U.S., Iranian forces K NEWS fire at vessels in waters near Iran
Sunday Edition
AIETEUR
Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
September 06, 2026 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com
Price $260
Online readership yesterday, 41,889
Lindsayca reportedly runs
out of money to complete Wales Gas-to-Energy project ...Govt. tightlipped on US$170M more requested ...as company splurges on sponsorships for Energy Week, golf tournaments in Venezuela Haitians deported from the US land in Cap-Haitien, Haiti, on August 27 [Ketlain Difficile/AP Photo]
Police continue to hold Mohamed's phones …lawyers warn sensitive corruption evidence on seized devices
Mahipaul blasts Guyana-US deportee deal
Guyana accepts six ‘Drink spiking U.S. deportees from on the rise’ Afghanistan and Cuba ...CANU warns partygoers Victoria man Copper theft sparks gunned scrap-metal crackdown down in ...says Guyanese must not become last in their own country
p. 12
Andrew Nathaniel James
...ministry threatens to shut down trade French Guiana
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Sunday September 06, 2026
‘Go big or go home’ - Energy expert cautions Guyana against 30,000 barrels per day oil refinery
...says country should consider 300,000 instead By Davina Bagot As a new oil producer with a population of just about million people, Guyana is looking to enter a bold new market and meet its own energy demands locally through an oil refinery.
President Irfaan Ali has set his eyes on a 30,000barrels per day (bpd) facility but energy expert, Marta Jara is strongly suggesting that the country takes a different approach that could materially impact not just the 83,000 square miles country,
but the demands of the world. Jara, a non-resident Fellow of the Institute of the Americas and former President of Uruguay's N atio n al O il Co mp any (ANCAP) and Shell Executive has suggested that
Guyana considers a 300,000 or 500,000 bpd refinery. A refinery is an industrial plant that transforms thick, raw crude oil into usable everyday fuels and products such as gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. The demand for these items has soared in
Non-resident Fellow of the Institute of the Americas and former President of Uruguay's National Oil Company, Marta Jara recent months, sending prices up as tensions in the Middle East continue to affect global supply. Guyana currently produces about 900,000 barrels of oil per day yet it imports all of its domestic fuel supplies. This has resulted in consumers paying high prices for these items as the country has no option but to pay world market prices. This position can change drastically, but not overnight. Jara, a Chemical Engineer in an invited comment explained, “Refining behaves like a ´commodity´, hence its value is determined by supply and demand through a pronounced cycle. Maintaining a structurally competitive cost position is therefore central to a healthy refining business.” She was keen to note that refineries are very capital intensive, complex facilities. As such, the specialist stressed, “Scale is an important value driver. Some studies suggest that 100,000 is an economic threshold for an efficient refinery...if Guyana decides to develop refining as a business, it should evaluate not only a small facility designed to meet domestic demand but also whether a world-scale (300,000 to 500,000 barrels/day), export-oriented refinery could be competitive.” Jara pointed out that a refinery would not be a lowrisk decision, given the capital required, the record of big cost and time overruns in the industry, the cyclical nature of the market (with periods of negative margins) against long pay-back times
and changing fuel specifications and climate policies. Sharing her experience at Uruguay's national oil company, which operates a 50,000 bpd refinery, Jara said the facility is a legacy asset. She explained that the La Teja refinery's economics are influenced by its location and logistics. “Uruguay is distant from the largest refining and product-trading hubs, so imported gasoline, diesel and other products incur freight and associated supply-chain costs like inventories. This provides the domestic refinery with a degree of protection. It is constantly tested against import-parity prices,” she said. Back in February 2025, President Ali announced a partnership between the GoG and United Statedbased Curlew Midstream to refine and store locally produced oil. Curlew Midstream, headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas, specialises in energy infrastructure and operates terminal facilities in South Louisiana. Notwithstanding the finalization of the deal, President Ali highlighted the scale and importance of the investment, noting that it would enhance regional energy security and economic growth. “Only this week, I was pleased that we are now moving forward with the US government, and also because this investment will support both the United States and it will support Guyana, it will add to regional security. It will also (Continued on page 3)
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Sunday September 06, 2026
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Lindsayca reportedly runs out of money to complete Wales Gas-to-Energy project ...Govt. tightlipped on US$170M more requested ...as company splurges on sponsorships for Energy Week, golf tournaments in Venezuela Lindsayca Guyana Inc., the Houston-based engineering firm tasked with developing Phase One of the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project at Wales, West Bank Demerara is quickly running out of money to finance the completion of the venture, raising questions over the contractor's likelihood of delivering electricity to the national grid by the end of this year, as promised, again. Sources close to the project and in government told this newspaper that the contractor is set to exhaust its funding by the end of September and has requested more than US$100M more to help fund the delayed works. Company documents seen by Kaieteur News confirm that Lindsayca has requested about US$170M more from the Government of Guyana (GoG) to complete the energy project, a 22% increase in its initial contract sum of US$759M. In its Annual report for the year ended December 2024, Lindsayca stated, “negotiations with the Government of Guyana for a significant contract price adjustment are at an advanced stage, providing strong evidence of the
A recent aerial view of the GTE worksite at Wales. The project is expected to deliver electricity by the end of this year. Group's ability to continue to meet its commitments.” Kaieteur News reached out to Head of the GTE Ta s k f o r c e , Wi n s t o n Brassington five months ago for confirmation on the additional resources requested by Lindsayca but did not receive a response. P r i m e M i n i s t e r, M a r k Phillips who is responsible for managing the project also did not respond to questions
on the matter sent last week. In the meantime, this newspaper has been informed that state officials are now quietly restructuring payments to cover the massive financial shortfall. According to sources, “To keep construction moving and avert a work stoppage, Winston Brassington has repeatedly lobbied Senior Minister of Finance Ashni Singh to advance milestone
‘Go big or go home’ From page 2 add to the energy sustainability of Guyana,” the head-of-state said. President Ali explained that Curlew Midstream is expected to process 30,000 barrels of oil per day from Guyana by the end of 2025. This will see an initial investment of at least US$300 million in the first two years. He noted that the project will result in refined petroleum products being available at lower prices in Guyana while also establishing the country as a hub for fuel distribution across northern Brazil and the wider Caribbean region. Meanwhile, in a separate statement Curlew detailed that the partnership with the Guyanese government will ensure Guyana's continued move toward energy independence. Curlew Midstream said that the partnership will allow Guyana to store 750,000 barrels of gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and heavy fuel oil in a modern fuel storage facility. “The agreement between the Government of Guyana and Curlew Midstream would enable Guyana to execute trading agreements for United States-refined
fuels to be stored in a state-of-the-art, local fuel storage facility that will initially house 750,000 barrels of gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and heavy fuel oil,” it was stated. Further, Curlew said this will enable Guyana to meet 100% of its domestic fuel needs while also supplying high-quality, nonsanctioned fuels to CARICOM nations. An oil refinery has been on the government's agenda for some time now. The government had gone out to tender and had even signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Dominican Republic (DR) but to date there has been no concrete move towards establishing the facility. At an August 18 press conference, Ali again addressed the need for an oil refinery in the country. “We cannot have crude oil and don't have security of supply, one and security brings with it stability and then give us some shield against shocks that are currently existing,” Ali noted, further disclosing that there are interests in the construction of an oil refinery in Guyana. “We're hoping that we can have investment in that refinery,” he added.
payments in favour of Lindsayca, altering the contract's original financial schedule.” It was explained that earlier this year, Brassington privately met with executives from ExxonMobil Corp and proposed a change to the contract to allow more money to flow into Lindsayca's bank account. The proposal suggests “shifting the fixed-price engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract to a "cost-plus" arrangement to ensure the works remained funded.” Moreover, several sources said that Brassington is now advocating for Phase Two of the GTE project to be awarded to Lindsayca, a manoeuvre designed to absorb and obscure the $170 million shortfall from the first phase. Kaieteur News previously reported on the lavish travel expenses being incurred by the company as the project faces severe budget overruns and timeline delays, costing Guyanese more to rent electricity from two powerships. But while the contractor struggles to complete the gas project in Guyana on time and on budget, Kaieteur News discovered that the company with roots in
Venezuela has been doling out cash as a key sponsor of major events, ranging from e n e rg y c o n f e r e n c e s t o sporting tournaments. Lindsayca grabbed the US$759M GTE deal from Guyana under the guise of an American firm and was backed by fierce diplomatic advocacy from the U.S. Department of Commerce. Lindsayca's executive focus and philanthropic capital are overwhelmingly directed toward Venezuelan activities today. This newspaper found millions of dollars deployed into high-visibility corporate sponsorships by Lindsayca. The firm serves as a primary corporate sponsor for Venezuelan PGA Tour golfer Jhonattan Vegas and acts as a key financial backer of domestic golf tournaments like the XLI Abierto de Venezuela, aligning its brand alongside American oil giant, Chevron. Lindsayca also funds cultural preservation through El Sistema Texas and channels disaster diplomacy via the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund. Furthermore, the contractor bankrolls exclusive, closed-door business-to-business energy conferences, serving as a Diamond+ Sponsor for Venezuela Energy Week (VEW) and a Principal
Partner for the Venezuela International Oil & Gas Summit (VIOGS) in Caracas, Venezuela's capital. Critics and industry observers argue these noble causes serve as strategic brand washing. Financial analysts reviewing the project's cash flow have raised concerns that the continuous advancement of milestone payments effectively siphons Guyanese sovereign wealth to endorse a Venezuelan contractor disguised under a U.S. flag. Our sources explained, “The strategy utilizes Guyanese state funds to finance international public relations and corporate diplomacy, all while the foundational infrastructure project in Georgetown runs dry amid a bitter international arbitration dispute over site delays.” The looming September insolvency raises fundamental legal and administrative questions regarding Lindsayca's eligibility to bid on further Guyanese infrastructure tenders, including Phase Two of the GTE project at Wales. The firm previously faced allegations of corporate fraud and underperformance in an $8.7 million dispute with Gazprom regarding a natural gas compression plant in Ve n e z u e l a . F u r t h e r complicating the firm's compliance profile, Ruben Figuera, Lindsayca's current Project Director for the Wales GTE project and a former high-ranking PDVSA official, was snared in a money laundering and bribery probe in Andorra, where authorities froze $5.3 million linked to illicit Venezuelan state contracts. Under standard public procurement frameworks, companies facing severe operational shortfalls or demonstrating a persistent failure to execute fixed-price contracts are typically barred from securing subsequent state awards without a formal curing of existing defaults and a rigorous audit of deployed capital.
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Sunday September 06, 2026
Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News, 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com
Make fire sprinklers Guyana’s profits will decline mandatory in schools, hospitals EDITORIAL
ExxonMobil has stated its position very clearly. Its investors come first. Their interests will not be sacrificed. Guyana will have to make the sacrifice; Guyana will have to give up some of its profits. It is new debt-free, cost bankempty, cost recovery down-to-operating-expenses, profits. Guyana’s profits have to decline, so that ExxonMobil’s investors can prosper. Extract a sizable portion of the new profit formula out of Guyanese backs, so that ExxonMobil stakeholders can continue to celebrate. This meets all the conditions of absolute madness. If citizens of Guyana never saw or hear or felt this before, they have every reason to do so now. ExxonMobil is not the partner that it claims to be. ExxonMobil is into what has all the attributes of six-for-a-nine, a sweet-talking hustler, with Guyanese constantly fooled, and the government and peoples of this country converted into perpetual losers. We at this paper find this infuriating, most degrading. From one side of their mouths, people from ExxonMobil make a huge production of the ExxonMobil-Guyana Government partnership, and how much they hold Guyanese as partners. From the other side of their mouths, the facts emerge. ExxonMobil’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Neil Hansen, had the job of helping the company’s investors settle down, instilling some confidence in them. “So again, as we mentioned…we’ve fully recovered the US$55 billion of investment, along with all the operating costs and the way the contractor agreement works is we can recover that investment up to 75%. The reality is we have more investment. To the extent we have the investment come in and operating costs, it still goes into the cost bank. We’ll still recover that at that 75% cap. But there’s much less investment to recover.” We examine CFO Hansen’s words, and its implications for Guyana. First, “we have more investment” to make in Guyana’s Stabroek Block is an early warning that the Cost Bank will be fed more billions in expenses. Second, ExxonMobil is preparing to return to the old rip-off standard that takes 75% of oil revenues (minus 2% royalty), for the expenses that it claims. Hansen said it: “we’ll still recover that at that 75% cap.” More simply stated, ExxonMobil invests billions in new oil projects, and those billions will be recovered from the cash inflow from Guyana’s oil sales. Therefore, the company’s investors, stakeholders, should calm their fears. There is nothing to be worried about. The Cost Bank will be rebuilt, and investors will be happy. ExxonMobil’s stakeholders can rest assured that they are going back to the gravy days of the past six years. It is business in the same rip-off manner. But Hansen was nothing if not also crafty enough to send a signal to Guyanese. “There’s much less investment to recover” which indicates that ExxonMobil will not allow its stake in Guyana to reach US$55B. So, Guyana will not have to endure another six years before the investment debt is paid off, and a real 50:50 profit share returns. Hansen has done his job for his company. Now we must do ours and speak to Guyanese and for Guyanese. It is obvious that ExxonMobil is not shifting a millimeter on its non-renegotiation of the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement position. It is bent on exploiting to the fullest, and gouging Guyana as much as it can. But still has the gall to utter platitudes about being a warm, caring partner to Guyanese. These are the developments, the attitudes, that make us think of how much of an impostor ExxonMobil is. Smile in Guyanese face, then stab them in the back, when they let down their guard. If ExxonMobil is a genuine partner, renegotiate the contract, pay some taxes, get rid of ring-fencing. Those are the first confirmations that a genuine partnership is in place. But this so-called pretender of a partner would not budge from its non-renegotiation position. Guyana gets ripped-off, ExxonMobil’s investors profit handsomely. ExxonMobil is not a partner. ExxonMobil is a predator waiting to ambush and grab what belongs to Guyanese, what was sweated for over the last six years. Profits will decline. Should not ExxonMobil be sent out of this country on the next boat or plane?
DEAR EDITOR, I am writing to publicise a matter of critical national importance regarding public safety and infrastructure development in Guyana. My name is Vishul Ishwaridin, and I am a proud Guyanese citizen and the owner of Fire Sprinkler & Safety Equipment Services, located at 56 Area H, Ogle, East Coast Demerara. Over the years, our nation has witnessed far too many devastating disasters that have claimed innocent
lives. Many of these tragedies could be prevented or mitigated if we simply implement stricter, safer building protocols. For a considerable time, I have written numerous letters to various ministries and government agencies advocating for a vital policy change: making automatic fire sprinkler protection systems mandatory for all schools, hospitals, government ministries, and any commercial or apartment buildings that are three
stories and higher. Because I do not know if these official correspondences have reached the relevant authorities, I am turning to the press to ensure this urgent message is heard. To demonstrate my absolute commitment to a safer Guyana, I have repeatedly offered my company’s installation services completely FREE OF COST, requesting payment only for the physical materials used. I previously offered this service during the Continued on page 5
Sunday September 06, 2026
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Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox
Lorenzo Joseph’s World of Oblivion DEAR EDITOR, There is a ‘saturation of silliness and ignorance’ in the letter, “When Compassion Becomes Political Ammunition: President Ali Owes Guyanese an Explanation.” (KNews-Sep 03, 2026). The desipience from the Lorenzo Joseph is quite risible, as he sought to asseverate that “President Irfaan Ali’s remarks were ‘deeply troubling’ and, quite frankly, beneath the office of the President.” The letter is analogous to the writer, that is, ‘lacking in substance’ and ‘betraying ignorance’ of what obtains when crisis of the Barima types occurs anywhere in the world. First, when anything of a national scale occurs, it is imperative that all help be coordinated via a single channel. It is not rocket science too. harum-scarum must be pre-empted instantly. It is not difficult to picture that when we have multiple aid sources pouring in, independently, there must be a ‘centralised coordination’ of all of these inputs. If not, we create another problem, that of ignoring simple logistics, where we do not know who, what and where of what is going on. This can lead to ‘surfeit in’ or ‘lack of’ things like immediacy, urgency and adequacy of response and best use of efforts and resources. Yes, the offering of aid is natural and commendable, but all of these must be directed to that unit, in this c a s e , t h e P e o p l e ’s Progressive Party Government, to disburse, whether at the time of the crisis, or its aftermath. I am thinking of the recent disaster in Venezuela. Imagine if all the countries had responded with rapid spontaneity at their own whims and fancies. The result would have been another catastrophe leading to bottle necks at the airports, water ways and roadways. Localise this and think of the recue works during the Barima situation. Without directives from a central port
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
of authority, there would have been nothing but pure chaos-running around randomly, re-disbursing after colliding in a specific place, and misbalancing and inappropriateness of personnel, etc. I reiterate that when a national mishap occurs, there is no place for improper distribution of manpower and equipment, unmonitored and inequitable distribution of help and helpers, and no chancetaking with such things as duplication or neglect. We cannot and never should have competing teams vying to help if we are truly philanthropic. However, if we are political opportunists and we are looking for points and pictures, we will go in with a ‘fish market’ culture, and this was what WIN was about. Secondly, let us be reminded that President Irfan Ali, and by extension the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government did not at any time hinder nor block any private citizen, opposition members, or independent groups from providing aid or relief to the families affected by the MV Barima disaster. They simply outlined how this must be done. And this is standard procedure. I vividly recall that the
Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, iterating the Government’s position and call, explaining that that “… relief work and donations from public and private entities are welcome, (but) stating that ‘administrative processes or security checks on transport vessels are standard regulatory measures.” If WIN, We Invest in Nationhood Party wanted to help in a self-less manner, and saw humanity and not politics, they could have supported the PPP Government. The avenue was created and still exists to do so. President Ali boldly and quickly announced the HEART Initiative, (Hope, Empathy, Aid, Resilience and Trust) and WIN’s mobilisation and resources would have been welcomed. I dare say that to by-pass human suffering and seek to be opportunistic is quite nasty. Its shows ulterior motive. This is not a case of the President’s describing people who were and are taking assistance to families of Barima as “wolves”. The President was alerting the general public to WIN’s attempt to turn human suffering into a political battlefield. He, the President, was not doing it. Then on the flip side, I
want people to reflect on what WIN and company did during and immediately after the disaster, even as the tragedy was being addressed. Editor, the WIN party did not focus on the disaster but ranted about the PPP’s leadership quality and their ‘supposed’ errant ministers. WIN retaliated with the “HERO” donation drive, travelling clandestinely to heavily affected Indigenous communities like Port Kaituma and Mabaruma to distribute hampers and financial aid directly. They had a mission to create the impression that PPP and
their forces were not ‘up to the job.’ Then look at their ‘smear campaign’ and this went into overdrive, as they started their mis-information canvassing regarding very unverified claims regarding things like vessel faults, such as failing and faulty mechanics, an inoperable engine, expired life rafts, and broken radar systems. I mean rescue operations were still active, yet there were almost violent demands for resignations from Public Works Ministers Juan Edghill and Deodat Indar. WIN, alongside the Forward Guyana Movement
(FGM), went as far as drafting a formal NoConfidence Motion against the ministers, accusing them of undermining public trust. H o w e v e r, a n d t h i s Lorenzo must absorb, that ‘fearing nothing and no one,’ President Ali established an independent and internationally flavoured Commission of Inquiry. However, WIN and cohorts rejected it, calling it a “unilateral” and ‘partisan’ move. Lorenzo Joseph ‘knows not’ and he ‘knows not’ that he does not know. Yours truly, Hargesh B. Singh
Make fire sprinklers mandatory... From page 6 construction of the new Good Hope Secondary School and Christ Church Secondary School. The latter, being a three-story structure, presents a significant evacuation risk; in the event of a fire, safely evacuating hundreds of students and educators from upper floors is a monumental challenge. Currently, Queen’s College and St. Stanislaus Secondary School are constructing a new three-storey building. Once again, I am publicly offering my company’s services FREE of labour costs to install a fire sprinkler protection system for this building, asking only that the cost of materials be covered. We must understand the distinct layers of fire safety: Fire Alarms: Alert occupants to evacuate
the building immediately. Fire Extinguishers: Are vital, but only effective against small, localised fires. Fire Sprinkler Systems: Automatically extinguish or contain a fire at its very origin, preventing it from spreading and saving both lives and property before emergency services even arrive. As our country experiences rapid growth and modernisation, our safety standards must evolve accordingly. I stand ready to assist. I would be deeply grateful if the relevant authorities, the Ministry of Education, or the Ministry of Home Affairs would contact me. It would be my distinct honour to contribute to the safety of our great nation and protect the lives of our children and citizens. Respectfully yours, Vishul Ishwaridin
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Sunday September 06, 2026
Venezuelan billionaire investigated by U.S. for money laundering now has a Pentagon oil deal CARACAS/MIAMI, Sept 5 (Reuters) - Rodriguez, who became interim president The billionaire who helped broker the Trump after Maduro’s capture. The Venezuelan government did not administration’s sweeping long-term oil deal with Venezuela was until recently a target of respond to requests for comment. After Maduro’s removal, Betancourt’s U.S. money-laundering investigations involving funds embezzled from the state- role as a key intermediary continued, helping owned oil company PDVSA. Now, after broker oil deals and other partnerships and assisting U.S. authorities ahead of the capture continuing to assist communications of authoritarian leader Nicolas Maduro, between Washington and Caracas to kickstart Alejandro Betancourt is Washington’s key Venezuela’s economy, according to seven partner in an unusual oil agreement with sources. In January, Betancourt helped broker a Caracas. According to last week’s announcement, key oil trading agreement that has led to the the U.S. gains access to about one-fifth of export of more than 135 million barrels of Venezuela’s crude reserves for decades. The crude and fuel to the United States, Europe, Office of Strategic Capital takes a 35% stake India and the Caribbean so far, according to in North American Blue Energy Partners vessel monitoring data and six people with (NABEP), Betancourt’s company and a known crude producer in Venezuela. An oil pumpjack at Lake Maracaibo in The State Department gets the right to Cabimas, Venezuela, January 27, 2026. buy 20% of NABEP’s oil at cost, and preferential access to the remaining 80% of output. The deal marks a striking change of fortune for Betancourt, who four people familiar with U.S. policy in Venezuela said was key to U.S. strategy and planning in the lead-up to the January 3 operation that removed former President Maduro from power and flew him to New York to face charges of drug-trafficking, which Maduro denies. Asked about the investigations of Betancourt, a U.S. official who declined to be named said most of the legal challenges were nearly a decade old and that he currently has no legal problems in the United States. NABEP’s record of pumping oil in Venezuela made Betancourt the best partner to help boost output under the arrangement, the official knowledge of the negotiations. That’s about half of all oil exports through the end of said. August. Reuters could not determine precisely Reuters could not determine his exact when U.S. federal prosecutors paused their investigation into Betancourt or whether it role in the discussions. Betancourt has also popped in on came in exchange for his cooperation with meetings at Venezuela’s Miraflores the Trump administration. Sarah Chouraqui, NABEP’s lawyer, said Betancourt had a presidential palace, according to two people strong record of operating in complex energy familiar with the matter. He was also at markets. “The allegations in question have Miraflores during this week’s visit by U.S. been examined extensively by authorities in Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Wright told multiple jurisdictions, and no charges have reporters, though Betancourt did not appear been brought against him,” she said in an with Wright and Rodriguez at a signing ceremony for oil deals. email. Betancourt has been investigated in the Chouraqui did not address questions United States, Spain and Switzerland but about his assistance to the Trump never indicted. administration or his legal cases. Earlier this year U.S. federal prosecutors INFORMATION THAT HELPED in Florida paused their investigation into ENFORCE U.S. BLOCKADE In the months before Maduro’s capture, Betancourt in connection with an alleged the billionaire provided information that plan that involved embezzling over $1 billion helped enforce a U.S. naval blockade from Venezuela’s state-owned oil company targeting sanctioned oil tankers operating in and laundering it through real estate in Miami Venezuela, which led to the seizure or and bank accounts in Malta and Switzerland. Two of those people said U.S. prosecutors interdiction of more than a dozen vessels, according to the four people who spoke on had been subsequently discouraged by condition of anonymity. He also facilitated supervisors from investigating Betancourt negotiations with officials including Delcy further.
Prosecutors on the case were not given a rationale, four people familiar with the case said. After the investigation stalled, U.S. officials pressured the Swiss government to ease its inquiries the tycoon, said four people familiar with the matter. Switzerland, which was also investigating Betancourt for moneylaundering, dropped its request to extradite him from the United Kingdom in May, said the sources. The Zurich Public Prosecutor’s Office declined to comment on whether the United States influenced the decision to withdraw its extradition request, but said the case against Betancourt was still proceeding. “The extradition request was withdrawn
because of particular aspects of UK extradition law, which we cannot discuss in detail,” the Office said. “This step concerns only the extradition proceedings in the UK. The criminal proceedings against the accused are otherwise unaffected and will continue.” The withdrawal was unusual, said Mark Pieth, a Swiss legal scholar and anticorruption expert. “You would not do that if the case is continuing,” he said. The United Kingdom’s Home Office declined to comment. A YOUNG GENERATION OF BUSINESS LEADERS Betancourt is a prominent member of the so-called Bolichicos, a younger generation of business people who amassed fortunes during the administration of former Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez. His company Derwick Associates won roughly $2 billion in government contracts to build power plants during the country’s electricity crisis in the 2010s, some without competitive bidding despite having little construction experience. Government data later showed many of the plants operated at a fraction of their intended capacity or not at all, as Venezuela’s
power grid continued to suffer widespread blackouts. Betancourt and Derwick have repeatedly denied wrongdoing and said the facilities were completed and that later failures resulted from mismanagement by state authorities. Rodriguez told a press conference on Wednesday that all legal proceedings against Betancourt’s companies in Venezuela were dismissed years ago. In 2012, Betancourt entered into a partnership with state-controlled company PDVSA to operate mature fields in western Venezuela. These would eventually become the core production of NABEP, which Betancourt co-founded with Florida billionaire Harry Sargeant in April 2024. Sargeant sold his shares in NABEP last month. Mauricio Claver-Carone, a Miami businessman and former Trump administration adviser who implemented U.S. policy in Caracas in an unofficial role, told Reuters last month that Betancourt is a useful intermediary between the Trump administration and Rodriguez because he understands the oil business in both countries. He added that Betancourt had been helpful to the first Trump administration. But several former U.S. intelligence officials, prosecutors and diplomats privately expressed concern regarding Betancourt’s influence on U.S. policy, because of the previous investigation in the U.S. and ongoing investigation in Switzerland, as well as his proximity to high-ranking officials from the former Hugo Chavez and Maduro governments. Federal prosecutors are “scratching their heads,” said one former prosecutor with knowledge of the situation. Before the Miami-based investigation into Betancourt was put on hold, six sources said he had been identified as an unnamed unindicted co-conspirator in an alleged plan by former Venezuelan energy officials and their associates to launder more than $1 billion misappropriated from the state-owned PDVSA oil company. Ten people have been indicted since 2018. In Spain, authorities launched a new investigation into Betancourt for money laundering last year involving $4 billion allegedly embezzled from PDVSA, according to Spanish newspaper El Pais. Reuters was unable to determine if he remained under investigation. Spain’s National Court and the Venezuelan state oil company did not respond to requests for comment. Once he was free to leave the UK, Betancourt traveled to Venezuela in late June and again in July, both times departing from West Palm Beach, Florida, according to flight manifests seen by Reuters. Betancourt’s lawyer Chouraqui did not comment on his travel.
Caribbean Airlines to resume Venezuela flights One year after Caribbean Airlines (CAL) temporarily suspended flights between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela, the airline is preparing to resume service to the South American nation. Responding to questions from Guardian Media via WhatsApp, CAL chairman Reyna Kowlessar said the airline has “proposed to recommence its commercial operation” to Simón Bolívar International Airport in
Caracas this month. She added: “The airline is in its final stages of operational planning and will announce its restart of operations shortly.” On September 4, 2025, Caribbean Airlines suspended its weekly service to Caracas but did not publicly disclose a reason for the move. However, an internal memo to pilots and cabin crew, seen by Guardian Media, stated that the airline had conducted a “thorough risk assessment” of
conditions in Venezuela in keeping with its operating procedures. The memo said the airline took a “proactive commercial decision to reduce any risk to the safety and well-being of its passengers and crew.” By December 2025, several international and regional carriers had also suspended services to Venezuela after the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM)
advising airlines to “exercise extreme caution” because of deteriorating security conditions, increased military activity and interference with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals. Since then, most airlines have resumed operations to Venezuela, including American Airlines, which returned to the market after last operating commercial flights to the country in 2019. (Trinidad Guardian)
T N U L B . . . T B N U T L N T B . U . L . L T B . N . U . N U T L N B . U . T . L N T U N B . N U . . L U L LUNT B . T . . T T N N B U B . U . L . L T B . B . . N . . . T T LU N N T U U L N L B U . B . . L Those 165 civil . . . T B T . . N . N T U L N LU B U . society groups . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . N T B . . U N . L T U B L N . . B . U . . T L . N T B . . U N . L N T B U N . . L . U T B L . . N B . . . T U . L N T B U . . L . UN T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N B U U .BLUNT. . . L . T B . . N . T U . L N . T B U . UN .BLUNT.. UNT...BL T...BL . L N . T B U . . L LUN ...BLUNT. LUNT...B NT...BL T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U BBL T...BLUN BLUNT... ...BLU . T . N . N T T U L U N L B U T...BLU U B . L . N . B T . . . N T U N N N L U U U B L . L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Sunday September 06, 2026
Kaieteur News
Last week, 165 civil society organisations and individuals delivered a petition to President Irfaan Ali demanding resignations, genuine accountability and an independent investigation into the sinking of the MV Barima that claimed over 100 lives. Their message was unmistakable: Guyanese families deserve answers, not choreography.
The President's unilateral Commission of Inquiry cannot inspire confidence if those demanding scrutiny believe the process is designed from the top and controlled by the very establishment under examination. A government serious about accountability would welcome independent scrutiny—not bristle at it. The demand for a technical maritime investigation under international safety standards is equally compelling. So too is the call to examine whether the criminal charges against the boat crew were premature. The dead cannot speak. But Guyana must not silence those speaking for them.
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Sunday September 06, 2026
Kaieteur News
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Road to First Oil – Every Man Woman and Child Must Become Oil – Minded Column No. 199
A Refinery for Guyana: Big thinking, bigger risks By Christopher Ram “We cannot have crude oil and don't have security of supply.” So said President Irfaan Ali on August 26 as he unveiled an expansive conception of a national oil company. According to the Department of Public Information, the company would not invest in offshore production but would be built around a domestic refinery and expanded fuelstorage capacity. Ali said it would look “holistically at the entire ecosystem in terms of the supply” and could eventually position Guyana as a supplier of refined products to CARICOM. “Ecosystem” is another
of the President's favourite words. It sounds great, but an ecosystem is not a business plan. Who owns the refinery, who finances it, who carries the debt and losses, and where does ministerial supervision end and commercial responsibility begin? Before taxpayers finance another presidential ecosystem, they are entitled to know whether there is a resident economic component inside it. The President's big ideas President Ali has never lacked ambition. Guyana is to become a regional food powerhouse, an energy hub, and a centre for artificial intelligence and big data. There is nothing wrong with
a President thinking big. The problem is that the grandiose appears to command far more presidential attention than the day-to-day things affecting the people: the minimum wage, the cost of living, the quality of public services, the suffocating b u r e a u c r a c y, a n d t h e everyday pressures facing ordinary households. As CARICOM's Lead Head for Agriculture and F o o d S e c u r i t y, A l i championed the muchpublicised “25 by 2025” initiative, whose central measurable objective was to reduce the Region's foodimport bill by 25 per cent by the end of 2025. In February 2025, CARICOM
New tool will help countries in Latin America and the Caribbean prevent rabies The Pan American Center for Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Veterinary P u b l i c H e a l t h (PANAFTOSA) of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has launched the Methodology for Estimating Dog and Cat Populations in Latin America and the Caribbean, a new tool designed to help countries generate more reliable data on dog and cat populations and strengthen the planning of public health and animal health interventions. “Understanding the size, distribution, and characteristics of dog and cat populations is essential for guiding public health and animal health actions,” said Manuel Sánchez Vázquez, Director of PANAFTOSA. “This methodology provides countries with a practical tool to generate reliable information, strengthen the prevention of zoonotic diseases, and support evidence-based decisionmaking through a One Health approach.” The relationship between people and dogs and cats brings important benefits, ranging from companionship and emotional well-being to support in activities such as guarding, herding, pest control, and assistance for people with disabilities. However, irresponsible ownership, abandonment, and uncontrolled breeding
can contribute to the presence of free-roaming animals and create challenges for public health. Close interaction between people, dogs, and cats can also facilitate the transmission of zoonotic diseases, including rabies, sporotrichosis, dermatophytosis, Bartonella henselae infection, visceral leishmaniasis, and echinococcosis. Although countries in the Americas have made significant progress in preventing and controlling dog-mediated rabies, the disease continues to claim lives in the Region. Between 2023 and August 2026, 62 human rabies cases were reported in the Americas, including 32 associated with dog transmission. Each year, countries across the Region vaccinate at least 50 million dogs through public vaccination campaigns as part of efforts to prevent rabies transmission and protect both human and animal health. Sustaining and expanding these gains requires up-to-date information on animal populations and the areas where risks remain highest. Dog and cat populations vary depending on their relationship with people. In urban areas, for example, owned, semi-owned, c o m m u n i t y, a n d f r e e -
roaming animals may coexist. Understanding how these populations are distributed helps authorities d e s i g n m o r e e ff e c t i v e interventions tailored to local realities. To a d d r e s s t h i s challenge, the methodology offers a standardized yet flexible approach that can be adapted to different geographic and social contexts while generating reliable population estimates for decision-making. The methodology includes practical implementation tools such as adaptable questionnaires, fieldwork checklists, and guidance for data analysis. The approach allows data collection to be tailored to the demographic, geographic, and social characteristics of each locality. Information generated through the methodology can help public health and animal health authorities identify risks, design interventions tailored to local needs and strengthen the prevention and response to zoonotic diseases. The publication is intended to support public health and animal health authorities in generating dog and cat population estimates to strengthen zoonotic disease surveillance and control, improve planning for rabies vaccination campaigns, and support other public health actions.
announced that the initiative would instead be extended to 2030. There were excuses and explanations, including Hurricane Beryl and global supply pressures, but the target had a number and a date, and the date had to be moved. That matters because Ali has now moved from regional food security to regional energy security. A refinery, however, is not an initiative whose deadline can simply be extended and renamed. Delay means additional interest, idle capital and lost revenue. Economics of a refinery A refinery must first make sense as an investment. Guyana examined that question in 2017, when Pedro Haas conducted a refinery feasibility study for the Ministry of Natural Resources. He concluded that a 100,000-barrel-perday refinery would not be economically viable and estimated its cost at approximately US$5.2 billion. That study is almost a decade old and Guyana has changed dramatically. But that does not entitle the Government to disregard an inconvenient conclusion. The first fatal mistake would be to imagine that because Guyana produces crude,
Guyana therefore knows how to build and run a refinery. Refining is no task for amateurs, political appointees or enthusiastic novices. It requires experienced petroleum economists, refinery engineers, project-finance specialists, operators and market experts. If the Government now believes the economics have changed, let it produce a fresh, independent feasibility study prepared by recognised professionals and publish the assumptions, sensitivities and conclusions. Even successful construction would answer only the first question. A refinery can be built successfully and still fail as a business. Construction is one test; operation is another. The plant must then run reliably and profitably for decades, securing crude continuously, controlling costs, maintaining complex equipment, managing shutdowns, meeting product specifications, handling storage, shipping, insurance and environmental obligations, and selling its output competitively through good refining cycles and bad. Guyana therefore has to prove not only that it
can build a refinery, but that it can operate one successfully. The second question may be harder than the first. One principle should be settled immediately: Guyana's crude is not free to a G u y a n a r e f i n e r y. Government itself recognised this in its 2022 proposal for a 30,000-barrelper-day refinery, under which crude from Guyana's profit-oil share was to be supplied at market prices. Ye s , G u y a n a ' s production is vast, and rising. Output is already around 900,000–920,000 barrels per day and is expected to pass one million barrels per day with the fifth FPSO. This is our oil, but the PPP/C and the APNU+AFC have bargained away much of the economic benefit of owning it. Even so, for perhaps another decade or two, Guyana should receive at least 400,000 barrels per day, delivered on a monthly cycle. The issue therefore, is not whether Guyana has (Continued on page 40)
Victoria man gunned down in French Guiana A 23-year-old man from Victoria, East Coast Demerara (ECD), has been shot dead in Cayenne, French Guiana. One other person has been injured. The dead man has been identified as Andrew Nathaniel James. French Guiana's national newspaper, France-Guyane, reported that the fatal shooting occurred around 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Rue MèreThérèsa, killing one person and injuring another. No further particulars about the victims were released, apart from their ages. Kaieteur News has been unable to independently confirm whether the shooting reported by France-Guyane is the same incident involving James. However, family members reportedly said that James was at an apartment building when gunmen opened fire in the area. They also confirmed that another individual was injured in the shooting. According to France-Guyane, the shooting occurred in the street. One of the victims was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other was rushed to a nearby hospital by paramedics. James' relatives held a candlelight vigil in his memory on Saturday evening at Victoria, ECD.
Gunned down in French Guiana: Andrew Nathaniel James
Kaieteur News
Sunday September 06, 2026
PAGE 09
Recalling the disaster of Jagdeo’s personal summitry Ray Chickrie’s latest letter, published in the Kaieteur News of September 1, 2026, is an interesting exercise that should trigger a recollection of the failure of Bharrat Jagdeo’s ‘personal summitry’. His letter dealt with Guyana’s surging Middle Eastern relations. In a much earlier letter published by Kaieteur News in June 2011, Chickrie had explicitly acknowledged that Guyana’s engagement with the Middle East predated the PPPC administration by decades. He wrote then that Guyana’s ties with Iran, Libya and Syria went back to the anti-colonial struggle and that Forbes Burnham, after becoming Prime Minister in 1 966, “boldly embraced the Middle East,” championing the Palestinian cause, supporting the Arab oil embargo and establishing G u y a n a ’s e m b a s s y i n Baghdad. Burnham, he noted, also travelled to Algiers, Cairo, Somalia and other Arab capitals. Chickrie therefore understood perfectly well then that when Jagdeo went knocking on Middle Eastern doors, he was not inventing Guyana’s Middle Eastern d i p l o m a c y. C h i c k e r i e described the Jagdeo initiative as “merely a continuation of old relationships” combined with a new emphasis on “economic diplomacy” aimed at Gulf states such as Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia because of their
enormous sovereign wealth funds. That historical observation is important in assessing whether the particular strategy pursued by Jagdeo produced the promised results. The evidence suggests that it did not. Indeed, contemporary criticism of the Jagdeo’s efforts was not based upon hostility to the Middle East. A 2010 analysis in Stabroek News observed that Jagdeo had embarked on visits to Cyprus, Greece, Libya, Syria, Jordan, Kuwait and Iran because he believed countries enriched by petroleum resources could provide Guyana with investment and financing. The personal flaw in Jagdeo’s personal summitry was that it was essentially a ‘one-man show’ without the institutional machinery of professional diplomacy. And such an approach could not substitute for sustained diplomatic work. That concern was subsequently echoed by the PNCR. In 2021, David Granger argued that lasting success in the Middle East required professional ambassadors and diplomats, competent bureaucrats and foreign-service officers and a functional Foreign Service Institute—not “personal summitry.” If background work had been done, Jagdeo would have ditched his plans because in the absence of leg work by the foreign ministry,
his efforts were bound, and did, fail. This column in 2022, highlighted the fact that Jagdeo’s visits to Kuwait, Libya, Syria and Jordan during the global financial crisis were undertaken in the hope of accessing investment and financing from sovereign wealth funds. The column described the mission as one of his “grandest foreign policy failures.” There is little doubt that the Middle East has become considerably more interested in Guyana under President Irfaan Ali. But this raises another question as to whether this interest represents a triumph of diplomacy or the consequence of Guyana becoming an oil-producing state? In 2011 Guyana was a poor, developing country asking oil-rich states to invest in a largely non-oil economy. Today Guyana is one of the world’s fastestgrowing petroleum economies, possesses substantial offshore oil reserves and is undertaking an unprecedented programme of infrastructure development. It offers opportunities in energy, construction, logistics, agriculture, tourism, finance, real estate and other sectors. For countries such as the UAE and Qatar, Guyana is no longer merely a distant small Caribbean state seeking access to their
Dem Boys Seh...
VIP done become family day Dem boys seh back in de day, when yuh see somebody sitting in de VIP section, yuh didn’t need ask who he was. De answer was obvious: somebody important. Maybe a Minister, a President, a judge, a foreign diplomat or some other member of high officialdom. Even big businessmen didn’t automatically get through de VIP gate. Money could buy yuh a ticket, but it couldn’t always buy yuh prestige. Today? Dem boys watching de VIP section and wondering whether dem at a state function or a daycare centre. Yuh have more children in de place than cricketers. VIP no longer seem to mean Very Important Person. It mean Very Important People—and sometimes Very Important Family. One VIP walking through de gate and suddenly an entire delegation behind him. Wife come. Daughter come. Mother come. Uncle come. Aunty come. Cousin come. Inlaw come. Out-law nearly come too. And all of dem get tickets. Before yuh know it, de VIP section looking like a family reunion. Dem boys seh if yuh invite one VIP to an event these days, he asking if he could bring
he entire family...plus he dog. And de funniest thing is that sometimes yuh look at de VIP enclosure and wonder: Who exactly is de VIP? Because de person who supposed to be important could be sitting quietly in de middle while everybody around he behaving like they own de stadium. De VIP himself might be there because of office, but half de section seem to qualify by bloodline. Dem boys seh de VIP system now operating like Guyana inheritance law: once one family member qualify, everybody sharing de benefit. Soon event organisers gon have to stop printing “VIP” on de invitation and start printing: VIP + Immediate Family + Extended Family + Persons Who Claim They Are Family + Anybody Who Came With VIP. Back in de day, VIP was an honour. Today, VIP looking more like a family package deal. Dem boys seh at this rate, next time yuh see a VIP section, don’t ask who de Very Important Person is. Ask: “Which family does own this side?” Talk half. Leff half.
sovereign wealth. It is an emerging petroleum economy offering commercial opportunities of its own. Consequently, it would be premature to claim that the success of Guyana’s present Middle Eastern engagement constitutes proof that the PPPC’s strategy was fundamentally sound. The economic circumstances are not remotely comparable. To d a y, G u y a n a h a s something highly valuable to offer. Indeed, the most revealing test is a counterfactual one: remove
the oil economy and ask whether the same level of Middle Eastern interest would exist. Would Guyana, without petroleum wealth and the extraordinary growth it has generated, suddenly find UAE and Qatari investors, sovereign wealth institutions and major business interests competing to establish relationships with Georgetown? Or would we once again be sending Jagdeo abroad seeking financing and investment from countries whose sovereign wealth funds had little reason to prioritize Guyana? The Middle East may
now be coming to Guyana not simply because Guyana has learned to knock more effectively on its doors, but because Guyana has finally acquired something worth coming here for. That is the part of this history that should not be forgotten. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Sunday September 06, 2026
Kaieteur News
PAGE 10 UTHS
D TR
HAR
HK
BY G
LALL
H@RD TRUTHS
BY GHK LALL
When the political shelters in the biblical In recent times, Guyanese have been eyewitnesses to the extraordinary. The political reaches for a connection to the biblical. Many are likely to see that as offensive, corrosive, and more of the abusive. Desperation is preferred. Swinging in the wind in the hope of touching the spiritual. The same God that was provoked and revoked, is now invoked. A great development, I say. 'When tings geh baad, run to gawd.' Another reference to sacred text caught the ear, wolves extracted from the pages of scripture and let loose. Wo l v e s r e t r i e v e d a n d employed for political objectives. Fascinating, I say. Now, here's one that should echo across Guyana, from the heights to the depths. Beware of false prophets in the midst. Now matters warm up, cut closer
to the core. False prophets have certain characteristics, practices, that give them away. False prophets deceive. False prophets mislead. False prophets exploit. Whether one or a hundred of them, they trick and cheat. A false prophet makes promises that he or she can't keep. Can't make come to pass. Should there be need for examples, fellow Guyanese are nudged in the direction of the media. With a focus on various treasures. False prophets are exaggerators and boasters. Since they lack the kind of substances that could hold them up, then going to the extreme and delivering the hollow are latched onto, become the mantra. The same scriptures that are now treated with respectful, convenient, dignity warn about listening to, welcoming, falling for,
and accepting false prophets. They represent the forces of darkness. They bring despair and disillusionment. The bold express public disgust. When scripture is belatedly sought out as sanctuary, there is this conclusion: see the hypocrites. Study the contradictions. The corrupt cloak themselves in the clean, pretend to be recipients of a Great Guyana Awakening. To be born again. This is a little rich, isn't it? Given the sources of the Guyanese people malaise. Guyanese have had to endure false shepherds. Those who led them astray. Now they come to grips with false prophets that promise them the world. And what have they delivered, except disappointment and maltreatment. The people are hungry and the political
class tell them they are doing better than before. Because so much more is done for them. The people are mourning their hard losses, and still they come with their loud voices, their depraved presences, and that telling odor that they give off. Take care of my sheep has been subverted to terrorise the sheep for their own benefit. Those who come by airplane, make the trek in caravans, and deal in the devious. Guyana 's Indigenous, among many others in this vale of tears, are hurting. They are in need of knitting and healing. And what do they get? They get the deformed and obscene in the arrival of low, vulgar, politics. It's an evil time, when men and women of great darkness make difficult circumstances worse. With their
falsehoods. With the overpowering stench that oozes from their pores and their clothes. From every word that crosses their lips. It is what condemns them. The false prophets of Guyana are identical to the false prophets of the same Bible that has suddenly found favour, come in for special recognition. False prophets are so sure of themselves that they fool themselves: no one sees through them. Through the words and promises not honoured (a source of great dishonour). Through the prophesies that fail to materialise because they were based on hot air and the bawling, babbling blubber of braggarts. The political conman who believes he is undetectable. The political criminal who thinks he is
invincible. The political harlot who lives a double life, and still harbours the idea that he or she has succeeded. When the political misuses the biblical for the diabolical, they come across as comical. The malignant and nasty in them register inerasably. Be on guard, my fellow Guyanese, false prophets are coming to the neighbourhood. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Leonora Hospital Lab earns GNBS certification ...boosting diagnostic standards in Region Three The Leonora Cottage Hospital Comprehensive Diagnostic and Treatment Centre Laboratory has secured certification from the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), marking a significant step towards improving the quality and reliability of diagnostic services in Region Three. The certification was awarded on Wednesday last, GNBS said in a press release. The certification's scope covers Biochemistry, Serology, Haematology and Urology. During the certification ceremony at the laboratory's Leonora, Region Three location, GNBS Head of Certification Services Department (ag) Keon Rankin and GNBS Technical Officer, Delroy Benn, presented the certificate and plaque to L a b o r a t o r y M a n a g e r, Danielle Semple in the presence of Regional Health Officer of Region Three, Dr. Fiaaz Hassan, Doctor in Charge, Dr. Anil Tulsie, Quality Manager, Tereasia Ramlochan and others. Providing remarks on behalf of GNBS, Head of Corporate Communications, Lloyd David, stated that Leonora Cottage Hospital
Laboratory is the ninth laboratory within the public health sector to be certified under the GNBS Laboratory Certification Programme. This newly certified lab brings the total number of certified laboratories in Guyana to 42, comprising both testing and medical laboratories in the public and private sectors. Mr. David added, “This [figure] will grow shortly as we've already received approval for two more laboratories to be certified in Region Three. With the certification of this lab, GNBS is pleased that more public laboratories are responding to its call to become certified, just as those in the private sector.” Other public-sector laboratories that have achieved GNBS certification include the GPHC Medical Laboratory, GPHC Pathology Laboratory, Guyana Rice Development Board Laboratory, Guyana Water I n c o r p o r a t e d Te s t i n g L a b o r a t o r y, G u y a n a Livestock Development A u t h o r i t y L a b o r a t o r y, Guyana Power and Light Laboratory, Government Forensic Science Laboratory, and the National
A section of the gathering at the ceremony Public Health Reference Laboratory. Finally, Mr. David encouraged the laboratory team to view the national certification as a s tep p in g s tone tow ards achieving international accreditation, which would further demonstrate their technical competence and enhance confidence in testing services provided. Regional Health Officer (RHO) of Region Three, Dr. Fiaaz Hassan, emphasised that the certificate is more than just a document; it represents a significant
achievement earned through hard work, highlighting that it symbolises safety, trust, and scientific integrity. The RHO stated, “For this lab to be certified, it means that you have formulated standard operating procedures and you have complied with and adhered to them, which is n o t a n e a s y task...Certification is something you must uphold. You must maintain the certification and all the procedures.” The RHO also reminded the laboratory team that
maintaining the implemented management system is critical to sustaining its certification. Meanwhile, Laboratory Manager, Danielle Semple, explained that achieving GYS 170 certification required the team to undertake a comprehensive evaluation of all aspects of their laboratory operations. This included strengthening testing methodologies, enhancing quality control practices, ensuring the traceability and reliability of measurements, maintaining equipment to the highest
s t a n d a r d s , a n d demonstrating the competence and proficiency of all personnel. She noted that the certification process not only reinforced the laboratory's commitment to delivering accurate and reliable test results but also strengthened its overall quality management practices and technical capabilities. The GNBS congratulates the Leonora Cottage Hospital Comprehensive Diagnostic and Treatment Centre Laboratory for its new accomplishment.
Sunday September 06, 2026
Kaieteur News
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'Let independent audit determine who is responsible for Linden Council's financial woes'- APNU A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) on Friday called for an independent audit to determine who exactly is responsible for the financial woes of the Linden Town Council, following a joint statement issued in relation to the toll situation, which the party described as a “Government-Dominated Joint Statement”. The party condemned the actions of Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand for revoking the toll imposed by the Linden Town Council for the use of the Kara Kara Road, saying she has no authority to do so. Subsequent to Linden Mayor Dominique Blair issuing a statement on the matter, the Council was invited to meet with President Irfaan Ali. “The PNCR/APNU rejects the attempt by the PPP/C Government to use a so-called 'Joint Statement' w i t h t h e L i n d e n To w n Council to create the false impression that the elected Council handles the administrative and financial deficiencies which have plagued the Council. The
administrative matters are handled by the PPPcontrolled Town Clerk. The document released by the Government is not a balanced joint statement. It is, in substance, a government-prepared political document designed to discredit the elected representatives of the people of Linden and to provide cover for the Government's arbitrary interference in the affairs of the Linden Town Council,” Chairman of APNU Aubrey Norton said in his address to the media. He stressed that the Government should stop confusing the Council with the Council Administration. Making the distinction, Norton said the elected councillors form the Council, while the day-today administration of the Council is the responsibility of the Town Clerk and the administrative machinery under his direction. Therefore, he said, any allegations of corruption at the Council must be placed squarely at the feet of the PPP and the Town Clerk. Ta k i n g t h i s i n t o consideration, he argued that it is unfair for the
government to suggest that deficiencies in the preparation, maintenance and auditing of the Council's financial records are the responsibility of elected councillors. “The Town Clerk is the chief administrative officer and, as such, has a critical responsibility to ensure that the Council's administrative and financial affairs are m a n a g e d r e s p o n s i b l y, ” Norton said. Unfortunately, Norton said, this is not the situation and, in addition, the Town Clerk refuses to act on many decisions made by the elected Council. “It is, therefore, disingenuous for the Government to highlight the backlog in audited financial statements without telling the people of Linden why those accounts are in the backlog and who has responsibility for advancing the administrative process necessary to bring them up to date,” he said. Norton reminded the media that the Council itself has called for an audit, a fact he believes was conveniently omitted from the Government's statement. He said this was done because the Council recognises the need for its accounts to be properly
audited and, rather than resisting accountability, is seeking greater accountability. Nevertheless, efforts to have the financial affairs of the Council properly examined have been frustrated by the “very administrative dysfunction which the Government now seeks to blame on the Council.” “The PNCR/APNU, therefore, welcomes a proper, independent, and comprehensive audit of the Council's finances. Let the audit decide the facts. Let it establish the state of the accounts, revenue collected, expenditure incurred, outstanding liabilities, financial controls, and the responsibilities of the respective officers. We have nothing to fear from an audit. What we reject is the Government's attempt to prejudge the outcome of an audit and politically convict the elected Council before the facts are proven. The facts will place responsibility for the mismanagement of the Council squarely at the feet of the PPP and the Town Clerk,” the APNU chairman said. He stressed that the government cannot speak about “accountability,”
“improved levels of service” and “operational efficiency” while staying silent on what he described as the repeated misconduct of the PPP/Cappointed Town Clerk. The party is aware of repeated instances, he said, where the Town Clerk has walked out of Council and committee meetings, thereby frustrating the business of the Council and adversely affecting its ability to discharge its statutory responsibilities. In addition, Norton said that if the Government is genuinely concerned about the functioning of the Linden Town Council, then it must answer a simple question: “Why has there been no proper investigation into the conduct of the Town Clerk?” He said the Government cannot selectively demand accountability from elected councillors while shielding an “incompetent administrative officer whose conduct has contributed to the Council's dysfunction.” “We, therefore, call for a formal and independent investigation into the conduct and performance of the Town Clerk, including his repeated refusal to participate properly in the work of the Council and its committees. The Government also
Chairman of APNU, Aubrey Norton conveniently fails to explain the circumstances s u r r o u n d i n g t h e To w n Clerk's refusal to sign certain cheques after councillors recognised financial and administrative lapses that needed to be addressed,” he said.The politician further stated that, “Instead of supporting the Council's efforts to introduce greater financial discipline and a c c o u n t a b i l i t y, t h e Government intervened and effectively torpedoed the Council's position by vetoing its decision. “This raises a fundamental question: If the Government genuinely believes that the Council's financial affairs require scrutiny, why did it undermine the Council when the elected councillors themselves looked to exercise greater financial caution? The people of Linden deserve an answer.”
Man bolts after female cashier takes away his gun.
Farmers of Shieldstown, Region Five
49 Seafield farmers to occupy lands as Bandit disarmed by longstanding dispute nears resolution female cashier during robbery A lone bandit bolted on Friday with an undisclosed amount of cash after a female cashier took away his gun during a robbery at Hinds Gas Station in Linden. A video has surfaced of the robbery and it went viral after viewers reacted to the cashier's quick reaction. Police told Kaieteur News that the bandit entered the gas station around 19:15 hrs. and stuck up the cashier with a gun and demanded that she hands over all the cash. She complied and grabbed cash from the counter and handed it to him. However, while he sorted the money he placed his firearm on the counter. As she handed him a second handful of cash, she moved quickly to grab his gun. Upon realising that she had the weapon the man stopped sorting his loot and grabbed it up as he bolted for his life. Police have since launched an investigation.
Forty-nine farmers who were previously issued leases at Seafield, Region Five, will be facilitated to occupy their respective lands as the government moves to resolve a longstanding dispute that has affected agricultural activity in the area. Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha announced the decision during a meeting on Saturday, with farmers and residents of Shieldstown and Seafield. Several concerns affecting agriculture in the surrounding communities were raised at the meeting. The Seafield land matter was among the main issues discussed, with farmers seeking greater certainty over access to lands that have been the subject of concerns for several years.
Access to agricultural lands, drainage and irrigation, farm-to-market roads, Mahaica-Mahaicony-Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA) payments and market opportunities for shrimpers were also among the issues raised.The agriculture minister outlined steps to address the concerns to remove obstacles to production and improve conditions for farmers. He said discussions had sought to address competing concerns between cattle farmers and cash crop and multipurpose crop farmers. “There were two sides, the cattle farmers and the cash crop farmers and the multi-purpose crop. At that meeting, we decided that we will divide the land discussion we will have both sides occupy the land,” he said.He explained
that it was agreed that farmers involved in the multi-purpose crop would receive portions of land, while cattle farmers were asked to organise themselves into a group before individual leases were issued. “So that you will not have conflict when you have collective ownership. That was the resolution we came to,” Minister Mustapha said. Farmers, therefore, welcomed the decisions taken during the meeting, particularly efforts to settle matters that they said had remained unresolved for years. Meanwhile, Minister Mustapha reaffirmed the government's continued commitment to invest in infrastructure, land access and other support to increase production and create more opportunities for farmers. (DPI)
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Copper theft sparks scrap-metal crackdown ...ministry threatens to shut down trade
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he Ministry of T o u r i s m , Industry and Commerce has issued a stern warning to scrap-metal dealers and the wider public following the theft and attempted sale of some $1.6 million in copper cable stolen from the Demerara River Bridge. The Ministry said the individuals linked to the incident were not licensed scrap-metal dealers, and warned that anyone involved in the illegal purchase, sale or movement of stolen copper will face the full force of the law. “The persons identified in connection with the incident were not licensed scrapmetal dealers,” the Ministry said in a statement. It further disclosed that the individual who allegedly purchased the stolen copper and is currently on bail is a repeat offender, having been implicated in a similar incident earlier this year. The Ministry placed all licensed dealers on notice that there will be zero tolerance for dealing in stolen metal. “No dealer will be permitted to facilitate, purchase, sell, receive or
Mustafid Pashaw otherwise deal in illegally o b t a i n e d c o p p e r, ” t h e Ministry warned. It said any licensed dealer caught handling stolen copper could have their licence immediately cancelled, in addition to facing prosecution where applicable. The tough warning comes as authorities move to clamp down on the growing abuse of the scrap-metal trade, particularly the theft and destruction of public infrastructure. “The destruction of public infrastructure and the theft or unlawful removal of private property will not be tolerated,” the Ministry said. It went further, warning that
Jailed for stealing copper cable from the Demerara River Bridge, Roy Morgan continued illegal activity could result in the scrapmetal trade being shut down altogether. “If the illegal practices within this trade continue, the Ministry will not hesitate to take the necessary steps to cancel the scrap-metal trade altogether,” it declared. The warning follows the arrest and prosecution of two men in connection with the Demerara River Bridge copper theft. This newspaper reported on Saturday that Roy Morgan, 39, who admitted to stealing the copper cable, was jailed for 12 months
after pleading guilty to simple larceny. Morgan was arrested on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, and appeared on Friday at the Diamond/Grove Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Dylon Bess, where he pleaded guilty. Meanwhile, Albouystown businessman Mustafid Pashaw, called “Mustaf,” 51, of Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, was charged with receiving stolen articles after the stolen cable was allegedly found at his residence. Pashaw appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court before Magistrate Faith McGusty. He was not required to plead to the charge and was granted $300,000 bail. As part of his bail conditions, Pashaw must report to the Ruimveldt Police Station on the third Friday of every month. The matter has been adjourned to October 2, 2026. The Ministry said it remains committed to protecting the integrity of the scrap-metal industry and will take “decisive regulatory and enforcement action” against persons operating outside the law.
Sunday Monday September May 02,06, 2022 2026
Police inspector caught on camera drawing his weapon.
Cop arrested after shooting Buxton man A 46-year-old Police Inspector attached to the Tactical Services Unit is now under close arrest after he allegedly discharged a loaded firearm at a 48-year-old minibus driver on Friday afternoon at Buxton, East Coast Demerara (ECD). According to a police report, Police in Regional Division 4 'C' and the Office o f P r o f e s s i o n a l Responsibility are investigating the alleged offence, which occurred at about 15:15hrs along the B u x t o n R a i l w a y Embankment. The police reported that the 48-year-old bus driver was driving along the Buxton Railway Embankment when an encounter occurred between him and the Police Inspector, who was driving a motor car. Reports are that an a rg u m e n t s u b s e q u e n t l y ensued between the two men, during which the Police Inspector reportedly discharged several rounds from his service firearm towards the minibus driver. The injured man was subsequently taken to the
Enmore Regional Hospital, where he was seen and examined by a doctor and admitted as a patient with suspected gunshot injuries to his chest and left leg. Police said his condition was listed as serious but stable. “The Police Inspector subsequently reported the matter to the Police and handed over his service firearm, a 9mm Glock 19 pistol, along with 13 live rounds of ammunition. The firearm and ammunition were l o d g e d p e n d i n g examination,” the police reported. Further, the report stated that a third motor vehicle which was in the vicinity at the time was also reportedly struck during the incident. That vehicle, along with the vehicles driven by the two men, was examined as part of the investigation. The Police Inspector was placed under close arrest and is assisting with the investigation. As the investigation continues, the police said CCTV cameras were identified in the area, and efforts are being made to obtain the relevant footage.
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Sunday September 06, 2026
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Chase’s Academy top students eye careers in law, engineering after scoring multiple grade ones at CSEC M
ariah Ernest, 15 and Genesis Daniels 16, are the top Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) performers at Chase’s Academic Foundation (Chase’s Academy). Having proven their academic worth by securing in excess of eight grades ones each and total passes of 14 and 16 CSEC subjects respectively, the students are now aiming for careers in law and engineering. Ernest, an aspiring lawyer told Kaieteur News that she had always hoped for at least eight grade ones and four grade two passes at CSEC. “Being able to surpass that was delightful!” she added. The teenager said viewing her results for the first time, felt like an instant relief. She attained passes in 14 subjects including eight grade ones in English A, English B, Human and Social Biology, Integrated Science, Office Administration, Physical Education, Principles of Business, Social Studies, g r a d e t w o s i n B i o l o g y, Chemistry, EDPM, Physics and grade threes in economics and mathematics. She is most proud of her physics results. She explained, “After being told that Physics was a very tricky, math driven subject, it felt like an achievement for me as someone who isn’t strong in that area.” For Ernest, serious preparations for CSEC began in September during the final term of the previous school year. She reflected, “In an ordinary study day, I’d be in school most of the time doing work. During my breaks, I’d occasionally work pass papers, review work or simply just sleep to make up for rest lost the night before. After getting home around 9:30 pm, I would do some revision of notes in small portions for the subjects done that day, and then I would rest.” As a result of her commitment, the young performer explained that she sacrificed time spent with family. “I value small gatherings and holidays with my external
Education, Principles of Business, and Office Administration. Daniels also scored grade twos for Economics, Principles of Accounts, EDPM, Information Technology, Social Studies. He reflected that Principles of Accounts was probably the most challenging for because he had done very little preparation until shortly before the examination. He said most of his time was spent at school and in lessons. “I would often get home around 10 p.m., and after that I would usually study from around 11:30 p.m. until 1 or 2 a.m. On many days, I would also try to wake up around 5 a.m. to
MARIAH ERNEST relatives very much and having to miss those events and little moments was difficult,” she said. The teen lauded her mother, other family members and teachers for their love and support during the period. “It was a culmination of efforts from my teachers and my mom that would have gotten me to the point where I am now. When things became difficult or overwhelming, the biggest motivation I had to keep going was my mom. She had always anticipated excellence from me and the time she took to wait after hours despite being exhausted from work while I was at lessons could not have gone in vain…” The young student also praised her teachers, “Sir Ajay” and “Sir Oronde,” for their encouragement and guidance. She said, “A teacher whom, I believe had a significant impact on me was my literature teacher, Sir Oronde Chase. Even before writing CSEC, he was always ecstatic and confident in my abilities to succeed despite my own reservations...” Noting her intention to pursue Law through CAPE in the next year, Ernest lauded the academy for giving her a solid academic foundation. “ M y t i m e a t C h a s e ’s Academic Foundation was good. Though in the first few years, I was more isolated from peers, leading up to CSEC, I was able to be more open to
GENESIS DANIELS others and make meaningful connections. The teachers were excellent and some of the most thoughtful and memorable educators that I’ve met.” “I’d like to continue studied at the University of Guyana and hopefully branch out towards another tertiary education institute at an international level,” she said of her future plans. Performing equally well at CSEC as female counterpart, Daniels copped 16 subjects including 11 grade ones which he scored for Additional Math, Mathematics, English A, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Human and Social Biology, Integrated Science, Physical
get in some additional studying before school.” For most subjects, the top student said he focused on understanding the concepts rather than simply memorising information. To this end, his advice to upcoming CSEC students is to start preparing earlier than he did. “Do not rely on last-minute preparation or procrastination. Try to understand the concepts instead of just memorising information, practice consistently, and make use of the resources available to you. Most importantly, once you set a goal, stay committed to it,” he advised. Daniels has always been
competitive, but said that CSEC pushed him to become more disciplined about working toward a goal and not giving up when something was difficult.” I developed greater perseverance and focus…” He added, “The biggest lesson I learned is that I am capable of achieving a lot when I genuinely commit myself to something. I also learned that procrastination can make things much harder than they need to be, so starting earlier would have made the process easier.” The aspiring engineer also sang praises for teachers and supporters. He said “I would especially like to thank my teachers, particularly Sir Ajay Kissoon, for the impact they had on my education. Sir Ajay’s approach to teaching, especially his focus on understanding concepts rather than simply memorising information, had a major impact on me. I also want to thank my parents for supporting me, providing what I needed for school and constantly reminding me that I had the potential to achieve great things.” Looking forward, the teenager said his results have given him more confidence going into the next stage of his education. “They have also reinforced my interest in mathematics and science, which are important areas for the career path I am considering. I plan to pursue engineering, so I hope to build on what I have achieved at CSEC.” He expressed excitement at prospects which lie ahead. “I am most excited about seeing what I can accomplish at CAPE and eventually pursuing engineering. I am also looking forward to challenging myself academically and seeing where the next stage of my education takes me…I am potentially looking to study engineering abroad,” he said.
Kaieteur News
Sunday September 06, 2026
Shania Dan
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Meet the proudly Indigenous Shania Dan, an educator, influencer, and young woman whose roots are deeply planted in the vibrant village of Santa Rosa, Region #1. Shania is the recently crowned Miss Moruca, who comes from the beautiful Lokono Nation, carrying with her a heritage that she is honoured to represent. This week’s beauty is passionate about educating young minds, bringing awareness about mental health, travelling, and expressing herself through social media. Shania believes that “true beauty isn’t just about what you see on the outside, but also about the impact you make on the lives of others through your actions and attitude.”
Sunday September 06, 2026
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Kaieteur News
A global reminder that suicide can often be prevented Suicide is a topic many people avoid speaking about, often because of the stigma surrounding it. But silence on this subject can make it harder for someone who is already struggling to ask for help. By opening up conversations on suicide, we can not only break the stigma but also create room for awareness and support, making it easier for someone to reach out before it’s too late. Recognising the need for such dialogue and action, World Suicide Prevention Day was established on September 10, 2003, as a global reminder that suicide can often be prevented. It calls on individuals and communities to listen without judgment, speak with compassion, and stand in solidarity with those at risk. This blog takes a closer look at why suicide
prevention matters, signs that someone might be thinking about it and ways to support those struggling. But first, let us understand the importance of this day. HISTORY OF WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY Introduced in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO), World Suicide Prevention Day is observed every year on the 10th of September, with an aim to raise awareness about suicide as a serious public health concern and promote efforts around the world to prevent it. Since its inception, World Suicide Prevention Day on has grown into a global movement. Events, campaigns, and educational activities are held in
countries across the world to remember those lost to suicide, support those who are struggling, and strengthen community-level action. The day serves as a reminder that suicide is often preventable, and that collective efforts through conversation, compassion, and care can save lives. By breaking the silence and encouraging understanding, it aims to create a world where fewer people feel
alone in their pain WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY THEME 2026 “Changing the narrative on suicide” Suicide is a major public health challenge, claiming the lives of more than 720 000 people every year. Each life lost has profound social, emotional, and economic consequences, deeply affecting families, friends, workplaces, and entire communities around the
world. 2026 marks the third and final year of the triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day (2024–2026), Changing the Narrative on Suicide, with the call to action: Start the Conversation. This theme calls on us all to challenge harmful myths, reduce stigma, and foster open, c o m p a s s i o n a t e conversations about suicide. It is about shifting from s i l e n c e a n d
misunderstanding to openness, empathy, and support, creating environments where people feel able to speak up and seek help. Changing the narrative also means driving systemic change. It calls for suicide prevention and mental health to be a priority in public policy, urging governments and institutions to take action. This includes developing and implementing evidencebased strategies, improving access to quality care, and ensuring that those in distress receive the support they need. Wo r l d S u i c i d e Prevention Day (WSPD) was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in partnership with the World Health Organization. E a c h y e a r, o n 1 0 September, WSPD focuses global attention on suicide prevention, uniting communities, organizations, and governments with the shared belief that suicides are preventable.
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WEEK-IN-REVIEW SUNDAY Guyana was ‘conned’ out of billions by failure to ring-fence Exxon’s projects – Glenn Lall Businessman and Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall has accused successive governments of failing to protect Guyana’s oil wealth by refusing to ring-fence individual petroleum projects in the Stabroek Block, arguing that the decision has cost the country billions of US dollars in foregone revenues. Lall made the claims while examining President I r f a a n A l i ’s r e c e n t announcement that his Government will seek expert advice as Guyana moves ahead with additional oil developments. According to Lall, the decision to seek expert advice now comes after years of warnings from international experts about the need for stronger safeguards around Guyana’s petroleum resources. He said one of the most important recommendations made to Guyana was that each oil development should be ring-fenced, beginning with Liza One. “Ring-fence each oil project, starting with Liza One,” Lall said, d e s c r i b i n g t h e recommendation as one that both the former Coalition Government and the PPP administration failed to implement. R e a d m o r e : https://kaieteurnewsonline.c om/2026/08/30/guyanawas-conned-out-of-billionsby-failure-to-ring-fenceexxons-projects-glenn-lall/ ‘Guyanese must get bigger share of new oil projects’ – Norton …says risks to investors have already been removed Now that ExxonMobil has recovered all of its investments for the seven approved projects to date, Guyana’s profit share increased from 12.5% to 39.8%, a significant jump that could again slide if further projects are approved under existing conditions. Cognizant of this, leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), Aubrey Norton said future projects should yield more fiscal benefits for the country as the Stabroek Block has been derisked. D u r i n g t h e p a r t y ’s
weekly press conference on Friday, Norton reasoned that the first agreement in 1999 was designed to attract investments and was successful in doing so. He noted that the existing 2016 contract with Exxon allows the contractor to produce hydrocarbons with the operator being allowed to recover costs up to 75% of oil each month, with a fiscal package for the country that includes 2% royalty and 50% profits share after expenses are deducted by the contractor. R e a d m o r e : https://kaieteurnewsonline.c om/2026/08/30/guyanesemust-get-bigger-share-ofnew-oil-projects-norton/ MONDAY Australian firm begins maiden exploration at newly acquired gold project …Director says “wasted no time” Australian company Liberty Metals Ltd has wasted no time in commencing its maiden exploration at its recently acquired gold projects located in one of Guyana’s prominent mining districts. The company has already disclosed that it is not targeting a small discovery but instead looking for a multi-millionounce gold discovery. It was on 12th August, when Liberty announced that it had acquired a 90% interest in the Oko North and Oko South Gold Projects, a package of 40 granted medium-scale mining permits covering approximately 180 square kilometres (km²) in Guyana’s Oko gold district, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) – an area where nine million ounces of gold have already been established by other foreign players.
Dead: Marinda Ernest
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The current condition at Santa Rosa Primary School R e a d m o r e : https://kaieteurnewsonline.c om/2026/08/31/australianfirm-begins-maidenexploration-at-newlyacquired-gold-project/ Woman found dead, naked along Philipai trail; reputed husband questioned Police are questioning a 23-year-old man after his reputed wife was found dead along a trail at Philipai Village, Region Seven. She was identified as 25year-old Marinda Ernest, a farmer. Investigators believe she was killed between 19:00 and 20:00hrs on Friday. Her reputed husband told police that they were walking home through the trail from a self-help exercise at a farm (Kayap) when she disappeared. R e a d m o r e : https://kaieteurnewsonline.c om/2026/08/31/womanfound-dead-naked-alongphilipai-trail-reputedhusband-questioned/ TUESDAY ExxonMobil assures investors Guyana’s profits will decline to finance future projects Guyana’s oil has been used to pay ExxonMobil for the seven projects approved so far – a development that has resulted in the country now receiving a greater share of profits from the Stabroek Block. The Government of Guyana (GoG) has indicated that it is engaging experts to help the country devise a policy with regard to the financing of future projects but Exxon has assured its investors that the country’s oil profits will
be shortened again to finance the additional developments. In its recent earnings call, E x x o n ’s S e n i o r Vi c e President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Neil Hansen responded to concerns by an investor regarding cash flow for the company in light of the investments being recovered by the operator. To this end, ExxonMobil executives assured that the oil giant was far from finished with its developments in Guyana, with further exploration activities scheduled and other projects in the pipeline. R e a d m o r e : https://kaieteurnewsonline.c om/2026/09/01/exxonmobil -assures-investors-guyanasprofits-will-decline-tofinance-future-projects/
School in Region One, where he stated that some students return to no furniture and some classrooms were experiencing leaks – adding that some parents took their child back home. “Students are returning to school without the basic furniture. The situation has become so bad that one parent took his son back home rather than leave him in these conditions. The school is also experiencing leaks, adding another concern for students and teachers who are expected to work and learn in a safe and suitable
Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed is urging the Government of Guyana (GoG) to ensure future oil projects in the Stabroek Block are ring-fenced thus guaranteeing the country a fair share of its resources generated offshore. On Tuesday, Mohamed told Kaieteur News, “Future Stabroek Block projects should not be approved automatically on the same economic terms. The basin has been substantially derisked, production and profitability are established, and the oil company can finance new developments largely from earnings generated by Guyana’s resources. This strengthens G u y a n a ’s n e g o t i a t i n g position.” R e a d m o r e : https://kaieteurnewsonline.c om/2026/09/02/oppositionleader-demands-ringfencing-of-future-stabroekblock-projects/ GGMC to crack down on unauthorised sale and transfer of mining lands …urges JVs with legitimate investors The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has put mining stakeholders and tenure holders on notice that it will
Leaking classrooms, no furniture greet hinterland children …RDC says urgent interventions underway in Region One As a new school year begins, Leader of the Opposition Azruddin Mohamed, has raised concerns about inadequate furniture, leaking classrooms and insufficient classroom space at several schools, particularly in Guyana’s interior regions. In a series of social media posts on the reopening of schools, Mohamed called on the Ministry of Education and regional authorities to urgently address the issues, while also issuing a broader message urging students, teachers and parents to work together to create a safe school environment. Among the concerns highlighted was the situation at the North West Secondary
Opposition Leader, Azruddin Mohamed
environment,” the post said. R e a d m o r e : https://kaieteurnewsonline.c om/2026/09/01/leakingclassrooms-no-furnituregreet-hinterland-children/ WEDNESDAY Opposition leader demands ring-fencing of future Stabroek Block projects …says Guyana’s share must increase Leader
of
the
be cracking down on the practice of selling, or purporting to sell, mining lands granted by the Commission. In an advisory on Tuesday, GGMC stated that the issue is “seriously engaging the attention” of the Commission and urged all persons contemplating transactions involving mining lands to seek clarification from the Commission before entering Continued on page 17
Kaieteur News
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From page 16 into any agreement or making financial commitments. The agency further underscored that persons should not rely solely on private agreements, powers of attorney, receipts, or other instruments as evidence that an individual has the legal right to sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of a mining property. R e a d m o r e : https://kaieteurnewsonline.c om/2026/09/02/ggmc-tocrack-down-onunauthorised-sale-andtransfer-of-mining-lands/ THURSDAY AFC demands full breakdown of Stabroek Block expenses …raises questions over 39.8% profit share announced by Pres. Ali Interim leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC) and former Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson is calling on the Government of Guyana (GoG) to clearly state the costs that ExxonMobil is still taking the country’s oil to pay for, raising worrying questions about the country’s profit share as announced by President Irfaan Ali. During a press conference last month, President Ali revealed that Exxon has recovered its US$55B investments made in Guyana, thereby increasing the country’s share of profits from 12.5% to 39.8%. The Head-of-State also explained that instead of 75% of oil being used to meet expenses for the operator, Exxon’s costs are now 20%. In response, Patterson raised a series of questions for the President, including a request for a detailed list of the current expenses for the operator. R e a d m o r e : https://kaieteurnewsonline.c om/2026/09/03/afcdemands-full-breakdownof-stabroek-block-expenses/
An unfinished property that the convicted UK Conman left behind in Guyana after collecting millions
AFC Leader, David Patterson evening. The stolen cable reportedly measures some 90 feet. An electrical maintenance engineer reportedly discovered the cables missing on Tuesday September 1, while investigating the reason for the malfunction. At around 18:30hrs, on August 31, he attempted to illuminate the bridge in the colours of the Trinidadian flag in observance of the twin island republic’s 64th independence anniversary when he noticed that only the LED lights on the northern end of the bridge were working. Police said that at around 09:00hrs the following day, the engineer and his team inspected the southern side of the bridge and discovered that the copper cables had been cut and removed from the metal trunking box. The matter was subsequently reported to the Providence Police Station. Detectives believe that the theft reportedly occurred sometime between 00:00hrs on August 23, 2026, and 09:00hrs on September 1, 2026.
According to the engineer, the lights are attached to steel poles along the bridge’s high span and powered by a generator beneath the structure and were last operated on August 23, 2026. Investigators are currently reviewing CCTV footage. FRIDAY Tinted vehicles trigger security scare near President’s home …Opposition leader detained, released …several unregistered drones found in cars Two heavily tinted vehicles reportedly sparked a security scare Thursday evening after they were observed acting suspiciously near President Irfaan Ali’s private residence at Leonora, West Coast Demerara. According to police, the
vehicles were spotted at about 6:20 p.m. in the vicinity of the President’s residence, immediately raising concerns among security personnel. The situation escalated when the occupants of the vehicles reportedly noticed the vigilance of Presidential Guards on duty and sped away from the area. A distress call was quickly issued, prompting police patrols in the area to move into action. Both vehicles were subsequently intercepted by police. Leader of the Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed and others were found in the vehicles. Mohamed was heard in a live video disputing that the vehicles are heavily tinted. He was detained briefly, but was subsequently released. R e a d m o r e : https://kaieteurnewsonline.c om/2026/09/04/tintedvehicles-trigger-securityscare-near-presidents-home/ Omai says gold reserves increased by 86% in 16 months – CEO …was 4.3M ounces in 2024, 6.5M ounces in 2025, now 8M ounces in 2026
$1.6M worth of copper cable stolen from Demerara River bridge Police are probing the theft of some $1.6 million worth of 4/350 KCMIL copper cable which left LED lights on the southern side of the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge without power on Monday
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President Irfaan Ali
President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Canada-based Omai Gold Mines Corp. Elaine Ellingham has disclosed that within 16 months the company increased the Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for its Omai Gold Project in Guyana by 86%. I n a r e c e n t announcement on Omai’s continued drilling through its subsidiary, Avalon Gold
Exploration Inc, Ellingham noted that the significant increase in resources over the years, has enabled Omai to move beyond its original target of developing a mine producing between 250,000 and 300,000 ounces of gold annually. “Our drilling continues to be highly effective; over the past 16 months, we increased the Omai Mineral Resource Estimate by 86%, allowing us to reach this much larger mine plan and also a much lower than marketanticipated strip ratio,” she said. R e a d m o r e : https://kaieteurnewsonline.c om/2026/09/04/omai-saysgold-reserves-increased-by86-in-16-months-ceo/ SATURDAY Govt’s ‘madman approach’ to borrowing must end- Norton …calls for strict policies on borrowing to prevent indebting future generations G u y a n a ’s N a t u r a l Resource Fund (NRF) will experience heavier inflows of oil money as ExxonMobil has recovered its investments in Guyana. The new revenue stream for the country should shape a robust economic blueprint for the country that ensures the resources are used in a manner that supports development and protects future generations from the weight of heavy borrowing. This is according to leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Aubrey Norton. During a recent media
A mugshot of Hardeep Singh Bharya when he was jailed for fraud in the UK conference, he explained that there are certain circumstances that would allow borrowing, however, government’s “madman” approach is unsustainable. British man accused of scamming Guyanese was jailed for fraud in the UK Hardeep Singh, the British man accused of scamming four Guyanese out of $145 million, had previously spent three years and four months in prison in the United Kingdom for fraud. Under the name Hardeep Bharya, he was among five persons accused of stealing £400,000 from wealthy customers of a Lloyds Bank branch in Ealing, London. Bharya was jailed in 2016 and was 30 years old at the time. According to UK news outlet MyLondon, Bharya and his accomplices carried out the fraud with the assistance of a bank insider, who was a former employee of the branch.
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The World Has Broken the 1.5°C Promise. Small States Should Not Have to Pay the Bill By Sir Ronald Sanders The world has broken the 1.5°C promise it made to its most vulnerable countries. The breach has not yet been recorded on a sustained basis, but the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) says it is widely assessed as unavoidable and likely within the next few years. Even its most optimistic scenario puts peak warming at 1.8°C. For small states that fought to secure recognition of 1.5°C in the Paris Agreement, this confirms the failure to deliver a safeguard on which their security, economies and, in some cases, survival depend. Small and climatevulnerable states contributed negligibly to the greenhouse gas emissions that created this crisis, yet they are already borrowing heavily to repair its damage. If the major emitting countries have failed to prevent the world from breaching 1.5°C, those least responsible should not incur more debt to pay for the consequences. When the Paris Agreement was concluded in 2015, small island developing states fought hard for recognition of 1.5°C because the difference between 1.5°C and 2°C was understood to be a matter of life or death. Every additional fraction of a degree increases the risks from sea-level rise, extreme weather, ecosystem damage and loss of habitable land. I wrote at the time that the Agreement would ultimately be judged on whether warming was held to no more than 1.5°C and whether industrialised countries provided adequate financing for mitigation and adaptation. Eleven years later, the first objective is slipping away, while the second remains far below what vulnerable countries require. However, the European Union and its member states deserve recognition as the largest providers of international public climate finance, contributing €31.7 billion from public sources in 2024 and mobilising a further €11 billion privately. But even this comparatively greater effort falls short of the needs confronting vulnerable states. UNEP now speaks of an “overshoot”, in which temperatures exceed 1.5°C before later efforts seek to
bring them down. But damage incurred during an overshoot cannot simply be reversed. Infrastructure must be rebuilt, displaced communities resettled and public debt accumulated after climate disasters repaid. This is where climate vulnerability becomes a debt problem. When a hurricane destroys roads, schools, hospitals, electricity systems and homes, governments must rebuild. If grants and highly concessional financing are unavailable, t h e y b o r r o w. C l i m a t e destruction produces debt, while debt service reduces the resources available for resilience and development. Hurricane Maria demonstrates the scale of the danger. The damage and losses it caused in Dominica in 2017 amounted to approximately 226 per cent of the country’s 2016 gross domestic product. Few economies could absorb destruction on that scale without lasting financial consequences. The international financial system compounds the problem. Many Small Island Developing States are excluded from concessional financing because per capita income supposedly makes them too wealthy to qualify, even though one hurricane can destroy assets and economic output accumulated over many years. A country can therefore be classified as too prosperous for concessional development finance while remaining vulnerable to losing much of its economy overnight. The injustice is obvious. Vulnerable governments nevertheless have obligations of their own. They must enforce stronger building standards, improve water management, protect coastlines, expand renewable energy and invest seriously in disaster preparedness. But those responsibilities do not erase the unequal origins of the crisis or enable small economies to finance repeated reconstruction without outside support. The accounting is incomplete in another respect. A 2026 systematic review of 263 scientific studies and 36 reports notes estimates that military activity accounts for approximately 5.5 per cent of global greenhouse gas
emissions. Treated as a c o u n t r y, t h e w o r l d ’s militaries would rank collectively as approximately the fourthlargest emitter. Yet less than one-tenth of military and conflict-related emissions is captured in existing international reporting. An analysis by researchers at Queen Mary University of London, Lancaster University and the Climate and Community Institute estimated that the first 14 days of the 2026 war involving the United States, Israel and Iran produced more than five million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. Whatever the security arguments, these emissions enter the same atmosphere and contribute to consequences borne by states far removed from the conflict. There is now also an important legal dimension. In 2024, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea concluded that anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions constitute pollution of the marine environment under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. In July 2025, the International Court of Justice confirmed that states have obligations under international law to protect the climate system from significant harm. It also recognised that breaches may engage the established principles of state responsibility and reparation where the necessary legal conditions are satisfied. These advisory opinions do not automatically produce compensation. Questions of causation, attribution and quantification remain. But climate commitments are now reinforced by authoritative findings concerning the legal obligations and potential responsibility of states. The international financial response should reflect that reality. Climate adaptation and reconstruction in highly vulnerable small economies should be financed primarily through grants and deeply concessional resources, not commercial borrowing. Debt clauses that automatically suspend repayments after major climate-related disasters should become standard. The Multidimensional Vulnerability Index should be used throughout
international financial institutions so that access to concessional finance reflects exposure to shocks rather than relying principally on per capita income. T h e F u n d f o r Responding to Loss and Damage must receive resources proportionate to the problem it was created to address. Debt relief or restructuring should also be considered where sovereign debt has been substantially increased by repeated climate disasters. These measures are reasonable responses to unequal responsibility for a global problem and the unequal burden of its consequences. No one should regard them as charity. The principle should be straightforward: no vulnerable country should
become more indebted because it must repeatedly rebuild from damage caused substantially by a global problem for which it bears negligible responsibility. Crossing 1.5°C does not mean that further climate action is pointless. It underscores the imperative for remedial and preventive action. Major emitters must accelerate reductions in greenhouse gases, while all countries, including small states, must do what they can to build resilience. But the latest assessment changes the terms of the discussion. For years, vulnerable states were asked to trust that emissions would fall sufficiently, climate finance would increase and 1.5°C could be protected. That confidence has not been
Sir Ronald Sanders justified. Small states must accept responsibility for what they can and should do themselves. But they should not quietly accept a financial system in which they must borrow heavily to pay for the consequences of a crisis they did little to create. The world is failing to keep the 1.5°C safeguard. Small states should not be required to pay the bill. (The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States. He is also Chancellor of the University of Guyana. The view expressed are his own)
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Sunday September 06, 2026
JAY-Z KICKS OFF LONDON SHOWS WITH BEYONCÉ BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE, FUGEES REUNION Billboard—-The rapper’s first UK headline set in over a decade brought out DJ Khaled, Giggs, and a surprise Ms. Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean performance. Rapper Jay-Z and singer Beyoncé Knowles perform onstage at the 2006 BET Aw ards at the Shrine Auditorium on June 27, 2006 in Los Angeles, California. Jay-Z opened his twonight stand at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Friday (Sept. 4) with a tribute to Beyoncé on her
45th birthday, pausing his set for the sold-out crowd to serenade her with “Happy Birthday” as fireworks lit up the stadium. Beyoncé, watching from a VIP suite with friends, appeared on the venue’s giant screens in a hoodie, blowing kisses and waving to fans below. The show marked JayZ’s first UK headline performance in nearly 13 years — his last solo London date was 2013’s Magna Carta World Tour at The O2
Arena — and the first time he’s played the city since 2018’s On the Run II Tour with Beyoncé. The run celebrates the 30th anniversary of his 1996 debut album, Reasonable Doubt, and follows a similarly star-studded trio of shows at New York’s Yankee Stadium last month, which also marked 25 years of The Blueprint. Sir Idris Elba opened the night with the same spoken intro that led off Jay-Z’s 2007 album American
Gangster, before Jay moved into a set spanning his catalog, from early cuts to career-defining hits. The night’s guest turns gave it the same event-show energy as the Yankee Stadium run: DJ Khaled joined for “God Did” alongside U.K. rapper Giggs, who also performed his own breakout single, “Talking the Hardest.” Later, Ms. Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean surprised the crowd with a run of Fugees classics — “Ready or Not,” “Killing Me Softly” and “Fu-GeeLa.” The show drew a heavy celebrity turnout, including David Beckham, Cynthia Erivo, Michael B. Jordan, Rick Rubin, Thomas Tuchel, Dave, Olivia Dean, AJ Odudu and Kano. Jay-Z plays a second Tottenham Hotspur date Saturday (Sept. 5) before the tour continues to Paris’s Stade de France on Sept. 10
Rapper Jay-Z and singer Beyoncé Knowles perform onstage at the 2006 BET Awards at the Shrine Auditorium on June 27, 2006 in Los Angeles, California. FRAZER HARRISON/GETTY IMAGES and wraps with two shows at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium in late October — additional
dates added on top of the run’s original schedule as demand grew.
Beenie Man receives Official Proclamation from City of Hartford, Connecticut Dancehall Beenie Man has received an official Proclamation from City of Hartford, Connecticut
Dancehall Mag—-Beenie Man just got handed a key to Hartford not literally, but close enough. The City of Hartford, Connecticut, along with its City Council, issued an official proclamation recognizing the dancehall veteran’s contributions to music, Jamaican culture, and the genre on a global scale. What made the moment stand out wasn’t just the proclamation itself, but who helped deliver it. Veronica Airey-Wilson, former Deputy Mayor of Hartford and a proud Jamaican, added her own special recognition to the occasion a Jamaican honoring a Jamaican, as Beenie put it, which clearly hit different for him on a personal level. Beenie shared the news himself on Instagram, and the caption had a warmth to it that felt genuine rather than performative. From Kingston to Hartford, the love for Dancehall has no borders,” he wrote, leaning into the cross-cultural thread that’s always run through his career a Kingston kid whose music has traveled far beyond the island. For a city like Hartford, this kind of recognition says something about how deeply Caribbean culture has rooted itself in Connecticut’s communities. Hartford has a long-established Jamaican and West Indian population, and moments like
this tend to resonate well beyond the ceremony itself they’re a signal of whose contributions the city officially chooses to acknowledge. Beenie Man has been on the circuit for decades, and the “King of Dancehall” title he’s carried and defended is one of the genre’s most contested and beloved traditions. Getting that identity formally recognized by an American city council is a different kind of validation than a chart position or a Grammy nod, and it’s the sort of thing that tends to land differently with an older fanbase who’ve watched him hold it down since the ’90s. Reactions in the comments were celebratory, with fans from both Jamaica and the diaspora treating it as a collective win. There’s always a faction that views these kinds of civic honors as symbolic at best, but for communities that have spent years feeling culturally overlooked by mainstream institutions, an official proclamation carries real weight. Beenie closed his post with a straightforward declaration “Hartford showed the King of Dancehall real love” and it’s hard to argue with that read. Whether this is part of a broader U.S. run or a one-off moment, the recognition is now on the record.
Sunday September 06, 2026
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Towards a better life with your psychologist...
PEOPLE-PLEASING: A Survival Response An adult people pleaser is governed by the abandoned child within. The bible admonishes, love your neighbour as yourself not more than not less than. People-pleasing is an unconscious survival strategy developed to p re s e r v e a t t a c h m e n t , reduce conflict, avoid rejection, and maintain emotional safety. The person is not simply trying to make others happy at their own expenses. Somewhere within their psyche, pleasing others has become associated with being safe, accepted, loved, or protected. This pattern is described through the trauma concept of t h e f a w n response—appeasing or accommodating another person when fighting, fleeing, or resisting them feels too difficult. Persistent peoplepleasing is frequently associated with developmental environments in which authentic selfexpression carried relational consequences. THE TRAUMA BEHIND Several forms of developmental trauma contribute to this response. Emotional neglect occurs when a child’s emotional needs are repeatedly overlooked. The child gradually learns that other people’s needs matter more than their own or their needs are a burden. Conditional love or approval teaches the child, “I am valued when I behave correctly, achieve, obey, help, or make my parent happy.” Love consequently becomes something that must be earned. E m o t i o n a l l y unpredictable parenting produce hypervigilance. When a caregiver is affectionate one moment and a n g r y, w i t h d r a w n , intoxicated, depressed, controlling, or rejecting the next, the child learns to constantly monitor the emotional environment. Parental criticism, shame, or punishment teach the developing child that disagreement is a risk. Saying “no,” expressing anger, establishing boundaries, or having an independent opinion become psychologically associated with rejection. Children also become people-pleasers through
parentification, where they become responsible for a parent’s emotional wellbeing. Instead of asking, “How do I feel?” the child learns to ask, “How is everyone else feeling, and what must I do to keep everything okay?” The difficulty arises when childhood survival mechanisms continue controlling adult relationships long after the original danger has disappeared. THE UNCONSCIOUS INNER VOICE P s y c h o a n a l y t i c a l l y, repeated childhood experiences become internalized. What parents, caregivers, teachers, siblings, or significant others communicated eventually becomes an unconscious inner voice. The adult people-pleaser therefore unconsciously operate from distorted beliefs such as: “If they are unhappy with me, they may leave me.” “If I disappoint someone, I am a bad person.” “My needs create problems.” Conflict means the relationship is in danger.” “I must make myself useful to deserve love.” “Other people’s feelings are my responsibility.” “If I say no, they will reject me.” Eventually, the adult child becomes remarkably skilled at recognising everyone else’s emotions while becoming disconnected from their own. This creates a painful psychological contradiction: the person gains attachment but gradually loses authenticity. Anger becomes suppressed. Preferences are minimised. Boundaries become porous. Resentment builds beneath apparent kindness. The individual look cooperative externally while internally experiencing exhaustion, anxiety, emptiness, guilt, and frustration. ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS People-pleasing becomes particularly visible in intimate relationships because attachment fears are activated. The individual tolerate disrespect because separation feels more frightening than mistreatment. They repeatedly apologise even when they have done nothing wrong, avoid difficult
conversations, suppress sexual or emotional needs, agree with their partner to prevent conflict, or become responsible for regulating their partner’s moods. They may think: “If my partner is upset, I must have done something wrong.” Consequently, they overexplain, over-give, overfunction, forgive prematurely, and repeatedly abandon themselves to preserve the relationship. Ironically, this eventually damage intimacy. Healthy intimacy requires two psychologically separate people capable of expressing different needs. When one partner constantly adapts to the other, the relationship becomes organised around appeasement rather than mutuality. Resentment eventually emerges because the peoplepleaser secretly hopes others will recognise and reciprocate sacrifices that were never openly negotiated. PLATONIC RELATIONSHIPS The person becomes the dependable friend who always listens, helps, lends, accommodates, drives, gives advice, changes plans, or a b s o r b s e v e r y o n e ’s emotional problems. They struggle to ask for assistance because receiving feels uncomfortable while giving feels psychologically safer. They may remain in onesided friendships because losing the friendship feels worse than being exploited. Another characteristic is excessive sensitivity to subtle interpersonal changes. A delayed message, shorter reply, altered tone, or cancelled invitation trigger thoughts such as: “Have I done something wrong?” The adult nervous system is responding to a present relationship through an old survival strategy. TECHNIQUES FOR CHANGING PEOPLEPLEASING 1. Identify the Childhood Rule Ask: “What did I learn would happen if I disappointed people?” Explore childhood experiences surrounding disagreement, punishment, withdrawal of affection, criticism, emotional u n p r e d i c t a b i l i t y, o r responsibility for adults. The objective is to separate the historical danger from the
present relationship. 2. Practice the Pause Before Saying Yes People-pleasers frequently agree automatically. Replace immediate agreement with: “Let me think about that and get back to you.” The pause allows the authentic self to enter the decision. Ask: Do I genuinely want to do this, or am I afraid of what will happen if I refuse? 3. Learn to Tolerate Other People’s Disappointment Someone can be disappointed with me without me being responsible for fixing their disappointment. Boundarysetting initially produces anxiety precisely because the
nervous system i n t e r p r e t s independence as bad. By Dr. Telford Layne Jr. PsyD, Repeated boundary MSc. Postgrad, BSc. practice gradually Clinical and Developmental teaches the psyche that disagreement Psychologist - Psychoanalyst Unwrapping Gift -Clinic d o e s n o t automatically equal ultimate therapeutic goal is abandonment. not to become less 4 . R e p l a c e S e l f - compassionate. It is to Abandonment with Self- transform fear-based giving Attunement into responsible giving. Begin asking yourself the Healthy relationships do questions you automatically n o t r e q u i r e y o u t o ask about everyone else: continuously audition for What am I feeling? love. Mature connection What do I need? What do I allows a person to say yes w a n t ? W h a t f e e l s without resentment, no uncomfortable? Where do without overwhelming I need a boundary? guilt, disagree without People-pleasing begins expecting abandonment, to heal when the individual and love another person no longer has to sacrifice self w i t h o u t a b a n d o n i n g to maintain connection. The themselves.
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Sunday September 06, 2026
High Court judge rejects DPP’s bid to remove her from Haresh Singh’s murder trial High Court Judge Priscilla Chandra-Hanif has refused an application by the State seeking her recusal from the Haresh Singh murder case involving Joel Gittens, Charles Scott, and G l a s t o n H e n r y. T h e prosecution’s application arose primarily from her August 24, 2026 ruling granting severance of trials. The State contended that a fair-minded and informed observer would conclude there was a real possibility of apparent bias, arguing that her characterization of the evidence and casemanagement decisions gave the appearance that issues reserved for trial had been prejudged. Addressing the legal standard for recusal, Justice Chandra-Hanif noted that “a judge needs to be firmminded in recusing himself or herself where there is an objection of substance and in not recusing himself where the objection is fanciful”. She highlighted the fundamental distinction between the role of a judge and that of a jury, ruling that “in a jury trial the judge determines questions of law and admissibility; the jury determines disputed facts, credibility and guilt”. The judge emphasised that examining the
evidential landscape for a severance application does not constitute a finding of guilt, as “the ultimate determination of the facts, the credibility and reliability of the witnesses, the weight to be attached to the admissible evidence, and ultimately whether the prosecution has proved the guilt of each accused beyond reasonable doubt are matters exclusively for the jury”. The judge further clarified that mere disagreement with a legal ruling or case-management decision cannot be converted into an inference of partiality, stating that “an alleged legal error does not morph into or constitute apparent bias”. Citing established regional jurisprudence, the Judge reiterated that “judicial officers do not too readily accede to suggestions of apparent bias encouraging parties to believe that they will have their case tried by someone thought to be more likely to decide the case in their favour”. Having found that the high threshold for demonstrating apparent bias was not met, Justice Chandra-Hanif formally d i s m i s s e d t h e S t a t e ’s application, allowing the proceedings to continue
Justice Priscilla Chandra-Hanif before her for the accused men who have been awaiting trial since September 2020. Kaieteur News previously reported that The State has formally applied for the recusal of Justice Chandra-Hanif from the criminal proceedings against four men accused in Singh’s murder case. The application follows a controversial August 24 decision by Justice ChandraHanif to sever the trial of the first-named accused, Phillip Anderson, called “Rat man,” from his three co-accused: Joel Gittens, called “Bolo”; Charles Scott, called “Bucko”; and Glaston Henry, called “Gladwin Henry” or “Soldier man.” In court documents filed
by State Counsel Praneta Seeraj and Christopher Belfield from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the State contends that a fair-minded and informed observer would conclude there is a real possibility the judge has prejudged critical trial issues. “The State makes this application acknowledging that recusal is not lightly sought and that disagreement with rulings is ordinarily pursued by way of recall or appeal,” the prosecution noted, adding that a combination of procedural irregularities, errors in law, judicial remarks, and directions encroaching upon prosecutorial discretion
“cross the line from robust case management into the appearance of likelihood of bias.” Central to the State’s motion is the assertion that Justice Chandra-Hanif improperly weighed unadjudicated evidence before the trial had even commenced. The prosecution highlighted that in her August 24 ruling, the judge contrasted the alibi evidence of Patricia Henry and Claudeth Kurtzious, neither of whom has been cross-examined, with the assumed content of Anderson’s unadjudicated caution statement and interview. The State argued that the judge erred in law by relying on the contents of A n d e r s o n ’s c a u t i o n statement to grant severance without first holding a voir dire to establish its admissibility, citing the precedent case The State v Dookeran (Vernon) et al (1966). Furthermore, the State pointed to “highly prejudicial remarks” allegedly made by the judge when delivering her ruling, including an utterance that she was unable to hear any Demerara criminal matters due to the transfer of this case from the Berbice
assizes. According to the prosecution, this statement inferred that the judge viewed the trial as an inconvenience. The prosecution also raised concerns regarding strict filing deadlines imposed during Case Management Conferences (CMC). On the August 25 national holiday, counsel for Glaston Henry filed written submissions at 6:02 a.m., with the State ordered to respond the following day. Later that night at 11:37 p.m., counsel for Charles Scott filed submissions, with the State directed to respond by 9:00 a.m. the next morning. The prosecution argued these tight turnarounds severely prejudiced its right to a fair trial. Additionally, the State took issue with comments made by the judge regarding the authority to present indictments. When informed that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) decides which indictment is presented, Justice ChandraHanif reportedly asserted that the court holds that authority, adding, “The court will be very happy with this matter having a final resolution all the way because it has been a Continued on page 31
Koffee Drops New Single ‘OVA’ and Wants You to Play It Loud DancehallMag —Koffee didn’t ease anyone into this one. The Jamaican artist announced her new single “OVA” with the kind of directness that’s pretty onbrand for her “OVA SO OUT NOW …Go play this one loud for me” and that was basically all the context she felt you needed. The instruction to play it loud is doing a lot of work here. It’s the kind of framing that signals confidence in the record itself, a quiet flex dressed up as a simple ask from artist to listener. Koffee has kept a relatively measured release pace since her breakout, so any new material tends to land with a bit of weight behind it. “OVA” arrives without a mountain of press rollout or pre-release hype cycles, just a direct drop and a link which is increasingly how artists with established fanbases choose to move. The response from fans has been immediate, with the post spreading quickly across
Koffee (Photo Credit: Nwaka Okparaeke)
social media as listeners rush to share their first reactions. That kind of organic, word-of-mouth momentum is exactly what a release strategy like this depends on, and Koffee’s audience has historically shown up for it.
What “OVA” sounds like, what it’s about, and where it fits in her catalogue is still being worked out in real time by everyone who’s hearing it for the first time. The conversation is just getting started.
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Sunday September 06, 2026 Several students wrote through the MLC lessons division and attained excellent passes.
From Challenge to Achievement…
Morgan’s Learning Centre early achievers mark another year of CSEC success J
oy, excitement and, above all, relief washed over the young students of Morgan’s Learning Centre (MLC) as they celebrated the results of their recent Caribbean Secondary Examinations Certificate (CSEC). For the third- and fourth-form students, months of hard work and anticipation had finally paid off, as they saw their grades and reflected on their achievements. Malika Butler, age 16 years, wrote eight subjects in fourth form where she attained grade ones in Principles of Business (POB),
English A, Office Administration (OA) grade twos in Principles of Accounts (POA), Religious Education, Human and Social Biology, (HSB), grade three in Economics (EC) and grade four in Mathematics. She told Kaieteur News that her academic performance increased significantly since she transferred to MLC from another private school about a year ago. The student lauded her grandmother, teachers and family for their support. Divine Knights 16, another
student who wrote in fourth form, gained seven subjects including grade ones in English A, POA, and grade twos in HSB, Economics and, Social Studies. Knights said she appreciated the opportunity to write some of her subjects earlier than usual. She said, “the plan is to focus on science subjects because I plan on pursuing building technology that will make people’s lives easier.” Princess Cumberbatch, age 14, told this newspaper that her teachers and classmates at MLC motivate her to do her best and have
Some of the 3rd and 4th form students who attained CSEC success.
helped to support her educational journey. She expressed joy and relief at achieving grade twos in Social Studies, English A, POA, and OA and grade one in POB. The student praised “Sir Morgan,” for helping to make the lessons simpler for her to understand. Nakayla Hutson, 14, attained three subjects including a grade three in Mathematics, a grade one in English A and a grade two in OA. She said her favourite subject is Mathematics and therefore she will be challenging herself to do better
in the subject area in the future. Jaden Garraway, 14, of MLC copped five subjects including a grade ones in POA, English A, OA, grade two in POB, , and grade three in Mathematics. He said he is very pleased with his results and credits his parents and teachers for their support. Similarly, Jaiden Smith, who aspires to be an accountant, wrote five subjects. He attained grade ones in POB, English A, grade twos in OA, POA, and a grade four in Mathematics. Kaiden Bobb, 14, was challenged to sit CSEC. He said he had to dedicate himself to ensuring he was able to balance third form lessons as well CSEC classes. He wrote four subjects and gained grade twos in POB, POA, English A and OA. Kelly Carter, 15, another student of MLC copped grade ones in English A, POA and POB, a grade two in OA and grade three in Mathematics. She thanked her school for the opportunity to build her academic credentials at an early stage. “It gives me a head start in terms of planning for my future,” she said. Themera Thomas, achieved grade one in English A, grade twos in OA and POB, a grade three in POA and grade four in Mathematics. “I am pleased with my results unfortunately; I got a four in Mathematics, so I will be writing it back because I want to do better.” Terell Evelyn, also a full-time student at MLC attained grades ones in POB and HSB and grade twos in Social Studies, Integrated Science, Physics and Economics. Continued on page 29
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Sunday September 06, 2026
New York Mayor Mamdani references Sean Paul, Chanderpaul to highlight Caribbean greatness
New York City Mayor, Zohran Mamdani Irie News—New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has highlighted the contributions of
Caribbean icons, including Jamaican Dancehall star Sean Paul and legendary West Indies cricketer
Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Mamdani made the remarks while hosting a Caribbean Heritage Reception at Gracie Mansion on August 27, where he reflected on his connection to the Caribbean community and the influence of West Indies cricket. During his address, the Mayor explained the connection he made between Sean Paul and Chanderpaul, noting that Sean Paul’s familiar “Sean de Paul” intro is a reference to the former West Indies batsman. Mamdani, who wore a West Indies 2007 Cricket World Cup jersey during the event, described Chanderpaul as one of the greatest batsmen of his time and said the cricketer represented the greatness of the Caribbean. He also reflected on the achievements of legendary West Indies players including Clive Lloyd, Viv Richards, Curtly Ambrose, Michael Holding and Malcolm Marshall, while highlighting the spirit of unity that defined the West Indies cricket team. Jamaica’s newly appointed Consul General to New York, Oliver Mair, shared the clip of Mamdani’s remarks on social
media, welcoming the recognition of Jamaican and wider Caribbean excellence. Meanwhile, Sean Paul
continues to promote his latest single, “Face Card,” produced by Seanizzle, following a recent performance in Toronto.
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GNBS GOLD TESTING SERVICE: ENSURING QUALITY & CONFIDENCE IN THE MANUFACTURE AND SALE OF GOLD JEWELLERY
G
old jewellery holds significant value for consumers, and the commodity contributes significantly to Guyana’s economy. Given the value of gold, consumers need assurance that the articles they purchase are genuine and meet the quality and purity represented by the seller. To provide this assurance and strengthen confidence in Guyana’s jewellery industry, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), through its Industrial Metrology and Testing (IMT) Department, offers gold testing service at an affordable cost to determine the quality and purity of gold articles. The service provides
valuable support to consumers, jewelers, goldsmiths and other stakeholders by helping to verify the quality and purity of gold and promoting greater transparency within the industry. At the GNBS, gold is tested using a nondestructive technique known as X-ray fluorescence (XRF). This method allows the percentage purity and composition of gold jewellery to be determined quickly without causing d a m a g e t o t h e articlesubmitted for testing. The use of XRF technology is particularly beneficial for customers who wish to have their gold jewellery or other gold articles analysed while
preserving the integrity of the item. Once the testing process is completed, customers receive a report outlining the results of the analysis.This information can assist with purchasing and selling decisions, quality verification and other gold transactions, while helping to promote greater confidence and transparency. Besides gold testing, GNBS provides certification for locally manufactured gold articles through its Product Certification Programme. While testing determines the composition and purity of a particular gold article, certification takes the quality assurance process a step further. Through certification,
businesses can demonstrate their commitment to consistently meeting established national requirements for the manufacture and sale of gold jewellery. The GNBS certifies locally manufactured gold jewellery in accordance with the National Standard, GYS 50:2022 - Specification for Gold Articles. This standard outlines requirements for the manufacturing, alloying and testing of gold articles made from 23, 22, 20, 18, 15, 14, 12, 10 and 9 karat gold. It
also specifies requirements for solders used in the manufacture of gold articles, methods for assaying gold and soldering, as well as requirements for the marking and labelling of gold articles. Businesses that s ucces s fully meet the requirements of the standard under the GNBS Product Certification Programme are issued with a certificate permitting them to use the National Standards Mark on their gold jewellery. The use of the National Standards Mark provides consumers with an additional indication that
jewellery purchased has been produced under an approved certification system and meets the relevant requirements for quality and labelling. Through its gold testing and certification services, the GNBS continues to support quality, transparency and consumer confidence in Guyana. Stakeholders are encouraged to take advantage of these services. For more information on gold testing and the certification services, contact the GNBS at 2190064/66, via WhatsApp at 692-4627 (GNBS), or email info@gnbsgy.org.
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Advancing Education, Technology & Innovation in Guyana…
SPEAK LOUDER!
By Dr. Karen Abrams, MBA, AA
The Colonial Lesson We Must Stop Teaching Our Girls
Last week, an executive from a foreign technology company visited the Team Guyana Robotics 2026 team as the young people prepare for the FIRST Global Challenge in South Korea this October. It was a wonderful interaction. He challenged them to think differently about the design and build process, asked probing questions, tested their mental Mathematics and pushed them to explain the reasoning behind their decisions. He was also quite impressed with their work, their talent and their reasoning. But one thing stayed with me. At least ten times during the discussion, he stopped a young person and said, “Speak louder.” I smiled because it is probably the instruction, I have repeated more than any other throughout my years working with young people at STEMGuyana. Speak louder. Lift your head. Project your voice. Let people hear what you are saying. And it has caused me to think more seriously about something we often mistake for good upbringing in Guyana and across much of the Caribbean: the belief that quietness is refinement, particularly in girls. The idea has deep roots. The familiar English proverb, “Children should be seen and not heard,” dates back centuries. One of its earliest recorded forms, from around the 15th century, was even more revealing: “A maybe should be seen, but not heard.” The instruction was directed specifically at
girls and young women. Centuries later, etiquette manuals continued to associate good breeding in girls with softness of voice, restraint, composure and an ability not to draw too much attention to oneself. These attitudes travelled through the British Empire and became embedded in colonial societies like ours. Colonialism did not invent quiet speech, but colonial systems placed enormous value on hierarchy, obedience, respectability and knowing one’s place. Those values entered schools, churches, homes and institutions. They shaped what a “good child” looked like and, even more significantly, what a “good girl” was expected to become. Long after independence, some of those lessons remain. There is nothing wrong with teaching children manners. Children must learn when to listen, how to respect others, how not to interrupt and how to conduct themselves appropriately. But there is an important difference between teaching a child to be respectful and teaching a child to make herself small. There is a difference between listening and silence. There is a difference between good manners and fear. There is a difference between not shouting and being unable to project your voice when your ideas deserve to be heard. I believe we need to examine this especially carefully in the way we raise girls. How often do girls hear, “Don’t talk so loud”? “Don’t answer back.” “Don’t be too
forward.” “That is not ladylike.” “Lower your voice.” None of these statements, taken individually, necessarily harms a child. But repeated throughout childhood, they can communicate something much deeper: restraint is feminine, assertiveness is unattractive, and taking up too much space risks social disapproval. Then we send those same girls into adulthood and demand the opposite. At a job interview, we want them to appear confident. In university, we expect them to ask questions. In the workplace, we want them to defend their ideas. As managers, we expect them to challenge poor decisions. As entrepreneurs, they must persuade investors. In science, technology and engineering, they must explain complex ideas clearly enough that people trust their competence and judgment. And then we tell them they need “executive presence.” Perhaps we should ask ourselves whether we are trying to teach women in adulthood what we spent childhood training out of them. This is why the interaction with our robotics team stayed with me. These young people are preparing to represent Guyana on a global stage. They are building robots, solving engineering problems, working under pressure and learning to think critically. But intelligence alone is not enough. Ideas must be communicated. Questions must be asked. Positions must sometimes be defended. Leadership requires
the confidence to enter a room and allow your voice to carry. A child can have the right answer and still disappear in a room if no one can hear her say it. That does not mean every child must become loud. Some of our brightest children are naturally quiet and introverted. We should never replace one rigid expectation with another. The goal is not volume for its own sake. The goal is agency. Every child should know how to use her voice when the moment requires it. Perhaps public speaking should be deliberately taught from the earliest years of school. Perhaps parents should invite children to explain their opinions at home rather than simply rewarding obedience. Perhaps teachers should pay closer attention to the child who knows the answer but whispers it. And perhaps we should stop automatically describing the child who “never says anything” as the best-behaved child in the room. Because silence is not always refinement. Sometimes silence is learned. And in a century that will reward communication, innovation, leadership and confidence, we must be careful about what we are teaching our children to become. For years, one of the most common instructions young people at STEMGuyana have heard from me has been simple: “Speak louder.” I am beginning to think Guyana should say it to an entire generation, especially our girls.
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Morgan’s Learning Centre early achievers mark... From page 24 He said he is “very pleased” with the outcome and plans to transition to University of Guyana to study for his degree. Meanwhile, Zarifah Hackett, also from MLC gained grade twos in English A and POB, and grade threes in Mathematics, POA and OA. Tricelle Clarke, 14, who attends the MLC lessons, achieved grade ones in English A, Mathematics, and POA. She thanked the institution for challenging her to perform at an optimal level. “I was a little nervous and so on, but I knew overall that I would do well once I trusted myself, trusted Sir Morgan and my teachers, and God.” Sian holder, also 14, attained grade twos in English, POA and a grade three in Mathematics. She asserted, “I actually feel proud. This result has actually given me the confidence to do more subjects next year, which I pray I do good in because my ultimate goal is to make myself proud, make my parents proud. I also want to become a pediatrician in the future.” Rashad Lancaster copped three grade twos in English A, Mathematics, and POA writing CSEC via MLC. He said, “I’m gonna write like six more subjects, mostly in the business stream.” Kervezee Santos attained grade two passes on OA, POA and POB. He told this newspaper, “I took up the challenge because I thought it would be a great experience for me, and I thought it would be fun if I did it. I got grade two in three subjects but I failed Math which I will be rewriting.”
Malachi Tucker achieved grade ones in English A, OA, and POB. Tucker is a student of Queen’s College who wrote CSEC through the lessons faction of MLC. He said, “My ultimate goal is to become a corporate lawyer. But I am currently doing extra subjects outside of law to kind of fall back on because I want to be more of a versatile, all-rounded person, so I can major in multiple fields instead of just only law.” Jaden Cutting gained grade one passes in POA and POB. He asserted, “I was expecting to get probably like a grade two, but I’m really satisfied with the results. I want to do more because I am thinking about becoming a pilot.” Jahdiel Arthur, gain a grade two in Economics and three grade ones in Social Studies, OA and POB. She explained, “I’ve been attending Morgan’s since Form One, so this year actually makes it five years. I’ve written three subjects in Form Three. I’ve attained grade ones in English and Principles of Accounts, and a two in Mathematics. And this year, I wrote four additional subjects: Office Administration, Principles of Business, Social Studies, and Economics. I achieved three grade ones and a two in Economics. My experience has definitely been memorable. There were times when it wasn’t always easy, of course, because having to balance school and lessons and studying for CXC at the same time, yes, it was challenging, but there were also fun moments. The teachers were motivating, and they push you to do your best. Quecia Joseph gained three grade twos in OA, POA and POB. She described her experience at MLC as
challenging, but fun. “I had no plans to write subjects early. But Sir Morgan picked me to write 6 subjects, and I told my mother, and she was like, “It would be a great idea. And I had friends that wrote subjects early, and it seems better for them because in the long run, they just have to write whatever else outstanding, and that’s it. So I have eight more subjects to write, and that’s it.” Jamal Collins was able to secure grade two passes in POA and POB as well as a grade three in OA. The 15year-old is happy with his
results because he is looking to become an accountant. Javier Duncan attained two grade ones in OA and POA as well as a grade two in POB. He said he was relieved to know his endless hours at lessons paid off. S i m i l a r l y, H e z e k i a h King, achieved grade ones in POA and POB as well as a grade three in Mathematics; Deshawn Gurrick achieved grade ones in English A, OA, POA and POB. Gurick said, “In the end, the work paid off, and I didn’t regret it and I recommend it to anybody. The teaching was good. You
may feel like quitting throughout the process, but I think for those who held true, they are proud of themselves for what they achieved.” Angelina David also scored top marks through MLC. She scored grade ones in Economics, English A, OA, POB and POA. She told this newspaper, “It was very challenging, especially since there was a lot of content to cover, but we had very capable teachers, and they really pushed us to persevere, and that’s why we came out successful.” Additionally, students Jaden Johnson achieved two
grade twos in English A and POA, a grade one in POB and two grade threes in Mathematics and Physics. The students praised his teachers for the motivation to perform better. Meanwhile, Jamacy Joseph copped three grade ones in English A, HSB, POB and grade twos in EDPM, and OA. Rehanna Alleyne gained grade ones English A, POB, OA, as well as grade twos in Mathematics, and POA. Ajaviya Bobb copped grade one in English A, grade threes in English B, OA and Social Studies.
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Mind Your Business
“I DON’T KNOW WHY I KEEP CHOOSING THE SAME PEOPLE” — Love, Attachment, and the Psychology of Relationships By Dr. Eon Andre George, PhD, EdD Sometimes the person who breaks your heart looks completely different from the last person who broke it. Different face. Different job. Different family. Different personality. Yet six months into the relationship, something begins to feel strangely familiar. You are explaining yourself again. Chasing affection again. Walking on eggshells again. Trying to convince somebody to communicate again. Forgiving behaviour you promised yourself you would never tolerate again. Eventually you ask: “How I end up here again?” We like to believe that love is simply about finding the right person. Psychology suggests something more complicated. We do not enter relationships empty-handed. We carry into them our childhood experiences, insecurities, expectations, fears, family patterns, previous heartbreaks, and ideas about what love is supposed to feel like. Sometimes we are not simply choosing a person. We are choosing something that feels familiar. OUR FIRST RELATIONSHIPS TEACH US ABOUT LOVE Before we ever have a boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, or wife, we have already been studying relationships. The first classroom was home. We watched how affection was expressed. We saw whether a d u l t s a p o l o g i s e d . We noticed who controlled the money, who made decisions, who remained silent, who shouted, who forgave, and who disappeared
emotionally when conflict arose. Those observations matter. Psychologist John B o w l b y ’s A t t a c h m e n t Theory proposes that our earliest relationships help create internal expectations about closeness, trust, and emotional security. Later research, including the work of Mary Ainsworth, helped identify different attachment patterns. Someone with relatively secure attachment generally learns that closeness can be safe and that people can be dependable. Others develop more anxious patterns. They may desperately want closeness while constantly fearing abandonment. Still others become more avoidant, protecting themselves by keeping emotional distance. These are not permanent labels, and people can change. But they help explain why two adults can experience the same relationship very differently. One person interprets a partner asking for space as normal. Another experiences it as: “You leaving me.” WHEN FAMILIAR FEELS LIKE LOVE Imagine a young woman who grew up with an emotionally distant father. He provided for the family, but affection was rare. Praise was limited. She spent much of childhood trying to earn his approval. Ye a r s l a t e r , s h e repeatedly becomes attracted to emotionally unavailable men. Her friends cannot understand it. “Girl, that man does treat you like you don’t exist.” She understands intellectually that something is wrong, yet emotionally she remains invested. Why?
One possibility is that the relationship activates an old psychological pattern: love must be earned. The emotional distance feels painful, but it is familiar. And familiarity can sometimes be mistaken for compatibility. This does not mean people consciously search for partners resembling their parents. Human relationships are far more complicated than that. Rather, early experiences can influence what feels emotionally recognisable. Sometimes peace feels strange to a person raised around chaos. Consistency can feel boring. A healthy partner can even feel suspicious because the person keeps waiting for the
becomes surveillance, affection becomes possession, and one person’s insecurity becomes another person’s imprisonment. Psychology helps us recognise that jealousy often says less about the person being monitored and more about the insecurity of the person doing the monitoring. Fear of abandonment can produce controlling behaviour. Unfortunately, control rarely cures insecurity. It usually feeds it. WE LEARN HOW TO FIGHT TOO Relationships are not defined by whether couples disagree. Every couple disagrees. What matters is how they disagree. Some people learned that conflict
Why We Sometimes Call Something Love Simply Because It Feels Familiar problem to appear. We tend to think people always seek what makes them happy. Sometimes people seek what makes psychological sense based on what they already know. “BECAUSE HE LOVES ME” Culture also teaches us how to interpret relationship behaviour. Jealousy may be mistaken for love. Control may be interpreted as protection. Constant calling may be viewed as caring. Possessiveness may initially feel flattering. “She don’t want nobody around me because she love me.” “He only behaves so because he cares.” But affection and control are not the same thing. A partner wanting to know where you are is not automatically unhealthy. Relationships naturally involve communication and accountability. The problem begins when concern
means shouting until someone gives in. Others learned to stop speaking for days. Some attack character: “You always selfish.” Others leave the room whenever emotions become uncomfortable. Then two people from different emotional households meet and assume their way of handling conflict is normal. One wants to discuss the problem immediately. The other needs time. The first interprets withdrawal as rejection. The second interprets pursuit as aggression. Now the argument is no longer about what happened. It is about how each person’s nervous system learned to survive disagreement. This is why healthy communication requires more than simply “talking.” It requires learning to regulate emotion while talking. THE RELATIONSHIP
Dr. Eon Andre George, PhD, EdD HAS A BANK ACCOUNT Psychologist John G o t t m a n ’s e x t e n s i v e research on couples provides another useful way of understanding relationships. His work has emphasised patterns such as criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling as particularly destructive when they become e n t r e n c h e d . G o t t m a n ’s broader work also highlights the importance of positive everyday interactions. Relationships are often damaged not by one spectacular event but by thousands of small withdrawals. The dismissive response. The forgotten promise. The joke at a partner ’s expense. The conversation that never receives attention because somebody is always on the phone. The apology that never comes. The same is true in reverse. Small deposits matter. Making tea without being asked. Calling to check that someone reached home safely. Listening when the story is not particularly interesting to you. Saying thank you. Defending your partner when they are absent. Remembering something important. Love is often less dramatic than we imagine. Much of it happens in ordinary moments. WHY PEOPLE STAY One of the easiest questions to ask from outside a troubled relationship is: “Why they don’t just leave?” But relationships involve attachment, children, finances, housing, religion, social expectations, fear, hope, history, and sometimes genuine danger. In close-knit communities, there may also be another powerful consideration: “What people gon say?” Someone may fear disappointing parents. Another may believe divorce represents personal failure. Someone may remain because children are involved. Another may remember the good years and continue hoping they will return. Understanding why someone stays does not
mean recommending that t h e y s t a y. I t s i m p l y recognises that human attachment is more complicated than outsiders often assume. LOVE CANNOT REPAIR EVERYTHING We sometimes romanticise love as though sufficient love can fix any relationship. It cannot. Love cannot substitute for respect. It cannot compensate indefinitely for dishonesty. It cannot cure another person’s addiction, uncontrolled anger, or unwillingness to take responsibility. And love does not require enduring abuse. One of adulthood’s difficult lessons is recognising that you can genuinely love someone and still conclude that the relationship is unhealthy. That is not necessarily failure. Sometimes it is psychological maturity. UNDERSTANDING BEHAVIOUR Relationships reveal parts of ourselves that ordinary life can hide. They expose our fear of rejection, need for reassurance, difficulty trusting, tendency to control, ability to forgive, and capacity to communicate. That is why relationship problems are not always solved simply by finding a different person. Sometimes the pattern travels with us. The deeper work begins when we stop asking only: “Why do people keep doing this to me?” and become willing to ask: “What keeps feeling familiar to me, and why?” Our childhood does not determine whom we must love. Our past does not condemn us to repeat unhealthy relationships. Attachment patterns can change, communication can be learned, boundaries can become stronger, and people can develop healthier ways of giving and receiving affection. But first we have to recognise the pattern. Love may bring two p e o p l e t o g e t h e r. S e l f awareness helps determine what happens after they arrive.
Kaieteur News
Sunday September 06, 2026
g tin ... s ere res Int eatu Cr
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Red Squirrels VULGARIS)
Native red squirrels are a lot rarer in the UK than their American cousins, grey squirrels. Usually found in coniferous woodland, they like to feast on hazelnuts by cracking the shell in half. If you’re lucky you may also find pine cones that have been nibbled, leaving what looks like an apple core behind! Red squirrels make a rough nest called a ‘drey’ out of twigs, leaves and strips of bark high up in the tree canopy. Males can be seen chasing females through the trees, leaping across branches and spiralling up tree trunks. HOW TO IDENTIFY The red squirrel has a reddish-brown coat and pale underside. It has a characteristically bushy tail. It is distinguished from the grey squirrel by its smaller
(SCIURUS
Native red squirrels are a lot rarer in the UK than their American cousins, grey squirrels.
size, red fur and distinctive, large ear tufts. DISTRIBUTION Found in Scotland, the Lake District and Northumberland; isolated, remnant populations further south in England and Wales,
i n c l u d i n g F o r m b y, Anglesey, Brownsea Island in Dorset, and the Isle of Wight. DID YOU KNOW? Red squirrels do not hibernate, but they do keep stores of food to see them
‘Drink spiking on the rise’ - CANU warns partygoers The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) has issued a stark warning to the public following reports of possible drink spiking at social events, cautioning that illicit drugs are anything but harmless entertainment. In a statement on Friday, CANU urged patrons to remain vigilant, warning that the combination of illicit drugs, excessive alcohol consumption and drink spiking could have devastating consequences. “Social events should create memories, not victims,” CANU said, expressing concern over the reported incidents. The agency warned that dangerous substances can be concealed in drinks, powders, pills, candy, vapes and other forms, potentially resulting in overdose, permanent injury, unconsciousness, sexual vulnerability, violence and even death. CANU stressed that no party, trend or
pressure from peers is worth risking one’s life. Patrons are being urged not to accept drinks, vapes, pills or other substances from strangers and never to leave their drinks unattended. They should also trust their instincts and immediately seek help if something appears wrong or they suddenly feel unwell or impaired. CANU also placed the spotlight firmly on event promoters and organisers, declaring that “safety is not optional.” According to the agency, organisers have a responsibility to ensure that drug activity is not tolerated, suspicious behaviour is addressed, security personnel are visible, staff are properly prepared, medical assistance is accessible and safe transportation is encouraged. “A successful event is measured not only by the crowd or the music but also by whether everyone gets home safely,” CANU said.
High Court judge rejects... From page 22 practice over the years that has caused some concern to the judiciary…” The prosecution contends these remarks contradict Section 95 of the Criminal Law (Procedure) Act, Chapter 10:01, and suggest potential bias, particularly given that the CMC has ongoing for over three weeks without the trial commencing. Citing the governing legal test for bias from Porter v Magill, as adopted by the Caribbean Court of Justice in Lesage v The Mauritius Commercial Bank Ltd and reaffirmed in Minister of Home Affairs v Nazar Mohamed &Azruddin Mohamed, the State maintained that the cumulative effect of these actions creates an apprehension of prejudgment. The recusal application has sparked fierce pushback from the defence team. Kaieteur
News understands that at a pre-trial hearing, defence attorneys rallied against the State’s motion, describing the filing as “contemptuous,” “despicable,” and a “malicious attempt” to launch an assault on the reputation of the court. Legal firm, Hughes Fields and Stoby, also publicly weighed in on the matter, issuing a statement regarding the procedural propriety of the State’s motion. “It is a well-established principle of law that the appropriate remedy for a party dissatisfied with a judicial ruling is to appeal that decision to a higher court not to challenge the impartiality of the presiding judge,” the firm stated. “Disagreement with a ruling, however strongly felt, does not in itself give rise to a reasonable apprehension of bias. Perhaps a new day has come in Guyanese jurisprudence.”
through difficult times when fresh food is not available. In their favoured habitats of mixed broadleaf and coniferous woodland, they have a source of food all year-round as pine seeds are present over the winter months. POPULATION DECLINE In England a petition set up by Save Our Reds, has attracted more than 75,000 signatures, urging more action noting the decline in the population of Red Squirrels. Founder of the campaign Marie CarterRobb, said: “We have a series of urgent actions that need to be brought together into one joined-up national plan.” A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), said the government was protecting endangered red squirrels by tackling the threat of non-native grey
Red Squirrels are usually found in coniferous woodland, they like to feast on hazelnuts by cracking the shell in half.
squirrels. Combining data from a number of wildlife organisations, the group said the endangered species, which “still clings on” across Cumbria, Northumberland and the North Pennines, could disappear within 25 years. It also said only 120,000 to 160,000 remained, with as few as 15,000 in England.
According to Natural England causes for the decline include the introduction of grey squirrels from the USA and Canada from 1876 spreading the squirrelpox virus, which is fatal to the red squirrels only. The group said habitat loss and weak enforcement of existing protections were adding to the problem.
Mahipaul blasts Guyana-US deportee deal ...says Guyanese must not become last in their own country APNU Member of Parliament Ganesh Mahipaul has raised strong concerns regarding the G o v e r n m e n t ’s n e w l y announced migration cooperation agreement with the United States, warning that Guyanese citizens must not be made a secondary priority in their own country. The bilateral framework permits Guyana to receive a limited, vetted number of skilled, non-criminal thirdcountry nationals removed from the U.S. under the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Assisted Voluntary Return Programme. While the administration framed the deal as an extension of Guyana’s international human rights commitments, Mahipaul argued that the nation’s fragile public infrastructure is ill-prepared to handle additional obligations. In a public statement, Mahipaul emphasized that while Guyanese are historically known for their hospitality and willingness to assist those in need, serious questions remain r e g a r d i n g t h e s t a t e ’s institutional capacity. “My concern is not with helping
MP Ganesh Mahipaul people, nor am I opposed to Guyana being a hospitable nation,” Mahipaul stated. “My concern is whether our country has the institutional capacity to properly manage and monitor this programme and live up to the responsibilities it is accepting.” Although international agencies like the IOM are tasked with covering financial costs for housing, integration, and initial support, the legal and administrative duties regarding admission, protection, legal stay, and potential removal remain strictly with the Guyanese
state. Mahipaul questioned whether state entities possess the required independence and professionalism to manage these tasks without political interference. He pointed directly to ongoing national struggles with basic public services, including persistent utility disruptions, healthcare constraints, security challenges, and an escalating housing crisis affecting local families. “Our utilities are struggling to adequately provide reliable water and electricity to our own Continued on page 39
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Sunday September 06, 2026
The Door That Wasn't There Emily and Jack stood very still in the treehouse. There it was again: the thin line in the back wall, the tiny round knob, and the little door that had not been there the day before. Jack whispered, “If that door starts talking, I am climbing down the ladder.” Emily ignored him and stepped closer. She put her hand on the knob. “It's just wood, Jack.” “That's exactly what a sneaky door would want us to think,” he replied. Emily tried the knob, but it did not turn. She pulled, but nothing happened. Jack pushed gently on the wall around it. “Maybe it's stuck.” Emily knelt beside the little door and looked closely. “No. Look at this.” A tiny acorn had been carved into the center of the knob. Jack crouched beside her. “So the original Secret Treehouse Club made this too.” Emily nodded. “And they wanted it found.” Jack sighed. “Great. Now how do we un-find it until we know how it works?” Emily was already thinking. They gathered all their clues and placed them on the table: the folded map from the acorn, the silver bell, the ribbon message, the sparkling feather, the lantern, the blue tag that said, “When lost, look for light,” and the wooden path marker they had sketched in Emily's notebook. “One of these must connect to the door,” Emily said. Jack tapped the wall beside the knob. “Maybe the door only opens
if you say something dramatic. Like, 'Open, secret place!'” Nothing happened. He tried again in a deeper voice, but the treehouse stayed quiet. They tried the bell next. Emily rang it once near the knob, but only a soft ting answered her. They held the feather near the crack in the wall. Its silver dots glimmered, but the door remained shut. Jack unfolded the tiny map on the floorboards, and Emily leaned over it. Three old clue spots were marked, but she noticed something new near the drawing of the treehouse. “Wait,” she said. “There's a little square here.” Jack squinted. “Was that always there?” Emily shook her head. Next to the square was a tiny picture of a lantern. Emily carried the lantern to the little door and held it close. The warm light shone across the wooden wall, but nothing happened. “Well,” Jack said, “that was a short and disappointing adventure.” Emily moved the lantern slowly from side to side. “The tag said, 'When lost, look for light,'” she explained. “Maybe we're not supposed to use the lantern as a key. Maybe we're supposed to use the light to notice something.” She lowered the lantern until the glow brushed across the floorboards below the tiny door. Suddenly, a pale shape appeared in the wood grain. “Jack,” she said softly. He dropped to his knees beside her. In the lantern light, a small five-pointed star appeared beneath the door. Emily traced it with one finger. “This wasn't visible before.” Jack glanced at the door knob and then at the star. “So the light found the clue. But what do we do with it?”
They studied everything again. The bell had an acorn symbol, the map had led them to a box, the kite ribbon had pointed them to the bridge, and the stool and lantern had helped them guide lost animals safely home. “Maybe the old club liked clues that did two jobs,” Emily said. “They helped someone, and they also led to the next thing.” Jack snapped his fingers. “The star could be part of the next thing.” Emily looked around the treehouse and noticed the little box from their earlier clues. She turned it over, but there was no star. Jack searched under the table, finding nothing except dust. Emily opened her notebook and flipped through her drawings. When she reached her sketch of the blue tag from the stool, she suddenly stopped. The cloth had been tied in a knot shaped almost like a star. “The blue tag!” she exclaimed. She grabbed it from beside the lantern and turned it over. On the back, near one edge, was a tiny pointy notch she had not noticed before. Then she found another and another. Jack leaned closer. “It's a star shape.” “Maybe it fits,” Emily said. Very carefully, Emily placed the wooden tag over the pale star outline beneath the door. It matched perfectly. There came a soft little click. Jack's mouth fell open. “You did it.” Emily gripped the knob and turned it again. This time it moved, and the tiny door swung open with a slow wooden creak. Inside the wall was a shallow storage nook, neat and dry, like a secret shelf. A row of small round badges rested inside on a strip of faded blue cloth. Each badge was painted with the acorn symbol. Under the badges lay a folded note. Emily opened it carefully while Jack peered over her shoulder. The note said that the club had never been made for keeping secrets only, but for helping Whisper Woods and everyone near it. It reminded whoever found it to keep looking closely and to keep being kind. Jack let out a quiet breath. “So there really was another club.” Emily nodded. “And they used this treehouse the same way we do.” Emily counted the badges, but then stopped. In the middle of the cloth was an empty space shaped like a star. Jack saw it too. “There should be one more.” Emily looked down at the little wooden tag in her hand. “The star badge is missing.” They placed the badges and note on the table beside their other clues. Jack touched one badge gently. “Maybe each kid in the old club had one.” Emily looked at the empty space again. “Then the missing badge matters.” Jack asked if she thought it had been lost. Emily thought about the hidden outline, the lantern clue, and the careful note tucked inside the wall. “No,” she said. “I think it was taken out on purpose.” Jack tilted his head. “As the next clue?” Emily smiled. “That would be exactly their style.” Outside, the evening breeze moved through the branches, and the silver bell gave one light ting, almost as if it agreed. Emily folded the note and tucked it into her notebook. “We solved the door mystery,” she said. Jack looked at the empty star-shaped space. “And found a badge mystery waiting inside it.” Emily closed the little door halfway, then stopped. “Tomorrow, we start looking for the missing star.”
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Sunday September 06, 2026
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Living with a clear Sense of Purpose will bring fulfilment of your dreams In the past weeks, we have been trying to encourage you to develop your unique sense of purpose. When we believe that we each have been born with a special purpose to fulfil in this life then we will make the effort to search for that for which we have come into this world. When we also know that we have been gifted with the things we need to make that intention come true, we will go forward confidently to make it a reality, with a sense of direction towards achieving your goals. When you strive for this fulfilment, you will go through your life with a vision and the determination and passion to fulfil what you see as your unique mission. It will make you strive relentlessly to develop the power and the willingness to make a difference in the world around you. Your problem now is to search for and identify that unique purpose. To start this effort, you need to first check yourself for the things that you excel in, the things that you feel best when you are doing them, and the things that add
You have what it takes value to what is going on around you and what tends to make others happy and successful. The first stages of this at this point of your life must be to carry on and get the best education you can so as to develop your special talents to the fullest, which will in turn enable you to embark on a successful career to make use of these talents in making a positive difference in your environment and the world as a whole. If you look around you, you will see
so many people, even some close to you, who seem to be drifting aimlessly along without any set purpose, which makes them lack the will and the strength to do the best they can in their studies and their careers. This must make you more determined to embark on this effort to find and fulfil your special purpose. Go for it and you will realise true fulfilment, and also all the success and happiness that will make your life worth living.
BRIDGES
“Connect these islands with bridges until each island can be reached from any other island, and each island has as many outgoing bridges as its number. You may only connect islands vertically or horizontally and bridges may not cross. There may be one or two bridges connecting pairs of islands, but no more than two. Each puzzle has a unique solution that can be found without making guesses."
You have what it takes to succeed, You have within you everything you need to become anything you want to be, And the zeal to approach your tasks enthusiastically. You have power within you to apply yourself energetically; You have wisdom within you to wisely take the necessary steps to your good; You have all within you to answer the call to be whatever you want to be; You have imagination within you to see in your mind what you want manifested; You have love within you to be loving in all your methods and ways; You have life within you to pursue the happiness that is your birthright; You have strength within you to hold and pursue true ideas; You have intelligence within you to renounce every bad thought and action; You have faith within you to fulfil your destiny and make the most of yourself; You now need to make use of all your qualities To make yourself the best you can be.
When you live to fulfil your unique purpose your way will be smoothly paved to achieve all your life goals.
Solutions to last week’s
Start & Finish
Solution: 1. Plump, 2. Aura, 3. Muslim, 4. Lull, 5. Kink, 6. Blurb, 7. Evaluate, 8. Designated, 9. Tarot, 10. Hash.
Rhyme Time
Solution: 1. Bangle, Spangle 2. Book, Crook 3. Feather, Weather 4. Cool, Fool
5. Dorsal, Morsel 6. Phony, Crony 7. Sleek, Weak 8. Love, Dove
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Sunday September 06, 2026
Guyana accepts six US deportees from Afghanistan and Cuba The Government of Guyana has finalised a migration cooperation agreement with the United States under which the country will receive a limited, vetted group of noncriminal, skilled individuals through the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Assisted Voluntary Return Programme. The agreement marks the immediate rollout of a temporary third-country deportation mechanism, with an initial cohort of six deportees with four originating from Cuba and two from Afghanistan arriving in Guyana on Friday. Official sources confirmed to Kaieteur News that the newly inked bilateral framework agreement carries an initial duration of one year. The deal outlines a temporary arrangement for individuals who voluntarily opt for relocation to Guyana while awaiting the final determination of their immigration status. Under the agreed terms, the United States Government will bear the complete financial burden of the relocation exercise. The operational execution of the framework falls directly under the IOM, the UN Migration Agency. The IOM will fund and manage the reception, housing, basic support, and
President Ali and US Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot social integration services for the relocated individuals. These services include facilitating regular, private contact with legal representation and family m e m b e r s . T h e
administration reaffirmed that Guyana will incur no f i n a n c i a l l i a b i l i t y. Furthermore, the IOM confirmed that the arrangement does not transfer any of the state’s
official legal duties concerning immigration admission, protection, legal stay, or deportation. The Government maintained that it holds total sovereignty over who enters the country under the pact. Guyana retains complete veto power to review and deny any individual put forward by US authorities. Only individuals who explicitly consent to relocate to Guyana of their own free will and meet strict noncriminal and skill criteria will be admitted. Addressing public c o n c e r n s , t h e o ff i c i a l government statement clarified that the arrangement operates under strict parameters and does n o t o ff e r o p e n - e n d e d residency or permanent resettlement. “Individuals relocated to Guyana under the Assisted Vo l u n t a r y R e t u r n Programme do so voluntarily and will await the outcome of their immigration status determination while in Guyana,” the statement detailed. “Depending on the outcome, individuals will either return to their country of origin or relocate elsewhere of their choosing.” President Irfaan Ali’s administration framed the
framework as a continuation of Guyana’s international human rights obligations. Relocated individuals will maintain the right to seek international protection where applicable. In such cases, the IOM will coordinate directly with Guyanese agencies and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to manage referrals. The framework reflects the deepening bilateral partnership between Georgetown and Washington, which has expanded across trade, n a t i o n a l s e c u r i t y, investment, energy, and diplomatic initiatives. The Government stated it will continue to work alongside the IOM, UNHCR, and local civil society bodies to ensure full compliance with domestic laws, international treaties, and national development agendas. Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud told Al Jazeera that a group of Cuban and Afghan nationals had arrived in Guyana on Saturday, after being deported due to immigration issues. “The US has not made any further requests” for non-citizen deportations to be sent to Guyana at this time, Persaud told The Associated Press news agency. None had criminal backgrounds,
according to Persaud. The removals are part of an ongoing campaign under Trump, who promised during his 2024 re-election bid to engineer the “largest deportation programme of criminals in the history of America”. Persaud said that Guyana reached an agreement with the US to receive deportees after months of negotiations. The human rights nonprofit Amnesty International estimates that more than 30 countries have entered into such agreements since Trump returned to office, including 15 in the Americas region. The deal with Guyana will last for one year and does not constitute permanent resettlement, Persaud said. Third-country deportations involve sending foreign nationals to places outside of their country of origin. Deportees often have no familiarity with the country they are sent to and sometimes do not even speak the language. T h e T r u m p administration has sought to expand the use of thirdcountry deportations. It has struck agreements with a range of countries around the world, including several as far afield as Africa. Some of the deals have involved multimillion-dollar payments.
Linden suffered 10 outages in two days despite additional power - Solomon Member of Parliament for the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Sharma Solomon, on Friday revealed that despite the town receiving additional power, it suffered 10 outages o n We d n e s d a y a n d Thursday. Speaking on the current power generation situation, he said, “The power generation in Linden there is absolutely no improvement. Yesterday (Thursday) and over the past 48 hours that you had the Cabinet outreach we had 10 rounds of blackouts within the community.” He reminded that BOSAI came onstream with an additional 1.5 MW of generation capacity, but said it has not done much to improve the situation. Homes and several businesses have been
affected by unstable generation and frequent outages. On August 30, Kaieteur News reported that Mayor of Linden Dominique Blair said there had been no meaningful improvement in the electricity situation in the municipality since the additional 1.5 MW was recently added, while providing an update on the matter. “Communities are still experiencing blackouts as of recent. The company [BOSAI] is still operating a load-shedding schedule. So, we have not seen any meaningful improvement since the addition of this 1.5 megawatts,” Mayor Blair revealed. On August 23, Kaieteur News reported that the mining town of Linden had received an additional 1.5
MW in generation capacity to boost power supply for communities served by BOSAI, as peak demand continues to rise. The update was provided b y B O S A I ’s L i n d e n management to Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar and was confirmed in a statement on the Ministry’s Facebook page. “Installation works, including transformer and fuel-line connections, are underway. The unit is expected to begin generating power by the middle of next week,” the statement said. On August 17, Kaieteur News reported that rolling blackouts, public frustration, and a breakdown in municipal energy planning had pushed Linden to the brink of protests, forcing the Mayor and Town Council to
call an emergency town hall meeting amid questions over who truly benefits from the region’s heavily subsidised electricity. The crisis erupted after severe load shedding was triggered by generation trips at Bosai Minerals Group Guyana (BOSAI), which occurred when local power consumption exceeded the 14-megawatt (MW) ceiling set under the current Power Purchase Agreement between the Government of Guyana, BOSAI and the Linden Electricity Company Inc. (LECI). Speaking to Kaieteur News, Mayor Blair described a widening gap between the town’s electricity capacity and its growing demand, noting that while the original agreement provided only 8 MW, the current 14 MW supply has proven
Member of Parliament for the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Sharma Solomon inadequate for the municipality’s needs. “And they have proposed a schedule because they’re claiming that it is the sawmillers… When we started off, we had an MOU with both sides, that both sides would give us eight megawatts. Currently, both sides give us 14 megawatts, and that is not enough for the community presently,” Mayor Blair said.
The Mayor raised concerns over conflicting accounts of what, or who, is causing the grid collapse, pointing to heavy industrial sawmills and a lack of regulatory oversight. He also questioned government assurances regarding a local solar farm expected to come online by December, stating that the public remains in the dark regarding trial periods and distribution plans.
Sunday Thursday September November 06,24, 2026 2022
Kaieteur News
PAGE 35 19
Two years since sod-turning, Orealla Village still to get promised secondary school Two years since the sod was turned for the construction of the Orealla Secondary School in Region Six, the residents of the Amerindian community is still awaiting the completion of the brand new building which was expected to be completed since last year. Currently Orealla Village does not have a secondary school building, but a secondary department in the primary school where s tudents receive their secondary education. Kaieteur News reported that the government through the Ministry of Education initiated the construction of the first ever secondary school for the Village back in September 2024 when the sod was turned for this project. According to the ministry the school project was given a six months deadline (that being March 2025) to be completed. This publication learned that the deadline by the contractor was never met and the $198 million school project was terminated in August 2025. Now two years since the sod was turned and a year later since the project was terminated, the school project remains stalled. Speaking briefly with this publication on Saturday, the school’s head teacher Percy Peneux related that he is unaware of any new contractor being awarded the school project. He shared that currently there are approximately 117 secondary-aged students at the secondary department in the primary school receiving their education. He added that they are occupying the auditorium section of the school. Looking forward to having the school completed so that students can be more comfortable, the head teacher mentioned that because of limited space, students and staff face some amount of challenges. For example, due to space they are not properly conducting laboratory experiment. Kaieteur News previously reported that since the contract was terminated, the Education Ministry went out to tender twice seeking bids for the school project. In December 2025, when the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office published the tender minutes which stated that the project was split into four lots, and drew bids from only four contractors: Chavi
Former Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand (centre) and the contractor among other officials turning the sod for the construction of the new Orealla Secondary School in September 2024. Construction, Taylor ’s Construction and Transport, Ali’s Construction and Maintenance Services, and M&M and Daughters Grocery. The second time was a tender opening dated July 16, 2026. NPTAB published the project now carries an estimated cost of $207,221,200, about $8.3 million more than the $198,866,010 figure the ministry announced when the project was first awarded. Following the opening of these bids, this publication reached out to both the Regional Administration and the Education Ministry for an update on the school project which has since proven futile. The Orealla Secondary School project dates back to September 2024, when the Education Ministry held a sod-turning ceremony attended by then Education Minister Priya Manickchand. The contract was awarded to 4S Security & Building Enterprise for $198,866,010, with CEMCO Incorporated engaged to supervise the works. At the time, the ministry said the contractor had already received a mobilisation payment of $59,659,803 and that the project was expected to be completed within six months. That timeline was not met. Toshao of Orealla Vi l l a g e , L a u r e n c e Vandenburgh, told this publication in January 2026 that the contract was
terminated in August 2025 after the contractor missed an August 15 deadline set to have the school ready before the start of the new school year. “Last year in August before the new school year started, they had a deadline for the 15th of August to complete everything,
however, the contractor didn’t reach the deadline and they decide to terminate it,” he said. Vandenburgh said the original contractor did make some progress before the termination, erecting three buildings, one of which already has its roof installed.
Once completed, the Orealla Secondary School is expected to feature six modern classrooms, four specialised laboratories and a w e l l - e q u i p p e d l i b r a r y, serving approximately 180 students from Orealla and the neighbouring Siparuta area. For residents of the
riverain community, the school is expected to remove the need for students to travel to the coast for secondary education, easing the financial burden on parents who previously had to cover accommodation and related costs for children studying away from home.
PAGE 36
Kaieteur News
Sunday September 06, 2026
Project New Nation successfully hosts STEM Fest 2026 in Bartica The PNN STEM Fest featured a number of engaging activities and competitions, including a Scavenger Hunt, Rocket Building Competition and robotics contest.
Project New Nation (PNN) successfully hosted the PNN STEM Fest 2026, bringing together children, young people, parents, educators, community members, partners and corporate sponsors for a day of innovation, creativity, learning and exploration. The event provided participants with an exciting opportunity to engage in a range of Science, Technology, Engineeringand Mathematics (STEM) activities designed to encourage curiosity, problem-solving, creativity and innovation among young people.
The festival commenced with an official opening ceremony, which brought together distinguished guests, sponsors and members of the community in support of STEM education and youth development. Project New Nation extends its sincere appreciation to its Title Sponsor, ExxonMobil Guyana, for its significant support and investment in creating meaningful educational opportunities for children and young people. PNN also recognises its Platinum Sponsors, TechnipFMC and Gulf Valve,
Piping and Controls Inc., whose contributions helped make the PNN STEM Fest possible. Special thanks are also extended to the e v e n t ’s G o l d S p o n s o r s , O n e Communications and Keen 360, as well as Bronze Sponsor, GBTI, for their valuable support and commitment to youth development and innovation. The organisation further expressed its gratitude to the Honourable Keoma Griffith, Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, for his support of the initiative and his
participation in the official launch. The PNN STEM Fest featured a number of engaging activities and competitions, including a Scavenger Hunt, Rocket Building Competition and robotics contest. Participants also had the opportunity to interact with exhibitors and take part in hands-on learning experiences throughout the day. Speaking on the importance of the event, Project New Nation reaffirmed its commitment to creating opportunities that allow children and young people to develop essential skills for the future.
Young adults get 2nd chance at CSEC success despite pregnancy, other setbacks Young adults are hailing Morgan’s Learning Centre (MLC) lessons division for giving them a 2nd chance at attaining their academic dreams. Among them is a young mother who was faced with a difficult pregnancy and other health complications in pursuit of the Caribbean Secondary Examinations Certificate (CSEC). Veronica Sewadhan, 25, told this newspaper, that her journey started as a 10day worker in Berbice. “I am from Berbice. I wrote CSEC the first time and didn’t pass. But always wanted the opportunity to do it again. I was looking for the place that would give me the push and support that I needed.” She recalled that after moving to Georgetown, she was working at a law firm and came across some information on MLC. “I decided to give them a try because I always wanted a full-time job with the government but I wasn’t qualified.” However, while in pursuit of her studies, Sewadhan faced another setback—a complicated pregnancy. “I became pregnant and faced some health complications —Preeclampsia, [a serious pregnancy complication that is characterised by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, most often the liver and kidneys.] Morgan’s has a strict policy that you not must miss classes but I was given the pass papers to work and study at home,” she said. Sewadhan recalled that during the period
Veronica Sewadhan and her adorable baby
Brianna James
Shania Austin
her fiancé also supported her and encouraged her not to give up. “There were days when I could not make it and other days when I needed the extra encouragement but I pushed because I wanted to achieve my goal of having CXC subjects.” Sewadhan recalled that she eventually wrote four CSEC subjects and attained passes in all four subjects. Now, the young mom has
more than one reason to celebrate, she gave birth to a beautiful healthy baby girl. She said that she will be pursuing high learning. “I’ll take a rest for now, wait until my baby grows a bit then I will be able to continue.” Briana James, another adult learner attached to MLC gained four grade twos in English A, Office Administration, Principles of Accounts, and Principles of Business.
She said, “I’m 20 years old. I came here after failing CSEC. I didn’t really want to come. My mother was like, “Briana, get up, you have to do those subjects but this time, we’re gonna use Morgan’s. And I said, “Okay, I’m gonna give it a try. And after giving it another chance, I cried when I got my results because it was the results that I can finally go somewhere with.” Continued on page 39
Kaieteur News
Sunday 2202 ,September June 20 ya28, M y2026 ad06, noM 2026
PAGE 01 EGA 43 37 P
Police continue to hold Mohamed's phones …lawyers warn sensitive corruption evidence on seized devices The Guyana Police Force continues to hold personal p r o p e r t y, i n c l u d i n g electronic devices, belonging to Leader of the Opposition Azruddin Mohamed, as well as three of his staff members, following an investigation into alleged unauthorised drone activity. The developments follow a sequence of events that began on the evening of Thursday, September 3, 2026, when Mohamed and several associates were detained near Leonora, Region Three. According to legal counsel and official statements from the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, Mohamed was initially arrested at approximately 19:00 hrs on September 3 while responding to information concerning alleged corruption involving a property adjacent to the President's private residence. Also detained during the police operation were Members of Parliament Dr. Gordon Barker and Dr. Andre Lewis, Regional Councillor Sean Nelson, and three staff members identified as Eugene Thorne, Mario Mohamed, and Dwayne Ross.Mohamed was subsequently released on Thursday night, only to be re-arrested at approximately 23:00 hrs while walking along the roadway, before being released a second time. Despite his release, police have retained several items of his personal property, including two cellular phones, a Samsung Galaxy S26 and an iPhone 16 Pro Max, along with a Toyota Land Cruiser (PAD 4000), a Toyota Allion (PXX 5300), a watercraft, and personal documents including Mohamed's driver's licence, identification card, and a family member's laptop computer. In a formal letter dated September 4, 2026, addressed to Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken, attorney-at-law Eusi Anderson, Esq., demanded the immediate release of Mohamed's vehicles and personal belongings. Anderson highlighted the continued retention of the Opposition Leader's mobile devices, noting that while the phones taken from MPs Lewis and Barker were returned, Mohamed's devices remain in police custody. "His cellular devices contain sensitive and confidential information... including active reports of
massive corruptions and fraud committed by public individuals," Anderson wrote, warning that any t a m p e r i n g w i t h whistleblower evidence on the devices would severely compromise the Leader of the Opposition's capacity to discharge his duties. While the elected representatives were released, staff members Eugene Thorne, Mario Mohamed, and Dwayne Ross have remained in police custody for more than 38 hours as of September 5. The three men face
Mario Mohamed and Eugene Thorne in the back of the police van Police searching the home of Mario Mohamed
allegations related to suspected unauthorized drone activity near the President's residence, though the Office of the Opposition maintains that no drone was flown or permitted to take off.
Legal counsel reported that the detainees were subjected to repeated station transfers overnight between Leonora, Timehri, Den Amstel, Tuschen, and Vreeden-Hoop. Police also transported
the men to their respective homes between 00:30 hrs and 02:00 hrs on September 4 to conduct searches, though no evidence relevant to drone activity was uncovered. Additionally, one detainee was transported to
the Leonora Cottage Hospital under police guard after suffering severe pain, while defense counsel and family members reported restricted access to confirm the well-being of the men. Attorney Anderson
stated that Mohamed explicitly requested investigating officers to examine the drone's flightpath and flight-history data, which would objectively verify whether the device had been operated. Counsel claimed that police ranks refused to review the flight logs. The Office of the Leader of the Opposition has called on the Guyana Police Force and the Government of Guyana to disclose the legal basis for the continued detentions, examine the technical drone data, and release the three staff members immediately if no lawful basis exists for their detention. Police investigations into the matter remain ongoing.
Maternal vaccination protects mothers and newborns ...but coverage gaps persist across the Americas—PAHO says Washington, D.C., September 1, 2026 (PAHO) Vaccines administered during pregnancy can help prevent serious illness in women and protect newborns during their first months of life. However, maternal vaccination coverage remains insufficient across much of the Americas, underscoring the need to expand access to recommended vaccines and strengthen vaccination efforts during pregnancy, experts said during a regional webinar organized by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). An estimated 47% of deaths among children worldwide occur during the neonatal period, the first 28 days of life. Many of these deaths are associated with infections that can be prevented through maternal immunization, including pertussis (whooping cough), neonatal tetanus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). “Vaccination during pregnancy is one of the safest and most cost-
effective public health interventions available. It not only protects pregnant women, but also provides newborns with critical protection during their first months of life,” said Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO. “Ensuring timely access to recommended vaccines, together with clear, reliable, and understandable information, is key to expanding these benefits and helping give every child the best possible start in life.” During the webinar, experts emphasized that maternal immunization provides dual benefits: it helps protect both the mother and the fetus against potentially serious infections during pregnancy, while also enabling the transfer of protective antibodies to infants before birth, providing them with protection during a stage when they are still too young to receive all recommended vaccines. Maternal vaccination also contributes to reducing illness and deaths
Experts highlighted the importance of strengthening maternal vaccination efforts, including through routine recommendations during prenatal care, to better protect pregnant women and their babies.
associated with diseases such as influenza, tetanus, pertussis, and RSV. Recommended vaccines during pregnancy vary according to national immunization policies. Across the Americas, maternal vaccination against influenza, pertussis, and COVID-19 is part of routine immunization strategies, while RSV vaccination during pregnancy has been progressively introduced in a growing number of countries. In certain circumstances,
additional vaccines may also be recommended during pregnancy, including those against hepatitis B, hepatitis A, yellow fever, polio, rabies, and meningococcal disease, depending on individual risk factors and the epidemiological context. Despite important progress, challenges remain. In 2025, half of the countries in the Americas that reported data recorded influenza vaccination coverage among pregnant women of 61%. For (Continued on page 40)
PAGE 38
Sunday September 06, 2026
Kaieteur News
CDB targets Caribbean Math crisis with Region-wide education push
Education Ministers and experts from across the Caribbean attend the 52nd Meeting of the CARICOM Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) - Education. As part of its commitment to investing in the Caribbean's human development, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB/ the Bank) last week presented a regional Improving Mathematic Proficiency across Caribbean Countries (IMPACT) Programme at the 52nd Meeting of the CARICOM Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) - Education. The proposed initiative places an emphasis on improving math ematics o u tco mes an d preparing learners for future
opportunities. The recent meeting, held in Georgetown, Guyana, brought together education ministers, senior government officials, regional institutions and development partners under the theme, “Educating for Life, Purpose, and Caribbean Progress”. Discussions centred on advancing a shared regional education agenda and ensuring that Caribbean learners are prepared to thrive in an increasingly complex and technology-driven world. Improving mathematics outcomes across the Region was a
key priority highlighted by CDB at the meeting. In support of this call to action, Dr. Nicola Johnson, CDB Operations Officer (Education), Social Sector Division and Dr. Joan Ernandez-Spencer, Joint Board of Te a c h e r E d u c a t i o n o f t h e University of the West Indies, presented the IMPACT Programme for Primary and Secondary Schools. They underscored the initiative's comprehensive, coordinated, system-wide approach to strengthening mathematics teaching and learning through curriculum delivery,
teacher development, assessment, and student support. “If we want better outcomes for students, we must strengthen the entire system that supports mathematics teaching and learning. This programme takes a comprehensive approach by investing in teacher professional development, instructional leadership, AI-powered learning support, coaching, parental engagement, action research, and policy reform to improve mathematics achievement across all primary and secondary
schools,” said Dr. Nicola Johnson, who spoke at the COHSOD meeting. The IMPACT Programme aims to improve student achievement and equip learners with the confidence and competencies needed to succeed in further education, employment, and entrepreneurship, while contributing to a more competitive, resilient, and prosperous Region. Developed in collaboration with the Joint Boards of Teacher Education of The University of the West Indies (Mona and Cave Hill), the initiative reflects CDB's commitment to advancing quality education and building a skilled, future-ready Caribbean. Delivering opening remarks at the meeting, the Honourable Sonia Parag, Guyana's Minister of Education and Chair of COHSOD Education, underscored the broader purpose of education in shaping the Region's future. "We must be able to create wholesome, well-rounded Caribbean citizens," said Minister Parag. Minister Parag also welcomed the regional mathematics initiative, noting the positive impact of Guyana's own mathematics intervention programme and emphasising the importance of strong foundational skills to success in science, technology, technical training, financial literacy and the modern workplace. As the Caribbean continues its journey towards sustainable, resilient and inclusive development, CDB remains committed to partnering with governments, educators and regional institutions to solve longstanding issues in education in the Caribbean to ensure every learner has the opportunity to achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to Caribbean progress.
Kaieteur News
Sunday September 06, 2026
PAGE 39
Supply concerns drive FAO Food Price Index higher in August Rome – The benchmark index of world food commodity prices edged up in August, as high temperatures and other weather-related risks raised concerns over supply prospects, according to new data released Friday by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The FAO Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in the international prices of a basket of globally-traded food commodities, averaged 133.3 points in August 2026, up 1.9 percent from its revised July level and 2.5 percent from a year ago. “August’s increase in global food prices is a warning that the risk premium is returning to food markets: climate shocks, geopolitical tensions and disrupted trade logistics are converging to tighten supply expectations, showing that resilience, open trade and secure input flows are now central to global food-price stability,” said FAO Chief Economist Maximo Torero.
The FAO Cereal Price Index increased by 2.2 percent from July as international prices of all major grains rose on the back of robust import demand, growing concerns over crop prospects and continued uncertainty surrounding critical trade flows. Global wheat prices increased by 2.6 percent in August and were 15.0 percent above their yearearlier level, amid persistent disruptions to Black Sea export logistics, lower production prospects in much of Europe following hot and dry weather, and a weaker United States dollar. Wo r l d m a i z e p r i c e s increased by 2.5 percent f r o m J u l y, d r i v e n b y mounting concerns over yield prospects in parts of the United States of America, deteriorating production prospects in the European Union, strong demand from the ethanol and feed sectors, disruptions to inputs because of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and to Ukraine’s export flows. The FAO All Rice Price Index increased
A sorghum field in Sudan
by 0.5 percent, underpinned by sustained purchases by Asian and African countries. The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index increased by 1.1 percent from July, reflecting higher world palm and soy oil prices, spurred by robust global import demand and concerns over the impact of El Niño-related conditions on production prospects in Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, quotations for rapeseed and sunflower oils dropped slightly amid expectations of ample supplies in the year ahead. The FAO Meat Price Index rose by 1.0 percent in the month, with poultry, pig and ovine meat prices all higher. The increase in pig
meat quotations was driven principally by high temperatures that slowed animal growth in the European Union. International bovine meat prices declined, however, as Chinese import quota allocations intensified competition among exporters in Brazil and Australia for alternative market destinations. The FAO Dairy Price Index rose by 2.3 percent from July. Much of the increase was driven by tightening milk supplies in the European Union amid hot and dry weather. The FAO Sugar Price Index increased by 11.9 percent in August. The surge
reflected expectations of lower sugar beet yields in the European Union due to adverse weather, concerns over the impact of El Niño on production prospects in key producing countries in Asia, lower sugar production in B r a z i l , a n d I n d i a ’s announcement of duty-free raw sugar imports. Global cereal production in 2026 is now forecast at 2 980 million tonnes, down 2.0 percent from 2025 but still the second-largest harvest on record, according to the new Cereal Supply and Demand Brief, also released by FAO last week. The forecast for world maize output has been revised down to 1 309 million tonnes, as worsening crop prospects in France and Poland are anticipated to more than offset better-thanearlier-expected yields in Argentina and Brazil. By contrast, the forecast for global wheat production has been raised to 810.7 million tonnes, which would be 3.8 percent below the 2025 level though but still representing the second largest outturn on record. Global rice output is anticipated to decline to 553.1 million tonnes, down by 1.9 percent in 2026/27
from the all-time high reached in the previous season, due to reduced producer margins and weather conditions mostly associated with El Niño. FAO’s updated forecast for world total cereal utilization in 2026/27 stands at 2 965 million tonnes, 0.2 percent higher than in the previous year, with utilization of coarse grains and rice expected to increase while that of wheat to decline. World cereal stocks at the close of seasons in 2027 are forecast to reach 947.2 million tonnes, slightly above opening levels due in part to a build-up in wheat reserves in the Russian Federation and Ukraine linked to restricted export routes. The resulting world cereal stocks-to-use at the end of seasons in 2026/27 is forecast at 31.6 percent, down from 31.9 percent in the previous season, but still indicating a relatively comfortable global supply situation from a historical perspective. FAO also forecasts that world trade in cereals will likely decline from record levels in 2026/27 to 509.3 million tonnes.
Lands & Survey Commission to build new sub-offices in Mahdia & Springlands Young adults get... The Guyana Lands and Survey Commission (GLSC) is planning to construct two sub-offices- one in Region Six and the other in Region Eight. According to recent tender minutes published by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office, the offices are for Mahdia and Springlands. The Commission had gone out to tender seeking proposals for the design and construction cost and supervision services for the construction of new sub-office
buildings. GLSC on its website stated that to provide effective and efficient services to its clients, it has set up offices in all the regions with the exception of Region Five and Eight.
Bidder
Amount Tendered
Below are the companies and their bids: Guyana Lands & Survey Commission Design and construction cost and supervision services for the construction of New Sub-Office Building at Mahdia, Region Eight.
FTF Guyana Inc.
Lot1 $300,000,000 Lot2 $52,000,000
S&K Construction, Consultancy. Services & General Supplies Inc
Lot1 $299,500,000 Lot2 $53,174,000
Agri Heavy Machinery Inc.
Lot2 $68,000,000
Ibis Construction Equipment Sales & Rentals Inc. DCSN Construction & General . Supplies Inc
Lot1 $307,500,000 Lot2 $58,500,000 Lot1 $275,000,000 Lot2 $49,000,000
IMS Construction & Logistics Services
Lot2 $59,000,000
N.M Trucking Auto Sales & Agri Machinery
Lot1 $375,000,000 Lot2 $64,000,000
Farm Supplies Limited
Lot1 $439,500,000 Lot2 $64,100,000
Jumbo Jet Auto Sales
Lot1 $380,000,000 Lot2 $65,500,000
Bidder
Amount Tendered
Kalitech Inc.
$6,480,000
Innovative Engineering Consultancy Services
$13,000,000
Sizwe Jackson Consultancy Service
$12,690,000
PME Consultancy Engineers Inc.
$6,000,000
RVS Structural Engineering
$7,509,000
Design and construction cost and supervision services for the Construction of New Sub Office Building at Springlands, Region Six.
National Drainage & Irrigation Authority Supply and delivery of Hydraulic Excavators to NDIA (Lots 1-2).
Bidder
Amount Tendered
Engineering & Management Consultancy Group Inc.
$8,600,000
S.P.X Construction, Transportation & Supplies Services
Lot2 $88,000,000
Kalitech Inc.
$6,480,000
Alliance Trade & Investments
Lot1 $300,000,000
GR Engineering Consultancy Services
$8,200,000
Eikon Guyana Inc.
Lot1 $447,281,423 Lot2 $70,234,722
Innovative Engineering Consultancy Services
$8,325,000
Guyana Tractor & Equipment
Lot1 $35,000,000 Lot2 $63,000,000
Sizwe Jackson Consultancy Service
$10,990,000
Continental Auto Imports
Lot2 $73,960,000
PME Consultancy Engineers Inc.
$8,000,000
Motor Trend
RVS Structural Engineering
$11,587,500
Lot1 $299,960,000 Lot2 $51,986,000
From page 36 James is currently enrolled into UG. Shania Austin, als0 20, gained two grade threes in Integrated Science, Mathematics, two grade twos in Principles of Accounts, and Technical Drawing. She explained that during high school, she had a bit of a tough time. “I wasn’t really focusing, and I ended up failing CSEC. And even after I left high school, my mind wasn’t still in the right state, and I failed again, and my parents decided to give Morgan’s Learning Center a try,” she said. She recalled that though the lessons were challenging, she kept the faith. She said, “It was tough because I wasn’t getting a lot of sleep, had a lot of studying, a lot of back-to-back classes, but finally I passed. I also came mainly to rewrite Accounts. Last year was my first time writing Accounts. I got a four, and this time writing it, I got a two. And I added Integrated Science and Technical Drawing to my list. Now I’m happy and I am headed to UG to do architecture because I love drawing.”
Mahipaul blasts Guyana... From page 31 citizens,” Mahipaul stressed. “While I understand that IOM will finance housing under this programme, the broader question remains, why does our Government seem capable of finding arrangements for everyone except the Guyanese who elected it?” The Opposition MP presented a series of direct inquiries to the administration, demanding clarification on the maximum number of individuals to be received, precise housing locations, oversight mechanisms, local agency responsibilities, and procedural safeguards against political influence. “Guyanese are naturally hospitable people,” Mahipaul concluded. “But hospitality must not mean that Guyanese citizens become last in their own country. Before the Government takes on more international obligations, it must demonstrate that it can adequately provide for, protect and serve the people who already live here.” The Government has maintained that the arrangement is temporary and that Guyana retains full discretion to review and reject any candidate proposed for relocation.
PAGE 40
Sunday September 06, 2026
Kaieteur News
UN report: Global hunger levels ease for third consecutive year as regional disparities persist
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Rome – Global hunger declined for a third consecutive year in 2025, demonstrating that progress is possible. However, the improvements remain fragile, unevenly distributed and insufficient to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, according to The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2026 (SOFI 2026) report, released on Tuesday by five United Nations specialized agencies. The report estimates that 7.8 percent of the global population faced hunger in 2025, down from 8.1 percent in 2024 and 8.6 percent in 2022, confirming a sustained, albeit slow, improvement. This means that around 645 million people were affected by hunger in 2025, representing a reduction of nearly 14 million compared to 2024 and 43 million compared to 2022. Despite global progress, recovery remains uneven across regions. Asia, together with Latin America and the Caribbean, has recorded steady improvements in recent years. In contrast, Africa is now home to approximately 309 million hungry people, compared with 292 million in Asia. Although Africa’s previously rising trend is beginning to stabilize, with the share of its population facing hunger decreasing from 20.3 percent in 2024 to 20.0 percent in 2025,
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the continent now has the highest number of hungry people in absolute terms amid a rapidly growing population. Broader measures of food access tell a similar story. In 2025, an estimated 25.8 percent of the global population (around 2.1 billion people) experienced moderate or severe food insecurity, meaning they were at times forced to compromise on the quality or quantity of the food they ate. This is down from 27.1 percent in 2024 and 28.7 percent in 2020 – equivalent to nearly 86 million fewer people than in 2024 and 135 million fewer than in 2020, though still above prepandemic levels. Regional disparities remain stark. More than half of Africa’s population (56.6 percent) faced moderate or severe food insecurity in
2025, compared to 20.3 percent in Asia, 22.9 percent in Latin America and the Caribbean, and 8.7 percent in Northern America and Europe. Food insecurity also continues to be more prevalent in rural areas than in peri-urban and urban areas, while women remain disproportionately affected, although the gender gap narrowed slightly in 2025. Hunger projections in the context of the Middle East conflict The annual report also offers updated hunger projections for the next five years in light of the conflict in the Middle East. Depending on the length of the impact of the crisis on food inflation – which is driven by higher energy and fertilizer prices – approximately 510 to 520 million people may still be
facing hunger in 2030 (compared to the lower projection of 503 million in the pre-conflict scenario), with the global number of undernourished people expected to decrease by 20 percent. However, other potential disruptors, including the effects of weather extremes such as El Niño in 2026 and 2027, are not considered in these projections and could further compound these effects. The report’s joint authors - the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the UN World Food Programme (WFP), and the World Health Organization Continued on page 41
Maternal vaccination protects mothers... From page 37 vaccines protecting against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, the figure was 77.3%. These figures reflect significant differences across countries and, in some cases, limitations in data availability and reporting. These gaps represent missed opportunities to protect two particularly vulnerable populations: pregnant women and newborns. At the same time, countries across the Region have continued to expand the tools available to protect mothers and infants. Just three years after the approval of maternal RSV vaccination, 11 countries across the Region are using it to help prevent severe respiratory infections among infants during their first months of life. “Strengthening maternal immunization requires integrating vaccination into routine prenatal care, supporting health workers in making strong vaccine recommendations, and ensuring that women receive clear, evidencebased information to make informed decisions,” said Dr. Daniel Salas, Executive Manager of PAHO’s Special Program on
Comprehensive Immunization. Participants also highlighted the importance of strengthening information systems to record and monitor vaccination during pregnancy. Limited integration between immunization registries and medical records can result in missed vaccination opportunities, difficulties in tracking vaccination status, and challenges in assessing program performance. In this context, PAHO promotes tools such as the Perinatal Information System (SIP Plus), which supports the recording, identification, sharing, and monitoring of information on maternal vaccination and contributes to more integrated care for pregnant women and newborns. PAHO works with countries across the Americas to integrate vaccination into prenatal care, strengthen both health information systems and social communication campaigns, and expand access to recommended vaccines, with the goal of ensuring that every contact a pregnant woman has with health services becomes an opportunity to protect two lives.
A Refinery for Guyana: Big thinking... From page 8 not whether Guyana has enough crude. The issue is whether diverting part of that crude into a refinery produces a better return than selling it on the international market. Every barrel sent to a state refinery carries an opportunity cost equal to what Guyana could have earned by selling it. The refinery must therefore recover the market value of the crude, all operating and capital costs, and still earn an acceptable return for the risk and the investment. Only the surplus is genuine value added. Refining margins are known to fluctuate sharply. In 2024, the US Energy Information Administration reported global refinery margins at multi-year seasonal lows as petroleum-product demand weakened while refining capacity increased. A refinery has to survive bad years as well as good ones. Energy security is not a refinery President Ali’s strongest argument is energy security. Guyana produces crude while importing refined fuels, and he has spoken of storage ranging from 30 to 120 days of supply – an extraordinary fourfold range which itself suggests that the policy has hardly reached the stage of precision. More importantly, a refinery and energy security are
not synonymous. Refineries can themselves become points of insecurity through shutdowns, maintenance, accidents, feedstock interruptions and labour disputes. Security of supply depends on diversification of sources, adequate strategic storage, reliable import arrangements and resilient distribution infrastructure. A refinery may form part of that architecture, but it is neither a necessary nor sufficient condition for energy security. The lesson is not that refineries cannot work. It is that experience, state ownership and an established industrial base are no guarantee of success. Guyana, with none of Trinidad’s refining experience, should be doubly cautious. There is a further irony. After Petrotrin closed, Trinidad reorganised around fuel importation, trading, storage and distribution. A country with vastly more refining experience than Guyana pursued energy security without operating a refinery. There is also a political risk. A refinery must not become an employment or rehabilitation programme for GuySuCo or any other troubled state enterprise. Commercial viability, not the need to find jobs or solve another industry’s problems, must determine the investment.
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Ex-diplomat says Venezuela insulted T&T A former Trinidad and Tobago diplomat believes this country was “diplomatically insulted” during Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Minister Sean Sobers’ visit to Caracas, arguing that Venezuela’s actions, rather than the cordial language contained in a joint statement, show relations remain far from repaired. Speaking with Guardian Media on condition of anonymity, the former diplomat said the clearest indication came from the level at which Sobers was received, especially when compared with Venezuela’s recent engagements with Grenada and Barbados. He pointed to acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez’s visit to Grenada and the recent trip to Caracas by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, both of which involved direct engagement at the highest political level. By contrast, Sobers met Venezuelan Foreign Minister Félix Plasencia on Thursday, while Rodríguez was absent from the talks. For the former diplomat, that difference spoke volumes. “We went and they sent a junior to meet a junior,” he said. “So you look at the actions.” He argued that, stripped of diplomatic niceties, the level at which Trinidad and Tobago was received amounted to Venezuela effectively telling this country to “go to hell.” The former diplomat also noted that Trinidad and Tobago initiated the latest engagement. He argued that if Rodríguez genuinely wanted to put tensions behind both countries, she could have reached out directly to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. “If there was a thaw, Delcy would have by now written to Kamla and said, ‘Let’s bury the hatchet,’” he said. “She didn’t do that. We made the initiative.” He cautioned against interpreting the cordial statements
Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Minister Sean Sobers and his Venezuelan counterpart, Félix Plasencia
emerging from Caracas as proof that relations have improved. “You don’t judge by what they write and what they say. That’s diplomacy,” he said. “Somebody comes to your place, you’re required to tell them nice things.” “Judge me not by what I say, judge me by my actions.” According to the former diplomat, “any serious student of international relations” reviewing the engagement would conclude: “That is not a warm embrace.” He suggested Rodríguez may instead be buying time ahead of the United States midterm elections in November, after which he believes the political environment facing the Trump administration could change significantly. He theorised that Democratic gains in Congress could bring greater scrutiny of US foreign policy, including the operation that removed Nicolás Maduro from power and Trinidad and Tobago’s role during that period. “I think she is playing for time,” he said. The former diplomat believes Rodríguez remains under pressure and currently has little choice but to work with Washington. However, he said November could become a
turning point. “She’s just waiting for when November comes,” he said. “Depending on what takes place, you’re going to see the truth.” He predicted that lingering resentment could eventually be directed at Trinidad and Tobago because of a perception among Venezuelans that this country assisted Washington during the campaign against Maduro. “To the average Venezuelan, whether we like it or not, we played a part,” he said, warning that questions about Trinidad and Tobago’s role could eventually resurface. “People do not forget. And Venezuelans will not allow us to forget.” Despite his scepticism, the former diplomat said sending Sobers to Caracas was strategically preferable to Persad-Bissessar personally leading efforts to mend relations. He argued that the Prime Minister should remain “above the fray” on sensitive foreign policy matters, allowing her Foreign Affairs Minister to conduct difficult negotiations while preserving room for intervention at the leadership level if necessary. “This is good in the sense that you have sent out Sobers,” he said. However, he also questioned what
tangible benefits Trinidad and Tobago has gained from its alignment with Washington, particularly in the energy sector. He argued that US licences involving Venezuelan gas have strengthened the position of multinational energy companies while leaving Trinidad a n d To b a g o d e p e n d e n t o n arrangements involving firms such as Shell and BP. “What are you getting out of all of this?” he asked. For the former diplomat, the latest engagement represents an opportunity for dialogue rather than evidence that relations have been repaired. “There is nothing in the reality of this thing that suggests that there is harmony,” he said. “The last thing is, what are the results of this thing? Tangible results. Not nice talk.” F o r m e r F o r e i g n A ff a i r s minister Winston Dookeran also views the latest engagement as an opening rather than proof that relations have been restored, describing it as a largely symbolic first step. Dookeran said Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s persona non grata status will eventually have to be addressed if Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela are to fully restore diplomatic relations.
“Obviously, it will have to be dealt with in order to have full-blown diplomatic relations,” Dookeran told Guardian Media. “But the timing of that will be much later.” He cautioned against expecting any immediate substantive breakthrough from the Caracas engagement. “It was meant to say that we still have the prospect of building a diplomatic relation in spite of the past. But we are not yet ready to discuss any details,” he said. “So I think it was just a symbolic meeting and an open step.” Dookeran suggested this also explains why the Government has provided limited information about what emerged from the discussions. “The fact that no one can give you details is because there were no details,” he said. He added that whether the engagement ultimately proves successful will depend on the agenda developed by both governments. “Whether it’s positive or negative will depend on the future agenda that will develop. But it’s an open step,” he said. Dookeran was equally cautious about expectations surrounding energy cooperation, questioning recent optimism expressed by Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal about what evolving US-Venezuela energy arrangements could mean for Trinidad and Tobago. He said major questions remain unanswered about those arrangements and the tangible benefits they could deliver. Dookeran accused Moonilal of engaging in “plain optics” and attempting to “create victory when there’s no substance.” Despite those reservations, the former Foreign Affairs Minister said renewed engagement with Venezuela remains worthwhile. “I see this as an open step and I see it as a symbolic step,” Dookeran said, “and I see it as something that we must follow through on.”
UN report: Global hunger levels ease for third consecutive year... From page 40 (WHO) – warn that the 2026 Middle East conflict, along with weather extremes and the reductions in official development assistance and humanitarian funding, are threatening to undermine the progress made to end global hunger. Slow progress on global nutrition targets The report highlights that global progress on maternal and child nutrition also remains insufficient to meet international commitments, including the 2030 nutrition targets. Indicators such as child stunting, wasting, overweight, low birthweight and exclusive breastfeeding show only marginal improvements and progress is too slow to meet the targets. At the same time, anaemia among women aged 15 to 49 years is worsening, while the prevalence of adult obesity shows a steady increase – from 12.1 percent in 2012 to 16.2 percent in
2024 – contrary to the target of halting its rise by 2025. Only 30.8 percent of children aged 6 to 23 months worldwide consume a minimally diverse diet and 150 million children under five years of age are still stunted. Progress again varies significantly across regions. The prevalence of child stunting is declining in Africa and is on track to meet the 2030 target in Asia, while exclusive breastfeeding rates are improving across all regions where data is available. However, nearly all regions are experiencing widening gaps in addressing anaemia among women, and child overweight is increasing rapidly in Oceania. The cost of a healthy diet This year’s SOFI report takes a closer look at the cost of a healthy diet - the average minimum expenditure required to obtain locally available foods that meet energy and most nutrient
requirements. According to FAO and WHO, a healthy diet is one that is adequate, balanced, diverse, and moderate. The report underscores that costs remain a major constraint to achieving SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), although lowering such costs alone will not be sufficient to improve dietary quality and nutrition outcomes. In 2025, the average global cost of a healthy diet rose to 4.28 purchasing power parity (PPP) dollars per person per day, up from 3.44 PPP dollars in 2021 and 2.94 PPP dollars in 2017, with the highest levels recorded in Latin America and the Caribbean (4.91 PPP dollars). At the same time, the number of people unable to afford a healthy diet has declined - from 2.97 billion (37.4 percent of the global population) in 2021 to 2.69 billion (32.7 percent) in 2025. However, this trend masks significant regional disparities. In
Africa, affordability worsened markedly, with 66.6 percent of the population unable to afford a healthy diet in 2025 - more than double the levels observed in Asia and in Latin America and the Caribbean. Healthy diet costs vary widely across regions due to structural differences in agrifood systems. Animal source foods, fruits and vegetables account for the largest share of costs, while starchy staples contribute relatively little. Animal source foods are the largest contributor to the cost of a healthy diet in Africa, whereas vegetables represent the largest share in Latin America and the Caribbean. Food value chains are a major determinant of prices. Post-farmgate activities account for 70 to 75 percent of what consumers pay, with up to 40 percent of total costs arising in processing, logistics and wholesale. Improving efficiency in these segments is therefore critical,
particularly for lowering the cost of perishable, nutrient-rich foods. Reducing the cost of a healthy diet requires context-specific policy responses that expand the supply of nutritious foods while lowering structural costs across agrifood value chains. This includes investments in infrastructure, research and development, irrigation and cold chains, alongside reforms in subsidies, trade facilitation and regulatory frameworks. Targeted interventions that boost productivity, reduce losses and promote sustainable practices can simultaneously improve nutrition outcomes, strengthen resilience and support climate goals. “The work that lies ahead over the years to 2030 is immense. However, a world in which a healthy diet is no longer out of reach for nearly one in three people is a world worth building,” the report argues.
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U.S., Iranian forces fire at vessels in waters near Iran DUBAI, Sept 5 (Reuters) - U.S. and Iranian forces fired at vessels in waters around Iran on Saturday, including three Iranian oil carriers struck by Americans and three tankers that Iran said it targeted while on unauthorized routes in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command said it struck the three Iranian vessels, including one off the coast of Kharg Island, near Iran’s oil export h u b , a f t e r I r a n ’s I s l a m i c Revolutionary Guard Corps launched ballistic missiles at two U.S. Navy ships. “Let the message to the IRGC be clear: If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost, taking out three of yours,” said Admiral Brad
Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, which oversees the U.S. military in the Middle East. The IRGC responded by threatening intensified strikes against U.S. military vessels in the region, and said later it targeted the three tankers as well as three U.S.linked vessels in other areas. “Do not be deceived by the ‘terrorist’ U.S. military and refrain from any suspicious movement aimed at passing through unauthorized waterways,” the IRGC Navy said in a statement carried on Iranian state TV. “Otherwise, you will be targeted.” Tasnim, the semi-official Iranian news agency, had reported that four U.S. missiles hit a tanker in the area of Kharg’s anchorage.
Tasnim quoted local sources as saying there were no casualties and the tanker’s crew was being evacuated. No American personnel were harmed, Central Command said. The exchange of attacks followed an escalation in the past week that threatens to deepen a conflict that has continued since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran in February, disrupting global energy supplies and drawing opposition from a majority of Americans before congressional elections in November. TRUMP’S THREATS OVER KHARG ISLAND While U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration seeks to pivot toward an economic clampdown on Iran by widening
sanctions, the president himself has kept open the possibility of military action. On August 31, Trump issued a one-line social media post accompanied by an AI-generated video depicting Kharg Island being “blown to smithereens.” Iranian authorities have vowed a strong response if Kharg is attacked. Iran is the third-largest producer in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and exported 90% of its crude via Kharg Island before the war. Flows have been disrupted since a U.S. blockade of Iranian oil exports began in mid-April. Trump has spoken of an attack on Kharg before. He said on June 11 that he wanted to take over the
island, but then said a U.S. military operation there was off the table, d a y s b e f o r e Te h r a n a n d Washington signed an interim agreement aimed at ending the war on June 17. A U.S. attack on Kharg would further pressure Iran’s oil industry and its wider economy, which is already reeling from the U.S. naval blockade. The U.S. imposed its blockade on Iranian ports after Iran effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz, an important waterway that carried one-fifth of the world’s oil supply before the war. Brent crude futures closed at their highest level since July 24 on Friday, at $96.28 a barrel, as tensions in the Middle East drive global supply concerns.
U.S. envoys meet Putin in Moscow for Ukraine talks (BBC NEWS) US President Donald Trump’s top negotiators have met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, as efforts to end the war in Ukraine gather pace. Footage released by the Kremlin showed Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner being greeted by Putin, who said the current situation “is not so easy”. He added Russia would explain “how we see the situation”. Witkoff thanked Putin for agreeing with Ukraine to halt strikes on each other’s capitals for three days. On Sunday the envoys will travel to Kyiv for more talks. On Friday, Trump said Witkoff and Kushner were “bringing with them a proposal to end the war”. So far, efforts by the US and its allies to broker a peace deal have failed. At Saturday’s talks in the Kremlin, Putin also said that “in any case, whatever happens, such contacts are undoubtedly always useful”. He also thanked Trump for
Jared Kushner (left) and Steve Witkoff (right) pictured with Russia’s Kirill Dmitriev (centre) on arrival in Moscow his peacemaking efforts. He told the envoys that he was “comfortable” working with them, adding: “Of course on
our side there is quite a high level of trust during this work.” The talks which
At least two dead in blast at Bolivia military barracks At least two people have been killed after an explosion at a military barracks in Bolivia - but authorities fear the toll could be higher. Bolivian Defence Minister Ernesto Justiniano said at least 81 people had been injured when “pyrotechnic material” detonated at the barracks, where an artillery regiment was stationed, about 14:30 local time (18:30 GMT) on Friday. Fourteen others remain missing. Health official Rita Nebraska told local television between 10 and 15 people were believed to have died in the incident in Viacha, about 30km (19 miles) from La Paz, according to Reuters. Police said dozens of homes had been damaged by the blast and that emergency workers were searching the rubble. Nebraska said there was a risk of a further
explosion and urged people to stay at least 150m from the military base. Base commander Colonel Antonio Amaru told reporters on Saturday that a sergeant and 13 conscripted soldiers aged between 18 and 19-years-old were among the missing. Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz expressed his “deepest solidarity” with the families of those who had died and had been injured. He wrote on social media that a “thorough, technical and transparent investigation” would take place into what happened. Police spokesman Roger Roca told news agency AFP that fireworks had been stored at the barracks and the cause of the blast remained under investigation. Viacha’s authorities have declared three days of mourning.
continued behind closed doors in Putin’s official residence in the heart of the Russian capital lasted for three hours, according to Russian state media. Zelensky said earlier on Saturday that he had spoken to the envoys, who have “already begun working with the Russian side today”. “The plan for tomorrow’s diplomatic engagements in Kyiv, involving the US team, has been approved. We are waiting for Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and are ready for a substantive conversation,” he added. “From now through the end of Saturday, as well as on S u n d a y a n d M o n d a y, Ukraine is ready to refrain from strikes on Moscow, and we expect the Russians to do the same regarding Kyiv.” Russian state media reported that Putin had ordered a halt to strikes on Kyiv for three
days due to the US visit. In televised remarks, Putin said Russia had not agreed to a ceasefire for the rest of Ukraine outside of the capital. The Russian president said he would “ensure the security of the negotiating process” and of the mediators. Kushner and Witkoff have visited Russia several times but the talks on Sunday would be the first in Ukraine. It is not clear how the US envoys will be travelling from Moscow to Kyiv. Ukraine’s airspace has been closed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Delegations from Ukraine have attended talks in the US over the past 18 months. Earlier on Saturday, Zelensky said Russia had fired “demonstrative” strikes on airports in Kyiv and Boryspil overnight ahead of his
planned meeting with the US. Ukraine’s president added: “Clearly, these Russian strikes on the airports are a reaction to the discussions and preparations for the possibility of the US side using an aircraft to travel to Ukraine and land at Kyiv Airport or Boryspil Airport.” Zelensky said on Friday he would guarantee the safety of Russian airspace during the envoys’ visit and called for Russia to do the same for Ukraine. He also said an overnight Russian strike on a civilian building in the Dnipro region killed four people and injured five others. Witkoff and Kushner’s visit to Moscow comes just over a week after a rare visit to the Russian capital by the head of the CIA, John Ratcliffe. There was no official comment from Washington or the Kremlin on what was discussed. Speaking last week, Trump described the meeting as “semi-routine”. Last year, the US, Ukraine and Russia separately suggested that a deal to end the war was edging closer following a flurry of talks brokered by the Americans. European allies also held talks in Paris but discussions ultimately ended without a breakthrough. Key disagreements remain between the warring sides on issues such as territory and security guarantees for Ukraine. In recent months, both Russia and Ukraine have intensified their aerial attacks as fighting continues. Ukraine said it has struggled to repel ballistic missile attacks due to a lack of interceptor missiles, while Kyiv has focused its strikes on Russian economic infrastructure targets.
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Knight Riders beat Tridents In WCPL Opener Trinbago Knight Riders made a statement on the opening day of the Limacol WCPL 2026, defeating defending champions Barbados Tridents Women by 21 runs at Kensington Oval. Sent in after the Tridents won the toss, the Knight Riders overcame an early scare to post a challenging 155 before a disciplined bowling effort restricted the three-time defending champions to hand the Knight Riders an emphatic
opening victory. The Tridents nearly made the perfect start when seamer Shawnisha Hector appeared to have caught and bowled. However, the delivery was called a no-ball, handing Bhatia a crucial reprieve. The Indian opener made the most of her second chance, combining with Laura Harris to lay the foundation for a strong Knight Riders PowerPlay. Harris was particularly destructive, smashing a 19-
ball 38, while Bhatia contributed a valuable 35. The opening partnership finally came to an end in the final over of the Power Play, but the damage had been done, with the Knight Riders racing to 71 runs from their opening six overs. The Tridents turned to four different bowlers during the Power Play but struggled to contain the scoring. Suzie Bates and Quiana Joseph then changed the momentum, combining for five wickets to keep
Sunday September 06, 2026 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You need to get out there and do things—it almost doesn't matter what (though you should keep it legal). Your energy is a little down for now, but it's not good for you to keep it that way.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You need to deal with your people today—even though at least a few of them are utterly grumpy! Just smile and stay as positive as you can while you secretly scream and rant at them!
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You get good news—in the form of a reply, most likely. You should be able to get right to work on this boost, and you may find that you're humming a new tune by the time this evening rolls in.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Control is not a good idea right now. You need to deal with things as they are, not as you wish them to be. Your energy is just right for coping with unfiltered reality, so get out there and shake things up!
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You need to feel a bit more possessive of something—or someone—you hold dear. It's not that they are at risk of vanishing, just that the world needs you to stake your claim, and soon.
SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Your skeptical nature is making waves today—though they might not all work to your advantage! Try to only ask questions of those who are prepared to answer them and learn from you.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) Your intuitive side is a little hyperactive right now—but that is a good thing! You are sure to discover more than you had ever dreamed possible about friends, family, colleagues, and more.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You need to deal with your wild moods today—they could swing from one pole to another with little warning! That could be good news if you start the day feeling grumpy, but it could work either way.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) All you want is for your people to get along—and maybe even compromise—but it might feel as if that's an uphill battle. It's one worth fighting, though, so get them all on the same side. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Yo u n e e d s o m e h e l p today—and it's likely on the way! Your energy is just right for making requests and calling in old favors, so don't leave any stone unturned as you search for the aid you need.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Your emotional side is interfering with your practical side—and, for now, it needs to take a back seat. Make sure that you tackle all the financial and work-related challenges you face first. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your feelings are out in the open today—though they shouldn't be causing any embarrassment or other negative issues. In fact, you may find that your love life takes a sharp upturn!
The Tridents had a batting collapse in the closing overs which ultimately cost them the match. (Smartframe)
Barbados firmly in the contest. The Knight Riders eventually lost their final wicket to be bowled out for 155, leaving the Tridents with a challenging but achievable target. Barbados made a positive start to the chase, with their top four batters all getting starts. Debutant Kiran Navgire showed flashes of danger, scoring 28,
while Joseph struck 25 from just 21 balls. However, the Knight Riders’ pace attack gradually squeezed the life out of the chase. Deandra Dottin and Shikha Pandey combined to claim five wickets, breaking the back of the Tridents’ pursuit. Wi t h t h e p r e s s u r e mounting, the spinners
mopped up the lower order to complete an impressive allround bowling performance and seal a 21-run victory. The result gives the Knight Riders an ideal start to their WCPL 2026 campaign, while the defending champions will be left to regroup after being outplayed in the second half of the contest.
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Camptown throw down the Gauntlet to unbeaten Slingerz …Western Tigers to clash with GDF
Neron Barrow will be looking to continue his scoring ways against Camptown FC
By Rawle Toney Camptown Football Club will step into the spotlight tonight with a daunting assignment, but head coach Calvin Allen has made one thing abundantly clear, his side is not entering the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League to make up the numbers. The Campbellville-based club makes its Elite League debut against defending champions Slingerz FC at the GFF National Training Centre, Providence, from 6:30 pm, with Allen demanding nothing less than a winning start against the country’s dominant club. “Make no mistakes, we’re coming out to gain three points. It might be mission impossible to some, but I guess you can consider us as Tom Cruise; that’s our focus…to win every game that we play,” a confident Allen told Kaieteur News. It is an ambitious declaration
considering the opposition. Slingerz FC opened their title defence last weekend with a hardfought 1-0 victory over Police FC and enter tonight’s contest riding an extraordinary unbeaten run in the Elite League. Since returning to the competition in 2024, the Vergenoegen-based club has yet to taste defeat. In 37 Elite League matches, Slingerz have accumulated 31 victories and six draws, a record that underlines the scale of Camptown’s challenge. A l l e n , h o w e v e r, i s n o t interested in allowing Slingerz FC’s pedigree to intimidate his players, noting “We are here to play football, and not lay back and be the beating stick for anyone, but we are here to compete. So look forward to Camptown coming and giving their all.” He further added, “going into this game against Slingerz, it’s a
challenge to our players, to face the very best club in the country, the defending champions, knowing that we’re opening against Guyana champions and the team that represented Guyana at the CFU level, it goes to show how far these players have come in one year, and now its to test our skills against the big guns.” For Slingerz head coach Jamaal Shabazz, the threat posed by Camptown cannot be dismissed, as the former Golden Jaguars head coach understands that tonight’s opponents have nothing to lose and everything to prove. Camptown’s promotion to the Elite League is the culmination of a determined resurgence, and Shabazz expects a side eager to establish itself immediately among the country’s elite. Slingerz, meanwhile, will be equally motivated to extend their remarkable unbeaten streak and maintain the early momentum in their title defence. For Shabazz and his players, the objective extends beyond simply defeating the newcomers, as he targets another national championship and a return to the Caribbean Football Union competition next season, after reaching the quarter-finals in the recent Club Shield in Trinidad and Tobago. Camptown’s own journey back to the top flight has been equally significant. Once a prominent force within Guyana’s football hierarchy, the club endured a period in which it struggled to maintain its relevance at the highest levels.
Coach Calvin Allen (right) will lead Camptown in the Elite League Under Allen, however, the Campbellville outfit has rediscovered its competitive edge, winning the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) League before going on to capture the GFF Elite League playoff tournament and gained promotion to the country’s premier competition. Asked about his team’s composition, Allen added, “we have a lot of young players, who have never played competitive football before representing Camptown, much-less to be playing in the Elite League level, so this is all new for those guys. But we have a lot of senior players in the squad that we hope can guide those young players.” Allen himself brings considerable experience to the challenge. His coaching career has been closely intertwined with the development of several clubs that have reached the Elite League and National League levels. “I would’ve put Western Tigers
in the Elite League, Fruta Conquerors and I contributed to Police FC being in the Elite League, and I contributed to putting GDF into the National League, Grove Hi-Tech, so this is nothing new to me, but I give thanks to all the wellwishers, but its not about me, but its about my club and players, so look forward to Camptown giving their all.” While Camptown and Slingerz headline tonight’s early encounter, the Elite League schedule also features a clash between two established names. Western Tigers will make their season debut at 9:00 pm against 2024 champions Guyana Defence Force (GDF). GDF have already signalled their intentions, opening their campaign with a commanding 5-0 victory over Monedderlust. Western Tigers, meanwhile, will be seeking to improve on their fourthplace finishes in each of the last two seasons.
Inter Milan mount stunning comeback to beat Napoli (BBC Sport) - Reigning Serie A champions Inter Milan came from 2-0 down to earn a superb win against last year’s runners-up Napoli. Lautaro Martinez scored twice for the hosts - including a 90th minute winner - either side of a Marcus Thuram header. Inter were two behind when Napoli scored twice in three minutes at the start of the second half. Napoli’s second came in strange circumstances when the Inter defence switched off, assuming a loose ball was going out of play. It was kept in and played to Rasmus Hojlund, who swept a shot into the far corner. But Inter - who have won their opening three league matches of the season - recovered and are still
Curtis Jones came on at half-time for his second Inter appearance following his summer move from Liverpool (Getty Images) unbeaten at home in Serie A since November 2025. Napoli, who finished last season 11 points behind Inter, have lost back to back Serie A games following a home loss to Como last
weekend. After a goalless first half, Napoli caught Inter cold with a one-two punch. On 50 minutes, Max Allegri’s team took the lead when Matteo
Politano scored into the bottom corner at the second time of asking after his first effort was blocked. Then three minutes later, no Inter players were paying attention when the ball appeared to be heading for a throw in. But it stopped short of the sideline and was picked up by Giovanni Di Lorenzo, who pulled it back to Hojlund on the edge of the area. Hojlund made a yard of space away from Inter midfielder Curtis Jones, and curled into the far corner for his second goal in as many league matches. England international Jones came on at half-time for his second appearance since joining from Liverpool in the summer - and was instrumental in driving Inter to come back and win. Inter got one back just three
minutes later, when Federico Dimarco brilliantly kept in an overhit cross. His first-time pullback was turned home by Martinez from close range. Thuram came close to an equaliser when he struck the post, but with eight minutes to play the Frenchman did get his goal with a header planted into the right-hand corner. And the victory was earned in remarkable circumstances as Martinez bundled in from close range before celebrating wildly with home fans at San Siro. While Jones was brought on, fellow England player John Stones was an unused sub. Another English summer signing, Djed Spence, was not in the squad for the third successive Serie A match as he recovers from a fitness issue.
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Chase Academy’s young footballers score big in academics Sport and education are often viewed as separate paths, but at Chase’s Academic Foundation, the two are deliberately brought together to help young people develop into wellrounded individuals. That philosophy has once again been reflected in the achievements of a group of young footballers whose performances on the field have been matched by their commitment in the classroom. Tyrell Walcott, Kemron Pellew, Flavio LaRose, Damani Hardy and Kelvin Dewar have each travelled different paths through Chase’s Academic Foundation, but share a common ambition of succeeding academically while pursuing their football dreams. Four of them, Walcott, Pellew, LaRose and Hardy, are junior national players who have progressed through Guyana’s U14 and U17 programmes, with Pellew becoming the first of the group to break into the national U20 setup. Their success has also been evident at schoolboy football level, where they helped Chase’s Academic Foundation secure back-toback KFC Under-18 titles, Massy U18 championships, formerly the Milo Under-18 tournament, and Republic Bank School League titles.
Tyrell Walcott
Kemron Pellew
Flavio LaRose
Damani Hardy
Kelvin Dewar
Walcott, who transferred from Cummings Lodge Secondary during the 2022/23 academic year, quickly adapted to his new environment. Recognising his academic potential, Henry Chase encouraged him to sit CSEC English A ahead of schedule. Walcott earned a Grade Two in the subject in fourth form before returning the following year to complete nine CSEC subjects, passing eight. He secured Grade Ones in Physical Education and Principles of Business, alongside Grade Twos in Principles of Accounts, Human and Social Biology, Office Administration, English A and Social Studies, and a Grade Three in Economics. Mathematics was his only unsuccessful subject. Walcott now intends to
re-sit Math as he works towards a future career in accounting. Pellew, who joined the institution during the 2024/25 academic year, also demonstrated discipline and a strong desire to succeed. He completed nine CSEC subjects, earning a Grade One in Physical Education, Grade Twos in English A, Human and Social Biology, Integrated Science, Principles of Business and Social Studies, and Grade Threes in Economics and English B. His ambitions extend beyond Guyana, as he hopes to pursue his football career overseas while continuing to represent his country and eventually breaking into the senior national team. LaRose’s story is one of courage and determination. Originally from Lethem, he relocated to Georgetown to
pursue greater academic and sporting opportunities. After settling into the school community, he became known for his positive personality and friendly nature. He completed eight CSEC subjects and passed all eight, earning a Grade One in Physical Education and Grade Threes in English A, Electronic Document Preparation and Management, Human and Social Biology, Mathematics, Office Administration, Principles of Accounts and Principles of Business. His long-term ambition is to become a pilot. Dewar, who also arrived from Lethem during the 2022/23 academic year, demonstrated that academic priorities sometimes require difficult decisions. After featuring prominently in the
school’s 2024/25 Republic Bank School League campaign, he took a break from football to concentrate on his studies. That decision produced outstanding results. Dewar earned Grade Ones in Chemistry, Physics, Human a n d S o c i a l B i o l o g y, Physical Education, Economics, Principles of Business and Office Administration. He also gained Grade Twos in English A, Mathematics, Integrated Science and Social Studies, along with Grade Threes in Biology and Principles of Accounts. H a r d y, m e a n w h i l e , joined Chase’s Academic Foundation from Dolphin Secondary in 2024/25 and quickly embraced the i n s t i t u t i o n ’s c u l t u r e . Regarded by teachers as respectful and disciplined, he earned a Grade One in
Physical Education, a Grade T w o i n O f f i c e Administration and Grade Threes in English A, Human and Social Biology, and Electronic Document Preparation and Management. Together, the achievements of these young men challenge the outdated notion that athletic success must come at the expense of academic achievement. C h a s e ’s A c a d e m i c Foundation believes its mandatory academic standards for participation in extracurricular activities have played an important role in producing these results. The institution now intends to strengthen that approach by ensuring parents are fully aligned with mandatory extra classes and higher academic expectations.
Alpine’s Gasly beats Russell to stunning Monza pole (BBC Sport) - Alpine driver Pierre Gasly took a stunning pole position at the Italian Grand Prix. The Frenchman, whose sole Formula 1 victory came at this race for Red Bull’s junior team in 2020, beat Mercedes’ George Russell by 0.060 seconds. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri was third but was later given a threeplace grid penalty for impeding Liam Lawson in the Red Bull. The Australian’s penalty moves up the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, who originally qualified fourth and fifth, and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. The other McLaren of Lando Norris was only ninth after a messy session for the world champion. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes qualified seventh but will start at the back because of a grid penalty for taking a new engine. Gasly’s pole comes a day after he lost his third place from the Monaco Grand Prix because the FIA Court of Appeal reinstated a penalty he was given at the race in June. S a t u r d a y ’s u n e x p e c t e d
The top three in qualifying - before Piastri’s penalty were all powered by Mercedes engines (Getty Images)
performance makes him the first Frenchman to take pole for a grand prix since Jean Alesi for Benetton at this race in 1997. The result is a hiccup for Russell, who has a golden opportunity to make up ground on team-mate Antonelli, who has a 30place grid penalty.
Antonelli was employed for much of the session in front of Russell to give him a tow, so to be beaten by an Alpine and be only 0.12secs ahead of Piastri was a disappointment. Russell said he started his final lap too close to Verstappen, who let Antonellli by before the start of it to
avoid running in clean air. Alpine put a large upgrade on their car at the last race in the Netherlands, where Gasly could qualify only 11th. This result came out of nowhere. Having already blocked Lawson, Piastri then inadvertently compromised Norris’ final run. He
was leading the pack around, with Norris behind him, and locked up into the first chicane, going straight on into the run-off area and hampering his team-mate. Now without a slipstream, Norris was 0.4secs down at the first sector and bled time through the lap. “Without a slipstream, with our straight-line deficiency, it’s hard to put something good together,” said the Briton. Ferrari had looked set to be in the mix at the front before qualifying with their new engine that was believed to be worth about 0.1secs per lap. But the session did not go their way. Hamilton made it through into the final session by only 0.001secs as Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto just failed to displace him, and let out an expletive over the radio when he saw the narrow escape. And the red cars were just not fast enough in the final session. Leclerc was fourth on both his runs, while Hamilton, ninth on his first run, improved on his second but ended up 0.007secs behind his team-mate.
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Sunday September 06, 2026
2026 Republic Bank CPL…
Untouched Warriors face marauding Patriots in Providence By Clifton Ross Riding high on their unbeaten streak this season, the Guyana Amazon Warriors will now look to preserve this mini-run at Providence following a comprehensive win in their first of five games at home, come this afternoon when they square off against a star-studded St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots Match 28 pits Guyana’s formidable “Providence fortress” against a rejuvenated Patriots squad fresh off a historic, recordbreaking win, with both teams
eyeing a perfect record as the road to the title nears its end. The hosts enter tomorrow’s clash in imperious form after completing a comprehensive eightwicket dismantling of the highlytouted Jamaica Kingsmen to get their Providence campaign off to a strong start. The Warriors continue to showcase their deep batting lineup and ruthless bowling attack but will face another test against the St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots. Patriots arrived in Guyana brimming with confidence after
cleaning up the Saint Lucia Kings by 137 runs. Their victory saw the Patriots skyrocket their net run-rate to +0.593, keeping their playoff qualification hopes very much alive. Shimron Hetmyer, the local hero, has been in devastating form coming off a fiery 30-piece which saw his team home on Friday. The left-hander currently averages 37.86 with a staggering strike rate of almost 190.00 over his last 10 games. The dynamic Dwaine Pretorius,
fresh off a Player of the Match performance against Jamaica, has taken a backseat for a few games but has 14 wickets from his last 10 outings and will have more work to do today. One of the more entertaining knocks of the tournament came from the Patriots’ power-hitting machine Dasun Shanaka. The Sri Lankan international blasted the fastest century in CPL history, a 39-ball hundred that culminated in an unbeaten 121 off 43 balls; averaging 85.00 with a jaw-dropping 229.72 strike rate.
After an amazing haul of 5-10 against the Kings, seamer Jeremiah Louis is expected to be a handful on Providence with his ability to swing the ball being an x-factor against Guyana’s strong top-order. Wa r r i o r s s p i n m a e s t r o s , Mohammad Nabi and Imran Tahir, should fancy their chances against the naturally aggressive Patriots trio of Andre Fletcher, Kyle Mayers and Johnson Charles, but will be cautious about their potential to change the entire outlook of the game. Game time is set for 15:00h.
Third edition of Region 3 MVP Sports partners with Archery Guyana for 2026 Archery Softball Cup set for Sept. 13 C’ships to be hosted here
From left: MVP Sports’ Alana Pratabji Senior Admin Executive was present as CSR Kelisa Jones handed over the cheque to President of Archery Guyana, Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon. MVP Sports has come on board as sponsor of the 2026 Caribbean Development Championships and Inaugural Caribbean Cup to be hosted in Guyana at the Providence National Stadium from October 2125, 2026. The Board of Directors of Archery Guyana announced the new collaboration with MVP Sports, strengthening the partnership between Guyana’s sporting community and the private
sector while supporting the continued development and promotion of archery in Guyana. MVP Sports has come on board as a sponsor and the collaboration represents more than support for a single championship. It reflects a shared commitment to creating greater opportunities for athletes, raising the profile of archery and contributing to the growth of the sport at the international level. MVP Sports has established
itself as a significant supporter of Guyanese sport, with its involvement extending across several sporting disciplines. The company has also received recognition from the National Sports Commission for its contribution to sport, including Corporate Sponsor of the Year recognition. For Archery Guyana, collaboration with businesses such as MVP Sports is an important component of building a sustainable sporting structure. President of Archery Guyana, Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, welcomed the collaboration. “We are delighted to welcome MVP Sports into the Archery Guyana family. This collaboration is particularly meaningful because the development of sport cannot rest on the shoulders of the federation alone. It requires government, the private sector and sporting organisations to work together to create opportunities for our athletes.” She added: “Hosting the Caribbean Development Championships and the inaugural Caribbean Cup is an important milestone for archery in Guyana. Having a company such as MVP Sports recognise the value of archery and come alongside us demonstrates confidence in our athletes and in the future of the sport.” The federation looks forward to building on this collaboration beyond the 2026 championships and exploring further opportunities through which MVP Sports and Archery Guyana can work together to support athletes and promote the sport. Archery Guyana expresses its sincere appreciation to Mr. Ian Ramdeo, CEO of MVP Sports for his confidence in archery and for joining with the federation in this collaborative effort to develop and promote the sport in Guyana.
Dianne La Rose (left) of RS Sports received the sponsorship from West Side Shipping representative, Kiamiya Duncan. Softball players across Region 3 and afar will once again have an opportunity to showcase their talent in the game as the 3rd edition of the annual “Region 3 Softball Cricket Cup” is slated for 13th September at the Uitvlugt Community Centre Ground from 9 am. The one day limited overs competition will see male and female teams in action battling for supremacy. The competition will be based on a one-game knock-out format with round arm bowling being used in the tournament. According to the organisers over $500,000 in cash incentives and trophies is up for grabs for the winning teams, the runner-up teams, MVPs, players of the finals, best bowlers in an innings, most runs scored in an innings, and players of the final. According to the organisers, softball cricket is the grassroots of all cricket and gives young local talented players an opportunity to
showcase and or expose their skills in the game and help them to develop further into the game of cricket at various levels. Softball cricket at the grassroots level not only allows local players to showcase their talents, but also brings people together, no matter race, religion, status, political affiliations, etc. The tournament continues to be powered by Paint Palace, West Side Shipping, D&S Ramdeholl Jewelry, 3S Legacy Enterprise, A&J Auto Sales, Singh Jewelry, New Level Business Enterprise, Krishna and Sons Sawmills and Lumber Yard, Interested teams can register by sending team info to WhatsApp 726-1386 or 698-6406 on. According to the organisers, there will be lots of side attractions for the entire family, and they calling on all to support the tournament as it will be bringing people together through sports.
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Future Warriors Tapeball Tournament…
St. Therese’s Primary outplay Charity to win Champion of Champions title
Minister of Education Sonia Parag, President of ExxonMobil Guyana Alistair Routledge, among other ExxonMobil Guyana staff, along with John Ramsingh of FL Sport, with the championship side, Therese’s Primary School. N e w A m s t e r d a m ’s S t . Therese’s Primary School were crowned the new Champion of Champions in the ExxonMobil Guyana-powered Future Warriors Tapeball tournament for Primary Schools, capping off a dominant campaign with a dramatic sixwicket victory over Essequibo champions Charity Primary at the Everest Cricket Club on Saturday. Chasing a daunting target of 79 in eight overs, St. Therese’s reached 81 for 4 in 7.2 overs, propelled by a blistering attack upfront. Justin Southwell set the tone early with a quickfire 35 off just 17 balls, while Melroy Grant provided
the finishing touches with an unbeaten 19 off 10 balls. Ravaldo Campbell was the pick of the bowlers for Charity Primary, taking 2 for 14 in his two overs, but his efforts were not enough to halt the Berbice side’s momentum. Earlier in the match, Charity Primary mounted a breathtaking recovery after being reduced to a precarious 17 for 7 in 3.1 overs. A disciplined opening spell from St. Therese’s Elijah Bhandan (3 for 12) and Jaden Lewis (2 for 21) shattered Charity’s top order before Adon Holmes executed one of the tournament’s finest counter-attacks. Holmes smashed an unbeaten
National Draughts Association President, Jiaram
47 off just 16 deliveries, featuring six maximums and two boundaries, pushing his side to a competitive 78 for 7 from their allotted eight overs. Despite the loss in the final, Charity’s Holmes scooped up the tournament’s Most Runs award after finishing with 68 total runs. St. Therese’s all-round hero Elijah Bhandan was named both Most Valuable Player and top wickettaker, ending the campaign with three wickets and 23 runs. With this title win, St. Therese’s Primary joins Huis T’ Dieren Primary (2024) and Cropper Primary (2025) on the roll of national champions. Adding to
their triumphant day, the Berbice unit also scored a memorable victory over the Guyana Amazon Warriors in a novelty match. St. Therese’s path to the trophy began in emphatic fashion in Match One, where they secured a sevenwicket win over West Ruimveldt Primary. Restricting West Ruimveldt to 46 for 7 in eight overs—thanks to tight spells from Melroy Grant (2 for 9) and Lomar Williams (2 for 10)—St. Therese’s overhauled the total in just 4.1 overs, finishing on 49 for 3. Southwell led the charge again with an unbeaten 23, supported by
Bhandan’s 17, while Ceon Rajkumar’s 16 remained the lone highlight for West Ruimveldt. In Match Two, Charity Primary booked their final spot by edging past West Ruimveldt. Charity posted a formidable 66 for 6 from their eight overs behind contributions from Holmes (21*) and Campbell (13), even as West Ruimveldt’s Vincent Farley (2 for 5) and Steven Orie (2 for 27) bowled smartly. Despite conceding 24 extras, Charity defended the target comfortably as Troy Boston’s 2 for 12 helped restrict West Ruimveldt to 54 for 4 when their overs expired.
Jiaram to rep Guyana at Tobago Open World Cup 2026 Draughts C’ships When the Tobago Open World Cup 2026 Draughts Championships opens, Guyana will be represented by the National Draughts Association President, Jiaram. The Championship is set for September 9 - 18 in the Twin Island Republic. The official tournament venue is Green Palm Boutique Hotel, Tobago, which will see the competition, which is registered as an FMJD 9-Star World Cup Event, be conducted in accordance with FMJD General Competition Rules. Nine blistering rounds of Draughts are slated to play over the ten days while one day
is set aside for a blitz tournament. A tour is also scheduled to take players to places of interest on a given date, boosting the tourism industry there. There is also be a female and youth championships but Guyana is unable to send that category of players since the Association is still pursuing avenues to allocate a place to call home. Two other players were formerly listed to travel, Floyd Cumberbatch and Dr. Ivor English, however, financial setbacks, inadequate funding and other factors were the major reasons for them not attending.
2026 Republic Bank CPL…
Untouched Warriors face marauding Patriots in Providence The Guyana Amazon Warriors have gone undefeated in their first five matches. (Smartframe)
Shimron Hetmyer is the first West Indian player to reach triple figures this season (Smartframe)
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Slingerz FC will be looking to preserve their Elite League record against Camptown FC.
Camptown throw down the Gauntlet to unbeaten Slingerz …Western Tigers to clash with GDF Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.