Kaieteur News

Nandlall tells ‘Black’ PPP supporters to embrace ‘House Slave’ label

Attorney General and Minister of LegalAffairs,Anil Nandlall, S.C

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs,

Anil Nandlall, S C , has come under intense fire following remarks made during a public meeting at Stabroek Square on Friday evening.

While addressing African supporters of the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Nandlall urged them to embrace the label “house slave” stating that Guyana’s national hero, Cuffy, was a “proud and outstandinghouseslave.”

While addressing the audience at the public meeting Nandlall stated, “You try to exercise that freedom, they insult you, they call you big batty

African, they call you house slaves, they call you the nastiest thing. Well, I want you to tell them that the national hero in this country is Cuffy and Cuffy was a proudandoutstandinghouse slave, nothing wrong with beingahouseslave.”

The remarks sparked immediate outrage across social media and political circles, with strong condemnation coming from opposition parties A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the AllianceForChange(AFC), a n d c i v i l s o c i e t y organisations, including the International Decade for People of African Descent

Assembly – Guyana (IDPADA-G).

The backlash led to

...says Cuffy was a proud house slave ...apologises after public

Nandlall issuing a public apologyonSaturday

In his statement, Nandlallsaid,“Lastevening, at a public meeting at Stabroek Square, I made some comments which unfortunately did not accurately convey my intention For my lack of clarity, I offer my unqualified and unreserved apology.”

He went on to reiterate hisstanceonslavery,calling it “by far, the worst tragedy in recorded history,” and emphasizedthathisremarks were intended to highlight and denounce efforts to sow racial division in Guyana “Again, I offer my humble apologiesforanyunintended disrespect conveyed or offence committed,” he concluded.

Despite the apology, major political and civil voices have dismissed it as inadequate and insincere. In astronglywordedstatement,

APNU described Nandlall’s commentas“totallyignorant and repugnant,” asserting that Cuffy was not a house slave but a freedom fighter and revolutionary “In 1763, he fought and broke the shackles of slavery and dehumanization He then organized the world’s first nationstatebyfreedAfricans outsideofAfrica.”

APNU urged AfroGuyanesevoterstotakenote ofwhattheydescribedasthe PPP’s “disrespectful” view of Afro-Guyanese history and culture, stating that Nandlall’s comment “was not a slip of the tongue, but reflects the mindset of his party.”

The AFC also rejected Nandlall’s apology, stating “The Attorney General’s recentremarksaboutCuffy–Guyana’s national hero –describing him as a ‘proud house slave,’ and equating African Guyanese who support the PPP/C with the

backlash

same label, have exposed in the clearest terms the PPP/C’s attitude toward the Black population of this country.”

TheAFC questioned, “It is not simply a matter of whether the Attorney General was attempting to c o n d e m n r a c i a l discrimination or encourage unity Theissueisfardeeper andmoretroubling:howcan anyone, let alone a senior r

he Government in 2025, even suggest that it was possible to be a “good” or “proud” slave in the most brutal and dehumanizing system of exploitation in human history?”

The party added that the so-called apology was “neither acceptable nor sincere.”

Additionally, IDPADAGinastatementonSaturday, while observing the International Day of People ofAfrican Descent, strongly

condemned Nandlall’s reference to Guyana’s national hero as a “proud house slave ” The group described the comment as a blatant act of disrespect towardAfricanhistory

“It is a deliberate desecrationofthememoryof the most important figure in African Guyanese history, and by extension, an assault on the dignity of every African Guyanese man, woman,andchild.Weareall insulted We are all affronted. We are all justly indignant.”

The organisation emphasised that calling Cuffy a house slave, “is an act of blasphemy against Guyana’s history and a gross indignity to the A f r i c a n G u y a n e s e community” It stated that African Guyanese have been central to every stage of human progressandcalledfor

Continued on page 8

Outrage as bus service abandons

Amerindians in Rupununi Savannah

…APA, NTC, political parties decry inhumane treatment

One day after a bus

o G

ves Transportation and Tours abandoned Amerindian passengers, which included women and children, in the Rupununi savannah, Region Nine stakeholders have strongly condemned the actionsofthebusdriverand thecompany Reports are that the passengerswereenroutetoa We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) political meeting when th

contacted by a supporter of

Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C). It is alleged that after the telephone call, the bus driver stopped the

passengers in the middle of

thesavannahs.

A cell phone recorded video was shared on social media of the passengers standing in the Rupununi savannahasthedriverofthe busclosedthedoors,entered thebusanddroveoff.

On Saturday, the

Amerindian Peoples Association (APA), the National Toshaos Council (NTC), the Alliance For Change (AFC) and WIN condemnedtheactionsofthe busservice.

The APA in a statement on Saturday said it “vehemently condemns, in the strongest possible way, the decision by Greaves Transportation and Tours to abandon Indigenous passengers, including women and children, on the roadside in the open Rupununisavannah.Suchan actisnotonlyinhumanebut italsoconstitutesabreachof duty of care and a serious violation of the rights and

Ascreengrab of the bus driving away after abandoning the passengers.

dignityofourpeoples.”

The APA stated that no community should ever be treated with such disregard, and certainly not the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana, who continue to face marginalisati

n, discrimination and exclusion.

TheAssociationsaidthat toabandonthepassengersin the middle of their journey not only exposed them to danger and humiliation but

also showed how the transportation services systems can be weaponised to further dehumanize the IndigenousPeoples.

“We have noted Greaves Transportation and Tours’ attempttoapologise,butthat apology falls short of being meaningful A deliberate choice was made to demand that our peoples disembark from the bus and be left there.TheAPAalsonotesthe Continued on page 13

KaieteurNews

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Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

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

EDITORIAL

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Elections OGGN Calls on Citizens to Weigh Oil Governance in the 2025 Elections

The noises of elections are almost over with campaigningsoontobeover,inthisfirstphaseofGeneral and Regional Elections of 2025. Phase II is the actual voting process, where the power of the people gets its fullest expression. In what is called a democracy, and insisted to be a free and fair process, we at this paper take the position that voting must be a peaceful and orderly matter Thattheelectionswillbeanhonestprocess,inthe best sense of the word. In view of some of the glaring developmentsthathaveoccurred,thereisdoubtabouthow st honestSeptember1 willbe. PhaseIIIthencomesintoplay withalleyesandmindsonthetabulatingprocess,involving pollsters, party agents, and E-Day staff. From hard, unsparingexperience,everythinghastobewatched. From moving the ballot boxes to the movement of votes from remote areas of Guyana. It would be inspiring for Guyanese to be able to say that the 2025 elections were smooth,allthemovingpartscametogether,andperformed credibly

Theforecastisnotencouraging,withthethreepolitical parties that are generating the most interest all believing that they have a chance to win. In such an unhealthy situation,thesenseisofmorethanelectionsbraggingthatis atwork. Theconcerniswhowouldbereadytostepdown from their high expectations, learn to lick their wounds? ThehistoryofelectionsinGuyanastandsasanuglychapter repeatedoverandover,withseeminglylittlelearned. Inthe last few months, there has been one dispute after another, with passions running high and stormy discussions being part of the elections' fabric. There have been rumblings fromthoseinthecontestthatarrangementsareinplaceto cheatthemofvictory,thoughroadblockserected,withthe intent of slowing them down or tripping them up. The international community has articulated some concerns, gone on record with what questions the levelness of the elections playing field. The concern that we have is that there is a huge contingent of respected international observer missions, and still some of the unfortunate developments have occurred, with seeming abandon, almostdisdain.

There is much at stake in this year's elections. Huge amounts of money from oil production, and though oil priceshaveslumpedinrecenttimes,everysinglepolitical party that is participating in Monday's elections wants to wraptheirhandsaroundthebillions. Werepeat,itwouldbe extremely difficult for those who lose to take it sitting down,especiallyifthereisthebelief,fromreportsandfacts on the ground, that a substantial amount of cheating has happened. When all of this is taken into consideration, there is some pessimism that the post elections voting atmospherewillbesteady Itisalreadyanervytime,with extrashoppingforbasicfooditemsinevidence,andsome degreeoftensenessintheair,sincethebeginningthefinal st weektoSeptember1 Itwillonlygetthicker,asMonday's hours tick away It is helpful that a national holiday has beendeclaredforvotingonE-Day,andthechildrenareoff fromschoolforanotherweek.

Thesoonerthatthetabulatingandsigningoffcanallbe finished,thebetteritwouldbethingstoreturntosomestate ofnormalcyhere. ThequestioniswhetherGuyanesehave thematurityforthattohappen,ortheintegritytoassurea fairprocess,andthendotheirbesttodeliveronthat,what allcheerwithconfidence. Giventhatthisyear'selections havetransformedintoamatteroflifeanddeath,itistrying not to look at all of this with a critical eye. Trinidad and Tobago just held national elections, and the entire process wasoverinlessthan24hours. Guyanaisyettoreadthat book,andthehopeisthatyear,therewillbeanexception. Theinternationalobservermissionshavetheirworkcutout for them. How much they and the foreign embassies will getinvolved,withtheUSleading,remainstobeseen. We hopeforfairprocesses,somethingthatcanbetrustedbyall involved.

DearEditor,

On Monday, September 1, 2025, the people of Guyanawillheadtothepolls in what may be the most consequential General and Regional Elections since independence in 1966. The Oil and Gas Governance Network (OGGN) is committed to safeguarding Guyana's resources, strengthening democratic institutions, and ensuring that the blessings of our oil wealthtrulyservethepeople of Guyana. In this context, OGGN draws the public's attentiontoaseriesofletters published in the Kaieteur News between February 16 and April 6, 2025. These letters highlighted the lopsided nature of the 2016

Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) between the Government of Guyana and ExxonMobil Guyana Ltd, along with its affiliates Hess Corporation and CNOOC. As OGGN and othershavedocumented,the 2016 PSA heavily favours the oil companies at the expense of the Government andthepeopleofGuyana-a fact acknowledged repeatedly by the current administration, including President Irfaan Ali (e.g., https://wwwoggnorg/2021/ 09/29/irfaan-ali-said-thatall-oil-contracts-are-on-thet

renegotiation/).

Under the agreement, up to 75% of the oil produced and sold is allocated for

recovery of specified categories of allowable oilfield-related costs The remaining 25%, referred to asprofitoil,issharedequally between the Government and the oil companies, with the latter paying just 2% royaltiesonoveralloilsales. Acentralfocusofourrecent advocacy is the PSA's questionable tax provisions, which require that corporate and income taxes owed by theoilcompaniesbepaidout of Guyana's share of profit oil. We also noted a conflict between the 2016 PSA and the 2021 Natural Resource Fund Act regarding tax paymentsonbehalfoftheoil companies.

Our attempts to obtain publicclarificationsonthese

issues-especiallytheflowof money from the Natural Resource Fund to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA)andtheConsolidated Fund - have been largely ignored. Specific questions wereaddressedto:

Ÿ Mr Godfrey Statia, CommissionerGeneral of the GRA (February23,2025)

Ÿ The Hon. Vickram Bharrat, Minister of Natural Resources (March2,2025)

Ÿ Dr. Ashni Singh, SeniorMinisterinthe Office of the PresidentforFinance and Public Service (March9,2025)

Ÿ TheHon.Gail (Continuedonpage57)

Health still a concern of the Government

DearEditor,

Amidst elections and accompanying fanfare, I notethatMinisterofHealth, Dr FrankAnthony,madethe wonderful announcement

that “Influenza (flu) vaccines will soon be made available to all senior citizens across the country, ( t h e r e b y ) f u r t h e r strengthening Guyana's

prevention-focused approachtohealthcare.”

Quickly, I like to point out that the influenza vaccine is not to be treated lightly important because it is the most effective way to prevent serious illnesses, c o m p l i c a t i o n s , hospitalization, and even death from the flu Furthermore, it helps to prevent the virus from spreading to others, and this must always be in our thoughts.Thisvaccine,from a medical standpoint now, protects by stimulating the body's immune system to produce antibodies against

circulating influenza viruses So, getting an annual flu shot is highly recommended for nearly everyone 6 months of age and older, particularly those

at high risk, such as young children, older adults, pregnant people, and individuals with certain medicalconditions. I advise that we all read and follow that influenza, commonlyknownastheflu, is an infection of the respiratorysystemcausedby the influenza A and B viruses Every year, influenza spreads in the communities, generally in the late fall and winter months. This explains why, in cold countries, the 'shots' aresocommonandmatterof fact.

On the flipside, we need to dispel the nonsensical myths about the influenza vaccine. I have heard talks that "The vaccine can give you the flu" (false, as it contains killed or weakened viruses and cannot cause infection); "Healthy people don't need it" (false, as anyone can get the flu and spreadit,anditalsoprotects vulnerable people), and "You only need it once" (false, because the virus changes annually, requiring anewvaccineeachyear).

Editor, health is wealth and a healthy body is our

vehicleforeverythinginlife, from school to work, and of courserecreation.

Gettingtothespecifics,I ask that the public pay attention to the reality that the Minister of Health pointed out, that is, “The vaccineisimportantbecause studies have shown that people65yearsandolderare at higher risk of developing serious flu complications

when compared with youngerandhealthieradults. The increased risk is due in part to a decline in one's immune deficiency as a resultofage.”

He stressed that “While flu seasons vary in severity, people 65 years and older bear the greatest burden of severe flu complications. In recentyears,theUSCentres for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC)estimated thatbetween70percentand 85 per cent of seasonal flurelateddeathshaveoccurred among people 65 years and older, and between 50 per cent and 70 per cent of s

occurred among people in thisagegroup.”

Let us be wise and cooperate against any preventable health issue getting a foothold in the country BackinFebruaryof thisyear,thePeople's (Continuedonpage14)

Let your mark on the ballot be a mark against corruption

DearEditor,

In just 24 hours, Guyanese will once again casttheirvote,andItakethis opportunity to encourage every eligible citizen to participate fully in this process.

Voting is not only a constitutionalrightbutalsoa sacred responsibility, for the change we all long for depends on the decision we m a k e o n M o n d a y, September1,2025.

I implore my fellow citizens to look beyond the rhetoric of infrastructural development.

While roads and bridges are important to nationbuilding, the true wealth of Guyana lies in its people. Human capital must be equally prioritized if we are tobuildajustandprosperous society Despite the unprecedented inflow of oil resources, the PPP/C Governmenthassquandered the greatest opportunity to transform the lives of ordinarypeople.

Their approach, awarding contracts here and there, has bred widespread dissatisfaction Worse still, they have weakened systems of transparency and accountability, eroding public trust and confidence.

Therecordofinfractions under their watch is undeniable; the brutal killings of innocent youths such as the Henry Boys, Naresh Singh, and most recently Adriana Younge; the injustice in the death of Orin Boston, etal; the dismissal of competent professionals who served under the Coalition; and the rising tide of corruption, nepotism, injustice, and unbearable cost-of-living

At these elections, six political parties are contesting.

Iwillnotbebiased,butI firmly believe that APNU has presented the most people-centered and sustainable policies in its manifesto.

These policies focus not only on infrastructure but also on education, employment, and equity, addressing the needs of every Guyanese from childhoodintoadulthood. Therefore, I urge every voter: let your mark on the ballot be a mark against c

d victimization.Letyourmark be for fairness, equity, equality,justice,peace,anda better Guyana where all can liveinharmony Votewisely Vote APNU. May the peace and blessings of Almighty Godbeuponusall.

Yourssincerely,

These failures must weigh heavily on our minds as we cast our votes. They must also be compared with the Coalition Government's record, a government that, without oil revenues, still delivered programs and policies that uplifted communities andimproved lives.

AnnetteFerguson

Guyana needs a Parliament which can uphold the rule of law

DearEditor,

The last 5 years saw various instances of the PPP/C government undermining the rule of law in the face of public outcry In relation to the Oil Pollution Prevention, Preparedness Response and Responsibility Act which was secretly assented to by Irfaan Ali, national outcry was surpassed by regional andinternationalcriticism.

But one area has been relatively uncontested – the violationofAmerindianland rights through the PPP/C government's carbon credit dealwithHessCorporation.

Under the Amerindian Act 2006 Amerindian Village Councils own the forestsontheirland,thetrees whichmakeupthoseforests, andeverythingrelatedtothat tree including the tree's removal of carbon from the atmosphere through photosynthesis.

This carbon removal is regardedasa'carbonservice' and is the basis of carbon credits.

When the government purported to sell carbon credits to Hess from Amerindian forests, they breached the Amerindian Act2006.

The carbon service is

also a 'property right' which belongs to the Amerindian communities who own the land Property rights are p r o t e c t e d b y t h e Cons

government's carbon credit

Amerindian landowners of this property and was an unconstitutional breach of the fundamental right to propertyheldbyAmerindian communities. And yet, Amerindian Village Councils failed to stop the National Toshaos Council when it illegally purported to approve the carbon scheme; they failed to object when Amerindian interest groups attempted to weaken Amerindian land rights by advocating for consultation and free prior informedconsent. M

Councils failed to challenge the government's illegal actions. This does not bode wellforthefuture.

Guyana needs a Parliament which can uphold the rule of law, enforce the Amerindian Act 2006andrespectandprotect Amerindianlandrights.

Yourssincerely, MelindaJanki

AFC's proposal for oil and gas sector tops APNU,WIN,

Chartered accountant

and attorney-at-law, Christopher Ram has conductedananalysisofthe oil and gas sections of the manifestos of five of the political parties contesting the 2025 polls In his conclusion,henotedthatthe Alliance For Change (AFC) proposal comes out on top, followed by the A Partnership for National Unity(APNU),WeInvestin Nationhood (WIN), then ForwardGuyanaMovement (FGM)–andatthebottomis the ruling People's Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C).

Ram's analysis was focused on what each of the party promises, what has been delivered, and which proposals stand up to scrutiny

He noted that the electorate's decision on Monday September 1, will determine whether Guyana continues with, “political controldressedupasreform, orwhetheritbeginsthehard w o r k o f b u i l d i n g professional institutions and securing a fairer share of its oilwealth.”

Ram said that the electorate in 2020 punished APNU+AFC Coalition governmentforthelopsided 2016 Petroleum Sharing

Agreement(PSA)governing the Stabroek block which is operated by American oil giantExxonMobil.

“Civil society was relentless, and the Ali–Jagdeoticketwasbrutal andemphatic.Theypledged toreviewandrenegotiatethe Agreement They would establish an independent Petroleum Commission They promised better contractadministration.Five years later, the debate has come full circle,” Ram noted.

Looking at the PPP, he stated that the party has taken a dual approach - a review, nay boast of its achievementsandapromise ofwhatisyettocome.

Ramhighlightedthatthe PPP has highlighted its legislative action like the 2021NaturalResourceFund Act, the 2023 Petroleum ActivitiesAct to replace the archaic Petroleum Exploration and Production Act, and a new model Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with improvedtermscomparedto theExxondeal.

“It boasts about US$3.1 billion in the NRF which is in fact overstated by the amount of taxes it has paid on behalf of the oil companies but which it

FGM, PPP – Ram

refuses to disclose. Boasts about 1,000 local firms registered under the Local Content Act which it promised to revise since 2023 but did not. Then it conflates these with stalled progress on the Wales Gasto-Energy project which is being done without a feasibility study or a disclosed cost,” Ram outlined.

Notably, he added, “Nowhere does the manifestoadmitthatnoneof these touch the 2016 deal that lies at the heart of the c o n t r o v e r s y T h e government promised renegotiation in 2020 but never tried Contract administration has been poor: no audit completed on

relinquishment deadlines allowed to drift The Petroleum Commission, oncesoldasacentrepieceof independent oversight, has beenquietlyabandoned.”

Further Ram said that even the NRF reform was shallow, outlining those transfers are set by a simplistic formula based on percentages of the fund's balance, ensuring political control rather than professionalmanagement.

He noted that what the

Nandlalltells‘Black’PPPsupporters...

Frompage3 leadershipthatwouldensure recognition, justice, and development for people of Africandescent.

Thegroupfurtheradded, “The Attorney General’s remarks cannot be divorced from the long record of d i s c r i m i n a t i o n , marginalization, and oppression of African Guyanese by his party’s administration.

His words lay bare the true contempt and disregard thattherulingpartyholdsfor peopleofAfricandescentin Guyana.”

IDPADA-G urged AfricanGuyanesetosupport leaderswhowouldfightfor:

“• Recognition of the historical and ongoing contributions of African Guyanese to the building of thisnation;

• Justice in dismantling systemic discrimination, racism, and the policies that perpetuatemarginalization;

•Development that empowers our communities

w i t h r e s o u r c e s , opportunities,andrespect.”

Thegroupfurtherissued a strong call to action,

demanding an immediate end to what it described as the continued mockery and erasure of African contributionstoGuyana.

“We demand an end to the mockery and erasure of African contributions to Guyana.

The time has come to convene a National Committee to ensure our history is accurately recorded and taught from nursery to university; establish anAfrican History Unit at the University of Guyana to institutionalize research and teaching of African Guyanese history and culture; identify and mark with pride the villages and settlements founded by Africans,onlandtheytoiled for and purchased, so that our children know the sacrifices and triumphs of theirancestors.”IDPADA-G alsocalledfortherestoration of village councils to save African lands for, “No longerwillweacceptleaders in power who insult and oppress us, who take our lands, degrade our culture, andmisleadouryouth.

The Attorney General

PPP/C calls reform is, “centralisation of power in the hands of politicians. It faces a huge trust deficit to explain the reality that its government campaigned as areformerbutgovernedasa dormouseandapologist.”

Ram stated that APNU hasoverlookitsprimaryrole in the 2016 PSA and has been, “annoyingly ambivalent about the Agreement and the PPP/C's managementoftheoilsector forfiveyears.”

He highlighted APNU's promise to get a better deal within two years, an autonomous Petroleum Commission, professional advisory teams, fiscal rules

to discipline savings and spending,andpublicationof all contracts – is the right principle.

He said that Guyana cannot rely on future agreements alone while the Stabroek PSA drains the treasury Codified fiscal ruleswouldaddstabilityand protect future generations, Ramsaid.

Further,henotedthatthe challenge, is feasibility “Exxonisunlikelytoaccept changes easily, and legal routes are narrow APNU mayriskoverpromising,but itatleastfacestherealityof the 2016 deal and couples renegotiation with stronger institutions,”henoted.

has ended the era of domination and arrogance. Guyanese must choose wisely on September 1EquityandDignity—Now.”

Criticism of Nandlall’s remarks extended even within the PPP/C itself Foreign Secretary Robert MontgomeryPersaudstated, “Cuffy is our first and enduring freedom fighter The 1763 Berbice Slave Rebellion which he led defined the course of freedom struggles thereafter beyondourshores.

It’s inexcusable to suggest otherwise. He’s my hero, your hero, and Guyana’shero.”

E c h o i n g t h e s e sentiments, Former Mayor Ubraj Narine said, “Let us remind Mr Nandlall that Cuffy was not a house slave—he was a freedom fighterwhofoughtdiligently sothatgenerationsafterhim wouldknowliberty

Instead of honouring

Cuffy’s memory and sacrifice, the PPP continues its bloody history of slaughtering our sons and suppressing truth, justice, andequality.”

A 36-year-old miner, early Saturday morning, was chopped to death by a groupofpersonsat14Miles Issano Landing, Middle MazaruniRiver DeadisJuniorWilliams ofPamelaRoad,Mahdia.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) in a statement said that the incident occurred at about 05:00h. Williams was reportedly consuming alcohol with friends at the 14 Miles Issano Landing when he was “accosted by two male suspects in an attempted robbery.”

“The victim, who was armed with a knife, managed to fend off the initial attack. However, the suspectssubsequentlywent awayandarmedthemselves withacutlass,returned,and dealt the victim several chopsabouthisbodybefore fleeing the scene,” police saidinastatement.

According to police, a resident of 14 Miles Issano discovered the injured man lying on the ground and sought assistance from other residents to take Williams to the Mahdia DistrictHospital.

Chartered accountant and attorney-at-law

Christopher Ram

Ram said that the AFC offers the most detailed timetable of within 30 days in office, it would initiate renegotiation and within 60 days establish a Petroleum Commission.

AFC also pledges to enforce ring-fencing, ban routineflaringand (Continuedonpage52)

Miner chopped to death at Issano Landing …onesuspectarrested

Upon arrival at the hospital, the miner was pronounceddeadonarrival. Hisbodywasexaminedand two gaping chop wounds wereseenontherighthand andbetweentherightindex fingerandthumb,aswellas bruise marks on the shoulder area. Williams's body is at the Mahdia District Hospital Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Meanwhile, one of the suspectswasarrestedandis currently assisting with the investigation Statements havealsobeentaken.

What to do while waiting for the results

ElectionsinGuyanaarea peculiar thing. On Election Day itself, everything is c a l m , p e a c e f u l , t r a n q u i l a l m o s t suspiciously so. People line up, they dip their fingers in ink, they make their mark, and then they go home to stew The real drama begins not with the voting but with the waiting It’s the aftermaththatgetsyou.Like sitting in a dentist’s office, you’renotafraidofthetooth being drilled. You’re afraid ofwhatthebillwilllooklike.

And in Guyana, the bill takes days to come. Days. Sometimes weeks. It’s as if the results must be personallycourieredfroman obscure Himalayan monastery where monks chant the numbers before releasing them to the world. Even when everyone knows who’sgoingtowin—aswas the case from 1966 to 1985, and as will be the case in 2025whenthefavouritewill canter home like Secretariat at Belmont the national anxiety doesn’t subside People pace, people fret, people prepare for disturbances that does not always happen but always might. So, in keeping with tradition, and since discussing politics today is aswelcomeasamosquitoat bedtime, I offer some survival tips. Think of them as psychological mosquito repellent for the postelectionwait.

1.ImmerseYourselfin Cricket.

We’re in the thick of the Caribbean Premier League, whichisbasicallytherapyin

the form of sixes and wickets Nothing calms nerves like watching your team collapse from a strong position, because suddenly election uncertainty doesn’t seem so bad If you’re worriedaboutviolenceinthe streets,justrememberthatat leasttheumpiredoesn’tneed a police escort to signal “out.”

2.SwitchOvertoTennis. If cricket isn’t stressful enough, the US Open is on. Nothing like watching millionaires in headbands grunt over a ball to distract you from existential dread. Besides, tennis teaches patience You can wait through five-set marathons that last longer than some governments If you can endureatiebreakinthefifth set, you can survive waiting for results to be tabulated in RegionFour.

3.WatchaMovie. This is classic escapism. If you have Netflix, wonderful. If you don’t, there’s always the underground economy: pirated DVDs sold on pavements that will outlast thepyramids.Buythreefora thousand dollars and spend the evening watching Vin Dieselsavetheworldforthe fifteenth time. By the time you’re done, you’ll forget whether you’re waiting for electionresultsorforapizza deliverythat’sonehourlate.

4.ReadaBook. Yes, books still exist, though they’re often used moreasdecorativepiecesto balance wobbly furniture. But crack one open! Read something soothing, like

Tolstoy, which makes

s t b y comparison. Or Kafka, who wasessentiallywritingabout Guyanese bureaucracy beforeitwasfashionable.

5.EducateYourselfon YouTube.

There’s an entire world of videos teaching you how tochangeatire,howtospeak Mandarin, or how to make sourdough bread in 487 complicated steps. By the time you master one, you’ll

nt in

her language, have a new carb addiction,and,iftheelection resultsstillaren’tin,you’llat leastbeabletocursefluently inMandarinaboutit.

6.LearntoCook.

This is my personal favourite, though mostly because it involves eating. There’s something deeply calming about discovering that you can produce edible food that isn’t a cheese sandwich. Experiment with recipes. Pretend you’re a chef, yell at yourself in the mirror, then burn the curry Thedistractionisworthit.

7.Sleep

This one requires skill. Sleeping through Guyanese election results is like

sleeping through a hurricane You need earplugs, blackout curtains, and possibly medication But if you can manage it, imagine waking up three days later, blinking at the headlines, and saying, “Ah, sothat’swhowon.”Bliss.

8.TreatItasaVacation.

This is perhaps the healthiest approach. Pretend the country has given you a

DEM BOYS SEH

ElectionsisnotChristmasEve

Dem boys seh every election time in Guyana, people does behave like is Christmas Eve. Yuhseethemrushingintothesupermarket, trolleyfulltothebrim,likeSantacomingby with he sleigh. Meat, fish, groceries—two months supply Some does even buy enoughflourfuhopenabakery

Is like people preparing for some apocalypse. Yuh would think the ballot boxes is missiles and not just plastic containers with pieces of paper Dem boys sehGuyanaistheonlycountryintheworld whereelectionsgotpeoplestockinguplike hurricanewarningcome.

But leh we tell yuh something. Stop it! Everyfiveyears,isthesamepanicbuying. Rich folks does go and buy out the supermarket shelves Poor man left watching from the corner like he at a museum:“Sothatiswhatafulltrolleylook like,eh?”

This behaviour comes from fear Fear thatafterelectionsyuhcan’tgooutfuhbuy

few extra public holidays. Loungeinahammock.Take walks. Drink coconut water If anyone asks why you’re notatwork,simplysay,“I’m waiting for the elections to finish.” It’s the one excuse everyone understands Because here’s the truth: no matter the outcome, the results will taste better if you’ve taken the time to rechargeyourbatteries.Like badmedicine,theygodown smootherifyou’vespentthe

a lil bread and butter Fear that something gonhappen.Fearthattekoversomuchthat peopleforgetcommonsense.

Dem boys seh is time we stop letting fear drive we actions. Elections is not COVID. Yuh don’t need to hoard toilet paper like yuh backside suddenly develop newappetite.

Yuh don’t need to buy ten cases of sardinesandfivedrumsofoil.

Andheardis.Iftroublecome,isnotthe rice and flour gon save yuh. Is common sense,peace,andpatience.

So leh we get real. Supermarkets will still deh open the day after elections. Fish still swimming in the sea. Chicken still cluckingintheyard.Andyuhstillgonneed spaceinyuhfreezerfortheChristmasmeat laterthisyear

Dem boys seh calm down, stop the madness Elections is elections, Not Christmas Eve, not Judgment Day Everythinggonbeallright. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

waitingperiodonsomething other than panic. So, my advice is simple: do not obsess Distract yourself Treatthenextfewdaysasan enforced retreat with fewer massages and more mosquitoes. And when the results finally arrive, whatever they may be, at leastyou’llfacethemwitha clear head, a full stomach, andmaybeevenanewfound talent for cooking. Which, when you think about it, is more than most elections haveevergivenus.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

Guyana's Golden Age – the one that never was

No, it is not oil, though it should have been. No, itisnotaboutquiettimes,the ones that never were; those soft, satisfying ones that touched,stirred,endured,for those never were, too. It's not about all those people who left here, but should have stayed, for then who knowswhataplace,whatan age, that could have been... No, Guyana's Golden Age was what should have been, the great promise of which so much has been spoken, written, envisioned, hopedfor, imagined, but as ever proved to be that grail that alwayseluded.

Guyana's Golden Age was always about all those expectations that were born

with liberation, then

elections, and the convictions that this time, things will be better for the first time. Because the quality of the people who could make that possible were ready to give of their best, and be the best, when the inner trumpets sounded. It is a tragedy that whether high times or low times, something wasn't grasped. Whethergoodorbad,itisthe onlytimethatwouldeverbe. That through the tears and pain,therewouldstillbethe

strength to laugh. Laugh at our tears, and mock our fears. We are that junction, that crossroads, that abiding national mystery, yet again. How many countries and their peoples could say that they had so many second chances to get it right, do thingswell? Andthenkneel andsaygraceforthefavour, for the essence of an authentic existence, howeverfleeting. Elections have always been about the potential. Awesome. Vast. Profound. Yet never realized, always proving to be a stranger evading the grasp. We can bethebestofproudcitizens, but to what avail, for what purpose,whenwecan'teven try the first steps towards friendship. Circumstances h a v e f o s t e r e d a n environment, a condition of the mind, where to be spiteful and vicious is to be majestic.

The thought was of living, when there was little wisdom of where to start, what was being missed. It isn't of paradise lost, but of paradise unmoored, unraveled, unpeopled. Ah, the quality, the courage to daretotry,andthentoaccept whatever comes, because of that gallantry that ennobled

the simple act of heartfelt effort. Armed and armored intheknowledgethatrightis on our side, then to possess the essence to stand and not yield has to qualify as somethingsacred.

We have been spurned andburned,yetfindgreatjoy toturnagainstbrother,sister The irony is that that is the greatest testimony of the Guyana history lived. Says something, but how much, when so many gifts have been ours? In hindsight, even in victory, elections have proved to be pyrrhic. For, as the Roman General Scipiodidtothevanquished Carthaginians,Guyana'ssoil sowedwithsalt. Barrenness and devastation follow Still, that stirring, that prophesy, of a Great Golden AgeforGuyanawillnotdie, willnotvanishintotheether ofnight.

In thinking of promise, potential, and prophets, I recall Senator Daniel P Moynihan and his gentle correction, poignant insight, followingJohnF Kennedy's grim, brutal scything from this life: “we will laugh again, but we will never be young again.” The hopes, dreams, myths that nurture theimaginationaretoooften crushed by our own hands.

Five Bartica women charged with assault, causing actual bodily harm …releasedonself-bail

FivewomenofByderabo Road, Bartica, on Friday, were charged with assault causing actual bodily harm when they appeared at the BarticaMagistrates'Court. The accused, 47-yearold Evelyn Dalgetty; 54year-old Pauline Smith; 26year-old Alicia Ault; 22year-old Atalya Dalgetty; and 22-year-old Serena Williams, reportedly assaultedGraceJames. The women were all arrested on Wednesday by a Detective Corporal from Bartica Police Station and chargedbythesaidrank. Thejointchargewaslaid

Section 30(a) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act,Chapter08:01. Thedefendantsappeared before Magistrate Teriq Mohamed,wherethecharge

Still,theremustbesearching forthatgilt-edgedstatewith the richness that could motivate a minor handful of intrepid individuals to rise andcarryacommunity,then a country It is that even when hearts are breaking, there is still room for the breaking of bread. I exhort all to be open to that peace, nowneededmorethanatany other time in the history of this society So punished, yetsopromising. When I should have laughed in the teeth of difficulty, confronted any sadness,onlyhumanwilting was found as companion. The terrible beauty of this

country is that while the mind is on tomorrow and beyond, the heart is forever locked in yesterday and all that could have been, and never was. When failures defeat, then it could just be thatwearenotworthyofthat ascendancyyearnedfor,that Camelot, those Arcadian fields imagined, but which don'treallybelong.

It's now customary to look back, lament. Guyana dismissed as a place of regret, yet bewilderingly comforted in how it is Perhaps,it'sthebeginningof that phase which T.S. Eliot wrote so profoundly: “In ordertobehealed,ourillness

Personally, I can only say that I am going somewhere, if I came from somewhere, possess something. The Golden Age of Guyana, the fictionsofdreams,thetruths of myths, which will it be? Forthere'sthecontradiction, the reality, the story, of Guyana.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the auth

t necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

No changes to polling stations ahead of E-Day - GECOM decides

T(GECOM) on Saturday decided that no changes will bemadetothecurrentlistof pollingstations.

The decision was made during a statutory meeting chaired by Justice (Ret'd) Claudette Singh, in the presenceofbothoppositionand government-nominated commissioners.

This issue was initially brought up during a meeting on Thursday However, no decision could be made at thattimeduetoawalkoutby the opposition-nominated commissioners. As a result, the meeting lost its quorum, delaying any formal resolution. Withgeneraland regional elections scheduled for Monday, the matter was revisited on Saturday, and the Commission concluded that it was too late to make changestopollinglocations. The current arrangements, which include 2,709 polling stations, 62 of which are locatedinprivateresidences, willremainunchanged.

Opposition-nominated commissioner Vincent Alexanderexplainedthatthe decision ultimately came down to timing. “Though therearedifferentarguments for and against, the timing became the decisive factor,” hestated.Henotedthateven P P P / C - n o m i n a t e d commissionersagreedtothe final decision. “We didn't wantachange,sowearenot dissatisfied,” Alexander added. Following the meeting, PPP commissioner Manoj Narayan expressed support for the outcome and

respectfortheChairperson's a u t h o r i t y “ T h e commissioners respect the decision of Madam Chair We have always obeyed the decisions made by the Chairperson,”hesaid. The issue stemmed from a proposal made during Thursday's statutory meeting, when PPP/Cnominated commissioners requested that 14 polling stations be moved from public buildings to private residences Opposition commissioners immediately rejected the proposal, walking out of the meeting and thereby halting proceedings.Alexanderlater explained that the request came too late in the process, especially since GECOM had already advertised the final list of polling stations and the objection deadline had passed “This was occurring at a time when GECOM had already publicly advertised the location of the polling stations and weeks after the deadline for objections had elapsed The oppositionappointed commissioners refused to participate in that travesty, hence they withdrewfromthemeeting,” he stated. In defence of the proposal, Commissioner Narayan cited legal grounds for the suggested changes.

“Section 66 of the RepresentationofthePeople Act, together with Sections 34 and 35, make it clear that pollingplacesaretobefixed within the village in which electorsaretovoteandmust be within a reasonable distance of where electors live. That is the law, it is

GECOM Chairperson, Justice (Ret'd)

mandatory GECOM has an obligation to ensure that this isdone,”heexplained.

Narayannotedthatmany of the requested changes involved polling places on the East Coast of Demerara, where some voters were assigned to stations in entirely different villages.

“Most, if not all, related to pollingplaceswhereelectors are required to go to a different village to vote EspeciallyontheEastCoast, you have electors from Enterprisewhohavetogoto Melanie, and other similar circumstances That was what we were trying to rectifytoday,”hesaid.

When asked why the matterwasraisedsocloseto the election, Narayan clarified that the initial request had been made earlier in the month. “It was notonlynowtherequestwas made. The original request on August 13 was for 66 polling stations By subsequent days, it was reduced to 12 to 14 on August 15, but we were unable to fully discuss it because of the stance taken by opposition-nominated commissioners, ” he explained.

BLUNT BLUNT

Vote with your head

As September 1 approaches, Guyanese must pause and think seriously about what their vote really means. Elections are not a circus for politicians to hand out trinkets, a few dollars, or empty promises in exchange for five years of power. Your vote is your weapon, your shield, and your only bargaining chip in shaping the future of this country.

Squander it, and you endorse the very corruption, mismanagement, and disrespect that have kept citizens struggling while oil riches flow into the pockets of the powerful.

Do not be fooled by last-minute roads being paved, hampers delivered, or cash being tossed around like scraps. These are not gifts; they are bribes dressed up as kindness. Guyana deserves leadership that will build strong institutions, create opportunities for all, and secure dignity for every citizen, not just for the loyal few.

When you step into that polling booth, remember: you owe no party blind loyalty. You owe your children a better tomorrow. Vote for policies, for competence, for vision—not for handouts or tribal allegiances. This election is a test of whether Guyanese will continue to be manipulated, or whether they will finally demand the leadership the nation deserves.

Sod turned for $440M Company Road Primary School at Buxton

The Ministry of Education on Saturday turned

t h e s o d f o r t h e reconstruction of the Company Road Primary School, located at Buxton, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

According to the ministry, staff of the school

and officials of the Education Ministry which was led by Deputy Chief

Education Officer (Administration), Mrs

Tiffany Harvey and Regional Education Officer for Demerara-Mahaica, Ms. Keane Adams, turned the

sodforthereconstructionof $440millionschoolproject.

The contract for the reconstruction of the school was awarded to R&J Construction.

Theministrystatedthat the project follows a request made by the parents and the school's teachers and administration due to overcrowding and internalstructuralissuesthat are not conducive to learning.

Threehundredstudents fromtheBuxton,Company Road catchment area are expected to attend the school

OutrageasbusserviceabandonsAmerindians...

Frompage3

claimsthatthisdecisionwas made under political pressure and panic This raises grave concerns about the use of intimidation in many instances, not only in the transportation services business, to manipulate essential services to Indigenous communities,” APAnoted.

According to APA, Indigenous peoples, like every other Guyanese, are guaranteed the right to support a political party of their choice and that right should be respected To withhold essential services, like transportation and healthcare, to dissuade the peoples from freely participating in the political processis“adirectviolation of the articles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which affirms our rights to dignity, security and freedom from discrimination.”

Similarly, the NTC strongly condemned what it deemed to be “the vile and repugnant treatment of our Indigenous brothers, sisters, andchildrenasmetedoutby seemingly prominent business and business owners.”

“At “NO” point is it acceptable to treat our peopleinsuchamanner,”the NTCsaidinastatement.

“In this politically chargedenvironment,weare repulsedbytheenvironment that has engulfed some political actors, and we call on all of Guyana to unite in condemning divisive behaviour

E v e r y o n e h a s a constitutional right to a s s o c i a t i o n S u c h association is cradled in a societyoftolerance,respect, and dignity and no person should ever fall victim to such treatment,” the NTC said.Further,thebodycalled on the Private Sector Commission,theIndigenous PeoplesCommissionandall other organizations to condemn such behaviour andtoresoundinglycallfora postureofunity

“Wearenotenemies.We may be political opponents, however, that does not give us a right to abdicate our responsibilitiestoeachother as our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. I ask that all our politicalpartiestakestepsto diffuseanypoliticaltensions and to embrace a more united Guyana. We are the firstpeoples.

We deserve better and demand better treatment of our peoples,” the NTC stated.

Meanwhile,theAFCina statement said that it is “deeply concerned and appalled” by transportation service’s actions noting that it is “not only an attack on democracy but shows the levels at which this administration will go to victimize Businesses and any Guyanese who dare to opposethem.”

“This is not the ‘One’ Guyana that the President speaks about, but clearly shows the reality of the two Guyanas in which we live –One for the rich and powerful and the other for the poor and marginalized,”

AFC said noting that Guyanesedeservetoliveina countrywithdignityandfree offear

Similarly, WIN said that abandoningthepassengersis violation of human rights, dignity,anddecency

“ W e I n v e s t i n Nationhood (WIN) strongly condemnstheinhumaneand unjustifiable actions of the PPP through one of its known agents, Ameir of Sheriff, in abandoning a group of Indigenous people, including women and children, in the open Rupununi Savannah,” the partysaidinitsstatement.

This act, WIN noted, is not only a blatant violation of human rights, but it is more so a breach of contractual duties by the operators who were allegedly manipulated by theirpoliticalopponents.

“This act is an affront to the values of justice, equality, and respect for Indigenous peoples, who have endured centuries of m a r g i n a l i z a t i o n , discrimination,andneglect.

Forcibly removing and abandoning individuals, especially our vulnerable womenandchildren,reflects not only a failure of governance but also a total and disturbing disregard for humanlife,”thepartysaid.

WIN said there needs to be accountability from the political forces that ordered “thisshamefulact”.

“In addition, we call on allcitizens,leaders,andcivil societytostandagainstsuch cruelty and insist on the protection of every person’s right to be treated with dignityandfairness.

This is not just about politics - this is about humanity. Justice must be served,”thepartynoted.

Greaves Transportation Serviceissuedanapologyon Saturdayfollowingthewide circulation of the video on socialmedia.

“We want to begin by sincerelyapologizingforthe

incidentthattookplace.Asa team and as a family-owned servicerunbythreebrothers, we take full responsibility for what happened and understand the public’s concern,” the bus service expressed.

Clarif

Transportation Service statedthatthisactwasnotin line with what was agreed

uponinternally.

“The decision was made under pressure, and the act was done to save the business,andinamomentof panic,madeachoicethatwe deeplyregret.

This action was not discussed or approved by management, nor does it reflect our values,” the companysaid.

Further, the bus service

management became aware of the situation, immediate interventions were made for a vehicle to transport the abandonedpassengers.

“We understand this doesn’t undo the damage, but it was our effort to correct the mistake as quicklyaspossible.

We are currently reviewing all internal

protocols to ensure nothing like this ever happens

a g a i n , ” G r e a v e s Transportation Service stated.

“Again, we are truly sorryfortheactitself,forthe distressitcaused,andforthe breach of the principles we claimtouphold.

Thankyouforholdingus accountable,” the bus servicesaid.

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCIES!

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

MONDAYAUGUST 25, 2025

A government hiding from its people

Since December 2023, whenaGDFhelicoptercrash killed brave Guyanese soldiers, the public has waitedinvainforanswers.

The government promised transparency, yet nearly two years later the official report remains buried. Families of the dead are left without closure and citizens are left with only silence.

This is not mere delay it isadeliberatecover-up.Just astheadministrationrefuses to release the critical census report ahead of elections, it now withholds the truth about a national tragedy Both cases reveal the same arrogance: a government that treats information as its private property, rather than thepeople'sright.

Every day the crash report is hidden, suspicion deepens. Was it negligence? Was it avoidable? Who is being protected? In a democracy, such questions demand answers not censorship.

Therefusaltopublishthe census and the crash report insultstheGuyanesepeople. It shows contempt for accountability and for the citizens whose trust keeps any government in power Secrecy is the language of

dictators, not democracies. Guyanese must ask: if a governmentcannotreleasea reportondeadsoldiersorthe countofitsownpeople,what elseisithiding?

TUESDAY –AUGUST 26, 2025

Nightmare on the roadway

Road works in Guyana have become a chaotic, disorganised nightmare that citizensareforcedtoendure daily.

Majoraccessbridgesare beingdismantledandrebuilt without proper notice to the public, leaving commuters strandedandfrustrated. It seems as though the government is rushing to do everythingatthesametime, with little thought to proper planning, coordination, or traffic management. While Guyanese welcome the promise of modern infrastructure, the execution has been sloppy, random, andinconsideratetothevery people who are supposed to benefit.

Driving across the country now feels like punishment.Entirezonesare blocked off without warning,detoursareunclear, and traffic congestion drags on for hours. Businesses suffer,workerslosevaluable time, and ordinary families areleftconfusedandangry T h e l a c k o f communicationisjustasbad

as the lack of planning. Citizens are not asking the government to stop developing infrastructure; they are simply demanding organization, notice, and basicrespectforthepublic's time and safety Instead of progress, these road works feel like a mess created by poormanagement.

WEDNESDAY –

AUGUST 27, 2025

The murder of Teekadai Solomon

The murder of Teekadai Solomon by her husband is not an isolated tragedy, it is part of a bloody epidemic that is ripping through Guyana.

Let's be blunt: women are being slaughtered by the men who they share their homes and lives with, and the country is failing to stop it.

Teekadaiwasnotthefirst and unless something changes, she will not be the last. Domestic violence has spiraled beyond control, yet the national response remains timid Police routinelyignorethreatsuntil it's too late. Courts grant restraining orders that abuserslaughat.Sheltersare few, underfunded and i n a c c e s s i b l e a n d communitiesstaysilentuntil awomanisburied.

This is murder in slow motion, the warning signs

Cyclist crushed to death at Ogle roundabout

Acyclist, whose identity is unknown, on Friday afternoon, was crushed to death at the Ogle Roundabout, East Coast Demerara(ECD).

According to police, the accident occurred at about 13:39h and involved a truck bearing registration number GAF 968 which was driven by 32-year-old Fabian Rampersaudandthecyclist.

“Enquiries disclosed that the lorry was proceeding south along the eastern drive lane of Ogle public road, while the pedal cyclist was also proceeding south along the samelane.

As they approached the Ogle Roundabout, the left side of the lorry came into contact with the cyclist, causing him to lose control and fall onto the roadway

An ambulance was summoned and the cyclist waspronounceddead.

Thedeceased'sbodywas taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home where it awaits a postmortemexamination.

Rampersaud is in police custody assisting with the investigation.

are always there The violence builds, the threats escalateandthenanotherlife is snuffed out. Calling it "domestic" softens the reality: these are executions of women, carried out by men who believe they own them. Teekadai Solomon's death must shake this country awake. We can no longerpretendthisisprivate business or bad luck. It is a national emergency. Until Guyana confronts domestic violence with the seriousness it demands, more women will die and their blood will stain all of us.

THURSDAY –AUGUST 28, 2025

Vote with memory, vote with caution

As Guyana heads to the polls next Monday, both government and opposition are making a flood of promises to the electoratefrom free house lots to increases in pensions, cash grants and numerous other things.

The campaign platforms are overflowing with pledges of a brighter tomorrow But Guyanese must vote with clear eyes and sharp memory: both sides have a long history of failingtodeliver Thisisnot

Successive governments h a v

e d accountability,transparency, a

political infighting continue todominate.Theopposition, when in power, fared no better, campaign rhetoric quickly collapsed under the weight of reality and incompetence.Theresultisa

commitments, leaving ordinary citizens caught betweenhopeandbetrayal.

This election, voters muststripawaytheglittering words and measure each party by its record, not its rhetoric.Emptypromisesare c

s priceless. If politicians want trust, they must earn it through results, not slogans. And unless leaders are held accountable, the cycle of deception will repeat itself.

The time for blind loyalty has passed Vote with memory Vote with caution. Votewithdemands.

FRIDAY –AUGUST 29, 2025 SWEET PROMISES

In Guyana's politics, promises often arrive like wedding vows, grand, emotional, meant to bind a

peopletohope.

Yettoooften,likeabride left waiting at the altar, the nation discovers, much like thesingerMarkHolder-that the organ never played that day The music of development, justice, and equity that citizens were promised is drowned out by thefamiliarnoiseofexcuses, corruption,andbetrayal.

Every election cycle, leaders rehearse the same refrain: better jobs, clean water, reliable electricity, world-class hospitals and schools, oil wealth shared fairly These pledges are meanttobethesoaringnotes of progress. But when the time comes to deliver, silencefollows. Instead of harmony, there is dissonance blackouts continue, inequality deepens, and contracts are hidden in shadows. Guyana's greatest tragedy is not just broken promises, but the erosion of trust.Anation cannot dance toamelodythatneverplays. Leaders who campaign with grand overtures but govern withsilenceareconductinga dirge,notasymphony

The people of Guyana mustdecidewhethertokeep waitingforasongthatnever starts, or to demand leaders who can finally make the organplay

GCCI calls for peace and stability during elections

TCommerce and

stakeholders to maintain peace and stability during Monday's general and regionalelections.

In a statement, the organization said that it

insinuations of intended

unfounded speculation of interference attempts in the General and Regional Election2025.”

“The Chamber calls on the public to maintain peace and stability during this democratic process and respecttheruleoflaw

A c t s a i m e d a t destabilising society and creating chaos serve no purpose in a country that is rapidly developing and only aim to

advancement of Guyana,” thestatementsaid.

Further, the GCCI urged all contesting parties to maintain peace and urge their supporters to respect the process and outcome of the election, and reject any attempttoinciteunrest.

“The Chamber stands firm on its position that it supports a free, fair, and transparent election that is accompanied by timely results.”

Health still a concern of...

PPP in last-ditch plea for supporters to vote overwhelmingly Monday

…urges base to think about opportunities, not gamble with vote

On Saturday, the

People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) held its final elections campaign rally at the Lusignan Market tarmac,makinglast-ditcheffortsto appealtotheelectorateaheadofthe electionstomorrow

Several of the party’s top brass made presentations in front of the large crowd, where they outlined and highlighted all of the reasons why the PPP was the party that deservedtheirvotes.

President Irfaan Ali in his address encouraged his supporters to vote overwhelmingly for the PPP/C.

“Let us vote in Unity Let us vote in strength Let us vote in overwhelming numbers And if you feel frustrated, stick to the line Stay with the process Your vote is more important than the frustration If you have to wait in the line, be patient, your vote is moreimportantthanthatwait,”he urged The president urged supporters to hold firm while noting that the party will try its best to provide transportation to those in need but remindedthattheonusisonthemto vote.

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips told supporters that it is under the PPP/CgovernmentthatGuyanais no longer “a fully indebted country” He reminded that achievement is owed in large part

PPPtop brass pose for a photograph on Saturday

to PresidentAliandVicePresident BharratJagdeo.

“Theyworkinthoseministries, and they have returned Guyana to solvency,Guyanaisnolongerfully indebted country Guyana is the most sought-after country for foreign direct investment in the world today, thanks to these two gentlemen, everybody wants to lendusmoney,”heboasted.

PM Phillips reminded that Guyana is now considered the fastest growing economy in the world making it more open to business.

“The whole world, everybody wantstolendusmoney InGuyana, we’rethefastestgrowingeconomy Andguesswhat,notonlythefastest growing economy, we producing

enough food to feed everybody in Guyana,”hesaid.

He continued: “Comrades, Guyana is now in a leadership position You talk about climate security, climate resilience Who do they turn to Guyana? You talk about food security Who is leading food security in CARICOM? Guyana, you talk about energy security. Guyana is there, leading again, and you will benefitfromallthepoliciesandall the successes in Guyana from 2026,”hesaid

Meanwhile, Attorney General and Minister of LegalAffairsAnil Nandlall, SC spoke of his party’s experience and qualifications. He said, in comparison to the other parties’itis“chalktocheese”.

“Comrades you cannot gamble atthiselections…Nocomplacency, no carelessness, every single vote mustcount,”hepleaded.

The politician urged, “Let us pledge here tonight that we will nowworkfromtonighttoMonday morning to bring out every single voter to take them to the polling station, to ensure that they vote, to ensure that our votes are counted, and then to help us swear in, the currentandthenextPresidentofthe Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Dr MohamedIrfaanAli.”

In like fashion, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, called on supporterstobeonhighalertfrom now until Monday as there will be lots of fake news circulating. He suggested that social media

activists will be working overtime tospreadmisinformation.

“They will tell you all the PPP just killed 10 persons there, that they are criticizing AfroGuyanese…thattheyhateallsorts of people Watch out for the rumours,betweennowandelection night, all the Norman Browns and theRickfordBurkesandtheMelly Mels and everyone else. Watch out,”hewarned.

Jagdeocalledonthesupporters to ignore the naysayers and focus on the endgame. “Don’t fall for that. Don’t fall for them bullying peopleorthreateningthattherewill be violence, because the security forces will deal with them when they attempt to disrupt the boat. Watchout!”hesaid.

Asection of the crowd at PPP's final rally at Lusignan

‘Thisisamovementtotakebackourcountry’

A Partnership for National Unity(APNU)onSaturdayheldits final rally at the Square of the Revolution, drawing a large crowd as it made a final appeal to voters aheadofMonday’selection.

The rally, which began around 18:00hrs, attracted not only a massive physical turnout but also an impressive online audience.

According to the party, approximately45,000peopletuned intowatchtheeventvirtually Supporters, including families and children clad in the party’s signaturegreencolours,gatheredto hearfromkeycandidates.

Presidential candidate Aubrey Norton focused his address on the risingcost-of-living,outlininghow an APNU-led government would work to alleviate the burden on citizens He stressed that the gatheringwasmorethanapolitical event, declaring, “My friends, this is more than just a rally, this is a movementtotakebackourcountry,

torescueourcountry.”

Norton went on to emphasize APNU’s core mission, “Our aim is to restore decency in Guyana, to restorelawandorder,andtoliftthe people of Guyana out of poverty.”

Hefurtherstated,“Wewanttobuild asocietythattrulyservesitspeople and ensures that every Guyanese benefit from our nation’s oil wealth.”

Prime Ministerial candidate Juretha Fernandes focused her speech on improving the lives of those living in the hinterland regions. She promised better road access, quality education, regular old-age pension payments, and an overall improvement in living standards. “We are going to make sure that the resources of this country belong in your pockets,”

Fernandes said. “Come Monday, thepeopleofthehinterlandwillno longersufferfromhighlivingcosts. We will put an administration in place that moderates prices and ensures a better quality of life for all.”

Vice Presidential candidate Ganesh Mahipaul echoed the party’spolicypromises,includinga 34% increase in public servant salaries, raising the income tax threshold to $400,000, implementing a rent-to-home initiative, and providing free land for all citizens 18 years and older who fall below the income threshold. “Let us be clear tonight, on Monday the choice is yours,” Mahipaul stated. “The PPP has given us corruption, abuse, and exploitation. With your vote, you can change your life and send a message to the PPP/C that their daysarenumbered.”

Also addressing the rally was political activist Dr David Hinds, urging voters to seize the moment.

“We are marching to the promised land,” he said. “On September 1, wehaveachequetocash;acheque first promised at Emancipation in 1838andagainatIndependencein 1966.Butwhenwetriedtocashit, weweretoldtherewereinsufficient funds. Now, when Aubrey Norton andhisteampushopenthegatesof government, that cheque shall finallybecashed.”

Rounding out the evening was newAPNU candidate and attorney Ronald Daniels, who praised Norton’s leadership and urged voters to trust the APNU team. “YouhaveAubreyNorton,aleader andamanofthepeople,”hesaid.“I promiseyou,Guyana,therewillbe nootherteamthatwillworkharder foryou.”

supporters gathered at the Square

The Waterfalls Waterfalls

Painting Pastel

Hannah Lynch

Beautyofthe Week:Meetthenaturallygorgeous HannahLynch,aMissEastCoastBeautywithaPurpose contestant.HannahhailsfromBachelor’sAdventure,ECD.Thisbeautyhas aspirationsofbecomingapoliceofficer,ismotivatedbyherpassiontoserveandprotecther community.Shebelievesinmakingapositiveimpactbyhelpingthoseinneed,reducingcrime,and improvingpublicsafety Acareerinlawenforcementoffersnotonlyopportunitiesforgrowthand camaraderiebutalsoastrongsenseofpurpose,valueswhichIameagertoembrace.Herfavouritequoteis byAmericanwriter,KateHodges: “Behind every great woman…is another great woman.”

Newly crowned Miss Universe Guyana,

proves persistence leads to success ChandiniBaljor

Whatbeganasadreamfueledby years of dedication and persistenceendedinamoment of triumph for 22-year-old Chandini Baljor, who was crowned Miss Universe Guyana 2025.Thiswashersecondtimevyingforthe crown. She will now go on to represent Guyana at the Miss Universe pageant in NovemberinThailand.

The crowning ceremony, held last Saturday at the Marriott Hotel, was a dazzling and modern affair The stage was wide, sleek, and designed to allow all contestants to showcase their grace, confidence,andpoise.Energyfilledtheroom as cheers echoed through the hall, with an intimate crowd eagerly awaiting the announcementoftheirnewqueen.

This was Baljor’s second attempt at the title, having previously competed in 2022 withoutsecuringthecrown.Refusingtogive up, she returned this year with renewed

determination, and it paid off. Speaking to The Waterfalls, a visibly emotional Baljor said, “I am extremely honoured and excited tobeabletoownthistitlefinally Hardwork alwayspaysoff”.

She explained her motivation for competing a second time, expressing her determinationtowinthecrown:

“I would have competed again because, truthfully, when I want something, I tend to workreallyhardforit,”Baljoremphasized. She highlighted another example of her persistent drive, recalling how she had

applied three times to study medicine at the University of Guyana.

“Today, I stand before you as a successful fourth-year medical student, balancing everything I do now SoIthought,ifIcoulddothat, thenIcansurelydothis.Iwantedthis title, so I put in the work, I studied, and I made it happen,” she said proudly

She also expressed excitement about traveling for the international competition “This will be the second time I’m traveling for a pageant, and I’m extremely excited. Yougettowitnessnewculturesand meet different people. I’m really lookingforwardtotheexperience.”

While the outcome was rewarding, the path was not easy Baljor admittedshestruggledinitiallywithherstage walk and managing the stress of balancing academics with pageant preparation. “The stresswasgettingtome,andIwasfumbling. But I trusted in myself, did the work, and prayed.Intheend,itpaidoff.”

Forthepasttwomonths,Baljordedicated herself entirely to preparing for the competition.“Mydaystartedat5a.m.,I’dgo to the gym until 7, then head home to get ready,gotothehospitalfrom8to12whereI workasamedicalstudent,attendclasses,and

represents our country, and I believe Chandini is very deserving of the title. I’m really looking forward to the journey ahead. This was my first pageant, and I’m feeling excited…maybeI’llenteranotherone,”she saidwithalaugh.

Allicock shared her motivation for entering the pageant, explaining that it was both a personal journey and a chance to inspireothers:

“I decided to join because I feel like a confident and bold person and I wasn’t alwaysthatwayandIthoughtwhynotbean exampletoyoungwomentobeabletodream

Continued on page 56

thensitexams.Intheafternoons,Iworkedas a model and promoter, and also managed onlinework.Attheendofeachday,Iprayed and ensured I had enough rest to do it all again.”

Asamessagetoyounggirlswhomayfeel anxiousaboutcompetinginapageant,Baljor offered words of encouragement and strength:

“I need you to be resilient. Resilience is the one quality that got me to where I am today Whenyouknowyouwantsomething, workforit!Don’tletthecriticismshakeyou; push forward with your best effort. With resilience,anygoalisattainable.”

Among the nine total contestants, eight competed in the final show Contestant #2, Nichola Munroe, was unable to participate due to personal reasons The other contestantsinclude,contestant#3Khadeshia Walker,contestant#4KeefiaEbonyYounge, contestant#5MalikaAllicock,contestant#6 Jemima Wilson, contestant #7 Nikita Seepaul, contestant #8 Mallissa Dennis, and contestant#9MakedaBraithwaite.

Securingthefirstrunner-uppositionwas Allicock, who shared her emotional journey as a first-time pageant contestant. In an interviewwithTheWaterfalls,sheexpressed herexcitement:

“I am very excited; I’m overwhelmed with joy I know everyone wants the crown, butattheendoftheday,it’saboutwhobest

Baljor during the swimwear segment

Why States should isolate Netanyahu - not anti-Semitism,world peace

I am a diplomat with over 40 years of experience My first instinct is always dialogue: bringing adversaries to a table and building mechanisms that find compromiseswithwhicheveryone can live. But there are moments when “dialogue” is deliberately prolongedfortheadvantageofone side, resulting in increased dissatisfactionandgreaterconflict. When bombs fall, when aid is throttled, when children starve, a moralandlegallineiscrossed.This ishappeninginGaza–relentlessly - at the hands of the Israeli government of Benjamin Netanyahu. This conclusion has alsobeenreachedbyfourteenofthe fifteenmembersoftheUNSecurity Council. On 27 August, the fourteen members issued a joint statement calling the famine in Gaza “man-made,” demanding an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire; the release of allhostages;asurgeofaid;andthe lifting of restrictions that strangle humanitarianrelief.

Thefactswe cannotwishaway

As of 28 August, UN reports place the Palestinian death toll at about62,895killedsince7October 2023,withatleast158,927injured. These are the figures compiled by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) from Gaza’s MinistryofHealthandusedacross the UN system; Israel disputes them but has not offered a comprehensive alternative. On 22

August 2025, the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) declared a famine in Gaza City and surrounding areas, warning it is likely to spread south without a ceasefire and sustained humanitarian access. The World HealthOrganizationandtheUnited Nations Children’s Fund underscoredthisfinding.Theysaid that over half a million people are already in famine conditions, with the famine projected to expand withinweeks.

Hungeriskilling,too.Asoflate August, Gaza’s health authorities report at least 313 hunger-related deaths,including119children;UN situationupdatesrecorded193such deathsby6August,witharapidrise since.Whatevertheexactfigureon a given day, the direction is unmistakable–upwards.

The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has put it plainly, saying: “People are starving. Children are dying. And those with the duty to act are failing.” He also reminded the worldthat,astheoccupyingpower, Israel’s obligations are unequivocal.

Let me also be equally plain: Hamas is a terrorist organisation. The7October2023attackonIsrael - murder, kidnapping, rape - was a crime. Its continued holding of hostagesininhumaneconditionsis astandingviolationofinternational law Nothing in this argument excusesthatsavagery;thehostages mustbereleased,now

The law cuts both ways, as confirmed by the International Criminal Court on 21 November 2024, which issued arrest warrants forleadersonbothsides.

But Hamas is not a state, Israel is. The Israeli government’s response is no longer merely disproportionate; it is inhumane andincreasinglylookslikeaneffort to make a viable Palestinian state impossible The Economy Minister,NirBarkat,hasrepeatedly said:“APalestinianstatewillnotbe established under no circumstances.”

Whenwordsfail,lawful consequencesmustfollow

Several countries have already moved beyond statements. Bolivia severed relations with Israel on 31 October2023.Colombiabroketies in May 2024. Nicaragua followed in October 2024. Within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Belize suspended diplomatic relations in November 2023 Others, such as Chile, Honduras, Jordan, Türkiye, South Africa, and Chad, downgraded their relations by recalling ambassadors or cutting political contact. South Africa has gone to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), securing provisional measures and repeatedly returning to press its case that Gaza’s civilians must be protected under the Genocide Convention. That is how a state uses law to demand restraintandaccountability Whatshould nationsdo—now?

I have thought long and hard about what the rest of the world could do to push the Israeli government to reconsider its military and expansionist policy While stressing that this is my personalview-nottiedinanyway to the Government I serve - I have concluded that the following is a course of action that governments worldwide should consider taking: theyshouldeitherseverorsuspend diplomatic relations with Israel while its wrongful behaviour continues.

In international law, such an action is called “Retorsion” - the term for lawful measures a state may take that don’t breach any international obligation. To be clear, diplomatic ties exist only by mutual consent; a state may withdraw that consent at any time. Governments may restore normal relations when the offending government corrects its actions. Thislawfulactkeepsfaithwiththe Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations while signalling that conducthasconsequences.

Children cannot eat communiques, and babies cannot survive malnutrition while governments debate national interests. Some other country’s sufferingtodaymaybethenational interestofotherstomorrow Thatis why the rule of law must prevail andberespected.

Finally,recognitionofPalestine as a State is not enough. Several governments now say they will recognise the State of Palestine at

the UN General Assembly in September Thesegovernmentsare from France, the United Kingdom (conditional), Australia, Canada (conditional),andMalta.However, recognition should now be paired with concrete consequences, includingsuspensionofdiplomatic relations that could be lifted when the Israeli government’s conduct changes.

Notantisemitism–respectfor theruleoflaw

ThiswouldnotbeanactofantiSemitism as detractors might claim.ThepeopleofIsraelhavean inalienablerighttoastate,security, and prosperity within recognised borders. However, friendship and respect for a people do not mean impunityforagovernment.

C

bombardment, or the evisceration of a future Palestinian state is not anti-Semitism; it is loyalty to the same laws that protect all peoples, includingIsraelisandPalestinians.

(The author is the Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United States and the OAS, and Dean of the OAS Ambassadors accredited to the OAS. Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronaldsanders.com)

WEEK-IN-REVIEW

SUNDAY

Jagdeosays:$100Bneeded tofundPPP’sproposed cashgrants,pensions …butGuyanapaidfive-times theamountintaxesfor Exxonin2024alone

The People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government paid five-times the amount last year, in taxesforExxon,HessandCNOOC –itwouldcosttofundtheproposed increase to the ‘Because We Care’ children’s grant, old age pension and public assistance should the partywintheupcominggeneraland regionalelections.

The ruling party recently unveiled its 2025 manifesto which outlinestheparty’splantoincrease the ‘Because We Care’ children’s grant for students in public and private schools from $50,000 annually to $100,000. In addition, the PPP plans to distribute an annual $100,000 transportation supportgrantperchild.

Thepartyalsoplanstoincrease theoldagepensionfrom$41,000to $60,000 Pensioners will also receive an annual transportation support grant of $50,000 Moreover, PPP proposed to increase public assistance from $22,000to$40,000.

“All of these will transfer to these categories of people, those earning public assistance, the children of our country and the pensioners about $100 billion per year Thatiswhatitwillcost.Every year they will get that. So that is what these promises come up to,”

General Secretary of the PPP/C, Bharrat Jagdeo said at his press conferenceonThursday Jagdeo noted that this increase would be a gamechanger for pensioners, families and persons receivingpublicassistance.Hesaid thathispartyplanstotransferdirect benefits from the government to vulnerable groups and individuals who may be living in poverty or havedifficultcircumstances.

It is important to note that in 2024 alone, the government paid over $500 billion in income taxes on behalf of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited and its partners, Hess and CNOOC, under the terms of the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) governing the StabroekBlock.

This means the amount paid in taxes for the three oil companies lastyearwasfivetimestheamount neededtofundthePPP’sproposed increases for the children’s grant, pensioners,andpublicassistance.

Notably, the IrfaanAli-led PPP administration has made it clear that the Stabroek Block deal will notberenegotiated.

On the 2025 campaign trail, opposition parties, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU),

AllianceforChange(AFC),andWe Invest in Nationhood (WIN) are promising to engage ExxonMobil Guyanaforbettertermsifelectedto office However, Jagdeo has dismissed the opposition’s promises as a political bluff and reiterated the PPP’s position not to renegotiatethedeal.

He pointed to a clause in the contract that requires Exxon’s agreementbeforeanyrenegotiation can take place, noting that the oil company has already made it clear it will not revisit the agreement. Jagdeo further explained that the PSAcontainsastabilisationclause, which prevents the government from unilaterally altering its terms without facing financial consequences.

The PSA allows the oil companiestorecover75percentof oil produced to cover investment costs,requirestheoilcompaniesto pay a 2 percent royalty to Guyana, and stipulates that the government must pay taxes to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on behalfoftheoilcompaniesfromits shareofoil.

ExxonMobil Guyana operates the Stabroek Block with a 45 percent stake, while Hess Guyana holds 30 percent and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited 25 percent.

T&TbacksUScrackdown ondrugcartelsinCaribbean …saysnomilitaryaccess againstVenezuelaunless MadurostrikesGuyana

The Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) government has welcomed the United States (U S ) government’s deployment of American military assets into the Caribbean region to destroy the terroristdrugcartels.

Lastweek,itwasdisclosedthat the Donald Trump-administration ordered the deployment of air and naval forces to the Western Hemispheretoaddressthreatsfrom LatinAmericandrugcartels.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that there are designated narco-terrorist groups operating in the region, that have been utilizing international airspaceandwaterstotransitdrugs thathelabeledas“poison”intothe UnitedStates.

Secretary Rubio disclosed that those groups will be confronted. Washington had accused the Venezuelan regime of leading the Cartel de los Soles (Cartel of the Suns), a criminal drug organization.

In a statement on Saturday night, the twin-island state government expressed full support for the operation and stated, “the only persons who should be worriedabouttheactivityoftheUS military are those engaged in or enabling criminal activity Law abiding citizens have nothing to fear.”

The Kamla Persad-Bissessarled administration noted that since the announcement by the U.S., it has not engaged and has no intention of engaging Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member countries on this matter “Each member state can speak for themselves on this issue,” T&T said.

The Trinidadian government explained that due to drug, human andfirearmstrafficking,Caribbean countries including T&T have experienced massive spikes in transnational crime, gang activity, murders, violence and financial crimes.

The administration further outlined that T&T and other Caribbean territories have been dealingwith“out-of-controlcrime” for the last 20 years. It stated too that small island states like theirs simplydonothavethefinancialand military resources to take on the drugcartels.

Cartels have been enabled to embed themselves into the high echelons of Caribbean societies, thereby exhibiting significant influence in political, legislative,

narco- terrorism with unity, we reaffirm our dedication to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the region remains a ZoneofPeace.”

Notably, Secretary Rubio had stated that the U S had not recognizedtheMaduroregimeasa legitimate government and stated, “Theyareacriminalenterprisethat basically has taken control of national territory of a country and whobythewayarealsothreatening U S oil companies that are operatinglawfullyinGuyana.”

Notably,GuyanaandVenezuela have a case pending before the InternationalCourtofJustice(ICJ) overVenezuela’sclaimtoGuyana’s Essequiboregion–whichmakesup two-thirdofGuyana’sterritoryand isaresourcericharea.

MONDAY

media, banking, security and e

ten renderinggovernmentstoothlessto enactactualchangetostopcriminal activ

governmentexplained.

Itsaidthatrecordmurderrates, gang activity, drug addictions, violent crime and increasing poverty throughout the Caribbean andespeciallyinT&T,certainlydo not paint a peaceful existence

“Therefore, it is shocking to hear somepersonsusingreferralstothe Caribbeanregionasazoneofpeace to push negative commentary on theUSmilitarydeploymentagainst these terrorist cartels,” the governmentnoted.

M o r e o v e r, t h e T & T government disclosed that no requests have ever been made by theAmericanGovernmentfortheir military assets to access Trinidadian territory for any military action against the Venezuelan Nicolas Maduroregime.

To this end it was stated, “Trinidad and Tobago has always had good relations with the Venezuelan people and that will continue.However,Iwanttomake it very clear that if the Maduro regimelaunchesanyattackagainst the Guyanese people or invades Guyaneseterritoryandarequestis madebytheAmericanGovernment foraccesstoTrinidadianterritoryto defend the people of Guyana, my government will unflinchingly providethemthataccess.”

Moreover, on Friday night the Government of Guyana has expressed concern about the threat to peace and security posed by transnational organised crime and narco-terrorismintheregion. The Guyanese government said, “We arecommittedtoworkingwithour bilateral partners to find meaningful solutions and will support regional and global initiatives aimed at dismantling criminalnetworkstosafeguardour shared security By confronting transnational organised crime and

Guyana’soilfundreceived almostUS$618million insecondquarterof2025

Guyana’s Natural Resource Fund (NRF) received payments totalingUS$617,955,248(GY$126 billion) in deposits from oil revenuesduringthesecondquarter of 2025 for the Stabroek block operation.

The NRF receipt published in the official gazette on July 4, showed that eight profit oil payments were made for lifts executed between March 10 and May 31 of this year, but paid into the NRF betweenApril 1 and June 30.

During the second quarter, one royalty payment amounting to US$85.4 million was made to the NRF.Thispayment is for the 2025 first quarter production. The profit oil payments were made from revenues generated from the first three Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels producingoil.

For March, the NRF received threedeposits:US$64.7millionfor profit oil from the Liza Destiny FPSO, US$71 7 million on forprofitoilfromtheProsperityFPSO and US$74.3 million for profit oil fromtheLizaUnityFPSO.

ForApril,Guyanareceivedtwo deposits:US$66.2millionfromthe Prosperity FPSO and US$63 8 millionfromtheLizaUnityFPSO. For the month of May, the NRF received three deposits: US$63.1 million from the Liza Destiny FPSO, US$64.4 million from the Prosperity FPSO and US$64 2 millionfromtheLizaUnityFPSO.

The Ministry of Finance noted thatprofitoilreceiptsrepresentthe Government of Guyana’s share of crude earned as profit, while royalty payments are made on a quarterly basis, 30 days after the closeofeachcalendarquarter ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL)istheoperatorofthe Continued on page 23

Frompage22

Stabroek block, and holds 45 per cent interest The other block partnersareHessandCNOOCwith 30 per cent and 25 per cent respectively

The Production Sharing

Agreement (PSA) governing the Stabroek block allows oil companies to recover cost of up to 75 per cent from revenues generatedfromoilproduction,this is considered cost oil, the remaining25percentisconsidered profit oil and this is split equally

between Guyana and the consortium, giving each 12.5 per cent From their half, the consortium pays a 2 per cent royalty to Guyana and Guyana from its 14.5 per cent total take, mustpaytheoilcompanies’taxes.

FirstQuarter

This publication had reported thatduringthefirstquarterof2025, the country’s oil account received p a y m e n t s t o t a l i n g

US$605,462,893 The payments relate to all petroleum revenues made during the period January 1, 2025andMarch31,2025.

During the period, seven profit oil payments were made and one royalty payment, amounting to US$84,167,953 Notably, the royalty payment was made for the fourth quarter of 2024 Additionally, two of the profit oil payments made in the first quarter of 2025 were also related to lifts made in December 2024 This means that Guyana only received US$375,411,909.46 in total for its oil produced in the first three monthsofthisyear

FiregutsKwakwani SecondarySchool

The Kwakwani Secondary School, located in Pathville, Kwakwani, Upper Berbice River, wascompletelydestroyedbyafire ofunknownoriginintheweehours ofSundaymorning.

The blaze reportedly began around03:40hrs.

According to a statement from the Guyana Police Force, a police corporalstationedattheMackenzie Police Station was attending the annualvillagefairattheKwakwani Ball field when he noticed a large firecomingfromthePathvillearea. Heimmediatelyinformedranks at the Kwakwani Police Station, who responded to the scene, witnessing the school engulfed in flames.

The police then summoned auxiliary staff, and a fire pick-up unit with two staff attempted to extinguishtheblaze.

However,bythattime,theonestorey concrete structure with approximately30feetwideand100 feet long, was already entirely destroyed.

Police reported that the school was protected by Homesafe Security Service, and a security

guardwasondutyatthetimeofthe incident.

The guard informed police that while conducting routine checks around the compound, he noticed smoke emanating from the headmistress’s office, located on the south western side of the building He subsequently contactedtheschoolsupervisor

The police also noted that the school was powered by electricity suppliedbyKwakwaniUtilityInc., and it was alleged that the area experienced frequent power outagesduringthenight.

Investigationsinto the cause of thefireareongoing.

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Works,JuanEdghill,announcedon his Facebook page that the government will “move speedily” torebuildtheschoolifthePeople’s ProgressiveParty/Civic(PPP/C)is re-elected.

In a pre-recorded video shared on the platform, Edghill expressed regretovertheschool’sdestruction, stating, “Whatever is the cause of that fire, it is regrettable The childrenneedtobeserved,andthe communityneedstobeserved.”

He said the rebuilding process will be swift and that there will be no learning loss for the students attendingtheschool.

“Wewillworkwiththeregional authoritiesandthelocalauthorities toensurethatbythetimeschoolis ready to be reopened, alternative accommodations are made, there willbenolearninglossandwewill overcome every challenge,” Edghillsaid.

TUESDAY

OMAIgoldfindjumps to2.1millionounces

Canadiangoldminer,OMAIon Monday announced an updated MineralResourceEstimate(MRE) of 2.1 million ounces for its gold projectinGuyana.

The company holds a 100% interestinthepast-producingOmai gold project in Guyana, located in

RegionSeven(Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

The Omai property hosts two orogenic gold deposits: the shearhosted Wenot Deposit and the adjacent intrusive-hosted Gilt CreekDeposit.

The project’s combined update MRE results is: 2,121,000 ounces of gold (indicated), a 7% increase, averaging 2 07 g/t Au in 31 9 million tonnes (Mt) and 4,382,000 ounces of gold (inferred), a 92% increase, averaging 1.95 g/t Au in 69.6Mt.

The property’s 2024 MRE outlined2.0millionouncesofgold indicated and 2.3 million ounces inferred Notably, the updated MRE includes an expansion to the WenotDepositandincorporatesthe previously disclosed Gilt Creek Deposit.Mostsignificantly,OMAI noted that for theWenot MRE, the inferred MRE increased by 130% to 3,717,000 oz. grading 1.82 g/t Au, contained in 63 4 million tonnes (Mt), and the indicated MREincreasedby16%to970,000 oz. grading 1.46 g/tAu, contained in20.7Mt.

Omai’s President and Chief ExecutiveOfficer(CEO)said,“We are pleased to be delivering yet anotherverysubstantialincreaseto the Mineral Resource Estimate for ourOmaiGoldProjectinGuyana.”

Ellingham noted that this increase firmly positions Omai as one of the top two largest gold projectsinGuyana.

Estimate, in order to advance the projecttowardsaFeasibilityStudy later in 2026 Two drills are currentlyturningonnearbyknown gold occurrences, exploring for near-surface satellite deposits, while the third drill continues on a deep hole (25ODD-122) that drilled across the Gilt Creek Deposit and continues, with the goal of testing the blue sky depth potential of the adjacent Wenot Deposit,”sheadded.

‘GuyaneseCritic’,BryanMax grantedbailoncharges

Fifty-nine-year-old political activist Bryan ‘Max’ Mackintosh and 45-year-old social media commentator, Mikhael Rodrigues, known as the ‘Guyanese Critic’ wereonMondayreleasedonbail.

“Omai has many benefits as a brownfieldsproject,nottheleastof which is road access (mostly paved), an airstrip, a cleared site, established tailings sites and knownpastproductionparameters.

In addition to these clear advantages, Guyana has proven to be a favourable jurisdiction, now recognized by the Fraser Institute as the 9th best jurisdiction for mining investment in the world, with a government and people that are supportive of large-scale mine development,”shefurthernoted.

The CEO said that the updated MRE reinforces the potential for accelerated large-scale mine redevelopment at Omai. She noted thatwitheachsuccessivemilestone it becomes clearer that Omai has the potential to be a multi-decade world-classgoldminingoperation.

Further, Ellingham disclosed thatOmaistillsee“verysignificant potential” to further expand the gold zones at both the Wenot and theGiltCreekDeposits.

“We will continue to aggressively drill to increase these Mineral Resources and to upgrade the Inferred Mineral Resource

Mackintosh and Rodrigues both appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Senior MagistrateLeronDaly Rodriguespleadednotguiltyto the charge which alleged that on August23,2025,atLot126Laluni Street, Queenstown, Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously woundedMackintosh.

Hewasrepresentedbyattorney BernardDaSilvawhoreassuredthe court that his client is not a flight risk.

The prosecution had no objectiontobail,whichresultedin Magistrate Daly releasing Rodrigues on $100,000 bail, adjourningthemattertoSeptember 15,2025.

Meanwhile, Mackintosh was chargedwithabusivelanguageand two counts of provoking breach of thepeace.

The 59-year-old pleaded not guilty to the three charges which alleged he, onAugust 23, 2025, at Lot 126 Laluni Street, Queenstown, Georgetown, used abusive language toward OC Rogers and provoked Rogers and Rodrigues with intent to insult or annoythem.

Mackintoshwasrepresentedby attorneyDawnCush.

The prosecution had no objection to bail. Magistrate Daly released Mackintosh on $15,000 bail for each of three charges addingupto$45,000.

Hismatterswerealsoadjourned forSeptember15,2025.

The charges stemmed from an incidentwhichoccurredonthedate

Mackintosh claimed he had to

Rodrigues invited Mackintosh into his studio, after which a confrontation ensued, leading to

Rodrigues allegedly wounded Mackintosh.

Theincidentoccurredduringa Continued on page 24

Frompage23

live stream on Mackintosh’s Facebook page. Rodrigues was placed on $50,000 station bail and Mackintoshwasplacedon$25,000 stationbail.

WEDNESDAY

Manexecuteswife,shootsson, thenturnsguntohishead

A 36-year-old woman was executedonTuesday,whileher10year-old-son was shot to his abdomen, when her husband opened fire at her Charlotte and BourdaStreetshome.

Dead is Teekadai Atiya Solomon, a financial analyst employed at ExxonMobil Guyana and 36-year-old Alroy Solomon, leavingtheir10-year-oldson.

According to police, Teekadai and Alroy once resided at North East La Penitence along with their 10-year-old son. However, due to domesticissues,thewomanmoved outabouttwomonthsagoandwas living at Lot 199 Charlotte and Bourda Streets, Georgetown, with her son On Tuesday at around 11:50hrs, the victim was at her apartment with her son, when the suspect showed up in the area in a black motor vehicle bearing registration number GUY 94 and parked in front of the apartment building.

According to reports, Alroy exited the vehicle and ran into the compound,afterwhichthewoman was heard screaming, followed by several suspected gunshots Teekadai ran out of the yard and was followed by the suspect, who discharged several rounds at her, causinghertofallonthegroundin front of her apartment, south on Charlotte Street, where she remainedmotionless.

The suspect subsequently returned to the yard where he discharged a round at his 10-yearold son, hitting him to his left side lower chest. Alroy then used the same firearm and shot himself on theleftsideofhishead.

“The10-year-oldwaspickedup by public-spirited persons and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he is receiving medical attention. His condition is listedasstable,”policesaid.

Policerelayedthatthewoman’s body was examined and several gunshot injuries were seen Teekadaiwasreportedlyshottwice to her right-side abdomen, once to her right index finger, once to her leftarm,twicetoherchest,twiceto her forehead, once to her right hip andoncetoherrightleg.

Alroy was found in a pool of blood with a gunshot wound to his templearea.

Investigators recovered a 9mm pistol,containingamagazineand6 live 9mm rounds of ammunition. One live 9mm round and a matching spent shell were also

foundnexttothesuspect.

Both Alroy and Teekadai were taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, awaiting a postmortemexamination.

The home is owned by Colette Marks-Harris and her husband Harris’ brother, Koel Marks told reporters that the woman was having issues with her husband; however, he had access to the apartment and would visit frequently

He shared that there is an ongoingpoliceinvestigationintoa shooting incident that occurred twice at the apartment It is suspectedthatAlroycarriedoutthe act which damaged the landlady’s car

“Just under three months, they movedin,againthatstemmedfrom an issue where apparently, there wassomearsoninvolvedwherehe probably burn down the property, they were living, so she took up residence in my sister’s place,”

Koel told reporters while highlighting that it is all allegation madeagainstAlroy

Headdedthataftertheshooting incident, his brother-in-law spoke toTeekadaiandshetoldhimAlroy is not a harmful person and he wouldnothurther

“Again, these things that are happening a lot in Guyana and we need to address on a larger scale,” Marksexpressed.

DjmoneyMickleinaFacebook post, said that last Sunday Alroy was seen in church where he went tothealtarforprayer.

President Irfaan Ali in a Facebook post extended his condolences to the relatives and friendsandwishedspeedyrecovery forthechild.

“I am deeply distressed and saddened by the tragic incident today in which a man, Alroy

Solomon,isreportedtohavetaken his own life and that of his wife, Atiya Solomon, and to have seriouslyinjuredtheirchild.”

He added that family remains thebasiccellofhumansocietyand its preservation is essential for the nation’swell-being.

“When families break, society bleeds.Butwhenfamiliesthrive,a nation stands tall,” the president said. While expressing that he is “committed to provide all the help andsupportthatfamiliesneedtobe nurtured, to grow stronger, and to flourish.”

Ali met with the 10-year-old Tuesdayafternoonandassuredhim that the nation carries love and compassionforhim,andwillstand firmly by his side as he works to overcomethepainfulordeal.

“I call upon our religious leaders, and indeed all our people, toliftthischildinprayerandtoask theAlmightytosurroundhimwith strength, comfort, and healing in the days and months ahead,” the presidentsaid.

ExxonMobil Guyana in a Facebook post said, “We are heartbrokenbythetragicpassingof ourdearcolleaguetoday Herlossis felt profoundly across our organization.Ourthoughtsarewith her family, her loved ones, and all whowereclosetoher.”

Threedeadinhighway crash…truckburstsinto flamesaftercollision

Threepersons diedonTuesday aftertwotruckscollidedandcaught fire on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway in the vicinity of Loo Creek.

The dead persons have been identified as 73-year-old Lionel Campbell and an unidentified passenger who was traveling with

Yasmaniewaslatertransported inaconsciousstatebyEMTstothe Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he remains in stablecondition.

The EMTs pronounced Campbellandhispassengerdeadat thescene.

The three bodies were then taken to the Pensioners’ Mortuary inLindenforcoldstorage,pending post-mortemexaminations.

Investigationsintothecrashare ongoing.

THURSDAY

ChinesecompanyreportshalfyearearningsofoverUS$200M fromGuyanagoldmine

ZijinMiningGroupCo.Ltd,a Chinese-state owned mining giant operating in Guyana, through its subsidiary AGM Inc. has reported earnings of RMB1 4789 billion (over US$200million) from its Aurora Gold Mine in Guyana for thefirsthalfof2025.

himandaVenezuelanwomanwho wasonlyidentifiedas‘Melie’.

The accident occurred around 12:30hrs and involved two motor lorries: #GXX 1546, which was loaded with sand and driven by Campbell and #GAG 313, driven by a 29-year-old Venezuelan national identified as Carlos Yasmanie.

Each truck had one passenger The identity of Campbell’s passengerremainsunknown,while the occupant of Yasmanie’s truck wasidentifiedonlyas‘Melie’.

Enquiries disclosed that Melie and Yasmanie have no place of adobe and would usually sleep in thetruck.

According to police, initial investigations revealed that Yasmanie was speeding north along the western lane of the highwaywhenheencounteredacar (number unknown) that slowed down abruptly to navigate a pothole.

“Onseeingthat,theVenezuelan driver said he swerved in a northeastern direction to avoid a collision with the car, and in the process collided head-on with motor lorry #GXX 1546, which was proceeding south along the easterndrivelane,”policesaid.

Following the impact, Yasmanie’s truck caught fire. His passenger, who was seated in the front left seat, was trapped inside andburnttodeath.

Yasmanie was pulled from the burning vehicle by public-spirited citizens; he suffered multiple injuries, including a broken left footandlacerations.

“TheAmbulanceService,along with the Fire Service, was summonedtothesceneandarrived withateamofEmergencyMedical Technicians, who went into action,”policesaid.

This information was revealed in the company’s interim half-year report published on Tuesday. According to the company’s interim report the Aurora Gold Mine total asset is pegged at RMB4.5287billion. “AuroraGold Mine…Operating income for the reportingperiodisRMB1.47893,” thereportfurtherstates.

It was also disclosed in the report that the Aurora Gold Mine produced 2,039 kilograms (over 71,000ounces)ofgoldinthefirsthalf of 2025. The company said Aurora’s output formed part of the 41,186kilogramsofgoldproduced acrossitsprojectsworldwide.Zijin notedthatthegoldoutputrecorded duringthereportingperiodisa16% increase compared to the same period last year Zijin also noted that a technological upgrade was carried out at the Guyana gold mine.

The Aurora gold project is wholly-owned by AGM and is located in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) Aurora is Guyana’s only large-scale gold project currently in production. The mine holds estimated reserves close to 184tonnesofgold(183,809kg),or approximately six million ounces ofgold.

While the project is already in production, AGM has also embarked on expanding the project.Theminingandprocessing methods used at the project includes open-pit mining, underground mining, gravity separationandcyanideleaching.

According to AGM, the gold mine has a processing capacity of 10,000 tonnes per day and is currently building its Phase 1 underground mine. Upon reaching nameplatecapacity,theprojectwill achieve an annual gold production capacityofmorethan4tonnes. Continued on page 38

Towards a better life with your psychologist Coping with Stress at Work

Stress is a physiological or psychological response to internal or external stressors Stress involves changes affecting nearly every system of the body, influencing how people feel and behave. Chronicstresscandamage both mental and physical health. Being chronically stressed may leaveyoufeelingfatigued,sapyour ability to concentrate, and cause headachesanddigestivedifficulties People prone to irritable bowel syndrome often find that their symptomsspikewithpsychological stress Though acute stress can heightencertainimmuneresponses, the wear-and-tear of chronic stress isbadfortheimmunesystem.

It’s crucial to recognise that working hard is not synonymous with overworking to the detriment of your relationships and physical well-being. Common Sources of Work Stress. Some factors are directly linked to work-related stress Key stressors in the workplaceinclude:

Ÿ Lowsalaries

Ÿ Excessiveworkloads

Ÿ Leaders and workers with unresolved childhood traumaticinjuries

Ÿ Limited opportunities for growthoradvancement

Ÿ U n e n g a g i n g o r unchallengingwork

Ÿ Lackofsocialsupport

Ÿ Insufficientcontroloverjobrelateddecisions

Ÿ Conflicting demands and unclear performance expectations

EffectsofUncontrolledStress

Work-related stress doesn’t simply vanish when you leave the office. Chronic stress can lead to serious health issues, including headaches, stomachaches, sleep

disturbances, irritability, and trouble concentrating It also contributes to anxiety, insomnia, highbloodpressure,andweakened immunity, and can worsen conditions such as depression, obesity,andheartdisease.

Bytakingchargeofyourworkrelatedstress,youcanprotectyour well-being and maintain a healthier,morebalancedlife.

Fortunately, there are many evidence-based tools to help combat the negative effects of stress in healthy ways I recommendthatyou:

Track Your Stressors: Start a journal to identify specific situations that trigger your stress and how you respond. Document your thoughts, feelings, and the surrounding circumstances, i n c l u d i n g p e o p l e a n d environments.Reviewyourentries to identify patterns connecting stressorsandreactions.

Develop Healthy Responses:

Reject unhealthy coping strategies like fast food or alcohol. Instead, focus on healthy choices when faced with stress. Exercise is a powerfulantidotetostress;consider yogaoranyformofphysicalactivity

Prioritisehobbiesandactivitiesthat bring you joy, whether it’s reading, attendingconcerts,orplayinggames with family Maintain good sleep hygiene by limiting caffeine and reducing stimulating activities in theevening.

Establish Boundaries: In our hyper-connectedworld,it’seasyto feel compelled to be available around the clock Set clear boundaries for work and personal time. This could mean refraining fromcheckingemailathomeornot answering work calls during dinner While the balance between

work and personal life varies for everyone, establishing these boundariesisessentialforreducing conflictandstress.

Take Time to Recharge: Chronic stress and burnout require deliberate actions to restore your well-being. Implement necessary breaks from work, ensuring you don’t engage in job-related activitiesorallowworkthoughtsto intrude. Use your vacation days to relax and rejuvenate, ensuring you return to work refreshed and ready totacklechallenges.

Communicate with Your Supervisor: Take your health seriously and discuss any stressors youarefacingwithyoursupervisor Employee well-being should be a priority in any workplace, and addressing this issue directly can lead to necessary changes or accommodations.

Cultivate social support: Strong social support can improve resilience to stress. Reach out strategically Some friends or family members may be good at listeningandsympathising.

Seek good nutrition: When confronted with a stressor, the central nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol, which affects the digestive tract, among otherphysiologicalchanges.Acute stress can kill the appetite, but the release of the hormone cortisol during chronic stress can cause fat and sugar cravings. Research also suggests that high cortisol combined with high sugar consumption may prompt the deposition of fat around our internalorgans—visceralfatthatis associated with cardiovascular and metabolicdiseases.Adiethighina varietyofnutrientscanbothprotect health and provide more physical

energytodealwithchallenges.

Relax your muscles: Because stress causes muscles to tense, being stressed out can create tension headaches, backaches, and general fatigue. Combat stress and these symptoms with stretches, massage, or warm baths. Or try progressive muscle relaxation, a method that has been shown to reduceanxietyandimproveoverall mentalhealth.

Meditate: To get started, set asidefiveminutesinaquietplaceto sit and breathe. Focus on the present moment; if stray thoughts intrude,acknowledgethemandthen letthemgo Don’tjudgeyourselffor any mental wavering Gently refocusandbringtheattentionback tothepresentmoment.

Protect your sleep: Daytime stress affects nighttime sleep

Makingmattersworse,losingsleep canaffectbothcognitionandmood. How to sleep better?Try to have a consistentsleeproutinethatallows time to wind down before lights out. Meditation and relaxation can helpwithinsomnia.

Getphysical:Briskmovement can not only improve sleep, but it can also directly combat stress. Physical activity may also cancel out some of the negative effects of stress, including the impact of stress on the immune system Addingphysicalactivityneedn’tbe expensiveorcomplex:A10-minute walkoradancesessionintheliving roomcandothetrick.

Take a moment in nature: Greenspaceimprovesmood.Even nature videos can speed the recovery from stress compared withvideosofurbanscenes.Taking amomenttonoticenature—evenin the form of a bustling city park—can refocus and calm your

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

mind.

Keep your pleasurable activities: When life gets overwhelming, people often drop their leisure activities first. But cutting yourself off from pleasure can be counterproductive. Even when time is tight, look for opportunities to do something for yourself, whether that means reading a novel, singing along to your favourite tunes, or streaming your favourite comedy on Netflix. Humour and laughter benefit both mentalandphysicalhealth.

Reframe your thinking: Reframing your thoughts around a stressor can help manage your emotions, reducing feelings of stress. Some tips: If you feel yourself spiraling into imagining worst-case scenarios, stop and put your mind elsewhere. Set realistic expectationsforyourself.Strivefor acceptance of situations outside of yourcontrol.

Seek help: If you feel overwhelmed and self-help isn’t helping, look for a psychologist who can help you learn how to manage your stress effectively They will help you identify situations or behaviours that contribute to your stress and then develop an action plan to change the stressors, change your environment, and change your responses.

SEPTEMBER

NATIONAL STANDARD GUARANTEES QUALITY IN SALTED FISH PRODUCTION

Who doesn’t love a hearty plateofsalted fishandbakes,orasteaming bowl of metemgee with salted fish? From breakfast tables to family gatherings, salted fish is a beloved dish woven into Guyana’s culinary traditions.To guide its production and ensure quality in every bite, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS)

developed the Guyana Standard - GYS 53:2016 –SpecificationforSaltedFish andDriedSaltedFish.

CODEX STAN 167:1989, this National Standard sets out requirements for salted and dried salted fish produced for retail and distribution for human consumption. It ensures that whether it’s added to your cook-up rice, or when

Adapted from the

making a simple sautéed dish, the salted fish you buy and use is safe, properly processed, and fit for your family’stable.

The GYS Standard applies to fish that is fully saturated with salt (heavily salted)andfishpreservedby partialsaturation,withasalt contentnotlessthan12%by weight, fit for consumption without further industrial processing.

Salted fish may be produced through brining, brine injection, dry-salting, pickling, or wet-salting, and can be made from a variety of species including shark, snapper, mackerel, and catfish Drying may be natural (open air), artificial (mechanically circulated air), or a combination of both.

To ensure a safe and high-quality product, the standardrequiresthatfishbe wholesome and fit for humanconsumption.

Importantly,thestandard considers salted fish defective if it contains foreign matter like wood chips or bird droppings, has an objectionable odour, develops halophilic mould, or shows signs of pink/reddening, textural breakdown, bruising, or burning. Such defects can affect taste, safety, and consumerpreference.

Additionally, the salt

used in production must be clean, uncontaminated, and free of dirt, oil, or foreign matter, and food-grade packagingmaterialsmustbe used, with labels in English stating the product name (“saltedfish”or“driedsalted fish”),lotidentification,and manufacturer’sdetails.

The standard also outlines hygiene, handling, storage, and transport requirements to protect the product throughout the supply chain. Sampling and analysis procedures, outlinedinthestandard,help determinefactorssuchasnet weight, salt content, moisture levels, toxic heavy metals,andoverallquality Producers of salted fish are encouraged to acquire a copy of this standard and conform to its requirements which ensure a quality product for the consumer andacompetitiveadvantage of their businesses in both localandexportmarkets.

TheGNBSwillcontinue to develop, promote and support the implementation offoodstandardsinourlocal foodsector,sothatGuyanese canconfidentlyenjoydishes madefromproductsmeeting the requirements of standards.

For more information, contact GNBS at 2190062/65, WhatsApp 6924 6 2 7 , o r v i s i t www.gnbsgy.org.

SHAWN ENGLISH EYES MUSICAL COMEBACK

By Shermon Hawker

Across the local gospel scene, the name Shawn English is known. Despite

being somewhat withdrawn from the music scene in recent years, the singer is readying for a comeback of

note, even as he is maneuvering through other social elements demanding hisfocusasofrecent.

GTTJINGLEGLORY

At age 23, Shawn Englishemergedtriumphant in the former GTT’s now

defunct Jingle and Song Competition of 2006, outshining an array of the finest competitors in the show’s history In that era, the music scene here was dominated with talents the likes of Eddie Neblett and Cherlyn Maloney, and a placement at the proverbial mountaintop was to be earned by undeniable musical prowess coupled with consistent and convincingdelivery

Winningthecompetition catapulted him to instantaneous local fame, owingtoitscelebratedstatus as Guyana’s premiere talent showcase competition, which from its inception attracted countrywide interest From that point onwards, English would keep his feet on the acceleratorwithhispassion, and from his creative pen issuedhits.

The competition served as the springboard for many

of Guyana’s top talents, yanking into the spotlight names like Brandon Harding, Timeka Marshall, Carlvin Burnett and Diana Chapman,allofwhomhave capitalized on the major momentum and indelibly scribbled themselves in the journals of Guyanese musicalidentity PERSONAL WRANGLINGS

English withdrew from the spotlight for a considerableperiod.

Withhismusicallifeona partial pause, English wore m u l t i p l e h a t s o f employment. Just recently, he worked as a security officer During this stint, he foundhimselfreeledintothe charm of infectious music that permeated a New Amsterdamnightclubwhich contracted the firm he was employed with for security purposes, and unleashed to thesurpriseanddelightof Continuedonpage54

Guyanese model wins SAINT’S Fashion Face of Caribbean competition Shauntaé Washington

(Jamaica Gleaner)

Shauntae Washington experienced momentary doubt when a casting call to meet model-maker Deiwght Peters in her native Guyana presenteditselfbackinJune.

“Initially,IthoughtIwas too old to go because it was calling for models between 16 and 23. I am 25. It was a great opportunity, but I didn’t think that I would make the cut, ” said Washingtonreflectively.

F ortunately for Washington, her dear friend and Guyanese model peer, David Anthony Loncke, redirectedherreluctance.

“He said, ‘I do not care howoldyouare,let’sgo.We are giving it a shot’... David isevenolderthanIam.He’s 28. The fact that he was so confident reassured me to takepartinthecastingcall.”

Thepairturnedupforthe audition held at the Marriott HotelinGeorgetown.

They would suitably impress the SAINT head honcho and be shortlisted to compete in Peters’ annual Fashion Faces of the Caribbean contest, which stagedits25thiterationatthe AC Hotel Kingston in mid August.

Jetting into The Rock with Loncke, Washington

Katia Fitzpatrick Carey, and Kramronju by Mark Junor She previously worked as a data entry clerk at the Ministry of Home Affairs andcurrentlybartendsatthe GeorgetownCricketClub.

Asshewaitsinthewings for her big break as an international model, she remainscircumspect.

“Fashion models

represent the height of beautyacrosstheworld,and asanAfricanwoman,Iknow whatitisliketonotfeellike the most beautiful in the room. Now, the ability to represent beauty in African facesonaglobalscaleisone of my motivations, especially for the girls here inGuyanaandformynieces

Continuedonpage54

triumphed from a competitive field of 44 young women to claim the 2025 winning SAINT FemaleFashionFacetitle.

Thefive-foot-tenbeauty, who dreams of working for luxury fashion houses like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Versace, was announced the winner from the top five. With tears welling in her eyes, she said, “I thought of the sacrifices that my parents, boyfriend, and siblings made to get me where I had to be. What ran through my mind was all these people I made proud, soitwasn’tevenaboutpride for myself. It was pride for mytribe.”

Winningthecompetition has eased anxiety about her age in the youth-obsessed fashion industry, where models typically break throughasadolescents.

“Besides, I look like the results of God’s grace, good genes,andcoconutoil.Iwill takemyplaceinspiteof,and becauseof,everythingthatI am, including being 25,” a supremely confident Washingtondeclared.

Back home in Guyana, Washington has strutted in runwayshowssince2017for local designers such as Randy Madray, Matapee by

We could not think of a better way to demonstrate collaboration, problem solving, innovation and Guyanese creativity than by innovating anAI integrated, automated and parallel vote counting system in Guyana. Elections in Guyana are too often followed by tension, delays, and disputes about the fairness of the process. Results trickle in slowly, leaving citizens anxious and fueling mistrust. At Abrams and Associates Research Consultancy, we wanted to help change that. We believed that if technology could make banking faster, business more efficient, and communicationinstant,then it could also help strengthen thedemocraticprocess. Thatbeliefledustobuild an AI-powered platform designed to collect and process the Statements of Poll (SOPs) that are posted outsideeverypollingstation afterballotsarecounted.We are recruiting an army of volunteers representing all political parties to upload SOPs to our system. Once an SOP is uploaded, the system uses artificial intelligence to read, categorize, and allocate the votes to the correct political party A volunteer verification process ensures the data is accurate. From there,resultsarepublishedin real time on a public-facing website so that all citizens, not just those inside the counting center, can access them. Citizens will be able tosearchbydistrictandeven ballot box number and view the actual SOP that was

Why We Used AI to Innovate Vote Counting in Guyana

-andWhyCitizensofAllPartiesArePartoftheEffort

counted and we are asking for your help. It takes a village.Whetheryousupport one party or another, your contribution to transparency strengthens democracy for everyone.

Our project is a reinforcement of the official process,notareplacement.It creates an independent, transparent repository of SOPsthatcitizenscanaccess directly The goal is simple; offer transparency, provide confidence, and reduce suspicion.Whencitizenssee results with their own eyes, democracy feels more open andtrustworthy.

From the beginning, I was intentional about involving citizens from all politicalpartiesinthiseffort. Wesoughttheirfeedbackon whetherthiswasagoodidea, because we know that innovation alone is not enough, trust matters. Our team, made up of local developers,builtthissystem not to serve one party over another,buttohelptheentire country Wewantedtocreate a solution that could minimize post-election conflictanddemonstratethat Guyanese innovation can makeadifference.

Thesystemalsoincludes a central incident reporting tool that captures and logs issues across the country, from voter intimidation to equipment failure or irregularities. These reports are stored in a searchable database that can be filtered by region or district. For the first time, Guyana will have an organized and accessible national record of election-

day issues that citizens, researchers, and journalists cananalyzelongafterballots arecounted.

We do not know if we will receive enough SOPs. We do not know if we will recruit enough volunteers. We do not know if the website will handle the load when thousands of citizens log on at once. But we have to try Innovation requires courage, and innovators try, fail, improve, and try again untiltheysucceed.

This is the message we wanttosendtoourchildren. The 21st century belongs to those who are willing to learnandtotry Iftheyseeus taking bold steps to solve national challenges with technology, they will be more likely to imagine solutions of their own. That curiosity will fuel their learning. That learning will fueltheirleadership.

This project also aligns with the mission of STEMGuyana, the only organization in the region thatoffersAIeducation,uses AI tools, and conducts AI research.Wedothisbecause we are committed to staying on the cutting edge, testing whether AI is hype or truly transformative, and when it is effective, applying it to real challenges and we want our students to lead on this front.

Forparents,thelessonis urgent;prepareyourchildren not only to consume technologybuttocreatewith it. In a world reshaped by artificial intelligence, their ability to research, experiment, and build

solutions will determine theiropportunities.

This is also a national experiment in transparency and innovation. Whether it succeeds in full or only in part,itprovesonething,that Guyanese citizens are

capableofbuildingsolutions forGuyaneseproblems.

We invite you to join us. Help upload SOPs, report incidents and show that Guyana can lead with technology, integrity, and vision; because it takes a village,andtogether,wecan inspireageneration.

G o t o https://wwwrisetogethergy com/rise for more information on how to volunteer and contribute to thisnationaleffort.

Frompage24

Zijin Mining Group’s presence spans across 17 provincial-level regions in China and encompasses operations in 15 countries worldwide, including Guyana TheirfootholdinGuyana’smining landscape was solidified inAugust 2020 when they acquired the largest gold mines operation in the country from Canadian-owned AGM for a substantial sum of US$238million.

The Aurora gold project was originally developed by Guyana Goldfields sprawling across an extensive area of 12 square kilometersor2,965acres.

While Aurora is currently the only-large scale gold producer in Guyana, the Cuyuni-Mazaruni district is also home to most of the other major developments underway

Guyana has a long history of small- and medium-scale alluvial mining However, its miningfriendly policies and supportive government have attracted several foreign firms in recent years. This publication previously reported

that five Canadian mining companies collectively control an estimated 15.5 million ounces of gold across various projects in different stages of development These ventures are currently undergoing exploration, feasibility studies, and permitting processes, with first production expected between 2026 and 2028. Most of these companies have commended Guyana’s favourable regulatory environment and view their projects here as key drivers of futuregrowth.

Notably, Guyana’s gold sector has seen a noticeable dip in declarations in recent years AccordingtotheBankofGuyana’s annual reports, gold declarations declined by roughly 209,000 troy ounces between 2019 and 2023. However, a modest rebound was recordedin2024,withdeclarations

rising by 1,954 ounces, from 432,113ouncesin2023to434,067 ounces.

This publication had reported that Guyana has been ranked among the top 10 jurisdictions in the world for mining investment attractiveness, according to the FraserInstitute’sAnnualSurveyof MiningCompanies2024.

US$20MCourtyardby MarriottHotelcommissioned

President Irfaan Ali on

Wednesday joined the Bassoo family in commissioning the US$20 million Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, which is located neartheCheddiJaganInternational Airport (CJIA) at Timehri, East BankDemerara.

Thesix-storeyhotelwhichwas built on some 2.5acre plot of lease landfromtheGuyanaGovernment was built by Cardinal Investment Inc , a company, which was established by the Directors of BassooGroup.

The 150-room hotel includes six suites, restaurant, bar, fitness center,swimmingpoolandmeeting spaces with capacity to accommodate events up to 200 people. It also provides jobs for morethan100persons.

President Ali said with the openingofthishotel,itismakinga statementtotheworldthatGuyana isonthemove.“Guyanaisserious about transformation, Guyana is ready to take its place as a destination, ready to become a transit hub, ready to build a diversified future and we embrace our partners in this journey,” he said. The President stated that the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel located near the Cheddi Jagan InternationalAirport, is a majestic structurethatatteststothefactthat they are doing things “better and quickerinthiscountry.”

“Butthishotelismorethanthat. It is a symbol of ambition, a

demonstration of confidence and a cornerstone of the bold future we are building for our people. As I said before we are not waiting on the future, we are building it right here, right now,” the head-of-state noted.

He further stated that this investmentisnotanisolatedactand that it is part of a larger deliberate strategicplan.Thatplan,henotedis thatbytheendofthisyear,Guyana would boast more than 2,000 world-class hotel rooms. “We are not building hotels for the sake of hotels,wearebuildingcapacity,we are not just lifting ceilings we are liftingstandards.Toaccompanyall of these investments, in the next term we will build a word-class indoorareawherewewillbeableto host international events of every scale ad magnitude.” Whether it is in boxing, music and the arts, the president said they are going after those opportunities aggressively, because “we have a responsibility to these investors, to invest in an ecosystemthatwillbringpeopleto takeandmakeuseoftheirservice.”

According to him, the government is making Guyana fit for purpose as a major tourism destination “We are not talking abouttourisminanarrowsense;we are talking about a sector that can host conferences and conventions, a sector that can attract international events from business summits to sports and cultural festivals,asectorthatwelcomesthe adventure tourist, the heritage explorer and eco travelers. We are creating an ecosystem one that matches the dynamism of our peopleandthebeautyofourland,” heexplained.

Looking to make Guyana this hub, he mentioned that hotels like the Courtyard by Marriott, positionsGuyanatodeliverexactly that. “It answers a demand that is high,thatisconsistentandthatwill onlygrowstronger,”hesaid.

During his remarks, he also

related that this hotel is critically linked to many important investments of the immediate future For example, the racing trackthatisclosetothehotelwhich hementionedtheyhavetoworkto develop, the Silica City initiative and the young professional homes thatarebeingbuiltnearby

“The government is matching theconfidenceoftheprivatesector andweareinvestingtosecureyour investment and confidence,” he related.

Confidentthathispartywillgo back into government come September1,Alitoldthegathering thatwithinthefirstweekofthenew term they plan on issuing expression of interests for allinclusive resorts in Guyana. The areas identified that will first benefit he said includes Orinduik, Lethem, Leguan, Linden, the 63 Beach, Bartica, Stabroek waterfront, Vreed-en-Hoop waterfrontandKamanaVillage.

“Within the first week of the next term we will be issuing expression of interest for allinclusive resorts in these areas, we expect strong local and international partnership and participation in this. I expect the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and the Privet Sector

Commissiontopreparethemselves to build a consortium to ensure we getthisdone,”hementioned.

Meanwhile, in his remarks, Managing Director of Cardinal Investments Inc., Roy Basso Snr said this smart 21 century architectural masterpiece highlights what is possible when foreign and local expertise merge. “Thismilestoneisfarmorethanthe strategic investment in our hospitality and tourism sector It is the beacon illuminating Guyana’s international promise and our flourishing economy Under a 20year agreement, Marriott International will operate this renowned American brand strengthening our bridge to door opening global opportunities,” he disclosed.

With surging demands from airlinesandtravelers,Bassoonoted that they anticipate that this hotel will be fully booked when it becomesoperationalinthecoming weeks. Already, he said that they are planning to expand and are in advanced discussions with the Marriott team to add 75 more rooms adjacent to this property, which would include an entertainment complex featuring fast food hubs, ATM banking, a rooftopbarandaproposedcasino. Assuringthoseattheceremony that this investment is only the beginning for his company, the CEO announced that Basso Group has secured the franchise for the Staybridge Suites Hotel under the Intercontinental Hotels Group. He noted lease for the land has been securedanditwillbesituatedalong the Heroes Highway near the oil and gas hub. The hotel is said to host 130 rooms and works are expectedtocommenceearly2026.

FRIDAY

DemeraraRiver Bridgefullyconnected …asPresidentAlileads finalconcretepour

New Demerara River Bridgeisnowfullyconnectedfrom east to west, after President Dr. MohamedIrfaanAliandhisteam Continued on page 39

Frompage38 poured the final set of concrete into place on the main span early Thursday morning.

This landmark project is yet another infrastructural

f e a t b y t h e P P P / C administration,whichstands to benefit thousands of Guyanese for generations to come.

Thenewcrossing,which is set to be commissioned in a matter of days, consists of four lanes and spans 2 6 kilometres, connecting NandyParkontheEastBank ofDemeraratoLaGrangeon theWestBank.

At its highest point, the bridge is 50 metres, which means Handymax vessels

can pass comfortably underneath. With a lifespan of 100 years, the bridge is expected to mitigate current trafficwoesandcongestion.

Giving brief remarks at the site, President Ali

a c k n o w l e d g e d t h e momentous occasion, thanking the local and international teams for their tremendous work on the project “Together, we’ve achievedanincrediblepiece ofinfrastructureforGuyana, and we’ve been able to achieve this because of the teamworkandthehardwork ofthisteam,”hesaid.

Upon the completion of today’s pouring, the construction team will work to complete safety features on the main span, including the insertion of rails and dividers between the four lanes. The president stated thatthenewDemeraraRiver Bridgewillbeopenedtothe public very early in September

“There’s one section of the entrance that will be completed,andofcoursewe had some modifications of thedesign…forbettertraffic management and traffic flow…so I would say very early in September, we will be driving on and off of the bridge,” President Ali said. The new crossing will operate 24/7, toll-free, and accommodatevehiclesofall sizes and weights, with a maximum speed limit of 80 kilometresperhour

Its design will also feature the Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH), the country’s second-highest national award in the Order ofService.

More than 50,000 daily commuters are expected to benefitfromthenewbridge, resulting in an estimated $3.5 billion in annual

Government-nominated

Commissioner, Manoj Narayan

savings.(DPI)

PPPseekstomove 14pollingplacesfrom publicbuildings toprivatehomes …Oppositionobjects, stormsoutof GECOMmeeting

With just three days left before September 1 General and Regional Elections, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) nominated commissioners on Thursday requested that 14pollingstationsbemoved from public buildings to privateresidences. The request was made duringastatutorymeetingof the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) but was met with immediate rejection by oppositionnominated commissioners, who abruptly walked out, resulting in the meeting losingitsquorum.

Opposition-nominated commissioner Vincent Alexander speaking with Kaieteur News explainedthe walkout, stating, “The government-nominated commissioners, with the facilitation of the Chairperson, sought to discussthePPP’srequestfor thechangeofthelocationof 66 polling stations from public buildings to other buildings, mainly private.”

He added, “This was occurring at a time when GECOM had already publicly advertised the location of the polling stations and weeks after the deadline for objection to the location of polling stations hadelapsed.Theoppositionappointed commissioners refused to participate in that travesty, hence they withdrew from the meeting, whichthenlostitsquorum.”

On the other hand, speaking with Governmentnominated commissioner Manoj Narayan confirmed thatthePPPhadrequestedto change 12 to 14 polling

locations from public

Ward disclosed, “Out of a total of 2,709 polling stations, we have 1,151 polling places, and of that, there are 62 private residencespollingplaces.”

Opposition-nominated commissioner of GECOM VincentAlexander

buildings to private residences.“Theoriginallist was around 66 polling stations. It was reduced to some 12 to 14 polling stations. So the issue today [Thursday] was 12 to 14 polling stations that the PPP made a request for changes tobemade,”hesaid.

Narayan cited legal provisions to justify the proposal, stating, “Their reason for that is stated by law Section 66 of the RepresentationofthePeople Act, together with Sections 34andespecially35;makeit clear that polling places are tobefixedwithinthevillage inwhichelectorsaretovote. Thepollingplacesmustalso be within a reasonable distance of where the electorslive.Thatisthelaw, itismandatory GECOMhas an obligation to ensure that thatisdone.”

Henotedthattherequest was based on concerns that several polling places, particularly on the East Coast, were located too far from the electors He explained that, in many cases, voters were required totraveltoadifferentvillage in order to cast their ballots. “Most, if not all, related to pollingplaceswhereelectors are required to go to a different village to vote EspeciallyontheEastCoast, you have electors from Enterprisewhohavetogoto Melanie, and other similar circumstances That was what we were trying to rectifytoday.”

Narayan also said the claims about long distances weresupportedbyfieldwork conductedbyGECOMstaff. “This was corroborated by the logistics manager of GECOM who went into the fieldtoassessthedistanceof the polling places that the PPPrequestedtochange.”

Addressing public concerns over the use of private residences, especially in light of past recommendations from the Carter Center and the

European Union (EU) to reduce their use, Narayan argued that their use is legally permissible when no suitable public buildings are available.“Thelawonthisis clear,ifthereisn’tanypublic building within the village that can be used for polling; thelawauthorizestheuseof private residences. There is nothing wrong with private residences; they have the same checks and balances, thesamepolicepresence,the same GECOM personnel, and party agents. There is nothing that could happen there that could lead anyone tohaveanyfear,”hestated.

WhenaskedwhythePPP only raised the issue days before the election, Narayan clarified, “It was not only now the request was made. The original request on August13wasfor66polling stations By subsequent days, it was reduced to the same12to14onAugust15, but we were unable to fully discuss it because of the stance taken by oppositionnominatedcommissioners.”

Narayan stated that the Commission’snextstepisto hold another meeting within 48hoursofthewalkout.Ifa quorum is not achieved at that meeting, GECOM is authorizedtoproceedwitha decision on the matter without the approval of the opposition-nominated commissioners.

“Whenever we lose a quorum, the law authorizes us to hold a next meeting within48hours,andifthere isnoquorumatthatmeeting, GECOM can go ahead and make a decision that was on the agenda from the last meeting, without the other commissioners, ” he explained. He noted that the nextmeetingmaybeheldon Saturday

GECOM, during its first press conference for the 2025 elections, confirmed that 62 private residences will be used as polling places GECOM’s Public Relations Officer Yolanda

Theuseofprivatehomes for polling has long been controversial.Thenumberof private residences used has been significantly reduced over the years, from 166 in 2015 to 92 in 2020, after recommendations from the Carter Center and the EU criticized the practice During the 2020 elections, the then-opposition PPPhad raised concerns that private r e s i d e n c e s c o u l d disenfranchise voters

GECOM Chair Justice

Claudette Singh later confirmedthatthereduction in private residences was in response to these concerns.

“It’s not that the polling stations are being removed from the area. It’s just the private residences, they’re moving away from those,” Singh had said “Why would you use private residences when you have a public place?” At the time, GECOM’s then-Chief Election Officer, Keith Lowenfield, justified the use of private residences in limited cases “There is absolutelynopublic or other building that could have been used in these instances and therefore, we had no choice The residents of those particular divisions, sub-divisions have to vote,” hehadstated.

Former President David Grangerhadalsoweighedin during the 2020 elections, warningofpastabuseswhen pollingwasheldin“obscure residences” owned by political affiliates Though he acknowledged the wisdom of reducing private polling places, Granger emphasizedthatitultimately remained a decision of the Commission.

SATURDAY

Amanzafailstostop electionsandgeton ballotsofRegions7-9 - tofileappeal

Forward Guyana Movement party has vowed toimmediatelyfileanappeal to the decision of Chief Justice(Ag)NavindraSingh moments after he dismissed its case challenging the G u y a n a E l e c t i o n s Commission (GECOM) for excluding the party from national ballots in three regions.

A F i x e d D a t e Application was filed on behalf of Krystal Hadassah Fisher, a national candidate of the Forward Guyana Movement (FMG), a party founded by politician and attorney, Amanza Walton Desir, which contends that GECOM’s exclusion of her partyfromballotsinRegions Seven, Eight, and Nine v i o l a t e s m u l t i p l e constitutionalrights. Indefenceofthecase,Dr VivianWilliamsreiteratedhis view that the Representation of the People’s Act (RoPA) and the application of sections of the law by GECOM are in conflict with the constitution “It creates tension with the principal objectoftheconstitution;the court must side with the constitution Weaskthecourt t o i n t e r p r e t t h o s e inconsistencies in favour of constitutionality” InhisdecisiononFriday, Justice Singh underscored thefactthattheFGMdidnot submitalistofcandidatesfor the regions makes the party ineligible to contest in the constituencies.

The chief justice explained that to contest the geographical constituency, thepartymustsubmitalistof candidatesforthat

Continued on page 40

Frompage39 constituency “Section 11 of the Representation of the PeopleAct(RoPA)stipulates thatthepartycanonlyappear on a ballot of a geographic location if they submitted a list for the constituency,” JusticeSinghexplained.

He pointed out that

Article 160 of the Constitution establishes that apartycanonlyorenforcea geographical constituency if that party contests that geographicalconstituency

The chief justice

explained that the constitution sets up an electoral system which allocates specific seats to geographical constituencies in order to guarantee regional representation, broaden inclusivity, strengthen the link between citizens and parliament and reflect the country’s geographic and ethnic diversity

The judge noted therefore that GECOM’s omission of the party from ballots in geographic constituencies it is not contesting in, is completely lawful.

He asserted that to place the party on those ballots would be a violation of the lawandconstitution.

The CJ held that the applicant’s argument that GECOM is discriminating against voters from

particular regions is “ludicrous and fallacious,” since there is no evidence that has been produced to show that GECOM has in anywaylimitedorrestricted theparticipationofanyparty intheupcomingelections.

very core of our democracy, where sovereignty belongs tothepeopleunderArticle9, and where inclusionary democracy is mandated by Article 13. It is not the purposeoflegalcasestoseek a particular outcome from a particular judge To approach them in that way would be to resign the society to cynicism and hopelessness.”

its volatile nature poses risks. He argued that rival parties, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), AllianceForChange(AFC), andWeInvestinNationhood (WIN), have failed to account for these risks and are instead banking almost entirely on oil revenues to fundtheirpromises.

toittoo,”hecautioned.

The judge imposed cost inthesumof$1millioneach for the two respondents; Attorney General Anil Nandlall,S.CandGECOM.

Outside the courtroom, Nandlall told the media that he was happy that the court ruledinthemannerinwhich itdid.

He held that he had long held that the matter was m e r i t l e s s

”So, whatever uses this case maybeinthefuture…Ican’t seethispointevercomingup

“The applicant has not shown in any way that GECOM has unlawfully determined which party appears or not appear on the ballot paper of any geographical constituency In fact, based on the undisputed evidence before the court, the parties on whose behalf the applicant purportstobeadvocating,to wit, the FGM and the ALP, madedeliberatedecisionsto not vie for a seat/s in those geographical constituencies which resulted in those parties not being placed on theballotpapersforthestate constituencies.”

again. But in Guyana, you can’t put anything beyond these political parties. They file anything that seemed to come to their head. So, we have now added enrichment to our jurisprudence as it relatestoarticle160thathas been the subject of multiple interpretations And you know that we have not lost one of these cases, not one. Have we lost all these challenges?”

Meanwhile, presidential candidate of FGM, Ms Walton-Desir expressed her disappointment with the ruling and affirmed the party’s commitment to pursue the appeal. She said the fight for fair representation in the electoral process must continue.

In a subsequent statement, the party asserted thatitrespectsthejudgment, but profoundly disagrees withit.

“In our view, this ruling has implications far beyond Forward Guyana Movement or Ms. Fisher It touches the

Furthermore, FGM said itisimportantthatsuchcases arebrought,forcitizenshave both a right and a duty to clarifythelaw Theymustbe brought because democracy d e m a n d s i t . ”We commend Ms. Fisher forhercourageinraisingthis matteronbehalfofallvoters. And we will appeal because this fight is bigger than one case. It is about whether Guyana will entrench exclusion or whether it will embrace the inclusionary democracy promised by our Constitution,” the party said inthestatement.

Jagdeowarnsof oilpricevolatility …saysonlyPPPcan managecountry’s developmentif crudepricesdrop

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has warned that only the PPP can fulfill its development plans over the next five years if oil pricesfall.

SpeakingathisThursday pressconferenceatFreedom House, Jagdeo said that while Guyana’s oil and gas sectorisexpectedtoperform “well” in the coming years,

Jagdeo had noted that opposition parties are not takingintoconsiderationthe volatility of oil prices “Everyone only speaks about the upside.We are the only party that speaks about the balancing of risk that should oil prices move downwards, all of the promises made by the opposition, in fact none of themcouldbekept,”hesaid.

Jagdeo said that the PPP’s commitments remain viable even under less favorableconditions.

“Our promises could be keptevenwithamoderation of international crisis becausewehavebeenatthis before We have the experiencetonavigatetough economic situations. We did so when the country was bankrupt and we brought it back to financial viability and we have already been speaking extensively about how we create a diversified economy that will generate thousands of higher paying newjobsinthenon-oilsector as well as ensure greater long-term prosperity,” Jagdeosaid.

He stressed that capable leadership is critical to steering Guyana’s economy amidpotentialrisks.“It’snot simple Our economy is goingtodowellintheoiland gas sector, but there’s a risk

Further, Jagdeo noted that only the PPP has the experienceandcredibilityto craft and implement sustainable development plans “Our party stands ahead of all the other competitors in that regard. Andsothepeopleacrossthis country would have experienced this They would have seen this and they recognise that they’re not going to put their future at risk by taking chances on people who even don’t have aclearagendaforthefuture, who’ve been making just promises that, you know, willneverbeimplemented,” hestated.

Currently, oil is only being produced from the Stabroek block, which is operated by American oil giantExxonMobil.Thereare four developments Liza Phase 1, Liza Phase 2, Payara and Yellowtail, currently in production with a combined installed capacity to 900,000 barrels per day (bpd). In addition, Exxon has two other sanctionedprojectsunderits belt: Uaru and Whiptail. It has also submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for its s e v e n t h p r o j e c t , Hammerhead, with production targeted for 2029.

Additionally, the company has filed an application for an eighth development, Longtail. By 2030, ExxonMobil Guyana expects to have total production capacity of 1.7 millionoilequivalentbarrels per day from eight developments.

SwanPrincess The Craft

Once upon a time, in a peaceful kingdom, there lived a beautiful princess named Odette. She was known throughout the land for her grace, kindness, and her love for the kingdom's beautifullake.Odettewouldoftenspendher daysbytheshimmeringwaters,watchingthe swansglidegracefullyacrossitssurface.

But trouble was happening in the kingdom.AwickedsorcerernamedRothbart wanted to take the throne for himself. One day, while Odette was by the lake, Rothbart cast a powerful spell, turning her into a beautifulswanduringthedayandaprincess at night, with the cruel twist of stealing her voice.

Each night, as the sun set, Odette would regainherhumanform.Shelongedtobreak thecursebutcouldn'tspeaktotellanyoneof her trouble. She was trapped in a world of silence, with only the moon and the stars to sharehersecret.

One evening, as Odette was walking by themoonlitlake,sheheardasweetsound.It wasPrinceDerek,whohadcometothelake,

DirtyJimmy

NoodlePumpkin

Here is another cute pasta fall craft foryou!ThisoneisgreatforHalloween, Thanksgiving,orjustafall-themedcraft. Ilovetheuseofdifferentnoodlesforthis craft too. It was fun using the wheel pasta.

Howtodothisactivity

drawnbyitsbeautifulwaters.HesawOdette, and as they danced together under the moonlight, they felt a connection like no other

PrinceDereklearnedaboutthecurseand promised to break it. Over time, he and Odette spent more time together, their love growingstrongerwitheachpassingday But Rothbart,thewickedsorcerer,wouldnotgive upeasily

Rothbart transformed his son, a handsome but unkind young man named Siegfried, to look like Odette to trick the princess However, true love cannot be fooled. Derek saw through the trick and declaredhislovefortherealOdette.

As the kingdom watched, the power of their love was so strong that it broke Rothbart's evil spell With a burst of magical light, Odette was freed from her swan form, and Rothbart was defeated His darkpowerswerenomatchforthestrength oftruelove

OdetteandDerekweremarriedinagrand andhappyceremony,andtheirlovestorywas told for generations to come.The kingdom became very happy and successful under their rule, and the lake, once cursed, sparkled withevenmorebeauty

BY UNCLE ROY

Jimmy was a dirty little boy, Who hated to clean and bathe; Whenever his mother called him to take a bath, He would hide under the bed.

He also did not brush his teeth, Nor did he comb his hair, His room and clothes were always untidy, With his books here, there and everywhere.

Then Jimmy found to his dismay, He was losing his friends one by one; They could not bear to stand his smell, And he was soon left all alone.

It was then that Jimmy saw his mistake, And decided to change his dirty habits; Now you'd be surprised at the way he shines, And his friends all cling to him like rabbits.

And so, my dear child, this is the story of the Swan Princess, a tale of love, courage, and the triumph of good over evil It reminds us that true love can conquer even the most powerful ofcurses.

Now, as you close your eyes, letyourdreamsbeasbeautifulas the Swan Princess's enchanted lake. Goodnight, and may your dreams be filled with love and magic.

TheEnd!

Follow-upquestions:

What happened to Princess Odette during the day because of thesorcerer'sspell?

How did Prince Derek find out about the curse and decide to helpOdette?

What did Prince Derek and Princess Odette's love do to Rothbart'sspell?

A.Materialsyouneed cardboard/paper acrylicpaint ziplockbags parchmentpaper arttrays googlyeyes glue pasta(wheelandspiral)

Youcaneitherpaintthepastanoodlesby handoryoucanplacetheminsideaziplock bagwithsomeacrylicpaintandshakeitup. Dumpoutthepastaonparchmentpapertolet itdry

The wheel pasta won't be completely covered with this method because of all the holes in the pasta, so you may have to hand paintthespotsitmissed!

Then,youcanpaintthespiralnoodlesfor theleavesofthepumpkins.

While the pasta is drying, you can draw and paint the pumpkins! Add googly eyes andafunnyfaceoneachone.

Activity

Oncethepastaisdry,addasmallamount ofgluetothenoodleandstickitdowntothe pumpkinaroundthefaceyoucreated.

Then,gluedowntheleafnexttothestem youdrew!

KROPKI

“Each digit from 1-9 occurs once within each row, column, and 3×3 block. Digits in squares separated by white circles are always consecutive. Digits in squares separated by black circles have a 2:1 relationship. All other pairs have neither attribute. There is only one solution."

Security is a basic need of all human beings, and in fact of all living things Every individualneedstobeconfidentthatthe environment in which he lives is safe fromdanger,andthatheshouldfeelfree toacttoensurethis.

Ifyoulookaroundatthewaythings work in the broader society, you find that there is a special arm of the government which is responsible for our security as citizens of our country To make sure that they will be able to fulfilthisresponsibility,thisarm,which ischieflythepoliceforce,hastoensure thatweareguidedbylaws.

These laws, or rules, have been designed by our representatives for everyone's protection, and we all have the obligation to follow them so as to make the whole society safe for all citizens. The more we do so, we developtheconfidencethatotherswill followsuit,andourwholeenvironment willbecomesafe.

In the same way, we find that in all other areas of our lives, at home, at school,inworkplaces,ontheroad,and in every occupation, we have to abide by certain rules or laws. When we

Beginyourefforttowards

developing

your

SelfEsteem withaSenseofSecurity

followtherules,wefeelsafe.

When we do not, we know that we cannotinconscienceexpectotherstodo so,andwefeelthreatened,andlosethis sense of security that is so vital to our development.

Thissensealsohelpsustobemore respectful of ourselves, and we know that when we fulfil our personal responsibilities, then we know that otherswillrespectusforit.

It helps us to trust those under whose charge we find ourselves, as parents, teachers and others in authority It gives us a sense of selfworth, as we appreciate our own potentialtofulfiltheseresponsibilities.

This sense of security can be increasedinaspecialway Whenthose

within a society get the opportunity to have a say in the way the laws are formed, then they are more willing to followthem.

Thisisthewayademocraticsystem works, and is the reason why citizens areaskedperiodicallytovoteforthose who will represent them in making the laws. Ifyouhavetofollowtherulesat home, and moreover get the chance to helptoformulatethem,thenyouwillin thesamewaybemorewillingtofollow them. You will also feel safer because youknowtherulesandthereasonswhy theyaremade.

Pleasemakesurethatyoucontinue in this effort towards developing your SelfEsteembyfollowingourarticlesin thefollowingweeks.

OhhowhappycanGuyanabe!

BY CHRIS PRASHAD

Oh how happy can Guyana be, One people, one nation, one destiny; Oh how happy can Guyana be, If we live and work in unity. It's another Independence anniversary When people of all shades join in festivity, So let's by our hands and spirit form a union, And make this a time of true celebration. Let us all strive to build this country, Bury all hatred and enmity, Self-reliance in all that we need, With the help of God we will succeed. Many are the battles we have to win, Resist laziness, it's a natural sin, Let's cooperate and eradicate Every evil deed we contemplate.

Merundoi establishes Masquerade Association under UNESCO supported project

Me r u n d o i

Incorporated has announced the establishment of the Masquerade Association(Guyana)Inc.

According to a press release issued by Merundoi, the newly incorporatedAssociation is a main outcome of the Merundoi Project Masquerade Lives on, produced

under the 2024 UNESCO participation programme which aimed at revitalising Guyana’s Masquerade as a cultural tradition, furthering innovations, and opening a space for the distinct nationalmulti-ethnicexpressionin Guyana’s expanding tourism, leisure, recreation and entertainmentindustries.

The release noted that the incorporation is a direct response to the Project’s objective to encourage and support the development of a Guyanese Masquerade Association and facilitate its engagement with the private and public sectors, as well as the Caribbean, international andDiasporacommunities

Merundoi said that the MasqueradeAssociation (Guyana) Inc, is also supported by the Final Declaration of the All of-Society Symposium, held under the

Project,29-30Aprillast,todiscuss current challenges facing this important traditional art form of Guyana.

It is also entirely in keeping with the objective reflected in Guyana’sMinistryofFinance2025 Budget At A Glance, (Culture and Arts),“tomakeaconcertedeffortto encourage Guyanese to embrace theirnationalidentity,takepridein theirheritage,andworkcohesively tobuildathrivingsociety.”

The Association, incorporated by Ms. Jacqueline Charles, Band leader,FireintheLand,isledbya Board of Directors representing p

stakeholders with wide-ranging professional skills. These include Learie McKenzie, Leader, Fire Red,Taurus,andVillageRam.

Timolyn Barclay, M&E Officer, Merundoi; Linda Griffith, Director, National School of Dance;TristanaRoberts,Educator; RaphaelWaldron, Leader,Victoria Lucky Star; 2/2 Keon Warren, Masquerade Practitioner, NDC, Maxi Krishna Williams, Designer; AndreaBryanGarner,multi-media producer; Berkeley Wickham, Civil Engineer; Denise Miller, Deputy Mayor, M&CC; Russel Lancaster, Multi-media Producer

& Margaret Lawrence, Executive Director,Merundoi.

The Association in promoting its mandate of education, content c r e a t i o n , i n n o v a t i o n , Entrepreneurship is developing

short and long-term strategies especially with regard to research and dissemination, performance and synergies within a multiculturalGuyana,aswellasthe deepertieswithotherMasquerades in the Caribbean and the Wider Atlantic.

The discussion is taking place to ensure Masquerade is represented at all National Events especiallyatChristmas.

Guyanese Midshipman excels in prestigious UK Naval Training

Guyanese Midshipman Nicol

Gomes has successfully completed the Initial Naval Training (Of icers) Course at the BritanniaRoyalNavalCollege(BRNC), Dartmouth,UnitedKingdom.

The prestigious programme, conducted from January 13 to August 14, 2025, is internationally recognised for developing of icers of the highest calibre Over the 29-week period, Mishipman Gomes underwent rigorous training designed to test leadership, seamanship, navigation, and command underpressure.

Accordingtoareleasepostedviathe GDF Facebook page, the course was delivered in two phases, Militarisation and Marinisation blending academic instruction with demanding practical exercises These included Exercise HAVOC, Green Endeavour, Initial Sea Time,andthecapstoneFinalEndeavour Each stage reinforced discipline,

resilience, and leadership, while equippingparticipantswiththeessential skillstoserveefectivelybothatseaand onland.

MidshipmanGomes’achievementis particularly noteworthy as she was the onlyinternationalstudentinherdivision andoneofonlytwofemaleparticipants ofthedivisiontosuccessfullycomplete the course Her commitment and perseverancestandasatestamenttoher professionalism and dedication to excellence.

This milestone reflects the GDF’s continued commitment to professional militaryeducationandthecultivationof leaders who meet international standards.

It also underscores the value of the Force’spartnershipswithalliednations, which provide personnel with access to world-class training and exposure to global best practices that enhance Guyana’sdefencecapability

MidshipmanGomes’successisboth a personal triumph and a national honour, serving as an inspiration to all ranks, particularly females, and as a reminder of the GDF’s dedication to excellence in military education and leadership.

The Chief of Defence Sta f, Brigadier,OmarKhan,MSS,alongwith the of icers and ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), has extended congratulatedthenavaloficer Chief of Defence Staf , Brigadier Khan, commended Midshipman

perseverance, reaf irming the GDF’s commitment to developing and investing in its personnel, while also extending sincere appreciation to the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy and all partnerarmedforcesfortheirinvaluable guidance, support, and collaboration in providing these world-class training opportunities.

Chase’s Academic Foundation is once again celebrating a stellar year of achievement in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate(CSEC)examinations.

Chase’s Academic Foundation top girl cops 12 CSEC Grade ones - Boy places 2nd with nine Grade ones

The2025sittingshowcasedthe academic excellence, discipline, and resilience of its students, highlighting our continued dedication to shaping leaders of tomorrow

The school’s top student was Sydney Morgan, who earned an exceptional 12 Grade Ones and 3 Grade Twos Following closely was Sallahuddin Nurmahamad, who secured 9 Grade Ones and 2 GradeTwos,earningthetitleofthe second-bestgraduatingstudent.

For Nurmahamad, the moment he saw his results, they brought “overwhelming joy and relief ” While Principles of Business was histoughestsubject,heovercameit through consistent practice and groupstudysessions.

His unique study technique included “learning a concept so well that you can teach it to someone ” Nurmahamad’s longterm goal includes becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon, and he believes CSEC has taught him invaluablelessonsindisciplineand focus: “There were many doubtful times where I thought I couldn’t achieve this, but I pushed forward withfaithanddiscipline.”

Hismothercreditedherroleasa parent in keeping him motivated, even joking that the “mop stick motivation” pushed him to go the extra mile—proving the vitality of parentalsupportduringCSEC,asit creates a sense of safety and encouragement during stressful times.

Among the most inspiring storieswerethoseofstudentsfrom Forms 2–4 who embraced the

challengeofwritingCSECsubjects earlyandexcelled.

One fourth form student, Chrisann Cush, who earned Grade Ones and Twos in English A, Mathematics, and Principles of Business, admitted she was surprised by her results as: “Mathematics and Principles of Business were somewhat of a challenge, but I overcame them withmuchpractice.”

Her strategy included studying at intervals, using YouTube tutorials, and practising past papers For her, prayer and persistencewerekey,stating:“Yes, thereweretimesIdoubtedmyself,

butprayerwasmysolution.”

Another standout achiever, Genesis Daniels, a fourth form student, earned Grade Ones in English A, Mathematics, and Physics He shared that at first, preparingformultiplesubjectsfelt overwhelming,butonceheshifted his mindset, he began to view learning as exciting rather than obligatory He explained: “The momentIsawmyresults,Ifeltboth proud and relieved ” Tackling Physicsforthefirsttimedemanded late nights, but his perseverance paid off His advice: “Engage actively in classes, ask questions, and never be ashamed to learn

Consistencybeatsintensity.”

Lennox Wallerson, another Fourth Former, secured Grade Ones in English A and Human & SocialBiology,alongwithaGrade Three in Integrated Science. He credited his success to late-night practiceandsteadyrevision.

Jared Johnson successfully gained a Grade One in English A, and Grade Twos in Physical EducationandEconomics,proving that balancing both academics and practical subjects is possible with focus.

Ethan Baksh earned Grade Ones in English A and English B, along with a Grade Three in

Biology, a balance of literary and science-based achievements that showcasedhisversatility

Makyah Forrester proudly achievedGradeThreesinEnglishA and EDPM, while Kelvin Dewar demonstrated solid effort with GradeTwos in both EnglishAand Mathematics.

Judah Kyte-Thomas andAlicia Khan each gained a Grade One in English A, while Akira Boston followedcloselywithaGradeTwo inEnglishA.

Adding to this list, Keola Trotman secured a Grade Three in Office Administration, and Omari WhartonachievedaGradeThreein EnglishA.LamarAmbroseearned GradeThreesinbothEnglishAand Social Studies, while EonAlicock matchedthiswithaGradeThreein PrinciplesofAccounts.

TerisiaBoodram,JasonCaesar, and Calia Camerson each showed determination by securing Grade ThreesinEnglishA,withCaliaalso excelling in Integrated Science withaGradeThree.

These results highlight that Fourth Form students did not shy awayfromthechallengeofwriting CSEC early Instead, they embraced it with courage, proving thatdisciplineandpreparationpave thewaytosuccess.

From Form 2, Samara Austin, who secured a Grade Two in English A, expressed her relief whenresultswerereleased:“Ifelt Continued on page 56

WIN urges supporters to be vigilant, locate polling stations early

As the curtain came downontheWeInvest inNationhood’s(WIN) final rally on Saturday evening, candidate Natasha Singh-Lewis urged supporters to use the tool on the Guyana Election Commission (GECOM) website to find out which polling station they are assignedtocasttheirvotes.

WIN, led by Guyanese businessman Azruddin Mohamed, held its final rally at the Marriott Beach front, Georgetown Hundredsofsupportersoutfittedin blueattended.

“Check where you’re voting. Wake up early tomorrow morning, go look for your polling place. Go and look for your polling place. When you find your polling place and you know how far you live from this place you’re going to go and vote there. Help the people in your house, help your neighbours around the street,” she urged supporters.

Singh-Lewis called on supporters to be vigilant and avoid confusiononElectionDay

“Iamtellingyouthatthisisnot the first time GECOM doing it

People turn up in Region Four to vote, and when they go at the polling station, then they find out that, oh, you’re not voting here, you’re voting in another region, a whole different region, folks do your due diligence Change is goingtocome,butitwillnotcome with us alone on this stage It has to come largely by you,” she noted

Singh-Lewis decried the high cost-of-living faced by citizens

and said Guyana needs a change, one she said, can only come if electors turn out on Monday to vote

ThoughlaunchedinJune2025, Singh-Lewis reminded other partiesinthe2025presidentialrace that “WIN is a new party, not a small party” She also urged electors to be guarded with their votes.

Singh-Lewis echoed earlier comments from the party’s presidential candidate, urging supporters not to go out and party Sunday night, but instead, ‘go to bedearly,wakeearlyandvoteearly onMondaymorning’.

WIN is promising a range of increases, including public assistance from $22,000 to $50,000; support for individuals living with HIV and cancer from $14,000 to $30,000; the old-age pensionfrom$41,000to$100,000; and the school cash grant to $100,000.

Thepartyalsoplanstoraisethe income tax threshold from $130,000 to $200,000 per month, reduce PAYE (pay as you earn) from 25% to 20%, grant public

Self-taught artist, Mariah Lawrence created Painting Pastel as a space where 3DArt meets community spirit

Whenself-taughtartist

Mariah Lawrence

first launched

Painting Pastel, it was more than a sip-and-paint event, it was a personal challenge for her to help people overcome self-doubt and fostercreativity.

What began as a way to overcome self-doubt within the community has now blossomed into a space for celebration of creativity,collaboration,andgiving back.

On August 3, 2025, Painting Pastelhosteditsthirdannualevent, Painting Pastel 3D, at the Regency SuitesHotel.

Thisyear,Lawrenceintroduced a bold new twist: guiding over 60 attendees through not only acrylic painting but also adding three-

A SPACE WHERE 3D ART MEETS COMMUNITY SPIRIT FOR A SIP-AND-PAINT Painting Pastel

dimensional textures to their canvases being happy to introduce thistechniquetothepublic.

The interactive experience stood out for its unique approach.

WhileLawrenceledfromthefront, ateamoflocalartistswererecruited toworkthroughthecrowd,offering one-on-one guidance to ensure even first-timers left with artwork they could be proud of. Guests enjoyedarelaxedsettingwithwine, finger foods, games, and prizes rangingfromspatreatmentstoATV tours.

This year Painting Pastel not

only saw new attendees guided through a painting that they’ve never done before, but they were also guided through a completely new art form and whilst they may have been apprehensive with the help of the volunteering artists in thecrowd,paintingpastelwasable to produce 60+ textured/3-D paintingsforthefirsttimeever

But beyond the fun, the event carried a deeper purpose. For the firsttime,PaintingPastelpartnered with Eiripan, a nonprofit supporting education in Guyana’s Rupununi region. A portion of

proceeds went toward its projects, blendingartwithadvocacy.

Addedtotheevening’simpact, theeventalsodoubledasaminiart exhibition,showcasingworksfrom local Guyanese artists giving them visibility while enriching the creativeatmosphere.

Reflecting on the event, Lawrence shared her vision: “PaintingPastelisn’tjustaboutart, it’s about proving to people that creativity is for everyone, regardless of background or experience.”

With plans to continue expanding and partnering with community organizations, she asserted that Painting Pastel is shaping up to be more than an event,it’sbecomingamovement.

The annual sip-and-paint event is a way for Lawrence to not only promote creativityand spontaneity withinthecommunity,butalsoasa waytoencourageherownpersonal development.

She understands that even though individuals go to these painting sessions not everyone grasps the same concept or understandsacertainprocessatthe same speed because of this, painting pastel not only as a guide in front of the room but also recruited local and talented artists to be in the crowd constantly checkinginonindividualswalking around and helping individuals better process the experience, it is becauseofthisextrapersonaltouch

thatpaintingpastelhasbeenableto successfully cater to individuals with no prior creative background, andstillabletoproducebeautifully craftedpaintings.

With the community still in mind, Lawrence said it is not only was this new art form introduced, but local talented artists were also given an opportunity to have their own personal paintings on display attheevent.

The artist acknowledged that there were individuals that would like to be creative, but doubt themselves due to lack of skill,

lack of experience or simply “wasn’t born with it” but being self-taught, she knew that all of this was only in there and thought what better way to encourage creativityandhelptofightagainst this greatly accepted widespread self-doubt by hosting her own paintingsessions Not only will she be tackling this observed problem head on but she would also be forcing herself into large social gatherings which would force her to sharpen her socialskillsandthuspaintingpastel wascreated.

PSC expresses confidence in GECOM to conduct free and fair elections

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) on Saturday expressed confidence in the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to host free and fairelections.

In a statement to the media, the PSC said that as an accredited observer, “We reiterate our confidence in the Guyana Elections Commission(GECOM)and its ability to conduct these elections in a free, fair, and transparent manner Having engaged directly with GECOMandreviewedtheir operational readiness, we are satisfied that the necessary systems are in place to deliver a credible process worthy of the Guyanesepeople.”

The PSC said that it has met with all international and diplomatic observer missions, and intends to work in close collaboration with them throughout the electoralprocess.

“We commend the invaluable contributions of the embedded International Missions that have been workingalongsideGECOM

over recent months to strengthen its technical capacity and institutional preparedness. The PSC is pleasedtoworkcloselywith the international diplomatic community,inparticularthe ABCEU partners (United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union) and we extend our appreciation for their continued support of democracy, peace, and stability in Guyana,” the statementsaid.

Further, the statement said that the body met with representatives of the Joint Services and National Security Agencies “The PSC

collaborative approach, and themitigationstrategiesthey have in place. We fully support their zero-tolerance position on violence, intimidation, and any attempt at unrest. We echo their message that any such actions will be effectively confronted under any circumstance.”

The PSC Observer

Mission underlines the importance of a free, fair, and equitable electoral process. All parties must have fair and equal access, particularly free from obstruction and from intimidation. Meanwhile, the private sector body calledonpoliticalleadersto demonstrate the highest

leadership during this time;

accountable for the actions oftheirsupporters.

“ We r e j e c t a n y suggestion that leaders cannot control their base. If you wish to lead the nation, you must first lead by example,” the statement said. The PSC called on leaders to refrain from incendiary language or calls toviolence.

“We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, recent remarks promoting that party supporters should resort to violence Such rhetoric has no place in our democracy Leaders who incite unrest or deny responsibility for their

supporters must be held accountable.” Additionally, the PSC called for a “peaceful election” noting that “Guyana's future rests on our collective commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and the peaceful expression of politicalwill.”

“The Private Sector Commission, together with ourpartners,willcontinueto monitor, report, and support the process in order that the election results reflect the willoftheGuyanesepeople. We urge every citizen to participate with dignity, calm,andrespect.

On September 1, let us show the world that Guyana's democracy is resilient, that our people are unitedinpeace,andthatour leaders are worthy of the trust placed in them to govern the continued developmentandprogressof Guyana.”

FromWhereIstand… Majority Power Is Not a Trophy!

By Janelle Persaud

I generally don't like the idea of a minority government in Guyana. It makesmeuneasybecauseof an inherent risk to stall 'progress'.Andwithsomuch at stake in Guyana's development trajectory, one couldarguewecannotafford gridlock.

Nonetheless, as a friend articulated recently, “it might be necessary ” Imagine reaching a point where, despite fears of stalled development, a Guyanese invested in the

nation'swellbeingbelievesa minority government is necessary We've all heard the saying, “Absolute power corrupts absolutely.” British historian LordActon coined that warning in an 1887

letter, arguing that unchecked power erodes moral restraint Guyana's institutional design makes that warning painfully relevant: 65 seats, 33 for a majority; the party with the most seats also captures the presidency, so 51% of seats can translate into near-total control. In2011,thePPP/C

governed in a minority (32 seats vs a combined opposition 33); in 2015 APNU+AFC won by one seat (33–32); in 2020, the PPP/C returned with 33 These razor-thin outcomes deliverabsoluteoutcomes.

Inside Parliament, majoritypowerhastoooften beenusedasabulldozer The Natural Resource Fund bill waspushedthroughduringa tumultuouslate-nightsitting in December 2021.And this isn't unique to the PPP Under the APNU-AFC majority, we watched the Broadcasting (Amendment)

GECOM approves appointment of AFC, WIN, FGM and ALP polling agents

Th

C

n (GECOM)hasapprovedthe appointment of polling agents from all political parties that submitted their lists after the official deadline.

This decision was made during a statutory meeting held on Saturday, led by GECOM Chairperson Justice (Ret'd) Claudette Singh and attended by all commissioners; oppositionnominated commissioner Vincent Alexander told KaieteurNews

Alexanderexplainedthat several parties missed the deadlineforsubmittingtheir lists but were granted approval due to the critical role polling agents play in ensuring transparency duringthevotingprocess.

“There is a provision of lawthatallowsustochange the deadline based on the preservations of the law because the view was the role of the polling agents were so important that once we could accommodate them,weshouldthoughthey were late in their application,”hesaid.

C o m m i s s i o n e r Alexander confirmed that late submissions from the

AllianceForChange(AFC), ForwardGuyanaMovement (FGM), and Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP) would be accepted.

“The only two parties that met the deadline were the PPP/CandAPNU,”hesaid. Government-nominated

commissioner Manoj Narayan also weighed in, saying, “The lists were submitted out of time, but GECOM has approved an extension. The parties will be formally notified that their lists have been accepted Whatever was submitted has been approved.”

This move follows publiccomplaintsbytheWe InvestinNationhood(WIN) party, which issued a statement on Friday urging GECOM to approve its list of polling agents. WIN had accused the Commission of failingtoapproveagentsfor 10districts,warningthatthe party would not accept the results of the September 1 election if their agents were barred.

Party candidate Duarte Hetsberger claimed the deadline notice was deficient, as it did not include email contact information for Returning Officers. He explained that

WIN received the relevant contact information only on August26,onedayafterthe official deadline, and completedtheirsubmissions thefollowingday

WIN candidate Natasha Singh-Lewis added, “No agents mean no eyes, no witnesses,noaccountability, attheveryplacewherevotes are cast and counted. If GECOM bars out polling agents they are creating a dangerous gap, one wide enough for dishonesty and fraud to creep in,” she expressed.

Notwithstanding the claims made by WIN, GECOM in a subsequent statement said that WIN's assertions are untrue. The commission said the Chief Elections Officer sent an emaildatedAugust11,2025, to the election agents of all contesting political parties reminding them that “Party Agents shall “give notice in w r i t i n g o f e v e r y appointment of an assistant agent, counting agent, polling agent, and alternate polling agents, stating the name and address of the person appointed”, NO LATER THAN THE 7TH DAYBEFORE ELECTION DAY, to the Returning Officer.”

Bill (2017) and the Cybercrime Bill (2018) pushedthroughonparty-line votes despite broad objections, and the SARA law forced through after debatewascutshort.

But power doesn't live only in the chamber It travels through boards, councils, state-owned media, procurement committees, and venue managers. Consider cultural andotherstatespaceswhere access to public venues can becomeasofttoolofcontrol: just recently, a new political movement alleged it was denied access to two statelinked facilities for a rally, which stood as another reminder that gatekeeping power often operates offstage.

Inmyowninbox,people message in agreement yet beg anonymity in fear of retribution.That,too,ishow p o w e r w o r k s : b y discouraging speech before itiseverspoken.InLethem, residents in two longneglected streets in the “Ghetto” will tell you their road wasn't done because of how they vote I'm not saying there's a central memo directing this; it's w o r s e : l o c a l i s e d arbitrariness of agents

empowered, implicitly or explicitly, to reward friends and punish critics. That how a culture of impunity spreads.

This is why some politicalscientistsarguethat minority governments, despite their messiness, create forced consensus

Without the cushion of a majority, governing parties must actually negotiate, listen, and compromise. In Scandinavia,whereminority governments are common, this has often led to more durable and inclusivepolicy outcomes Guyana is no Sweden, but the principle stillapplies:perhapstheonly way to teach our leaders humility is to deny them absolutecontrol.

It really doesn't matter how likablePresident Irfaan Alimaybeasanindividual; from where I stand, the PPP does not deserve another majority government because it has repeatedly abused that power When a governmentusesitspowerto silence dissent, governs for the benefit of its friends, weaponizes institutions against its own people, and allowscorruptiontoflourish boldlyandwithoutshame,it violatesthetrustplacedinit. The form this takes is not

always dramatic; often it is banal: meeting agendas, board votes, venue approvals, procurement “preferences ” Hannah Arendt called it the banality of evil, the safely bureaucratic yet destructive acts by which societies quietlybetraytheirvalues.

Guyana belongs to ALL Guyanese. Those in office are stewards of public resources; they do not own them. Citizen votes are not gifts to be repaid to party loyalists, and public goods are not trophies to be dispensed to the faithful. Majority power is not a trophy to flaunt before political opponents; it is a responsibility And no party should be entrusted with it unless and until it proves it can wield that power r e s p o n s i b l y a n d transparentlyforeveryone. Sometimes, a forced dose of humility and yes, even a minoritygovernment may be exactly what is needed to remind those who governthatpowerisonloan fromthepeopleanditcanbe takenback.

AFC'sproposalforoiland...

Frompage8 produced-water dumping, and require full liability insurance for spills. It also promises quarterly NRF reporting with civil society oversight.

“The manifesto's strength is its seriousness about oversight and environment. By focusing on insurance and liability, it addresses the gravest risk –that a spill could cripple the country Its emphasis on transparency and civil society participation aligns with international best practice,”Ramstated.

However, he noted that theweaknessisambition.

Ram explained that attempting renegotiation, regulatory reform, and NRF overhaul simultaneously may overwhelm capacity “Yet of all the manifestos, the AFC's is the most technically robust and grounded in the mechanics

of sound p

unmistakable hand of Dr Vince Adams, arguably the

Guyanese petroleum environment specialist,” he stated.

For newcomer WIN, RamnotedthatwhileWIN's promises are not the most technically sound o

complete set of policy proposals,thepartyrelieson its appeal and offers a people-centredfocus.

WIN has promised full publication of all extractive contracts,strictring-fencing, and transparent monitoring of oil revenues More strikingly, Ram noted is that WIN proposes a bold national wind and solar programme to complement gas-to-shore, reduce tariffs by up to 70%, and end chronicblackouts.

HesaidWIN'svisionand perceived authenticity seem toresonatewiththeordinary voters. “Householdscareas much about electricity bills and reliability as they do about royalty rates. Tying petroleumwealthtocheaper, cleaner power connects oil policydirectlytodailylife,” hesaid.

However, he noted that the weakness is feasibility

Ram explained that financing and executing suchanambitiousrenewable rollout will be difficult Despite this, he stated that WIN adds a valuable emphasis on sustainability andtransparency

In relation to Forward Guyana, Ram noted that the party situates oil inside a broader governance reset –sharedpower,zerotolerance for corruption, audited NRF accounts, and movement toward a National Oil Company

“It emphasises that without tackling corruption and exclusion, no resource management system will succeed,” he stated. This perspective, Ram said is valid.Hehighlightedthatoil cannot be insulated from Guyana's wider governance challenges.

“Theweaknessisthatthe manifesto offers fewer technical details compared withtheAFCorWIN.Butits central message – that petroleum governance is an offshoot of political governance – is important,” Ramsaid.

Tabitha Sarabo-Haley is WIN's PM Candidate

Former Public Service Minister and Member of Parliament, Tabitha SaraboHalley has been chosen as the prime ministerial candidateoftheWeInvestin Nationhood(WIN)Party

Presidentialcandidateof

A

announcement at the conclusion of his speech at the party's final rally held at the Marriott Beach front Saturdaynight.

“ S o , I h a v e a n announcementtomake,next to me here we have a beautiful, young, energetic woman standing next to me andshewouldbeyourprime nd minister come the 2 of September,”heannounced.

Sarabo-Halley served in important positions in the APNU+AFC Coalition governmentandwaselected to the NationalAssembly in the12thParliament.

Speaking to Kaieteur News on Nomination Day, Sarabo-Halley had asserted that she joined the WIN movement because the

people had chosen Mohamedastheirleader

"It is surprising, I understandpeoplesayingit's a surprise, but for me

personally, I had to make a decision, the people made a choice, the people are choosing something different, the people have decidedthatwhatexistedfor the last 50 years is not working for them but they want to see something different, they want something new and they hoping with that new thing thattheywouldbeabletoget what they truly deserve as Guyanese citizens,” SaraboHalley told Kaieteur News outsideofUmanaYana.

T h e f o r m e r parliamentariansaidthather purposeandroleasaservant leader is to ensure that the peoplegetwhattheydeserve and she will support initiatives that will achieve that goal. Questioned about the difference among WIN and the other parties, Sarabo-Halley said “I am actually very excited about what is going to come and unfolding in the next week. We are getting through this process which was Nomination Day, once we done here, we are going to deal with manifesto and all ofthosepolicies.Iamgoing totellyou;youwouldalsobe surprised in the coming

weekswhatwehaveinstore for the Guyanese people.”

Asked to comment on the sanctions imposed on the billionaire businessman by the U.S. government, she said, Guyana is a sovereign country and the people have a right to decide who leads them Meanwhile, addressing a massive crowd on S

Security guard stabbed to death by colleague

Crime sleuths processing the crime scene

Asecurity guard

r e p o r t e d l y attached to Atlas Security Services was stabbed todeathbyhis colleagueonSaturdaynight.

The incident occurred at approximately 19:00h in the vicinity of the Bank of Guyana and Hand-inHand Insurance Company

on Avenue of the Republic

a n d N o r t h R o a d , Georgetown. Reports are that the victim and the suspect had a feud that spanned a year.

It is unclear the nature of the feud but Kaieteur News understands that one of the security guards

sought to relieve the other and an argument ensued, resulting in the stabbing death.

A t t h e s c e n e , investigators were seen processing the location.The victim'sbodywasstillatthe scene. Up to press time, no detailswereprovidedbythe police.

Mohamed promised his supporters to address the many issues affecting them and noted that they will be implementing polices and initiatives that would empower them. He noted that far too long, persons have been facing the same problems for years, whether it be water, electricity, salaries, housing and

Notwithstanding,heassured that his party will fix those issues Before the announcement of SaraboHaley as the PM candidate, shetoldsupportersthatWIN has team of young people whoarereadytodothework and to make sure their lives arebetter “The truth is clear, WIN

representsthefuture,afuture where every child matters, every citizen prospers and every dream finds its road. This is human development in action people, this is a promise of WIN and no matter the victimization and theintimidationweareready for this fight, because we know we will win,” she expressed.

77 killed in Gaza on Saturday …as Palestinians flee Israel’s assault on Gaza City

Aljazeera-Hundredsof Palestinians have fled Gaza City, piling their few remaining possessions onto pick-up trucks and donkey carts as Israel’s deadly bombings and forced displacement campaign intensifyinthearea.

Families fleeing the Israeli military’s relentless bombardment have begun setting up makeshift tents amidmiserableconditionsin an area west of central Gaza’s Nuseirat refugee camp, to the south of Gaza CitynearDeirel-Balah.

“We are thrown in the streets, like what would I say? Like dogs? We are not likedogs.

Dogs are [treated] better than us,” Mohammed Maarouf, 50, told The Associated Press news agency, standing in front of histent.

Maarouf and his family of nine had already been displaced from the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahiya. “We have no homes.We are onthestreets,”hesaid.

Another displaced Palestinian, Mohammed Abu Warda, told Al Jazeera thathehadfledJabalia,also in northern Gaza, and was headingtowardsthewestern sideofGazaCity

But he said he didn’t know exactly where to go.

“Weleftourareabecausethe situation there was very dangerous,” Abu Warda said.“HopefullyIcanfinda place to set up a tent Everything here is useless and everywhere is unsafe. The Israelis attack every singleplace.”

Israeli forces have carried out a sustained bombardment on Gaza City sinceearlyAugustaspartof adeepeningpushtoseizethe city and displace about one million Palestinians living there.

On Friday, the Israeli militarysaidithadbegunthe “initial stages” of its offensive, declaring the largest urban centre in the territorya“combatzone”.

At least 77 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza on Saturday, hospital sources told Al Jazeera.

Of that, 47 people were killed in Gaza City alone, including at least 11 Palestinianswhowerekilled while queueing for bread from ovens serving communities of displaced people.

A t l e a s t s e v e n Palestiniansalsowerekilled in a series of Israeli attacks

on a residential apartment blockinadenselypopulated area of the city. Rescuers were seen digging through the rubble to retrieve bodies andtrytofindanysurvivors.

“The Israeli army has been intensifying its attacks acrossGazaCity

Homes and community centreshavebeenreducedto rubble, eroding the foundationsofcivilianlifein the area,”Al Jazeera’s Hani

Mahmoudreported.

“Thisishappeningwhile people are going through famine, enforced starvation and dehydration. Things are leading to a catastrophic humanitariancrisis.”

The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Saturday also questioned Israel’s plans for a forced massexpulsion.

nets to retrieve their catch on a beach in the Nuseirat camp for Palestinian refugeesinthecentralGaza Strip

Yet while Israel’s push to seize Gaza City has drawn

Netanyahu’s government has shown no signs of halt

leave the Gaza Strip,” Levy said.

Describing the Israeli government’s policy as “outrageous”, Levy added that Israel will only halt its offensive if US President Donald Trump decides that “enough is enough” and applies pressure on the country

Frompage20 big,dobetterandgobeyond what you’re accustomed to. Jump out of your comfort zone,”sheencouraged.

She also highlighted her advocacy,adding,“Iwanted to bring awareness to my platform, Safe Roads Guyana.

I would love for people to drive safely and do the right thing on our roadways.”

She expressed heartfelt gratitude to her supporters. “Iwanttothankmyfriends, family, and especially my friend David, my coach Glory,andSebia.Iloveyou guys. You’ve been with me fromdayone.”

As a first-time pageant contestant, Allicock faced several challenges, but she overcame them through strength and determination.

She described the experience as truly transformative,sharing:

It’s something I never thought I’d do, but I’m grateful for it because it helped me go beyond who I thought I was It gave me confidence and strength Now, I feel certain that anything I set my mind to, I can achieve ” Secon

KhadesiaWalker

Though this was her first time competing in Miss Universe Guyana, Walker has a long p a g e a n t h i s t o r y, including titles in Miss America and Miss Connecticut USA, beginning at age seven

“When I was younger, I was a shy little girl, and my mother put me in pageants to help me come

“This journey really pushedmetodiveintowhoI am as a person and to be vulnerable. At first, I had never opened up about my personal life, talking about mymom,aboutmytragedy, butIusedthatexperienceto raise awareness about an issue that’s deeply important.

out of my shell I just fell inlovewithit.”

Despite her experience, Walker acknowledged that thejourneyisneverwithout challenges.

“Sometimes you don’t gettheplacementortitleyou hope for, even after putting in so much work. But that’s okay, it just means it wasn’t partofGod’splan.I’dsayto everyyounggirl:keepgoing foryourdreams.Evenifyou face rejection, don’t give up.”

The judges who made the difficult decision that evening were urban and rural planner, Elsie Harry, pageant expert, Harry NarineNawbatt,andformer contestant,ImarahRadix.

AsChandiniBaljortook her final walk down the runway in a stunning, glittery pink gown and a radiantsmile,sheembodied the spirit of resilience, determination, and grace. With her eyes set on Thailand,shehopestomake Guyana proud on the internationalstage.

“It is impossible that a mass evacuation of Gaza Citycouldeverbedoneina way that is safe and dignified under the current conditions, ” ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger said in a statement, describing the plan as “not only unfeasible but incomprehensible”.

Trucks and vehicles movealongthecoastalroad nearfishermenpullingtheir

offensive

Gideon Levy, a columnist with Israeli news outlet Haaretz, told Al Jazeera that Israel’s overarching plan for Gaza amountstoethniccleansing.

“The plan is to push all the inhabitants of Gaza out of their houses, then lock them in those concentration camps and then give them twochoices,eithertolivein those camps forever or to

Frompage47 relieved and happy that the waiting was finally over.” Though English posed the greatest challenge, she dedicated herself to daily essay writing and textbook exercises. Her advice to younger students was both practical and motivational: “If you really wantit,workhard.Sleeplessnightsareworth it.”

Equally commendable was Enrique Seosakaran from Form 1, who boldly attempted both EnglishAand Mathematics, achieving Grade Threes in each. His early success speaks to the culture of encouragement and high standards fostered at Chase’s, where students are motivated to stepbeyondtheircomfortzones.

Across the board, students emphasized thatCSECpreparationstrengthenedqualities t h a t e x t e n d b e y o n d t h e classroom—discipline, time management, perseverance,andfaith.Onestudentsummed

The US has provided Israelwithbillionsofdollars in military assistance since its war on Gaza began in October2023.

Washington has also shielded its top ally from callsforaccountabilityatthe UN and other international arenas. In February, Trump suggested removing all Palestinians from Gaza – a plan that would amount to ethnic cleansing, a crime againsthumanity

it up best: “The biggest lesson I have learnt while preparing for these exams was the importanceofdiscipline.”

Their parents, too, highlighted the balance between guidance and independence: “Help them organize, but allow them to manage their own work,” shared one parent. “Motivate them to drive for success by any means possible, this not onlymakesyouproudasaparentbutensures yourchildabetterfuture.”

WithgraduatesmovingontoSixthForm and early sitters gaining confidence for the years ahead, Chase’s Academic Foundation is proud of both the achievements and the growthitsstudentshavedemonstrated.

As the school reflects on the remarkable CSEC 2025 results, one theme stands out clearly: success at Chase’s is not just about grades. Resilience, faith, discipline, and the endless opportunities that lie ahead remain theencouragingfactors.

Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox

OGGN Calls on Citizens to Weigh Oil Governance in the...

Frompage4

Teixeira, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs

and Governance (March16,2025)

Ÿ The Hon Anil Nandlall, Attorney GeneralandMinister of Legal Affairs (March23,2025)

Ÿ The Hon Bharrat

J a g d e o , Vi c e President overseeing Finance, Natural Resources and the Environment (March 30,2025)

Ÿ His Excellency, Dr Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana (April6,2025)

Herewith, OGGN takes the opportunity to reiterate thesequestionsonceagainas a reminder and to the attentionofthepublic.

Given CommissionerGeneral Godfrey Statia's leadership of the GRA and theagency'sresponsibilityin o v e r s e e i n g t a x administration in Guyana, OGGN calls on him to publicly clarify the following:

1. HastheMinisterof Natural Resources made the required tax payments on behalf of ExxonMobil and its partners for the years 2020,2021,2022,and2023? If this is indeed the case, whichfundwasextractedor which government budget code was charged to pay the Contractor's taxes as required by article 15.4 of

the 2016 Petroleum Agreement?

3. What is the total sum of tax payments made from Guyana's share of oil revenues to cover ExxonMobilanditspartners' obligations?

4. Has there been any independent audit or verification of these payments, and where is the public documentation confirmingthis?

Given the Minister of Natural Resources responsibility for remitting the tax payments on behalf oftheoilcompaniestoGRA, OGGN formally requests that the Hon Vickram Bharratpubliclyconfirmand provide verifiable evidence ofthefollowing:

1. ThattheMinisterof Natural Resources has paid the required corporate income taxes on behalf of ExxonMobilanditspartners for the years 2020, 2021, 2022,and2023,asstipulated in Article 15.4 of the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement;

2. That these taxes have been paid, and from which fund or government budgetallocationwerethese taxesdrawn;and

3. That the Guyana Revenue Agency issued tax certificates for these payments, and to whom were the tax certificates issued, and on what dates. Furthermore,

2. Has the GRA issued corresponding tax certificates for these payments? To whom (name and position of company official), and when (dates) did the GRA issue the corresponding tax certificates for these payments, and what exactly wascertified?

5. When did these payments undergo independent audit and verification,andwhereisthe public documentation confirmingaudit?

To uphold transparency and accountability in Guyana's oil and gas sector, Dr Ashni Singh, Senior Minister in the Office of the P

h Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service must c

Ministry of Finance has providedrelevantdataonall material financial flows for the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Annual Reports

Given this, the public deservesdetailedanswersto thefollowing:

1. What specific details has the Ministry of Finance disclosed regarding tax payments made by the Government of Guyana on behalf of ExxonMobil and its partners for inclusion in EITIreports?

2. FortheEITIreports of 2020, 2021, and 2022, what specific information has the Ministry of Finance providedregardingthesetax payments, and how has this beenreflectedinthereports?

3. What measures has theMinistryimplementedto enhance transparency regarding these payments, and how do they align with international best practices in extractive sector governance?

Given the UN Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) concerns and recommendations regarding

4. What is the total sum of tax payments made from Guyana's share of oil revenues to cover ExxonMobilanditspartners' obligations?

the Access to Information Act 2011, OGGN formally requests that. Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, the Hon. Gail Teixeira, who represented the State party at the public hearings of the UN-HRC in Geneva (March 18 to 20, 2024), to provide a public statement addressing the followingpoints:

1. What measures havebeentakentoensurethe effective implementation of the Access to Information Act2011?

2. What steps have been taken to improve the accountability and transpare

Information?

3. Forwhichyearsdid the Commissioner submit annual reports to the National Assembly, as requiredbytheAct?

4. How has the Act been revised to facilitate citizen access to public information, excluding matters of personal privacy ornationalsecurity?

Given the apparent contradiction between the 2016 PSAand the NRFAct (2021) with regard to tax payments on behalf of oil companies, OGGN respectfully requests the Attorney General, the Hon. Anil Nandlall, to clarify the following key points for the public:

1. How can the Government of Guyana fulfil its contractual obligations regarding tax payments to ExxonMobil and its partners under the 2016 PSA without violating the spending restrictions imposed by the NRF Act (2021)?

2. Why did the Attorney General, acting as the Government's Chief Legal Advisor, not recommend the inclusion of tax payments as a third lawful category of spending undertherevisedNRFAct?

3. What is the legal basis that empowers the Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority to issue tax certificates on behalf of oil companieswhenthosetaxes are not paid by the companies themselves, but ratherbythegovernment?

4. Given that Section 103 of the Income Tax Act requires tax compliance certificatestobeissuedonly when a taxpayer satisfies all taxobligations,whatkindof documentation such as validated transfers from the NRF to the Consolidated Fund or budgeted allocations must the Minister of Natural Resources provide to the GRAtomeetthisstandard?

5. Why is there no independent audit or verification process in place for the Government's tax paymentsonbehalfoftheoil companies, and where can the public access documentationthatconfirms thesepayments?

6. What verification p r o c e s s d o e s t h e GovernmentofGuyanahave in place to validate the issuance of tax credit documentationtoforeigntax authorities?

Given that Vice PresidentBharratJagdeoisa senior cabinet member and plays a central role in Guyana's oil and gas governance, which includes specific oversight responsibilities for finance, natural resources, and the environment, OGGN urges him to exercise his responsibilityandleadership by:

1. Endingthepractice of the Government paying taxes on behalf of ExxonMobil and its affiliates,asstipulatedinthe 2016PSA;

2. Guaranteeing full transparency in the flow of oil revenues to the Guyana Revenue Authority and the ConsolidatedFund;

3. Ensuring that all tax certificates issued to the oilcompaniesarebackedby actual, audited tax payments;and

4. Amendingthe2016 PSA, resolving its conflict with the 2021 NRFAct, and

invoking Article 32 (Stability Clause) to bring Exxonanditspartnerstothe negotiatingtable. Finally, given President Dr IrfaanAli'sconstitutional responsibilities to promote the well-being and rights of the Guyanese people, OGGNasksthefollowing:

1. Why has the President not appointed an independent Commission of Inquiry to investigate the signingofthe2016PSA?

2. Why has the President not hired international tax experts to assess the legality of the tax arrangements in the 2016 PSA, including the issuance offoreigntaxcertificatesfor taxes paid by the Governmentonbehalfofoil companies?

3. Why has the President not directed cabinet members to respond to the issues raised by OGGN, such as the conflict between the 2016 PSA and theNRFAct?

4. What steps has the President taken to address the shortcomings of the AccesstoInformationActof 2011, which the UN Human Rights Committee highlighted in its 2024 report?

5. Why does the President reject calls to amendthe2016PSA?What prevents him from invoking Article 32 of the PSA to bring ExxonMobil and its partners to the negotiation table?

AsGuyanesedecidewho deserves their vote and support, these unresolved questions strike at the very heart of our democracy and our nation's future The stewardshipofouroilwealth will determine whether prosperity is broadly shared or whether inequities are entrenched for generations. Itisthereforevitalthatevery citizencarefullyconsiderthe record of transparency, accountability, and fairness in the management of the petroleum sector when casting their vote This election is not only about choosingpoliticalleaders-it is about charting the longterm future of our country and ensuring that Guyana's oil wealth benefits all citizens well beyond the depletion of our petroleum resources.

Sincerely,

AndreBrandli DarshanandKhusial For the Oil and Gas Governance Network (OGGN),www.oggn.org

Caribbean Boxing set for a Knockout Debut in Guyana this December

Guyana is set to make history as host of the region’s first-ever

professional boxing showpiece,landingsquarely on Boxing Day (December 26, 2025). The explosive event, officially announced earlier this week by the newly-formed Caribbean

Boxing Organisation (CBO),promisestoshakeup

the regional fight scene like neverbefore.

With Georgetown as the battleground and Bris-O Promotions alongside the dynamic Seon Bristol leadingthecharge,theevent is already being billed as a can’t-miss night of toe-totoeaction.

T h e C B O , a groundbreaking coalition of

top boxing promoters from across the Caribbean is determined to elevate professional combat sports in the region. Members hail from Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, St Maarten, The Bahamas, Jamaica, St Lucia, Grenada, and Curaçao, all bringing elitefightersandawealthof experienceintothering.The

goal is simple: to create a bigger stages, more competitive fights and brighterfutures.

Sunday August 31, 2025

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Today you will have all the energy you need to deal with long-term family problems. Indeed, you'll probably clash with some of your relatives. But this situation won't cause anyseriousissues.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

You enjoy caring for others andyouinterveneregularlyin their lives to guide them. Ironically, today you're the one who needs advice. You'll probably need to get away from it all in order to get a clearviewofyourownlife.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

We all have to make compromises in order to live in contemporary society.You may have strong beliefs, but it's difficult to combine your idealsandasociallife.

CANCER(June21–July22)

You'vealwaysfelttheneedto free yourself from society You need to feel independent at any cost. You may need to face certain relationship problemsatthistime.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

You may feel annoyed about the attitude of some of your groupoffriends.Unlikethese people, you're very openmindedandyoucandealwith situations as they arise Indeed, you have a natural ability to adapt to every situation.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Today, Virgo, you'll be submerged under a lot of emotions. In a way, you'll be revisiting your childhood

Youmaybeveryedgy Thisis agooddispositioninwhichto analyzeyourlife.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

You really know how to seduce,Libra.Thereisaspark inside of you that spreads naturally to those around you. You have a big reservoir of sensitivity and emotion that couldgrowtoday

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

You're a very active person, Scorpio, but today you'll probably be disappointed. If you ask those around you to help with your activities, they most likely won't understand yourneeds.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Nothing much is happening today, yet you seem worried and tense. You'll have to use this day to your advantage. Think about your life. You'll also think about the needs of yourrelativesintheyears.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

You often need to thrive on personal emotions.Today will benoexceptiontotherule.For instance, you could try to captivate the attention of peopleyouadmire.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) You shouldn't try to fight the feelings that run through you today Don't even try to rationalize them These feelingsareprobablyrelatedto emotions dating back to your childhood You shouldn't avoidoranalyzethem.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

You'll be lost in your thoughts today, analyzing your life and relationships.You'll be asking yourself if your existence is meeting your standards. You will ponder what to expect from the future and from the peoplearoundyou.

“We’re uniting the Region through sport, shining a spotlight on our elite athletes. With the combined efforts of CBO member promoters, this Boxing Day card is poised to deliver the type of action that cements legacies and sparks future stars.”

Fight announcements, ticket info, and broadcast details will roll out in the coming weeks But one thing’s for sure: Caribbean boxing is stepping into the spotlight,andit’scomingout swinging.

The bell is about to ring on a brand-new era of Caribbeanboxing.

The Boxing Day Fight Night will feature; hard-

matchups, including high-

showdowns, also up to twofour electrifying amateur bouts — showcasing the region’srisingstarsandToptier Caribbean talent stepping under the bright lights for regional bragging rights.

From bell to bell, fans can expect non-stop action, unforgettable moments, and the birth of a new annual

excellence.

“This event is expected to attract boxing fans from

2025 Republic Bank CPL…GAW vs. TKR

Munro(74)/Hales(52),

clobber

AmazonWarriorsasTKRskipto6-wicketwin

Veteran opener Colin Munro racked up another half-century for his TKR brothers

Devastating knocks fromTrinbagoKnight

Riders’ (TKR) openers Alex Hales and Colin Munro punched holes in the Guyana Amazon Warriors last night,astheysufferedacrushing6 wicket loss last night at the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium, Tarouba T&T

After a batting first, it was a string of scores including some late end knocks from Dwaine Pretorius (21), hardhitting Guyanese all-rounder Quentin Sampson who nailed three sixes in his 19-ball 25 in his first match and Romario Shepherd (19), who tried to keep Guyana from sinking badly after a horrid top-order malfunction

Shai Hope (39), opener Ben McDermott (14) and Hassan Khan(17)managedtogetoutthe block up front before losing their way as the Warriors seemed out of character for the first time this season

TKR’s mixed combination of seamer Terrance Hinds (235) along with spin wizards Akeal Hosein (3-27) and Sunil

Narine (1-17), did a fantastic job in keeping the Warriors under200

Chasingasmalltotalbytheir standards, TKR blitzed their way to 169-4 in 17 2 overs after a devastating collaborative effort from in-form openers Munro who smacked 52 off 30 (6x4 3x) and a more aggressive Hales who nailed 7 sixes and 3 foursinhis43-ball74.

Their approach blew the Warriors’ door off its hinges with their partnership of 116 runs, as both overseas batsmen showed why they are among the most prolific T20 scorersofthelastdecade

Lone wicket-taker and Warriors skipper Imran Tahir (4-27), almost killed the hopes of TKR after bagging three wickets in an over, including big fishes Munro, Hales,captainNickPooran(0)and KeacyCarty(0).

However, former West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard (12*) and Andre Russell (27*) then teamed up to see TKR to safety, with balls to spare (CliftonRoss)

Warriors captain Imran Tahir bowled a champion spell

Knight Riders reign supreme with big win over Royals

CPL - Game 16 of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) saw Trinbago Knight Riders defeatBarbadosRoyalsby7 wickets with 13 balls remaining. It was another pulsatingrunchasefromthe KnightRiders,ColinMunro striking 67 off 44 balls to scoop the Player of the Match award as they hauled down the Royals target of 178/6 to go to the top of the CPLpointstable.

For the Royals, who

were sent in, Sherfane Rutherford top scored with 45 while Kadeem Alleyne scored 41 and captain Rovman Powell weighed in with31.Forthehometeam, it was Andre Russell who proved to be the main destroyer with the ball with figuresof3/37.

In reply, a 93-run partnership between Munro andNicholasPooranwasthe crucial one and the former was also dropped whilst on 27 when Jomel Warrican spilledatrickychanceinthe outfieldtoseethebackofthe dangerman.

Alex Hales and Keacy Carty were dismissed in quick succession but any hopestheRoyalsmighthave had about stifling the chase were emphatically ended when Pooran arrived in the middle and the Knight Riders captain struck three consecutive sixes off RovmanPowell.

A captain’s knock saw Pooranundefeatedattheend with 65 off 40 balls includingsixsixes.

WhilsttheKnightRiders sit pretty at the top of the points table with four wins

fromtheirfivematchesitisa differentstoryfortheRoyals who languish at the foot of the table without a win in their four games and they faceastifftasktoqualifyfor theplay-offsunlesstheycan swiftly turn their fortunes around. Munro spoke after thematchabouthowhisside are one of the teams to beat alongside Guyana Amazon Warriors who they will face

upintheirnextfixture.

“Thisisagoodteamthat gavememyfirstopportunity in franchise cricket. I wish I knew why I was so successfulherebecausethen I’d take that knowledge aroundtheworld.”

Addingthat,“Iknowthat with the talent we have, whether I bat slowly or get off to a flyer, we’ve got the power to make up for it. It’s

not just about the top order; the whole team is doing a good job. We spoke about it because now, we are the hunted.”

Scores:Trinbago Knight Riders179for2(Munro67, Pooran 65*, Warrican 1-24) beat Barbados Royals 178 for 6 (Rutherford 45, Alleyne 41, Powell 31, Russel 3-37, Amir 2-35) by sevenwickets.

Nugent takes women’s 100m hurdles crown in Zurich, Clayton misses out on wild card shot

Jamaica ObserverNational record holder

Ackera Nugent was Jamaica’s only Wanda Diamond League trophy winneratthefinalinZurich, Switzerland Nugent won the 100m hurdles, her first major senior award, while therewerepodiumplacesfor Tia Clayton in the women’s 100m,Ackeem Blake in the men’s 100m andAndrenette Knightinthewomen’s400m hurdles.However,Clayton’s bid for a wild card berth at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan,faded.

Nugent, a World Under20 Championships gold medallist and World Indoor Championships bronze medal winner, equalled her season’s best 12.30 seconds (-0.6m/s) to win the Wanda DiamondLeaguetrophyand the US$100,000 (roughly

J$16 million) cash prize for theevent,whichispartofthe Diamond+discipline.

“This is showing that I aminreallygoodshape,my strength is there and some consistency is there too,” Nugent says. “As we get closer to the World Championships, some adjustments need to be made.

“I try to focus on myself rather than controlling the race itself, hoping that I can putupmybestperformanceI can.WhenIrun,Ijustaskthe Lord to help fulfilling my dreams,andlockeverything out. All I can and want to hear is the sound of the start gun,nothingelse.”

Ditaji Kambundji ran a Swiss national record 12.40 secondsforsecondplaceand pre-race favouriteAmerican Grace Stark was third in 12.44seconds.

St Lucia’s JulienAlfred (right) wins the women’s 100m final at the Wanda Diamond League in Zurich, Switzerland, yesterday, ahead of second-placed Tia Clayton (second left) of Jamaica, third-placed DinaAsher-Smith (left) of Great Britain, and Ivory Coast’s Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith.

Clayton, who needed to wintheDiamondLeaguetitle toearnthewildcardaftershe missed making the Jamaican team at the National Championships (Trials) in June, placed second in 1084 seconds(03m/s)beatenbyan impressive JulienAlfred, the Olympic champion, who made a winning return to competitionafterafive-week injury layoff to win in 1076 seconds

“Coming second at a DiamondLeaguefinalmeans alottomebutitisnotwhatI wanted,” Clayton says “I wantedtowin Cominghere, mycoachtoldmethatIcould wintoday SoIamnotproud ofmyself Iwantedtomakeit to the World Championships with a wild card” The door mightnothaveslammedshut intheOlympicfinalist’sface as yet as the JAAAselection

committee could include her in the team to replace Shericka Jackson, who was second at Trials, if Jackson opts only to run the 200m in Tokyo for which she has a wild card as the defending champion

TheIvoryCoast’sMarieJoseeTaLou-Smith,whoran under protest after she was disqualified for a false start, finished third in 10 92 seconds but Great Britain’s DinaAsher-Smith, who was fourth,waspromoted.

Blake, who was seeking to make it back to back Diamond League titles, finished third in the men’s 100m in 9.99 seconds (0 4m/s), as American Christian Coleman won a close race in 9.97 seconds, with South Africa’s Akani Simbine second in 9.98 seconds.Knightwasthirdin

the women’s 400m hurdles finalrunning53.76seconds, wellplacedbeforehittingthe final hurdle as world leader Femke Bol broke her own meetrecordof52.80seconds set in 2021, when she ran 52.18 seconds. Slovakia’s Emma Zapletalova ran a national record 53 18 secondsforsecondplace.

Jordan Scott was fourth inthemen’striplejumpwith 17.16m (0.6m/s), his first loss after four-straight Diamond League wins

Italy’sAndyDiazHernandez won with 17.56m (-0.3m/s), beating Pedro Pichardo of Portugalwithaseason’sbest 17 47m (0 4m/s), with Algeria’sYasserTrikitaking thirdwith17.42m(-0.3m/s).

Shanieka Ricketts was fifth in the women’s triple jump with 14.35m (-0.6m/s) asCubanssweptthetopthree

“West Indies all-time men’s test team – two

Frompage64 tremendousservicetoWIcricket.

Gibbs continued that tradition of WI spin epitomized by late Sonny Ramadhin and late Alfred Valentine; “Ram” and “Val” Gibbs was the first spinner who had taken 300 Test wickets. In 1976, he also held the record for the most ever Test wickets. He is thebesteverWIspinner

Gibbstook52catchesinTests, mostly at fourth slip / gully positions.

Many catches for his 309 Test wicketshadbeentakenbySirGary – 109 catches in Tests - in that “pick-pocket”, very short-leg (backward or forward) position. Whatacombinationthesetwohad been.

1966-67–1styearhighschool. Onweekendswhennotplayingfor

CHS, I normally rode my newly acquiredRaleighbiketoDemerara Cricket Club, in Queenstown, Georgetown, to see Georgetown Cricket Club play DCC. Crowds galore. Always sold out. Many thousands!

GCC sometimes included late Guyana captain and WI opener Steven Camacho and Alvin Kallicharran.

DCC sometimes included Sir CliveLloyd,LanceGibbsandlate Guyana captain WI and opener Roy Fredericks Hard, inspirational cricket at its very toughest.

1972 - Gibbs also captained Guyana’s senior team. Indeed, mistakenly, I had recently written that Rohan Kanhai had been Guyana’s captain when I played my 1st representative match for

Guyana, v Jamaica. That was a mistake. Gibbs was then captain. Apologies.

Anyway, imagine my great surprise when, one day in May 1972, Lance Gibbs, accompanied by late GodfreyWray, then Sports Editor of Guyana Chronicle newspapers, arrived at our (Old Sylviaandme)littleone-bedroom homeinUnity-LancasterVillage.

I was actually cleaning my cricket shoes when they arrived. Tothisday,thatvisitwasoneofmy biggestshocksandsurprises.

They informed that they had arranged for me to go to Warwickshire CCC, on a cricket scholarship, with other Guyana cricketers, former fast bowler RobertAdonis,andlateformeroffspinner all-rounder Adjodha Persaud.

places Leyanis Perez Hernandez defended her title with 1491m (-05m/s) in the third round after after two fouls and added a 14.90m jumpinthefourthround.

Liadagamis Povea was second with 14 72m (0 6m/s), and Davisleydi Velasco jumped 14 65m (0 6m/s) RomaineBeckford wasfourthinthemen’shigh jump with 2 22m; New Zealand’sHamishKerrwon with 2 32m, ahead of U k r a i n e ’ s O l e h Doroshchuk, 2 30m, and American JuVaughn Harrison was third with 2 25m

Orlando Bennett placed seventhinthe110mhurdles, running 13 35 seconds (0.3m/s) as world leader Cordell Tinch of the USA equalled the meet record 12.92secondstowin.

certainties!”...

Thatmorning,IfeltasifIwere floatingonair!

I had travelled to Jamaica in 1971 to represent Guyana in WI’s Under19 tournament, my first airplaneflight,butIhadnodreams of ever flying to the United Kingdomforcricketuntilthen.

From July to September 1972, courtesy of Lance Gibbs, I rubbed shoulderswiththenEngland’sand WI’s biggest stars, as I practiced with them and learned so much fromthem.

1972 - England’s then players appearing forWarwickshire CCC: John Jameson, late Robert (Bob) Willis,DennisAmiss,MJK(Mike) Smith,AC(Alan)SmithandDavid Brown.

Then WI players also appearing for Warwickshire CCC were Lance Gibbs, Alvin

Kallicharran, Deryck Murray and RohanKanhai. I bowled so much at practice forthatWarwickshire1972County Championship winning team, and learned so much from them all, aboutcricketandaboutlife.

I have very much to thank Lancelot Richard Gibbs for in my cricketcareer He allowed me to experience, appreciate and understand representative and international cricket He saw potential that I probably did not know that I had Isimplytriedtorepayhim.

Next for MY ALL WI TEST TEAM, I shall consider many for that one position of wicketkeeper, keeping in mind that varied six-pronged bowling attack already selected Cheers Enjoy!

“West Indies all-time men’s test team – two certainties!”

By:ColinCroft–Former Guyana, Lancashire CCC & WestIndiesCricketer

InJuly,IhadpickedMY best ever West Indies fast bowlers: Sir Wes Hall (Barbados), Sir Curtly Ambrose (Antigua & Barbuda), Joel Garner (Barbados), late Malcolm Marshall(Barbados).

These four fast bowlers wouldALWAYSplayinMY BEST EVER WI TEST XI.

T h e y c o u l d e v e n , collectively, contribute at least100runsaslower-order batters, a massive scoring boost.

The new two named herein directly affected my life positively as models, mentors,friends.

SIR GARFIELD St AUBRUNSOBERS

Little can be written about Sir Gary that has not already been done. He is simply the best ever allaround cricketer seen in international cricket. Most included here are personal

memoriesandexperiences. This ‘six-cricketers-inone’–left-armmedium-fast, left-arm orthodox spin, leftarm unorthodox “back-ofthe-arm” spin, superlative batter, wonderful catcher at bat-pad (“pick-pocket”), or slips cordon, and team captain–celebratedhis89th birthdayon28Julylast.

Test debut – orthodox left-arm spinner, batted at No. 9 – 1954 v England, SabinaPark. LastTest1974 v England, Queen’s Park Oval. 20 years of great, yeoman service to WI cricket.

93Tests: 8,032runs,26 x100s,30x50s,HS365no. v Pakistan 1958, Sabina Park, avg. 57.78. 235 Test wickets, BBI 6–73 v Australia 1968, Brisbane BBM8-80vEngland1966, Leeds.

Sir Gary’s unparalleled, incredible all-around inputs allow inclusions of four fast bowlers and off-spinner LancelotGibbsforMYALL WI XI Six excellent bowlers to destroy any opposition!

Overall, Sir Gary played 383F-Cgames:28,314runs, 86x100s,121x50s,HS365 no , avg 54 87 1,043 wickets,avg.27.74. Whata tremendously unique cricketerSirGaryhadbeen.

1972 - Sir Gary’s 254; Rest of the World v Australia, unofficial 3rd “Test”, Melbourne; had

always been thought to had been his best ever “Test” innings, with fast bowlers Dennis Lillee and Robert Massie,andleg-spinnerslate Terry Jenner and Kerry O’Keefe,attheirverybest.

1965 - Attended my 1st Test. Bourda Oval. WI v Australia. SirGary,captain, openedthebowlingwithSir Wes, even though powerful fast bowler, Sir Charles Griffith,alsoplayed.

Sir Gary quickly bowled late Aussie opener and captain Robert (Bobby) Simpson. Sir Charles, Sir Wes, Sir Gary, Lance Gibbs and late Joe Solomon’s swingranthroughAustralia.

Gibbs’ match figures: 48.1–18–80–9. SirGary had four wickets too. WI wonby212runs.

1967 – Guyana v Barbados – Bourda Oval. Still Incredible game. 1437 runs in four days. Guyana 641-5 (late Roy Fredericks 127,RohanKanhai144,late Basil Butcher 183 no.), and 244-5 (late Roy Fredericks 115); Barbados 552 (late Peter Lashley 204, Sir Gary Sobers165).

Seatedin“School-Boys” stand - northern end - in Central High School uniform (required to get in for free), I witnessed the capacity crowd’s roar when Guyanese left-handed fast bowling all-rounder, Winston English; Guyana debut; uprooted Sir Gary’s stumps, one of English’s four wickets. English was also somewhat unlucky not tohaveeverplayedforWI.

1971 - I first met Sir Gary, then WI captain, personally, when India toured. In 1970, aged 17, I had debuted when Guyana hosted WI’s Under-19 Tournament.

Through then Coaches and Managers, former WI All-rounders, late Joe Solomon and late Basil Butcher, I had been invited tobowltotheWIbatsmenat practice sessions, in preparation for Test No. 3 v India What great excitement! Immensejoy!

One day, having already bowled to then Jamaica and WI wicket-keeper/opening batsman, late Desmond Lewis, for his debut Test; T&T’s WI All-Rounder CharlieDavis;Guyana’sWI batsman and then future WI captain, Rohan Kanhai; I thenhadtobowltoSirGary too. Each batter was allowed

30 batting minutes in extremely intense net sessions. After bowling for over 100 minutes, (more than 1.5 hours), I was quite tired. What Sir Gary said when I stopped bowling woke me up to reality, probablymademeintoaWI Testfastbowlertoo.

“Youngster, are you finished? Are you tired already? Howoldareyou?” Answeringintheaffirmative while confirming that I had onlyjustbecome18,hisnext comments embarrassed me. “You are only 18 years old. No18-year-oldyouthhasthe righttobetired!”

That comment pushed metobecomethefittestand best fast bowler that I could havebeen.

I needed that fitness when later playing for Guyana with two Test offspinners, late Clyde Butts andRogerHarper,andWI-A leg-spinning all-rounder, Deryck Kallicharran, included. Eachdeliveredan overinamere90seconds. I had to be fit enough to keep up. Idid. Just!

Later, when I played my first Test in 1976/77, Sir Gary was one of the first to congratulate me. When our cricket careers had ended, I even managed to do broadcasts with the great man.

One unforgettable commentfromhim:“Crofty, I simply played my cricket naturally I could never understand why the rest of my team’s players could not playasfreelyasIcould.”

To this very day, I am very sure that Sir Gary St.

Aubrun Sobers has no idea astohowgreatacricketerhe had been, how much better hehadbeenthananyoneelse around. Hehadsimplybeen the best all-round cricketer ever!

L A N C E L O T

RICHARDGIBBS

Guyana, Warwickshire

CCC, South Australia and WI off-spinner Lance Gibbs – “Toothpick” to his real friends;verytall,veryslim–completes my “All WI Test

XI” bowling attack. On 29 September next (2025), this 1975ICCCricketWorldCup winner will be 91 years “young”. 79 Tests; 309 wickets; avg.29.09. Testdebut: WI v Pakistan, Queen’s Park Oval, 1958. BBI 8-38 v India, Kensington Oval, 1962; BBM v England, Old Trafford, 1963. Last Test: Australia v WI, Melbourne CG,1976. 18yearsof

(Continuedonpage63)

Alcaraz, Djokovic into US Open last 16 as Sabalenka avenges defeat

AFP - Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic edged closer to a semi-final showdown at the US Open on Friday as Aryna Sabalenka avenged the memory of a bitter defeat to powerintothelast16.

Spanish second seed Alcaraz and Serbian legend Djokovic both booked their passageintothelast16with comfortable victories and now stand just two wins away from meeting in the lastfour.

Alcaraz breezed past Italian 32nd seed Luciano Darderiinemphaticfashion, winning 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 on the Arthur Ashe Stadium while Djokovic, who is chasing a record 25th Grand Slam singles title, took care of Britain’sCamNorrie6-4,67(4/7),6-2,6-3.

Alcaraz’s one hour 44minute victory sends the 2022 US Open champion into a meeting on Sunday against France’s Arthur Rinderknech, who defeated compatriot Benjamin Bonzi 4-6,6-3,6-3,6-2.

Alcaraz needed a medical timeout while

leading5-4inthesecondset for treatment on his right knee,butlatersaidhehadno injuryconcerns.

-Djokovicmilestone-

D j o k o v i c , 3 8 , meanwhile was clinical in his win over Norrie in the evening session, which sendshimintoafourthround tie against German veteran Jan-LennardStruff.

“Comingintoanymatch you really want to win in straight sets without any drama but obviously that’s notpossible,”saidDjokovic after becoming the oldest man to reach the US Open last16sinceJimmyConnors in1991.

“It’s good that I get tested,” he added. “I’m still tryingtofindmyrhythmand mygrooveonthecourt.”

Djokovic’s fourth round opponentStruffdealtablow toAmerican hopes of a first home US Open champion since2003witha6-4,6-3,76(9/7)defeatofpopular17th seedFrancesTiafoe.

“I don’t know how to recover from this, to be honest with you,” Tiafoe said. “I haven’t been this

Spain’s CarlosAlcaraz celebrates his victory over Italy’s Luciano Darderi in the US Open third round. (Timothy A. Clary/AFP/AFP)

down in a very, very long time.”

Tiafoe’s exit came after another disappointing loss forUSfans,withbig-serving Ben Shelton departing the LouisArmstrongStadiumin tears after being forced to retire after the fourth set of his match against French veteranAdrianMannarino.

Shelton, 22, was leading 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 when he began

Philipsen sprints to victory in Vuelta

stage eight, Traeen retains red

ZARAGOZA, Spain, (Reuters)-Belgium’sJasper

A

n–Deceuninck sprinted to victory in stage eight of theVuelta a Espana onSaturday,edgingoutElia VivianiandEthanVernonin a photo finish as Torstein Traeen retained the red jersey Viviani’s Lotto teammates tried to lead him out in the last kilometre of the 163.5km flat ride from Monzon to Zaragoza, but Philipsen, who also won the first stage, made a late push tocrossthelinefirst.

Former Tour de France points classification winner Philipsensaidhelostcontact with his lead-out in the last kilometre.

“I had to find my way, take a bit of extra wind, and reallycomelatebecausemy legswereconcrete.ButIjust managed to win, so I’m really happy, and the effort of the team has not been for nothing,” the 27-year-old said Norwegian Traeen (BahrainVictorious)remains

home hopes, and the fourth seeddeliveredinanevening victory over Swiss qualifier Jerome Kym, winning 7-6 (7/3),6-7(9/11),6-4,6-4.

-Sabalenkarevenge-

In the women’s draw, meanwhile, world number one and defending champion Sabalenka avenged her 2021 US Open semi-final defeat to Leylah Fernandez with a straightsets victory over the Canadian 31st seed on Armstrong.

“Ijustwantedtoproveto myself that the lesson was learnedandthatIdeveloped as a player and I could get thiswin.”

Sabalenka faces unseeded Spaniard Cristina Bucsa in the next round. BucsamovedonFridaywith an upset 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 win overBelgian19thseedElise Mertens.

to feel pain in his left shoulder He played on but threw in the towel after Mannarino took the fourth set.

“I’m not a guy who would retire if I could continue,” said a dejected Shelton.

With Shelton and Tiafoe exiting, it was left to last year’s beaten US Open finalist Taylor Fritz to lift

Sabalenka was left distraught after being upset by the unheralded Fernandez four years ago with a place in what would have been her first Grand Slam final there for the taking

But the 27-year-old from Belarus made sure there was no repeat on Friday, seeing off Fernandez 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) Sabalenka’svictorysawher extend her incredible winningstreakintie-breaks to18 “Iwantedthisrevenge badly,” Sabalenka said afterwards. “It was a tough lessonformebackthen.

There was another upset in the late game on Arthur Ashe,withTaylorTownsend bundling out Russian fifth seedMirraAndreeva7-5,62.

Elsewhere,Kazakhninth seed Elena Rybakina outclassed Britain’s Emma Raducanu, winning 6-1, 6-2 to move into a last 16 tie against 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova,a7-6(7/4),61 victor over Italian seventh seedJasminePaolini.

In other women’s draw matches, American fourth

VictoriaAzarenka6-1,7-5to reach the fourth round,

ce compatriotAnnLi.

Alpecin-Deceuninck’sJasperPhilipsenafterwinning stage1. (REUTERS/ManonCruz/FilePhoto)

two minutes and 33 seconds ahead of Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) in the general classification, with 13 stages remaining Philipsen’s 15th Grand Tour stage win closed the gap on points classification leader MadsPedersen(Lidl-Trek)to 12 points Joan Bou, Sergio SamitierandJoseLuisFaura established a four-minute lead on the chasing pack in thefirst20kmofstageeight. Dylan van Baarle

(Visma-LeaseaBike)triedto position himself in front of peloton with 5km to go, but by the last kilometre, Lotto riders had the upper hand before Philipsen’s final move Britain’s Oliver Knight (Cofidis) withdrew from the race due to illness, and George Bennett (Israel PremierTech)abandoned The Vuelta continues today,Sundaywitha195km hilly ride from Alfaro to Valdezcaray

Sinner on the march as Swiatek, tearful Gauff toil at US Open

AFP - Reigning men’s champion Jannik Sinner charged into the third round oftheUSOpenonThursday as Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatekbattledtokeeptheir titlebidsintact.

S i n n e r s w a t t e d Australia’s Alexei Popyrin aside 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 to stretch his Grand Slam winning streak on hard courts to 23 matches.

The Italian top seed has made a convincing start in his bid to become the first man to repeat as US Open champion since Roger Federer won five in a row from2004-2008.

“I’m very happy that I managed these matches as goodasIcould,”saidSinner, who dropped only four games in his opening win beforeblastingpastthe36thrankedPopyrin.

“Iamaimingtoimprove ontheservebuttherestIam quitecomfortablewith.”

Sinner faces Canadian 27thseedDenisShapovalov in the third round on Saturday

He has reached the final ofallthreeGrandSlamsthis season, winning the Australian Open and

Wimbledon either side of a defeat to Carlos Alcaraz at theFrenchOpen.

Third seed Alexander Zverevcruisedtoa6-4,6-4, 6-4winoverBritain’sJacob Fearnley, while Lorenzo Musetti eased past Belgium’sDavidGoffin.

Russian 15th seed

Andrey Rublev beat American wild card Tristan Boyer in four sets. He advancestoalast-32tiewith Hong Kong’s Coleman Wong.

Wong, a 21-year-old qualifier, extended his New York fairytale with a 7-6 (7/5), 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 win over AustralianAdamWalton.

The 173rd-ranked Wong had already made history earlier in the week by becomingthefirstmanfrom Hong Kong to win a Grand Slamsinglesmatch.

“It’s literally something that I’ve dreamed of, that I think every tennis player dreamsof—tokeepgoingin aSlam,”saidWong.

In the last match of the day theAmerican 14th seed Tommy Paul finally saw off Portugal’s Nuno Borges at 1:46 am in a brutal fivesetter

-TearfulGauffdigsdeep -Gauff displayed great resolvetoovercomeanother shaky performance that reduced her to tears in the night session on Arthur Ashe.

Third seed Gauff beat Croatia’s Donna Vekic 7-6 (7/5), 6-2 despite being

broken four times in the opening set as her serving woesresurfaced.

“Honestly, today was a toughmatchforme,butI’m just happy with how I was able to manage it,” said Gauff, choking back tears. “It’s been a rough couple of weeks.”

“I was just trying to tell myself to breathe, just put another ball in the court and keep doing the things that I dowell,”sheadded.

Gauff drew inspiration from the presence of gymnastics icon Simone Biles as she hauled herself outoftrouble.

“I was just thinking if she can go on a six-inch wide beam and perform with all the things she’s gone through, I can come out here on court and hit a ball,”saidGauff.

The American plays Poland’s Magdalena Frech in round three and could run into Naomi Osaka in a blockbuster last-16 clash featuring two former US Openchampions.

Osakaimpressedina63, 6-1 win over American HaileyBaptiste

The Japanese star has not gone beyond the third round of a major since winningthelastofherfour Grand Slams at the 2021 AustralianOpen.

Askedifshefeelsready tomakeanotherdeeprunin New York, she said: “I don’t make it my business toknowanymore Ikindof

justleaveitupintheair

“For me, I realise that I’ve done everything that I could. I’ve trained really hard. I practised really hard. Ifithappens,ithappens.”

Osaka will meet Australian 15th seed Daria Kasatkinainthelast32

Swiatek started

Thursday’s action on Arthur Ashe by fending offtheNetherlands’Suzan Lamens6-1,4-6,6-4

World number two Swiatek looked to be cruising as she led by a set and a break but stumbled

beforeeventuallyseeingoff the66th-rankedLamens.

“It wasn’t the easiest match It got a bit complicated in the second set, but I’m happy that I couldresetandstartplaying better in the third set,” said Swiatek.

Shes faces Russian

2 9 t h s e e d A n n a Kalinskaya for a spot in thelast16

Czech 11th seed Karolina Muchova, a semi-finalist the past two years, edged past Sorana Cirsteainthreesets

MochaNumberOnewinsAPNUinter wardsmallgoalfootballcompetition

BySamuelWhyte

A week of top notch

inter ward football competitioncametoanend recently when the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) staged an InterWardfiveaside,small goal $5M football competitionconcluded.

The event, which saw s o m e 3 5 t e a m s participating, was staged in observance of the Political M o v e m e n t ’s 1 4 t h anniversary The knockout tournament was called the,

“APNU Inter-Ward 5 ASide Football Tournament” and held at the People national Congress Reform ( P N C R ) S o p h i a HeadquartersCompound. Over $5M in cash and other incentives were up for grabs and with all the top inter ward football teams participating a keenly competitive and exciting tournament was held In the end it was the Mocha Number One team that came out victorious

with 3-1 victory over NorthEastLaPenitence

Other results show fromthequarterfinalstage Wortmanville defeatingAlbouystown1-0

East Ruimveldt winning from Mocha Number Two by a 2 – 1 margin North East La Penitence squeezing past South Ruimveldt 1-0 Mocha 1 getting past Timehri2–1

In the semifinal encounters- Mocha No 1 outscoredWortmanville4–

3 in a Ding Dong battle, while North East La Penitence won from East Ruimveldt 2 – 1 in another closelyfoughtgame.

In the third-place play off, Wortmanville defeated EastRuimveldt2-0toclaim thatprize.

Hefty prizes were at stake with the winning team Mocha walking away with over $2M Runner up North East La Penitencegot$1M.

T h i r d p l a c e d Wortmanville received

$750,000 while fourth placed East Ruimveldt carriedhome$500,000.The APNU organizers made sure that all the teams that participated received prize monies.

Teams losing at the quarterfinal stage got $25,000 Roundof16winnersgot $35,000 while losers collected$20,000.

Those winning first round matches received $30,000 while those bowingoutinthefirstround

got $15,000. Apart from the numerous well known Georgetown teams. Other teams were drawn from Berbice, Linden, Bartica, West Demerara, East Coast Demerara and East Bank Demerara.

The APNU movement would like to thank all the teams that participated and theirfollowers. They would like to congratulate the winners andencourageandwishthe others to keep on training andbetterlucknexttime.

Bournemouth bring Tottenham back T down to earth with deserved win

LONDON, (Reuters) -

Thefirstcloudsappearedon Tottenham Hotspur’s new dawn as Bournemouth gave them a stark reality check with a 1-0 Premier League victory that flattered the hostsonSaturday

Two wins from two league games after a rather unfortunatelossonpenalties to Paris St Germain in the U E FA S u p e r C u p represented an impressive start for new manager ThomasFrank.

Friday’s signing of Dutch playmaker Xavi Simonsaddedtothewaveof optimism apparent in the streets of north London beforekickoffonafreshlate summerday.

V i c t o r y o v e r Bournemouth to make it threewinsoutofthreewould have put Tottenham top of theformativetable.

But from the moment Evanilson’s deflected effort stunnedthehostsinthefifth minute that never looked likelyandhadBournemouth headed back to the south coast without three points it would have been daylight

robbery

Andoni Iraola’s side were better in every department and at one point early in the second half had managed16goalattemptsto Tottenham’s one. That stat e n d e d 1 9 - 5 i n

Bournemouth’s favour after afutilelaterallybySpurs. There were boos at the

Guyana’snine-memberteamto CACBodybuildingC/shipgiven neededsupportfromGOA

The G

O

Assoc

a

on (GOA) has pledged its support for the ninemember national

body

ng

eam heading to the 52nd Central American & Caribbean (CAC) Bodybuilding and Body Fitness Championship, set forSeptember26–28inSt. Lucia.

On Saturday, GOA

PresidentGodfreyMunroe officially handed over a sponsorship cheque worth GY$1,100,000 to Roger Callender,Presidentofthe GuyanaBodybuildingand Fitness Federation (GBBFF), at the association’s Liliendaal office The funds are intended to offset travel and participation costs for theteam.

The championship, to

Tottenham Hotspur’s Guglielmo Vicario makes a save as Cristian Romero andAFC Bournemouth’s TylerAdams look on. (REUTERS/Dylan Martinez)

be held at the Pavilion on the Ramp in Rodney Bay, is expected to attract between 200 to 300 athletes from 25 countries acrosstheregion.

GBBFF President R o g e r C a l l e n d e r welcomed the GOA’s support, stating, “This contribution comes at a crucialtime.

It reflects the GOA’s ongoing commitment to developing athletes across all disciplines and gives ourteamtheopportunityto proudly represent Guyana ontheregionalstage.”

TeamGuyanawillnow turn its focus to final preparationsaheadoftheir departure for what promises to be a highly competitive regional showdown.

F u r t h e r announcements will be madeinthecomingweeks.

final whistle from the home fans, which seemed frankly ridiculous despite a poor display Frank’s side, despite beatingBurnleyathomeand Manchester City away, are clearlyaworkinprogressas they move on from the trauma of last season when theyfinished17th.

Bournemouth, who threatened to qualify for Europe last season before fading, have managed to retaintheirbestplayersover thesummerandlookedlikea well-drilledoutfit.

Their relentless pressing gave Tottenham no time to build and up front, the quartetofAntoineSemenyo,

Marcus Tavernier, David Brooks and Evanilson led Tottenhamamerrydance.

Evanilson fired them in front when Marcos Senesi slid a pass forward and the Brazilian’s first-time effort flicked off Cristian Romero and flew past Guglielmo Vicario.

Bournemouth continued

to suffocate their hosts and Semenyowasguiltyofabad misswiththegoalgaping.

Semenyo soon played in Tavernier who was only denied by some desperate defending and Tottenham reached the interval with no further damage and with the chanceofare-boot.

But the second half provednobetter

Vicario, Tottenham’s best player by far, made another save to keep out Semenyo and Brooks then sent an effort against the woodwork after yet another savebytheItaliankeeper

When Tavernier thumped an effort into the side netting with the goal gaping, it appeared

Bournemouth might pay for not killing off the hosts and theynearlydid.

Tottenham’s substitutes Lucas Bergvall and Mathys Tel livened them up and Tel came closest to an equaliser ashisvolleyflashedwideof thepost.

Despitetheirlatenerves, Bournemouthheldontojoin Tottenham on six points fromthreematches.

The sponsorship cheque was officially handed over by GOAPresident Godfrey Munroe (second from right) and received by GBBFF President Roger Callender in the presence of a few members under the GOAumbrella.