa

Trinidad ExpressFishermenandFriendsofthe Sea (FFOS) corporate secretary Gary Aboud, has had his United States (U.S.) visarevoked.

Hesaystherevocationof his United States visa has raised serious concerns about whether foreign powers and even the Trinidad and Tobago Government are attempting to intimidate or punish civil societyvoicesthatspeakout.

In a media release this afternoon,Aboudsaidfor28

y e a r s , F F O S h a s championed equity, justice, sustainable development, and the protection of vulnerable grassroots and coastal communities

"Today,however,wefacean alarming reality: NGOs are being silenced. NGOs are notenemiesoftheState;we are a critical pillar of any functioning democracy. Withoutanindependentcivil society holding power to account, there can be no transparency, no oversight, and no protection against

abusesofauthority."

InanemailfromtheU.S. Embassy in Port of Spain, Aboudwasinformedthathis B1/B2 Visa for travel to the United States had been prudentially revoked. "This email is considered official

revocation,"itstated.

This action, it stated, is "based on the fact" that additional information became available after the visa was issued indicating

"inadmissible"totheUnited

ineligibletoreceiveavisa. Aboud said the FFOS had long supported strong and decisive action against the drug trade.And, he said,

Minister'sWecommitment

(Continuedonpage56)

Three bid to design & build International Cricket Field at Good Hope Cricket Academy

The Ministry

Culture, Youth & S p o r t s h a s received three proposals for firmsinterestedindesigning andbuildinganinternational

cricket field at the Cricket Academytobeestablishedat Good Hope, East Coast Demerara.

At the recent opening of

Below are the companies and their bids:

MinistryCulture,Youth&Sports

DesignandBuildProposalsforInternational CricketFieldatCricketAcademyGoodHope.

Bidder

Superior Group Inc

VMR Investment

GT Pro Construction Inc and Trinidad Pro Construction Ltd

Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office, it was revealedthatSuperiorGroup Inc., VMR Investment, and GTProConstructionIncand

Trinidad Pro Construction Ltd.appliedfortheproject. Additionally, two bids were received for the procurementandinstallation offloodlightsfortheCricket Academy K a i e t e u r N e w s previously reported that the academy will be a state-ofthe-art facility located on a 20-acre plot at Good Hope.

DesignandBuildProposalsforProcurement&Installation ofFloodLightsforCricketAcademy,GoodHope.

Bidder

SuperiorGroupInc

Amount Tendered

Technical Proposal

Completed and

Signed Financial Proposal Submitted

Technical Proposal

Completed and

Signed Financial

Proposal Submitted

Technical Proposal

Completed and

Signed Financial

Proposal Submitted

GuyanaPowerandLight(GPL)

SupplyInstallationConfigurationTestingand CommissioningofSpecializedProtectionand CommunicationEquipmentatFiveExistingWartsila andOneHyundaiPowerPlantswithinthe DemeraraBerbiceInterconnectedSystem.

Bidder Amount Tendered

Schweitzer Engineering LaboratoriesColombiaSAS

KaylexEnterprises(Guyana) Inc

AmountTendered

TechnicalProposal

Completedand

SignedFinancial

ProposalSubmitted

TechnicalProposal

Completedand

SignedFinancial

ProposalSubmitted

ConstructionofSightScreen&Media CentreMackenzieSportsComplex

Bidder

I KhanContractingService

IMSConstruction&Logistic Services

Basheir&Son'sConstruction Inc

Engineer’sEstimate

US$1,505,956

HinterlandElectrificationCo.Inc

SupplyandDeliveryofLineHardwarefor ExtensionofOreallaTransmissionNetwork.

Bidder Amount Tendered SPR Enterprises

$6,595,538

MinistryofLegalAffairs

MinorRepairsandPaintingto2ndFloor Hallway&OfficesandChangingDoors.

Bidder Am ount Tendered

JD Investm ents Inc

The ACACIA Group

Amount Tendered

$48,748,425

$61,300,195

$60,994,285

MinistryofPublicWorks ConsultingServicesforStrengtheningofAxle LoadControl-Linden/MaburaHighwayproject.

Bidder

ITTransportLimited(UK)in AssociationwithSRKN'Gineering andAssociatesLtd(GY)

C.BandAssociatesInc.

$3,214,680

$3,525,748

AmountTendered

TechnicalProposal Completedand SignedFinancial

ProposalSubmitted

TechnicalProposal

Completedand

SignedFinancial

ProposalSubmitted

Theacademypromisestobe a major step forward for cricket in Guyana, solidifying the nation's position as a powerhouse in regionalcricket.

Reg.7 RDC breached Procurement Act by awarding $107 million in contracts without public

tendering – AG Report

The Auditor General (AG) 2024 Report has uncovered that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Seven breached the Procurement Act 2003 when it purchased $107 million in dietary supplies withoutpublictendering.

The procurement of these supplies reportedly surpassed the legal limit of $3million, the Auditor Generalnotedinhisrecently releasedreport.

According to the document, the regulations madeundertheProcurement Act 2003 - Amendment of Schedule1andSchedule2to the Principal Regulations, Item 2, stipulates that “The thresholdforeseeninsection 27(1)oftheActforuseofthe request for quotations methodofprocurementshall be$3,000,000.”

The Auditor General explained that upon examinat

s discoveredthattheRegional Administration expended amounts totalling $107.537

million for dietary supplies for the D.C Caesar Fox Secondary Dormitory through the processing of fourteenPaymentVouchers. “ T h e R e g i o n a l Administrationbreachedthe aforementioned regulations sincethethree-quotemethod ofprocurementwasutilised. These purchases should have been publicly advertised and adjudicated by the Regional Tender Board due to the value exceedingthelimitof$3M,” theAuditorreported. He added that a similar situationoccurredin2023. Initsdefence,theRegion stated that the procurement process was ongoing However,whileawaitingthe process, it was urgently needed to supply meals for the students at D.C Caesar FoxSecondary The Audit Office nevertheless recommended that the Reg

Administration ensures full

ProcurementAct.

Teacher dies hours after Corentyne fatal...

Frompage12

His presence lifted us His laughter connected us His kindness reminded us what itmeanstocare,”theschool said.

Thestatementcontinued: “Today, our school family mourns the loss of a colleague, a friend, and a beautifulhumanbeingwhose

absence leaves an immeasurable void We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who were blessed to share moments withhim.Mayhissoulrestin eternal peace, and may his words, his laughter, and his lightliveoninthememories ofeveryonehetouched FlyhighKing ””

S i m i l a r l y , t h e administration of the JC Chandisingh Secondary School community extended

its condolences to the relatives of both Seline and Jerome

In a statement posted on the school's Facebook page, the institution said “the principal,staff,andentireJ.C. Chandisingh Secondary School community extend our profound and heartfelt condolences on the tragic passing of Jodea Seline, a 16-year-old student of our sister institution, Central Corentyne Secondary School. Her untimely loss has cast a deep shadow of sorrow across the education fraternity, and we share in the grief felt by her family, friends, and school community.”

Further, the school said, “Wealsoexpressoursincere sympathy on the passing of Sir Jerome, a committed educator of Central

CorentyneSecondarySchool and a cherished former student of JC Chandisingh Secondary His dedication, compassion, and service to his students leave a legacy that will be remembered with great respect,” the school said noting that it stands in solidarity with the bereaved families and the Central Corentyne school community

“We pray that you may find strength, comfort, and peace,andthatthememories ofJodeaandSirJeromebring lightduringthisdifficulttime May their souls rest in eternal peace, and may their loved ones be granted courage and healing,” the schoolsaid

Meanwhile, on Friday, MinisterofEducation,Sonia Parag in a statement expressed condolences to

Seline'sfamily

“It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the tragic passingthiseveningofyoung Jodea Seline, who attended CentralCorentyneSecondary School. We extend our deepest condolences to her familyandrelativesandpray that you find strength at this verysadtime.”

Theministersaidthather ministry and the government will continue to engage the doctorsandstaffoftheNo75 Regional Hospital “as they careforandmonitortheother students and teachers involved in the accident which occurred earlier this evening.”

“Weprayfortheirspeedy recovery,” Parag said Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand in a short

Facebook post said, “My heart bleeds for the adults, children and parents who were in that accident last night. May the good lord wrap his arms around the family of Jodea Seline and give them comfort and peace.Iwishalltheinjureda fullandspeedyrecovery.”

Manickchand said that there is a need for conversation about animals on the roadways “It is dangerous Everybody has righttomakealivingbutthat has to be done responsibly withoutbeinganuisanceora dangertoothercitizens.Isn't this one thing we can agree on across divides, real or perceived?”

Kaieteur News reported on Saturday that a minibus, filled with schoolchildren who attended the Regional Inter-Secondary Schools'

Athletic Competition were badly injured when the vehicletoppled News of the accident quickly spread across social media with several persons posting that o-positive blood wasneededurgentlytoassist thosewhowereinjuredinthe crash TheSkeldonLinePath Secondary School on its Facebook Page posted, “URGENT!!! As you are aware,therewasanaccident involving a bus transporting studentsfromasisterschool after the regional sports. At thispoint,manystudentsare incriticalcondition. They need O positive blood! Now is your time to helpsavealifeifyoumeetthe requirements to give blood! Come on, O positive people Head to the #75 Regional Hospital to donate! Please, please Reshare!!!”

KARPOWERSHIP hosts two-day educational tour for electrical and mechanical engineering students from GITC and GTI

Karpowership Guyana earlier this week completed a two-day educational outreach programme, welcoming electrical and mechanical engineering students from both the Government Industrial Technical Centre (GITC) and the Georgetown Technical Institute (GTI) aboard the Karadeniz Powership Ela Sultan, which supplies electricity to the Guyana Power & Light (GPL)grid.

The initiative forms part of

Karpowership's commitment to supporting education, technical capacity-building, and youthdevelopmentinGuyana.

Accordingtoastatementbythecompany, ondayone,studentsandlecturersfromGITC toured the powership's operations, receiving first-hand exposure to real-time power

generation, system monitoring, safety procedures, and the advanced control technologies that manage the ship's output to thenationalgrid.

Mr Asante Waterton, a lecturer in mechanical engineering at the GITC emphasised “Electricity is essential and our country depends on it. Behind that power are the mechanics, engineers, and technicians who make it possible. Tours like this remind usthattherewillalwaysbeaplaceforskilled people in this field, because without the technical work happening behind the scenes, wesimplywouldnothavetheenergywerely oneveryday.”

On the second day, GTI's Electrical and Mechanical Engineering students received

(Continued on page 46)

Early Carribon, Country Manager briefing students on the tour of the facility.

2025 Haliborange Giving Tree Initiative launched to Support Children at GPHC

The 2025 Haliborange GivingTreeInitiativehasbeen officially launched at Massy Stores Mega, with the First Lady, Arya Ali, placing the first ornament on the tree and offering her full endorsement onSaturday

Left to right: Steven Jacobs, Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport; Simone Savory-Jacobs, Store Manager, Massy Stores Mega; Her Excellency Arya Ali, First Lady of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana; Bhashkaranand Singh, Sales Director, Massy Distribution; Dileya Deonarine, Pharmacist / Product Specialist, Massy Distribution Health + Beauty Division; Christpen Bobb-Semple, Assistant Vice President & General Manager, Massy Stores (Guyana) Inc.

Mini Play Zone in the Paediatric Ward of GPHC. Representativesofthehospital emphasised the importance of child-friend

s, noting that play can reduce anxiety, support emotional well-being, and create

Now in its second year, the Giving Tree is centred on supporting children receiving care at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) by creating brighter, more nurturingspacesforhealing.

Thisyear,Haliborangeand Massy Distribution aim to raiseapproximatelyGYD$1.5 million help build an Indoor

Construction of the play zone is scheduled to begin in thenewyear

Members of the public can support the initiative by purchasing any Haliborange product from Massy Stores M

(Continued on page 48)

The truck police intercepted

Truck driver arrested after weed, ammo found in truck at 70KM police checkpoint

A 48-year-old truck driver was on Saturday arrested after police found a quantity of cannabis and ammunition in the truck, he was driving at the police check point at 70 KM, Cuyuni, RegionSeven.

The truck driver of Carmichael Street, Georgetown who attemptedtopassthecheckpoint,wasstoppedatabout06:10hby ranks who intercepted the vehicle bearing registration number GYY2105.

Asearchofthedriverandthetruckwasconducted.Duringthe search, police said ranks found six bulky parcels inside two travelingbags,eachcontaining5.4kilogramsofseedsandstems.

“Afurther search uncovered a box which contained fifty (50) liveroundsofsuspected9mmLugerammunition,”policesaid. Investigationsareongoing.

The Waterfalls Waterfalls

FRIENDS: Vishwani Ramkhelawan, 23, the Best Graduating Student for the School of Dentistry and Mahendra Umadat, 29, the Best Graduating Student for the School of Medicine, winner of the Prime Minister’sAward, as well as UG’s Second Best Graduating Student

Friends named UG’s top graduates for School of Medicine

Shamica Ramsay

Thealluring ShamicaRamsay isanentrepreneur andtheownerofBeautyMarksalon. Inherfieldofwork, the27-year-oldbeautyandmomoftwo,specializesinproviding protectivehairstylesforwomen. Herprofessionalgoalistoopenacosmetology schoolspecificallytoassistthenextgenerationofprofessionals,whoarepassionate aboutbeautyandhaircare.“Itwouldbemypleasuretopassonmyknowledgetohelp themtoperfecttheircraft,”shesaid. Shamicaisfamilyoriented,lovestotravelandwantsto befluentinseveralotherlanguages. Herfavouritemantrais“Fightyourbattlesthrough prayer,andwinyourbattlesthroughfaith.Prayeristhekey,andfaithunlocksthedoor.”

HUNGER AND WAR:THE OLDEST CRIME THE WORLD STILL PERMITS

BySirRonaldSanders

The governments of the world's powerful nations have learned to live with disregard for human suffering. That is the bleak truth behind a new UN report whose numbers should shame every leader or diplomatic representative who speaks of global responsibility According to theWorldFoodProgramme, ending hunger by 2030 would cost just US$93 billionayear—lessthanone per cent of the US$21.9 trillion that nations have poured into their militaries overthepastdecade.

Yet instead of falling, hunger is escalating By 2026, 318 million people will face crisis-level hunger or worse.That is double the number seven years ago in 2019.

In wealthy nations, hunger is practically invisible. It is confined to small pockets easily managed Citizens enjoy abundant supermarkets, stable food prices, and the luxury of never imagining what a mother feels when she cannot feed her child. But elsewhere in the world, thepoorestarepayingdearly forwars,promotedeitherby

local rivalry for power, or external ambition for control.

Nowhere is this clearer than Gaza Despite the diplomatic fanfare surrounding a “ceasefire”, children continue to starve.

At least 13 people were killed in drone attacks last Wednesday Two years of Israeli bombardment, blockade, and forced

UNICEF reports children sleeping in flooded tents, without warm clothing or dry bedding, immune systems shattered by years of malnutrition and trauma.

H i g h - e n e r g y biscuits usually the last resort in humanitarian crises now pass for sustenance.

Israeliforcesstillrestrict access to over half the enclave, and even with new borderopenings,theflowof food and medicine is painfullyinadequate.Winter rains turned makeshift shelters into shallow lakes. Parents, already broken by grief, now watch their childrentremblethroughthe cold. These images have disappeared from the coverage of television stationsinmostrichnations.

But if suffering in Gaza is hardly mentioned in the mass media of rich nations, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo are almost completely ignored. Yet,inSudan,thesituationis grim. Twenty-one million people, nearly half the population, do not have enough to eat. The message isclear-warstarves.

In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, more than 25 million people are now hungry Violence has destroyed farms, displaced millions, and turned rich agricultural lands into wastelands For these families, hunger is now permanent.

IntheCaribbean,hunger ismercifullyrare—exceptin Haiti, where armed gangs now dominate much of the country

Violence has turned roads into killing grounds; markets remain shut; farmersabandontheirfields. The result is predictable: rising hunger in a land already scarred by earthquakes, political instability, and economic collapse. Here, too, conflict is the chief architect of misery. The attempts to address the problem have beenmetwithdivisioninthe

U.N. Security Council. In t

ambitious road map laid out by the Secretary-General, Albert Ramin, is yet to garner the support it needs. Meanwhile, the Haitian peoplesuffer–thevictimsof gangs, and political gamesmanship with Haiti andbyexternalplayers.

Thankfully, beyond Haiti,LatinAmericaandthe Caribbean tell a more hopeful story Hunger declined for a second consecutive year in 2023, falling to about 41 million people roughly 6 2 per cent of the region's population nearly three million fewer than the year before Food insecurity dropped below the global averageforthefirsttimeina decade, thanks to economic recoveries, social protection programmes, and targeted efforts to improve food access.

But this is not yet cause forcelebration.Theregionis now the second-most exposed in the world to extreme weather, afterAsia.

Droughts, powerful hurricanes, unpredictable rainfall,andshiftingseasons are already increasing hunger by 1.5 percentage points in the most climateaffected countries. Jamaica, after Melissa, can attest that Climatechangeisrealandis relentless.

The world tends to imagine hunger as localised

suffering.Itisnot.Hunger is a contagion carried through global markets, supply chains, trade flows, and political shocks No countryisimmune.Thewar in Ukraine proved this with brutal clarity: grain exports stalled, prices spiked, and food riots broke out across theglobe.Whenglobalfood prices rise, social unrest follows a documented pattern across continents

The Food and Agricultural Organization warns that when families cannot eat, “social contracts weaken.”

Theinternationalsystemhas n e v e r b e e n m o r e interconnected, nor more fragile.

UNagencies,suchasthe WorldFoodProgrammeand the UN Human Rights Office, are the first responders in these human tragedies They work in mud, under fire, amid collapsingstates.Theydoso with chronic underfunding, exposedbylackofadequate protection, and often unnoticed by the world they serve. They are the best e x p r e s s i o n o f multilateralism.

But their heroism casts an even harsher light on the UN Security Council's failures. Conflict is now the primarydriveroftheworld's worst hunger crises, yet the Security Council still treats hunger as a humanitarian footnote—notageopolitical threat.

What is missing is not

expertise or capacity—it is political will and the allocation of resources Ending hunger by 2030 wouldcostlessthanoneper cent of what has been spent on militaries over the last decade. The idea that the international community canfindUS$21.9trillionfor weapons but cannot mobilise US$93 billion a year to prevent starvation exposes the gap between its stated values and its actual priorities.

The world must stop treating hunger as a humanitarian calamity that will always exist and recogniseitasapreventable consequence of political decisions.

A s U N D e p u t y Secretary-General Amina Mohammed told the SecurityCouncil,“therecan be neither peace where people are starving, nor securitywherehungerdrives conflict.” That is a warning thatshouldnotbeignored.

(The author is the Ambassador of Antigua and BarbudatotheUnitedStates and the OAS, and Dean of the OAS Ambassadors accredited to the OAS Responses and previous c o m m e n t a r i e s : www.sirronaldsanders.com)

WEEK-IN-REVIEW

SUNDAY

ExxonMobil still in control of over $70B in cleanup costs

Decommissioning monies, or cleanup costs as commonly referred to, are currently being withdrawnbyExxonMobilGuyana Limited (EMGL) although the sum w

nt

l production comes to a halt in the StabroekBlock.

In the oil and gas industry, decommissioning refers to the process of safely dismantling and disposing of offshore and onshore oil and gas facilities once they reach the end of their productive life. This involves cleaning up the site, removing equipment, plugging wells to prevent leaks, and restoring the environment as closely as possible to its original state.

Decommissioning is also a costly exercise, sometimes demanding billions of US dollars hencecountriesareoftenadvisedto mandate that oil companies set aside money in a fund for this purpose. This fund ensures that the country is not left to carry the burden of handling those costs which ought to be covered by the oilcompanies.

To date, over $70B has been drawn out of Guyana's oil towards decommissioning by Exxon Earlierthisyear,thecountry'schief policymaker on petroleum, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo revealed that efforts are being made to allow Guyana to have joint control of the decommissioning account to

that.”

He declined to answer further questions as he shuffled off to anotherevent.

In its 2024 Annual Report, EMGL, the operator of the Stabroek Block reported that it has already drawn about $70.4B for decommissioning to date. Notably, Exxon'sco-venturersalsoenjoythe privilege of taking and controlling cleanupmonies.

For instance, 2023 financials seen by this newspaper indicates that ExxonMobil billed Guyana $10,857,314,009, while Hess also added $13,072,707,068 and CNOOC $11,393,140,000 for decommissioning In total, the companies charged the country $ 3 5 , 3 2 3 , 1 6 1 , 0 7 7 o r U S $ 1 7 6 , 6 1 5 , 8

Notably,CNOOC'sfinancialsatthe time also revealed that the companies deducted monies for a projectthathadnotyetcommenced productionactivities.

Whenaskedtoaddressthisstate of affairs during his weekly press conference,VicePresident,Bharrat Jagdeo refused to comment, since according to him, “I think it is not accurate.”Hehoweverpointedout, “but if the project hasn't started as yet,myassumptionisthatyoucan't d e d u c t f r o m i t f o r decommissioning if it hasn't even beencommissionedasyet.”

Jagdeo was clear that oil companies should not be deducting coststodecommissionaprojectifit has not yet been commissioned.At his weekly press conference earlier this year, theVPnoted that the new Petroleum Activities Act requires

allow for greater transparency and accountabilityofthefund.

Currently, Exxon still holds the key to fund as government is still working towards this objective This is according to Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat.

In an exclusive interview at the sidelines of an event last week, the Minister told Kaieteur News, “We haveaconsultantthatisworkingon that right now for us; the same consultant that has been working with us all the time, S&P Global. They are working with us on putting that together so we'll have more information once we get

happen,”theVPadded.

In November 2024, Minister, Vickram Bharrat confirmed that ExxonMobil will now be required to follow a series of robust decommissioning rules as outlined in the nation's PetroleumActivities Law While the new rules only cameintoeffectinAugust2024,the minister said they shall apply to all of Exxon's projects in the Stabroek Block,includingthosepassedprior totheenactmentofthelegislation.

Pres.Ali to unveil real-time audit system …as opposition slams govt. on fiscal management

PresidentIrfaanAlionSaturday announced a sweeping upgrade to government oversight: a new realtime audit system designed to monitor projects, spending, and overpayments as they happen. The announcement came as he rebutted accusations by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), which claimedthe2024AuditorGeneral's report exposes poor fiscal management.

President Ali dismissed the claims, arguing the report instead shows “significant improvement” in transparency and accountability He noted that 81% of 2023 audit recommendations were fully or partially implemented, compared to the APNU/AFC's 2015-2019

t e r m , w h e n 8 3 % o f r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s w e n t unimplemented.

deco mmissioning

costs to be held in a joint account.

“We passed a new Act, and the act now says, if you have the decommissioning cost, you have to keep it in an account held jointly betweenthegovernmentandtheoil and gas companies,” Jagdeo explained,

He said he is hopeful that all of the monies the company had been holding for decommissioning for the current producing projects will be added to the account. “But from the previous project, we're hoping, overtimenow,thatthelawisthere, that the next talk we'll have to have with Exxon… over time, that will

warn the government about the p o o r i m p l e m e n t a t i o n o f recommendationsfromprioryears, in reports from 2020 to 2024, demonstrating our resolve to act on audit findings and uphold the principles of transparency and the ruleoflaw,”hestated.

President Ali pointed out that accounting officers have already b e g u n i m p l e m e n t i n g recommendations in the 2024 AG report, but further to that, the governmenthasmadeothernotable achievements.

According to him, “From 2022 onwards, 100% of overpayments detected during audits were fully recovered before the audit report was finalized ” He was keen to point out that over 70% of

attention to overpayments, the President said, “During 2024, the audit office continued its rigorous oversight of government operation byreviewing829contractstotaling close to $50B. Of these contracts, less than 3% were cited for overpayments.Alloverpaymentsin 2024 were fully recovered before the auditor general report was finalised. T

overpayments were recovered before the finalization of the auditor general's report- an unprecedentedoccurrence.”

Additionally, Ali noted that 34 audits of foreign funded projects were conducted with no material findings of irregularities. He said

President Ali made the comments on a live Facebook broadcast, which was flooded with Guyanese in the comment section, eager for an announcement on the cash grant, promised by the governmentaheadoftheChristmas season. To the disappointment of some, the President addressed findingsandconclusionsoftheAG, Deodat Sharma which indicate a decline in issues relating to

transparency and public accountability

The President argued that the APNU representatives ignored the r e p o r t w h i c h h i g h l i g h t s approximately 81% of the recommendations in 2023 were fully or partially implemented. He said, “This is a marked increase over theAPNU/AFC term in office which was between 2015 and 2019 w h e r e m o s t o f t h e recommendations remained unimplemented year after year, promptingrepeatedwarnings.”

Ali quoted a section of the AG reportwhichcitedconcernoverthe lack of implementation of the recommendations,as83%werenot fullyimplementedatthetime.

The President said that under his leadership, there has been an aggressive push to implement recommendations by the AG and proactivelyaddressissues.

“Because of our approach, the Auditor General had no reason to

overpayments under the previous Coalition administration were neverrecovered.

The President boasted that although government's spending increased rapidly, overpayments were less than 3% in 2023 and 2024, reflective of the training provided to public sector employees.

He announced, “In the near future, the government plans to address this issue by deploying appropriatetechnologytoallowfor real-time project management and auditing. This solution has already been successfully tested across several initiatives, including the WorldBankprojectandisslatedfor broaderimplementation.”

To this end, he clarified, “We are going to move to a system whereby we will have real-time auditsofprojects,projectfinancing and disbursements so that even during the project cycle and during implementation, we can see where overpayments are being made and have those adjustments within the project itself using technology, AIandpredictiveindicators.”

With regard to the 20% of recommendationsnotimplemented by the PPPduring the period 20202022, the president said efforts are being made to reduce this number in the years ahead Shifting his

19oftheauditopinionswereissued by 12 constitutional agencies Furthermore, the audit cover expanded to public enterprises and statutory bodies, reflecting the highest level of institutional oversightinrecentyears,according tothepresident.

With regard to breaches in the procurement act and regulations, Ali highlighted the marked reduction reported by the AG, while breaches to the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act also declined. There was also improvement in agencies resolving queries before the finalisation of theAGreport.ThePresidentnoted, “452 or 70.5% of the queries in the management letters sent to the agencies were resolved during the period they were given to respond totheauditoffice.”

To this end, he concluded that t h e r e h a s b e e n n o t a b l e improvement in transparency, accountability, good governance and financial performance between the period 2020 and 2024. He said the government is still not satisfied and will be issuing performance indicators for Permanent Secretaries and other heads of agencies to be measured to ensure i m p l e m e n t a

o n o f recommendations and compliance (Continued on page 21)

From page 20 with financial regulations.

MONDAY

'Adapt or be outpaced' – GCCI tells local businesses amid rising Chinese competition

Amid growing anxiety from small and micro businesses that the surge of Chinese stores and workers is threatening their livelihoods, Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) President, Kathy Smith, is urging local entrepreneurs to adapt rather thandespair

In an interview with Kaieteur News, the President of the largest

private sector body in the country said she is aware of the concerns being raised by small shop owners in particular She said, “I think maybe it's a valid concern on their part.”

The GCCI President went on to note that the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues have started to address these issues by identifying red tapes and providing guidance to crosssuchhurdles.

Inaddition,shepointedoutthat thegovernmentwillberollingouta Developmnet Bank with seed financing to assist locals in business development to assist in boostingconfidenceandultimately aidinthecompetitionprocess.

Meanwhile, over at the Chamber, the President noted that conversations are ongoing that are not focused on the problem, but rather,thesolution.

Tothisend,sheexplained,“My encouragement to small business owners is that let us try and push our business to be robust and to be strong. We want them to turn up every day, doing business in a way to compete with anybody around them.”

She was keen to note that this means designing a framework to ensure sustainability, starting with a business account and chasing governmentbids.

SmithsaidtheChamberhasnot received any complaints regarding a takeover of business by the Chinese,Indiansorothernationals.

According to her, “I think

Guyana is seen as a place for investment and as a private sector, us being the engine of growth, we welcome any investment in our country once there are legal investment.”

She added that citizens are not merely Guyanese born but naturalised individuals who are alsochasingbusinessopportunities intherapidlyexpandingeconomy.

“So as a private sector, we cannot just separate the way of doing business based on nationality We looked at the entire ecosystem of business, and if it happens to be a foreign investor, somebody come from Trinidad, somebody come from New York, wherever they come from, and they're doing business the right way, legal way, that is something that the private sector welcome because it's created employment for Guyanese that is added towards thegrowthanddevelopmentofthis economy,” the GCCI President said.

Businesses and individuals alike have been complaining of being sidelined amid a high influx of Chinese nationals and businesses sprouting across the country

Previously, the Guyanese Businesses Owners Association (GBOA), comprising 65 entities and individuals requested a meetingwithPresidentIrfaanAlito address concerns regarding the proliferation of non-naturalised Chinese owned businesses, predominantly supermarkets and hardware stores, throughout communitiesinthecountry

The Guyanese business owners were keen to note that while they recognise and embrace healthy competition for the benefit of consumers, their primary concern pertains to the perceived lack of adherencebyChinesebusinessesto the same laws and regulations governingGuyaneseenterprises.

They argued, “Many of these Chinese stores fail to provide tax invoices automatically with purchases, and when requested, such invoices are begrudgingly provided Additionally, they neglect to display TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) on invoices,omitchargingVAT(Value Added Tax) on applicable items, and abstain from listing product descriptionsoninvoices.”

GBOA in its April 22, 2024 missive also noted that there have been instances where consumers unknowingly purchased expired f o o d i t e m s f r o m t h e s e establishments, only to find no recourseforproductsupport.

These flagrant breaches, according to the Business Association, raise questions about accountability and concerns about the overs

authorities To this end, the businesses said they cannot help but speculate whether these non-

naturalised Chinese businesses receive preferential treatment or specialconcessions.

Meanwhile, in May this year truck drivers turned to the street to protest over an alleged foreign takeover of the trucking and businessesinGuyana.

Drivers accused the police of turningablindeyetoinfractionsby the Chinese noting that local drivers are mandated to strictly followtherules.

Oneprotestorclaimedtoothose tolls are only mandatory for 'small men' and local drivers, while foreign trucks and large companies arenotsubjectedtothesefees.

ar

Meanwhile, another protestor

that Chin

se were benefitting from majority of government contracts while locals were only receiving part of a contractornoneatall.

Two dead, several injured in Linden Highway smash-up

Twopeoplewerekilledandfive others injured in a two-vehicle

Passersbyassistedtheinjuredatthe scene before they were transported to the hospital Commander of Regional Division 4B, Stephens, confirmed that a report of the accident was made, and police ranks were on the ground investigating.

Meanwhile, between January 2024 and September 2025, Kaieteur News counted that 20 people lost their lives and several others were seriously injured in a series of tragic accidents along the Soesdyke–Linden Highway Just last month this newspaper in an article highlighted the number of deadly crashes that have occurred on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway for the year thus far Back then Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh had stressed that the police have already implemented all possible measures to maintain safety He emph

sed

mate responsibility lies with drivers and vehicle owners, who must exercise caution and diligence when using theroadway R e t i r e d A s s i s t a n t Commissioner of Police and

significant impact on the safety of thisimportantartery,”hesaid.

However, in an interview with Kaieteur News, Singh explained that many of the suggested measures are already in place, particularly constant patrolling. He noted that during the rehabilitation of the Soesdyke–Linden Highway, the police implemented a more structured highway patrol system with traffic-focused operations from each division “Previously, there was only a checkpoint where vehicles simply passed through a barrier Now, there is a fixed establishment with a building, mobile patrols by vehicle, and active engagement by ranks,” Singhstated.

He further explained that another measure, the highway patrol base, complements this system. He stated that since the highway serves as a vital link between Region Four (East Bank) and Region Ten (Linden), the two divisionsnowworkincoordination to strengthen traffic management and enhance preventative road safety While acknowledging the

The vehicles involved

collision on Sunday evening along theLinden-SoesdykeHighway

Kaieteur News up to press time was unable to ascertain the identities of the deceased and injured There was no official police report on the accident also. Kaieteur News understands that twopersonswerefoundmotionless at the scene, while five others were transported to the Linden Hospital Complex for urgent medical attention. Details surrounding the accidentremainunclear

However, a video circulated showing some of the injured and the severely damaged vehicles. In the video a woman was seen lying motionless on the roadway, and a man was found unresponsive beneath one of the damaged vehicles.Another woman appeared to be lying inside the toppled car

former Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Paul Slowe recentlydescribedthehighwayasa “death trap” that requires urgent attention In a letter to the newspaperSlowehadproposedthe creation of a specialised Highway Safety Unit, equipped with vehicles,safetygear,andelectronic warning systems, operating around theclocktoaddresshazardssuchas broken-down vehicles, erosion, or water-logged surfaces. “The main purposeofthehighwaypatrolmust betoidentifypotentialdangersi.e., broken-down vehicles, erosion, loose surface, water lodged on the road surface, etc. and ensure that adequate warning signs are put in place at a reasonable distance from the potential danger. I am sure that this measure, if immediately implemented, can have a

rise in fatal accidents along the Soesdyke–Linden Highway, Singh said back then that responsibility also lies with drivers. “That takes away no grievance that there are accidents, but when it comes down to responsibility, it is not a police issue alone. The Soesdyke–Linden Highway is still undergoing transformation as part of the rehabilitation works We issue traffic advisories weekly, and there are constant lectures delivered to drivers across Region Ten and the East Bank. We keep preaching to them, reminding them, urging them,”hesaid.

Singh also highlighted the problem of immobile vehicles left on the highway. “When immobile vehicles are seen on the highway, theyarenottherebychance.Itis (Continued on page 22)

From page 20 the responsibility of the driver to call 911 and report it to the police, it'sfree.Oncenotified,wetakeinto account that the driver may not have cones or reflectors available. We then respond immediately, take photographs,placecones,andissue traffic advisory This alerts other road users and prevents further danger,” he explained. Singh also underscored poor vehicle maintenance, speeding, and driver fatigue as persistent challenges “Whentheyarenotsocapable,they feel tired; you to take time off you can't proceed in the same manner We have experienced this in the past. Persons have crashed because theyweretired,”Singhsaid.

TUESDAY

GRAstruggling to staff oil oversight units as Exxon expands

G u y a n a ' s p r e m i e r t a x watchdog, the Guyana Revenue

Authority (GRA), remains dangerously understaffed in the very departments tasked with policing the country's booming oil and gas sector Nearly half the critical posts needed to safeguard billions in petroleum revenues are still vacant a human resource crisis first flagged in 2023 and now worseningasproductionrampsup.

According to the 2024 Auditor

General's Report, the Petroleum Revenue Department (PRD), the GRA'sfrontlineunitforoiltaxation has an approved complement of 67 officers,butonly39wereonthejob by September 2025 The PRD, createdin2020,carriessomeofthe most sensitive responsibilities in the nation: petroleum tax audits, VAT refund verification, cost recovery assessments, appeals, debtmanagement,andriskanalysis for the oil industry Yet, year after year, it continues to operate with majorgapsinitsranks. While the agency, under the stewardship of Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia has employedvariousstrategiestotrain and attract skilled personnel to perform specific duties related to the oil sector, a huge human

resource gap, initially flagged in 2023, continues to plague the entity

Since the establishment of the department, GRA has conducted extensive trainings with individuals to carry out the functions stated above. Last year for instance multiple training sessions were held with globally recognised consultants and agenciessuchas(i)Inter-American Center of Tax Administrations (CIAT),(ii)BayphaseLimited,(iii) 3t EnerMech (ODITC), (iv) S&P Global, (v) BB Energy, (vi) IMF Extractive Industries (EI) Revenue Administration – Peripatetic Assistance and, (vii) Ministry of NaturalResourcestobuildcapacity toadministerdomestictaxeswithin the Oil and Gas Sector, including training in principles of cost recovery, benchmarking and offshoreoperations.

Despite the efforts of the GRA, crucial positions remain vacant to keep watch on oil and gas companies operating in Guyana For instance, 25 tax audit officers are required at the agency while only 10 are currently enrolled Likewise, 19 cost recovery audit officers are required but only 10 were on the job as at March 30, 2025.

According to the AG Report, the Head of theAuthority indicated thattheGRAcontinuesinternaland external recruitment for the PRD, but the technical nature of the roles has made it difficult to find qualified candidates “Many applicants have not met the required standards in the exam phase. To improve this, the GRAis developing a revised assessment for all candidates to better identify suitable hires,” according to the document.

In an invited comment, Mr Statia told Kaieteur News that the Authority has engaged the University of Guyana (UG) on the need for courses leading to a degree,amastersandabachelorsin petroleumaccountingandtaxation. He was pleased to report that come 2026, these programmes will commence and will be available to all interested persons, whether or not they seek employment with the GRA.

Meanwhile, he highlighted that GRA has also been engaged in internal training to help fill vacancies in the department, however many fail to reach the requiredpassmark.

“Many who are internally trained do not meet the 75% pass mark required to be attached to the department That's always a problem.Evenfor customsofficers and brokers. Even though we now give an open book exam, nearly 90% don't make over 70%, and forty% do not get over 50%,” the CommissionerGeneralexplained.

Additionally, Statia noted that while GRA is open to hiring

foreigners to fill the vacancies at theagency,theyareoftenexpectant ofhigherwagesandsalaries.

CustomsPetroleumUnit

In addition to the Petroleum Revenue Department, GRA also established a separate Customs Petroleum Unit (CPU) in June 2021.Thefunctionsofthiskeyunit include monitoring and verifying customs procedures relative to the Oil and Gas Sector, inclusive of: entry processing, cargo clearance, quality assurance, shadowing the valuation process of export oil, valuation of goods imported by oil companies, Contractors and SubContractors, exemptions, tariff classification, data analysis, research, inventory monitoring, andreportandtradefacilitation.

This unit too is currently lacking with an approved staff complement of 33 while the actual numberofpositionsfilledwas23.

In the AG report, the Head of the Authority indicated that the staff complement at March 30, 2025 reflects the positions that are criticalforthemonitoringofoiland gas activities; however, the arrival of the fourth Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel will add more strain to the alreadystrugglingdepartment.

N o n e t h e l e s s , t h e Commissioner General noted that efforts will continue to fill the additional positions to streamline monitoring and inventory control. He said, “Recruitment for the CPU remains ongoing, but finding qualified candidates is challenging due to the technical nature of the roles. The Authority is committed to identifying and onboarding suitable staff to meet operational needs.”

In 2024, 67 employees ceased working with the GRA. According totheAGreport26or39%resigned while 10 or 15% were dismissed due to allegations of corruption, g r o s s m i s c o n d u c t , p o o r performance, attendance and punctuality, and breach of procedures.

GRA stated, “Exit interviews indicated that most resignations were due to personal reasons, migration,ormorecompetitivepay – particularly in the oil and gas sector.”

Schoolboy's tongue slashed in bullying attack ...child gets 18 stitches, mom says teachers “did nothing” The Ministry of Education is now closely monitoring a disturbing incident at Uitvlugt Primary School where six-year-old Demetri Morrison was left with a deep, bloodied gash across his tongue after he was reportedly bullied by a classmate. The child required 18 stitches. His mother, Christina Seeraj, shared graphic photos and videos of her son's injury on Facebook, accusing the school of failing to assist her child

after the lunchtime attack on Friday,November14,2025.

According to the mother, the purported incidence of bullying occurred on Friday November 14th 2025 during lunch time Seeraj claimed that after the incident, she was called to the school only to meet her child unattended to and bleedingfromthemouth.

“When the parents of six-yearold Demetri Morrison received a phone call from his class teacher andtheparentsarrivedattheschool to find their son in this unattended statenohelpfromtheteachers,”the mother stated in her post on Facebook. She said that she took her son to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he received 18 stitches to his tongue for the injury She noted too that her son cannot eat solids and speak clearlyasaresultoftheinjury.

The woman expressed her frustration at how the matter was handled, noting that when she returned to the Uitvlugt Primary School on Monday morning with hersonseekinganswers“therewas no justice from the Headteacher of Uitvlugt Primary School.” She has therefore called on the Ministry of EducationandthePresidenttolook into the matter “My son is still a baby and I'm pleading for justice,” themothersaidinherpost.

Kaieteur News contacted the Ministry of Education and was told that Minister of Education, Sonia Parag has since reached out to the boys'mother

Just last week the Ministry of Education launched a new AntiBullying and Anti-Violence Reporting System, giving students, parents, and teachers a safe and confidential way to report abuse andharassmentinschools.

At the launch Minister Parag said that the new digital platform

was developed to allow students, parents and staff to confidentially report incidents of bullying or harassment without fear of retaliation “The platform streamlines communication between schools and the ministry, enabling timely investigations and appropriate intervention while maintaining the privacy of all individuals involved. Its goal is to promote accountability, encourage a culture of respect and strengthens overall well-being of students. So today I am proud to announce the launch of that particular online platform that will allow the reporting mechanism to happen and happen in such a way that it is confidential and the privacy is intact to secure whether it is the student,theteacherorparents,”she announced.

Addressing the problem of bullying in the education system, Minister Parag mentioned that when she first took up the portfolio of Education Minister, she was met with several reports of bullying at schools. “I said publicly that we willhaveazero-toleranceapproach not only as the Ministry of Education but as a Government of Guyanainrelationtobullying,”she stated. In terms of taking steps to eradicatebullyingatschools,Parag mentioned that there have to be a mental shift, a mindset shift to change this issue. “Bullying is by no means right in any form. We must take a zero-tolerance approachtobullying.”

WEDNESDAY

EU flags data abuse, cyberbullying, major digital gaps for Sept. 1 polls

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has raised serious concerns about the conduct of the September 1 General and Regional Elections, regarding the use of citizens' personal data in political campaigning and the rise of cyberbullying targeting journalists, social media influencers, and other publicfigures.

According to the mission, these issues pose significant risks to digital security, freedom of expression,andvoterprotection.

In its recently published final report, the EU reported that the digital information environment during the election was active but highly

dominatedbymanipulativecontent that left little room for respectful, diverse political debate Despite this, the mission noted that some digital media outlets and influencers, including those from Indigenous communities, made constructive efforts to promote inclusive, nonpartisan discussions on key social issues, party platforms,andcandidates,helping (Continued on page 32)

FTowards a better life with your psychologist

The male child needs protectionto be emotional seen and heard

r o m w i t h i n

homes, schools

a n d o t h e r institutions, we are raising and culturing our sons to be monsters like their fathers. Raising the male child, son, grandson, nephew, cousin, incorrectly, to deny emotions, is sabotaging ourselvesandtheirfuture.

Raising men void of emotions and shaming them for expressing emotion is emotional abuse and neglect.

It alters your identity, purpose, and ability to be successful, healthy and happy at the same time.

Compared to men who embrace their identity and are emotionally healthy, they are way happier and healthierthanmen.

Don't Let people around you Stop You from Raising Your Boys into Men.You're not just raising boys.You're raising future protectors Future builders Future kings.

And if you let softness wininyourhome—ifyoulet c o m f o r t r e p l a c e character—you won't just lose your sons…You'll unleash broken men into a world that already has too manyofthem.

Let'sbeclear:Theworld doesn't care about a man's feelings. It only respects his function.

So, if your wife thinks your discipline is “too harsh,” “too traditional,” or “too outdated” remind her:You'renotraisingapet. You'repreparingawarrior

This philosophy is responsible for men's failings in the 21st century Makingmenfindtheirplace in society and having distorted views of leadership, protection and provision to their families andsociety

Ashumans,wearefourdimensional beings, mental, emotional, spiritual and physical. Each carries 25% ofthesignificanceinhelping us be healthy and prosperous It is God's design, created out of love, inhisimageandlikeness.

SocietalExpectationsand MasculinityNorms

One of the primary reasons men hide their emotions is the societal expectation to conform to traditional masculinity norms. From a young age, boys are often taught that expressingemotionssuchas

s a d n e s s , f e a r, o r

vulnerability is a sign of weakness Phrases like "boys do not cry" and "man up". Boys do not talk so much.Ifyouareexpressive, you are a girl. Reinforce the idea that emotional expressionisnotmasculine. As a result, many men learn tosuppresstheiremotionsto fit into these rigid gender roles.

This is not only a distortion that creates abnormal cognitive perception and results in diametral behaviours, but evil is destroying the male from within and setting him uptofaillaterinlife.

FearofVulnerability andJudgment

The fear of vulnerability is another significant factor contributing to men's tendency to hide their emotions.

Vulnerability is often perceivedasaweaknessina society that values strength and independence, especially in men. Many men fear that expressing their emotions will make them appear weak, incompetent, or unmanly Emotionally mature males arethestrongestofallmales. There are emotional gains when men are emotional, just as there are mental, spiritual,andphysicalgains. LackofEmotional EducationandTools

Many men lack the emotional education and tools necessary to express their feelings healthily Emotional intelligence, whichincludestheabilityto recognise, understand, and manage emotions, is not always emphasised in male upbringing.

Withouttheseskills,men may find it challenging to identify and articulate their emotions The leading enforcers of emotionally void and scared men are their mothers, sisters, femalesinthefamily,fathers andgeneralsociety

Consequencesof HidingEmotions

Hiding emotions can h a v e s i g n i f i c a n t psychological and physical consequences for men

Suppressing emotions is linked to increased stress, anxiety, paranoia, disorders, and depression lack of relationship connection When emotions are not expressed,theycanbuildup and manifest in unhealthy

ways, such as through physical ailments or destructivebehaviours.

Compromised Physical H

M

constantly bottle up their emotions are exposing themselvestochronicstress, which leads to elevated

weakens the immune system, making men more susceptible to illness and disease.

This continues to result inhigherriskfordeveloping h

hypertension, increased muscle tension and chronic painastheirbodyholdsonto the psychological burden. Thiscanexacerbateexisting physical ailments and c o n t r i b u t

t o t h e development of new ones. The stress of suppressed emotions manifests in gastrointestinal issues, headaches, and other physical symptoms. Substanceabuse,acommon coping mechanism for men who do not express their f e e l i n g

, f u r t h e r compromises physical health. Increase in earlier anduntimelydeath.

Psychologically and emotionally unavailable males are likely to be depressed, consumed by sadness, hopelessness, helplessness,andemptiness. Feel fatigued quickly Have ahardtimesleepingorsleep too much Not getting pleasure from activities usually enjoyed. 75% of personswhoattemptsuicide aremales.

Men who suppress their emotions to conform to society or match their women's expectation struggles with various behaviouralproblems.

Problems getting along with others, including your spouse or partner and other family members. Escapist behaviour, such as spending much time at work or on sports. Controlling, violent or abusive behaviour Irritability or anger that escalates. Risky behaviour, suchasrecklessdriving.

M e n w h o a r e emotionallysuppressedmay also struggle with forming and maintaining healthy relationships. The inability to communicate feelings leads to misunderstandings, resentment, and emotional distance in personal relationships. Partners may

f e e l s h u t o u t o r disconnected, leading to relationship strain or breakdown and divorce initiatedbywives.

All this and more because he never saw his fathercry Becausehethinks crying is a weakness

Because his woman devalues or shames him for showing emotions. Because his mother would instead talk about his eating habits and helping him with finances rather than asking howhefeels.

Encouraging

EmotionalExpression

To combat the stigma surroundingmaleemotional expression, it is essential to encourage men to embrace theiremotions.

This is the primary responsibility of mothers,

sisters, aunts, and cousins. Supported by fathers who have taken the initiative to evolve,

traditional man and embrace their identity

By Dr. Telford Layne Jr. PsyD, MSc. Postgrad, BSc. Clinical and Developmental Psychologist

To be an emotionally, mentally, psychically and spirituallyhealthyperson.

Role models and public figures who demonstrate emotionalopennesscanalso help challenge traditional masculinitynorms.

Whenmenseeothermen expressingtheiremotions,it can validate their own feelingsandencouragethem todothesame.Additionally, prom

nal education from a young age can equip boys with the skills they need to navigate their emotions healthily Starting with the motherchild relationship and evolving into schools, the church,andtheorganisation andcreatingasafespacefor themalechild.

Tobuildthisfoundation, weneedtohelpmentoselfdiscoversothatwecanbuild healthy self-esteem, which is the foundation to be emotionally healthy in a toxic world that produces men and cultivates them to be misfits, disrupt and kill othersandthemselves.

ByKarenAbrams,MBA, AA,DoctoralCandidate

The Ministry of Education's plan to build a system totrackincidentsofbullying in schools, alongside improved reporting and intervention measures, has generated support and discussion,andrightlyso On the surface, the initiative appears straightforward:

protect children by identifying aggression early and responding quickly But the proposal, as currently

framed, overlooks a fundamental truth we must confrontasanation Bullying in Guyana does not begin in theclassroom Itbeginsinthe fabricofoursociety

Bullying is embedded in thewayfartoomanyfamilies resolve conflict, the way some public officials wield

authority, the way

workplaces enforce discipline, the way we deal witheachotheronthestreets, the way we drive, and even the way some public and private institutions manage dissent It is a structural legacy shaped by harsh

disciplinary norms, authoritarian governance, and generations of learned power imbalance. In our

Advancing Education, Technology & Innovation in Guyana…

Bullying is a national problem and it requires a national conversation

society, we applaud the bullying of our enemies and protest the bullying of our friends, unless the aggressor is more powerful To target students without examining the cultural soil in which thesebehaviours take root is to treat the smoke while ignoringthefire.

R e s e a r c h f r o m UNESCO's Global Status Report on School Violence and Bullying shows that children learn bullying from the adults around them; they internalize what they see; domination, ridicule, intimidation,andreproduceit in the one space where they holdpower,theschoolyard

A 2018 meta-analysis in Child Abuse & Neglect by Tucker, Finkelhor, Turner, Shattuck, and Hamby confirms that children who experience aggression, shouting, or emotional

neglect at home are significantly more likely to bully Trauma travels, and it travels from the dinner table totheclassroom

International evidence is also clear that punitive approaches alone do not work

TheCDC's2021findings on school violence preventionwarnthattracking or penalizing students,

withoutpairingthesesystems with counseling, family intervention, and classroomwide social-emotional learning(SEL),oftenleadsto increased resentment, worse behavior, and deeper isolation

Dan Olweus, widely regarded as the father of modern bullying research, developedthefoundationfor nearly every evidence-based anti-bullying programme usedtoday

His work shows that addressing bullying requires consistent adult modeling, communitynormsthatreject intimidation, and emotional support for both victims and aggressors

So yes, the Ministry of Educationisrighttofocuson bullying We cannot build stronglearningenvironments whilestudentsarefrightened, physically abused, or otherwise humiliated. But bullying in schools is only a symptom Therootcauselies in the wider culture we all need to examine A tracking system may help record incidents and interventions, but it cannot heal emotional wounds or break the intergenerational cycle that produces both bullies and victims

If we are serious about

protecting our children, we must encourage a national conversation about the environments in which they liveandlearn

We must invest in counseling, family support programmes, SEL-based

curriculums, and school communities that model empathy rather than fear Without that, solutions will continue to elude us and we will simply be placing the burden for a national failure on the shoulders of children

Guyana'sstudentsdeservefar more than another surveillancesystem They deserve adults willing to confront the truth anddothehardinternalwork neededtofixtheenvironment inwhichtheyaregrowingup

Chinese-owned supermarkets reshape Guyana’s retail landscape

— REAL VALUE SHARES INSIGHTS ON GROWTH AND COMMUNITY COMMITMENT

In recent years, Guyana has seen a noticeable rise in

thenumberofChinese-ownedsupermarketsopening across the country The expansion has reshaped the retail landscape, introducing new levels of competition, widerproductselections,andinsomecases,lowerprices.

However, the rapid growth has also sparked concern amongsomeGuyaneseshopownersandconsumers,whosay the influx has placed added pressure on small, locally operated businesses. Many argue that traditional family shops, long rooted in their communities, are struggling to keep pace with the scale and resources of these newer establishments. As the debate continues, opinions remain divided, some view the increased competition as part of a modernising economy, while others fear it may erode local livelihoodsandlong-standingcommercialtraditions.

CORPORATERESPONSIBILITY

In a recent interview, Kaieteur News spoke with one of the earlier entrants into the Guyanese market- Real Value Supermarket, founded by Jason Wang in 2014. Manager of the supermarket, Charles Wallerson reflected on the supermarket’s journey and shared insights on what has contributed to its continued success. Wallerson emphasised thatRealValue’sgrowthisrootednotonlyinsoundbusiness practicesbutalsoinacommitmenttothelocalcommunity

“The owner has a strong sense of corporate responsibility,”hesaid.“Everyyear,eventhoughChristmas is not celebrated in Chinese culture, we make it a point to reachouttovulnerablemembersofthecommunity,including theelderlyandchildren.TheChinesemedicalteamhelps Continued on page 38

From where I stand...

Our democracy isn't unevolved — it's unfinished. And that may be our advantage.

ByJanelleANPersaud

Afewweeksago,Iwrote a column calling Guyana a democracyunevolved Andat the time, I meant it as criticism I was looking at Guyana through the lens of

Western democratic expectations; elections, institutions, accountability, civic participation and I concluded that we were falling short. We weren't meeting the standard or matchingtheblueprint.

But recently, as I've been sitting with this idea more deeply, something shifted

The more I explored where those expectations came from, the more I began questioning the assumptions beneathmycritique

Becausethetruthis,much ofwhatwenowrecogniseas formal democracy was inherited

Thesystem,thelanguage, the rules, the posture; these did not emerge from our political culture or historical development In many parts of the Global South, includinghereinGuyana,the word “democracy” doesn't evenexistinourIndigenous languages So, we didn't build this version of democracy from memory or

shared tradition We

received it already assembled, along with the expectation that we should knowhowtomakeitwork.

Significanttonote,isthat the absence of the Western word “democracy” in our languages does not mean there were no democratic

values or practices in our history ManyIndigenousand pre-colonial societies across the world had forms of shared leadership, a c c o u n t a b i l i t y t o community, consensus decision-making, and governance rooted in collective identity rather than individual power This metoconcludethatwhatwe now call “democracy” may be only one expression of a much older human instinct towardsharedresponsibility and communal decisionmaking.

And here's the irony I've hadtoconfront:whenIcalled Guyana a “democracy unevolved,” I was critiquing us using the same inherited standards I now believe deservere-examination Iwas holding us accountable to a model I never stopped to questionordid,butcouldnot appreciate then that such is the paradox of post-colonial democracies.

We judge ourselves with tools we didn't design and until we acknowledge that tension, we'll continue confusing imitation with progress, and critique with agency

Scholars like Mahmood Mamdaniand Amartya Sen havewrittenabouthowmany post-colonial societies inherited Western political modelsthatweren'tbuiltwith their histories, cultures, or realities in mind And for a long time, I absorbed those frameworks without fully questioningtheiroriginsand then I held Guyana

accountabletothem.

Now, I'm not excusing governance failures, democratic violations, corruption, or civic intimidation I'm not suggesting we lower the bar, orpretendeverythingisfine Rights, accountability, transparency, a n d participation still matter deeply AndI'mcertainlynot condoning what so often passeshereas“democracy.”

What I'm saying is something a little more uncomfortable: perhaps we haveneverhadthechanceto ask whether the version of democracy we inherited actually fits who we are I wish to invite us to selfexamine and consider whether there is something to learn and adapt even, as we shape our own brand of democracy Because when democracy has to live inside complexity such as plural identities, contested belonging, and unresolved memory, it won't be neat or expedientanditcertainlyisn't linear

Andperhapspartofwhat makes this moment so strikingisthatthenationsthat once defined, exported, and defended democracy now appear unsure of it themselves The traditional torchbearers of democracy like the United States, the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe are experiencing their own crises of trust, legitimacy, and national identity The systems that were once held up as models now strain

under pol

tion, misinformation,institutional fatigue, and cultural fragmentation. So the other questionis:ifeventheplaces that shaped democracy are struggling to sustain it, then who or where has the authority to imagine its next form?

The world is changing and the future might not belong to nations that perfected democracy in the past, but to those still wrestlingwithhowtomakeit meaningful, representative, and rooted in plural lived realities. This is why our collective voice and input matter as Guyanese from academia and private sector and labour to yes, the average citizen and of course,thegovernment.

WhenIsharedthiswitha friend,hedidn'tthinkGuyana had done even the bare minimum of practising democracy and questions what role we could possibly play in reshaping it I understand the sentiment but I disagree. I'm beginning to think that the issue is yes, w i l l i n g n e s s b u t significantly; permission

F r o m t h e m o m e n t democracy supposedly returnedtousin1992,itwas under internat

supervision and external validation. The expectation might've been less about adaptation and more about compliance. We were never i

democracy, only to perform it. Perhaps, we didn't think we had the authority to question its design or reinterpret it through our ownpluralrealities.Ifthisis true, then the work ahead isn't merely political—it is imaginative.

So for us, the better question might be: what couldwecreateifwetreated democracynotasinheritance, but as something we are

By Janelle Persaud

allowed to shape for ourselves?

M a y b e o u r unfinishedness isn't evidence of failure as once posited It could be a sign of possibility andwe'rejustearlyinthepart ofthedemocraticjourneythe restoftheworldisonlynow beginningtoface.

As the West trembles under the weight of democratic crises of their own, we can begin asking whatglobaldemocracymight learnfromplaceslikeours FromwhereIstand,those ofuswholearneddemocracy second might very well be better positioned to help shapeitsnextform–butonly if we give ourselves permissiontoimaginewhatis possibleandact

From page 22 voters make more informed decisions.

However, the EU expressed concern about uneven access to digital information across the country In several regions, limited

or non-existent internet connectivity hindered citizens' ability to exercise fundamental rightssuchasaccesstoinformation and freedom of expression. The

mission observed that many rural communities lacked TV, radio, and mobile phone coverage altogether “In such cases, the governmentinstalled free Wi-Fi or a Starlink terminal, was the sole source of internet available, but only in a small area around the community centres. In the electoral context, this limited access to the news and reduced the effectiveness of G E C O M ' s d i g i t a l v o t e r information efforts for the citizens residing in those areas,” the EU stated.

Additionally, the EU flagged Cybercrime Act not being evenly implemented during the elections season. The mission stated that it observed that no action was taken

a g a i n s t c l e a r c a s e s o f cyberbullying, including online

harassment of journalists, influencers, and opposition politicians.

The mission pointed out that, between 2024 and early 2025, several digital content creators and ordinary citizens were arrested and charged for online posts that criticized the President or supported public protests According to the EU, this had a chilling effect on pre-election discussions, particularly on sensitive issues like corruption and policing.

As such, the EU emphasized thatallpublicfigures,regardlessof political affiliation, should receive equal protection and that online content restrictions must remain within international human rights norms. Thereporturgesalignment of the Cybercrime Act with international standards to protect political expression online. Civil society groups have long warned that the Act can be used to silence critics,journalists,andactivists.

The EU also raised serious concerns about the misuse of

personal data during the election period. Because the country's data protection laws have not yet been fully implemented, the mission noted that politically motivated doxing took place without any consequences It also found indications that government-held personal information, especially data from cash grant recipients, may have been used for political advantage.

According to the EU, the 2023 data protection act is largely in line with international standards, setting out how State agencies and private entities must handle personal information and requiring individuals'consentforitsuse.

The act also establishes a data protection office headed by a commissioner appointed by the president However, the EU reported that there has been no public discussion about the selectionof this commissioner, and no progress toward making the officeoperational.

The report documented several incidents involving the unlawful p u b l i c a t i o n o f p e r s o n a l information “Several opposition leaning influencers and politicians informed about unlawful publicationoftheirandtheirfamily members' personal data on social media Verified images also showed PPP/C activists profiling people visible in photos from WIN events.Suchunwarrantedpublicity was intimidating, yet no action against the perpetrators was taken by the police. Further, the PPP/C call centre used mobile phone numbers of citizens who received cashgrantstosolicitvotes,”theEU EOMstated.

Given these concerns, the mission called for the full implementation of the data protection act, including the establishmentofthedataprotection office, to ensure that voters' personal information is protected frommisuse.

The issue of potential data misuse resurfaced in August when Vice President and PPP/C General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo acknowledged that his party obtained citizens' phone numbers from “various sources” to contact votersaheadoftheelections.

Citizens reported being contacted by agents of the PPP during the campaign season. Some had questioned how the party accessed their phone number and even their names and it had been

suggestedthattherulingpartyused information gathered by the government during the $100,000 cashgrantprocess.

When pressed on concerns about government data privacy, Jagdeo insisted that data remain protected under the newly passed legislation. He argued that voter outreachcallsarestandardpolitical practice worldwide and stressed that the PPP/C engages voters respectfully, unlike other parties, which he claimed rely on transactional approaches Jagdeo maintained that the PPP/C's extensive network of activists is focused on direct engagement and listeningtocitizens.

Child rapist gets 10 years

Justice Sandil Kissoon last Thursday handed down a 10-year sentence to a NewAmsterdam man for raping a child under the age of 16.

AnthonyPattersonwasarrested on April 21, 2024 after he reportedly lured a 12-year-old girl intohishomeandforcedhimselfon her Bail was refused and he was remanded to the New Amsterdam Prison where he awaited trial at the High Court. He had pleaded guilty tothecharge.

Upon hearing his sentence, a sombre Patterson maintained his innocence, denying that he committed the crime despite having pleaded guilty at the commencementofthecase.Healso pleadedwiththecourtformercy

“I just wanna say sorry. I didn't hadsexwiththegirlthatIdehinjail for sir I'm begging for a small mercy I won't find myself around lil girls anymore,” the convicted manstatedtothecourt.

J u s t i c e K i s s o o n t h e n comprehensively outlined to Patterson the basis for determining the sentence, highlighting immediatelythespiralingincidents ofsexualcrimesinthecountry

J u s t i c e K i s s o o n a l s o underscored that the matter at hand was not a trivial one, but a grave one in which a vulnerable member of society, no less than an unfortunate and traumatised 12year-oldgirl,wasviolatedinoneof theworstways.

He also weighed in on the prevalence of rape cases, more so the commission of such crimes againstinnocentchildren.

Patterson, the Justice emphasized, abused and violated

thetrustreposedinhimbythechild who held him as a neighbour, and an adult with whom she was familiar

Due to the harrowing experience, Justice Kissoon outlined that there are bound to be detrimental social and mental effects that will linger with the child, which could prove severe. He said she will need much counselling for the challenges brought on by the act committed againsther

An excerpt from Patterson's psychiatric assessment presented by Justice Kissoon showed that he is used to manipulating persons, which he strategically employed to reel in the unsuspecting young victim.

To uphold his sentencing, Justice Kissoon also informed the court that Patterson had several prior infractions of different natures, and that he was not a stranger to law enforcement and

prisonofficials,havingservedtime forlarcenybefore.

THUSRDAY

c Representatives of the PPP/C Government were a no-show at Wednesday's Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) hearing on Guyana's dysfunctional Freedom of Information (FOI) system, leaving civil society to detail more than a decade of official silence, blocked requests, and a Commissioner of Information who refuses to performhislegalduties.

The hearing, held in Miami and livestreamed by the IACHR, included Commissioners Edgar Stuardo Ralón, Roberta Clarke, Carlos Bernal Pulido and Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression Pedro Vaca Villarreal. From Guyana, only a handful of civil society advocates appeared: Attorney-at-law and Accountant Christopher Ram, Danuta Radzik, VandaRadzik,andcolumnistGHK Lall,whoalsopresentedstatements on behalf ofAnand Goolsarran and AlfredBhulai.

Despite being formally invited, no member of the Guyana Governmentattended.

In his presentation, Ram told the Commission that Guyana's Commissioner of Information, Charles Ramson Sr , has failed entirely to carry out the duties assigned under the Access to InformationAct.

Presenting a few instances wh

e Commissioner, Ram recalled that beginning in 2021, he made multiple requests under the Access to InformationAct, which he noted were specific, lawful, and fully in acco

the Act's requirements.

He related that some of these requests for information include a copy of a Report on the circumstances leading up to the signing of the 2016 Petroleum Agreement; particulars of taxes paid on behalf of the oil companies u

nt; information on the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), andtheadministrationand p

e CommissionofInformation.

Mr Ram informed the Human Rights body that not once did he (Continued on page 33)

From page 32

receive a substantive response and that he turned to the courts where the proceedings are pending. He also shared that he wrote directly to the President of Guyana, Irfaan Ali on several occasions where he

informed him of the

C o m m i s s i o n e r ' s unexplained inaction and asked him to intervene to uphold the law Ram noted that the President had acknowledged with a casual remark at a public gathering, saying “I will look into it aftertheelections.”

Ram further stated that now that the election has

After more than 12 years of an “unproductive Act and an inactive Commissioner,” the Attorney informed the Human Rights body that

credibility demands immediate, concrete steps in meeting all outstanding requests, ending legal obstacles, and fully operationalizing and improving the Act. “We are not asking for special treatment. We ask only that our right to information is respected,”heexpressed.

In their remarks which were presented by Mr Lall, both Mr Goolsarran and Bhulai shared some of their own experiences with this

come and past, there is still silence.Healsoinformedthe Commission that before appearing at the hearing, on October 21, 2025, he wrote again seeking an update to get a response, to which he noted no reply has been received.

The IACHR also learned from Ram of the several protest action he along with the Transparency Institute,

t h e G u y a n a P r e s s Association, the trade union

movement, and other individuals, organised peacefully outside the Offices of the President, and C o m m i s s i o n e r o f Information, where they demanded that the law be implemented.

Notoncehasthegroupof individuals been engaged, acknowledged, or invited to discuss the matter, Ram told the IACHR “we have each been systematically denied

t h e e x e r c i s e o f a c o n s t i t u t i o n a l a n d internationally recognised

right ” He continued, “International observers have noticed this too, the United Nations Human Rights Committee, electoral monitoring missions, editors, and columnists in the national press have all remarkedonthehollowstate of Guyana's access-toinformation system. They

h a v e n o t e d t h a t i t undermines transparency, dilutes press freedom, and corrodespublictrust.”

documents from the

Commissioner relating to Guyana's oil and gas industry Similarly, she noted that requests for many of these documents were previously made to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with no success.

“Based on the response from the Commissioner of Information, request for information is once again at a dead end and calls into

alsoaskedafewquestionsin relation to the information provide to them “During this hearing, we have taken careful note of the concerns expressed by the civil society The perspectives we have heard are so far essential to understanding how the law is operating in p r a c t i c e a n d w h e r e challenges exist,” Mr Villarrealaddressed.

In his brief remarks, he notedthatatthesametime,it

Commission in accessing critical information. “On 9 June 2014, in my capacity as the then President of the Transparency Institute Guyana Inc (TIGI), I submitted a request to the Office of the Commissioner ofInformationunderSection 12 of the Access to

Information Act that provides for 'the right of every Guyanese citizen or person domiciled in Guyana toobtainaccesstoanofficial document,” Goolsarran informed.

He shared with the Commission of Human Rights that in January 2017, he had written an article h i g h l i g h t i n g t h e shortcomings in the functioning of the Office of the Commission for which he is facing a defamation l a w s u i t f r o m t h e Commissioner “The matter is pending in the Guyana Court of Appeal To date, after 12 years since the a p p o i n t m e n t o f t h e C o m m i s s i o n e r, t h e Commission has not responded positively to any request for information,” he stated.

Forhispart,Bhulaiinhis statement described the situation as a “blatant dereliction of duty by this public servant paid from the public purse to implement the Act ” Sharing her experience, Ms Danuta Radzik noted that she had r e q u e s t e d s o m e 1 0

question the right of citizens of Guyana to access information even though since 2011 the Access to Information Act has been in effect,”sheexpressed.

D u r i n g h e r b r i e f presentation, Ms Radzik, told the Commissioners that “what we bring you today is not an abstract concern. It is a lived experience of a right denied persistently, d e l i b e r a t e l y , a n d systemically.” In hearing t h e i r c o n c e r n s a n d experiences, Ms. Radzik then respectfully asked the Human Rights body to “UrgetheStateofGuyanato bring its practice into conformitywithitsAccessto Information Act, its Constitution, and its binding internationalobligations.”

Secondly, she called upon the Commissioner of Information to fulfill his duties under the law, which is to receive, process, and respond to requests in a timely, lawful manner The SocialJustice&RuleofLaw advocate also made recommendation for

concrete measures to guarantee the independence, f u n c t i o n a l i t y, a n d accountability of the entire access-to-information mechanism.

Careful note

F o l l o w i n g t h e i r

p r e s e n t a t i o n s , t h e Commissioners informed the civil society individuals that they took careful note of theirconcerns,towhichthey

is key to hear the State's own assessment on the current state of the Access to Information Law, how it is functioning, what obstacles have emerged and what measures are being taken to e n s u r e i t s f u l l implementation.

“This balance of perspectives a central part of the Commission's and our office independent and impartial methodology, which requires listening to all actors, contrasting the information received and promoting an informed and constructive dialogue. I now would like to recall the Inter

American standards

regarding access to information, which require the legal mechanism for requesting information is simple, accessible and effective. This also includes, forexample,minimalformal requirements,lowornocost, firmdeadlinesforresponses, the possibility for oral r e q u e s t i n c e r t a i n circumstances, an obligation for authorities to assist p e t i t i o n e r s a n d t h e availability of appeals,” he said.

Promised reform

Leading up to the September 1 general and regional elections and after months of protest for greater access to public information and the refusal of Ramson Snr to respond to requests from civil society and members of the media, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

had said that there will be some improvement in this area if his party is reelected to government Since the PPP/C has been reelected there has been no movement in this regard. The PPP/C had even placed the issue in its manifesto promising changes. Jagdeo back then went on to state that his government has already beenmovinginthisdirection by publishing information from the oil and gas sector “We have done so in the oil and gas sector by publishing all of the agreements signed. All of the environmental permits. We are publishing n o w t h e p r o d u c t i o n schedules/ production and other metrics regularly”, he claimed. He added too that his government has also published large-scale contracts for mining and the forestry sector “We are now online with all of the contracts that were issued above fifteen million by NPTAB (National Tender and Administration Board)” he continued before adding that more needs to be done when it comes to the

C o m m i s s i o n e r o f

Information “We clearly have to provide through that office we have to strengthen the law and provide more information I can say that now”,Jagdeosaid.

KaieteurNewsbackthen pointed out to Jagdeo Ramson's reluctance to do his job with civil society activists raising concerns that he might be squatting in theoffice.

Responding to this the Vice President said, “As I saidbeforethePresidentwill examine this but the job based on that commitment we made, the job does not belongtoanindividualsowe willhavetoexaminethat.”

Led by Ram, Guyanese, civil society and even journalists have been protesting against the reluctanceofRamsonSnr to release key information on several matters, including documents that can provide someclaritytothesigningof the lopsided 2016 oil deal with ExxonMobil Guyana for the lucrative Stabroek oil block.

At one of the protests, R a m h a d n o t e d t h e informationisnotcriticalfor transparency only but could help shape polices for Guyana that can benefit the citizens. The protesters had started their demonstration outside of Ramson's office but later moved to the Office

of the President The protestors argued that the president has the power to not only release the information they are seeking but also take action against R a m s o n s i n c e h e i s collecting a salary for doing nothing To date, the government is yet to release the information or take any action.

Leading transparency organisations in the Caribbean have offered strong support for Guyana's civil society's Access to Information campaign, with the Trinidad and Tobago Transparency Institute (TTTI) and Jamaica's National Integrity Action (NIA) commending “the sustained, principled, and peaceful actions undertaken by journalists, civil society a c t o r s , m e m b e r s o f parliament,tradeunions,and concerned citizens in G u y a n a , w h o h a v e collectively brought to light systemic non-compliance by the [Guyana] Office of the C o m m i s s i o n e r o f Information.”

The transparency international chapters expressed “grave concern” about the failure of the executive to engage meaningfully with civil society on this constitutional matter The organisations noted “with particular concern the documented absence of public reporting, operational transparency, a n d m e a n i n g f u l responsiveness by the Commissioner's Office,” stating these deficiencies “contravene the letter and spirit of the Access to Information Act but also undermine the rule of law and citizens' confidence in publicinstitutions.”

'Your voice, your vote' –Canadian envoy urges Guyanese to demand free and fair elections

The Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Sébastien Sigouin, has called on citizens to raise their voices and demand urgent action to ensure the country's electoral process is truly free and fair, following the release of the European Union Election Observation Mission(EOM)report.

Less than 24 hours after the report was made public, Sigouintooktosocialmedia, urging Guyanese to hold theirleadersaccountableand p u s h f o r r e f o r m s recommended in the EU (Continued on page 34)

From page 33

r e p o r t W h i l e acknowledging that Election Day ran smoothly, Sigouin emphasised that much work remains to strengthen the electoral framework. “Democracy belongs to the Guyanese people,” he said. “So speak up, call on your elected representatives, on your National Assembly, on your Government to take action and make the changes needed so that your electoral process is truly free and fair It's your right and your responsibility.”

On Tuesday the EU Elections Observation Mission (EOM) pointed to the need for enhanced key electoral reforms through an established and robust Constitutional Reform C o m m i s s i o n ( C R C ) framework. Chief Observer, Chief Observer Robert Biedroń, in presenting the final report at the Pegasus Suites on Friday, said that many stakeholders are waiting for the constitution of the CRC so that the body can fulfil its mandate. “The CRC has a legal mandate to consult on and propose

e l e c t o r a l r e f o r m s –supporting this year's CRC's process with solid electoral and legal expertise could be the key to driving a well framed future electoral reform of a constitutional nature Therefore, we recommend enhancing the prospects for key electoral reform through necessary electoral expertise as part of a robust CRC operational framework…”

Biedrońexplainedthatin absence of an active CRC, the country cannot adopt clear and comprehensive campaign rules “In those elections, we saw how the line between State and party was often blurred For example, public projects inauguration or government social programmes were used in ways that clearly supported one party State vehicles were observed transporting supporters to c a m p a i g n e v e n t s Government social media channels supported PPP/C campaigns Clear and forcible rules for how public officials use State resources

a n d g o v e r n m e n t communication can be used in election period We therefore recommend

a d o p t i n g c l e a r a n d comprehensive campaign rules…,” the Chief Observer said.

Meanwhile, in its report,

Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Sébastien Sigouin

the observation mission reminded that “the 21member CRC was legislated in 2022 and formed in 2024 to engage in public consultations including on electoral matters, however it has yet to commence its work, which was reportedly delayed due to logistical and financial challenges and deficiencies in member selection.”

The EU report noted that the body could be crucial to promotingconsensusaround key electoral reforms includingonthefutureofthe G u y a n a E l e c t i o n s Commission (GECOM)

“ T h e G E C O M , a s a constitutional body, has a partisan framework which splits the commission into opposing sides, precluding broader stakeholder inclusion and risking inefficient decision making,” the report said pointing to representatives of the government and opposition sitting on the electionscommission.

“ A 2 1 - m e m b e r Constitutional Reform Commission which could address this issue has yet to begin its work, including on electoralreformsandatarget period for publicising its m e t h o d o l o g y a n d timeframes is overdue, reportedly due to logistical challenges and deficiencies inmemberselection.Itsrole, u n d e r p i n n e d b y t h e necessary expertise, will be crucial to several aspects of electoralreform.”

Importantly, the mission stressed that the law sets requirements for financing the CRC and a target period f o r p u b l i c i s i n g i t s m e t h o d o l o g y a n d timeframes, which are positive measures to increase trust once carried

resignation via Facebook on Thursday Contacted by this newspaper, Narine said that the party has “continued to haemorrhage itself, both internally and externally.” Narine said since the party's thrashing at the September 1 polls Norton has not called a meeting of the membership.

“He hasn't even called a meeting to give us the way forward (or) what's the next step.”

out.

Given the CRC's key role, the EU observation mission noted that electoral expertise is important for r o b u s t o u t p u t s a n d meaning

c

oral reforms. Back in September, the Carter Center Observer Mission released its preliminary findings on Guyana's general and regionalelections,urgingthe incoming government to implement reforms aimed at fostering a more equitable electoral process and restoring public confidence inGECOMandthecountry's democracy

FRIDAY

'PNCR Is Bleeding' –Former GT Mayor quits party, blasts Norton's leadership

F o r m e r M a y o r o f Georgetown Ubraj Narine has resigned from the People's National Congress Reform (PNC/R), delivering a blistering critique of the party's direction under LeaderAubreyNorton.

In an interview with this publication on Thursday, Narine said the PNCR has been “haemorrhaging internally and externally” and has strayed far from the ideology of its founding leader “The party is dear to me,” Narine said. “But the party, I believe, has lost its ideology I will continue to support the supporters of the party Iwillcontinuetoreach out to them.”Asked whether he would continue backing the PNCR despite his resignation, Narine said he intendstocontinuedoingthe g r o u n d w o r k i n communities, but not under thecurrentstructure. Narine announced his

R e m i n d i n g t h a t Members of Parliament (MP's) have been appointed, Narine revealed that he has made several attempts to get in touch with Dr Terrence C a m p b e l l - A P M U Parliamentary lead, but nothing came out of the conversations that were had. In this light he no longer

Former Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine

wanted to be a part of that environment While he believes he has other responsibilities and he should be focusing his energies there, Narine said he will not be joining any other political party Instead, he is choosing to remain alone and support the people of Guyana to the best of his abilities.

In the resignation letter which made its rounds on social media, Narine said he was writing with respect and careful reflection to tender

his resignation from the People's National Congress Reform (PNC/R), with immediate effect. “This decisioncomesafteraperiod of thoughtful consideration o f m y p e r s o n a l responsibilities and future aspirations. My involvement with the PNCR has provided m e w i t h i n v a l u a b l e experiences, meaningful r e l a t i o n s h i p s , a n d opportunities to serve the people of Guyana with dedication and sincerity. For these, I express my genuine appreciation,”hesaid.

The former mayor expressed gratitude for the cooperation, guidance and camaraderie that was extended to him by the party and its wider membership overtheyears,sayingthathe hopes that in spite of their now diverging paths the common commitment to peace, democracy, and the a d v a n c e m e n t o f a l l G u y a n e s e w i l l b e maintained. “Please accept my assurances of continued respect for the institution of t h e P a r t y a n d i t s longstanding contribution to our nation's political history I extend my best wishes to the Party as it continues the important work for Nation building. May God Bless the PNC/R!!!”theletterended.

'Offshore workers under strain' – WIN demands action on two-month rotation, low local hiring

The We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party has flagged a number of issues currently affecting offshore employees, including a new requirement that forces staff to work for two months withoutrest.

IncallingontheMinister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith to urgently address the issue, the main political opposition party noted that workers are fearful of speaking out over

victimization. Contacted on the issue Griffith said: “no worker should be made to feel uncomfortable in their place of work; whether onshore or off, the rights of workers under the laws of Guyana must always be protected. Any worker that faces unfair treatment from their employers or place of work is encouraged to engage with the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning to have their grievancesaddressed.”

According to WIN, “Workers on some of the supply vessels have reported that their rotation schedule changed from one month on/one month off to two months on/two months off, without clear justification This extended shift affects the workers' physical and mental well-being, keeping them away from their families for extended periods.”

The party also noted that although Guyana has enacted a Local Content Legislation with strict requirements, the local to foreign employee ratio remains worrisome

“Despite the availability of manyqualifiedlocals,onlya small fraction of the crew is Guyanese, challenging the local content regulation and raising questions about equitable job allocation and opportunities for local workers in an industry operating within our own waters,”thepartyargued.

Further, WIN said workers have expressed frustration over the prioritizationofforeignhires for positions that many trained and capable Guyanesecouldfill.

Additionally, the opposition party noted that compensation was also an issue raised by offshore workers who risk their lives daily, spending weeks at sea under high-pressure

(Continued on page 35)

From page 34

c o n d i t i o n s W I N highlighted, “Many of our offshore workers are paid only while they are offshore. It therefore means that their wages must last while they are onshore, until the followingrotation.”

The party shared that concerns were also raised aboutthequalityandcultural suitability of food provided on vessels, with meals often tailored to foreign crews while Guyanese workers struggle for familiar or adequate options during a rotation.

WIN alleged that a minister of government own several vessels that support the offshore operations hence workers' concerns continue to be overlooked as many are afraid they may lose their jobs for speaking out.

The party therefore called on the Labour Minister and all relevant authorities to conduct a thorough review of the employment practices, rotation chedules, working conditions, and welfare standards currently affecting offshoreworkers.

SATURDAY

Guyana to pay for oil spill insurance for Total Energies, losses above coverage

The new Production Sharing Agreement (PSA)

often flaunted by the government of Guyana for its improved fiscal terms features dangerous clauses that can significantly reduce the additional revenue being soughtbythecountry

One such provision imbedded in the deal requires Guyana to pay for oil spill insurance for the

To t a l E n e r g i e s - l e d consortiumthatwasrecently awardedanoffshoreshallow water block. Not only that, but Guyana has also agreed to pay for damages not coveredbytheinsurance.

T h e P e t r o l e u m Agreement and Exploration License was published by government this week, mere days after the deal was s i g n e d w i t h t h e o i l companies, Total Energies, QatarEnergyandPetronas.

According to Section Three of the PSA, insurance costs and losses can be recovered by the contractor without the approval of the Minister responsible for petroleum The Agreement states, “Insurance premium

insurancepursuanttoArticle

insurance is wholly or partly placed with an Affiliated Company of the Parties comprising the Contractor, such premium and costs shall be recoverable only to the extent generally charged by competitive insurance companies other than an Affiliated Company of a Party comp

Contractor.”

The contract goes on to note that losses not covered by the insurance can also be recovered, meaning that in suchaninstanceGuyanawill be paying for damages relatingtoanoilspill.

According to the PSA, “Costs, losses and damages incurred to the extent not made good by an insurance claim(s),mayberecoverable subject to the Minister's review and the initial verification and audit process of Article 41 of the Agreement and this Accounting Procedure, including costs, losses or damages resulting from the indemnities in Article 29 of the Agreement incurred to the extent not made good by aninsuranceclaim(s),unless such costs, losses o

damages have resulted s

Contractor.”

Total Energies has been awardedblockS4,locatedin shallow water, offshore Guyana The French c o m p a n y l e a d s t h e consortium with a 40% interest in the block, along with its partners, Qatar Energy and Petronas with 35% and 25% respectively Block S4 spans an area of approximately 1,788 square kilometres,located50to100 kilometres off Guyana's coastinwaterdepthsranging between30and100metres.

F o l l o w i n g i t s exploration activities in the block,thegroupwillmoveto

production activities if oil is discovered in commercial quantities.

Theagreementisthefirst t o b e s i g n e d s i n c e government introduced a revised PSA with greater fiscalbenefitstothecountry Amid the package is 10% royalty, 10% taxes and cost recovery capped at 65% monthly with profits to be split50/50.

Opposition parties condemn govt’s vile attacks on judiciary ...BarAssociation says some criticisms may be acceptable

ByDavinaBagot

The vile attacks on membersoftheJudiciary,by the current government, are a dangerous attempt to undermine democracy in Guyana, Leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, Azruddin Mohamed hassaid.

T h e M e m b e r o f Parliament (MP) and Opposition L

waiting addressed the issue in a statement, referencing the recent ruling by Justice Gino Persaud on the alleged evasion of billions in taxes on imported vehicles by the Mohameds.

He said that since the ruling on November 14, 2025 President Irfaan Ali, Vice President Bharrat

Jagdeo and Attorney General, Anil Nandlall has been constantly attacking theJudge'sdecision.

This week, President Ali in a live statement after the ruling said it incentivizes falsification of documents. He stated, “It's a ruling that wassoflawedthatitexposes our taxation system to criminality and fraud. For a matter of fact, the ruling of Gino Persaud is viewed by many professionals as one that can incentivize the falsificationofdocuments.”

The Head of State continued, “That ruling now

Further, he sent a clear m e s s a g e t o t h e administration, “In this matter, the GRA and to an extent, the government has other avenues to seek r e d r e s s S t o p t h e unwarranted attacks on the judiciary and use the same energy to address the late payment of hundreds of nurses and other struggles of grassrootsGuyanese.”

Mohamed was adamant that the Judiciary must be a

slatedforappealbytheGRA ( G u y a n a R e v e n u e Authority) has been widely criticized as perverse, internally inconsistent and disconnected from both established custom practice andtheeventintentionofthe CustomsAct82:01.”

Ali continued, “Many Guyanese remain baffled at howsuchaconclusioncould have been drawn...if Justice Persaud's decision is permitted to stand, its implications will be profoundly damaging It would effectively erect a judicial barrier, preventing

democraticcountry

The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) also raised similar concerns during a press conference on Friday.

Dexter Todd, a MP, told reporters that the party does not support any unwarranted comments directed towards members of the bench. He noted that the personal attacks on Judges from the top brass of the party underminetheindependence and reputation of the judiciary

the GRA from recovering taxes rightfully owed to the state once goods have been cleared.”

For his part, Mohamed argued that the government has failed to acknowledge that the three arms of government- legislative, executive and judiciarymust work together under a system of checks and balancestogovernacountry

To this end he made it clear, “The scorching and repeated attack against Justice Persaud and others is oneagainsttheJudiciary

A n a t t a c k o n t h e judiciary is an attack on the democratic norms of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and these arms must be allowed to operate independently.”

The MP reasoned that there must be a separation of power, highlighting what he describedasavileattemptto discredittheJudgesintegrity and professionalism each timeaCourtrulesagainstthe government.

understand oil and gas matters, he wasn't studying in this area and in the Teaching Service issue the man didn't understand right to strike and a whole host of issues concerning the tax regime Irfaan seems to be posturing as an expert in taxation,”hemocked.

Moreover, MP Ganesh Mahipaul questioned the s i l e n c e o f t h e B a r

Association and the Judiciary on the attacks by government. He pointed out, “Outside of Madam Justice RoxaneGeorgesittingonthe bench ruling in matters as a competent authority, she is also the Chancellor of the Judiciary acting so she must alsoprotectherflock.”

In Parliament, he explained that the Speaker tak es ch arg

President takes charge of the executive arm and the Chancellorisresponsiblefor theJudiciary Acceptablecriticism

In an invited comment, P

dent of the Ba

Further, he echoed the sentiments of Mohamed, urging government to utilize a higher court if it is not satisfiedwitharuling.

Additionally, the attoreny pointed out that the Bar Association too should be more attentive to such issues.

He explained, “When y o u c o m e o u t w i t h d e m o n s t r a t i n g y o u r government's position on a point,itcanbetantamountto intimidation These members of the judiciary are members of society, they havefamiliesandweneedto understand that type of p o l i t i c a l p r e s s u r e , interference, whatever you want to term it, must be condemned.”

Meanwhile, MP Sherod Duncansoughttohighlighta number of instances where top government officials discreditedthejudiciary “Intheissueoftheparent company guarantee they said the Judge didn't

Associa

ion, Kamal Ramkarran said that he will raise the statements made by President Ali with the Council. When asked about the Association's silence on such attacks on the judiciary b y g o v e r n m e n t , h e explained, “Every citizen is entitled to criticize the decision of a judge but that criticismmustnotgobeyond boundaries which are proper andpermissiblesowhileyou can say I believe that this decision was wrongly r e a s o n e d , i n c o r r e c t principles were applied, you cannot attack a Judge personally so there is a distinction between those twothings.”

To this end, Ramkarran noted that when the issue is discussed at the level of the Bar Association, the body will determine whether President Ali's comments or any other government official accused of attacking Judges went beyond acceptablecriticism.

THE DOG WHO LEARNED TO SAY ”THANK YOU”

Charlie was a playful goldendogwholivedwith theMillerfamily Heloved running around, chewing squeakytoys,andjumping onthecouchevenwhenhe wasn’t supposed to. The MillerslovedCharlievery much—buttherewasone thingCharlieneverdid.He never said thank you WheneverMr Millerfilled hisbowlwithfood,Charlie gobbled it up without wagging his tail When Mrs Miller brushed his fur, he ran away to chase butterflies.Andwhenlittle Emmathrewaballforhim, he just kept it and chewed it instead of bringing it back. Charliedidn’tmean toberude—hejustnever stopped to think about all the people who cared for him. One cold morning, t h e d a y b e f o r e Thanksgiving, Emma knitted Charlie a cozy orange scarf. She tied it around his neck and gave himabighug.

“There, now you’ll staywarm!”shesaidwitha smile. Charlie didn’t wag his tail. He didn’t lick her face.Hedidn’tevenlookat her Hejustwalkedaway

That night, when Charliewenttosleepinhis dog bed, something magical happened. A soft golden light filled the room, and a tiny glowing turkey fairy fluttered abovehim.

“You have been given

much love,” the fairy whispered “But love growsonlywhenweshow we’re thankful So t o m o r r o w , o n Thanksgiving Day, you will have the power to speakhumanwords—but onlyforoneday.”

And with a swirl of golden feathers, the fairy disappeared Charlie wokeupthenextmorning, stretched,andyawned.

“Good morning,” he said. Thenhefroze. He had spoken Out loud.InEnglish!

He ran to the kitchen, andwhenEmmasawhim, shedroppedherspoon.

“D-Did you just talk?” she gasped Charlie nodded. “Yes! I can talk t o d a y ! I s n ’t t h a t amazing?”

Emma gasped again, then screamed, “Mom! Dad!CharliecanTALK!”

Everyone came running Charlie barked happilyandshoutedwords atthesametime.

“Look! Look! Words! Talking words! This is fun!”

The Millers laughed and couldn’t believe their ears.All morning, Charlie talked nonstop. But even withthemagicgift,hestill didn’tsaythankyou.

WhenMrs.Millergave him food, he said, “More, please!”

When Mr Miller brushed his fur, he said, “Begentle!”

And when Emma played fetch with him, he said,“Throwitfarther!”

Everyone was amazed by a talking dog but something didn’t feel right At Thanksgiving

Doingtherightthing

ByUncleRoy

TherearetimeswhenIdosomething Thathurtssomeoneinsomeway, Itusuallymakesthemwanttoact Tomakemefeelbadandpay

SonowIknowthatImustalways Trytodowhatisright,Butthen thisismanytimeshardtotell, EventhoughItrywithallmymight.

AftermuchthoughtIhave foundtheanswerTohowI shouldalwaysbe

BeforeIactmakesureitwill nothurtothers,Andtheywill surelydothesameforme.

Origami Christmas Tree Cards How to Make

Step 1: Use the template or measure and draw squares inthesesizes:10x10cm,8x8 cm,6x6cm,and4x4cm.Cut themoutfromprintedpaper

Step 2: Take one square and fold it in half, then unfold

Step 3: Fold the square diagonally in one direction

and unfold Then fold it diagonally in the opposite direction

Step 4: Pin

e edges along the straight fold linestostartformingthe shape.Repeatsteps2–4forall foursquares.

Step 5: Stack the folded squares from

dinner, the Millers gathered around the table. There was turkey, mashed potatoes, cornbread, and warm pumpkin pie Charlie sat at the table too —justforthespecialday

One by one, each person said something theywerethankfulfor

“I’m thankful for my family,”saidMrs.Miller

“I’m thankful for my school,”saidEmma.

“I’m thankful for this wonderful meal,” said Mr Miller Then it was Charlie’sturn. Heopened his mouth… but no words came out He felt something strange inside hischest—aheavy,warm feeling. He looked at his family They had fed him, caredforhim,playedwith him, and loved him every day Andhehadneveronce saidthankyou.

His tail slowly curled betweenhislegs.

Hisears

(Continued on page 48)

largest to smallest and glue them onto your card, leaving spaceatthebottomforapot.

Space the layers out so they resem

e shape

Step6:Attachapotatthe base and decorate the card with gold dots and a star to completeyourfestivedesign!

We promised in our last issue to name and define the principles that will prove to best in guiding your life

Fairness, Honesty; Integrity, Human Dignity, Growth, Tolerance, Respect for nature,andLoyalty

These principles would help you to create a solidfoundationforyourlife withfullconfidencethatyou areonthecorrectpathtothe fulfilment of your life purpose. You will need to consider each of them, and ensurethatyourcharacteris alignedtothem.

Fairness – a sense of justice in all one’s dealing withothers;aproperbalance of conflicting interests achieved by subordinating one’s own feelings, prejudicesanddesiresinthe interest of the good of others. Thisistheprinciple thatwehavetocontemplate

every day, and in every situation we find ourselves, so as to be always in the right. It prompts us to use ourconscienceinallwedo.

Honesty – dealing in truth in every aspect; f a i r n e s s a n d straightforwardness of conduct; uprightness of character; adherence to a standardofwhatisrightand proper

This is another trait of our character in which we have to use our conscience, andreallytrytobeunselfish inourdeterminationofwhat is right or wrong in all our thoughts,wordsandactions. Integrity – the ability and willingness to live according to the values thatonehasadoptedashis mode of behaviour; firm adherence to a code of

Just as the captain of a ship needs a compass to guide him to his intended destination, we each need a set of principles to lead us to our life goals.

values; the quality

g completely undivided in his word, thought and action

The true test of our integrity is the measure of how much we adhere to the principles that we have adoptedasourwayoflife. Itwillnegativelyalways affect the other aspects of behaviour when we forget our principles and act selfishlyinanysituation.

Human dignity – the quality or state of being w

esteemed; sincerity in manner and appearance; respecting all others as you would like to be respected

One important thing to remember is that when we do not respect others we little by little lose our self-respect

Wewillcontinuenext week with the other principles that we have mentioned as necessary to our livelihood In the meantime, think on these andtrytoimproveeachone inyourpersonality

The Choice Is Yours

Ateverytimeandineveryplace,ofwhateverpeople youbelong,

Ifyouobservelifewithaclearhonesteye,you cannothelpbutsee–

Lifeiscastintwoclearmoulds,andyoursisthe freedomtochoose;

Yourchoicewilldetermineyourfatefornow,andall eternity

Ononehandthereistheidleside,withmany pleasuresthatcalltoyou,

Itiseasyasslidingdownahill,butfilledlaterwith destructionandsorrow,

Theothersidehasitshardships,withdisciplineand sacrificestoendure,

Butalwaysresultinginabrightfuture,fullof promiseandhopefortomorrow

Sohewhoispreparingtocarvehisdestinymustbe suretopassthetest,

Withcareandforethoughttochoosethepaththat wouldleadtohisbest.

Uncle Roy is once again appealing to all teens to write to himaboutanyproblemyoumaybefacingforwhichyouneeda solution. HewouldalsolikeyoutocontributetothisPageby submitting other material that he can include here. These include:

1.Apoem,shortstoryorbitofadvicethatyouhavewritten andwouldliketosharewithyourfellowteens.

2. Any significant event that has happened, or any interestingitemaboutwhatisgoingonaroundyou.

3.Acommentary about where you live to acquaint others about it. As mentioned before, you can email me at: uncleroy1992@yahoo.com

Solutions to last week’s Puzzle

GNBS IN FOCUS

KNOW WHAT YOU’RE BUYING: GNBS URGES

CONSUMERS TO SHOP QUALITY FURNITURE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

As Guyanese are preparingtoredecoratetheir homes with new furniture this Christmas season, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is urging consumerstoplacequalityat the forefront of their purchasing decisions during thispeakperiod. The GNBS monitors

furnitu

e under the mandatorynationalstandard

G Y S 9 - 5 : 2 0 0 3 –Specification for Labelling of Commodities, Part 5: Labelling of Furniture to

ensurehigh-qualityproducts are available on the local market.Thisstandard,which was updated in 2003, addresses long-standing consumerconcernsaboutthe qualityoffurniturelocally It seeks to prevent low-quality wood products from being marketed as high-grade materials while providing manufacturersandimporters with clear guidance on properindustrypracticesand standards. Its enforcement bytheGNBShelpsmaintain consumer confidence in

furnituresoldnationwide.

The standard specifies thateachlabelshouldclearly indicate the item type, the manufacturerorsupplier,the materials used and care instructions, allowing consumers to make wellin

g decisions.

Consumers are also encouraged to ensure that these labels remain attached untilthepointofpurchase,as a properly labelled item allowsbuyerstomakebetter choices. Thestandardseeks

t

misrepresentationofinferior wood products as premium varieties. Consumers should also check labels to verify whetherfurnitureismadeof solidwoodorparticleboard.

In addition, informed purchasing decisions help consumers avoid spending money on weak or poorly constructed items while contributing to higherqualityofferingsonthelocal market Concurrently,

manufacturers to produce stronger, safer, and more durablefurniture.

Further, furniture sellers are required to obtain a permit from the GNBS Application forms are availableontheformstabon ourwebsite,HeadOfficeand Sub-Offices.

Compliance Programme, wh

tors 17 categories of products; therefore, non-compliant furniture may be seized or requiredtoberelabelled. For further information, please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers 2190065, 219-0066, or via WhatsApp at 692-4627 (GNBS) or

Standards Po

tal at gnbsguy.co

During the holiday season, the GNBS intensifies its inspections at ports of entry, warehouses, and retail stores to protect consumersfromsubstandard or mislabelled goods. Furniturealsofallsunderthe B

Chinese-ownedsupermarketsreshapeGuyana’sretail...

SURGEINCHINESE BUSINESSES

Wallersonalsoaddressed theconcernssurroundingthe surge of Chinese-owned supermarkets in Guyana There has been some pushback within the

Frompage30 assess their needs, provides support, and ensures they receive essential packages. Wealsosupportorganisations like Joshua House and the Palms Geriatric Facility and maintaintheITLabattheSt Rose’s High School ” Additionally, every year, the supermarket provides a bursary award to the top performing student of every classlevelatSt Rose’sHighas well as an annual monetary packagetonearbySt Angela’s PrimarySchooltoassistinits upkeep Wa l l e r s o n a l s o h i g h l i g h t e d t h e supermarket’s customer loyalty programme, which allows shoppers with membership cards to accumulate points on every purchase.“Attheendofeach month, customers can redeem their points, which has helped strengthen relationships with our patrons, ” Wallerson explained.

business community on this issue with the Guyanese Businesses Owners Association (GBOA), comprising 65 entities and individuals earlier this year requested a meeting with President Irfaan Ali to address concerns regarding the proliferation of nonnaturalised Chinese owned businesses, predominantly supermarkets and hardware stores, throughout communitiesinthecountry

The Guyanese business owners were keen to note thatwhiletheyrecogniseand e m b r a c e h e a l t h y competition for the benefit

of consumers, their primary concern pertains to the perceived lack of adherence byChinesebusinessestothe same laws and regulations governing Guyanese enterprises. However, in a recent interview with this newspaper, Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) President, Kathy Smith urged local entrepreneurstoadaptrather than despair She told Kaieteur News that she is aware of the concerns being raisedbysmallshopowners inparticular “Ithinkmaybe it’s a valid concern on their part.” The GCCI President went on to note that the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues have started to address these issues by identifying red tapes and providing guidance to cross such hurdles.

In addition, she pointed outthatthegovernmentwillbe rolling out a Development Bank with seed financing to assist locals in business development to assist in boosting confidence and ultimately aid in the competition process Meanwhile, over at the Chamber, the President noted thatconversationsareongoing that are not focused on the problem, but rather, the solution To this end, she e x p l a i n e d , “ M y encouragement to small businessownersisthatletustry and push our business to be robust and to be strong. We want them to turn up every day,doingbusinessinawayto competewithanybodyaround them” Shewaskeentonote that this means designing a framework to ensure sustainability, starting with a businessaccountandchasing governmentbids.Smithsaid the Chamber has not received any complaints

regarding a takeover of business by the Chinese, Indians or other nationals.

According to her, “I think Guyanaisseenasaplacefor investment and as a private sector,usbeingtheengineof growth, we welcome any investment in our country once there are legal investment.”

She added that citizens are not merely Guyanese born but naturalised individuals who are also c h a s i n g b u s i n e s s opportunities in the rapidly expanding economy “So as a private sector, we cannot just separate the way of doing business based on nationality Welookedatthe entire ecosystem of business,andifithappensto be a foreign investor, somebody come from Trinidad, somebody come from New York, wherever theycomefrom,andthey’re doingbusinesstherightway, legal way, that is something that the private sector welcomes because it’s created employment for Guyanese that is added towards the growth and development of this economy,” the GCCI Presidentsaid.

REALVALUE FORMONEY

For his part, Wallerson said “many of the Chinese businesses have the resources to operate on a larger scale, which brings benefits like quality products and competitive pricing.” “But what sets Real Value apart is our understanding of the local culture and our focus on affordability We offer both original and more budgetfriendly products to cater to different customers, ensuring that no one is left out.”In addition, Wallerson spokeaboutthesupermarket’s strong relationships with

suppliers and the importance of sourcing locally whenever possible

“We try to support local farmersandproducers,which helps the economy and ensuresfreshproductsforour customers,”henoted Reflecting on the company’s approach to service and employee development, he shared that staff are trained to prioritise customer care and maintain efficiency

“We invest in our employees so that they can understand customer needs and deliver a better shopping experience Thisispartofwhat hashelpedusstandoutamong newer supermarkets,” Wallersonsaid

He also touched on how Real Value has embraced innovation and technology F r o m i n v e n t o r y management systems to automated point-of-sale processes, the supermarket continually updates its operations to maintain competitiveness and keep prices fair.

“It’s about combining modern business practiceswithacommunityfocused approach,” he added. Wallerson concluded by offering advice to the broader retail sector: “Competition is healthy It pushes all of us to improve. But for businesses to truly succeed in Guyana, they mustrespectthecommunity, understand the people, and give back whenever possible.

That’s what keeps customers loyal and ensures long-term growth ” As C h i n e s e - o w n e d supermarkets continue to expand,RealValueservesas an example of balancing scale, innovation, and cultural sensitivity, proving that growth and community responsibilitycangohandin hand.

EntrepreneurshipandTechnology2025Forum

Three Guyanese women have been selected to participate in the InterAmerican Development

B a n k ’ s G l o b a l

Entrepreneurship and Technology (GET) Forum 2025, sponsored by the WE3A project The prestigious event will take place in San Salvador, El Salvador, from November 30toDecember2,2025

Thethreerepresentatives are Ms. Avia Maria Lindie, an innovative strategist and CEO of Evolve Business Solutions Inc, Sophia Dolphin, founder of GloSee Marketing and PR, and Filisha Duke, trailblazer in workforce accessibility, the Founder&CEOofSureGig Inc., a company redefining HR leadership in Guyana. The women were chosen to represent three categories of the workforce; oil and gas, AI innovation and advocacy andmarketing.

Avia Maria Lindie, Innovative strategist and CEO of Evolve Business Solutions Inc.

Sophia Dolphin, Founder of GloSee Marketing and PR

Filisha Duke, Founder and CEO of Sure Gig Inc.

compliance.SheistheChief Executive Officer and Founder of Sure Gig Inc., ensuring businesses thrive while fostering inclusivity andethicalexcellence.

Duke has made a lasting impact across the shipping, logistics, and oil & gas industries A WE3A Accelerator awardee and YLAI alumna, she is dedicated to creating opportunities that empower individuals and strengthen organisations.

Her leadership is more than just strategy—it’s a blueprint for the future of work, where diversity, professional development, and ethical leadership shape sustainablesuccess. ThreewomenselectedtoparticipateinIDB’sGlobal

publication “I was also selected to present at the Forum on Evolve Business Solutions Inc., showcasing Avi AI and Silvie AI. The

back

participated in the WE3A Wo

The opportunity stems from the women’s active involvement as members of the Women’s Chambers and Commerce, which hosted

the WE3A training

programme Their participation in the training has led to this international recognition, showcasing the valueofcontinuouslearning

and engagement in professional development initiatives. WE3ARegional, Thunderbird School of Management, and the IDB Lab are sponsoring the event.

Ms Lindie was selected asleadfortheGETForumis an expert in her field, with over30yearsofcross-sector executive experience in entrepreneurship, blending strategicinsightwithpeoplecentered innovation Her expertise spans leadership development, governance, and digit transformationempowering organisations togrowwithclarity,purpose andresilience.

She is the Founder and CEO of Evolve Business Solutions Inc a GYs 901:2024 QMS-compliant a n d W E C o n n e c t International Certified Women’s Business Enterprise, and boutique

consultancy offering leadership development, businesstransformation,and digitalinnovationsolutions.

Sheisalsotheco-creator of Avi Al and Silvie Al, an Al-powere 24/7 Customer Service Representative deployed on WhatsApp and thewelin50+languages.

Ms Lindie told the

programme, ‘Strengthening Women Entrepreneurs in ValueChains,’hostedbythe Women’s Chamber of Commerce & Industry in Guyana.’”

Dolphin’s selection is a testament to her leadership and innovative approach in marketing and business networking. As the founder ofGloSeeMarketingandPR and host of the annual business networking event

s

entrepreneurship and community engagement, most notably through the annual Brunch with Bosses, which brings together business leaders for collaborationandgrowth.

At the GET Forum, Dolphin will join outstanding innovators and entrepreneurs from across the region, connect with investors, and explore new tools in business technology andinnovation.Shehasalso beeninvitedtopresentatthe WE3A booth, further highlighting her impact and expertise.

Theseasonedmarketing professional is passionate a b o u t u s i n g h e r platform—throughherradio show, social media, and annual networking event to help startups, professionals, andindustryleadersinvestin and support initiatives that d r i v e g r o w t h a n d empowerment. She told The Waterfalls, “This opportunity will not only benefit my enterprise but also bring valuable insights back to the local businesscommunity.” Her story of balancing

the demands of being a single mother and running a successful business is a powerful inspiration for

others, demonstrating what is possible with dedication andresilience.

Similarly, Filisha Duke

has over 18 years of corporate experience spanning recruitment, retention, and labour law

ByAllyiahAllicock

Skillful, creative, innovative are just some of the adjectives one can use to describe our featured young entrepreneur this week. Today readers, we turn the spotlight on the talented Maria DaCosta, the proud owner of a small handcrafted jewellery business called ‘Prttybymaria’

‘Prttybymaria’ which officially started online in October 2021,was one of those small businesses that sparked during the COVID pandemic.

In a recent exclusive interview with The Waterfalls, 23-year-old Da Costa shared that ever since she was young, she loved creating things with her hands. From crocheting, painting and

‘Prttybymaria’ ‘Prttybyma

FOR UNIQUELY HANDCRAFTED JEWELLERY

“They bring fresh new ideas that in turn help to inspire others to explore and discover their own potential.”

Young entrepreneur, Maria DaCosta

now jewellery making, she just knew where her passion lies.

Asked how ‘Prttybymaria’ came about, DaCosta said at first, she simply wanted to make pretty things for herself But after showing some friends and family, it caught the attention of others and persons started to want more of her creative pieces.“And then one thing led to another That’s how my small business grew into something I’m really proud of,”she shared.

For those who are not familiar, this local handcrafted jewellery business offers a wide range of things from beaded jewellery to wired wrapped jewellery to even pieces made with clay and shrink plastic. “Everything I offer is handcrafted and reflects a little bit of my creativity,” DaCosta pointed out.

With four years down since she started this business,the young woman related that the immense support and confidence booster really and truly came from her mother and a few of her closest friends. When in doubts, she noted that they have been the ones to

encourage and motivate her to keep going

“Even though I love my pieces, I sometimes second guess myself before pressing post, wondering if it’s good enough or if the price is right but with a little feedback from those around me, the second-guessing stops,”she stated.

Recalling her entrepreneurship journey at such a young age, DaCosta noted that there were those ups and downs moments.

She related that her biggest challenge so far has been putting her work out there confidently and building a stronger online presence Working to overcome this, the entrepreneur disclosed that at the moment she is trying her best to make TikTok videos and post more consistently “Every time I post, I get some engagement and it helps push my business out there,”she noted.

As she continues to improve on her online presence,DaCosta revealed that long term, she is hoping to have her uniquely crafted pieces be available in

more physical locations. She stated that currently she rents a shelf at Collage on Sheriff Street and is looking to rent a few more in the new year

Looking to further expand and bring about new opportunities, our featured entrepreneur is of the view that small business owners are vital for the growth of our communities.

“They bring fresh new ideas that in turn help to inspire others to explore and discover their own potential,” she expressed.

When questioned what she thinks can be done in our society to boost local small businesses, DaCosta recommended that more accessible vending spaces can be of great help Additionally, she mentioned that regular flea markets and pop-up events would give small businesses more opportunities to showcase their products.

For persons desirous of placing orders for handcrafted jewellery by Prttybymaria can connect with them through Instagram and TikTok using the business name.

Escapé Book Club

reflects on

year of diverse Guyanese voices

Tpast year been one of our most memorable at the Escapé Book Club as t h e g r o u p p r o u d l y spotlighted and supported two talented Guyanese authors.

Founder of the Escapé Book Club, Sameerah Mohamed-Ferouze told The Waterfalls that each author brought a completely different genre and creative experiencetoitsmembers.

The book club founder reflected on the most impactful moments on their 2025 calendar and was extremely proud to say that Guyanese authors were amongthetopoftheirlist.

S h e a s s e r t e d ,

“Celebrating local literature hasalwaysbeenimportantto us and 2024 allowed us to connect with writers whose work, personalities, and processes enriched our club inunforgettableways.”

“This year, showed us howpowerfulitistonotonly read local authors but to celebrate them, learn from them, and build real connections.

welcoming more local voices in the yearsahead.”

FEBRUARY: POETRY, HEART,AND CREATIVITY

Beginning the year in February, the founder noted that the club marked the month of love, with 'Loving Him or Maybe Too Much,' bypoetAkilahNoble. Her emotional and intimate style provided the perfect backdrop for a month dedicated to love and reflection. Her book is also available as an ebook on Barnes and Noble, which makes it easy for readers

toenjoyherwork.

Guyana

Akilah attended our Escapé in Blue DenimVibes and You meeting and her presence made the night

magical Beyond signing books and bringing thoughtful goodies for members, she did something incredibly special She shared her actual writing journal, drafts, and behind the scenes process. It was a work of art on its own filled with handwritten poems, edits, notes, and creative reflections.

Escapé Book Club is proud to support our literary community and we look

She walked readers through her journey as a writer, explained her methods in detail, and (Continued on page 48)

Tony's Auto Spares is hosting expos as a way to connect with their consumer base

Tony Auto Spares set to host final vehicle expo for 2025

With the expansion of the auto sales and spares market in Guyana, Tony's Auto Spares is exploringnewandinnovateways to connect with and grow their customerbase.

CEO of the auto dealership, Tony Ramcharan told this newspaper that this is the reason the company continues to host its signatureautoexpos.

The dealership is set to host nd2 and its final auto expo for the year on November 29 at its outdoor showroom located at Lot 1 Area D, Success & Chateau Margot, Public Road, East Coast Demerara.Thecompanyhosteda previousexpoinJuly

Mr Ramcharan explained that this their way connecting withtheconsumerbase.

“We wanted to meet customers face-to-face, show themwhoweare,andgivethema chance to see our inventory up close. Expos allow us to build stronger connections with the

public,” he said adding that the event gives customers more options, better quality, and flexibleofservices.

“We adapted by diversifying, expanding into tyres, adding a full vehicle dealership, and now engagingwithcustomersthrough exposandcommunityevents.”

AccordingtoMr Ramcharan, the visibility the event offers is second to none. Speaking on the heels of the last event, the

business owner said “The response was overwhelming

People appreciated the interaction, the transparency, and the deals. That alone was enough motivationtokeepgoing.”

“It was a major success. We saw strong customer turnout, meaningful questions, and we closed several deals on the spot. The collaboration with financing and insurance partners made the p

customers...,”hecontinued. A c c o r d i n g t o t h e businessman, customers want convenience.

“They want to see the car, know the financing options, and understand the insurance details in one place. That experience pushed us to strengthen our partnerships and create more customer-friendly packages Additionally, customers who never visited our locations before learned about our vehicles, parts, and tyres. It also helped us understand what customers truly want so we can adjust our stock andservices.”

Given that the previous expo was held at the dealership's newest location at Chateau

Margot ECD, the businessman said that he was very happy with thepeople'sresponse.

“PeoplelovedthatTony'swas there, and many said they appreciated seeing a familyowned business standing strong among larger brands because the demand is there. Customers kept asking when the next big event would be. We saw the impact expos had on community engagement and sales, so continuingmadesense,”hesaid.

The CEO noted the growth of his company and lauded his hardworking team for bringing thecompanysofar

“We've grown from a small parts dealer into a company with (Continued on page 48)

MahendraUmadat,29,theBest Graduating Student for the School of Medicine, winner of the Prime Minister's Award, as well as UG's Second Best Graduating Student, and Vishwani Ramkhelawan, 23, theBestGraduatingStudentforthe School of Dentistry shared that their journey through the university, as friends and classmates, was long but deeply impactful.

“I'mjustsoproudofmyselfand my friend as well. We came a long way from first year to the fifth year of medicine, it was five long years,”Umadatshared.

Ramkhelawan, 23, the Best Graduating Student for the School ofDentistry,and

“Graduating is exciting, and I'm very happy for me and my friends also. It was indeed an extremely long five years.” Her experience at the University of Guyana was a true rollercoaster, filled with early-morning classes, long clinic hours tending to

patients, and late-night study sessions that often stretched into dawn.

FRIENDS: Vishwani Ramkhelawan, 23, the Best Graduating Student for the School of Dentistry and Mahendra Umadat, 29, the Best Graduating Student for the School of Medicine, winner of the Prime Minister’s Award, as well as UG’s Second Best Graduating Student

breaks, refresh your spirit, spend timewithlovedones,andengagein activities that bring you joy

The top dentistry graduate encourages future dentistry students—and anyone pursuing a challenging programme to understandthatthejourneywillnot be easy It will demand your full mind,body,andcommitment.

Yet, she reminds you not to let the workload consume you. Take

Among her most cherished memories are the moments shared with her colleagues—outreaches, event planning, long study sessions, and simple lunches after class. Their companionship made even the hardest days manageable, and without them, the five years of dentalschoolwouldhavefeltlikea decade.

Today, Ramkhelawan stands proudly as the first university graduate and the first doctor in her family—a milestone that fills her with deep pride and gratitude. She credits her community and the University of Guyana for the unwaveringsupportthathelpedher reachthismoment.

Both friends, now being recognised for their exceptional hard work, expressed gratitude to their parents and close friends for

the motivation and support that helped carry them through. They spoke about the heavy workload and intense demands of their programmes but noted that leaning on each other made the journey possible.

Ramkhelewanhopestoworkin her field of expertise and later pursue her Master's in Public Health, while Umadat aspires to become an Internal Medicine specialistorapediatrician.

Golden Grove man dies in motorbike, bicycle collision Man, 52, murdered at Quakers Hall, Mahaicony

A motorcyclist, whom police is yet to identify, lost his life in an accident on Friday afterhecollidedwithapedalcyclist Police said that an investigation has been launched into the incident which occurred at about 21:15h along the Nabaclis Public Road, EastCoastDemerara(ECD)

Themotorcyclist,thepedalcyclistandthe child received injuries about their bodies as a result of the collision, and were transported to the Enmore Regional Hospital where the motorcyclist was pronounced dead on arrival.

His body is currently at the Memorial GardensFuneralHomeawaitingapost-mortem examination,whiletheinjuredpedalcyclistand childremainhospitalized

“Preliminaryinvestigationsrevealedthata HondaXRmotorcycle,blackandredincolour, wasproceedingwestalongthesouthernlaneof thepublicroadwhenit collided with a pedal cycleriddenbya23-year-oldself-employed maleofSidelineDam,GoldenGrove,E.C.D who was at the time crossing the roadway with a female pillion rider, age 8, also of GoldenGrove,”policesaid.

A52-year-oldmanwasonFriday killed at Quakers Hall, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD). The dead man has been identified as Sesupaul Ramgobin, also knownas'JohnPaul'.

Police in a statement said that at about 23:00h relatives heard what appeared to be an explosion and discovered Ramgobin lyingmotionlessonthestairsofhishome.

Areportwasmadetothepoliceresulting inthelaunchofaninvestigation.

“The scene was processed by

investigators where the deceased was observed with an injury to the back of the head and additional injuries to the upper body, suspected to be gunshot wounds. No spent shells were recovered at the scene,” police said. Ramgobin was taken to the Mahaicony Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His body was thentakentoBailey'sFuneralHomewhere itawaitsapost-mortemexamination. Noarrestshavebeenmade Investigationsareongoing

GT Mayor among UG 2025 graduates

- urges those facing challenges to achieve academic goals to never give up

When Georgetown's Mayor, Alfred Mentore

walked across the

graduation stage on Saturday,hewasnotonlybe collecting a Bachelor's Degree in International

Relations from the University of Guyana, and he was completing a very important journey he began morethantwodecadesago.

“This degree made my jobaloteasier Iwasableto

understand from an academic standpoint what I wasdoinginreallife.Itgave me a deeper perspective on howtoaddressandapplymy learnings to everyday matters and to make more informed decisions as Council head,” the Chief Citizen proudly said in an

interview with UG's Department of Events, C o n f e r e n c e s a n d Communication(DECC).

But Mayor Mentore's academic journey was

a n y t h i n g b u t straightforward. More than 20 years ago, he pursued a degree in Economics in the late 1990s Later, he switched to Banking and Finance in the early 2000s. Both times, life shifted, and sodidhispriorities.“Ihadto shelve my aspirations I needed to secure a solid livelihood, develop a businessportfolio,andbuild partnershipsthatcreatednet worth. My work as a real estate investor and entrepreneur took precedence,”heexplained.

Eventually, he found himself drawn into another area he always cared about public service “I always had an interest in politics,” he said That interest grew into responsibility when he became a city councillor, later Deputy Mayor, and ultimately Mayor of Georgetown.

Still, the desire to finish what he started never left him. “Coming full circle… that has always been foremostinmymind.Ifeltit was necessary to complete thisfirststepinmyjourney And I'm not stopping here—my master's is next. Learning is a lifelong journey,”hesaid.

Whenhefinallyreturned to university, it was during one of the most challenging periods in modern history COVID-19 “It was around 2020–2021. I had to care for citizens, d i s c h a r g e m y responsibilities as Deputy

Georgetown's Mayor, Alfred Mentore

Mayor, and continue working as part of an essential service entity,” he recalled.

Atthesametime,hewas raising a young family, including two teens, who still needed their father's presence. “My family gave me the support I needed. A lot of resourceful people played their part in helping mepursuethisdegree.”

According to the Chief Citizen,balancingworkand study was extremely difficult. “It was hard and tiring.Ihadtoswitchonand off between work and study and still put on a brave face every day.” Still, he found motivation in wanting to complete his degree before his daughter graduates next year “I wanted bragging rights. And I wanted her to get her own moment,” he saidwithalaugh.

“The lecturers at UG were well informed and interactive.Theexperiences at UG strengthened my leadership capacity and widened my knowledge base. My learning will truly shape how I see things locally, regionally, and internationally,”heshared.

“My role will always be to find workable solutions for the greater good of the City and the nation,” he added.

In this regard, Mayor Mentore has a heartfelt messageforpublicservants, w o r k i n g p a r e n t s , entrepreneurs, and young people who feel that pursuing their education is beyond their reach: “Never give up on your dreams. Keepyoursightontheprize! If I could come full circle anddedicatethetime,while runningthecity,tocomplete this journey why not you?”

He continued: “Many people are qualified for the job they are doing, but not certified.Andsometimes (Continuedonpage46)

Frompage15 the same technical engagement, observing generatormanagement,load balancing, environmental safeguards, and the digital systems used to ensure efficiencyandreliability.

Akela T

ill, a mechanical engineering student from GTI said “The tour was very interesting, I learntalot.

Ilearnthowtheyproduce electricity for the grid, how theyusetheexhauststeamto heat up the broiler and the steam from the broiler, turn the turbines and how it's recycled.I'mthrilledtopass on what I learnt to fellow students.”

Country Manager for KARPOWERSHIP Guyana

Mr EarlCarribonnoted“We at Karpowership were pleasedtohoststudentsfrom GTIandGITCaspartofour continued effort to promote skills development within theenergysector.Weremain committed to creating mea

g opportunities that support Guyana's growing technical workforce.”

T h e K a r a d e n i z Powership Ela Sultan is one of two power ships that continue to play an important role in stabilizing Guyana's electricity supply by reliably delivering stable power to the GPL grid. The otherpowershipislocatedat Everton in Berbice, Region 6.

U.S.revokesTrinidadian...

From page 13 to stopping drugs and guns fromenteringTrinidadand Tobago

Aboud questioned why the United States did not provide fast interceptor vessels, modern radar systems, or a functioning helicopter to protect this country'sborder

"Oursouthernmaritime

borde

s across the Gulf of Paria remains a free passage for human trafficking, guns, drugs, livestock, illegal immigrants, and contraband Where is the permanent joint base that should be monitoring and defending this vulnerable frontier?" he asked

GTMayoramong...

Frompage45

someonecomesalongwitha certificate and gets your job not because they're more capable, but because they're certified. I believe c e r t i f i c a t i o n a n d qualificationaretwodistinct things.Soregardlessofyour constraints, find a way to get certified There are so many avenues now, online or otherwise And

Government is doing much more to make that journey possible.”

Mayor Mentore reminds usthatnomatterhowlongit takes, no matter how many times life redirects you, and no matter how heavy your r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s become—your dreams are still valid and still within reach (University of GuyanaFeature)

Nicki Minaj's diplomatic moment, explained

(CNN) Nicki Minaj addressedthosegatheredfora specialeventinNewYorkon Tuesday meant to draw attention to what some are saying is the plight of ChristiansinNigeria

The rapper was introduced by President Donald Trump's ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltzandbeganherremarks byexpressinghernervousness and thanking both Waltz and Trump She then said it was “an honor” to be present “to shineaspotlightonthedeadly threats faced by thousands of ChristiansinNigeria”

“I stand here as a proudNewYorkerwithadeep senseofgratitudethatwelive in a country where we can freelyandsafelyworshipGod regardless of one's creed, background, or politics,” she said. “No group should ever be persecuted for practicingtheirreligion,like I recently stated on social media.Andwedon'thaveto share the same beliefs in order for us to respect each other.”

The US president recently sparked alarm in Nigeria after he said he was considering military action thereandwouldceaseaidover what he claimed was the Nigeriangovernment'sfailure to protect Christians from a “mass slaughter” by Islamist insurgents in the African nation Experts have said the situationismorenuancedthan presentedbytheUSpresident, with both Christians and Muslims being victims of violence by Islamic extremists The Nigerian government also rejected Trump's comments “We are shockedthatPresidentTrump is mulling an invasion of our country, ” Nigerian presidential spokesperson BayoOnanugatoldCNNafter theUSpresidentinstructedthe Pentagon to prepare for possiblemilitaryaction

Calling Nigeria “a beautiful nation with deep faith traditions,” Minaj noted in her address on Tuesday that some of her devoted fanbase, known as the Barbz, live there “I am joined here today by peace builders, by faith leaders, by those who saw violence, saw intolerance, saw the threats clearlybeforeusandchosenot tolooktheotherway,”Minaj said “I am inspired by their worktobuildinterfaithties,to see the humanity across the lines which might divide us and to vie and to fight for security and liberty for all thosewhopray” WaltzsharedhowMinaj's invitation to speak at the US

mission in New York came aboutinaninterviewonFox News on Tuesday morning, saying she was asked to speak after expressing supportofaTruthSocialpost from Trump in connection withtheNigeriaissue.“Toour astonishment, she accepted,” Waltzsaid.“Sheisreachinga whole other swath of people who may not follow these issues, and it's going to be a greatday”

Waltz wrote earlier this week that the rapper “is not only arguably the greatest female recording artist, but also a principled individual who refuses to remain silent inthefaceofinjustice”“I'm grateful she's leveraging her massiveplatformtospotlight the atrocities against Christians in Nigeria, and I lookforwardtostandingwith heraswediscussthestepsthe President and his administration are taking to end the persecution of our Christian brothers and sisters,”hewrote Minaj posted about her gratitudefortheinvitationon X

“Ambassador, I am so gratefultobeentrustedwithan opportunity of this magnitude,” she wrote “I do nottakeitforgranted Itmeans morethanyouknow” She also referenced her fanbase

“TheBarbz&Iwillnever stand down in the face of injustice,” Minaj wrote “We've been given our influence by God. There must be a bigger purpose.” Minaj, who recently made headlines because of an explosive online beef with fellow rapper Cardi B, has offered her admiration for Trump before. Earlier this month, she shared a screenshot on X of Trump's Truth Social post about Nigeria and his plans to act, writing, “Reading this gave meadeepsenseofgratitude” “We live in a country where we can freely worship God,” she wrote “No group should ever face persecution for practicingtheirfaith Wedon't havetosharethesamebeliefs to respect one another” The WhiteHouseTikTokaccount this month joined the viral “Beez In The Trap x What's Up?”remix,whichcombines the 1992 4 Non Blondes hit “What's Up?” with Minaj's 2012“BeezInTheTrap”The White House video featured scenesofTrumpandfirstlady MelaniaTrumpalongwiththe remix Minajrespondedinthe comments on the video by thanking the Trumps and saying, “This is pretty incredible”

WANTED VACANCY

Sales Clerk wanted to work in store. Attractive salary offered. Call: 661-1000.

Wanted Drivers To Drive Canters , Experience Is An Asset . Porters To Work In Warehouse. Attractive Salary . Tele: 673-7373 .

Reputable transportation service is seeking experienced Chauffeur with mini bus and hire car license. Call: 645-0025.

Wanted one Maid.For more information please Call: 680-1282.

Wanted 1 House Cleaner in Georgetown. Must be honest and reliable, age 40-45 years. Contact 227-2321.

Job opening: Truck Driver, AC Technicians, Excavator and Skid Steer Operator. To apply send application via WhatsApp: 689-1111/ 6082114.

Sales Rep needed, ages 1830 years. Knowledge of vehicle model will be an asset. Contact: 619-1237.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, spoiler, low mileage PTT Series (first owner). Call: 649-0956.

VISA Application for USA, Canada, UK, ETA, ETC. Naturalisation guidance + application filling & Building Plans. Tel: 626-7040.

. Whatsapp+1 (437)-882-7147.

One clerk for TSI Eccles office English 1, Maths 2 call 615-9132 or email application to techserigy@yahoo.com.

Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, age 23-50, Car/ Van licence. Call 615-9132.

Maid for East Bank area call 615-9132.

One (1) female cleaner for Eccles office call 645-8443.

Painter and Electrician call 615-9132.

Vacancy for 1 live in care taker handy . $100,000 monthly , grocery included (free medical) , Call : 6955310/627-9945

Experienced office clerk, 30 yrs or older, proficiency in Microsoft Office, send application to: lawofficevacancy014@gmail.com

PITMEN NEEDED for interior location. Applicants must be experienced. Call: 231-2550.

FOR RENT

Spacious Two Bedrooms , Two Bathrooms Apartment Available For Rent . Lot 16 Ketley Street Charlestown . Tel:687-6008 .

6 fully furnished 2 bedroom apartments for rent in Providence E.B.D (Gated Community). Suitable for a company / expats. Call: 619-0194

Tony Auto Spares set to host final vehicle expo...

From page 41 multiple locations offering parts, tyres, and a wide range of vehicles. The greatest contributors to that growth are customer trust, a hardworking team, and always paying attention to what the market is asking for.”

MORE VEHICLES, MORE DEALS

With a goal to reach more communities across Guyana, the dealership is offering wide variety vehicles.

Operation's manager Jasper Ramcharan noted that the aim is continue expanding nationwide and strengthening the relationship that company has the communities they serve through more outreach events, more locations, and more customer-centred initiatives.

“They (the customer) love new models, tech features, good financing options, and of course, they want to interact with people who under-

stand what they're looking for in a vehicle.

It keeps us relevant, visible, and connected. Younger customers especially want brands they can trust and interact with,” he said adding that the new lineup of vehicles, especially the popular models like the Axio, Fielder wagons, newer Vezels, and the Toyota Taisor V Spec.

Representing the next generation of the family business, Jasper noted that his

aim is to help modernize the brand, build a stronger online presence, smoother operations, and maintaining the company's reputation.

“Yes, there are many regions we want to reach, and expos are the perfect way to do that.

I want Support local. Your support helps families grow, communities grow, and businesses like ours continue to provide opportunities and service to the country.”

Escapé Book Club reflects on year of diverse...

From page 41 answered every question with kindness and sincerity.

“That level of openness created an experience that felt personal and inspiring and we were honoured to present her with a token of appreciation for giving so much of herself to the evening,” the founder reflected.

SEPTEMBER: A SHIFT INTO PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE

In September, MohamedFerouze said that the club shifted from delicate poetry to

dark psychological suspense when they attended the launch of Leech by Jasmaine Payne. Her novel introduced a bold new genre to Guyanese literature and captivated our members in a completely different way. Jasmaine's book can be purchased locally right here in Guyana and it is also available on Amazon for international readers.

The launch embraced a Victorian theme and club members went dressed in costumes to match the atmo-

sphere of the book. It became one of the club's most creative and exciting outings.

The book club founder told this publication that Jasmaine later attended our first Friendsgiving celebration beautifully dressed to match the theme and ready to discuss her book, her characters, and the inspirations behind her story.

“She signed books, connected with our members, and received a token of appreciation from the club.”

TWO GENRES, ONE

CONNECTED COMMUNITY

Mohamed-Ferouze noted that although Akilah and Jasmaine write in very different genres, one centered on expressive poetry and the other rooted in psychological thrillers, both experiences brought something special to the book club. “Their willingness to share their journeys, answer questions, and engage with club members reminded them of the incredible talent we have in Guyana,” she said.

2025 Haliborange Giving Tree Initiative launched...

From page 16 Giftland. For every purchase, 5% will go directly to the Giving Tree fund, and Massy Stores (Guyana) Inc. will match that 5%, doubling the impact made by customers. All proceeds will be handed over to GPHC on Christmas Day. Care packages will also be handed over to the children at the hospital.

During a ceremony at Massy Stores Mega, Her Excellency First Lady Arya Ali shared her support for the initiative, stating: “This initiative reflects what my office continues to champion across Guyana, creating safe, nurturing and meaningful spaces for our children no matter where they live.” She continued, “I want to thank Massy Distri-

ACCOMMODATIONS

Call: 264-2946-9

Call / Whatsapp : 648-0111.

CAPE pure Mathematics online lessons. M.I.Karimullah (Guyana Scholar), BSc, MSc. Email: capegy592@gmail.com / WhatsApp: 724-9552. EDUCATION

Aracari Hotel, WBD (Versailles, Vreed-en-Hoop)A/C, all amenities & breakfast included. From $78 US. Call: 264-2946.

bution and Haliborange for leading with care and for consistently supporting the wellbeing of our young kids.”

Bhashkaranand Singh, Sales Director of Massy Distribution, said, “At Massy Distribution, corporate social responsibility is not an obligation, it is a core part of who we are. We believe that every organisation, regardless of size or sector, has a responsibility to help improve the communities it serves.”

Christpen Bobb-Semple, Assistant Vice President &

General Manager, Massy Stores (Guyana) Inc., added, “We are always excited about initiatives that allow our customers to participate in being a Force for Good.”

He also saidl, “At Massy, we often speak about Love and Care, and this partnership is one of the most meaningful ways to demonstrate those values, by stepping up where it truly counts and involves our customers in the process.”

Last year’s Giving Tree Initiative helped deliver the

joy of Christmas to a number of children across Guyana. This year’s renewed effort focuses on creating meaningful change within the healthcare system by supporting young patients and giving families hope during the holidays.

Through the generosity of customers and the commitment of Haliborange and Massy Distribution, the initiative continues to grow into a holiday tradition rooted in care, community, and compassion.

THE DOG WHO LEARNED TO SAY ”THANK YOU”...

From page 36 drooped. “I… I should say something,” he whispered.

Emma reached out and gently touched his paw. “Charlie, it’s okay.” Charlie took a deep breath.

“I’m thankful for all of you. I never showed it. I never wagged or licked or even looked at you when you were kind to me. I didn’t know how important it was to say thank you… but now I do.”

His eyes filled with tears.

“Thank you for taking care of me. Thank you for playing with me. Thank you for loving me.”

The room was quiet.

Then the whole family wrapped their arms around him in a big group hug. Charlie’s tail wagged so hard the chair shook.

From that moment on, he said thank you every chance he got — even after the magic wore off at midnight and he

could no longer speak human words.

He wagged his tail when he got food.

He nuzzled Emma when she brushed his fur.

He placed the ball gently at her feet during fetch.

Charlie couldn’t talk anymore — but he didn’t need to. His actions said thank you every day.

And the Millers loved him even more for it.

The End!

Several international airlines cancel their flights in Venezuela after US warning

Aview of a departures and arrivals screen is seen at the Simon Bolivar International airport in Maiquetia, La Guaira State, Venezuela June 3, 2024. REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria

Reuters - A view of a departures and arrivals screen is seen at the Simon Bolivar International airport in Maiquetia, La Guaira State, Venezuela June 3, 2024. REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria Purchase LicensingRights,opensnew tab

MADRID, Nov 22

(Reuters) - Three

international airlines canceled their flights departingfromVenezuelaon Saturday, the day after the U S Federal Aviation Administration warned major airlines of a “potentially hazardous situation” when flying over thecountry Brazil’sGol,Colombia’s Avianca and TAP Air

Portugal canceled their flights departing from

Caracas on Saturday, according to Flightradar24 and the official website of Simon Bolivar Maiquetia InternationalAirport.

Aeronautica Civil de Colombiasaidinastatement there were “potential risks” of flying in the Maiquetia area“duetothedeterioration of security conditions and increasedmilitaryactivityin theregion.”

TAP Air Portugal confirmed it canceled its flights scheduled for Saturday and next Tuesday “This decision follows information issued by the United States aviation authorities, which indicates that safety conditions in Venezuelan airspace are not guaranteed,” the company toldReuters.

Spain’sIberiaalsosaidit

wascancelingtheirflightsto Caracas from Monday until further notice. The Spanish company’s flight scheduled on Saturday to Madrid from Venezuela’s capital departed.

“The company will assessthesituationtodecide when to resume flights to that country,” an Iberia spokespersontoldReuters.

CopaAirlinesandWingo kept their flights departing fromMaiquetiaonSaturday

The U.S. FAA notice cited the “worsening security situation and heightened military activity inoraroundVenezuela”and said threats could pose risks foraircraftatallaltitudes.

Therehasbeenamassive American military buildup in the region in recent months, including the U.S.

Navy’s largest aircraft carrier, at least eight other warships,andF-35aircraft.

L a t a m A i r l i n e s (LTM.SN), opens new tab flight to Bogota scheduled

for Sunday has also been canceled, Flightradar24 says.

Israel launches fresh wave of deadly air strikes across Gaza

Aljazeera - An Israeli ‘kamikaze’drone blew up a vehicle on a busy street in Gaza City on Saturday, the latest test of the fragile ceasefire. It was just one of several Israeli attacks that killed at least 24 people acrosstheenclave.

At least 24 Palestinians, including children, were killed on Saturday, Gaza’s Government Media Office said, as the Israeli military carried out strikes in Gaza City and in central Gaza’s Deir el-Balah and Nuseirat refugeecamp.

Another 87 people were alsowoundedinthewaveof attacks.

“This is a reminder that theceasefireisquitefragile, and in fact, [that the] violenceneverendedatall,”

AlJazeera’sHaniMahmoud reportedfromGazaCity

Noting that hundreds of Palestinianshavebeenkilled since the United Statesbrokered ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas came into effect on October 10, Mahmoud said fear continuestogripGaza.

Israel has killed at least

318 Palestinians and injured 788 others since the truce began last month, according tothelatestfiguresfromthe Palestinian Health Ministry inGaza.

“What was going at a veryfastpaceinthepastfew years has now turned into this slow and steady pattern ofkilling,”Mahmoudsaid.

On Saturday, the Israeli militarysaiditwastargeting Hamas after its troops came under attack near the socalledyellowline,wherethe army remains stationed in Gaza.

A statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office also said five senior Hamas members were killed. The Palestinian group did not immediately commentonthatclaim.

Hamas condemned the latest Israeli attacks as part of Israel’s “systematic” violations of the ceasefire agreement, which it said have killed Palestinians under“fabricatedpretexts”.

It also said Israel has pushedwestwardbeyondthe yellow line, changing the boundary set out as part of

thedeal.

“We call upon the mediators to intervene urgently and exert pressure to immediately halt these violations,” the Palestinian groupsaidinastatement.

“Wealsodemandthatthe US administration fulfill its commitments and compel [Israel] to implement its obligations, and to confront itsattemptstounderminethe ceasefireinGaza.”

WestBankattacks

Meanwhile, more Israeli military and settler violence was reported on Saturday in the occupied West Bank amid what the United Nations has described as a record-breaking surge in attacksonPalestinians.

The Palestinian news agency Wafa said Israeli settlersassaultedPalestinian farmerssoutheastofMasafer Yatta, in the West Bank’s SouthHebronHillsarea.

Separately, Wafa said Israelisoldiersalsowounded two Palestinians during a raidinDura,atownsouthof Hebron.

IsraeliattacksintheWest Bank have increased in the

shadow of Israel’s war on Gaza, which has killed nearly70,000Palestiniansin the coastal enclave since October2023.

They also come as membersofIsrael’sfar-right governmentpushtoformally annextheterritory

L a s t w e e k , a spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights noted that 260 Israeli settler attacks

were recorded in October –more than in any month since2006.

“The surge in violence comes as Israeli authorities have ramped up home demolitions, the seizure of property, arrests, and movement restrictions, alongside the unabated building of settlements and outposts and the forcible displacementandtransferof thousandsofPalestiniansby

Israeli settlers and the military,” Thameen AlKheetansaidinastatement.

“Permanently displacing the Palestinian population within occupied territory amounts to unlawful transfer, which is a war crime.

ThetransferbyIsraelof parts of its own civilian population into the territory itoccupiesalsoamountstoa warcrime.”

Brazil’s Bolsonaro arrested as flight risk days before start of prison term

Aljazeera - The former presidentistakeninBrasilia due to alleged escape plan before prison time for leadingacoupattempt.

Brazil’s Supreme Court has ordered the preemptive arrest of former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, withajudgeclaiminghewas intent on escaping just days beforehewassettobeginhis prisonsentenceforleadinga coupattempt.

The 70-year-old politician was taken to the headquartersofthecountry’s federal police in the capital, Brasilia, from his house arrestonSaturday Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who oversawthecase,saidinhis rulingthatBolsonaro’sankle monitor, which he has worn since July 18 for being

deemed a flight risk, was violated at 12:08am (03:08 GMT)onSaturday “Thatinformationshows the intent of the convict to break the ankle monitoring to assure his escape is successful, which would be madeeasierbytheconfusion that would be caused by a demonstration organised by hisson,”thejusticesaid.

He said there was a chance of Bolsonaro fleeing to embassies in his neighbourhood to request politicalasylum.

The Supreme Court justice also mentioned other defendants in the coup case and political allies of the former president leaving Braziltoavoidjail.

The development comes days before the former presidentwassettobeginhis

Former President Jair Bolsonaro, in Brasilia, Brazil, onAugust 16, 2025, was tried under house arrest for attempting a coup [Andre Borges/EPA]

27-year prison sentence for leadingacoupattempt.

Sentenced for coup attempt

Local media reported

that Bolsonaro, who was Brazil’spresidentfrom2019 to 2022, was expected to begin serving his sentence sometime next week after

exhausted all appeals of his convictionforleadingacoup attempt.

Bolsonaro’s legal team had previously argued that heshouldservehissentence for a botched coup bid in 2022 at home, arguing imprisonment would pose a risktohishealth.

Bolsonarowasconvicted inSeptemberoverhisbidto prevent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva from taking power following the 2022election,whichhelost.

Theeffortsawcrowdsof rioters storm government buildingsaweekafterLula’s inauguration, evoking comparisons with the January 6 riot at the United StatesCapitolafterhisclose ally, President Donald Trump, lost the 2020

electiontoJoeBiden.

Trump has branded the prosecution of his far-right ally a “witch-hunt” and made it a major issue in US relations with Brazil, imposing stiff tariffs on the country as a form of retribution.

Trump and Lula held what Brazil described as a constructive meeting on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Kuala Lumpur last month, raising hope for improved relations afterstingingUStariffs Lula said the meeting withTrumpwas“great”and added that their countries’ negotiatingteams would get to work “immediately” to tackle tariffs and other issues.

BLUNT BLUNT

Accept your blunder and grow your balls

Guyana's oil sector is being managed worse than a cake shop with a few self-appointed experts who believe their decisions cannot be questioned. Instead of clearly blocking oil companies from recovering royalty payments, the Ministry of Natural Resources claims “it is widely understood” that royalty cannot be recovered.

It is also “widely understood” that oil companies should pay for damages caused by an oil spill, yet the very PSA sought to make this clear. It is also “widely understood” that decommissioning monies should be readily available, yet the very PSA makes new requirements to ensure this is in place.

Likewise, it is “widely understood” that no company should be shielded from the laws of a sovereign nation, yet the contract sends this clear message. The ministry and government by extension should accept its blunder and seek to correct it before it is too late and Guyanese are forced to suffer the consequences of a government that refuses to appoint experts to manage the sector through a Petroleum Commission.

This government has already proven it lacks the competence and balls to not only govern the industry, but negotiate with the 'giants' that are already in our backyard.

Eagles seeking change of luck from weather ahead of battle under lights

ByCliftonRoss

Following a string of interruptions from the weather, the Guyana Harpy Eagles will be praying for change of fortune from Mother Nature come tonight, when they face hosts, Trinidad & Tobago Red Force in a duel under lights at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy Ground;

from14:00hstentatively To date this could be the biggest challenge for the Harpy Eagles, with the Red Force playing into their knowledgeoftheconditions as well as their performance on Friday night when they dismantled the Jamaica Scorpions by a 75-run deficit.

Windward Volcanoes which was washed out recently, Guyana will have to fire on all cylinders, in both departments as they look to topple an experienced, dangerousRedForcesquad.

Thehostsrackedup2568 before sucking the air out oftheScorpions,astheykept them to 181 all out. With

today’s match being another encounter under lights, the RedForceshouldfancytheir chances given their recent win under similar conditions.

Berbice River Cricket Association T20 Competition culminates today

Sunday November 23, 2025

ARIES(Mar 21–Apr 19)

Tension may arise today, Aries.It'spossiblethatyou're either too dreamy or too practical to deal effectively with the issue. It's important to strike a balance The toughest part will be finding otherswhoagreewithyou.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Yesterday's trajectory may runintotroubletoday,Taurus. Your intrinsically dreamy nature is dragging down the action you initiated This conflict could create tension that will be difficult to resolve.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Try to align your mind with youremotionstoday,Gemini. It's possible that a powerful yet subtle force is slowly pullingyouofftrack.

CANCER(June21–July22)

An emotional issue could be rubbing you the wrong way, Cancer Your impulse is to escape. Try to do so in a healthy manner Go see a movie or read a book. Don't fall prey to the temptation to indulgeinalcoholorfood.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Yourartisticsidewantstotake to the airwaves in some way, Leo Perhaps you should considerbuildingawebsiteor becomingacommentatorona localradioshow

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

It may be apparent that what was so light and active yesterday is running into a few roadblocks today, Virgo. You're suddenly heading into a brick wall with some of the projects you've been working on.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

There may be dreaminess about your emotions today, Scorpio,whichcouldkeepyou from focusing on the task at hand. The aspects dictate that people may be stubborn and confused-andyou'relikelyto beoneofthem.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21)

Little voices whisper in your ear and ask you to take flight and join them in the clouds, Sagittarius There's tension between what your heart and mind tell you. They're pulling you in very different directions.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

Recentspiritualbreakthroughs might have you feeling both exhilarated and downcast, Scorpio. Your sensitive side tells you that this is a definite step forward on your spiritual path.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Something or someone may prod you to take action today, Capricorn. It may be best if you beat them to it and motivateyourself.Breakaway fromtheherdandgowherever youwanttogo.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20–Feb 18) You might experience a great deal of emotional confusion,Aquarius.There'sa debatebrewinginsideyou,and you're having a hard time deciding whether to be practicalormorefanciful.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar 20)

It will be a challenge to keep youremotionsonanevenkeel today,Pisces.Conflictmaybe brewing and you might fear it could get out of hand Everythingwillworkout.

Guyana has yet to show its bowling blueprint this season due to rain mostly, but with left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, Richie Looknauth and Junior Sinlcairforminganew-look, three-headed spin weapon; theEaglescouldlooktotheir slowerbowlersforthatextra buff. All-rounders Ronaldo Alimohamed, Keemo Paul and Thaddus Lovell will havemuchworktodointhe

department; given Friday’s show of confidence from opener Red Force Cephas Cooper who hit 72 and v

-order batsman Jason Mohammed whoscored84.

But with a stacked lineup including talents like Jyd Goolie, Windies wicketkeeper and ed Force skipper JoshuaDaSilva,KjornOttley, Terrance Hinds and Yannic Cariahallcapableofturningin quick runs; the Eagles’ bowling attack will have to be on point this evening. LeggyCariahwhobagged4 wickets alongside Goolie’s part-time off-break which returned3scalps,ledtheRed Force bowling during their win on Friday; with the experienced medium-pacer Hinds claiming a wicket to further help push a case for an advantage between the two bowling sides heading intotonight’sgame.

Kevlon Anderson, Matthew Nandu the skipper and Raymond Perez each scored fifties in the opening game before its stoppage and couldbelookedupontofetch majority of the batting responsibilities

The likes of Kemol Savory, Mavindra Dindyal and all-rounders Paul and Alimohamedwillneedtobat more responsibly come tonight. In the other two games set for today’s 3rd Round, Barbados Price will tackle the Volcanoes at the Queen’sParkOval,withthe Scorpions and the Hurricanes doing battling at the Sir Frank Worrell MemorialGround;withboth matches expected to bowl offfrom9:00hsrespectively; weatherpermitting.

Allissetforthefinaland third-place playoff of the Berbice River Cricket Association (BRCA) T20 Competition, today at the Sand Hills Cricket Ground uptheBerbiceRiver

All preparations have been made with the venue expected to be filled as all four teams involved in the competition will be in action.

ThefinalwillseeWiruni Conquerors taking on Friendship Cavaliers while thethird-placegamewillbe

Geatroy(FortNassau).

In the latest round of

whipped Geatroy by nine

Conquerorsmadelightwork of Kimbia, winning by five wickets.

Thecompetitionisbeing organisedbytheBRCAwith support from the Berbice CricketBoard(BCB).

Executives from the BCB, led by the President, Dr Cecil Beharry, are expectedtomakethetripup theBerbiceRivertowitness the matches and hold interactions with members of the BRCA on various topicspertainingtocricket.

Recently, a team from the BRCA travelled to the coast to participate in the

(SamuelWhyte)

ExxonMobil Guyana Futsal

- YMCA, Hard-knocks, DC, Bullets advance to semis

De f e n d i n g

ch amp io n s

YMCA, along with Silver Bullets, HardKnocks, and DC Ballers, secured spots in the semifinals when the ExxonMobil Guyana Futsal Championshipcontinuedon Friday evening at the RetrieveTarmacinLinden.

YMCA edged the Salah Family5–4,withKeyshawn Dey netting a double and Jonah Simon, Jermaine Padmore,andKevinGittens adding one goal each. For the Salah Family, Dexroy Adams scored twice, while Shane Luckie and Pernell Schultzeachfoundtheback ofthenetonce.

Hard-Knocks also advanced after squeezing past Young Gunners 3–2, powered by a Kendolph Lewis hat-trick Devonte

Tappin and Omarion Ramsammyscoredonegoal apieceintheloss.

Silver Bullets cruised to a5–2victoryoverBombers. Jermaine Samuels and Lennox Cort both recorded doubles, while Colwyn Drakes and Omar Williams added one each. Bombers’

goals came from siblings Shamiah and Dequan Samuels.

In another close contest, DCBallerstoppedFiggyFC 4–3.NicholasGentlescored twice, with Antwoine Gill

and Andre Mayers contributing one goal each.

Emmanuel Atkins netted a brace for Figgy FC, while Shayne Haynes added another At press time, the semifinal round was in progress at the same venue. The tournament champion willclaim$1,500,000,while the second-, third-, and fourth-place finishers will receive$750,000,$350,000, and $200,000, respectively, alongwiththeiraccolades.

Individually, the Most Valuable Player will ride away with a motorcycle.

Organizersalsoannounceda $300,000economicgrantto support the academic development of a player or fan,witheachteamrequired to nominate one candidate forthescholarship.

CompleteResults

Game-1

DCBallers-4vs.Figgy FC-3

DCscorers:

NicholasGentle-2

AntwoineGill-1

AndreMayers-1

Figgyscorers:

EmmanuelAtkins-2

ShaneHaynes-1 Game-2

SilverBullets-6vs. Bombers-2

Bulletsscorers:

JermaineSamuels-2

LennoxCort-2

ColwynDrakes-1

OmarWilliams-1

Bombersscorers:

DequanSamuels-1

ShamiahSamuels-1 Game-3

YMCAA-5vs.Salah Family-4

YMCAscorers:

KeyshawnDey-2

JonahSimon-1

JermainePadmore-1

KevinGittens-1

Salahscorers:

DexroyAdams-2

ShaneLuckie-1

PernellSchultz-1 Game-4

YoungGunners-2vs. Hard-knocks-3

Hard-knocksscorer: KendolphLewis-3

Gunnersscorers:

DevonteTappin-1

OmarionRamsammy-1

TeamGuyanaendssolidrunat2025 T&TInternationalBadmintonSeries

Followingthesuccessful completionoftheCaribbean Championships held in Trinidad and Tobago, Team Guyana continued their campaign at the Trinidad & Tobago International Series 2025, where 15 countries from around the world participated.

U n f o r t u n a t e l y, Priyanna Ramdhani was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to a knee injury sustained during the finals of the C a r i b b e a n Championships

However, in the Men’s Doubles, the duo Akili Haynes and Nkosi

Beaton won their opening match against Trinidad in the Round of 16 They then narrowly m i s s e d a s h o t a t advancing further after a thrilling three set battle against another Trinidadian pair in the quarterfinals

In the Men’s Singles leg, Haynes fell short in the Round of 32 against Barbados, while Beaton was ousted in the 32nd Round following some tough competition againstSurinamese.

In the Mixed Doubles, the combo of Beaton and Mishka Beharry fought hard but fell short against Trinidad in the Round of 16, while Beharry had a

Women’s Singles:= leg before falling short to Trinidad in the Round of 3

Waramuri, Marian Academy, Santa Rosa run riot

- as Petra-MVP Sports U11 Girls Tournament heats up

Th e P e t r a -

organised MVP

Sports Girls’

Under-11 Football Tournament delivered another day of fireworks yesterday at the Ministry of Education ground, with Waramuri Primary, Marian Academy and Santa Rosa Primary stamping their authority in rounds two and three.

West Ruimveldt opened thedaywithagritty2–0win over Smith Memorial in match #10, courtesy of Patricia Arthur (11’) and AmyaMurray(14’).

But their momentum stumbled in round three, where St John the Baptist Primary held firm to grind outa1–1draw

Marian Academy’s dynamic duo, Haley De Nobrega and captain Ella

F e r n a n d e s , w e r e unstoppable They first brushed aside Agatash Primary 2–0, with De Nobregastrikingearlyinthe 8th minute and Fernandes sealingitinthe38th.Butthe realshowcameintheirclash

w i t h G e o r g e t o w n International Academy (GIA),ateamfreshoffa2–1 win against Tucville Fernandes unleashed a jawdropping six-goal masterclass in an 8–0 demolition, while Averi Simon and De Nobrega

addedoneeach. If that wasn’t enough goal-fest drama, Waramuri Primary delivered back-tobackthrashings.Firstcamea 10–0 rout of St Alouysius, poweredbyafive-goalblitz from Alina Lewis (1’, 4’, 20’, 24’, 27’).Altika Marks hammeredinahat-trickand Abrena Thomas chipped in withadouble.

Waramuri then turned the heat even higher, dismantling North Georgetown Primary 11–0. Lewis struck another four (19’, 21’, 25’, 27’), while Marks unleashed seven goals (2’, 4’, 7’, 10’, 13’, 15’,17’).NorthGeorgetown did salvage some pride earlier with a tight win over SophiaPrimary

SantaRosaPrimarythen joinedtheday’slistofheavy hitters, romping past Potaro Primary 7–0 in round three.

Rovena Johnson was electric, netting four, with BreAtkinson,Atika Francis and Naomi Henry each slottinghomeone. Meanwhile some other resultsoftheday,Potaroand GenesisAcademy battled to a draw during their round two fixture while in Round 3; St John the Baptist held West Ruimveldt 1–1 before St Alouysius defeated SophiaPrimary2–0. Withgoalsflyinginfrom every direction, the

ENet backs budding squash...

Frompage58

reach this moment and having my efforts acknowledged means more to me than words can express,”Lowesaid.

“I sincerely appreciate ENet’sbeliefinme,andI’m excited, grateful, and proud to represent a company that h a s g i v e n m e t h i s opportunity.”

RobertHiscock,Headof Mobile Networks at ENet, reinforced the company’s commitment to investing in high-potential young athletes. “Enet is proud to supportKayleeLoweasshe continues to represent Guyana on the regional and international squash stage,” Hiscockstated.

“As a rising female

athlete in a highly competitive sport, Kaylee

tournament powered by MVP Sports, with support from the Ministry of AmerindianAffairs,Sterling Products,DemeraraMutual, and Soft n Pretty Toiletry is shaping into a thrilling showcase of young female footballingtalent.

Thenextroundpromises even more fireworks as the undefeated giants continue theircharge.

exemplifies resilience and determination, and continues to inspire young girls across Guyana She embodies the qualities we champion, and we are honouredtostandbehindher journey.”

This move comes after ENet was recognised by the N a t i o n a l S p o r t s Commission (NSC) for its continued investment in sport at the recent 2024 national sports awards ceremony for the second consecutiveyear Loweisset to feature on Team Guyana as they look to defend their courts and retain their regional title at the Senior CASA Championships, which will commence this weekend at the National Racquet Centre in Georgetown.

ENetbacksbuddingsquashstarKayleeLowe

Robert Hiscock (Head of Mobile Networks at ENet) and Kaylee Lowe conduct a ceremonial handover to signify the support

champion,KayleeLowe,has

sponsorship deal with ENet, Guyana’s leading digital service provider, as the 14year-oldpreparestocompete in the Seni

CASA Championshipsonhomesoil thisweek.

Lowe, who captured the Girls Under-15 title at the Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Junior Championships earlier this year in the Cayman Islands, isviewedasoneofGuyana’s brightest prospects in the sport. The partnership with ENet, which also serves as the corporate sponsor of the Guyana Squash Association (GSA), aims to provide support as Lowe builds a presence to become a professional squash player and represent Guyana at the Olympicsinthefuture.

Slingerz FC

Frompage59

Year-End tournament. That levelofconnectionisvitalin modernfootball.Ithelpsfans feel involved, and it helps sponsors understand the value of aligning with SlingerzFC,”Toneysaid.

In today’s sporting landscape, brand visibility is essential, not only for commercial growth but also for player development, recruitment, and long-term sustainability

According to Toney, Edge Sports Management’s proven performance in its first year of existence aligns seamlessly with Slingerz FC’s short- and long-term strategicgoals.

Edghill, a two-time Olympian in the sport of Table Tennis, has since emergedasastrongadvocate for athlete professionalism, expressed gratitude for the opportunitytoworkwiththe club.

“IwanttothankSlingerz FC for trusting Edge Sports

Expressinghergratitude, Lowe highlighted the significance of the backing: “I am elated to be a part of the ENet Family I’ve workedincrediblyhardto (Continuedonpage57)

Management with one of its most prized assets, its players,”Edghillsaid.

According to the National athlete, “aligning with Slingerz FC and working with some of Guyana’s best talents on an almost daily basis shows howmuchtheclubvaluesits playersanditsbrand.”

She added that the partnership reflects the professionalism and ambition Slingerz FC has become known for, both on andoffthefield.

The partnership with Edge Sports Management now complements Slingerz FC’s existing relationship withAdNation.

Slingerz FC and AdNation Guyana share a sponsorship agreement in which AdNation, a custom sign and visual solutions company, supports the club by enhancing its brand visibility through strategic advertising and branding initiatives.

HenryandChapmanleadNewZealandto3-0victory

(Cricinfo) - New Zealand’s four-man pace attack tore through West Indies’fragile batting line-up with swing,paceandbounce,dismissingthevisitorsfor161inthethirdODIinHamilton.Havingalreadywrapped uptheseries,NewZealandsweptWestIndies3-0andfortifiedtheircommandathome-theyhavelostjusttwo ODIsathomesincethestartof2020.

Only SouthAfrica (17) have achieved more consecutive bilateral series wins than New Zealand’s 11 at homeinmen’sODIs.

IntheabsenceoftheinjuredDarylMitchell,thecurrentNo.1-rankedODIbatter,NewZealandweremade toworkhardintheirchase.Theylosttheirtopthreewithin11overs,andthenTomLathamalsofellcheaply,but Mark Chapman settled New Zealand along with Michael Bracewell. He crashed 64 off 63 balls, countering both Matthew Forde and Jayden Seales, who had posed a bigger threat with the new ball, and putting New Zealandbackontheroadtoanotherwin.

MichaelBracewellalsoflexedhismuscleattheotherendina75-runpartnershipforthefifthwicketoff only48balls.Theirpresencekeptleft-armfingerspinnerKharyPierre,whohadreplacedtheinjuredRomario Shepherd, away from the attack. Pierre didn’t bowl at all and ended up playing as a specialist fielder during WestIndies’defence.

ChapmanandcaptainMitchellSantnerholedoutwhenNewZealandwereonthedoorstepofvictory,but BracewellandZakFoulkestookthemhomewithfourwicketsandalmost20overstospare.

Afteroptingtobatfirst,WestIndieshadleftalmost14oversunusedintheirinnings.MattHenrywasthe wrecker-in-chief,comingawaywith4for43whileKyleJamieson,JacobDuffyandFoulkes,whohadreplaced theinjuredNathanSmith(hamstringissue),sharedfouramongthem.IntheabsenceofShepherd,whowasout withahamstringniggleofhisown,WestIndies’battinglackeddepth.

It was Henry who started West Indies’slide in the powerplay when he removed rookie openerAckeem AugusteandKeacyCartyinthefifthover Auguste,22,squanderedanotherstartwhenheflappedahard-length deliverytomid-onfor17off19balls.HenrythenshiftedtoaTest-matchlineandlengthtohaveanindecisive Cartychoppingonforaduck.

TheSeddonParkconditionsdidn’tofferprodigiousswingorseammovement,buttherewasenoughtokeep Henry and Jamieson interested. Jamieson went around the wicket and found movement and extra bounce to have John Campbell, the other opener, nicking off to slip for 26 off 24 balls.Apart from Campbell, Roston ChasewastheonlyotherWestIndiesbattertopass25.

ShaiHope,thebestbatterinthisWestIndiesODIside,hadadecentstart,buthisinningswascutshorton16 whenFoulkeshadhimcaughtbythekeeperdownthelegsideoffaninswinger WestIndiesslumpedto77for4 atthatpoint.

Only the early juice disappeared, New Zealand’s quicks relentlessly banged the ball into the pitch and discomfitedWestIndies’batters.Henry,JamiesonandDuffyallshowedtheircreativityandrangebybowling cross-seamersandscrambled-seamdeliveriesintothepitch.

SherfaneRutherford,ChaseandShamarSpringerallwerebouncedoutandatonestage,Santnerhadeven installed Rachin Ravindra at short leg. Neil Wagner, who was in the commentary box, might have had memoriesofhisownshort-ballbursts.

ShaiHopethrowshisheadbackindisappointmentafterbeingstrangleddownthelegside•GettyImages

Slingerz Racing finding success in Brazil

Brazil’s proud

tradition of

p r o d u c i n g world-class racehorses and elite professionals is once again drawing international attention, this time from Guyana, where horse racing is entering an exciting new era. With the sport rapidly developing in Guyana, Brazilian bloodlines and expertise have become a prime target for owners

looking to elevate competition at home and abroad.

Guyana has long followed the success of Brazilian racing. Now, its owners are taking concrete steps to strengthen that

connection.

Brazilian horses have beguntoarriveinincreasing numbers, and trainers and other professionals are finding opportunities in a marketeagertogrow

At the centre of this developing relationship is trainer Lênio Vieira, who has emerged as the key link betweenthetwocountries.

Vieira has been responsible for identifying, preparing, and exporting promising Brazilian horses toGuyana,helpingraisethe overall quality of racing there.

Among the most active investorsisSlingerzRacing, oneofGuyana’sleadingand

mostambitiousstables.

Slingerz Racing has shownastrongcommitment to Brazilian talent, not only purchasing horses to compete in Guyana’s premier events, but also keeping runners in training attheHipódromodaGávea, wheretheycanpursuemajor victoriesonBraziliansoil.

That strategy is already paying dividends. Last Monday, Olympic National delivered Slingerz Racing its first major victory in Brazil, winning the Much B

authority

h signaled that the stable’s investment in Brazilian

Slingerz FC partners with Edge Sports Management to increase digital footprint

National champions

Slingerz Football Club have taken another decisive step towardelevatingtheirbrand and strengthening their professional footprint, announcing a strategic partnership with Edge Sports Management (ESM), theconsultancyfoundedand led by Guyanese Olympian ChelseaEdghill.

The move reinforces Slingerz FC’s commitment

to modernizing its operations, increasing player visibility, and positioning itself as a premier football brand withinGuyanaandthewider region.

For Edghill, who launched Edge Sports Management just last year, the partnership also marks a meaningfulexpansionofher company’s rapidly growing portfolio.

E d g e S p o r t s Management focuses on providing a range of services, including sports

consulting, athlete management, event development, and digital brandingsupport.

Chelsea Edghill, leads Edge Sports Management

Despite its young age, the company has already established a reputation for producing polished, impactful work, an attribute that made it an ideal fit for the ambitions of Slingerz FC Club Vice President Rawle Toney, who oversees Marketing,Communication, and Sponsorship, described the partnership as both strategic and timely He highlightedthatSlingerzFC isdeliberatelystrengthening its digital footprint and professional image ahead of the upcoming Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Year-Endtournament,where visibility and fan engagement play a crucial role “Edge Sports Management will bring structure to the club’s presence on social media,” Toney explained, while adding, we are taking a deliberate approach in

horseswaswell-placed.

Just days later, the momentum continued. Galo White produced a commanding performance to capture the Almirante TamandaréGrandPrix(G2).

The grey left no doubt about his superiority, securing another highprofile win and further energizing the Guyanese owners.

These results have only strengthened Slingerz Racing’s commitment to Brazil and encouraged

opportunitiesinthecountry

The interest now goes beyond acquiring horses for export; several owners are considering maintaining permanent strings in Brazil to compete directly on the nation’stopracetracks.

As Brazil and Guyana deepen their collaboration, bothnationsarebeginningto write an important new chapter in South American racing.

bringing more visibility to ourplayersandtoourbrand as a whole.This partnership isamajorpartofthateffort.”

Toney added that the collaboration is not merely aboutaestheticsorbranding, but about building deeper connections with the club’s community as they prepare foroneofthemostimportant competitions on the local calendar

“ E d g e S p o r t s Management will bring the players closer to fans and sponsors,startingfromthe (Continuedonpage58)