K
Huge oil spill Friday Edition NEWS off the coast of Oman now covers hundreds of square miles
AIETEUR
August 14, 2026 - Vol. 28 No. 32
Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $200 readership
Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
yesterday, 44,577
Country Manager ExxonMobil Guyana, Alastair Routledge
Exxon extracted 1 billion barrels of oil in less than seven years – Routledge PAGE
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US$3.6B spent in local companies since 2019 - Exxon
15-year-old arrested after Corriverton sherman 10 dies following altercation
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p. 10
Dead: Asmat Mohamed Hussain
Australian firm secures US$3.5M to fund exploration, other works at newly acquired gold project in Guyana
Canadian firm announces plan to advance, integrate 3.2M ounce gold project with 4.64M Oko West project
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ExxonMobil extracted one billion barrels of oil in less than 7 years G
uyana has an oil reserve of about 11.6B barrels according to estimates provided by the Government of Guyana (GoG). In just over six years since production activities commenced in December 2019, ExxonMobil, the operator of the Stabroek Block has already produced a staggering one billion barrels of those resources. This was revealed by President of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), Alistair Routledge during the launch of the 2027 Guyana Energy Conference on Tuesday. During remarks, the principal sponsor of the event shared remarks, guided by the conference's theme 'Beyond frontiers, Guyana's Energy story'. Routledge told the gathering that Guyana has already achieved the
unimaginable considering the rapid pace of development and production. “We've achieved beyond the imaginable in Guyana a l r e a d y, t h e p a c e o f developments since that first
(FPSO) vessel that will produce hydrocarbons, as the project is already on its way to Guyana and will push production past one million barrels per day. To this end, he reported, “Indeed another milestone
miraculous discovery in May 2015, here we are just 11 years after and we are already producing around 900,000 barrels per day,” the Country Manager noted, as he pointed out that the country's daily capacity will increase before the end of the year as the fifth project, Uaru is expected to come online. The Floating Production Storage and Offloading
that we are about to push past depending on how you count the barrels, we may already have surpassed a billion barrels of production in Guyana. The first billion barrels. Quite a feat in such a short space of time and truly pushing beyond frontiers than in any other deep water or even offshore location has never been achieved at this
President of EMGL, Alistair Routledge pace with the same safety record and protection of the environment...” The Exxon official highlighted the importance of Guyana's oil that is
helping to provide critical resources to the globe as tensions continue in the Middle East. He pointed out that the collaboration with government has been the foundation of these achievements and working with the local private sector as he highlighted the importance of the Guyana Energy Conference in striking those connections. In November 2024, the company produced its first 500 million barrels of oil. At that time, the first three projects were producing around 650,000 bpd. Currently, four projects, Liza One and Two, Payara a n d Ye l l o w t a i l , a r e producing oil in the Stabroek Block at an average daily rate of about 870,000 barrels per day (bpd) according to recent statistics published by government. Exxon has received
regulatory approval from the GoG for seven projects. The sixth development, Whiptail is anticipated to add 250 kbd by the end of 2027. Additionally, Hammerhead, is expected to come online by 2029, producing 150,000 bpd. The seven projects are likely to take Guyana's production to around 1.5 million barrels per day. In the meantime, ExxonMobil has submitted plans to the GoG to develop two additional projects in the Stabroek Block. In March this year, Routledge said the company was set to submit a Field Development Plan (FDP) for the eighth project, Longtail, to the Ministry of Natural Resources. Exxon is simultaneously building a ninth project which aims to develop the gas resources in the Haimara discovery.
“It is sad to watch her fighting for her life, brain fully alert” – mother appeals for help to save daughter battling liver failure “It is sad to watch her fighting for her life, brain fully alert.” These are the words of Demise Fleming, a 62-year-old mother, who is pleading with the citizens of Guyana to help save her 34year-old daughter Tonya Toshanna Paul's life. Paul is suffering from liver failure. On Wednesday, in a live streamed video on Facebook, Fleming said that her daughter got ill around the latter part of February this year. They visited a private medical institution for treatment but the doctors there had given up on her. Since then, she has swollen to three times her normal size due to the buildup of fluid. She explained that, “The liver is damaged and spilling over the poisons to the rest of organs, but due to the love of God, she's still alive, and from then to now, I took her to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, where we did a CT scan, which show cirrhosis on the edges of the liver.” The visibly distraught mother revealed that recent ultrasounds performed on her child show that the
cirrhosis has taken over her entire liver and they were informed that this was the last step before she goes into total liver failure. Fleming went on to say that financially, it is getting harder as she is a single mother, taking care of her 90-year-old mother and her daughter. What is currently keeping Paul alive is a procedure called a paracentesis. This is a medical procedure that uses a needle or thin plastic tube (catheter) to drain excess fluid—known as ascites—from the peritoneal cavity inside the abdomen. Doctors perform it either to diagnose the underlying cause of the fluid buildup or to relieve severe abdominal pressure and breathing difficulty. The procedure costs the family $35,000 each time, and recently they have hit another bump in an already bumpy road. The radiologist is no longer able to effectively drain the fluids from Paul's abdomen due to the volume
present, which is making the procedure riskier as there is a chance other organs may be injured in the process. “So, after I did a few there, and then he reached a backup where he cannot get through. I started to seek outside help, which was when I ended up at Sheriff Hospital at Leonora, where I learned that we can do something called an albumin shot, which is the protein to help the liver, the liver is not producing protein. All doctors say the liver has failed, but God said no. The liver cannot produce the albumin. So, what I does is pay for albumin shot, $30,000. The first time I paid $45,000, I'm so busy, I didn't even know the amount…” she stressed. Giving the viewers a breakdown of their expenses, she said that the albumin shot is now $30,000, the paracentesis is $25,000 with an additional $4000 to administer the medication, bringing the total to $61,000 to get her temporary relief. There is also a doctor's
consultation of $6000, so that totals $67,000 and transportation from Linden to Leonora, the woman pays $30,000. Now that Paul's situation has worsened the doctor has advised that she be taken every three days to get her albumin shot. With her blood count dropping to a 7.5 Fleming said that they were advised that her daughter's kidneys could start failing next. “All the roads is pointing to a liver transplant. Now, as a mother, a single mother, I'm waking up to the fact that I have to start thinking out the box, and at the age of 62 years old, it is kind of scaring me. I have to start thinking of being a donor to give her a piece of my liver if I'm compatible. Now on Thursday, I'm doing an interview with doctors in Brazil because I'm more comfortable with going to Brazil or the liver transplant than going to India. I'm kind of scared of that, but India or Brazil is the two options. The rest is kind of restricted and shut down to a long waiting list on the
Demise Fleming and her 34-year-old daughter, Tonya Toshanna Paul residents of the country, so I'm arranging that when the interview's over, then finish Thursday, then I'm going to have to start raising funds. I'm trying to get somebody in America to start a GoFundMe…” she revealed. Fleming disclosed that there is an MMG number which is Paul's digital wallet where persons can donate money to help save her life. The number is +592-6754317.
Pleading with the public to help her save her child, she said, “I'm asking you, fellow Guyanese out there, if your heart is touched with this story, a mother don't ever give up on her child. I am in need of anyone who can assist me to raise funds because I have to take her back Thursday. As soon as the doctor returns, he's out on a vacation, Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. I'm even praying to God to keep her.”
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Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: DR. GLENN LALL - TEL: 624-6456 Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
The foreign invasion – real partner needed First, the Chinese came and setup their own city in Guyana’s rich goldfields. The Canadians came next, and by the droves. The last check indicated almost a dozen companies that fly the Maple Leaf flag are now firmly rooted in the goldfields of Guyana. The latest is that a company from the bottom of the world is now here and excited to be exploring for gold. Liberty Metals Ltd is the second Australian company that is tearing apart the rich lands of the interior in the hunt for gold. Citizens learn of tens of thousands of acres of gold lands awarded to different firms. Small cities by themselves that are, in effect, countries within this country in its deep hinterlands. There are two numbers that citizens are limited to hearing something about, and sometimes by chance. The gold companies operating here have to give their stakeholders updates, estimates from various projects. Guyanese are coincidental, even though it is their land and their treasure. We report about acreage to choke an elephant, but little else. Other than how many hundreds of thousands, or millions, of ounces of gold are projected to be won, the rest is a blank slate for Guyanese. The PPP/C government had mentioned that world-class gold companies would be coming to Guyana to unlock gold riches. That was it, with the usual celebration of jobs to be created and surrounding infrastructure to be built. No one in the government has thought it necessary to say something about the terms and conditions of the gold contracts signed with these foreign companies. We hear about acres and ounces, as estimated, but after that there is the usual blanket of silence. This country has had its hands chewed off by one company after another, and in more than one area of natural resource riches. Still, there is mostly silence. We remind readers of another Australian firm, Troy Resources, that came with big visions. It stayed a while, and when it left under the cover of dark, Guyana was left to pick up the pieces that it could not afford. Before Troy, there was a cyanide spill, and again those who benefited from rich gold harvests, packed up and took off. The biggest example of the disadvantage by far under which Guyana labours has to be the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement constructed by ExxonMobil, and signed off on by the APNU+AFC Coalition Government. An oil deal that holds this country hostage, and the executives of ExxonMobil still call themselves trusted partners. Now that the US$55B investment has been repaid, this country shall see by how much the money changes in the 50:50 profit split. We appreciate that business is a cold and ruthless calculation. What troubles is how this country always seems to be the party victimised, always left hanging and short. We need foreign investment dollars, foreign technology, and foreign expertise. They all come at a cost, not one of which is cheap. That much is accepted, but it would be a shot in the arm if the government would be less about what benefits the foreign explorers and self-enrichers, and more of what works to the benefit of citizens. It could be gold, it is oil and gas, and it may be uranium, and the results are always the same. The foreign companies are incentivised, and the population is further degraded. There is no logic to what is going on in Guyana, where foreign investors flock here to strike it rich in gold and bauxite and oil and gas. Just wait a while, and rare earths could be added to that list that grows steadily. Almost half the people hungry, the elderly struggling, and then there is this other development that is now the norm. In a country flush with investment, and economic activity, there is the irony that the commercial banks do not have foreign currency (US dollars) to offer to citizens. In a transformational economy and numbers that leave other countries green with envy, foreign currency is unavailable. We wish to make clear that we welcome foreign investors, but the terms must be favourable. When those are so, and made public, then Guyana has finally gained a true partner.
The credibility of the CCJ at stake DEAR EDITOR, I recently watched an interview with former Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton in which he disclosed what, if accurately reported, is deeply troubling information concerning the President of the Caribbean Court of Justice, Justice Winston Anderson. According to Mr. Norton, Justice Anderson contacted him when he was at the office of the President or State House, one assumes in the presence of President Irfaan Ali, attempted to persuade him to agree to the Government’s proposed substantive appointments of the Chief Justice and Chancellor of the Judiciary. One of the arguments reportedly advanced was that at least one of the proposed appointees would be Black. If this account is accurate, the public deserves a full explanation. Why would the President of the CCJ become involved in negotiations between the President of Guyana and the Opposition Leader concerning appointments to Guyana’s judiciary? More importantly, why did Mr. Norton wait until now to disclose this information to the Guyanese people? If he believed at the time that the President of the CCJ was improperly involving himself in a political and constitutional matter, why was the matter not brought to the nation’s attention when it occurred? These questions have become even mo r e imp o r tan t f o llo w in g th e extraordinary allegations now emerging from within the CCJ itself, where five of Justice Anderson’s fellow judges have reportedly raised serious concerns about his administration of the Court,
including issues relating to judicial independence, panel composition, decision-making and alleged attempts to influence colleagues. I am not suggesting that the allegations contained in the leaked correspondence have been proven. They must be independently investigated. But the fact that these concerns are reportedly coming from sitting judges of the CCJ itself makes them impossible to dismiss as merely political accusations. This brings me to what I find to be a serious contradiction in Mr. Norton’s current position. Mr. Norton has indicated that, while he would not call for Justice Anderson to be fired, he believes that Justice Anderson should step down as President of the CCJ. At the same time, however, Mr. Norton appears prepared to accept Justice Anderson acting as an arbitrator in a matter involving the Government of Guyana. How can both positions be reconciled? If Justice Anderson’s conduct has created such a serious perception of bias or compromised confidence in his ability to lead the Court that he should relinquish the presidency, why would that same person be considered sufficiently impartial to arbitrate a dispute involving the Government of Guyana? This is not about whether one supports Aubrey Norton, the PNC, the PPP or President Ali. It is about a fundamental principle of an independent judiciary. I am also troubled by what appears to be Mr. Norton’s willingness to contradict the position of the Parliamentary
Opposition leadership. If the Opposition’s parliamentary leader has called for Justice Anderson to step down, while the former Opposition Leader takes a different position, what exactly is the official position of the PNC/APNU? A serious political party aspiring to govern Guyana cannot speak with multiple voices on matters as fundamental as judicial independence and constitutional governance. The PNC must decide whether it wants to remain trapped in internal divisions or rebuild itself into a modern, credible national political organisation. That requires a congress, not simply to change personalities, but to establish a clear vision and a leadership team capable of speaking with one voice. That leadership must be representative of the whole of Guyana: experienced political leaders, young people, women, professionals and people from every region and section of our society. Guyana needs an opposition that can challenge the government, when necessary, but also one that can demonstrate that it understands the importance of institutions, constitutional conventions and the independence of the judiciary. The questions surrounding Justice Anderson are too serious for political partisanship. The credibility of the Caribbean’s highest court—and public confidence in the administration of justice—are too important to be treated as another political football. Sincerely, Rawle Blackman
The Mohameds CCJ Ruling was always unambiguous DEAR EDITOR, This ‘fanning for smoke’ by ‘only’ some sections of Team Mohamed is stirring my angst. In fact, it is now mounting as I am digesting, from the dailies, the portent of the caption, “CCJ under pressure as judges’ leaked emails raise questions over independence.” Inhering in the ‘supposed’ news piece is that the ‘internal rift at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) is spawning suspicions of ‘nonindependence and loss of credibility’ of the said CCJ, the region’s highest court.’ This uncalled-for furore revolves around ‘leaked emails’ in which ‘sitting judges are seemingly accusing President Justice Winston Anderson of ‘dictatorial’ leadership, panel manipulation, and attempts to influence judicial opinions.’ So, what do I make of this? First, it is that in Guyana, especially, the combined opposition, their followers and more so, their legal team have no basis for deeming the CCJ as prejudiced, or pandering to a particular party in the just concluded extradition case, involving the Mohameds and Guyana’s Minister of Home Affairs. The ruling from the CCJ, unanimously too, was that the case can resume, after it was disrupted by a legal challenge from the father and son. I really want John ‘Foolish’ Public to absorb this. It is that the Mohameds’ formal legal defense team, comprising
Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde, along with Siand Dhurjon, and Damien Da Silva, at no time (up to the present) ever accuse or hinted that the CCJ was biased in its ruling. As a matter of fact, following the July 29, 2026 judgment, the attorneys overtly and explicitly welcomed some aspects of the court’s 256-page ruling. Contrary to this, and like a spoiled and spanked child, Azruddin Mohamed himself, via his various channels, is publicly attacking the integrity of the CCJ ‘after internal judge emails were leaked.’ What is comical and yet dangerous is that the various responses emanating manifest a noticeable divergence between the official legal team and Azruddin Mohamed’s public campaigners, with the latter trying to ‘cook up’ something. A worthy point to note is that the legal team pointed out that the CCJ judges actually agreed that public statements made by Guyanese Attorney General Anil Nandlall had crossed the threshold into “apparent bias”. (This was an issue that was used to chastise the Honourable Attorney General). Yet, the very court ultimately ruled that the AG’s ‘bias’ (if that was so), did not legally taint the Home Affairs Minister ’s separate decision to authorize the extradition). This is a classic case of being ‘disinterested’ and dispassionate’ regarding any issue in life and not just the
courts. In suspecting that Anil swayed Minister Oneidge Walrond is to reduce her to a puppet, and I am glad that the CCJ clearly indicated her ‘independence’ and ‘non-persuaded’ decision. Secondly, I come to these ‘Allegations of “Panel Fixing”, where the idea is being touted that the CCJ President Justice Winston Anderson attempted, or sought some kind of altering or manipulating of the composition of judicial panels to sway outcomes…” To this, I submit that these leaked emails do not prove, or even suggest that that the final ruling against the Mohameds was biased or legally compromised. However, they supposedly expose ‘… a fierce internal crisis regarding the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) President’s leadership style and administrative overreach, and in no way even suggests that the substantive verdict itself was infected by bias. As we all know, long before this leak, the ruling was a Unanimous Verdict. This was never an issue, even though there were procedural disagreements over how the case was being managed administratively. The crux was that ‘all’ the sitting CCJ judges ultimately agreed with the final decision to dismiss the Mohameds’ appeal and clear the path for their extradition. Legal experts who weighed Continued on page 5
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President Ali model villages is taking national Exxon has recovered prosperity opportunities directly to the people its US$55 billion; time DEAR EDITOR, They are some leaders who articulate ideas and vision, some who inspire others to dream big. President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan is not just a visionary leader, he acts on his vision and ideas into bringing them into reality. He gets the job done. One such vision is President Ali’s Model Village Initiative. This visionary project represents much more than another infrastructure programme. It is an important attempt to redefine community development in Guyana by recognising that national prosperity has its greatest meaning when citizens can experience it within the communities where they live. The President captured this philosophy powerfully when he declared that “national prosperity must translate into community prosperity.” That principle should become one of the defining standards by which Guyana’s present transformation is measured. What makes the Model Village concept particularly significant is its integrated approach. It brings together improved roads and drainage, walkways, street lighting, landscaping, security and CCTV systems, recreational facilities, proper zoning, commercial opportunities, agriculture, entrepreneurship and other community services. In other words, the objective is not
simply to beautify villages, but to make them safer, cleaner, more productive, economically viable and better places to raise families. It raises living standards and improves overall quality of life for all its inhabitants. Equally important is the President’s emphasis on “devolution” taking government services and economic opportunities directly into communities. This is critical because development should not require people constantly to leave their villages in search of opportunity. Wherever practical, investment, employment, entrepreneurship and services should increasingly be brought closer to them. President Ali’s previous experience as Minister of Housing is particularly relevant. Housing development teaches us that allocating a house lot or constructing a house is only the beginning. Sustainable communities require roads, drainage, water, electricity, security, recreation, businesses, employment and social infrastructure. His understanding of housing, combined with his emphasis on agriculture and local economic development, is clearly reflected in this broader vision. The consultation with residents is equally commendable, providing transparency and accountability. Communities must not simply be
recipients of development; they should be participants in determining what development means for them. The people know their drainage problems, security concerns, infrastructure deficiencies and economic needs better than anyone else. The importance of this initiative therefore extends beyond the first 23 villages. When successfully implemented, these communities can provide a model that can be adapted and expanded throughout Guyana. That is why implementation will now be critical. Plans must become projects, consultations must produce measurable results, and communities must remain involved throughout the process. President Ali deserves commendation for personally championing an initiative that seeks to c o n n e c t G u y a n a ’s n a t i o n a l transformation with the everyday lives of its citizens. Ultimately, billions in national development will mean little if prosperity does not reach our streets, homes, families and villages. National prosperity must become community prosperity. The Model Village Initiative provides Guyana with an important opportunity to make that principle visible, tangible and lasting. Yours respectfully, Jermaine Figueira
The Importance of Listening to Children: Why Every Child’s Voice Deserves to be Heard and Believed DEAR EDITOR, I believe that, as a society, we are yet to fully understand the importance of truly listening to our children. This may be because children do not always have the words to clearly explain what they are feeling, but they communicate through their actions, emotions and behaviour. A change in a child’s mood, withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed, increased fearfulness or sudden struggles at school may all be signs that something is wrong and should never be ignored. Paying attention to these changes is essential in
helping us recognise concerns early and provide the support children need. As adults, we have a responsibility to listen to children, not just hear their words, but truly pay attention to their concerns. As a guest on our programme once shared, “we need to listen more than we speak, and treat children with the same respect we expect from them.” Every child deserves to feel safe enough to speak, and every child deserves to be believed when they share their experiences. Too often, children remain silent because they fear they will not be taken seriously, that they may be
blamed, or that no one will take action. When we dismiss their feelings or concerns, we send a message that their voices do not matter. During a recent conversation, a parent shared an important reminder: when children ask questions, even questions that may seem obvious, it is important that we take the time to listen and respond. It is not simply about the question itself, but about the fact that children are looking to us for guidance, reassurance and understanding. The way we respond helps determine whether they feel safe enough to continue sharing with us.
Creating a safer society for children begins with trust, compassion and action. Parents, teachers, caregivers and communities must work together to ensure that children know they are valued, protected and supported. A child’s voice may be small, but it carries great importance. When we listen to children, we empower them, protect them and create a future where every child has the opportunity to grow in a safe and nurturing environment. Yours faithfully, Daniela Araujo Communications Officer ChildLink Inc.
The Mohameds CCJ Ruling was always... From page 4 in on the matter noted that the core of the leaked email fight centered on administrative disputes—such as judicial dress codes, panel assignments, and timing—rather than the integrity or factual evidence of the judgments. This hushes the argument that ‘the leaks pander toward a lack of fairness and independence. It should silence all seeking to gain ‘political leverage to demand an independent review of the
entire CCJ institution. Let me remind readers that the accusation heaped on the President of the court, regarding ‘directives’ to remove certain judges, has nothing to do with the ‘father and son’ matter that was just concluded. That directive was issued for a different regional matter, the D’Almada v TT, Jamaica and Caricom case. That was when, on June 26, 2026, Justice Anderson sent an internal email to
Justices Chile Eboe-Osuji and Arif Bulkan stating, without prior explanation, that he had “determined that a change in the panel” was “desirable”. This action effectively removed Justice Eboe-Osuji from hearing the D’Almada case. If I were in the place of the Mohameds, my energies will definitely not be so ill-directed. Yours truly, Hargesh B. Singh
to talk Guyanese, sirs!
DEAR EDITOR, Guyana has reached a defining moment. ExxonMobil has confirmed that its Stabroek Block consortium has fully recovered approximately US$55 billion in investments and operating costs—almost two years ahead of schedule. Congratulations! This changes everything. Under the 2016 oil agreement, Exxon and its partners could use up to 75% of monthly production to recover costs. The remaining “profit oil” was divided equally between the consortium and Guyana, which also receives a mere 2% royalty. Now that the US$55 billion cost bank has been recovered, Exxon cannot continue deducting historical expenses as though they remain unpaid. After legitimate current expenses, Guyana must receive its full 50% share of profit oil. Exxon’s own production entitlement will fall by approximately 100,000 barrels per day as Guyana’s share increases. Every additional barrel and dollar must be properly accounted for and publicly disclosed. The Government must immediately reveal when the US$55 billion was fully r e c o v e r e d , G u y a n a ’s increased monthly allocation, and all new expenses being placed into the cost-recovery account. Future projects such as Uaru, Whiptail and Longtail will generate new costs. But Guyana must not allow those expenses to recreate a permanent 75% deduction. Every charge must be independently audited, reasonably incurred and properly attributed. Significantly, United States President Donald Trump recently accused ExxonMobil and Chevron of making “too much money” and said they should return some of their profits to the public, and by parity of reasoning, Guyana.
“Chevron, too much money. ExxonMobil, too much. Too much money,” P r e s i d e n t Tr u m p h a s declared, calling upon these companies to reduce prices and give some of their profits back. If the President of the United States believes these American corporations are earning excessive profits, Guyana has even stronger grounds to demand a fairer return from its own irreplaceable natural resources. President Irfaan Ali should immediately seek President Trump’s support in pressing ExxonMobil and Chevron for better terms. Trump’s comments do not legally rewrite the contract, but they create a rare political and negotiating opportunity. Ignoring it would be governmental malpractice. Guyana should now demand a royalty substantially higher than 2%, strict ring-fencing of individual projects, limits and independent audits of recoverable expenses, stronger taxes and environmental protections, greater local ownership and employment, and a fairer national share from all future projects, as these oil giants continue to profit from one of the world’s richest petroleum discoveries. Guyanese cannot continue to face poverty, u n r e l i a b l e e l e c t r i c i t y, inadequate healthcare, poor infrastructure and a rising cost of living, while more than 900,000 barrels are being produced every day. Guyana’s oil wealth must now be visible in better wages, pensions, hospitals, schools, transportation, housing, roads and opportunities for every citizen. Pick up that phone, President Ali. Read from this script. Guyana must recover its rightful share. Regards, Albert Baldeo
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Iran, U.S. make competing claims over control of Strait of Hormuz DUBAI, Aug 13 (Reuters) - The Strait of Hormuz is “under Iran’s control and management”, the recently appointed head of Iran’s Basij paramilitary unit said on Thursday, a day after U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States had “total control” of the strategic waterway. Hossein Taeb said the U.S. had sought to disrupt what he described as the I s l a m i c R e p u b l i c ’s popularity in the region by launching another war in the Strait of Hormuz, but had once more been defeated despite claiming Iran had neither an air force nor a navy. “Today you see that the Strait of Hormuz is under the management `and control of the Islamic Republic,” Taeb said, according to the semiofficial Fars news. He added that Iran was continuing on
its course in complete security. After the start of the war, which began with U.S.Israeli strikes on Iran on F e b r u a r y 2 8 , Te h r a n effectively shut the strait, through which a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas was previously shipped. The U.S. subsequently imposed a naval blockade on Iranian shipping and ports, while saying it would protect freedom of navigation for vessels travelling to and from non-Iranian ports. IRANIAN ADVISER SPEAKS OF ‘NEW REGIONAL ORDER’ Iran’s joint military command, Khatam alAnbiya Central Headquarters, said later on Thursday that no vessel could transit the Strait of Hormuz without Tehran’s permission.
Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, August 3, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer “The baseless claims made by the United States regarding the normal passage of vessels through the Strait `Hormuz ... are nothing more than lies and falsehoods,” the command said in a statement published by state media. In June, the two countries reached an interim agreement declaring a
permanent ceasefire and calling for a swift return to freedom of navigation in the Gulf. The deal unravelled a few weeks later, with both sides accusing the other of violations. Iran resumed limited attacks on vessels that it said were sailing contrary to the arrangements under the ‘agreement, and
the U.S. restarted strikes on Iran’s southern provinces, which Washington said were aimed at degrading Tehran’s ability to target vessels in the Gulf. In a post on X on T h u r s d a y, M o h a m m a d Mokhber, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, said that Mojtaba’s strategy would be
“offensive war”, if `Tehran’s conditions were not met. “The most enduring path to a new regional order lies in implementing the Hormuz economic-security mechanism, independent of Wa s h i n g t o n ’s m i l i t a r y guarantees,” Mokhber wrote, in an apparent reference to an expected deal between Iran and Oman to organise transit through `the Strait of Hormuz. Separately on Thursday, senior military political official Rasoul Sanaei-Rad said Iran would not reopen the strait unless the other side fulfilled its commitments under the interim deal, adding that the reopening of the waterway was not something the U.S. could achieve unilaterally, according to Fars news.
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US$3.6 billion spent in local companies since 2019 - Exxon
ExxonMobil's Headquarters at Ogle, East Coast Demerara ExxonMobil and its partners have spent US$3.6B in Guyana to date of the US$55B the company has spent to develop the Stabroek Block resources. This was revealed by President of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), Alistair Routledge. He said, “Collectively the industry has spent over US$3.6B in local companies. These are significant numbers and significant contributions, but in the theme of going beyond frontiers our ambition continues to be higher than that.” “This is tremendous progress by any metric in any other country but we believe that there is a lot more we can do and so the collaboration as we continue to move forward and the
discussions at the (2027 Guyana Energy) conference will be incredibly important to ensure that we can continue to do that,” the Country Manager added. Earlier in his presentation, Routledge highlighted the remarkable success of the company's operations in the Stabroek Block, moving from discovery to producing 900,000 barrels per day (bpd) in 11 years. He pinned these achievements on the collaboration with government which lies at the foundation and working with the local private sector. According to him, “Working with the private sector, the business support organisations in order to ensure that this is a journey
that we take together, that the local industry and the local business sector can profit from it because at the end of the day, we are developing the nation's resources. These are Guyana's resources, albeit they are for the benefit of feeding the demand in the world for energy.” Already, more than 2000 local vendors have been registered to benefit from local content opportunities, but Exxon said there is still room for greater collaboration. Additionally, Exxon said “...more international companies can come in and benefit from the local expertise, the local knowledge and continue to propel Guyana's story forward and to be new frontiers.”
The Local Content Act was passed in the National Assembly in December 2021. It is intended to regulate the way companies operate in Guyana's oil and gas sector; employ persons, buy services and the way that they procure goods. Since its passage however, there have been complaints of 'fronting' or 'rent-a-citizen' where Guyanese are used to front businesses for foreign companies to grasp opportunities in the petroleum sector, thereby shortening the share intended for locals. Previously, the former Head of the Local Content Secretariat, Martin Pertab flagged, “So, in some cases…some of the agreement in favour of the
Three miners arrested for Issano Landing armed robbery; firearm recovered Three persons have been arrested following an armed robbery which occurred on Thursday at 14 Miles, Issano Landing, Middle Mazaruni River. According to police, the robbery occurred at approximately 03:00h. The victim, a 30-year-old gold miner of St. Ignatius Village, Central Rupununi, was allegedly assaulted and robbed at gunpoint.According to preliminary investigations, the victim was at a shop in the area when he was approached by two men, ages 27 and 49, both gold miners from Craig, East Bank Demerara, and West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, respectively. During the encounter, one of the suspects was reportedly armed with a handgun, and several rounds were discharged. The victim was allegedly assaulted and relieved of his wallet, which contained approximately G$130,000, before the suspects fled the scene on a motorcycle. He was later found injured and taken to the Mahdia Regional Hospital, where he was admitted. His condition is described as serious but stable. Acting on information received, police apprehended the two suspects at
The Glock pistol found by police
14 Miles Backdam. Further investigations led ranks to another location in the area, where a Glock pistol, one magazine, and three live rounds of ammunition were recovered. A 32-year-old gold miner of
Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara, was subsequently arrested in connection with the find. The firearm, magazine, and ammunition have been lodged pending examination.
foreign counterpart, would be like, you know, one you can't sell the share, two you can't make any decision without our input, though we own 49%. When you look at it that is not beneficial ownership. How can you have more than 51% of the shares, and yet you can make decision by yourself, without the 49% you know, shareholders.” It was recently revealed that Exxon has spent US$55B to date to develop the seven approved oil projects in Stabroek. Those costs have already been repaid by Guyana using the country's oil. The First Schedule of the Act sets out 40 categories of work for Guyanese participation via the supply of goods and the provision of services which include: food supply, rental of office space, accommodation, insurance, accounting and legal services. Foreign companies wanting to operate within those areas
are required to partner with local firms. However, the law stipulates that the Guyanese partner must have 51% or more beneficial ownership, among other benefits. According to the Act, Guyanese must provide 90% of office space rental; 90% of accommodation services (rental of houses and apartments;25% pipe welding onshore; 75% nonhazardous waste management; 90% janitorial and laundry services; 90% catering; 75% food supply; 100% immigration services and 100% local insurance services to name a few. The private sector here has called for increased local content targets in the schedule to shore up more opportunities for Guyanese. Government said it commenced the process to revise the Act with a view of increasing Guyanese participation in the oil and gas sector in November 2025.
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Friday August 14, 2026
Huge oil spill off the coast of Oman now covers hundreds of square miles CNN - An oil spill from a stranded tanker off the coast of Oman now covers an estimated 500 square miles (1,300 square kilometers), the environmental organization Greenpeace told CNN, prompting fears that a major ecological disaster could be unfolding in the Arabian Sea. The spill has spread to mainland Oman, roughly 120 miles (200km) from the tanker, according to Omani authorities. Greenpeace campaigner Hanen Keskes said their analysis of satellite images showed fragmented spots, meaning the spill is in multiple areas rather than one continuous mass.
The Omani government is yet to confirm the size of the impacted areas. Its environment authority did not respond to questions from CNN. The government instructed citizens to avoid fishing in affected areas and to report unusual odors and oil sightings. It also said it would test seafood in markets to check for pollutants. International salvage e f f o r t s a r e u n d e r w a y, involving vessels and aircraft “with over 100 tons of equipment,” according to British maritime security company Ambrey. But the operation is being hampered (Continued on page 16)
A satellite image shows the damaged vessel Caroline Bezengi at sea off the coast of Oman, on August 13. (Airbus/Reuters)
Australian firm secures US$3.5 million to fund exploration, other works at newly acquired gold project in Guyana
New Oko Discovery: 60m @ 5.9g/t Au 100m @ 2.2g/t Au
15m @ 6.3g/t Au 47m @ 1.1g/t Au
Greater Oko: +9Moz
G3 GOLDFIELDS
m
Peters Mine
30 k
programme and maiden auger drilling at Oko North and Oko South and general working capital purposes. Liberty plans to commence its maiden systematic geochemical programme in the third quarter of 2026. The programme will include soil sampling and trenching aimed at identifying targets for drilling. The company will subsequently conduct geological mapping and structural interpretation across the interpreted continuation of the Oko trend before defining targets for a maiden drilling campaign. Liberty said the immediate exploration programme is designed to establish whether the geological trends hosting the Oko discoveries extend into its newly acquired ground. Liberty's entry adds another Australian player to the growing number of international firms pursuing opportunities in Guyana's gold sector, particularly within the Oko district – where more than nine million ounces of gold has been established.
m
Oko NW Discovery:
180 square kilometres (km²), in the Cuyuni Mining District of Region Seven. In conjunction with the acquisition, Liberty also received firm commitments from “sophisticated and professional” investors to raise A$5 million through the issue of 2 billion fully paid ordinary shares at an issue price of A$0.0025 per share. According to Liberty, the funds raised under the placement will be applied towards immediate exploration programme, data compilation, geological mapping, geochemical sampling
15k
A
ustralian-listed Liberty Metals has secured A$5 million (approximately US$3.5 million) through a share placement to fund exploration and other works, at its newly acquired Oko North and Oko South gold projects in Guyana. Liberty Metals entered into a binding four-year option agreement with a private Guyanese vendor (name not disclosed) to acquire 90% interest in the Oko North and Oko South Gold Projects, a package of 40 granted mediumscale mining permits covering approximately 44,288 acres, or
Oko North Project
The blue lines show the Oko North and Oko South blocks, which cover an area of 180 km²
Shear Zone Gold Workings Oko South Project
Greenstone Granite Significant Prospects
Regional geological setting of the Oko North and Oko South Projects within the Barama-Mazaruni greenstone belt of the Guiana Shield, showing the two consolidated blocks relative to the ground held by Canadian firm GMIN.
Kaieteur News
Friday August 14, 2026
PAGE 09
ROAD OR RAIL?
It is commendable that the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has taken the time to respond to the concerns being raised about the proposed Versailles-toParika four-lane highway and, in particular, the allegation that the project is grossly overpriced when compared with the Ecclesto-Great Diamond road. Too often, governments spend billions of taxpayers’ dollars and then behave as though asking questions about the money is an act of treason. The CH&PA in its response exposes a serious weakness in the comparison being made by Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed. The $13.3 billion for Ecclesto-Great Diamond is the actual contract price of a completed project, while the roughly $108 billion, or $121 billion depending on which figure one is using, for Versailles-to-Parika is an estimate for a project that has not yet been awarded. The CH&PA’s larger point is that Mohamed is comparing the headline prices of two projects without examining what each project actually contains. In other words, he is not comparing apples with apples, or even oranges with oranges; he is comparing oranges with mangoes and then wondering why they don’t taste the same. The first difference is size, and this is not insignificant. The Eccles-to-
Great Diamond highway is approximately 8.6 kilometres, while the Ve r s a i l l e s - t o - P a r i k a highway is about 20.74 kilometres, making the latter roughly 2.4 times longer. But length does not tell the whole story, says CH&PA. The preparation base for the Region 4 road was about 25.99 metres wide, while the Region 3 road requires a formation approximately 53.15 metres wide, meaning that the area requiring preparation and sand filling is estimated to be about 4.9 times greater. That means more sand, more earthmoving, more compaction and more preparation before anybody even starts laying the pavement. So, the simple calculation of dividing the total project cost by the number of kilometres of finished road is clearly inadequate. Then there are the access roads. Eccles-to-Great Diamond included approximately 0.8 kilometres of road widening and upgrading, while Ve r s a i l l e s - t o - P a r i k a includes about 68 kilometres of access roads and associated upgrades. That is an enormous difference which cannot simply disappear because somebody wants to produce a neat cost-per-kilometre figure. Those additional roads require earthworks, pavement, drainage, labour, equipment and materials, all
of which cost money. The bridge component is also substantially different. Region 4 had 40 bridges, amounting to about 1,500 linear feet, while Region 3 has 62 bridges amounting to approximately 4,050 linear feet, including 18 separate 120-foot bridges compared with only two in Region 4. Region 4 has more culverts by number, but when their actual dimensions are considered, Region 3 has approximately 514 linear metres compared with 486 metres in Region 4, and construction cost depends on dimensions, reinforcement, foundations and ground conditions, not merely on the number of holes under the road. Then comes revetment, with Versailles-to-Parika including about 3.82 kilometres of work to protect and stabilise embankments and adjoining waterways. That is another component which did not form part of the identified Eccles-toGreat Diamond scope. Perhaps the most important difference is that the Region 3 project requires more than 31,100 metres of prefabricated vertical drains, reaching depths of approximately 10 to 18 metres, because of weak and highly compressible coastal soils. CH&PA also points out that Region 4 had reinforced-concrete pavement, reinforcedconcrete medians and
Dem Boys Seh...
America using Guyana! Dem boys seh that Guyana must be careful when people come with big smiles, handshakes and small cheques, because sometimes the size of the cheque is inversely proportional to the size of the friendship. The latest American gift is US$2 million for an unmanned aerial surveillance system. Dem boys seh, thank you very much—but that is chicken feed compared with what China has been putting on the table. China, years ago, gave Guyana about US$5 million in military equipment and has continued supporting the country with military assistance. So, when Uncle Sam come with US$2 million and tell Guyana how much he loves we, dem boys seh don’t get too emotional. Look at the receipt first. Because the Americans are not exactly flying drones over Guyana out of pure brotherly affection. They have a drug problem, and a good part of the cocaine leaving South America has to cross somebody else’s backyard before reaching the United States. And guess whose backyard is conveniently located? Guyana. So, the surveillance system is useful to
Guyana, yes. But it is also useful to Washington. In fact, Uncle Sam is spending a little money to put a bigger lock on his own front door. Dem boys seh that is not charity; that is investment. But what really causing dem boys to scratch dem head is the other American love affair. America coming here talking sweet, signing agreements and showing interest in Guyana’s bauxite, partly because Washington wants to outflank China and reduce Beijing’s influence in our mining sector. Dem boys seh that is when the chicken start laughing at the fox. Because while America telling Guyana, “We are your friends,” it is also imposing heavy tariffs on Guyanese exports. So, America wants our bauxite, wants to weaken China’s position, wants our strategic cooperation—and then puts a tariff at the gate when Guyanese goods trying to enter its market. Dem boys seh Guyana must stop choosing friends based on who smiles widest. In geopolitics, everybody has an appetite. The smart country simply makes sure it is not the chicken on the menu. Talk half. Leff half.
substantial concrete drainage, all of which can be expensive. In other words, the Authority has not attempted to pretend that every feature favours its own argument; it has acknowledged that some elements of the Region 4 project were more costly. All of this makes the CH&PA’s response useful because it demonstrates that Mohamed’s methodology is flawed. But—and this is a very large but—the CH&PA has not demonstrated that Versailles-to-Parika is reasonably priced. It has demonstrated that Mohamed cannot simply take $13.3 billion, compare it with $108 or $121 billion, divide each figure by the length of the main highway and declare the latter project overpriced. What CHPA has not demonstrated is that the quantities, unit prices and total costs contained in the Ve r s a i l l e s - t o - P a r i k a estimate are reasonable and will represent value for money. That is the question taxpayers should still be asking. How much will each kilometre of access road cost, how much will each bridge cost, what is the cost of the PVDs, how much is being paid for sand filling, what are the costs of the revetment, drainage and
other components, and how do those prices compare with similar projects? And there is another question which seems to be missing from the debate altogether. Before Guyana spends more than $100 billion on a road, has anybody seriously examined whether a railway might provide better long-term value for moving people, construction materials and agricultural produce between Versailles and Parika? The proper question is, “What is the most efficient transportation system for this corridor over the next 30, 40 or 50 years?” That requires comparing road against rail. So let us give CH&PA credit for answering the criticism instead of hiding behind the familiar government response of “trust us, we know what we
are doing.” It has shown that Mohamed’s comparison is methodologically weak; but showing that someone is comparing oranges with mangoes is not the same thing as proving that the mangoes are worth $121 billion. The government still owes the public the second and more important half of the argument: not merely why Mohamed’s comparison is wrong, but why this particular project is worth what it is estimated to cost. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Kaieteur News
PAGE 10 UTHS
D TR
HAR
HK
BY G
LALL
Friday August 14, 2026
H@RD TRUTHS
BY GHK LALL
Slow walk into the sunset Soon it will be four weeks since the horrendous MV Barima tragedy struck the consciousness. Already, the PPP Govt's tactic is obvious: slow walk this national tragedy into obscurity. I watch the bereaved families, the wider Guyanese family, how they react. There's a Commission of Inquiry (COI). Terms of Reference have been set. The COI has a secretary. A familiar face, a man familiar with how the national space operates. Ready, set, go. Not so fast! Mr. Javed Shadick supplied the details. 'Preparatory stage.' And 'administrative arrangements.' Specifically, from Secretary Shadick himself, “We are still doing the foundational work right now.” In thanking Secretary Shadick, I take the liberty of adding a prayer: may the foundation prove firm, may
the whole edifice hold intact. A hundred Guyanese died; no one knows how many are missing. Regardless of how many, this conclusion can be memorialised in steel: they are all dead. The final total may be 125, 150, maybe more. I'll leave it right there. By God, where is the sense of urgency in this COI? Where's respect for the dead beyond three days of mourning? And the usual presidential sprinting at full throttle. To hold hands. To weep a gallon of, ah, well, I might as well settle for tears. The PPP Govt's strategy is as clear as day at midday. Not one cloud in the sky to mar the pathos of another Guyana day. Slow walk the COI to death. Bad choice of words; the government left with no choice. It's almost midAugust. With kindest regards for Secretary
Shadick, he has been given a basket to bail the Atlantic Ocean. Get this straight: I am not shedding one teardrop for him. Let me use what he offered with a heart of gold. “Foundational work” in motion. Wonderful, I say after all these days. By my estimation, the “foundational work” could be completed by the end of August. By that time, the chair from Belize, and the other COI members would have bought their tickets and readying to travel to Guyana. Is there winter in Belize? Just checking to determine if there's a blizzard in the forecast, which could slowdown the start of the COI business some more. From a slow walk to a turtle's trot to a snail's pace. It is PPP Guyana. A man in a wheelchair with the wheels locked would have covered
more ground than this COI to nowhere. Now I have a favour to ask of Secretary Shadick. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963. On December 5, 1963, the President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy held its first meeting at 10 a.m. In less than two weeks, Chairman Earl Warren was moving. It was a president who had half of his head blown off, I will readily agree. Yet, in a time of unbelievable American agony and haunting numbness, there was still that will to move on, get things done. Perhaps, Secretary Shadick could include this in the COI's records. Identify me as the first witness. We didn't lose a national leader, and I thank God for that benevolence.
We lost more than a president. Guyana lost 100 d e a d . A catastrophe that is a crime if ever there was one. M y f e l l o w Guyanese, permit me to be chandelier clear. This COI will be a flop. It is already shaping up to be a farce. One of those now patented PPP Gov't productions that start out promising the world, only to terminate with Guyanese given a shovel to bury their hopes and their griefs. Since when has anything good come out of PPP Gov't lands? Of course, farms are exempted from this sharing with citizens. Secretary Shadick can record all of that and this, too: I will call
situations as I see them. This COI is going nowhere, other than to march it slow walk into the sunset. By that time, Guyanese would have been overtaken by other events. Interest dimmed. Passions drained. For the families who lost before, they must brace themselves for one more loss. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
15-year-old arrested after Corriverton fisherman GLASS Group and GuyAMBank award bursaries to 10 NGSA achievers dies following altercation
The recipients of the GLASS Group and GuyAMBank bursary awards
T
en children of employees at the Guyana Logistics and Support Services Inc. (GLASS) Group of Companies were awarded bursaries on August 13, 2026, in recognition of their performance on the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), through a partnership between GLASS and the Guyana Americas Merchant Bank (GuyAMBank). The award ceremony was held at the GLASS office, 87 Barrack Street, Kingston, Georgetown, at 10:30 hrs. This year's programme marked a departure from previous bursary drives, incorporating a financial literacy and investment component for both awardees and their families. Speaking on behalf of GLASS, Chief Executive Officer, Glenn Low-a-
Chee said the addition was designed to extend the impact of the award beyond a one-time payment. “We wanted to go beyond providing financial assistance by introducing a component that encourages long-term financial planning and investment,” Low-a-Chee said. “Through this initiative, we are giving parents and students a head start on their educational journey.” General Manager of GuyAMBank, Ganesh Jaikaran, said the bank's involvement reflected its broader commitment to youth development. “Investing in young people today helps build a stronger future for Guyana,” Jaikaran said. “We are proud to be part of this initiative.” Parents of the awardees also expressed appreciation to GLASS and
GuyAMBank, noting that the initiative promotes both education and financial empowerment from an early age. This year's awardees Anthony David Talicia Hazel Bryan Samuels Arianna Chattersingh Kia Ketwaroo Jamella McBean Kristin Weekes Sky Johnson Brandon Lee Henriquo Phillips The bursary presentation comes a day ahead of Financial Literacy Day, observed on August 14, 2026, lending added significance to the programme's focus on equipping young people and their families with tools for long-term financial planning.
Residents of Corriverton, Corentyne, are reeling from shock after a 55-year-old fisherman reportedly died following an altercation with a 15-year-old on Wednesday night. Police in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) have confirmed the death of Asmat Mohamed Hussain, of Lot 23 Dukestown, Corriverton, Corentyne, Berbice, and the arrest of the teen in connection with the incident. According to information gathered, the incident occurred at about 21:00hrs near a supermarket in the area. The 15-year-old, who is of mixed ancestry, also resides in Corriverton. Based on information received, Hussain was seated among relatives and friends from the community on Wednesday night when he got up and made his way toward a Chinese-operated supermarket. Moments later, he was seen lying on the ground a short distance from where he had been sitting, and it was observed that he was bleeding.The teen, who was reportedly in possession of a knife believed to be the murder weapon, fled the scene shortly after the incident.Police disclosed that the fisherman and the
Dead: Asmat Mohamed Hussain t een had been involved in a violent scuffle, which led to Hussain sustaining fatal injuries. The extent of those injuries has not been released.Hussain's brother transported him to the No. 75 Village Regional Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention. His body was taken to a funeral parlour to await a post-mortem examination. Police made contact with the 15-year-old shortly after the incident, and he was arrested. He remains in police custody, assisting with the investigation. Investigators say CCTV cameras were observed in the area and will be reviewed as part of the probe. Investigations are
Kaieteur News
Friday August 14, 2026
PAGE 11
‘How we Surviving?’: Guyana's contract nurses
speak out after months without pay These are the words of a registered nurse who has served in Guyana's public healthcare system since 2018. Pushed to breaking point, she recently worked full 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. shifts, Monday through Friday, for three consecutive months — without receiving a single cent in salary. Last year, her situation was even worse: she went eight agonising months without pay. Her ordeal is not an isolated incident. It is the harsh reality facing contract healthcare workers under the Ministry of Health (MOH), where bureaucratic delays, lost files, and archaic paperbased recordkeeping leave frontline staff drowning in debt, mental exhaustion, and hopelessness.
Staff are forced to rely on plastic buckets and makeshift containers to manually flush toilets
“Overdoing the Do”: A systemic paperwork collapse The crisis stems from a shift in the public health sector away from permanent employment and toward contractual engagements requiring periodic renewal. With every renewal window, however, comes a predictable, systemic collapse in payroll processing. Despite workers submitting documentation well in advance, healthcare staff are being systematically dropped from the payroll for months at a time while their paperwork sits in processing. “In this day and age, an oil-rich country like Guyana, the Ministry of Health should not be using
paperwork!” one nurse exclaimed. “Everything you go to them: they misplace something, they can't find your folder, your contract, your form. They still got paper falling out of folders and then you, the employee, have to suffer!” Another nurse shared a strikingly similar story of administrative neglect: “I work at the hospital and got taken off the payroll when I renewed my contract way before it was supposed
to be up. Now I have no money because the $20,000 I had finished in bills. I have school fees to pay, no money to go to work, or buy groceries. I don't know how I will make it to work until I get paid again. This is very stressful when we are working tirelessly and there is no satisfaction from MOH.” The human cost: Disrupted lives and stripped independence B e h i n d t h e
administrative inertia are real human beings struggling to maintain basic survival while continuing to care for patients. For one single mother renting a home for $75,000 a month, the missing income has shattered her domestic stability. Her home internet was disconnected, forcing her to rely on mobile hotspots so her child could do schoolwork, while basic necessities like diapers, wipes, and groceries have
become daily hurdles. A side catering business she launched to cushion the blow collapsed after she was forced to drain her working capital just to cover rent and utilities. Younger professionals are being stripped of their independence, forced back into financial dependency on aging parents just to afford transportation to their shifts. “I don't know how the heck I gonna make out. My ((Continued on page 16)
PAGE 12
Kaieteur News
Friday August 14, 2026
…as Canadian firm anticipates EPA's approval
Friday August 14, 2026
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
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Friday August 14, 2026
Canadian firm announces plan to advance, integrate 3.2M ounce gold project with 4.64M Oko West project Now that G Mining Ventures Corp. (GMIN) has finalised the US$2.2 billion acquisition of fellow Canadian firm G2 Goldfields Inc. (G2's) gold project in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), the company is set to launch an integration programme to advance and integrate G2's OkoGhanie project. The deal allows the companies to consolidate the two adjacent gold properties, G2's Oko-Ghanie project with GMIN's fully permitted and fully financed Oko West project. In its 2026 second quarter results published on Wednesday, GMIN outlined that the completion of the G2 acquisition creates a tierone gold asset with potential to
commence in the second half of the year to support the integrated project development,” the company disclosed. In its recent update, GMIN underscored that the acquisition further elevates the company's industry-leading near-term growth profile. The acquis ition enables planned production at Oko West Gold Project to increase the mine's annual production from 350,000 to reach approximately 500,000 ounces of gold per year over a minimum mine life of 15 years. By itself, the Oko West project is expected to produce about 350,000 ounces of gold annually over a 12.3-year mine life. GMIN's exploration to date has outlined 5.4
The primary crusher has advanced significantly with the mat foundation concrete pour completed. The rebar and concrete pours of the first level will commence in August.
The SAG mill foundation is completed with anchor bolts and embedded plates. The first concrete pour for the ball mill foundation will take place in August.
The permanent camp has over 1,400 beds, with the welcome centre, kitchen & dining hall all operational and open to employees. deliver substantially increased average annual gold production over the life of mine (LOM) once the expansion is completed. GMIN noted that the integration programme is aimed at advancing the Oko-Ghanie deposits through infill drilling to support an integrated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) and an updated Feasibility Study (FS) for an expanded Oko Gold Project. “Complementary technical programmes, including metallurgical, geotechnical, and other engineering studies, will also
The power plant continues to advance with over 1,350 m3 of concrete poured to date and the structural steel framing for the engine hall complete. Day tank and stack foundations are also complete while cable tray and electrical are currently being installed. Fuel treatment building (right) has completed framing.
million ounces of indicated gold resources and 0.4 million ounces of inferred material. In relation to proven and probable reserves, the Oko West is estimated to hold 4.64 million ounces of gold at an average grade of 1.89 grams of gold per tonne. Meanwhile, according to G2, its Oko-Ghanie gold project average annual output is expected to reach 281,000 ounces annually during the mine's peak years-with a total production of approximately 3.2 million ounces of gold over the life of mine. In relation to the Oko-
Excavation has been completed for five CIL tanks, with construction of two inner rings advancing. Foundations for all seven CIP tanks have been completed, with tank installation scheduled to commence in August. The photo also shows the commencement of the pipe rack structure.
Ghanie project, GMIN previously clarified that the project's mineral resource from its perspective does not represent a “current” mineral resource estimate of the OkoGhanie Project. Rather, it was stated that it was provided by GMIN as a “historical estimate.” Louis-Pierre Gignac, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GMIN commented, “At Oko, construction continues to advance on schedule and on budget, keeping us firmly on the path toward first gold pour in the second half of 2027, and Gurupi's development
roadmap continues to take shape. The acquisition of G2 Goldfields Inc. consolidates the Oko district into a globally significant tier-one gold mining complex in a world class geological district.” As it relates the Oko West project which is at a more advanced stage than the Oko-Ghanie project, GMIN said construction remains on schedule, with first gold pour targeted for the second half of 2027 and commercial production expected in early 2028. It also disclosed that more than (continued on page 17)
Kaieteur News
Friday August 14, 2026
PAGE 15
MV Canawaima sails on as Suriname rectifies issues raised by maritime authority The MV Canawaima continues to operate without interruption following recent interventions to address maintenance concerns raised by Maritime Authority Suriname (MAS). Speaking to Kaieteur News, Deyne Harry, Terminal Manager at the Canawaima Ferry Service Inc., clarified the circumstances surrounding the regulatory scrutiny, confirming that Suriname has taken steps to rectify the issues and that the vessel passed its latest inspection. Addressing public speculation, Harry clarified the origin of the regulatory action and dispelled notions of targeted sanctions against Guyana. "It was MAS Suriname raising concerns on, about the MV Canawaima and they had written to the Canawaima Ferry Service Suriname and not Guyana…” Harry explained. He further detailed the division of operational responsibilities governed by the bilateral agreement between both nations. "…maintenance of the MV Canawaima is the responsibility of the Suriname side based on the joint venture agreement and so, Guyana fuels vessels, batteries, and also all of the
oil. We have done so from day one without a problem," he said. Highlighting ongoing operational challenges, Harry noted, "… the maintenance aspect has been lacking. This is why we have had many closures and so forth over the years but it has been Guyana who in each of those cases sent personnel to take care of maintenance even though it wasn't our responsibility. So, these infractions that Suriname would have highlighted happens to be the responsibility of the Suriname government to take care of." Tracing the timeline of events leading up to the recent regulatory notices, Harry disclosed that Guyanese authorities were initially unaware of the correspondence. "No, they were not known by Guyana and based on what was publicised, we saw that MAS would have written to Canawaima Suriname since some point in November in 2025 and they would have done a subsequent follow-up visit, I think that was approximately two weeks ago, to see if the concerns raised were being addressed, and discovered that they were not being addressed. As a result, they decided that
The Canawaima Ferry.
they were going to take further action." It was only after the matter became public that Guyanese officials intervened to safeguard the cross-border transit link. "And only when it became public, that is when Guyana became knowledgeable of these interruptions and Guyana took the steps to meet with the Board of Directors in Suriname and also MAS so that we can ascertain what the minimum requirements would be that we need to have in place so that we can ensure continuity of service," Harry stated. Following those direct engagements, the required corrective measures were implemented by Surinamese authorities. "…and after they would have publicised what actions, they intend on
taking, Suriname has taken steps to rectify most of those issues," Harry confirmed. Providing an update on the current operational status of the ferry following the latest safety assessment, Harry reported, "… there was an inspection that was conducted today by MAS and as far as I am aware, they were able to meet the minimum requirements which would be remaining in operation." Kaieteur News previously reported that the Maritime Authority of Suriname (MAS) issued a final ultimatum to Canawaima Management Company N.V., warning that the M.V. Canawaima ferry faces an immediate sailing ban starting 14th August, 2026, at 00:00 hours, unless outstanding technical and
safety shortcomings are resolved. The directive, outlined in an 7th August, letter reported by GFC Nieuws, follows a 26th July request for an action plan based on an earlier vessel inspection. A followup inspection on 5th August revealed that the majority of identified deficiencies remained unaddressed. MAS required a detailed action plan with a precise schedule for resolving all issues, executing major repairs, and dry-docking the vessel. By 13th August, there needed to have been full presence and operational readiness of all legally required safety equipment, as well as inspected, fully functional firefighting systems ready for immediate deployment. All crew
members are required to possess valid Basic Safety Tr a i n i n g a n d C r o w d Management certificates, or provide written proof that training will be completed within one month and an independent, accredited ship surveyor must assess the hull's watertightness and cofferdams. A positive survey report is required before any temporary exemption from mandatory dry-docking will be considered. In response, the C A N AWA I M A F e r r y Service (CFS) Inc. and C A N A W A I M A Management Company (CMC) JV acknowledged by way of a statement, the notices from Surinamese authorities. The Guyanese side confirmed it has been actively engaging Surinamese counterparts over recent days and anticipates a resolution. Emphasising its commitment to the letter and spirit of the bilateral joint venture for a safe and seaworthy transport link, Guyana noted that under the terms of the agreement, it supplies all fuels, lubricants, and batteries for daily operations, while Suriname is responsible for the maintenance and drydocking of the vessel.
New Schoonord koker to be tendered within a month – Minister Mustapha Residents of Schoonord have seen drainage conditions return to normal following emergency intervention by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) after a fishing boat reportedly displaced a door at the community's koker. During an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Thursday, Minister of
Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha said emergency measures have secured the affected structure.He said they prevented further water from entering the community. “ We a s s e s s e d t h e situation. We had emergency work carried out. We were able to fix stop locks to prevent any more water from coming into the community,” Minister Mustapha said. The intervention came after the boat collided with the sluice door, causing damage to the base and water entering the community. Minister Mustapha said those conditions have since been addressed, with the affected waterways drained and the area returning to normal. With the immediate situation contained, the government will permanently replace the damaged sluice door. The minister said the NDIA will
proceed with the necessary tendering process within a month.“We'll have to build a new sluice door now,” he said. In the interim, the temporary stop logs will remain in place to regulate movement of water and support drainage. Minister Mustapha explained that the logs can be removed when the tide recedes to allow water to flow out, before being reinstated ahead of the returning tide. The measures are intended to maintain drainage in Schoonord while the permanent replacement is pursued. (DPI)
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Kaieteur News
Huge oil spill off the coast of Oman...
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From page 8 by the annual monsoon season known as “Khareef.” The tanker, Caroline Bezengi, was carrying around 800,000 barrels of oil when it reportedly came under attack. The sanctioned vessel is believed to be part of the shadow fleet of oil tankers used by Russia. AN UNKNOWN CAUSE Following an unidentified “incident” on June 6 outside Oman’s territorial waters, the tanker ran aground off AlQibliyyah Island on June 21, Abdullah Bin Ali Al Amri, the chairman of the Environment Authority of Oman, told state TV earlier this week. While some security observers reported an explosion on board the ship, the exact nature of the incident hasn’t been determined. The tanker had left one conflict zone – Novorossiysk, a Russian port city on the Black Sea, where Ukraine has targeted Russian vessels – before traveling close to Yemen, where the Houthis have attacked ships as part of the Iran-US conflict. The leakage of stored oil was first detected in the first week of July, Al Amri said. By August 4, the spill had spread across roughly 230 square miles (600 square kilometers) in the Al Hallaniyat archipelago, representing “a fourfold
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increase over just the last two days,” according to Greenpeace’s analysis of satellite images. “This NOTICE is one of the most ecologically significant marine areas in the region,” Keskes said. “It includes things like coral reefs, seagrass, meadows, nesting beaches for endangered turtles, breeding sides for migratory seabirds, and it’s also home to the Arabian Sea humpback whale, which is an extremely rare creature.” On Wednesday, Omani authorities said the spill had drifted to reach the mainland, affecting 25 miles (40km) of the Ras Madrakah coastline, more than 124 miles (200km) away from the tanker. As it began to drift further northeast, the spill was also expected to affect Masirah Island, according to the Omani
environment authority. This development may have a more lasting impact on communities along the coastline. Once oil reaches the shore, “not only does the containment becomes that much harder, but basically [the oil] goes into the sediments and the water … and it becomes embedded for years even after the spill has disappeared,” Keskes explained. The spill also carries numerous health risks for coastal communities, especially those relying on fishing, she added. SHADOW FLEET DANGERS Further north in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has also reported an oil spill affecting Qeshm Island and demanded compensation for the environmental damages. The
cause of that spill is unknown. In addition to the ongoing conflict which has seen multiple vessels attacked across the region, the increase in shadow fleets carrying sanctioned oil is exacerbating the danger of environmental damage. These vessels are “unregulated and often happen to be decrepit” and fall outside the legal chain of liability, Keskes explained. “In normal non-war-related incidents, something like [the Oman spill] happens, you would have to look at the owner of the ship and then their flag and the insurer. But all three are either unclear or just missing.” This means the response and the hefty cost of damages will fall entirely on the Omani government, she added.
Guyana’s contract nurses speak out... From page 11 mom said she’ll help me pay my next month’s fee… I’m a 27-year-old, I can’t depend on my mother to give me money to go to work,” a nurse shared. “Right now, I’m pissed off. I’m so stressed. I’m so fed up and sick… You know how it is working night shifts? We don’t even sleep. We’re up the whole night with these babies… It’s very, very stressful.” CRUMBLING INFRASTRUCTUREAND LEADERSHIPFAILURE The financial strain on nurses is compounded by deteriorating working conditions inside public health centers and a glaring lack of support from supervisory management. Neglected facilities: Staff routinely contend with broken infrastructure, from hauling buckets of water to flush toilets to purchasing basic medical supplies out of pocket. “The washroom don’t work properly… imagine a big government workplace, to fetch bucket of water to flush toilet,” one nurse recounted. “The blood pressure machine don’t have batteries. This morning, me and the next
colleague had to put we little $100s together and buy eight batteries because you know what? The work have to do!” Unresponsive leadership: Frontline workers report feeling completely abandoned by middle management. While clinical mistakes trigger immediate disciplinary action for nurses, supervisory staff face zero consequences for withholding months of earned compensation. “All these supervisors are there just sitting down and they don’t give a s**t. You can go cry to them, tell them this happening, and they don’t even care!” Collapsing morale: The physical strain of unpaid night shifts, coupled with total institutional neglect, is crippling workforce capacity. “Our employers show us no care and empathy,” one worker lamented. “If your employers don’t care about you, how you functioning in society?” With no immediate resolution offered by the ministry, nurses say they are reaching their breaking point. Many are contemplating collective action, staying home, or abandoning the
medical profession entirely for manual labour or security work — fields where, at the very least, paychecks arrive on schedule. FRONTLINE WORKERS DEMAND URGENT REFORM Affected workers are calling for an immediate audit and complete overhaul of the Ministry of Health’s HR and payroll operations. They are demanding three concrete interventions: 1. Digital modernisation — Transitioning immediately from manual paper folders to a centralised, digital HR and payroll system to eliminate lost contracts and automatic payroll drops. 2. Administrative accountability — Implementing strict performance oversight for HR personnel and unit supervisors to ensure employee pay grievances are resolved swiftly. 3. Immediate clearance of arrears — Processing all outstanding salaries and multi-term gratuity payments immediately, alongside fully stocking healthcare facilities with functional equipment and utilities. As one nurse succinctly put it: “I don’t want nothing extra, but give me what I work for! Give the nurses what they working for. Simple.” MINISTRY RESPONDS When contacted for a response to the allegations, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony directed affected staff toward existing internal channels. “Any nurse with a problem should visit the office of the deputy permanent secretary, who is responsible for all HR matters,” he said. “I am sure we will be able to resolve it.” As Guyana’s economy grows rapidly, its essential frontline healthcare workers are left pleading to be paid for their labour.
Kaieteur News
Friday August 14, 2026
Agatash man remanded on felonious, unlawful wounding charges Anthony Fredericks, a 28-year-old gold miner/fisherman of Agatash Village, Essequibo River, has been charged with Felonious Wounding and U n l a w f u l Wo u n d i n g following an incident involving two other village residents. The charges stem from an incident that occurred on Monday, August 10, 2026, at Agatash Village, Essequibo River, involving a 19-yearold gold miner and a 57-yearold housewife, both also of the village. Fredericks was arrested on August 10 and formally charged on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The Felonious Wounding charge was laid under Section 57(a) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01, while the Unlawful Wounding charge was laid under Section 50 of the same Act.
REMANDED: Anthony Fredericks He appeared before Magistrate Caressa Henry at the Bartica Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, where the charges were read to him. Fredericks pleaded not guilty to both charges and was remanded to prison. The matter has been adjourned to September 10, 2026, for continuation.
Canadian firm announces plan to... From page 14 2.3 million person-hours have been worked at Oko West with over 1,700 employees and contractors currently on site. Notably, 77% of Oko West workforce is Guyanese nationals. According to GMIN, as of June 30, the overall project progress had reached 28.0% based on earned value, with construction advancing on schedule across key work areas, including the process plant, power plant, tailings storage facility and site infrastructure. Also, at the end of June some US$423 million had been spent on the project, representing 44% of the approved initial capital budget of approximately US$973 million, with approximately US$550 million remaining to be spent through completion. “Total commitments reached approximately
US$628 million, or 65% of the approved budget. 2026 represents the peak construction year, with expected project spending of US$514 to US$568 million, of which US$219 million was spent during the first half of the year,” GMIN said. Moreover, the company disclosed that detailed e n g i n e e r i n g i s approximately 90% complete and is expected to conclude in the third quarter of 2026, while it said that procurement had reached approximately 99% completion as of the end of June. Kaieteur News reported that GMIN’s entry into Guyana was secured in 2024 through a business combination with another Canadian company, Reunion Gold Corp., valued at US$638 million. GMIN’s deal with Reunion added the Oko West Gold Project to its portfolio.
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Hundreds still missing in Colombia as desperation grips earthquake rescue effort CALI/PEREIRA, Colombia, Aug 13 (Reuters) - Hopes of finding more survivors from the powerful earthquake that rocked Colombia early this week were fading on Thursday as rescue workers narrowed searches, while families in the worst-hit areas waited for news of missing relatives. In Cali, the country’s thirdlargest city, crews have turned their attention from a search-and-rescue effort to debris removal at most sites, a sign the disaster response was entering a grimmer phase after the crucial first 72 hours. The 7.4-magnitude quake struck shortly after 7:30 a.m. local t i m e o n M o n d a y, t o p p l i n g apartment blocks, damaging homes, schools and hospitals and sending residents into the streets across western Colombia, home to the country’s coffee farms. At least 273 people were killed — many in Cali and Pereira, a city in the coffee region — and more than 3,800 injured, according to government data on Thursday morning. It also ‘said 377 people were still reported to be missing. In Pereira, Enrique Marin said he drove more than 10 hours from Bogota after getting a call from a friend who told him Marin’s mother was trapped underneath the rubble of her home. “My mother was rescued six
Rescuers work amid the rubble at the Torres de Limonar building in the aftermath of an earthquake, in Cali, Colombia, August 13, 2026. REUTERS/Sergio Acero
hours after the earthquake. They pulled her out with vital signs, but she died on the way to the hospital,”
Marin told Reuters as he stood in front of the debris clutching a bicycle from his childhood, the
only item he said he was able to recover from the house. He said his mother was found in her pajamas with the house keys still in her hand. At the Torres del Limonar residential complex in southern Cali, rescue brigades with buckets and cranes continued to search for 15 people still missing. Rescuers have found seven survivors and 13 corpses at the site. Monica Mina, a 38-year-old restaurant owner, told Reuters she and other chefs in the city were working almost around the clock to distribute about 1,000 meals a day — including scrambled eggs and bits of pork — for rescuers, medics and . FIRST MAJOR ‘TEST FOR NEW COLOMBIAN GOVERNMENT Outside major cities, rescue groups said smaller towns and communities were still struggling with little or no response from the Colombian government. Nazly Lozano, the International Rescue Committee’s program assistant at the port city of Buenaventura northwest of Cali, said rescue workers had not reached some stricken areas until Wednesday night, leaving locals to dig through the rubble with their bare hands in a desperate search for survivors. IRC workers said some neighborhoods in Buenaventura remained inaccessible due to armed groups, some of which seized food
donations, vowing to distribute these items themselves. Residents still lack basic ‘services such as water and electricity and were using logs to cook their meals, the IRC workers said. More than 150 aftershocks have been recorded since Monday, adding to the risks for rescue workers combing through the debris as well as people made homeless by the initial quake, which was one of the strongest felt in Colombia in several decades. The government has estimated the quake destroyed more than 12,500 ‘homes. President Abelardo De La Espriella, who took office just days before the disaster, said on Wednesday he would declare an economic emergency and create a reconstruction fund to channel domestic and international aid toward rebuilding hospitals, schools, homes and infrastructure. The disaster is shaping up as the first major test for the conservative president, who campaigned on cutting public spending and now ‘faces the task of financing relief and reconstruction while showing his government can manage a national crisis. Colombian officials have also pushed back against criticism over the handling of foreign assistance, saying the government has not rejected any country’s offer but will only accept international searchand-rescue teams that meet recognized certification standards.
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Fletcher, bowlers set up big win for Patriots CPL - A measured and classy unbeaten 48 from Andre Fletcher was enough to hand the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots their first win of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026, as they defeated the Saint Lucia Kings. Fletcher was handed a relatively comfortable chase after the Patriots bowlers proved a thorn in the Kings’ side throughout the night at the Daren Sammy Stadium in Saint Lucia. Saurabh Netravalkar’s 3 for 32 and Jason Holder’s 3 for 20 were
the standout performances from the Patriots attack. Netravalkar and Holder had the new ball on a string in the early stages, striking twice in the first half of the powerplay, including the dangerous Andreis Gous. Kamil Pooran, playing just his second match at this level, led the Kings’ fightback, with one of their brightest prospects, Jewel Andrew, joining him at the other end. The pair combined for an 82-run partnership for the third wicket to steady the
innings. While they never quite exploded, their composed approach put the Kings in a position to attack in the latter stages. Both went on to score halfcenturies, with Pooran recording his first in T20 cricket. The partnership was finally broken when Pooran was brilliantly run out by Wanindu Hasaranga, who produced a direct hit from deep cover. Andrew then tried to carry the innings on his shoulders, producing an excellent 58 from 42
Friday August 14, 2026 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You need to step up and face this new person even if you'd rather just hang back and enjoy life. Things are getting pretty weird, but you have the right kind of energy to jump ahead of the pack!
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You need to take care of business today, and you can do it yourself! Your great energy is perfect for making sure that your plans, projects, and duties are all complete by tonight, giving you time for fun.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You are having such a good time today that you can hardly believe life can be this sweet. Your deep well of positive energy makes you see things in a new way—one that can be shared!
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You're feeling great about some new info that's just come your way, so spread the word or hoard the secret. Information is kinzg, and you are the kingmaker. It's time for you to decide what to do with this new position.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You need to work out the odds a little better before taking that big risk. That is not to say that you need to avoid taking risks, just that you need to be smarter about it. Things should get easier soon!
SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) People are not your best assets today—and they are driving you crazy to boot! Make sure that you minimize your interactions with those who are likely to make you feel like screaming.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) Share your feelings, thoughts, and other tidbits with those around you even if they're not in a sharing mood. That could mean that you're on your own, but more likely it means a good time for all.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You finally come across the one missing piece of that big puzzle—and it's about time! You may find that your energy is just right for getting people to work together to do something big.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Yo u a r e w o r k i n g w i t h numbers quite a bit today—most likely related to finance, but who can say? Your energy is just right for tackling the details, so make sure that you're in the thick of it.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Business is harder than usual for you, so make sure that you're on top of it all as much as you can be—or avoid it entirely! You need to be able to get back into it as soon as things change, though.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You are at your best when you're organizing, and today brings out that great energy. You feel in touch with your people and your surroundings and should be able to get almost anything done quickly.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Take care of business today without overthinking it. You can get through it all as long as you keep from planning. If someone stops you and asks you what you're doing, just smile and keep moving.
deliveries. However, his teammates crumbled around him as the platform he and Pooran had built quickly disappeared. The final five overs produced just 22 runs for the loss of five wickets, leaving the Kings well short of par at 155 for 8. The Patriots approached their chase cautiously before Kyle Mayers got a feel for the pitch and the bowlers and began to shift through the gears. He put the Patriots firmly in pole position before some clever bowling from Maheesh Theekshana brought his innings to an end for 32. From there, the Patriots continued their conservative approach, maintaining a run rate just above a run a ball, with Fletcher calmly working the ball around and taking the impetus. Theekshana and Roston Chase then looked to put the squeeze on the Patriots in the middle overs, much like they had successfully done against the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons a few nights earlier. Whenever the Patriots appeared ready to take control, the spin duo pegged them back, with Kevin Wickham and Jason Holder both falling into their trap. However, once Chase and Theekshana had been seen off, the Kings’ bowlers struggled to find the same control, allowing Fletcher to calmly guide the Patriots home to a comfortable five-
Andre Fletcher scored a measured and classy unbeaten 48 to lead the Patriots to victory. (CPL) wicket victory. The Kings return home on Friday to face the Barbados Tridents, while the
Patriots travel to Jamaica to take on the Jamaica Kingsmen at Sabina Park on Tuesday.
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Kaieteur News
GBA int’l certification programme for referees and judges starts tomorrow The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) is moving to sharpen the standard of officiating in local amateur boxing with an international certification programme designed to bring referees and judges in line with the latest global requirements.
The programme begins tomorrow, Saturday, August 15, and concludes on the morning of August 20, and will be conducted by Trinidad and Tobago’s James Beckles, one of the Caribbean’s most accomplished boxing officials.
A three-star referee and referee assessor, Beckles has operated at some of the sport’s biggest international competitions and will lead the local certification exercise as Guyana prepares to host the Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors Boxing Championships from August 20-22 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. GBA President Steve Ninvalle said close to 40 participants are expected, with officials from across the country set to take part. The Guyana Police Force, Guyana Prison Service and Guyana Defence Force have also indicated their intention to send representatives. Ninvalle stressed that the programme is particularly important as Guyana continues its transition to World Boxing, the international governing body now recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). “With Guyana operating under World Boxing, it is imperative that our officials are certified using the rules and regulations of the new international federation, just as we previously did under the International Boxing Association (IBA),” Ninvalle said. World Boxing was established in 2023 following a prolonged governance dispute involving the IBA, which subsequently lost IOC recognition. National federations, including Guyana, have since aligned themselves with World Boxing to ensure their athletes remain eligible for international competition and the Olympic pathway. For Ninvalle, bringing Beckles to Guyana represents more than a routine certification exercise. Widely regarded as one of the Caribbean’s leading certified boxing officials, Beckles has officiated at the Olympic Games, World Championships and Commonwealth Games, in addition to numerous continental and regional tournaments. “We wanted someone with unquestionable international credentials to lead this programme, and James Beckles was the
Friday August 14, 2026
GBA President, Steve Ninvalle
obvious choice,” Ninvalle said. “He has officiated at the highest level of amateur boxing and understands exactly what is required under World Boxing. Our referees and judges will benefit tremendously from his knowledge and experience, and ultimately our athletes will also benefit from having bettertrained officials.” Ninvalle believes developing officials must be treated with the same urgency as developing boxers if Guyana is to make sustained progress. “If we are serious about developing boxing in Guyana, we cannot focus only on the athletes. Coaches, referees, judges and administrators all have to develop together,” he said. “This certification programme is another important investment in the future of Guyanese boxing.” The initiative comes at an important time for the sport, with Guyana preparing to welcome young boxers from across the Caribbean for the Schoolboys and Juniors Championships. The tournament, conceptualised and first staged in Guyana in 2016, is named in honour of 1978 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Winfield Braithwaite. It has since become one of the region’s leading developmental boxing competitions. Several participants from the championships have gone on to represent their countries at the Olympic Games and World Championships, reinforcing the tournament’s role as an important launching pad for Caribbean boxing talent.
Kaieteur News
Friday August 14, 2026
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MOE/Beharry Secondary School’s Under-19 T20 Tournament…
Essequibo Islands, Annandale, Covent Garden & BEI advance to playoffs following intense final 8 Group Stage Action heated up some more yesterday between the final 8 teams, with four of them advancing to the next stage of the playoffs thanks to several young stars leading from the front as part of yesterday’s Group A and B round of games in the Final 8 Group Stage with strong wins, thereby further qualifying for the playoffs. Group A: Essequibo Islands beat Abram Zuil by 110 runs at Pomona Ground Essequibo Islands posted 167-6 after taking first strike with opener Justin Dowlin continuing his fine form with a scorching 85 off 55 (9x4 4x6) and Sudeeni Rodriguez (37). Abram Zuil skipper Otis Roberts raked in 3-41 while Naveed Fredericks picked up 2 wickets, but both men failed to stop their side from plummeting to 5710 in the 13th over, with Roberts (11) returning as the only scorer with double figures.
Essequibo Islands, Annandale, Covent Garden and BEI all advance to playoffs.
Covent Garden beat Queen’s College by 7 wickets at QC Ground Led by a dashing 51-ball 57 with 8 fours from opener Afraz Ali, Yusuf Ally (26) and Emilio Singh (17); QC got to 158-5 batting first. Covent Garden’s bowling attack was ordinary as 5 of their bowlers returned a wicket apiece, before a strong reply led by middleorder batter Vinesh Kalpoo, who blasted 6 sixes and 2 fours in his 58 off 31 deliveries. Contributions from openers Navindranauth Ram, who scored a brisk 38 with 3 sixes and a four; his partner Jamele Schultz with 20 (3x4 1x6) and skipper Orwin Jordan’s anchor-like innings of 21* off 42 balls (1x6); took Covent Garden to 161-3 in 19.3 overs as Nathaniel Sukhnandan (2-27) was the lone wicket-taker for QC. Group B: Annandale beat West Side High by 101 runs at Cotton Tree Ground After 20 overs, Annandale raced to 153-3 thanks to knocks from their core batters, including Ruel Dindyal who scored 62 not out, Joshua Bollers (39) and Akeem Persaud (34*). The duo of Persaud (3-6) and number 2 on the leading wickettakers list, Dindyal (2-7), alongside Kevin Singh (3-10), then mowed down West Side for 52-10 in 14.3 overs, with Ricardo Danesar (17) the main scorer. Berbice Educational Institute beat St. Stanislaus College by
202 runs at QC Ground Second and third on the list of leading run-scorers in the tournament, Luke Amsterdam and Lemuel DeJonge pummeled halfcenturies to help BEI post an imposing 223-6. Amsterdam nailed 92 (7x4 3x6) and narrowly missed a ton, as opener DeJonge hammered 62 off 29 balls (9x4 3x6) with Gilbert Griffith (22) the next best scorer. The national youth spinner and leading wicket-taker for the tournament, Griffith starred with 210, backed by fellow national player Brandon Grimmond (2-2) and Nicquan Fraser (2-5), who helped to keep their opponents at 20-7after they never got going.
Linden Elite Basketball League...
RoyalsCompetition and Jetscontinues scorewithopening wins another doubleheader tonight at Amelia’s Ward Court
O
n an eventful opening night of the Linden Elite basketball league, which has been sanctioned the Linden Amateur Basketball Association and organised by Kevin Joseph and Kevon Scott, National Basketball Club champions Victory Valley Royals and Amelia’s Ward Jets recorded contrasting victories at the Retrieve Hard Court in Linden.
Royals, the Linden number one seed playing in the second game of the night, made light work as they scored an emphatic, 77-57 victory over home team Retrieve Raiders, while Jets had to survive an upset with a crowd pleasing, 57-55 win. The tournament continues tonight (Friday) at the Amelia’s Ward Jard Court with another doubleheader feature, as the Jets
will be at home to the Retrieve Raiders at 19.00hrs and the Block 22 Flames clash with Vikings at 20.30hrs. Tomorrow night (Saturday) Jets match skills with Royals in the first game and in the second game Vikings take on Raiders. Another double header is set for Sunday where game one features Flames versus Royals, and Jets clash with Vikings.
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Friday August 14, 2026
GFF U14 Boys Head to Dominican Republic for CFU Challenge Series Following months of intensive training, technical development and competitive preparation, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Under-14 Boys National Team will depart Guyana on Friday, August 14, for Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, to compete in Group C, Tier II of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Boys Under-14 Challenge Series. The 20-member squad features a promising blend of young footballers from Guyana, the United States of America and England, who will come together to represent Guyana on the regional stage. The team will open its campaign against Montserrat on Sunday, August 16, before facing Anguilla on Monday, August 17, and the Bahamas on Wednesday, August 19. The tournament marks an important stage in the development of a group of young players who have benefited from a structured preparation programme focused on technical development, tactical understanding, match fitness, competitive exposure and personal development. The final phase of preparation saw the team complete a 11-day residential encampment at the GFF National Training Centre, where the players operated in a professional football environment
GFF Technical Staff
designed to prepare them for the demands of international competition. The programme included twice-daily training sessions, carefully planned nutritional meals, and an improved approach to rest, sleep and recovery. The encampment also incorporated important off-the-field development. The players participated in Emotional Intelligence and Anger Management Training sessions facilitated by the Rights of the Child Commission (RCC) and Restorative Justice, reinforcing the importance of discipline, emotional control, teamwork, communication and responsible decision-making as they progress in their football careers.
The team’s preparation has been anchored by the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS), launched in Guyana in April 2026 as part of FIFA’s global strategy to ensure talented young players have access to structured and sustainable development pathways. Through technical guidance, funding, resources and ongoing monitoring, the programme supports member associations in strengthening their player-development systems and creating a stronger pipeline of talent for national-team football. As part of their competitive preparation, the U14 boys tested themselves against older opposition, beginning with the Berbice Football Association Under-15 team, earning a 1-1 draw, with Dane Vancooten
scoring Guyana’s goal. The team then faced the East Coast Football Association Under15 team, producing an impressive 51 victory. Dane Vancooten led the scoring with a brace, while Aaron Vasconcellos and Wayshawn Forde also found the net, with the fifth goal coming via an own goal. In their third friendly, the U14s faced the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) Under-15 team, recording another 1-1 draw, with Dante Kowlessar scoring Guyana’s goal. The matches provided valuable competitive experience against older players and allowed the technical staff to assess the team’s progress, identify areas for improvement and further prepare the
players for the intensity of international competition. GFF President Wayne Forde has met with the team on several occasions throughout their preparation, encouraging the young players to embrace the opportunity, remain disciplined and proudly represent Guyana. The team is being led by Head Coach Jamal Pedro, who will make his inaugural appearance on national duty as a head coach. One of the rapidly emerging coaches within the GFF’s national coaching pool, Pedro has demonstrated a strong commitment to youth development and has worked closely with the players and technical staff throughout the preparation period.
Kaieteur News
Friday August 14, 2026
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2026 DCB Under-13 Tournament Round 1
Falcons sneak past Hawks by 2 wickets in opener Rakeeb Latif spun himself to 3 wickets in round 1.
DCB Falcons pulled off a heist as they snuck past the DCB Eagles to win by 2 wickets as part of Wednesday’s opening round of the DCB limited-overs U13 competition. Hosted at LBI Ground, Hawk took first strike and were kept to 89 all out in 25.2 overs, with Aayan Persaud the top scorer with 13. Bowling for the Falcons was excellent, as the trio of Aryan Atkinson (3-13), Aaron
From left:- Aryan Atkinson, Aaron Perkins and Trevor Burnette.
Perkins (3-6) and Trevor Burnette (3-3) did the majority of the damage. Falcons Reply had a shaky run but ended on 90-8 in 32 overs after meager contributions from Vivian Narine (9), Ritesh Deonarine (8) and Anthony Bacchus (8). Hawks bowling was led by Captain Caleb Bastain, who bagged 4-11, with help from Rakeeb Latif, who snared 3-9 in a losing All-rounder and skipper Caleb Bastian had a good game with the ball. effort.
MOE/Beharry Secondary School’s Under-19 T20 Tournament…
Essequibo Islands, Annandale, Covent Garden & BEI advance to playoffs following intense final 8 Group Stage GFF U14 Boys Head to s t r o Dominican Republic for Sp CFU Challenge Series
Group Photo of GFF U14 National Team, President Forde & Coaching Staff.
2026 Republic Bank CPL…
GAW vs.eJpKcool
e k s r o i r r a W e l t t a b t s r i f n i to w of season y ft fi n te a e b n u r fo s - Hope goe
Shai Hope scored another classy half-century for the Warriors. (Photo credit: CPL)
Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi led the Warriors bowling with excellent returns. (Photo credit: CPL)
Guyana Amazon Warriors got their first win of the season last night after playing a competitive game against Jamaica Kingsmen last night at Sabina Park. Playing at home, Jamaica Kingsmen were restricted to 117 runs all out in 19.4 overs, led by Reeza Hendricks (40) and Warriors skipper skipper Rovman Powell (22). Guyana Amazon Warriors Imran Tahir veteran spinner Mohammad was on top of his Nabi, who delivered an elite game last night. spell, picking up 4-22 before (Photo credit: CPL) the former champs ended the chase on 118-4 with overs Earlier, Jamaica found themselves remaining. in deep trouble early on, slumping to Opener Glenn Phillips (28), Nabi 67-4 at one stage. (19) and a classy half-century from Young spinner Vitel Orlando Shai Hope () got their team to 118-4 in Lawes hit 14 off 11 balls including 1 14.1 overs, with veteran Andre Russell four and 1 six to add to his team’s grabbing 2-12 for Kingsmen. mixed day of scoring. (Clifton Ross)
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