Kaieteur News

Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Govt. and Exxon agree on expert to settle US$214M audit dispute

ThewarwagedagainstIranbythe USandIsraelisadistraction. Unlike violenceinmotionpictures,violence in real life is a powerful attraction. President Trump knows that, so he givesAmericans what they crave. A new war theater, with violence rainingfromtheskiesagainstIranian assets. What could distract more from the ugly exposures in the Epsteinfilesthanwar?

The nakedly exposed include powerful men in the US and other places,wholookcheap,exploitative, and sickening. From presidents to businessmen,evenroyalty,arenamed in the Epstein Files. War shifts attention from them, though people mustdie. Historyconfirmsthatwhen economic hardships rage domestically, leaders engage in foreignwarstodistractcitizens. When stresses build, leaders hold a circus to deflect the population's attention. Iran is victimized, pays terriblepricesfortheperversionsand evils of politicians. Guyanese: pay attention and learn how leaders operate, how their corruptions compriseandweakenthem.

Canadian

Govt. and Exxon agree on expert to settle US$214M audit dispute -

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat onMondaysaidtheoperator of the Stabroek Block, ExxonMobilandtheGuyana Revenue Authority (GRA) haveagreedonasoleexpert to settle the US$214 million dispute that arose from the first audit of the company's expenses.

The minister, in an invited comment, said an article published by the Stabroek News on Sunday which claimed that the government is moving to initiate arbitration over the failure of the two parties to agree on a sole expert was inaccurate.

As such, he maintained that the dispute will be settled through the sole expert to be appointed in accordance with the provisions of the 2016

Production Sharing Agreement(PSA). The minister said, “The next step is sole expert agreeduponbetweenthetwo parties-ExxonandGRA.We are at the stage of finalising this.”

Bharrat could not say how soon the sole expert could be appointed as he notedthiswasdependenton the two parties moving the processalong.

Anauditofthecostbank of the Stabroek Block was conductedfortheyears1999 to 2017 by IHS-Markit, a British firm. The audit resulted in findings of US$214millionandareport was submitted to the governmentinMarch2021.

F o l l o w i n g t h e submissionofthatreport,the flagged sum was reduced to a meager US$3 million

Guyana takes helm of Caribbean diplomatic bloc in Brussels

The Embassy of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana in Brussels has announced that Guyana has been elected Regional Coordinator of Caribbean Diplomatic Missions in Brussels, a key sub-regional grouping within the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS).

The leadership role will see Guyana, under the guidance of Ambassador S a s e n a r i n e S i n g h , coordinating Caribbean diplomatic engagement with European institutions and advancing the region's priorities within the OACPS framework.

Guyanawillalsochairthe Caribbean Ministerial Caucus of the OACPS ahead of the 121st Session of the Council of Ministers, scheduled for July 7-9, 2026 under the leadership of ForeignAffairMinisterHugh ToddasGuyanacontinuesto offer regional leadership in advancing the collective interests of the Caribbean in theEuropeanUnion.

According to a press release by the embassy, the O A C P S i s a n i n t e rg o v e r n m e n t a l organisation comprising countries from Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific thatworktogethertopromote sustainable development,

Minister Bharrat

based on submission of documentation that was absent during the course of the audit After careful c o n s i d e r a t i o n t h e government did not accept the presented documents, and the sum was restored to US$214 million. As such, the disputed amount highlighted by the auditor willstand.

Consequently, the sole expert process has been invoked to settle the dispute between the parties. Should the sole expert determine that the costs were inaccurately added to the cost bank, Exxon will be requiredtocreditthesum.

Art

PetroleumAgreement states thatifthepartiesfailtoagree on a sole expert within 30 days such expert shall be a p p o i n t e d b y t h e International Chamber of Commerce (“ICC”) in accordancewithitsrulesfor the appointment of experts

Ministerof NaturalResources, Vickram Bharrat

andneutrals.

The contract states at Article 26.10 “…the parties shall cooperate fully in the expeditious conduct of such expert determination and provide the expert with accesstoallfacilities,books, records, documents, information and personnel necessary to make a fully informed decision in an expeditious manner The sole expert shall act as an expert and not as an arbitrator or mediator, and shall endeavour to provide an opinion on the dispute

withinthirty(30)daysofhis appointment, but no later thansixty(60)daysafterhis appointment…”

While the first audit

dragson,twootherauditsof the company still remain to be concluded as well. The second audit, for the period 2018to2020wasconducted by VHE consulting The local audit team found that anotherUS$65millionofthe US$7.2 billion in expenses was incorrectly charged to Guyana.

The third audit of a whopping US$19.6 billion was completed by the same l o c a l c o n s u l t a n t Government received that report since May 2025, but the disputed costs flagged havenotbeenrevealedasthe administration continues to hidethedocument.

economic cooperation, and s t r o n g e r p o l i t i c a l partnerships, particularly with the European Union. Established in 1975 through the Georgetown Agreement, theorganisationholdsspecial significance for Guyana as a founding member and the birthplaceoftheoriginalACP partnership, which later evolvedintotheOACPS.

As part of efforts to strengthen relations with the European Union, the CARIFORUM Group of Ambassadors in Brussels, under the chairmanship of AmbassadorSingh,metwith Mr.RiccardoRossi,Member of the Cabinet of the European Commissioner for InternationalPartnerships,on March10,2026.

The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the priorities of the DirectorateGeneral for International Partnerships, their relevance to the Caribbean, and opportunities to deepen cooperation between the Caribbean and the European Union.

G u y a n a r e m a i n s committed to providing effective leadership in Brussels in support of CARIFORUM priorities and t

Caribbean's partnership with the European Union within the framework of the OACPS.

KaieteurNews

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Editor:NIGELWILLIAMS

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EDITORIAL

StabroekNewsclosure

TheclosureofStabroekNews,markedbytheprintingof its final edition on Sunday, March 15, 2026, represents a profoundly regrettable moment for the media landscape of Guyana.

For decades, the publication served as a pillar of the nation’s independent press, shaping public debate, informing citizens, and contributing meaningfully to the democratic culture of the country Its departure from the media space leaves a void that cannot easily be filled and remindsusoftheindispensablerolethatstrong,independent journalismplaysinanyfunctioningdemocracy

Since its founding in 1986, Stabroek News earned a reputationforthoughtfulreporting,investigativerigor,and editorial independence Through years of political transitions, economic shifts, and social change, the newspaper remained a steady voice in the national conversation. It offered readers a platform for diverse opinionsandthoughtfulanalysiswhileconsistentlyraising questions that others were sometimes reluctant to ask. In doing so, it helped cultivate a culture in which public officials, institutions, and policies could be examined criticallyintheinterestofnationaldevelopment.

The loss of such a publication is not merely the disappearanceofanewspaper;itisthelossofaninstitution that helped define the standards of journalism in Guyana. Independentnewspapersperformauniqueandirreplaceable function. They provide citizens with reliable information, encourage debate, and serve as watchdogs over those who wield power Without these vital checks and balances, democraticsocietiesriskbecominglesstransparentandless accountable.

Atatimewhentheglobalmediaindustryfacesmounting challenges—fromfinancialpressuresanddigitaldisruption to political polarization, the closure of a longstanding newspaper should prompt serious reflection. The sustainability of independent journalism is not solely the responsibilityofmediahouses.Itisasharedobligationthat involvescitizens,civilsocietyorganizations,policymakers, and the private sector Ademocratic society must actively support institutions that provide credible information and holdauthoritytoaccount.

Themomentthereforecallsforvigilance.Citizensmust remaincommittedtodemandingtransparencyfromthosein power and supporting media organizations that prioritize truth over convenience. Civil society must continue to advocateforpressfreedomandresistanyattemptstoerode the independence of the media. Meanwhile, the private sectorhasaroletoplayinsustainingresponsiblejournalism through ethical partnerships and advertising support that respectseditorialindependence.

History has shown that democracies flourish when journalistsarefreetoaskdifficultquestionsandinvestigate matters of public interest without fear or favour The press must be able to scrutinize decisions, expose wrongdoing, and amplify the voices of ordinary people. When media institutions weaken or disappear, the space for accountability narrows and the public ultimately bears the cost.

In this context, the responsibility of the remaining independent media becomes even more significant Kaieteur News recognises the gravity of this moment and the expectations that accompany it. For years, this newspaper has built its identity around fearless reporting and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. That commitmentwillnotwaver

OurpledgetothepeopleofGuyanaremainsunchanged. Wewillcontinuetoinvestigatecorruptionwhereveritmay exist, highlight mismanagement that undermines national progress, and question decisions that affect the welfare of citizens. Journalism must never become an exercise in convenience or silence. It must remain an instrument of accountabilityandavoiceforthosewhomightotherwisego unheard. At the same time, the closure of Stabroek News

Public posture, conduct of Mohameds during extradition process

DEAREDITOR

,

A s a p u b l i c communications analyst, I wish to bring attention to an importantissueaffectingthe peopleofGuyana.

Public discourse plays a critical role in strengthening our democracy, and it is

c engagement that we can highlight challenges and encourage meaningful solutions.Thematterathand d e s e r v e s c a r e f u l consideration from both policymakers and citizens alike, as it impacts not only our present circumstances

but also the future developmentofournation.

I am writing as a nonpolitical observer regarding the

surrounding the extradition case of the Mohameds

Matters of extradition are oftencomplex,involvingnot onlylegalconsiderationsbut also important questions related to sovereignty, international cooperation, and the integrity of judicial systems.

In any democratic society, it is essential that such cases be handled with transparency, adherence to the rule of law, and respect fordueprocess.

The public must have confidencethatdecisionsare being made based on sound legal principles rather than politicalpressureorexternal influence.

Guyana has long prided itself on its commitment to democratic values and the independence of its institutions. Therefore, it is important that all proceedings related to this matter continue to reflect

fairness, accountability, and respect for our legal framework.

At the same time, our international relationships must be managed with diplomacy and mutual respect.

Cooperation with international partners is necessaryinthefightagainst crime, but it must always be balancedwiththeprotection of constitutional rights and nationallegalstandards.

It is my hope that the relevant authorities will continue to handle this matterwiththehighestlevel of professionalism and integrity so that the public canremainconfidentinboth the justice system and the democratic processes that guideournation.

Public officials and individuals who hold or aspire to positions of national leadership must remember that their conduct reflects not only on themselves but also on the institutions they represent.

As Guyana continues to navigate this matter, it is importantthatboththelegal process and the public discourse surrounding it remainmeasured,respectful, andguidedbytheprinciples of justice and democratic responsibility

However, I have also observed the public posture and conduct of the Mohameds during their appearances before judicial bodies and within the wider public discourse. In matters ofsuchnationalimportance, all parties involved should demonstrate a level of dignity,restraint,andrespect forthelegalprocess.

Sincerely BlaneRBunbury

Dr. Jagan’s offer to WPAin 1992

DEAREDITOR

Reference is drawn to Prof Wazir Mohamed’s complaint (Mar 9) about Freddie Kissoon’s distortion of the offer by President Jaganforajointgovernment between PPP and WPA in 1992.Waziralsocomplained (Mar 16) about Freddie’s untruthrelatingtoDr Rupert Roopnarine. It is important that we have the facts right. WazirandRupertwerenever known to lie or embellish facts.

Wazir stated that a WPA committee (“Rupert argued in favour”) approved “the o ff e r t o j o i n t h e

government”. He did not specify what exactly was offered to WPAbut claimed that whatever offered was withdrawn; state board appointments were among the positions offered as related by Dr Jagan to me. Newsreportsatthetimeand my conversation with Dr Jagan before the cabinet portfolios were announced in October 1992 was that an offer was made to WPA for Dr CliveThomastojointhe cabinet. It was not clear whetherThomaswasoffered FinanceMinister AsgarAlly was subsequently named Finance Minister

should also remind us of the enduring importance of pluralism within the media. A healthy democratic society benefits from multiple independent voices, each contributing perspectives, insights, and scrutiny The diversity of thought and reporting strengthens public discourseandensuresthatnosinglenarrativedominatesthe nationalconversation.

As we reflect on the legacy of Stabroek News, it is important to acknowledge the journalists, editors, photographers, and staff members who dedicated their professional lives to the institution. Their work helped documentthestoryofmodernGuyana,chroniclingbothits challengesanditsachievements.Theircontributionstothe country’s democratic development will remain part of the historicalrecord.

The end of one chapter in the nation’s media history must also serve as the beginning of renewed commitment. Independent journalism must endure, evolve, and adapt, because democracy itself depends on it. For its part, Kaieteur News will continue to stand firmly on the side of truth, transparency, and the public interest. We remain dedicated to defending press freedom, strengthening democratic accountability, and ensuring that the people of Guyana continue to have access to fearless, independent journalism. The press must never retreat from its duty If anything, moments like this demand that it rises even stronger

Afterwards, when asked aboutDr Thomasjoiningthe cabinet, Dr Jagan told me thatsinceAsgarwasalready Finance Minister, he was preparedtoofferDr Thomas Minister of Planning. Jagan wanted Thomas in his cabinet. Jagan asked me to speakwithDr Thomasabout the offer that was conveyed tohimbyJagan.

IspokewithRupert,Eusi Kwayana, Dr Thomas and others from the WPA about the offer (I don’t recall if I spoke with Wazir on the matter).Theanswerwasthat the offer was made to Dr Thomas and not WPA and thatitwasuptoDr Thomas to make a decision Kwayana was very adamant that the offer was made directlytoDr Thomas.Prof. Thomas told me that the position should go to someone from the PPP who was involved in that long struggle to restore free and fair elections in Guyana and thatPPPhadamplyqualified members He was not interestedinthepositionand wasalsonotinterestedinthe Finance Ministry It is recalled that Dr Thomas rejected the offer of Prime Minister as running mate of Dr Jaganinajointslate.Had he accepted the offer, the politics of Guyana would have been different from then to now Thomas would have become President followingthedeathofJagan inMarch1997.

Separately, Professors

Nigel Westmaas and Wazir

and writer Dhanraj Bhagwandin assailed Freddie (Mar13,12,11)for writing “untruths about themselves and SN”. They arenottheonlyvictims.Itis widely known that Freddie consistently wrote outright lies, or half-truths, and severe distortions about countless others including Bharrat Jagdeo, Irfaan Ali, DonaldRamotar,KN,WPA, PPP, Guyana Times, Clive Thomas, David de Caires, Anand Persaud, Glenn Lall, Chris Ram, Ravi Dev, Baytoram Ramharack, Randy Persaud, Rupert Roopnarine, myself, among so many others Hardly anything Freddie writes is factual. One must take his writingswithagrain(nay–a kilo) of salt. Nigel, Wazir, Dhanraj are all writers of integrity The public respect their outpourings. I engaged the former two at Rodney House on many occasions; they were sources of information and outstanding analyses who would not lie, unlike Freddie. I commend Nigel and Wazir who grew up humbly and volunteered fulltimeatRodneyHouseto fight for restoration of democracy in Guyana Wazir’sbrother,Ameer,also devoted time gratis at WPA officeandjoinedthestruggle overseas. Nigel and Wazir (asdidtheircolleagueDavid Hinds)wentontoearnPhD, unlikeFreddie,andhave (Continuedonpage06)

Atribute to Stabroek News on the occasion of its farewell

DEAREDITOR

The closing chapter of Stabroek News marks the end of one of the most consequential institutions in modern Guyanese public life For decades, this newspaper served not merely as a chronicler of events but as a pillar of democratic discourse, a custodian of public accountability, and a forum for civic participation in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana Its farewell thereforesignifiesmorethan the cessation of a publication;itrepresentsthe conclusion of a significant era in the nation’s intellectual and political development.

From its earliest years, S t a b r o e k N e w s distinguished itself through a c o m m i t m e n t t o independent journalism and editorial integrity In a society where the media often functions as the principalbridgebetweenthe State and its citizens, the newspaper embraced the r e s p o n s i b i l i t y o f scrutinizing public policy, governmental action, and

institutional authority Through investigative reporting, rigorous commentary, and careful documentation of public affairs, it helped to shape a c u l t u r e i n w h i c h t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d accountability became essential expectations of governance.

Equally significant was the newspaper’s role as a platformforpublicdialogue. TheletterspagesofStabroek Newsevolvedintooneofthe mostvibrantarenasforcivic expression in Guyana There, teachers, workers, scholars, public servants, students, and ordinary citizens articulated their concerns, debated national policy, and reflected on the social and moral questions confronting the country and I am happy I was given the opportunity on numerous occasions to express my views.

In doing so, the newspaper fulfilled one of the most fundamental functions of a free press: amplifyingvoicesthatmight otherwiseremainunheard.

Over the years, the

publication consistently directed public attention to issues of profound national importance Matters of public health, economic policy, taxation, legal reform, environmental stewardship, human rights, and consumer protection received sustained coverage and careful analysis By illuminating these subjects for a broad readership, Stabroek News helped cultivate an informed citizenry capable of engaging critically with the challenges of national development.

The newspaper’s contribution must also be understood in the context of Guyana’s evolving democratic landscape In periods when public trust in institutions was strained or when political authority appeared to overreach, StabroekNewsmaintaineda principled commitment to editorial independence and constructive scrutiny Its reporting frequently invited national reflection on the balancebetweenstatepower and civil liberties, an essential dialogue in any

functioningdemocracy

Beyond its political and social impact, Stabroek Newsbecamearepositoryof national memory Its archives collectively document decades of Guyanese history capturing e

struggles, and everyday life across the country For scholars, policymakers, and future generations, these records represent an invaluable chronicle of the nation’strajectory

The departure of Stabroek News therefore carriesbothmelancholyand gratitude for me and thousands more. While the institution itself may no longer publish, its legacy endures in the professional standards it established, the public conversations it fostered,andthegenerations of journalists, writers, and citizens it empowered. It helpedshapetheintellectual fabric of Guyanese society and affirmed the enduring principle that a free and responsiblepressis

(Continuedonpage09)

Response to Dr. Telford Layne’s article in the Sunday March 15, edition

DEAREDITOR

This is a serious matter

While I do not entirely disagree with your concern about patients questioning their medications, I have a problem with publishing such advice on an open foruminthismanner Why? Because even though certain medications may not fully resolve a patient’s mental health condition, they often enable individuals to function in theirdailylives. Suggesting that patients who discontinue their medication can therefore be problematic and potentially harmful.

Should psychiatrists

s i m p l y p r e s c r i b e

medications without considering other forms of treatment?

Ifthatisyourposition,it would have been helpful to cite specific examples or evidence.Without doing so, t h e s t a t e m e n t unintentionally casts the entire local psychiatric fraternityinanegativelight.

As a student of psychologywhohasworked with mental wellness issues among both juveniles and adults, I personally tend to be cautious when recommending medication. However, I would never adviseaclienttostoptaking a prescribed medication on theirown. What I would do, and

whatIhavedoneinpractice, is encourage the client to speak with the prescribing physician and request a review of the treatment regimen, particularly if psychological interventions

such as C

ive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) appear to be producing positiveresults.

To say that you would “advisediscontinuingthese medications unless your psychiatristorpsychologist can explain your diagnosis, the duration of treatment, the side effects, and a

individuals dealing with mental health challenges possess the knowledge or

confidence to navigate those complex medical discussions

Additionally, given your relatively recent entry into the field of psychology, some readers may question thebasisforwhatappearsto be a rather sweeping and unsupportedconclusion.

It might be more constructive to consult with a few experienced psychiatrists who have institutional knowledge of the local mental health landscape, obtain their professional perspectives, andthenreviseyourpieceto include their empirical and clinicalinsights.

Regards WendellJeffrey

Writes with Intellectual Dishonesty

DEAREDITOR

Freddie Kissoon has gleefully written a number of “eulogies” about the closure of the Stabroek News(SN).Sinceheisnota journalist and therefore was not allowed to write for SN, he obviously became bitter Incidentally, he was also kickedoutofKaieteurNews and even from the

University of Guyana Today he is seen as a propagandist for the People’s Progressive Party, which he has criticised for decades.

Ibelievehehasbecomea political grasshopper because of his intellectual dishonesty This dishonesty was recently on display in hiscolumn,“StabroekNews has been unmasked by its own admirer” (March 14, 2026),inwhichheattempted arebuttaltoaletter,whichI wrote stating that critics of SN lack substance, fail to conduct any serious content analysis,andsimplyramble.

My letter was published under the title “False Criticism of the Stabroek

News” in SN on March 13, 2026. In responding to two issues, he mentioned about Stabroek N

ts coverage of Palestinians in Gazaanditscoverageofthe c

statementsafterIchallenged him with facts. This can be clearly seen if my original

K

n’s response are examined together Surprisingly, he accusesmeofnotputtingon my thinking cap and blatantlydenyingthefacts.

Editor,asaformersenior journalist in Guyana who reached a senior position in the Comm

nications Section of the CARICOM Secretariat, where I worked for five years, and as someone who continued to write as a journalist in New YorkandwhotaughtEnglish at the City University of NewYork for several years, should I take Freddie Kissoonseriously?

Yourstruly,

DhanrajBhagwandin.

B.A,Ms.Ed

Are politicians, police and people protecting lawlessness?

DEAREDITOR

Guyana continues to rocktheboatofmorality As crime, corruption and collision continue to be the orderofthedayandnightin Guyana,ontheroad,offthe road,inoffices,inhomes,in thestreetsandineverynook and cranny in the community,civilsocietyand concerned citizens become weary, worried and wary of politicians, police and people in high society who seemtobeabovethelaw No wonder the Honourable Home Affairs Minister, O n e i d g e Wa l r o n d emphasized, “corruption thrives where supervision is weak.”

Therewillalwaysbethe desperate need to examine how wholesale lawlessness prevails in our societies and communities, how the flamedfireisfanned,fueled and fed by illegal activities and how misconduct is sustained by law agencies whom we entrust to execute rulesandregulationsbutfail miserably to withstand the testoftime.

The amber light certainly means a green continuum for dishonesty, deceitanddouble-dealing.

Society seems to have missed the goal post of loyalty. Not a day passes by and Guyanese do not stop revisiting the polluted environment which goes unrecognized, partially acknowledged or swept

under the carpet The downplayofrealitydilutes words, deeds and actions as exhibited by authorized personnel and the scrutiny of their sincerity is a work in process that will remain during its entirety of their term in office and in whatever position they serve Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken reminded officers that, “integrity must guide their conduct, both on and off duty”

It’s time we slow down from concentrating on how we can provide the avenues for perks and presents, awards and rewards, grants and gifts, dividends and donations, bribery and bonus,freebiesandfavours, andbenefitsandboons.

The gravy train has a shelflife.Isitfive,fifteenor fiftyyears?Oilmaynotspoil but it is not replaceable or replicable.

Its sidekick, gas, shares the same fate. Let’s not lose sight of reality stop

According to the local government minister, H o n o u r a b l e P r i y a Manickchand, those entrusted in privileged positionsmust“demonstrate commitment, accountability and daily efforts to improve communities.”

Our society remains fragile, fearsome and fermented The social infrastructure is cemented on a weak foundation and it

demands the application of strengthening their five pillars in particular the humanetouchforconscious behaviour This relationship is peddled on a cycle of seriousnessandearnestness. If not, we’ll be spinning on the ferris wheel As President Dr Irfaan Ali reminded us for Ramadan, “Let compassion become a national habit…we have a duty towards each other in thefamilyofhumanity.”

On the Festival of Colours, Holi, President Dr Ali joyfully but seriously remarked, “when we gather in the streets we are not merely playing ” Over the weekend, President Ali visited his hometown village, Leonora, where he was born, bred and brought up He strolled through the new Leonora market, mixed and mingled with customers, shoppers, buyers, planters, sellers and the publicatlarge. He listened, observed a n d m a d e

recommendations for problematic issues facing thedwellersatthemarket. The people at large were happy to have him among themselves. He is a people-oriented person.

Earlier that Friday morning, he took time off to stroll by the Leonora sea wall, where fishermen and women ply their trade

by the koker Much was discussed and again, recommendations were made for remedial services. The fishmongers were pleasantlysurprisedwithhis companionshipandtheease with which he patronised them.

But then again, he is a man of words, wisdom and whereabouts

To quote him, he scripturally punctuated, “and yet, even as we ascend, we must ask ourselves: who ascends with us? We are our brothers’ keepers We are our sisters’ keepers ” It is a pity the President was unable to make other pertinent visits He would have seen where one side street remains incomplete after some six months of being under construction. Can you imagine the plight of the villagers using that street?

Thenightlifeperhapsis foreign to the President in Leonora Leonora has gained the ill reputation of being the “Mecca for illicit entertainment ” This may be a Region 3 crown but strongly challenged at a nationallevel

How much more must be said and written about theannoyinganomalies,the abominable atrocities and the atrocious abhorrence where human rights are being infringed, the law is inapplicable, health hazards are not discouraged, conflict of interest supersedes the preservationoflawandorder, rules and regulations are dismissed and there is no respectforcivilobedienceina societythatwasoncethepride ofourancestors

Ofwhatuseisthecallby theMinisterofLegalaffairs, the honourable Nandlall that, “noise nuisance is illegal.” It’s a waste of time and effort that the Minister within the ministry of Housingoncepronounced

(Continuedonpage16)

Securing Guyana’s Biological Sovereignty through the Canadian Corridor

DEAREDITOR

The recent Al Jazeera investigation into the creep of“biomedicalimperialism” isfarmorethanacautionary talefordistantnations;itisa direct mirror to the crossroads at which Guyana nowstands.

As we deploy a historic $161.1billion(GYD)health budget in 2026, we are w i t n e s s i n g t h e transformation of our medical landscape from a collection of clinics into a high-value geopolitical asset However, as our relationship with the United States deepens, symbolized bythearrivaloftheLAMAT 2026 medical teams this March, we must confront a hidden risk: the “Data for Dollars” trade-off. In the current global climate, Washington’s “Health Security” framework often demands more than just diplomatic alignment; it s e e k s “ P a t h o g e n Intelligence,” a polite term fortheharvestingofnational health data and biological samples in exchange for pharmaceuticalaccess.

This is not merely a matter of administrative p r e f e r e n c e b u t a fundamental issue of national sovereignty. The pressure that led to the quiet sunsetting of our Cuban MedicalBrigadepartnership earlier this year serves as a stark reminder of how “alignment” can create immediate vulnerabilities By moving away from Havana’s stable labour model to appease northern interests, we have entered a “dependencytrap”wherewe areforcedtochoosebetween high-costprivatecontractors or temporary military medical missions that lack institutionalcontinuity

Yet, in this narrow corridor of pressure, a strategic opportunity exists through our strengthening ties with Canada, offering Guyana a sophisticated mechanism to modernize

without surrendering our biologicalautonomy

The Canadian model of health cooperation represents a vital “technical buffer” Unlike the U S approach, which is increasinglyfilteredthrough a national security lens, Canada’s 2026-27 Health Infoway standards focus on Data Stewardship and Sovereignty By adopting Canadian technical protocols for our national Electronic Health Record (EHR) rollout, Guyana can build a system that is North American in its efficiency butGuyaneseinitscontrol. Specifically, by utilising Canadian-standard end-toend encryption which p r i o r i t i z e s “ d a t a localization”, we can ensure thatthehealthprofilesofour citizens and the unique genomic data found in our Amazonian basin remain behind a Guyanese firewall. This prevents our nation frombecominga“biological extraction zone” where foreignintelligenceagencies and Big Pharma vacuum up data to which they have no sovereignright.

Furthermore, the “Canadian Corridor” provides a sustainable solution to the medical labour vacuum. Rather than relying on the intermittent presence of U.S. surgical teams, Guyana is now positioned to twin our 12 new regional hospitals and thePaediatricandMaternity Hospital with Canadian provincialhealthauthorities.

Th

e 2026 S

a

Wo

orce Solutions Programme, we can facilitate a “knowledgetransfer”model.Thisallows Guyanesenursesanddoctors to be trained to world-class standards within a nonbelligerent framework, effectivelybuildinga“Made in Guyana” workforce that replaces the lost Cuban specialists without the geopoliticalstringsattached (Continuedonpage16)

Dr. Jagan’s offer to WPAin 1992...

Frompage04

b e c o m e r e s p e c t e d Professors. Could those be reasons (PhD and professorship) why Freddie attacksthem?

What is shocking is scholarsoracademicsfound time to read what Freddie writes What is more disappointingisthatFreddie isallowedtouseStatemedia to attack individuals who

contributed much to the strugglefortherestorationof democracy in Guyana. It is not forgotten that the paper was used to attack the PPP opposition from 1970s to 1992 and Dr Jagan specifically It is a fact that Nigel and Wazir, indeed so many of us, Nanda Gopaul, de Caires, Ravi Dev, Harry Nokta, Vishnu Bandhu, Tacuma Ogunseye, myself, amongothers,wereharassed and victimized, some even brutally beaten by thugs during that struggle for democracy

We all may support different political entities. But we must respect those w h o c o n t r i b u t e d significantly to the struggle forfreeandfairelections. Yoursfaithfully VishnuBisram

Magistrate sets new reporting conditions for Mohameds -warnsagainstlapses

Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman on Monday issued a stern warning to sanctioned businessmen Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, after the court was told that thetwomenwerenotalways reporting to the Ruimveldt Police Station within the stipulated time as required undertheirbailconditions.

The issue arose during the ongoing extradition

proceedings at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court.

Prosecutor Glenn Hanomaninformedthecourt that records from the Ruimveldt Police Station suggestedthatthefatherand

son may not be strictly adhering to the condition which requires them to report every Friday between 13:00hrs.and15:00hrs.

The matter was first raised during a previous hearingandwasrevisitedon Monday when Hanoman reminded the court that the reporting requirement formedpartofthemen'sbail conditions.

During the hearing, StationSergeantTobinofthe Ruimveldt Police Station appeared before the court with the station diary documentingtheMohameds' attendance at the station, including the time they reported.

When asked by the magistrate how often the father and son reported within the specified timeframe,Tobinresponded, “Onoccasions.”

Reviewing the records coveringtheperiodbetween November 7 and February 20, Tobin told the court that while the men did report regularly, there were instanceswhentheyreported outside the stipulated hours.

According to the records, there were occasions when they reported earlier than ordered, while on other occasionstheyreportedlater

The court also examined an entry for December 26, when no report appeared to

have been recorded in the station diary Tobin explainedthatthedatewasa publicholiday

Magistrate Latchman, however,pointedoutthatthe original reporting order exemptedpublicholidays.

“With respect to your analysis, they were not absent,” the magistrate told the prosecutor, noting that theissueappearedtoinvolve early or late reporting rather than a complete failure to report.

Despite this, Hanoman maintainedthatthereporting deviations still constituted breaches of the bail conditions. He argued that there were occasions when themendidnotreportonthe specified day but instead reported either a day earlier oradaylater

Hanoman told the court that it was his duty as prosecutor to highlight such issues and made an application for the court to either warn the surety that theMohameds'bailcouldbe revoked,remandthemen,or impose stricter reporting requirements.

He argued that the two men were “fortunate “to have been granted bail despite being classified as “fugitiveoffenders.”

According to Hanoman, the police must be able to account for individuals who are out on bail, particularly in matters involving extradition.

“I think the fugitive offendersneedtounderstand that the orders of the court have to be complied with or elseitwouldbecontemptof the court's orders, ” Hanomantoldthecourt.

“Secondofall,theyneed to understand that their libertyisconditionalonstrict reporting,andthereisreason for the strict reporting – the police need to monitor them.”

Hefurtherarguedthatthe station records suggested a pattern of non-compliance. “There are more breaches than compliance with the court order I think it's contempt for the court order,”hesaid.

Hanoman also told the court that the Mohameds could not choose when to reporttothestation.

“The story that we can gather here is that the fugitive offenders feel that they can go when they feel like, not in the timeframe ordered by the Court,” he said.

However, defence

attorneysSiandDhurjonand Roysdale Forde, S.C., strongly objected to the prosecution'sapplication.

The defence argued that the Mohameds had been reporting regularly, even if on some occasions the reports were made earlier or later than the precise timeframe ordered by the court.Dhurjon described the prosecution's claim that there were more breaches than compliance as unfounded.

“Theseareextraordinary claims to say there were more breaches than compliance,” Dhurjon told the court.He explained that Nazar Mohamed had been required to report to the police station on 18 occasions and had complied on each occasion except February 13, when he reportedlater

According to Dhurjon, the elderly businessman suffers from a medical conditionthatpreventedhim fromreportingpunctuallyon that day He told the court that the police station had been contacted and permission was given for Nazar Mohamed to report later

Dhurjon also questioned the accuracy of the police records regarding Azruddin Mohamed. He argued that the records did not account forareportthatwasmadeon January2.

“An earlier reporting cannot be seen as a breach,” Dhurjonsaid.

The defence also asked the court to relax the reporting requirements, arguing that bail conditions are intended to ensure that accused persons remain withinthejurisdictionofthe court rather than to punish them.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Magistrate Latchman invited the two mentoaddressthecourt.

Nazar Mohamed apologised for reporting outside the stipulated hours but explained that he had beeninformedbypolicethat arriving exactly within the timeframe was not necessary.

“I made the effort regardlessofhowsickIam,” hetoldthecourt.

AzruddinMohamedalso addressed the court, stating that he reported every week to the Ruimveldt Police Station. He explained that the only occasion on which he reported late occurred when he had to attend proceedings at the Whim Magistrate's Court and was ill on the reporting day, resulting in him reporting a daylater

Following their explanations, Magistrate Latchmanwarnedthemento ensure that they strictly comply with the court's directives.

“It is crucial that you follow the court's orders. You are to report when you have to report – that is accountability and that is (Continuedonpage10)

Putdownthephone.Pickupthenewspaper.

T

here is now an uncomfortable truth staring many of us in the face quite literally from our smartphones.

Modern phones come with built-in tools that track how much time we spend staring at their screens Many people check those numbers and are shocked.

Eight hours a day

Sometimes more Eight hours with heads bent, thumbs scrolling endlessly through Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, TikTok, and countless other digitalfeeds.

Eight hours. For some people, that is more time than they spend sleeping. Psychologists have begun warning that this behaviour is not just habit it is addiction One American psychologisthasarguedthat many of the apps and websites we use every day

areengineeredtoexploitour p s y c h o l o g i c a l vulnerabilities and keep us comingback.Inotherwords, that constant urge to check yourphoneisnotaccidental.

Adesign ethicist at Google, has repeatedly warned that social media platforms compete aggressively for human attention He has argued that the race for attention is destroying our abilitytofocus.

And nowhere is this moreevidentthaninhowwe now consume news

Millions of people today believe they are “keeping informed.” In reality, they are simply scrolling. They scroll endlessly through headlines, rumours, memes, screenshots, and unverified claims posted by people whose only qualification is thattheyownasmartphone.

Credibility often does not matter. Verification

rarely matters Speed matters. People want the news as it happens. They want it instantly, even if it turns out to be wrong five minutes later And so they scroll and scroll and scroll, chasing the next update, the next rumour, the nextviralpost.Ithasbecome a digital form of addiction. Yet ironically, many of the same people who spend eighthoursadayconsuming “free news” online refuse to spend $100 to buy a daily n

T

i s contradictionliesattheheart o

n surrounding the closure of StabroekNews.

Since the announcement ofitsclosure,therehasbeen a rush by some persons to blame the newspaper’s editorial content Others claim that its perceived political slant drove readers away an drove the paper

Atribute to Stabroek News...

Frompage05

indispensabletonationalprogress.

As our country, Guyana, continues its journey through an era of economic transformation and expanding global relevance, the contributions of Stabroek Newsremaindeeplywovenintothenation’s democratic heritage. The newspaper leaves behindnotmerelymemories,butatradition of inquiry, courage, and civic engagement that will continue to influence the country’s publiclife.

InbiddingfarewelltoStabroekNews,the nation does not simply say goodbye to a newspaper It pays tribute to an institution that, for generations, informed the public, challenged authority, and gave voice to the aspirations and concerns of the Guyanese people. Its presses may fall silent, but its legacy etched in the democratic consciousnessofthenationwillendure.

Yoursrespectfully

JermaineFigueira

FormerMemberofParliament

DEM BOYS SEH

Dephonecontrollingyou!

Dem boys seh it got a newkindofaddictwalking the streets these days. The scary thing is plenty of themdon’tevenknowthey addicted.

They walking normal. They talking normal. They even laughing normal. But watch them carefully and youwillseethesigns.Head bent. Eyes glued to a little glowing screen Thumb moving up… up… up… scroll…scroll…scroll.

Dem boys seh some people can’t go five minutes without checking their phone. They wake up and before they even say a prayer or brush them teeth, thefirstthingtheyreachfor is the phone. Before they sleep, same thing again. Phone in hand like it is oxygen. Now some people addicted to alcohol. Some to cigarettes Some to stronger substances that does mash up life and

family But dem boys seh thereisanewaddictionthat might be even more dangerous Smart phone addiction Or more correctly… social media addiction.

Andthefrighteningpart isthatthephoneain’tjusta phoneanymore.Itdeciding whatyouseeandwhatyou don’t see. It deciding what news you read. It deciding what people you angry with.Itevendecidingwhat youbelieve. You think you in control. But dem boys seh the phone controlling you. Every scroll is like a little psychological trap. Every notification is like a tiny hookpullingyouback.You tell yourself, “Just two minutes.” Next thing you know an hour gone. Then anotherhour Thenanother Some people spending six…seven…eighthoursa day scrolling. Eight hours!

deeperintothered.

This explanation is convenient. But it is also misleading.

The truth is that newspapersacrosstheworld are facing the same crisis. From New York to London toNewDelhitoTrinidadand Tobago, the traditional newspaper business model has been under siege for morethantwodecades.Two main revenue streams sustained newspapers for

advertising Both have collapsed.

Readers stopped buying physical newspapers and began getting their news online. At the same time, advertisers shifted their spendingtodigitalplatforms where they believe they can reach audiences more cheaply and more precisely The result has been devastating for print journalism Even large international newspapers have struggled to survive this transition. Some have cut staff drastically. Others have closed completely. In that context, the financial struggles of Stabroek News should surprise no one. A newspaper cannot survive without readers buying it. Nor can it survive if ad

disappears No business, whether it is a newspaper, a shop, or a factory, can continue indefinitely while losing money Shareholders simply do not operate that way

And yet many of the samepeoplewholamentthe closure of newspapers contribute directly to their demise. They spend hours every day scrolling through social media, consuming unverified information, rumours, and sometimes outrightfiction.

Theybuydatapackages. Theypayforinternetaccess. They pay phone companies. Buttheywillnotspend$100 foranewspaper Thinkabout that.Ahundreddollars.That islessthanthecostofasnack in many places today Yet thatsmallsumhelpssupport professional journalists who verify facts, check sources, and take responsibility for whattheypublish.

That is a full workday staring into a screen while life passing outside the window

Children growing up. Books not being read

Conversations not happening. Minds getting tiredbutneverresting.And thescariestpart?Thephone deciding what goes into your mind A computer somewhere studying what you like, what you watch, what you click… and then feeding you more of the same until it build a little digital prison around your brain.Demboyssehplenty of people laughing at drug addicts and shaking they head. But the truth is some ofwemightbeaddictstoo. Only difference is the substancenotinabottleora pipe. It in we pocket. And every time the phone buzz…wereachingforthe nexthit.

Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

That is the difference between journalism and random posts on social media. A newspaper operates with editors, reporters, and standards. When it makes mistakes, it issues corrections. When it publishesallegations,itmust stand by them. A Facebook post carries no such responsibility Anyone can write anything. And often they do. If Guyanese truly value credible journalism, then they must support it—not merely talk about it after a newspaper closes. The survival of newspapers ultimately depends on readers If people want reliable information instead of rumours, they must be willing to pay for it. If they want trained journalists investigating issues that affectthecountry,theymust support the institutions that employ those journalists Otherwise,thefuturewillbe one where public discourse is shaped not by verified facts but by the loudest voices on social media Eighthoursofscrollingmay feel like staying informed. But it is not the same as reading a newspaper Perhaps it is time to put downthephone—atleastfor a while—and pick up the paperagain.

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

H@RD TRUTHS

US$200 a barrel -who can afford to buy

Oil at US$200 a pop generates dreams of riches outofthisworld. Moveover Elon Musk. Take a walk, JackMa. MamaMia!Oilat US$200ahead! It'senough to drive into frenzies of hallucinations. What is the PPP, now in full control of Guyana and all that oil money, going to do? With itself? WithGuyanese? Ifit has showed itself a wastrel with five billion American, then a Ouija board isn't neededtoknowhowUS$10 big ones could disappear Carnival and Christmas th daily Mash and July 4 blendedsweetlyintoone. Calm down everyone This is serious stuff -oil at US$200 a cask, but it can't last. Which country could buy as much as before, as needed? Demand destruction. ACNNcaption screamed the essence of pain: “A war waged by the world's wealthiest nation is hitting the wallets of those who can least afford it” (CNNMarch13,2026). See what I mean, now? The Americans and Israelis declared war with aerial

bombardments and naval assaults. Thecoalitionofthe willing and the calculating (all that Middle East oil), fighting one kind of war Theirs, the only type they know. Iran,allaloneandon its own, fighting a different kind of war. While the USIsrael Axis unleashed its fleet of fearsome Tomahawks to scalp the Iranians, the descendants of Xerxes and Artaxerxes unveiled their own brand of fighting against the odds, their new way of waging war If they can't be defeated, then take solace in crippling tormentors. Let thepainraineverywhere. Thus, the Persians, long given to persecution and martyrdom syndromes, announced to an astonished, frightened world, its own sanctions. In Guyanese: 'knack gat knack bak Sanction fuh sang-shun ' This is a reincarnation straight out of Middle East culture, where vengeance is oxygen. Painforpain. Jesus commanded the world to surrender 'an eye for an eye' andreplacethatwith'loveof

enemy'. Nightmares visit him. He may not think of economic warfare, and the bludgeoning power of its tentacles, the piercing bites of its fangs. But that's what Iranpromisedtheworld. All who want to play Mr. Innocent, Dr. Neutral, and Ms. GoodyTwo Shoes, deal with that baby that's undisguisedcannonball. No baby clothes on that one, US$200abottle.

Incidentally, all the PPP greedy who dance on their head in anticipation of oil at US$200(oranywhereclose) and loads of deposits in the National Oil Fund (NUFF), followed by huge withdrawals, I have some sad news for them. At US$200(orUS$150,oreven US$125) acute backpain startstokickin:fewcanbuy The prosperous in the PPP Gov't would call that demand slump. The IMF loan department would be overwhelmed with extra business, more than its float can handle. Meantime, the world stops thinking of economic distress, and puts on a new hat. Economic

depression. Like a weather system of the same last name,nothingismoving,no one is stirring, since all the discretionary spending and buying power got slammed inthestonesbythePersians. Whoever picks a fight with Teheran had better come loaded with more than guns andStarWarsandFoxNews to sell the good and bad news. People who live on easy street get too flabby, 'can't tek tuh' much squeezing Iranians know sacrifice. In fact, they have come to love it. From 70 yearsagoandMossadeghto 2026 and Mojtaba, Iranians have grown accustomed to American pain. Though proxies,naturally Andnow that the US and Israel harbour grand plans about

taking over the whole country, and running it like Venezuela (and soon enough Cuba), the descendants of Ali decidedtotakeastand. It may or may not be like Custer's Last Stand at the Little Bighorn. Regardless,atrailoftragedy is woven all over To the Americans, the Iranians are saying: fight your war your way Get ready for war being fought another way Iranian civilians battered Global children punished in return. Must find a Persian poemforthatsituation. My own suffices: pain begets morepain. Peoplewhohave a history of self-flagellation (mutilation) can absorb muchmorepainthannormal

people. A closing note to wrap-up I recall how benevolent Chinese, like Zhou en Lai, used to rail about “bandits” and “international gangsters” and reckless imperialist adventurers. Iusedtolaugh. Wisdom comes late to the dense Oil approaching US$200leadstosuchmental rearranging…

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

Magistratesetsnewreporting...

Frompage8 being responsible citizens,” the magistrate toldthem.

“Youmustendeavortodoyourbest.You must seek perfection of character at some pointintime.”

The magistrate subsequently adjusted thereportingrequirements.

Under the new conditions, the Mohameds must now report to the Ruimveldt Police Station every Friday within a 24-hour period, except on Fridays whentheyarerequiredtoattendcourt.

IfapublicholidayfallsonaFriday,they mustreporttothestationthedaybefore.The revised condition will take effect from March20,2026.

Meanwhile, the extradition proceedings continued with the cross-examination of Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation,SharonRoopchand-Edwards.

During the hearing, defence attorney RoysdaleForde,S.C.,continuedquestioning Roopchand-Edwardsregardingherhandling

of the United States extradition request documents.

Cross-examination is expected to continueonTuesday Azruddin Mohamed and Nazar Mohamed were granted bail in the sum of $150,000 each following their arrest in Georgetown on October 31, 2025, after an extradition request was filed by authorities intheUnitedStates.

The extradition proceedings stem from criminal charges filed against members of the Mohamed family in a United States federalcourtinMiami,Florida.

According to a 25-page indictment unsealed on October 2, 2025, U S prosecutors allege that the Mohameds orchestratedalarge-scaleschemeinvolving fraudulentgoldexports,customsviolations, bribery, and the evasion of millions of dollars in taxes and royalties owed to Guyana.

As part of their bail conditions, the two men were required to report weekly to the RuimveldtPoliceStation.

Canadian oil company to expand foothold in Canje Block

Canadian oil and gas explorer Eco (Atlantic) Ltd. has announced plans to expanditspresenceoffshore Guyana through a US$52.3 million acquisition of JHI Associates Inc., a move that wouldalsogivethecompany entry into the offshore petroleum sector of the FalklandIslands.

Thecompanyannounced last week that it signed a bindingagreementonMarch 10, 2026 to acquire all remaining shares in JHI not already owned by Eco. The transaction will be completed through the issuance of new Eco shares toJHIstakeholders.

“ T h i s l a n d m a r k acquisition complements Eco's existing Atlantic MarginportfolioinNamibia and South Africa, whilst adding to its exposure offshore Guyana The Acquisition positions Eco at the forefront of one of the most compelling offshore growth stories globally, the North Falkland Basin, alongside intended operator andstrategicpartnerNavitas

PetroleumLP,”thecompany said.

Through the acquisition, EcowouldgainJHI's17.5% participating interest in the CanjeBlock,located180km

offshoreGuyana,andcovers 4,800km2 in deep to ultradeep water, and contains prospectivity in both continental slope and basin floor targets Canje lies

adjacent and directly northeast of the prolific Stabroek Block, which is operated by ExxonMobil GuyanaLimited(EMGL).

Whilethelicenceforthe

Canje block expired on March 4, 2026, it was noted that discussions are ongoing with the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of N

Resources regarding a possible extension “The T

conditional on the Canje Extension,”Econoted.

In Guyana, Eco holds a 100%workinginterestinthe 1,354 km2 Orinduik Block. This block is situated in shallow water, 170 km offshoreGuyana.

In 2019 two oil discoveries were made, Jethro-1 and Joe-1, both wells encountered high qualityreservoirscontaining mobile heavy crude. The Orinduik Block licence expiredonJanuary14,2026.

As the licence for the offshoreareahasreachedthe end of its second renewal term,Ecoisintalkswiththe M

continuation of its appraisal andexplorationactivitieson theOrinduikBlock.

The company reminded that provisions under the Petroleum Act allow it to retain rights to its Jethro-1 and Joe-1 discoveries while its appraisal programme is (Continuedonpage16)

Cuba's national electric grid collapses, leaving millions without power

(Reuters) - Cuba's national electric grid collapsed on ​Monday, the country's grid operator said, leaving around 10 million people without power amid a U Simposed oil blockade that has crippled the island's already obsoletegenerationsystem.

Grid operator UNE said on social media it is investigating the causesoftheblackout,thelatestin aseriesofwidespreadoutagesthat last for hours or days and that this weekend sparked a rare violent protest in the communist-run ​country.Officials ruled out a major powerplantfailure,buthadstillnot pinpointedtherootcauseofthegrid ​collapse, suggesting a problem withtransmission.

Officials said they had begun restoringpowertosmallclustersof circuits, or microsystems, across the country, an early but necessary first step in bringing the full grid backonline.

TheUnited​Stateshasratcheted up pressure this year on long-time foe Cuba since capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas

Maduro - Cuba's most important foreignbenefactor-​inJanuary

U.S. President Donald Trump cutoffVenezuelanoilshipmentsto Cuba and threatened to slap tariffs on any country that sells oil to Cuba, strangling the Caribbean island'salreadyantiquatedgrid.

Cuba said on Friday that it has entered into talks with the United Stateswiththehopeofdefusing​the crisis. Trump has said in recent weeks that Cuba is on the verge of collapseandiseagertomake​adeal withtheUnitedStates.

Cubans have grown accustomed to power outages, whether tied to the oil supply shortfallsorsystemicfailuresinthe grid,whichcanalsobetheresultof depressedpowergeneration.

"No, the news didn't surprise me," said Havana resident Dayana Machin,26,addingthatallCubans were scrambling now to find alternatives to grid-provided electricity

"We're getting used to living likethis."

RUNNINGONFUMES

People bang pots and pans during a protest against electricity power cuts, amid U.S. sanctions and an oil blockade that have deepened the country's crisis, in Havana, Cuba, March 7, 2026. REUTERS/Norlys Perez/File Photo

Cuba has received only two small vessels carrying oil imports this year, according to LSEG ship tracking data seen by Reuters on Monday

The​firsttankerdischargedfuel in ​January at the Havana port comingfromMexico,whichwasa regular supplier to the island until then. The second vessel, from Jamaica, discharged liquefied

petroleum gas - known as cooking gas-inFebruary Venezuela, once Cuba's main ​oil supplier, has sent no fuel to the island this year.Venezuela's state company PDVSA last month loaded gasoline in a tanker that it had previously used to transport fueltoCuba,butthevesselhasnot left Venezuelan waters, PDVSA documents and tanker monitoring

datashowed.Nolargeimportshave entered this year through Cuba's main hubs of Matanzas or Moa, which typically handle crude for ​refining and fuel oil for power generation, according to satellite i m a g e s a n a l y z e d b y TankerTrackers.com. The ports of Havana and Cienfuegos also have nothadimportactivityinmorethan amonth,itadded.

Corentyne man convicted of killing friend in ‘rum shop’

A 12-member jury on

Monday returned a unanimousguiltyverdictfor Andrew Seegobin for the 2023 murder of his friend,

Ramanand Mingo, following a trial at the BerbiceHighCourt.

Seegobin, a 33-year-old construction worker of

John's Village, Port Mourant, Corentyne, was convicted after two hours of deliberationbythejury The trialbeganonMarch9. The case was heard before Justice Deborah Kumar,whoscheduledApril 17,2026,forsentencing.

Seegobin,alsoknownas “Deportee,” was accused of murdering 29-year-old

M i n g o d u r i n g a confrontation at a liquor store in John's Village, Port Mourant, on November 19, 2023.

According to evidence presentedincourt,aphysical altercation erupted between Seegobin and Mingo, along withhisbrother

D u r i n g t h e

confrontation, Mingo received a stab wound and was rushed to the Port Mourant Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Defence attorney SurihyaSabsookarguedthat

Seegobin had acted in selfdefence, claiming he was attacked by the brothers. LiquorstoreownerParbattie Rangasammy testified that the two brothers appeared hostiletowardSeegobin. H o w e v e r , t h e prosecution, led by State Prosecutor Marisa Edwards, called 15 witnesses in buildingitscase. As the verdict was announced,Mingo'smother, Lilowtie Ramsammy, who sobbed throughout parts of the hearing, said she was

relieved that justice was served, but remained deeply painedbythelossofherson.

“Ifeelvery,veryhurtfor myson.Wehavejustice,but I'mnotsatisfiedyet.

They kill meh son and throw him like a dog on the roadandleavehethere.

Me nah have bank account, me nah have wealth. My three children them is my wealth Ramanand Mingo was my baby It really hurt me,” she saidoutsidethecourt.

Ramsammy, of Clifton

Settlement, Corentyne, had testified last week that her sonandSeegobinwereclose friends and that she was unaware of any conflict betweenthem.

Dianand Mingo, the brotherofthedeceased,also testified, telling the court that he witnessed Seegobin stabhisbrother

He rejected claims that Ramanand was the aggressor

The defence, however, referred to video footage presented in court which reportedlyshowedSeegobin beingattacked.

In his statement, Seegobin maintained that the brothers were the aggressors and that he attemptedtoescape.Hesaid that during the encounter, Ramanand allegedly advancedtowardhimwitha knife. Seegobin claimed he pushed him away while tryingtoflee,causingMingo tofallbackontoabench.He stated that he was unsure whatoccurredafterward.

The following day, Seegobin turned himself in tothepoliceaccompaniedby his then attorney, Mursaline Bacchus.

Key testimony for the prosecution came from GovernmentPathologist,Dr Vivekanand Bridgemohan, who conducted the autopsy on November 23, 2023, at Bailey's Funeral Parlour on theWestCoastofBerbice.

The doctor concluded that Mingo died from shock and haemorrhage caused by astabwoundtotheheart.He describedtheinjuryasa3cm by1cmoval-shaped“clean” wound inflicted by a sharp instrument.

When questioned by the defenceaboutthepossibility of the fatal wound being accidental,Dr Bridgemohan acknowledged that while it was not impossible, the characteristics of the wound and the force involved suggestedotherwise.

F o l l o w i n g t h e conviction, Seegob

maintained his innocence andindicatedthatheintends toappealtheverdict. Ramanand Mingo (deceased)

‘UG has made strides, but much work remains’- outgoing VC Paloma Mohamed

Although the University of Guyana has recorded notable progressundertheleadershipofits first female Vice Chancellor, Paloma Mohamed, she says the institution's transformation is far fromcomplete.

In an interview with Kaieteur News, Professor Mohamed reflected on the achievements of the past seven years while acknowledging that critical work remains to be done, particularly in expanding infrastructure, strengthening research capacity andmodernisingkeysystems.

She said, “That would be my deepest wish. I want everything to succeed and do better than when I was here. That's the only way to know that you have succeeded. Thattheworkofyouandyourteam hasnotbeeninvain.”

Tothisend,theViceChancellor explainedthattheUniversityneeds

more dorms if it is to truly deliver ononeoftheBlueprint2024goals of at least one graduate per household.Whileexpandingtothe various regions across the country can reduce the pressures of travelling on students, more and better equipped dorm spaces are a must. Accommodation for staff is also needed according to Dr Mohamedwhoexplainedthatjusta few spaces were allocated which arealwaysfilledandareinneedof repairs. “So, we need to expand those by 200-fold or something,” shesaidinhighlightingtheurgency ofthematter

Furthermore, the Vice Chancellor explained that one of the things she hopes for is a new librarysoon,citingtheexistenceof otherissuessuchasparkingandthe needforself-flushingtoiletsatthe University “Ourtoiletsarenotselfflushing and even though we

New board

appointed for BIT

Chairperson of BIT, Kathy Smith and Chief Executive Officer, Richard Maughn

The Board of Industrial Training (BIT) is pleased to announce the appointment of its newly inducted Board, which will serve for the period January 23, 2026toJanuary22,2027.

President of the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry,KathySmithwillserveas Chairperson.According to a press release from the Ministry of Labour, Smith becomes the first woman to hold the position of Chairperson in BIT's 115-year history “Ms. Smith brings to the Board a wealth of experience and knowledge accumulated over several decades. She is widely recognised as a prominent leader within the Guyanese business community and a strong advocate forprivatesectordevelopmentand economic growth,” the press releasestated.

In 2025, Ms. Smith also made history when she became the first femalePresidentoftheGCCIinits 136-year history “Her leadership experience and commitment to strengthening the relationship between industry and workforce developmentwillbeinvaluableto theworkoftheBoardofIndustrial Training,”thereleaseadded.

increased the number of staff and the number of cleanings, the state of those toilets sometimes that humanbeingshavetodealwith...in an age like this is most distressing to me. We really do need to have some toilets that are selfflushing except for the new medicalschool,wehaveabouttwo hundred of them – all are manual flush Our custodial staff and students should not have to deal with that. It's a pet peeve,” she noted.

Beyond modernising infrastructure works, the VC pointed to upgrading classrooms, labs and some of the curricula as well as the need for more funds to facilitate deeper research by university staff and students. She explained, “Research funding was the first thing that was cut when I came here in 2007 as a young lecturer –19 years ago...it didn't comebackuntilabouttwoorthree years ago, when we made a concerted decision to fund and

support the architecture for research through the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics Professor Emanuel Cummings; so that really curtailed thekindofinnovationwecoulddonot that we are not doing research, butthescaleisreallytoosmall.”

There are hundreds of research projects completed by the University and several research institutes established to this end, however, Dr Mohamed believes these can be monetized and scaled up. UG research and innovation hubfoundedlastyearcanbefound o n l i n e a t : https://researchandinnovation.uog. edu.gy/.

Dr PalomaMohamedhasopted nottorenewhercontractforathird term after serving the University for19yearsandasViceChancellor of the University for two consecutive three-year terms since June 2020. Prior to her official appointment,sheservedasDeanof the Faculty of Social Sciences,

Deputy Vice Chancellor for Philanthropy and Chair of the

Committeefollowingthedeparture ofthethenVCin2019.

Dr.Mohamedclarifiedthatshe will return to former pursuits of research and teaching when her ViceChancellor'scontractendsina few months. TheVice Chancellor says the focus must now be on “finding the very best successor to carrytheinstitutiontoevengreater heights.”

Doctors operating on one of the patients during the mission at the GPHC

Meanwhile, Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith expressed confidence that the newly appointed Board will continue to strengthentheroleoftheBoardof Industrial Training in advancing national workforce development and expanding opportunities for skills training across Guyana Under the leadership of the Chairperson and the newly appointed Board, BIT will continuetofocusonstrengthening technicalandvocationaleducation and training (TVET), addressing skills gaps through stronger alignmentwithindustryneeds,and expanding partnerships with the private sector in support of Guyana's growing economy, Griffithsaid.

In addition to Smith, the other members of the board are: ViceChair - Mr Ganesh Singh; John Edghill; Andrea Benjamin, Yannick Garraway, Sheila Verasammy, Karen Roopchand, Desa Liverpool, Penelope Harris, Michael Turner, Krishn Sharma andSureshSingh.TheEx-Officio Members are: Indrani Ramnarine, Jainarine Sarjoo Sookpaul and CEOofBIT,RichardMaughn.

Top U.S. surgeons perform life-changing urology procedures at GPHC

THospital Corporation recently hosted an advanced surgical mission led by

reconstructive urologist Kurt McCammon, bringing specialised procedures and hands-on training toGuyana.

Professor McCammon, of Eastern Virginia Medical School, visitedinFebruary2026alongside fellow reconstructive urologist Nima Baradaran to lead a surgical w

strengthening advanced urological care at the hospital. During the

underwent complex reconstructive proceduresthatarerarelyavailable locally Hospital officials said the operations significantly improved patients' quality of life while also providing critical training opportunities for local surgeons andmedicalresidents.

In a press statement the GPHC saidurologyisaspecialisedfieldof

diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the urinary tract in both men and women, as well as the male reproductive system. Urologists manage a wide range of conditions, including kidney stones, urinary tract infections, prostate disorders, bladder problems, and cancers of theurinarysystem.

The specialty also involves complexreconstructiveprocedures thatrestorenormalurinaryfunction and enhance patients' quality of life. Through surgical and nonsurgicaltreatments,urologyplaysa vital role in helping patients maintain healthy urinary and reproductivesystems.

Working alongside the visiting specialistsintheoperatingtheatre, members of the GPHC urology team gained hands-on experience and technical guidance, enhancing the hospital's ability to manage complexurologicalconditions.

Head of the Urology Section,

expressed his appreciation to Professor McCammonandDr Baradaranfor their ongoing commitment to supporting surgical training in GuyanaandthebroaderCaribbean.

He highlighted that such collaborations are essential for broadening local surgeons' skills andimprovingpatientoutcomes.

Chief Executive Officer of GPHC,Mr RobbieRambaran,also met with the visiting team and praised their humanitarian efforts and dedication to advancing medical training. He emphasised the importance of international partnerships in enhancing the hospital's capacity to provide specialised care to the Guyanese population The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation remainsdedicatedtostrengthening this valuable partnership as it continues to expand access to advanced urologic services and enhance the quality of care for patientsacrossGuyana.

BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT

$100K grant: Good news, but why the hurry?

The promise that Guyanese will soon begin receiving the $100,000 cash grant is certainly welcome news. Few things lift the national mood like government money flowing to citizens rather than the other way around. But while the grant is lawful and budgeted, its timing raises a fair question: why the sudden urgency?

When the Budget was crafted, oil prices hovered around US$65 per barrel. Today they are pushing past US$100. For an oil producer like Guyana, that means revenues are about to swell dramatically.

If the grant was calculated at $100,000 under modest oil prices, shouldn't soaring revenues justify something more?

And there is another issue: thousands of poorer citizens lack bank accounts, while overseas account holders may receive funds effortlessly. Generosity is welcome, but fairness and timing matter just as much.

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CJIA’s food court, lounge to be rehabilitated

The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Corporation will spend a portion of its $3.6 billion budgetary allocation to rehabilitate its lounge area and food court.

According to an invitation for bids, the project is expected to open on April 2, 2026 at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board office. Tender documents for the project will be available at CJIA’s Timehri office from March 18.

According to the budget

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estimates document, the government in 2026 budgeted $3,655,586,000 towards the CJIA and this for the terminal project and upgrading of facilities.

It was reported in the media that the country’s main airport in Timehri is undergoing extensive upgrades by the government to meet international standards. Recently, the CJIA had issued another tender for the rehabilitation of the viewing gallery and presidential lounge.

As previously reported, the contract for the airport expansion project was signed in 2011, under President Bharrat Jagdeo’s tenure, with China Harbour and Engineering Corporation (CHEC).

The Jagdeo-led administration acquired a US$138 million loan from the China Exim Bank, and used US$12 million from the Consolidated Fund (taxpayers’ money) for the total project cost of US$150

million. Jagdeo said that the US$150 million contract was signed with CHEC for a new airport. However, he said it was the coalition government that made changes which resulted in it being a rehabilitation project.

According to reports, upon assuming office in 2015, the David Granger administration deemed the airport plan defective, necessitating adjustments.

Subsequently, in August 2020, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill expressed dissatisfaction with the contractor’s work.

Consequently, negotiations resulted in additional works being undertaken by CHEC at no extra cost to Guyana. These enhancements included a superstructure, corridor, and curtain wall.

While the US$150 million rehabilitation works by CHEC is complete, the PPP-administration has substantially in-

creased spending for the modernisation of the airport, albeit falling below international standards and expectations.

Part of the additional work by the PPP government included the construction of a new commercial centre, VIP lounge, upgraded tarmac or aircraft parking areas, administrative office, and an improved baggage handling facility.

In addition, last year, gov-

ernment turned the sod for the construction of a second arrival terminal at the airport. Terminal 2 will feature business lounges, expanded concessions, and facilities to handle the increasing global demand.

The airport upgrades, which also include runway expansion and modernised bridges, are all strategic steps to prepare Guyana to become a major aviation hub, Minister Edghill stated.

STEMGuyana joins Eastern Caribbean Robotics and Innovation Association

STEMGuyana has officially entered into a new regional partnership with the Eastern Caribbean Robotics and Innovation Association (ECRIA), strengthening collaboration in robotics, innovation, and STEAM education across the Caribbean.

The partnership was formalised through a

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in February 2026, establishing STEMGuyana as a member organisation within the regional network and expanding opportunities for collaboration, student participation, and knowledge exchange in robotics and emerging technologies.

In a press release

STEMGuyana said as part of this meaningful regional engagement, it will be represented at the upcoming OECS Super Regional Robotics Challenge, which will take place from March 16–20, 2026 in St. Kitts and Nevis. The event, being hosted in collaboration with the St. Kitts and Nevis Robotics Association, brings together

talented student teams from across the Caribbean to showcase innovation, engineering excellence, teamwork, and problemsolving through robotics competitions and technology demonstrations.

Canadian oil company to expand foothold in Canje...

From page 11 under review. The company is working alongside its partner Navitas Petroleum, an Israeli firm in what it described as “ongoing, constructive discussions” with the ministry regarding the way forward for the block. In addition to expanding its footprint in Guyana, Eco will gain entry to JHI’s principal asset, 35% working interest in the PL001 licence in the North Falkland Basin, a block directly adjacent to Navitas-operated Sea Lion Field under development. Notably, the remaining 65% interest in the PL001 licence area will be held by

Eco’s strategic partner Navitas – once Navitas farmin is approved.

Eco’s President and Chief Executive Officer (CE0), Gil Holzman said the acquisition of JHI marks a major step in the company’s growth strategy. “”This Transaction represents a further transformational milestone in Eco’s strategic evolution and reinforces our disciplined approach to assembling high-quality Atlantic Margin acreage alongside best-in-class operating partners,” Holzman said.

He added that by securing acreage near the Sea Lion development and partnering

Securing Guyana’s Biological...

From page 06 to U.S. military-medical aid.

As we face the persistent shadows of territorial aggression from Venezuela and an increasingly transactional U.S. foreign policy, Guyana’s health sector must become a shield, not a vulnerability. By leveraging Canadian standards as a technical and regulatory relief valve, we protect the “profits” of our biodiversity and the privacy of our people. We must be

clear: sovereignty in 2026 is no longer just about the boots on the ground at our borders; it is about the encryption on the servers and the ownership of the data in our blood. We must ensure that as we modernise, we do so with the wisdom of the Jaguar, utilising the technical heights of the north to protect the sovereign heart of the south.

Respectfully, Dr. Walter H Persaud

with Navitas Petroleum LP, the company is positioning itself for development-led growth in that basin. Moreover, the acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and shareholder consent.

Once completed, JHI shareholders are expected to hold about 21.8% of Eco’s then issued share capital.

For their part, JHI said the transaction would transition its investors from a privately held company into a publicly traded entity while broadening their exposure to exploration assets across several re-

gions. “On closing, Eco will issue approximately 96 million new common shares to JHI shareholders on a ratio of 0.7054 Eco shares in exchange for each JHI share on a fully diluted basis, resulting in JHI’s shareholders, excluding Eco, owning approximately 22.5% of Eco,” the statement said.

JHI said the transaction will also expose its shareholders to Eco’s broader exploration portfolio, including acreage in Namibia’s Walvis Basin and offshore blocks in South Africa, while maintaining and potentially expanding exposure in Guyana.

Are politicians, police...

From page 06 that, “bars in residential areas are illegal.”

How can all the legal agencies encourage bars and nightclubs to be open whole night and disturb peaceful citizens in residential areas?

His Excellency, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali proclaimed, “calling on citizens to embrace reflection, humility and compassion as they observe the sacred festi-

Ms. Elsie Harry, Member of the Board of Directors and Fundraising Coordinator for (Continued on page 18) vals…”

Will the Government’s eyes play on the pitiful plight of Leonorians as a stepping stone to fix a national issue? Are politicians, police and people in high society protecting proprietors of bars and principles of pretentious priorities in order to propagate lawlessness?

Yours respectfully Jai Lall

Pres.Aliunveils‘PrisonAvoidanceSystem’Avoidance

…as govt. takes steps to tackle crime before it starts

President Irfaan Ali on Monday announced plans to introduce what hedescribedasa“prisonavoidance system,”aimedatpreventingcrime before offenders enter the correctionalsystem.

The initiative was unveiled during the Senior Correctional OfficersConferenceoftheGuyana PrisonServiceattheArthurChung Conference Centre Addressing local officers and visiting delegates, President Ali said the timehascometorethinktheroleof the prison system, shifting the focus from simply incarcerating offenders to preventing criminal behaviour in the first place “Rehabilitation is important,” the presidentsaid,“butbeforeweeven get to prison, how do we avoid gettingthere?

That is the question we must answer.”

The President explained that overthelastfiveyearssystemsand leadership have been integrated, building on the successes of each other, as that is the only way the multifaceted nature of future challenges can be confronted. The first few minutes of his address were spent outlining how the government in collaboration with

theGPSplanstogoaboutcreating an institution that is not just reactive but also plays a proactive role, based on decades of experience in shaping communities.

“Therefore, I wish to address some long-term strategic issues that will redefine and realign the GuyanaPrisonService,withheavy focus on a prison avoidance system,andIwantustotakenoteof that. How do we build a prison avoidance system? We talk about rehabilitation, which is important, butbeforewegettoprison,howdo we avoid getting there?” he asked. The Head-of-State highlighted that given that the environment youths aregrowingupinischanging,along with the access to various opportunities and technology, there is greater connectivity with gangs and other forms of ill-conceived societalclaims

Hesaidinaddressingthisissue,a prison avoidance system will be developed in the coming weeks, and will be led by a team of specialists Withthehelpofdata-drivenresearch, the team will be addressing ways of strengthening the security sector as wellasensuringtheGPSplaysitsrole asacriticalpartofthecountry’soverall security framework President Ali

remindedthattheGPSisnotinferiorto any of the other security agencies, whether it be the GPF, GDF or the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU)asithasitsparttoplayinthe integratedsecurityarchitectureofour country “As pressure grows in other large economies, criminal networks are pressed. When they are pressed, they look for new grounds. You have to identify where those grounds are, and here in Guyana, we know with the growth in the country, there is a naturalattraction,”headded.

Minister

of Home Affairs

Oneidge Walrond said that government has made it clear that the national security institutions mustevolveandmodernisearound thecountry

“The Guyana Prison Service is noexception,fortoolonginmany societies, correction is treated as the forgotten arm of the justice system,aplacewherepeoplewere simplylockedawayandforgotten, but modern governance demands somethingdifferent,”shesaid.She said that tune has changed as it is nowunderstoodthatcorrectionisa critical component of national security,socialstabilityandpublic safety,andwhateveroccurswithin the wa

Some of the vending operations

President Irfaan Ali and Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond at the conference.

institutions, has a direct impact on what happens on the outside in communities “If prisons only punish, crimes return, but when personsarerehabilitated,reformed and reintegrated, communities become safer This is why the Government of Guyana remains committed to modernising the GuyanaPrisonServicewithpolicy reform, with institutional strengthening and investment in infrastructure and people,” the ministeradded.

ShesaidthattheGPShasbeenona journey to be transformed into “a CorrectionalServicethatisprofessional, accountable, secure, rehabilitative ”

Turning her attention to rehabilitation, shesaiditisnotaweakness,ratheritisa SmartSecurityPolicy,yettherearetoo many times where rehabilitation and security strategies are often wrongly presentedasopposingideas Theyarein

facttwosidesofthesamestrategyas securitywithoutrehabilitationcreates arevolvingdoor,andrehabilitation without discipline creates instability “Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot said discussions duringtheconferencewillfocuson areas such as technology integration, security intelligence, training and education, prisoner reintegration outcomes and legisl

s Participants will also examine the impact of impris

, internationallawrelatingtotheuse of force, and human rights in correctionalsettings. He added that the forum will allow officers to network with regional correctional specialists and share best practices in prison and correctional management The conference will conclude on March20.

Daytime vending banned along Sheriff-Mandela corridor

The Ministry of

PublicWorkshas announced that vending will not be permittedbetween6:00a.m. and 6:00 p.m. along the Sheriff Street to Mandela Avenue corridor. In a notice issued Monday, the ministry said it recognises the vibrant economic activity on Sheriff Street and its importance to the surrounding community However, it noted that the restriction is necessary to keep the roadway safe and accessible during peak hours.

“To ensure that Sheriff Street remains safe and accessible for

everyone during peak hours, the ministry is implementing a strict daytime clearance policy,”thenoticestated.

Under the policy, all trucks, caravans and vending stalls must be removed between 6:00 a m and 6:00 p m , although vending will be allowed outside of those hours. The ministry urged vendors to cooperate in keeping the thoroughfare clear during this period, warning that noncompliant stalls will be removed

“Please note that to maintain order, the ministry will be required t o r e m o v e a n y

encumbrances found onsite during these hours T h e r e f o r e , a n y enc

within the roadway or pedestrianpathwaysduring thesehourswillberemoved to maintain public order,” theministrysaid.

T he notice also clarified that no stalls or caravans are permitted on the road shoulders or reserves between 6:00 a m and 6:00 p m , from property line to property line on each side of the corridor This means that even caravans placed behindsidewalksorleaning against nearby fences must beremoveddailyduringthe restrictedhours

MiddleEastconflictcouldboostglobaldemandforGuyana’soil...

Frompage13 daily operations but noted the refineries continue to supply customers in the region. FEWALTERNATIVES

A

i

i t y o f alternative crude oil is also limited due to strong

demand from Asia. At best, just about half a million barrels of Canadian oil is available to West Coast refinersduetoconstraintson ‘Canada’s Trans Mountain Pipeline, and to demand from Chinese buyers, Kpler’s Smith noted. Asian

refiners may also try to buy more Latin American crude fromEcuadororGuyana.

“Thereisnotagreatdeal of incremental supply availabletoU.S.WestCoast refiners,”Smithsaid.

West Coast refiners will try to maximize Alaska

North Slope crude supply, redistribute Canadian supplies, and may buy Venezuelan oil despite the shipp

, Rystad’sBellsaid.

‘Trump is considering temporarily waiving a shipping rule called the Jones Act, which requires domestic crude to be shipped on U S -flagged tankers, making it more expensive for California refinerstoshipfromtheU.S. Gulf Coast. This step could provide some price relief.

“All other regions are also needing barrels at this point duetoawidespreadpanicof availability,” said Debnil Chowdhury, head of refining and marketing at S&P Global Energy “There’s competition now forthebarrels.”

U.S.alliesresistTrump’scallstohelpwithStraitofHormuz

…Pushback comes as US President Donald Trump says NATO allies should help secure key waterway amid soaring oil prices.

(AL-JAZEERA)European leaders have rejecteddemandsbyUnited States President Donald Trump ‘to help ensure freedomofnavigationinthe StraitofHormuz.

Joining a European UniongatheringinBrussels on Monday to discuss skyrocketing oil prices duringtheUS-Israeliwaron Iran, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul saidBerlinhadnointention

of joining military operations during the conflict.

“We need more clarity here,” Wadephul told reporters ahead of the meeting. “We expect from the US and Israel to inform us, to include us into what they’re doing there and to tell us if these goals are achieved.”

“Once we have a clear picture of that, we believe we need to move into the next phase, namely, defining a security architecture for this entire region, together with the neighbouring states,” he said. Meanwhile, speaking from Berlin, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said that while there would be “no military participation” from his country, it was prepared to support diplomatic efforts “to ensure safe passage through the Strait of

Hormuz.”

“Thisisnotourwar We have `not started it,” said Pistorius. “What does Trump expect a handful or two handfuls of European frigatestodointheStraitof Hormuz that the powerful `USNavycannotdo?”

Also speaking from Berlin, German Chancellor F r i e d r i c h M e r z ’s spokesmansaidtheconflict has “nothing to do with NATO”. Stefan Kornelius told reporters NATO was “an alliance for the defence of territory”, adding that “the mandate to deploy NATOislacking.”

Germany’spositionwas echoed by fellow NATO member the United Kingdom. Speaking from London about joining any mission in the Strait of Hormuz, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Let me be clear: that won’t be, and it’sneverbeenenvisionedto be,aNATOmission.”

StarmerstressedtheUK would “not be drawn into the wider war”. However, he said the UK was discussing with the US and alliesinEuropeandtheGulf the possibility of using its mine-hunting drones alreadyintheregion.

Scepticism

A number of EU countries joined Germany in reacting with scepticism to Trump’s call on Sunday for a naval coalition to deploy warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz, through which about onefifth of the world’s oil

shipmentstransit. The key Gulf waterway has essentially been shuttered as a result of the war, which has seen the US and Israel launch deadly attacks across Iran since February 28 Iran has retaliated by firing missiles anddronesacrossthewider Middle East, roiling global energy markets Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten toldthecountry’sANPnews agency that it would be “very difficult to launch a successful mission there in the short term”. Lithuania and Estonia said NATO countries should consider a US request for help, but cautioned over the need for greater clarity around various aspects of any potentialmission.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna also said that US allies in Europe want to understand Trump’s “strategic goals”. “Whatwillbetheplan?”he asked. ‘Greek government spokesman ‘Pavlos ‘Marinakis said ‘that Greece ‘would not ‘engage in ‘any military operations intheStraitofHormuz.

Italian Foreign

‘Minister Antonio ‘Tajani said Italy was not involved in any naval missions that couldbetothearea.

DanishForeignMinister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said, however, that Europe should keep an open mind ‘on helping to ensure freedomofnavigationinthe strait even if the continent did not support the ‘USIsraelidecisiontogotowar withIran.“Wemustfacethe worldasitis,notaswewant it to be,” Rasmussen said, adding that the EU must

decide on a plan “with a view towards deescalation”.

Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski invited the Trump administration to go through the proper channels “If there is a request via NATO, we will, ofcourse,outofrespectand sympathy for ourAmerican allies, consider it very carefully,”hesaid.Sikorski madeareferencetoArticle4 of NATO’s founding treaty, which allies can invoke if they believe their territory orsecurityisunderthreat.

EUfeelsTrump’s pressure On Monday, Trump appeared to criticise countries reluctant to help unblockthewaterway “Some are very enthusiastic about it, and some aren’t Some are countries that we’ve helped for many, many years We’ve protected them from horrible outside sources, and they weren’t that enthusiastic. And the level of enthusiasm matters to me,” he said at an event at theWhiteHouse.

Trump expressed surprise at the UK’s reluctance, alluding to US spending“onNATOandall of these things to protect” theUS’s“oldestally”.

HesaidUSSecretaryof StateMarcoRubiowouldbe announcingthenamesofthe countries willing to aid the US. Prior to the meeting withEUforeignministersin Brussels,EUforeignpolicy chief Kaja Kallas had suggestedthatextendingthe bloc’sAspides mission was the “fastest” way for it to boostsecurityintheStraitof Hormuz.

STEMGuyanajoinsEasternCaribbean...

Frompage16

STEMGuyana, will deliver remarks on behalf of the organisation at the opening ceremony on March 17 at the St. Kitts Marriott Beach Resort. She also serves as STEMGuyana’sLiaisontoECRIA,helping to build bridges between Guyana and regionalroboticsandinnovationinitiatives.

Harrysaidthatthepartnershipmarksan important step toward deeper Caribbean cooperation in technology education and youth development “Regional collaboration is critical if we are to prepare Caribbean youth for the rapidly evolving global technology landscape. Through this partnership with ECRIA, STEMGuyana looks forward to strengthening opportunities for students in Guyana to engage in robotics, innovation, and collaborativelearningacrosstheCaribbean; while sharing some of our best practices in the STEM field with our regional counterparts.”

AlthoughSTEMGuyanawillnotfielda team in this year’s challenge, the organisation has indicated its intention to send Guyanese students to future Eastern

Caribbean competitions as part of its ongoing expansion of robotics education initiatives.

Founded to promote equitable access to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, STEMGuyana has worked extensively with young people across Guyana to build technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and entrepreneurial thinking. Through robotics programmes, coding workshops, and mentorship initiatives, the organization continues to empower youth with the tools neededtoparticipateinthedigitaleconomy.

ThenewpartnershipwithECRIAfurther strengthens these efforts by creating pathways for Guyanese students to p

competitions, collaborate with peers from across the Caribbean, and gain exposure to advanced STEAM learning opportunities. Ms. Harry’s participation in the opening ceremony underscores STEMGuyana’s commitmenttoregionalcooperationandthe shared vision of cultivating the next generation of Caribbean innovators, engineers,andtechnologyleaders.

U.S.–Guyanamedical missionexpandscare, trainingacrosssixhospitals

TheMinistryofHealthon Monday officially launched the 2026 Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) Mission, marking the start of a two-week

collaboration between Guyanese and American medical professionals aimed at expanding specialised healthcare services and strengthening the country's medicalcapacity.

The mission, which commenced on Monday will continue until March 27, 2026 During this period, teamswillfocusondelivering

high-quality medical, surgical, ophthalmological, anddentalserviceswhilealso supporting ongoing capacitystrengthening efforts within thehealthsector

AccordingtoaMinistryof Healthpressrelease,speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister of Health Frank

Anthony expressed appreciationforthecontinued partnershipandwelcomedthe visiting medical team. Dr Anthonynotedthatthisisthe third LAMAT mission in Guyana,followingsuccessful engagements in 2023 and 2025. He emphasised thatthe

c o l l a b o r a t i o n h a s significantly benefited both localhealthcareprofessionals andpatients.

“The previous missions have been extremely successful. One of the most important things we learned was how seamlessly the visitingteamworkedwithour l o c a l h e a l t h c a r e professionals.

These exchanges allow our teams to learn new techniques, expand the scope of services we can provide, and build lasting professional relationships,” the Minister said.

Dr Anthony also highlighted that the 2026 mission is the largest to date, with more healthcare professionals participating and services being delivered at multiple health facilities acrossthecountry

The 89-member medical team will conduct procedures and provide care at several institutions including Linden Hospital Complex, Diamond Regional Hospital, West Demerara Regional Hospital, De Kinderen Regional Hospital, Georgetown Public HospitalCorporation,andthe CheddiJaganDentalSchool.

Deputy Chief of Mission at the United States Embassy in Guyana, John Crippen,

underscored the importance of the initiative as part of the United States' broader commitment to strengthening regional health systems. He explained that the LAMAT mission brings together medical professionals from the United States and partner countriestoprovidetreatment to patients in need while also facilitating knowledge exchange and capacity building.

“This mission reflects the United States' steadfast commitment to the people of Guyana. Over the next two weeks, our teams will work alongside Guyanese counterparts to deliver m e d i c a l , s u rg i c a l , ophthalmological, and dental services, while sharing expertise and strengthening partnerships,”Crippensaid.

Commander of the LAMAT Mission, Theodore Liszeski of the United States AirForce,emphasisedthatthe initiative is grounded in collaborationandpartnership.

“This mission is about working side by side, sharing knowledge,andstrengthening r e a d i n e s s t h r o u g h partnership By building strong professional relationshipstoday,weensure that when future challenges arise, whether natural disasters or public health emergencies,weareprepared to respond together as trusted partners,”hestated.

The LAMAT mission forms part of broader health cooperation between Guyana and the United States, which has spanned decades and includes collaboration throughinitiativessuchasthe U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR),supportduringthe COVID-19 pandemic, and o n g o i n g t e c h n i c a l partnerships with U S medicalinstitutions.Overthe courseofthemission,visiting and local healthcare professionals will also participate in clinical exchanges and training activities aimed at strengthening Guyana's healthcare system and improving patient outcomes. The Ministry of Health expressed confidence that the 2026 LAMAT Mission will further strengthen the longstanding partnership between Guyana and the United States while expanding access to specialised care

One of Guyana's oil ships- the Liza Destiny

…as U.S. fuel prices surge

(REUTERS) With tensions in the Middle East disrupting global energy supplies, analysts say the ripple effects could reshape oil markets worldwide, including creating new demand for crude from emerging producers like Guyana.

While motorists in parts of the United States face soaring fuel prices and possible shortages, the supply shock is prompting refineries to search for alternative sources of crude, potentially opening opportunities for exporters intheWesternHemisphere.

"The U.S. West Coast willbecometheposterchild for the consequences of the attacks on Iran," energy economist Philip Verleger wrote in a note, adding that Californiadriverscanexpect gasoline and diesel shortages soon and prices p o s s i b l y a b o v e unprecedented levels of $10

pergallon.

Over the past month, average regular gasoline prices in California jumped more than 18%. The pump pricehit$5.42per​gallonon Friday,muchhigherthanthe nationalaverageof$3.63per gallon, according to AAA, the American Automobile Association. Jet fuel prices in Los Angeles, a major aviation ⁠hub, have soared more than 47% to about $3.85 a gallon since the conflict in the Middle East started, according to OPIS data.

West Coast states will needtoreducetheirgasoline and diesel use by 20%, Verleger added, if nations thatexportfueltotheregion restrict or ban flows to protectdomesticmarkets.

VULNERABLETO SUPPLYSHOCKS

California,onceatopoil producing state in the U.S., ​has in recent years become more dependent on crude

and fuel imports as some refineries shut or converted to produce renewable fuels amidashiftawayfromfossil fuels. That reliance has left the state more vulnerable to supply shocks, some analysts warned.Ashortage of Middle Eastern crude has forced refineries in China, Korea and India to cut back production, with some declaringforcemajeure—a legal move that allows companies to halt deliveries during emergencies. Some countries, ​including China and Thailand, have suspendedfuelexports.

The U.S. West Coast importedarecordamountof 128,000 barrels per day of motorgasolineandadditives last year, with most coming fromSouthKorea​andIndia. California also imported about54,000bpdofjetfuel, nearlyathirdofwhichcame from South Korea, according to ship tracking firmKpler.

Marlon Jupiter is a patient of GPHC Boy, 12 urgently needs $7.4M for bone marrow transplant

Twelve-year-old Marlon Jupiter should be worrying about school, friends, and what hewantstobewhenhegrowsup.Instead,the once bubbly child is a patient of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) facing something no child should everhavetoface.

He has been diagnosed with TLymphoblastic Lymphoma, an aggressive andlife-threateningbloodcancer Hisdoctors haveadvisedthathisbestchanceofsurvival is an urgent bone marrow transplant However,theheartbreakingrealityisthatthis life-saving treatment is not yet available in Guyana. It will cost USD $35,000 or $GYD 7,325,000.Withoutthistreatmentabroad,he willnotsurvive.Butthereishope.US-based medical Charity Saving Hands Emergency Aid(SHEA)hassteppedintoassistinraising awarenessaboutMarlon'scaseandhelpraise fundsneededforhistraveloverseas.

The charity has opened a GoFundMe in the child's name and has shared his story on social media platforms, appealing to the publictohelpgiveMarlonthechancetogrow up, chase his dreams, and live the life every child deserves. SHEAhas been able to raise onlyUSD$4000oftheUSD$35,000needed for the transplant.The charity explained that the sums raised will cover the cost of internationalcancercare,includingmedical, travel,housingduringtreatment,andmonths of recovery. “We are working urgently with doctors in Brazil to secure treatment and to coordinatehismedicaltransfer,whichwould givehimaccesstothislife-savingtreatment. But we cannot do it alone; we need your help,” SHEAsaid in its public appeal via its website.The appeal continued “No child should die simply because life-saving

Middle East conflict could boost global demand for Guyana's oil

Korean imports will dry up for a while, and neighboring Washington does ⁠not have much more spare refining capacity, said Randy Hurburun, head of refining at Energy Aspects. West Coast refineries also imported about 230,000 barrels per day of Middle Eastern oil, according to Kpler, accounting for about

50% of Middle East crude importstotheUnitedStates. The refineries must now seek alternative barrels, which will cost more now

Heavy crude prices have spiked as refiners globally scramble to secure enough oil. "All the crude that West Coast refiners import from the Middle East is at risk," said Matt Smith, an analyst

at Kpler, adding that the refineries will be forced to buycrudeoilfrom​Canadaor LatinAmerica.

A spokesperson said Marathon was meeting all contractual obligations, but declined to comment on crudesourcingorrefining.A Chevron spokesperson declined to comment on

(Continuedonpage17)

Man dies in gruesome angle grinder accident

Relatives of 62-year-old Edward Emanuel are struggling to come to terms with his sudden and horrific death after his body was discoveredinapoolofblood beneath a shed at Kaikan Street, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, on Monday afternoon.

treatment isn't available where they were born. Your donation today will help give Marlon a fighting chance. And every dollar received will help move him one step closer to treatment. Right now, Marlon's mother is praying that someone, somewhere, will hear her son's story and help save his life. That someonecouldbeyou!”Tocontribute,people c a n v i s i t G o F u n d M e - : https://www gofundme com/miracle-formarlon or- Local Bank: Demerara Bank Name:LoriNarineAccount:2041325 For Wire Transfers, Account Type: Savings Branch: Le Ressouvenir or Mobile Money Guyana (MMG): Pay Merchant

shea@sheacharityorg (Account Name: SavingHandsEmergencyAid,Inc.)

Emanuelreportedlydied inwhatinvestigatorsbelieve was a freak accident while operating an electrical machine. His upper body was said to have come into contact with the equipment, resultinginhisdecapitation.

Reports indicate that Emanuelwasfoundlyingon hisbellywithhisheadfacing south and his feet pointing north. A deep slash wound was observed on his neck and the upper right of his chest An angle grinder (electric saw) was discovered plugged in next tothebloodiedbody

The gruesome discovery wasmadebyajuvenilefrom thecommunity,whoquickly alertednearbyresidents.

Emanuel's niece, Shakieda Emanuel, told reporters that her uncle had been involved in a family dispute in recent weeks, but insisted that he was not a troublemaker

“Myuncledoesbeinthe bush;heworksinminingbut he does come out and be at the family property at Lot 2501 Ozama Street, North Ruimveldt. Since he came out this last time, he attempted to build something on the land. His niece husband has been threatening him, saying he creating a problem at the

place,”sheexplained. She added that tensions escalated to the point where the matter reached the police.

“They get him lock up, he had police story They lockthegate,triedtoputhim out and all kind of thing. It was a constant back and forth with him and them,” shesaid.

Thewomansaidshewas shocked by the news since she had spoken with her uncleearlierthatsameday

“He came by me in the morning and asked me for $5,000 to go to Linden. I gavehim$1,000andtellhim Idon'thaveitatthemoment

because I had some documents to look after I toldhimwhenIcomeback,I would give him the rest. He took the $1,000 and went and buy juice and puri and currytoeat,”sherecounted.

Despite the tragic circumstances, she said she does not believe her uncle would have taken his own life.

“I don't think my uncle

wouldkillhimself.Myuncle don't be in nobody way He was experiencing problems lately and started drinking but he does not suffer from mentalillnessandheisnota troublemaker, ” she lamented.According to her, residents in the area said Emanuel appeared to have beenaloneatthetimeofthe incident.

“All we know is that people heard him cursing loudly but they didn't see anybody around him. He was by the shed on the disputed land and then somebody come and said that he laying in a pool of blood but nobody wasn't there. He was with an angle grindernearby,”shesaid.

She explained that Emanuel works in the interior and returns to the cityoccasionally

“He comes once a year from the interior He was only trying to build something in the yard to dwell in because when he comes out, he does usually stay on the verandah at the house, but they break down the verandah so he doesn't have anywhere to stay,” she said.Emmanuel's body was initiallyspottedbyayouthin the community, who alerted a nearby food vendor The vendor later confirmed that the man was lying in a pool ofbloodunderashedonthe vacantlot.

The matter was reported to the North Ruimveldt Police Station, and police have since launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding thedeath.

Six Wards to contest for $1M winners’ prize as K&S /UDFA

The launching of the Linden Town Week Inter Ward football tournament was staged Friday as the promoters and team representatives met at the recently opened Bayrock NationalStadium.

At the launching, Kashif MuhammadtheCo-Director of the Kashif and Shanghai Organization informed the ward representatives, “We all know that football is Linden’smainsportandwith that we decided to roundup some finances and keep footballgoinginLinden.We reachedouttotheUDFAand we decided to collaborate to do this event, inter ward, where we will be having six wards. They are Amelia’s Ward/ Kara Kara/, Central Mackenzie /South Mackenzie and Mines, Silvertown/West Watooka

and Canvas City, Blueberry Hill /Alleys/ Valleys / Christianburg, Half Mile/ One Mile/ Scheme and Block22/Wisrock.Wethink this encompasses all the footballersinLinden.”

Muhammad reflected on whatinspiredtheKashifand Shanghai Organization to return to promoting football inLinden,saidthatwhenthe Bayrock National Stadium was opened by President

Irfan Ali, “I was really impressed by the football game which was played between the Georgetown Football Association and counterparts UDFA Nice football, beautiful passes, the guys’ condition was relatively good, and I was truly impressed And because of that we realize that, hear what, we don’t wantfootballtodie,because everyoneisexcited.”

Organisation, which of course is a household name inLinden,wouldhavetaken up the challenge to bring back competitive football in Linden which has been held withtheUDFA.TheKSheld discussions with the UDFA, it’s a partnership more or less,andIthinkTownWeek would have provided the ideal platform to relaunch competitive football in Linden.”

Tuesday March 17, 2026

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

You'll find that things are slipping nicely into place for you today, Aries Your persuasivemannerandgentle nudges are just enough to get peoplewhereyouwantthem.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

When faced with ten entrees onthemenu,itmightbehard for you to choose just one. Feelfreetoordertwoormore, Ta u r u s D o n ' t l e t indecisiveness slow you down.Atthesametime.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Your dreams won't come true unless you believe in and act onthem,Gemini.Nooneelse is going to do it for you. Unless you have a fairy godmother, you need to take mattersintoyourownhands.

CANCER(June21–July22)

If people hassle you or give you a hard time about your appearance today, pay them nomind,Cancer Youhavethe righttoliveyourlifeanyway youwantto.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Reachforthepotofgoldatthe end of the rainbow, Leo. It's closerthanyouthink.Indeed, your dreams are completely within your reach, and there are huge forces at work helping you achieve your goals.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Today is your day to dream and dream big, Virgo. Think aboutwhatitisthatyouwant most out of life. Aim your arrow to the stars and pull back your bow as far as possible. There's no limit to howfaryoucango.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Expand your mind to its furthest reaches today, Libra.

The

opportunity opening up for you in which you can make great strides in a creative realm.Followthemusic.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

Your mind may seem rather cloudy today, Scorpio, but don't let this hinder you. In fact, you'll find that you can use this feeling of fantasy to your advantage. Try to bring moremagicintoyourlife.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Today is an excellent day for you,oneinwhichyou'llfinda great deal of strength in your emotions, Sagittarius Trust that your instincts are serving youwell.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Things might get a bit confusing for you today, Capricorn. Don't feel like you needtomakesenseofitall.In fact, this task may be impossible. Just be yourself. Let your creative nature shine through.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)Mixyourrealitywithabit of fantasy today, Aquarius. Allowyourfeettocomeoffthe ground for a little while. Give yourselfarest.Takesometime to meditate and clear your mindofyourdailyworries.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Let yourself go into high creative mode and drift into a whole other world, Pisces. Escape your present reality and explore your fantasies through any sort of artistic endeavor Dreamasbigasyour mindallows.

He informed all that, “Wehaveabeautifulfacility, the Bayrock Stadium, and very soon within the next twomonths,Iwouldsay,we havetheMackenzieStadium opened and the Honourable Minister of Sport Charles RamsonJr saidthatfootball would be played at both places. In fact, the UDFA League would be played at bothvenues.”

Thetournamentstartson Friday 24thApril, continues Monday 27th April, Wednesday 29th April, then Friday 1st May for the final and a briefing is set for the tournament venue, Bayrock National Stadium on Friday 10th April There the tournament booklet, the rules,andeverythingwillbe done. The champions will get $1M, second $400,000, third gets $200,000 and fourth place finisher $100,000.

Longtime associate of the K&S Organization Franklyn Wilson opined, “The Kashif and Shanghai

Frompage24

Friendshipfrom18:00hrs. Sports Extra is expressing gratitude to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Office of the PrimeMinister, Ministryof Housing, Republic Bank, thepartnersonboardsofar East Bank Inter Village FootballPointsTable

Representing the UDFA was its treasurer Kevin DeJongesaidtheUDFAsees this as a jump start for them and their domestic football programme He said the association is in support of theinitiativetoteamupwith

theK&SOrganization. DeJonge,lookingahead, offered: “Outside of the Bayrock Stadium, we know the Mackenzie Sports Club willbecomingonboard,and thiswilladdalottowhatwe want to do, because immediately after this we willbelookingatgettingour leagueinplace.Wewouldbe getting our knockout competitionandfocusonour youth development football. Thisisjustapartofwhatwe plan as we are looking forwardtothesupportofthe public. The inter-ward is an all-inclusive competition We are excited and looking forward to bigger and better things.”

KanevilleslayTimehri; GroveroughupCircuitville

The first upset of the inaugural East Bank Inter Village football tournament unfolded on day two at the Eccles EE Ground when underdogs Kaneville needled the high flying Timehri in a battle that was deemedDavidvsGoliath.

The day’s opening encounter presented little trouble for the re-emerging Grove team as they easily got past Circuitville 7-2, led by one of their most consistent forwards ever, DominiGarnet.

Day two, however, belonged entirely to the Kaneville lads who turned up with intent as they matched their rivals from Timehri, play for play from the first whistle. Timehri lacked the zip that they are known for as they struggled to piece together consistent potentplays.

On the other hand, Kaneville had a point to prove, and that they did. With every passing minute, one could have felt the pressurebuildingonTimehri and they eventually lost the focusinthefadingmoments ofthefinalhalf.

Matches in this group stageis70-minutesandwith two (2) minutes to game time, the almost deal was sealed for the underdogs

whenDenoCupidorerocked the back of the nets with a well-craftedgoaltorecorda huge win for Kaneville as they took the summit in GroupD.

Timehriwillnowhaveto

winbigagainstFriendshipin their final group game to give themselves a chance of beinginthetoptwofromthe group to advance to the quarterfinals.

The village of Grove, which has arguably produced the leading club side on the East Bank for manyyears,havebeeninthe doldrums for a few years, they have welcomed this InterVillagetournament.

Theyhaveshownthatby clinically whipping Circuitville 7-2 led by CaptainDominiGarnet,who scoredahat-trick,andisnow the leading scorer in the

tournament.Hescoredinthe 21stminutefromthepenalty mark after a handled ball in thearea.

Garnet was again on target in the 34th and 48th minutes Kevin Padmore scored in the 26th, Rayfield Hillimaninthe37th,Akeem Jarvis (52nd) and Jamal Cordiscompletedthedealin the64thminute.

Circuitville did enjoy a fewgoodmomentsandwere able to score twice. Lloyd Seals scored in the 58th minute and Shamar Schultz inthe63rdminute.

Action is set to continue this weekend at the same venue with double headers. On Saturday and Sunday Saturday 21st, from 6pm, Herstelling will lock horns with Swan, a win will see thembecomingthefirstteam to advance to the knockout round.

The feature clash brings together Upper Soesdyke andCircuitville.

OnSunday,ahugeclash will unfold when Agricola must win to stay alive when theycomeupagainstMocha which is expected to be a very formidable unit Agricola lost their opening game to Kuru Kururu. The curtain raiser will see giant slayers,Kanevilletakingon

(Continuedonpage23)

Hope Secondary School Students tee into Action at Nexgen Golf Academy

Twenty-eight students from Hope Secondary School took a significant stepintotheworldofgolfon Fridayastheytraveledtothe Nexgen Golf Academy for anengagingtrainingsession led by Master CoachAleem Hussain and LPGA Girls SiteDirectorPhilipHaynes.

The visit marked an important milestone for the school, as the students represent the first group from Hope Secondary to pursue golf as their CSEC PhysicalEducationelective.

Notably, the programme hasseenastrongincreasein femaleparticipationin2026, withtheratioofgirlstoboys rising significantly an encouraging sign for the continued growth of the sportamongyoungwomen.

Students of the Hope Secondary School spent some time with instructors recently at the Nexgen Golf Academy.

golf as their Physical Education elective at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate ( C S E C ) l e v e l , demonstrating the sport’s growing popularity among youngpeople.

Officials from the Guyana Golf Association noted that the success of the programme has been made possible through generous sponsorships and donations from both local a n d i n t e r n a t i o n a l supporters who share a commitment to youth development, education, andsport

T h e e x p e r i e n c e concluded with a friendly team competition that

During the session, students were introduced to the fundamentals of the game through hands-on instruction in driving, chipping,andputting. Coaches worked closely with the participants, providing detailed guidance on technique, posture, and courseawareness.

allowed the students to put theirnewskillstothetest.

The initiative forms part of the broader national golf development programme launched in 2021 by the Guyana Golf Association in collaboration with Nexgen Golf Academy and the

SchoolssetforhistoricOneGuyana /Mike’sPharmacySecondary SchoolsTapeballSuperLeague

Wi t h t h e

g r o w i n g popularity in the faster game, Tapeball cricket continues to show rapid rise across the nation, seeing this, the Government ofGuyanacontinuestolend strong support to the format widelyregardedasoneofthe most exciting forms of grassrootscricket.

T h r o u g h t h e Government’s One Guyana initiative,sports’enthusiasts

w i l l w i t n e s s a groundbreaking moment for school cricket with the staging of the Mike’s

Pharmacy National SecondarySchoolsTapeball CricketSuperLeague,setto bowl off next weekend in Georgetown.

The tournament will be played on Saturday, March 28, and Sunday, March 29, with matches taking place simultaneouslyattwoiconic city venues; the National Park Tarmac and the National Cultural Centre Tarmac. For two days, the venues will transform into vibrantcricketbattlegrounds as some of the country’s

most promising young playersshowcasetheirtalent onthepitch.

Organised by GOAPC, the National Secondary Schools Super League aims to further develop youth cricket while strengthening the rapidly expanding TapeballcultureinGuyana.

Fourteen secondary schools have already been draftedintothecompetition, reflecting a strong nationwide interest in the initiative.

Among the confirmed participants are St Rose’s High, Queen’s College, Berbice High, St Joseph High, Morgan Learning Centre, Chase’s Academic Foundation, Charlestown Secondary, LBI Secondary, Covent Garden Secondary, School of the Nations, Brickdam Secondary, New Central High, and Mackenzie High, with additional schools still seekingregistration.

The tournament will feature an exciting eight-aside format, designed to produce fast-paced, highscoring matches that

highlight the flair and creativity associated with Tapeballcricket.

Organisers say the National Schoolboys’ competitionisbuiltonthree core pillars Unity, Passion and Competition — as teams from across Guyana battle not only for bragging rights but also for the opportunity to establish themselves among the country’s emerging cricket talent.

Action is scheduled to begin at 09:00 hours on both days, and organisers are encouraging cricket enthusiasts, families, and supporters to come out in theirnumberstowitnessthe next generation of Guyanese cricketers in action

W i t h g r o w i n g government backing and strong school participation, the Mike’s Pharmacy

National Secondary Schools Tapeball Cricket Super League could mark a significant step forward in the continued development of grassroots cricket in Guyana

Westside Golf Course, in partnersh

MinistryofEducation.

Since its inception, the programme has made remarkable strides in expanding access to the sport across the country

To date, more than

27,000 individuals have been introduced to golf through school visits, c o m m u n i t y p r o g

a m m e s , a n d structured training sessions. Additionally, nearly 1,000studentshaveselected

For the students of Hope Secondary School, Friday’s session offered more than just a day of fun and learning, it provided a glimpse into opportunities that golf can create, from academic pathways and scholarships to personal d e v e l o p m e n t a n d internationalexposure

Guyana Harpy Eagles Regional 4-Day preparations… Secondpracticegamesettobowlofftoday

Guyana Harpy Eagles will look to turn it up a notch and step up their pace with game 2 of their practice series bowling off today at the Everest.

Following a mild opening practice run, the Guyana Harpy Eagles will looktoturnitupanotchand stepuptheirpacewithgame 2 bowling off today at the EverestGround.

The players wrapped up theirfirstpracticematchthis past Saturday, with pretty ordinary performances by the time the game was declaredadraw

Kemol Savory and Ushardeva Balgobin were the lone half-centurions, while spinners Richie Looknauth and Anthony Adams grabbed 3 wickets apiece to headline the list of topperformers.

Today’s match should featureabitmoreaggression and timely strokeplay from the batsmen who failed to apply themselves over the last three-day simulation;

withnoteamgettingcloseto the200-runmark.

Bowling was better than the batting, with young prospects in Aryan Persaud, Romario Ramdheol, Nityanand Mathura being amongthosewhohadanice outinginthefirstgame.

WestIndiesU19batsman ShamarApplewillalsowant to announce himself by the end of the three-game practicesimulation;withallrounder Thaddeus Lovell andpacerMicahAmsterdam also being among players who can make an impact by theendofthegames.

Guyana’s talent pool has been growing nicely with a number of the younger prospectshavingachanceto prove their worth but will have their work cut out for them should they look to push the envelope for

selectionthisseason. The senior bunch on the otherhandshouldlooktoget abitmoreoutofthissecond game with preparation time winding down for the defending champions; who willneedalloftheirpiecesto be at optimum level by the time Regional 4-Day season bowls off This season’s competition will be tougher compared to the previous editions due to the revised, shortenedversionwhichwill testplayersindifferentways.

The new playing conditionsshouldalsomake for a more competitive tournament, thus forcing teams to enter this year’s tournamentwithnothingless thantopplayingformshould they seek to ruin a possible 4th consecutive title win for the reigning champs. (C. Ross)

NSC,HumanServicespartnerto strengthenChildProtectioninsport

Childsafetyinsporttook centrestageonFriday,when the National Sports Commission (NSC), in collaboration with the MinistryofHumanServices and Social Security and the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA), hosted a Child Safety and Protection sensitisation workshop for coaches, trainers and sport organisers.

The important initiative was staged at the National Racquet Centre and brought together key stakeholders in the sporting community, including coaching staff attached to the NSC and representatives from several n a t i o n a l s p o r t i n g associations. The workshop

Assistant Director of Sport

Melissa Dow-Richardson,

instrumental in bringing the programme to fruition. The session was facilitated by resource personnel from the Child Care and Protection

discussions on safeguarding

responsibilities of coaches and administrators in ensuring the wellbeing of youngathletes.

Deliveringremarksatthe brief opening ceremony wereDirectorofSportSteve Ninvalle, Dow-Richardson and Permanent Secretary

Participants and officials at the event.

within the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security,Dr EricaForte.

In his address, Ninvalle underscored the growing need for deliberate action to protect children within the sportingenvironment.

While sport is often viewed as a vehicle for discipline, development and opportunity,henotedthatthe issue of child protection is sometimes overlooked as organisations focus on performance, competition andinfrastructure According to the Director of Sport, safeguarding young athletes must become a central pillar of sport administration He emphasised that federations, clubs and coaches must take

proactivestepstoensurethat children participating in sport are protected from abuse, exploitation and any formofharm.Ninvallenoted that creating safe sporting environments is not simply anadministrativeobligation, but a moral responsibility sharedbyeveryoneinvolved inthedevelopmentofyoung athletes Permanent

Secretary Dr Forte echoed similar sentiments, praising the collaboration as both timelyandnecessary She noted that while sport plays a critical role in shaping young lives, discussions around child protection often only arise afterincidentsarereported. Dr Fortecommendedthe

NationalSportsCommission for taking a proactive approach, stressing that initiatives such as the workshoprepresentacrucial step toward embedding safeguarding policies across thesportinglandscape.

She also expressed hope that the sensitisation exercisewouldnotbetreated asaone-offeventbutwould instead serve as the beginning of continuous training,dialogueandpolicy development aimed at strengthening child protection frameworks withinsport.

Also speaking with mediaonthesidelinesofthe workshop was Orette Francois, Senior Probation and Social Services Officer with the Child Care and Protection Agency and the leadfacilitatorofthesession.

Francoisemphasisedthat educating coaches and sport administrators about child protection conventions, policies and reporting procedures is essential in buildingsafeandsupportive environments for young athletes. He explained that

coaches often serve as mentors and authority figures, making it vital that they understand the boundaries, responsibilities andwarningsignsassociated withsafeguardingchildren

Participants were also encouragedtorecognisetheir role in ensuring that sport remainsasecurespacewhere young people can develop their talents, confidence and discipline without fear of exploitation or abuse The workshop represents what organisersdescribedasoneof the most important collaborations between the sportingandsocialprotection sectors, highlighting a growing recognition that safeguarding young athletes must remain at the forefront o f n a t i o n a l s p o r t development

With youth participation continuing to expand across multiple disciplines, stakeholders believe that sustained education and vigilance will be key in ensuring that sport remains not only competitive, but safe and nurturing for the nextgeneration.

West Side Alliance, Order & Discipline, Mahaica headline

quarterfinal suit as Hamilton Green Cup narrows to final eight

The race for the 2026 Hamilton Green Cup crown has tightened considerably after the completion of the round-of-16clashesoverthe weekend, leaving just eight teams in contention for the p r e s t i g i o u s i n t e r ward/village nine-a-side footballtitle.

Whenthedustsettledon Sunday, West SideAlliance, Zeelugt, Order and Discipline, Golden Stars, Mocha, Plaisance, Victoria andMahaicaemergedasthe quarterfinalists, while the eight other teams were eliminated from the competition.

West Side Alliance deliveredthemostdominant performance of the round, dismantling Pouderoyen ‘A’ 5-0 in Saturday’s opening encounter to emphatically book their place in the quarterfinals. Pouderoyen bowed out at a crucial stage as West Side Alliance’s defensive organisation and

swift counterattacks repeatedly pierced their backline, securing a commandingvictory In the second match, Zeelugt edged Beavers 2-1 on penalty kicks after the teams battled to a goalless draw in the 30 minutes of regulation time Zeelugt eventually overcame the resolute Beavers defence during the penalty shootout to advance Order and Discipline also needed penalties to progress after a tenseencounterwithBuxton Stars ended scoreless. The drought was finally broken intheshootout,whereOrder and Discipline prevailed to 1-0 advantage thanks to a decisive save from their goalkeeper.

GoldenStarssecuredthe final quarterfinal berth on Saturday, following a 2-1 victory over Pouderoyen ‘B’. Pouderoyen opened the scoring during an entertaining first half, but

GoldenStarsrespondedwith a crucial equaliser just before the break They returnedafterhalftimetonet thedecisivegoalandsealthe win Sunday’s action determined the remaining four quarterfinalists as Mocha, Plaisance, Victoria and Mahaica all recorded hard-foughtvictories.

Mocha was first to advance,edgingBlackPearl 1-0onpenaltiesafterneither side could find the net in regulation time The matchup was a defensive battle, with both teams standing firm before Mocha held their nerve in the shootout Mahaica also progressed via penalties after playing to a stalemate with Melanie. Despite several attempts from both sides, neither defence yielded, forcing the match intoashootoutthatMahaica ultimatelywon.

Plaisance, however, secured their place without

the need for penalties, defeating Liliendaal 3-1 in one of the most entertaining games of the round, marked by relentless attacking football and clinical finishing.

Itseemedlikegoalswere hard to come by, Victoria capturing the final quarterfinal spot with a narrow victory over No. 1 AllStars,sealingthewin1-0 on penalties after another tightly contested encounter endedscorelessinregulation time.

With the round-of-16 stage completed, attention n o w t u r n s t o t h e quarterfinals scheduled for March 25 at the Plaisance Ground, where the eight remaining teams will battle forplacesinthefinalfour Teamsarecompetingfor a total prize purse of $800,000. The champions will collect $500,000 along with the championship trophy and medals The second, third and fourthplace finishers will receive $200,000, $100,000 and

$50,000 respectively, along with corresponding trophies andmedals.

The tournament is made p

sponsorship from former G

r Hamilton Green, former national footballer Patrick “Labba”Barton,DrMichael Sue, Dr Linden Dodson, Ronaldo Alphonso, Correia & Correia, E-Net, Star Rental, Rick and Sari Enterprise,GMINVentures, Busta Soft Drinks, Aurora, Kings Liquor Store, Toolsie PersaudandGafoors. Wednesday,March25f ixtures Quarterfinals WestSideAlliance vs Zeelugt 7:00pm GoldenStars vs Victoria 7:30pmPlaisance vs Order& Discipline 8:00pm Mahaica vs Mocha 8:30pm

Tyrrell ends stellar NCAA career, sets sights on Olympic dream

competing in the Northeast10 Conference at the Division II level. From the momentheenteredthepool, the Guyanese swimmer showed he belonged among theconference’sbest.

His breakthrough came

2024 NE10 Championships, where Tyrrell delivered one of the

programme’s recent history Heshatteredanine-year-old Saint Rose school record in the 100-metre backstroke while capturing silver medalsinboththe100-metre and 200-metre backstroke events.

When Delroy Tyrrell first steppedontoa college starting block in 2022, he did so quietly but with unmistakable determination.

The Guyanese swimmer knew exactly where he wanted his journey to lead, and four years later, as he

comp

collegiate conference championships, he leaves b

excellence that Guyana has everyreasontocelebrate.

his National CollegiateAthletic Association (NCAA) career at the College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York,

Beyond his individual success, Tyrrell played a critical role in the team’s relay performances He helped power Saint Rose to gold in the 200-metre freestyle relay and a silver medal in the 200-metre medley relay, finishing the championship with four conference medals, an extraordinary achievement fo

r, particularlyonestillearlyin his collegiate career His rapidimpactalsoearnedhim recognitionasNE10Rookie

of the Week during his time attheinstitution.

However, Tyrrell’s college journey took an unexpected turn in 2024 when the College of Saint Rose announced it would close its doors. Like many student-athletes affected by the decision, he was forced tofindanewhome.

Tyrrell transferred to SUNY Oneonta, where he quickly established himself as one of the programme’s premierswimmers.

Competing in the State University of New York

Athle

ic Conference (SUNYAC), Tyrrell wasted notimemakinghispresence felt. In his first season with theRedDragons,hesetpool records and earned multiple SUNYAC Men’s Swimmer oftheWeekhonours.

He was recognized with the award twice during the 2024season,inOctoberand again in November, after dominant performances in the pool During those meets, Tyrrell claimed victories in the 50-yard freestyle, the 100-yard backstroke,andthe200-yard backstroke, while also helping propel Oneonta’s

CommissionerofPoliceT20Cup…. Competition resumes today with exciting double-header

The second phase of the 2026 Commissioner of Police T20 Cup will continue today following an exciting opening round of matches which ended last weekendatthePoliceSports ClubGround,EveLeary

After a scintillating opening round, six teams advancedtothenextstageof the competition where they willbejoinedbytheGuyana Police Officers’ Team, which automatically

qualifiedduringthedraw Today’s double-header will see Region 3 battling Region 4 ‘C’ in the first gamewhichbowlsoff9:30h. Thesecondmatchwhich gets underway from 13:30h features a clash between the GPF Officers’ and PresidentialGuards. Round 2 set for Wednesday March 18 will see Headquarters and Region1,7,8&9Combined in a highly-anticipated

match which is expected to getunderwayfrom11:00h.

Winners of the three aforementioned matches willjoinRegion6inthetop 4,withthelattersecuringan automatic advancement to final 4 stage during the tournamentdraw

Thefinalfourteamswill battle in the Super 4 stages withthetwosidesheadingto the finals, leaving 3rd and 4th place teams to clash for thethird-placespot.

relay teams to wins. His versatilityandspeedquickly made him one of the conference’s most reliable point scorers. The defining moment of his collegiate career came at the February 2025 SUNYAC-AMCC Championships, his final conferencemeet.

Tyrrell etched his name into the record books by breaking a 12-year-old school record in the 100yard backstroke, touching the wall in 50.76 seconds.

His time eclipsed the previous mark of 50 90 secondssetbyAlexMillerin 2013, securing the gold medal and cementing his placeinOneontahistory

Inadditiontothatrecord, Tyrrellnowholdstheschool and pool records in the 100yard butterfly and as part of the 4x200 freestyle relay team. Those achievements ensure that his name will remain woven into the Red Dragons’ programme long afterhisdeparture.

Across four conference championships at two different institutions, competing in both Division II and Division III—Tyrrell consistently found himself

on the medal podium Winning conference medals in two different NCAA divisions

particularly for Caribbean student-athletes navigating the demanding landscape of U.S.collegiatesports.

Even while building his college career, Tyrrell remained committed to representing the country of his birth His path to international competition was not straightforward, however Years of bureaucratic delays and institutional resistance slowed the process before the Guyana Olympic Association ultimately selected him to represent Guyana at the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh in 2025 There, Tyrrell achieved another milestone, becoming one of only three Guyanese swimmers in history to reach an ISG semifinal.

With his college career now complete, Tyrrell’s focus shifts firmly to the globalstage.Hisnextgoalis to qualify for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Kaneville slay Timehri; Grove rough up Circuitville Sports

Inter Ward representatives standing as sitting from left are Franklyn Wilson, Kashif Muhammed, Kevin DeJonge and Frank ‘English’Parris.