Kaieteur News

Speakerlocksoutpress

…revives Covid-era rules for budget debates

ByDavinaBagot

Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir has resurrected pandemicera restrictions to curtail media coverage of the 13th Parliament, triggering outrage from journalists and pressfreedomadvocates.

Reporters who arrived at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Mondaytocovertheopening of the 2026 Budget Debates wereinformedthatonlyfive journalistswouldbeallowed inside the parliamentary Domeatanygiventime.

Kaieteur News was told that each representative will be required to lodge a form of identification- a national Identification (ID) card, PassportorDriver’sLicense,

upon which one of five mediapasseswillbegranted. The lodgment of IDs was required for other persons attending the Sitting, with theexceptionofMembersof Parliament(MPs).

In defending the enforcement of such an onerous initiative, the Speaker,ManzoorNadirsaid that this was merely a continuation of what was obtained in 2020 during the Pandemic.

The GPA in a statement that came mere moments beforethethirdSittingofthe 13th Parliament got underway highlighted its deep concern over the restrictions imposed on media coverage of the BudgetDebates.

The Association pointed

out that this represents a significant reduction from previous years, when up to 17 reporters were accommodated within Parliament Buildings to cover sessions. As such, it said, “It is difficult to comprehendwhy,inalarger space, fewer reporters are nowpermitted.”

Inadditiontothelimited mediaaccess,theGPAraised concern over the Speaker’s directive to block media housesfromrecordinginside theDome.Cameramenwere informed upon arrival that they will be provided with a link from the Department of Public Information (DPI).

Notably, the Press Association pointed out that this mechanism has proven unreliable, with frequent a u d i o b r e a k s a n d interruptions. “An online link cannot be considered a direct feed, as it does not provide continuous, u

NA Municipality, Local Govt. Municipality Ministry to resolve township’s landfill issues

New Amsterdam Mayor, Wainwright McIntosh said the Mayor andTown Council (M&TC) is working with the Ministry of Local Government to address the landfill issueinthetownship.

This follows the recent closure of the Esplanade Landfill Site which facilitated large-scalegarbagedisposalforthetown,and the abrupt discontinuation of the Belle Vue Landfill Site, on the East Bank Berbice, which was in use for a brief period before residents expressed concerns about the location.

McIntosh, in an address to citizens recently, said arrangements are now being made for an alternative site, a “suitable location”, which was not yet disclosed. Moreover, the council is hastening its collaboration with the local government ministry to create a space for this critical service. In the meantime, the town will transportrefusetoanothermunicipaldistrict. This interim alternative comes with its challengestotheM&TC.

“It was recommended for us to use the landfillsiteatRoseHallTown,Corentyne,of which we’ve embarked on utilising that landfillsite.Ofcourse,goingtoRoseHallis time-consuming,moresoit’safinancialcost attached to using that landfill site at Rose Hall,”theNAmayorrelated.

Another hassle, McIntosh noted, is the time it will take for the compactor truck to reach that alternative site, considering the traffic buildup on the main access roads headingintoRoseHall.

With the Landfill Site at Esplanade Park being shut down, the council opted for the

Belle Vue site, but residents pushed back againstthatmove.

Atwhathedeemedamajorcrossroad,the mayor disclosed that the municipality took themattertotheministry

“They are aware of this new development- the PS (permanent secretary) andtherelevantpersonsincharge-wewould havesentacorrespondencetotheMinisterof LocalGovernmentaswell.”

As those engagements are ongoing, the municipalleaderimploredthatresidentstobe disciplined in the way they dispose their garbage.

“… 2025, we were able to overcome many challenges, and we were pretty much effectiveandefficientwithregardtotheway we handle solid waste within this municipal district, we would have seen a significant increase with regard to the frequency of pickups,”hereminded.

He also pledged the council’s commitmenttoprovidingtimelyresolutions, whilealsoencouragingthaterrantindividuals bereported.

“I can assure you the Mayor and Town CouncilofNewAmsterdam,wewillcontinue to go above and beyond to ensure that both residentialandcommercialbinsareserviced inatimelymanner...weareaskingforyouto be on the lookout for those persons who wouldwanttodisposeoftheirgarbageinan undesirablemanner.”

OnSunday,MemberofParliamentZamal Hussain,RegionalChairmanJuniorBassant, and officials from the Ministry of Local Government visited the Belle Vue site and engagedresidents.

parliamentary proceedings,” theGPAargued.

It reminded that the role of the press is to ensure transparency,accountability, and accurate reporting of parliamentary business. As such, the GPA stated, “Restricting access and failing to provide proper technical facilities undermines the public’s right to be informed. We strongly condemn this edict fromtheSpeakerandviewit asadirectattackonfreedom of the press, a hallmark of anydemocraticsociety.”

The GPA urged the Speaker to urgently review these measures and restore full access for the press, in keeping with democratic norms and the principles of opengovernance.

For his part, Nadir at the opening of the Sitting explained the need for strict security measures to be i m p l e m e n t e d a n d consideration of space utilizationintheDome.

The Speaker said, “The configuration of our National Assembly- this 13th Parliament is affected by two criteria- I should say configuration and seating.” He noted that on his left wheretherewerepreviously three rows, there are now four while the government alsooccupiesalargerportion of the seats in the House. Consequently, he explained, “So all we have left in the dome is the top two (rows) that have to accommodate the staff of the Ministries who support their ministers, the staff of the Parliament and also persons who have written to the Clerk and I, askingforaccess.”

To this end, he noted, “We want to be reinforcing that we pride ourselves on access and we will continue

Several vacant seats were observed in the House, despite seating constraints cited by the Speaker

to provide access to the proceedings of the National Assembly.”

At the same time, Nadir said there were “additional security issues” pointing to Canada where MPs are now outfittedwithapanicbutton.

Tothisend,henotedthat the construction of the security facilities at Public Buildings started and was completed in 2025, with scannersnowacquired.

“We are in a state of continuous monitoring and improving,”heasserted.

While the Speaker pointed to seating constraints in theAssembly, Kaieteur News observed several vacant seats in the Dome on Monday while reporters were refused entrance to cover the live debates.

Mediareacts

In light of the new directive hindering media freedom, several journalists in and out of the profession chided the regulations

Seasoned broadcaster, GordonMoselywrote,“This is now bordering on ignorance and arrogance to the highest level Media houses are now effectively being barred by the Speaker from providing proper coverage of the National Assembly Journalists arriving for thisafternoon’ssittingofthe National Assembly for the

start of the Budget Debates are being told that only five (5) journalists will be allowedintotheAssemblyto provide coverage at any given time of the sitting and this will remain in place moving forward. Those 5 journalists (first come, first serve),wearetold,willhave to lodge their National ID Card or Driver’s License before they are allowed access into the Assembly after being issued with a temporary pass from the Assembly

Additionally, the Speaker through his PR Officer, has also announced that ONLY Department of Public Information cameras will be allowed into the Assemblyandmediahouses willhavetorelyonwhatever footagecomesoutfromDPI. Note that for the electronic media, this means we will have to wait until the end of thelivestreamsinceDPIhas NO system in place to provide any live feed to mediateamsonsite. Withthesesittingsgoing on for hours, media houses could now be forced to wait for the end of the livestream at God knows what hour, before being allowed access to download the video for theirnewscasts.Idon’tknow where the Speaker gathers his media relations advice, but something has got to be wrong for such a backward steptobetaken.

Initially, the media was told last week that the limitations for the budget presentation had to do with spaceavailabilitysincethere would be many invitees Thathascomeandgoneand so there is absolutely no reason for this limiting of media access to the 13th Parliament by this Speaker oftheNationalAssembly I have been covering the National Assembly since around 1999/2000 and have never seen this level of contemptbyaSpeakerfor Continued on page 9

WIN flags limited oversight, transparency in oil sector as withdrawals expand

Despite the heavy reliance on oil revenue to fund this year’s budget, oversight and transparency inthesectorremainslimited.

Highlighting this observation was Opposition MemberofParliament(MP),

Dr Andre Lewis, the opening speaker of this year’sBudgetDebates.

During his 35-minutes long contribution, the We InvestInNationhood(WIN) MP addressed the heavy reliance of oil and gas revenue, raising concerns about availability of funds forfuturegenerations.

L e w i s s a i d , “WithdrawalsfromtheFund are becoming routine rather thancautious,andthereisno clear plan for how spending will be adjusted if oil prices fall or production slows. A country that depends so heavily on oil must be careful, disciplined, and forward-looking.”

He was keen to note that while the Budget repeatedly references strong growth, this growth is not driven by higherproductivity,stronger exports, or a more competitiveprivatesector

To this end, he warned, “Growth that depends on government spending is fragile. When spending slows,growthwillslowwith it. This means Guyana risks building an economy that looks strong on paper but weak when oil revenues leveloff.”

Moreover, the MP said, “Oil and gas is the most important sector in our economy, yet oversight and transparencyremainlimited. While allocations are made for petroleum management, thereislittlepublicdetailon how monitoring, auditing, and enforcement will be strengthened.”

Assuch,hepointedtothe needforGuyanatobestrong,

informed, and independent as large multinational companies dominate the sector

Lewis noted that across the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Budget shows large allocations for mining, petroleum management,environmental oversight, and energyrelated activities. However, he said that spending is expanding faster than institutional capacity as procurement systems, staffing, and project managementhavenotgrown atthesamepace.Tothisend, he pointed out that when institutions are stretched, money is wasted, projects are delayed, and outcomes fallshort.

Shifting his attention to the energy landscape, he explained that while transformation in this sector is touted as the solution to h i g h c o s t s a n d competitiveness challenges, large energy projects often face delays and cost overruns.

Consequently, the MP suggested, “Without clear cost-benefit studies, timelines, and independent oversight, promised

and extractives Public spending alone cannot deliver lasting development. Without productivity, skills, i n n o v a t i o n , a n d a competitive private sector, Guyana risks becoming more dependent on oil, not less,”headded.

Strengtheninginstitutions

Flagging yet another concern, the MPpointed out that spending is expanding faster than the country’s institutions can manage “Oversight systems, audits, procurement controls, and parliamentary scrutiny have not been strengthened at the same pace as expenditure,” accordingtohim.

benefits, such as lower electricity costs for households and businesses, remain uncertain If costs rise or projects stall, the publicbearstheburden.”

He believes that a clear long-term strategy for managing oil wealth responsibly is missing from theBudget.

“There are no stronger fiscalrules,noclearerlimits on spending during boom years,andnoseriousplanfor diversification beyond oil

As such, Lewis warned that when accountability does not grow alongside spending, waste and inefficiency become real risks.

Although the $1 558 trillion budget is themed “Putting People First” the WIN MP argued that families believe the fiscal plan does not adequately address their everyday pressures.

“Food prices remain high Transportation costs

continue to rise. Housing is becominglessaffordable.In many communities, basic services are unreliable People need steady jobs, affordable services, and incomes that keep up with thecostofliving,”heurged.

Additionally,theMPsaid d

unevenacrossthecountryas its benefits are not felt equally Hinterland,riverain, r u r a l , a n d m i n i n g communities continue to face higher costs, weaker services,poorinfrastructure, and limited access to opportunities, according to theMP Hepointedoutthata Budgetthattrulyputspeople first must ensure that no

community is left behind, regardlessofgeography

Mining

Shifting his attention to the mining sector, the WIN MPhighlightedthatthereare more than 150 landings acrossthehinterlandmining regions,yetthereisonlyone Guyana Gold Board substationcurrentlyoperatingat Mahdia, with one additional sub-stationbeingestablished atPuruni.

This limited presence makes it extremely difficult for miners and licensed buyerstooperatelegallyand efficiently, according to the MP Inmanycases,reaching thesefacilitiesrequireslong

Continued on page 16

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EDITORIAL

Nadir’s war on the press must be stopped

The office of the Speaker of the NationalAssembly is not a personal fiefdom, nor is it an extension of the ruling party’s political machinery It is meant to symbolise neutrality, fairness and the protection of democratic traditions. Yet Speaker Manzoor Nadir continues to demonstrate, with alarming consistency, that he is either unwillingorincapableofrisingtothatstandard.

From the controversial manoeuvring that stymied the election of the Leader of the Opposition, to the deliberate exclusion of journalists from key parliamentary proceedings, Nadir’s tenure has descended from controversyintooutrighthostilitytowardtransparency His latestedictrestrictingmediacoverageofthebudgetdebates is not merely administrative misjudgment, it is a direct assaultonpressfreedomanddemocraticaccountability

On Monday, the Speaker decreed that only five reporterswouldbeallowedinsidetheparliamentaryDome during the budget debates. Journalists are now required to surrender identification before entry and are subjected to arbitrarylimitationsthathavenologicaljustification.This representsadrasticreductionfrompreviousyears,whenup to 17 reporters were accommodated within Parliament Buildings. Even more absurd is the fact that these restrictions are being imposed in a larger space, raising seriousquestionsaboutmotiveratherthanlogistics.

The Guyana Press Association (GPA), in a strongly worded statement, rightly condemned this action. The Associationnotedthattheabsenceofadirectcamerafeed inside the Dome further compounds the problem. Media houses have been told they must rely on a link from the Department of Public Information (DPI), an arm of the government whose broadcasts have proven unreliable, plagued by audio dropouts and interruptions. An online stream controlled by the state cannot be considered a substitute for independent, uninterrupted access to parliamentaryproceedings.

TheGPAremindedtheNationalAssemblythatthepress exists to ensure transparency, accountability and accurate reportingofparliamentarybusiness.Restrictingaccessand denyingtechnicalfacilitiesunderminesthepublic’srightto know Thatwarningshouldnotfallondeafears.

This is not occurring in isolation. It follows earlier decisions by the Speaker to bar reporters from witnessing the election of the Leader of the Opposition and to effectivelyblackoutfullmediapresenceduringthebudget presentation itself.The pattern is unmistakable.There is a systematic narrowing of access, a shrinking of public oversight and a troubling consolidation of information control.

Never before in Guyana’s parliamentary history has a Speaker sought to micromanage and muzzle the press in this manner Past Speakers, regardless of political affiliation,understoodthatafreepressinsideParliamentis not a privilege to be granted at whim, but a democratic necessity Mr Nadir, however, appears determined to rewritethattradition.

Byhisactions,theSpeakerhastransformedhimselfinto theproverbial“weaponformed”againstthemedia.Hehas demonstrated scant regard for the independent press and littlerespectforitsroleinademocraticsociety.ASpeaker who behaves in this manner is unfit to preside over an institution meant to represent freedom, openness and the people’ssovereignty.Evenmoretroublingisthesilenceof thegovernment.GiventhatMr.Nadiriswidelyviewedas operatinginlockstepwiththeadministration,thefailureof the PPP government to publicly repudiate these undemocraticmeasuresmakesitcomplicit.Iftheexecutive truly believes in open governance, it must admonish the Speaker and demand an immediate reversal of these restrictions.Silence,inthiscase,isendorsement.

The National Assembly belongs to the people of Guyana,nottotheSpeaker,nottothegovernment,andnot

I have not received, nor sought any

DEAREDITOR

,

A group photograph I appeared in two days ago, followingatwo-hoursession with the new political party, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) led by an OFAC sanctioned individual has triggered irrational reaction incertainquarters.Themost irrational reaction published as a Breaking News alleges that I was paid $50 million “to prepare Budget Debate” which I thought had been donebythefinanceminister That allegation is entirely false, reckless, and malicious.

I have not received, nor have I ever sought or accepted,any paymentfrom Mr.Mohamed,fromWIN,or from any sanctioned individual or person acting on behalf of such an individual The post is

payment from WIN

plainly designed to create mischief by implying that I have breached Guyana’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws. That implication is wicked, malevolent and unfounded.

Guyana operates a system of parliamentary democracyinwhichcitizens participate in national decision-making through their elected representatives in the National Assembly Following the presentation of the 2026 Budget, I was approached by the Prime Ministerial candidate of WIN, which securedsixteen seats in the National Assembly, and asked whether I would meet with the Party’s elected members to offer general guidance on the Budget Debate and the Estimates process. I agreed todosoentirelyprobono. In addition to the publication of a flagship Focus on Budget published for the past 36 years, our accountingfirmconsistently provides technical guidance on budgetary, fiscal, and governance matters without charge to representatives of almost every major political party in Guyana, across administrations and across the political spectrum. This isneithernovelnorpartisan; it is part of my longstanding contribution to public discourse.

expenditure is central to democratic accountability, and engagement aimed at improving that scrutiny is both legitimate and necessary I will always support and participate in m a k i n g a m o d e s t contribution.

Asasocialandeconomic commentator,Ihaveavested interest in ensuring that the Budget Debate is informed, robust,andgroundedinfact, regardless of which party occupies the Treasury benches Parliamentary scrutiny of public

For the avoidance of doubt, I expressly invite my bankers and the Financial Intelligence Unit to review my accounts and deposits. I havenothingtohide.Finally, the allegation collapses under its own absurdity If I commanded a fee of $50 million for two hours of work,Iwouldnotneedtobe practising at the age of eighty.

I reserve all my legal rights in relation to this matter

Regards Christopher

Politicians making promises in crafted language

DEAREDITOR

,

The horses are off as the Games began on Monday, filled with pomp and pretenseaspamperingisnot prohibited among the honorable members in the House This week, the Guyana National Assembly promises a display of fireworks, fun and frolic as the bigger, better and brighter PPP/C’s 2026 Budget debate begins. The 65 Members of Parliament consistingof1memberfrom FGM, 12 members from APNU, 16 members from WIN and 36 members from the PPP/C, will, deliberate, discuss and debate the nationalbudgetintheHouse with Speaker Manzoor Nadir

The Speaker will certainly have a time of his life as he officiates over the Honorable members whom he will definitely have to

cajole, indulge and perhaps coerce, while trying to persuade them to maintain decorumanddisciplineover anydisagreement.

The $1.558 trillion 2026 Guyananationalbudgetwas presented on 26 January 2026byTheHonourableDr

Ashni Singh, Senior Minister, Office of the P r e s i d e n t , w i t h Responsibility for Finance. Having a majority lead of 7 seats,thePPP/Cwillhaveno problem in getting the budget passed and approved in the House, despite an anticipated walk out by the combinedopposition.

With an enhanced

colourful economy capitalizing on the explorationoftheoilandgas industry, the expansion of thegoldandtimberindustry and the extension of the holisticagriculturalindustry, the fear of the dreaded

to any political party The press serves as the bridge betweenthatinstitutionandthepublicitrepresents.When that bridge is deliberately weakened, democracy itself is placedatrisk.

Guyana has made painful sacrifices to secure democraticspace. Itwouldbeatragedyifthosegainsare eroded not by overt authoritarianism, but by the quiet normalisationofcensorshipdisguisedas“procedure”and “order.”TheSpeakermustimmediatelyrescindthisedict, restore full access to the media, provide proper direct broadcasting facilities, and recommit to the principles of opennessandaccountability

Anythinglesswouldconfirmwhatmanynowfearthat Parliament under Manzoor Nadir is drifting away from democracyandtowardpoliticalcontrol.

“Dutch Disease” will certainly be avoided. More infrastructure will continue to augment visitation, improvise efficiency and catapultdevelopment.

Thisbudgetisacclaimed to be in sympathy as a “people oriented” budget.

Much empathy and emphasis will in particular, empower the existential benefits to service the inclusivity of the orange, blue, green and silver economy,and,nottoexclude the white economy or sidelinethegoldeconomy

WithaGDPofUS$31.62 Trillion and a GDP per Capita of US$92,883 in the world’s most powerful and wealthiest nation with the strongest economy, the United States of America, President Trump’s aim is to make America great again andputAmericafirst.Under thePPP/CGovernmentfrom 1992to2015andagainfrom 2020 to current, the administration has managed to pull the once bankrupt economy from the jaws of death as the second poorest nationinthisHemispherein 1992,tothestateofbeingthe world’s fastest nation for growthinGDP,asquotedby Worldometer

As per the IMP, in 2025 Guyana boosted its nominal GDPto US$25.06 Billion, a 10.3 % growth from 2024. Its GDP per capita rose to

US$ 31,378, a marginal increase of .59% over 2024. Under the APNU/AFC l e a d e r s h i p a n d administration in 2019, Guyana’s GDP was US$5.174 Billion with a GDPpercapitaofUS$6,953, withoutthebenefitsoftheoil industry

From “Better Days Are Coming,” the motto in 2020 for the Saint Lucia Labor Party changed to “Putting PeopleFirst.”From11outof 17 seats, Prime Minister Honourable Philip J. Pierre, captured14seatstoleadthe island, people and party, with a supermajority His policy is to focus on the peopleprimarily HisParty’s principled interest is to address the people’s needs, the people’s lands, their patrimony, their heritage, their culture, and their history, as the centre of governance.

President Ali’s second terminofficeissaddledwith acompact,unapologeticand flamboyantmanifestoforhis 2025-2030 duration. Many powerful promises were made during his election campaign and underlined withhisgovernancestrategy on the theme, “promises made,promiseskept.”

Interestingly, Barbados Labor Party Leader, Mia Mottley, the incumbent PrimeMinister,recently (Continuedonpage06)

Power Plays and the CARICOMCaribbean Reality: Reflecting on 2025 The budget

DEAREDITOR

Rupture and upheaval have characterised the international trade

landscape in 2025 Perspectivesonwhetherthis represents progress or peril diverge sharply depending on whom you ask. Those whobelieveinthedividends of international institutions, laws, principles and norms may argue that there has beenatumultuousshiftfrom theestablishedorder Froma Washington perspective, actions, such as the shift to reciprocal tariffs, bilateral trade deals, and the halt to global sustainability initiatives, are intended to safeguard national interests.

The CARICOM-Caribbean perspectiveandrealityisone in which the multilateral

rules-based order established in 1945 remains essential for survival in a globalised world CARICOMitselffalteredin 2025, and given the temperaments of major

powers at play, the organisation must solidify itself or risk becoming collateral damage in the agendas of bigger players.

To explore the Caribbean reality,thisarticleemploysa year-in-review analysis to assess global and regional trade developments in 2025 andforecast2026.

AGlobalView:Looking BacktoLookForward

The past year brought a mix of global and regional developments Although t h e r e w e r e s o m e encouraging moments, challenges seemed more prevalent. Globally, despite instability,policyshifts,and international tensions, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) reports that trade volumes climbed to a record $35 trillion in 2025. Equally notable was the adoptionoftheWorldTrade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, which underpins ocean sustainability and China’s decisionnot to seek Special and Differential Treatment(S&DT)infuture

WTO agreements Amid optimism about an increase in global trade volumes, thereisalwaysthequestion: towhatextentisthisgrowth experienced in Caribbean states? Significantly, Beijing’s decision to forgo S&DT status is a major upside for developing countries,and,byextension, Caribbean nations The previous self-declared classification has been a hurdle in negotiations and stood as an obstacle for ‘developing countries’ deriving S&DT benefits Notwithstanding China’s pronouncement, India’s developing-country status will undoubtedly remain a S&DT sticking point in negotiations, but this debate is outside the scope of this piece.

Turning to challenges, 2025didnotusherinchange tothelongstandingparalysis of the WTO’s Appellate Body, but instead saw a proliferation of trade restrictions to the tune of 2,500, almost 5 times the number recorded when compared to 10 years ago. Thetariffturmoilintroduced under the US’s “Liberation Day”onApril2,2025,wasa substantial part of the increase, even though some measures have been rolled back. In the case of the Caribbean, collective advocacy by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government, supported by regional and US-based private sector interests, led to the removal of reciprocal tariffs initially announced for CARICOM on key exports in the agriculture, food and chemicalssectors.

ClimateActionUnravels

S u s t a i n a b i l i t y initiatives, an existential need for CARICOM countries,wereimpactedby US President Donald Trump’s return to office in January2025.

PresidentTrump signed an executive order directing the US’s withdrawal from the ParisAgreement, a vital instrument for managing

climatechange.Regrettably, the United Nations Framework Convention on ClimateChange(UNFCCC) and associated agreements, programmes and funding were also targeted Similarly, the vote on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) NetZero Framework, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in shipping, also stalled under pressure from oil-reliantcountries,namely theUSandSaudiArabia.

Whyharponthestateof these initiatives, one might ask?Here’swhy Industries, trade and the environment intersect. Whether it is in naturalresourcesusedorthe energyusedinproductionor shipping, profit costs. Climatechangeisacostand a lived reality of Caribbean states,andcommitmentsare needed Surely, the devastation from three months ago reflects the Caribbean reality, with Hurricane Melissa causing an estimated US$8.8 billion indamageinJamaicaalone, whilecountriessuchasCuba andHaitiarestillrebuilding.

Regional Reality: CARICOM’s2025

CARICOM’s 2025 delivered a mix of achievements and disappointments One significant success for CARICOM in2025wasthe implementation of full free movementbyfourmembers (Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines) In addition to deepening integration, this move allowsforsafeandmanaged migration, with nationals of these countries having the right to live and work without work permits

A n o t h e r n o t a b l e accomplishment was hosting CARIFESTAXVin Barbados Events like CARIFESTAare integral to deepening regional identity, and this edition was projected by CARICOM to bring more than 2,500 delegates from 25 participating countries. The conclusion of the Third

Round of negotiations to update the CARICOMColombia Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement (TECA) also represented a significant step towards fostering hemispherictraderelations.

Less encouragingly, the spirit of Article 6 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas has also weakened in 2025 and will likelycontinuetoweakenin 2026 if the 2025 pattern persists. While this Article calls for the “enhanced coordination of Member States’foreignand[foreign] economic policies” , member states prioritised national interests and unilateral decision making, publiclydisplayingdisunity. Communication between CARICOM leaders became contentious, with Heads of Governments trading barbs across Caribbean waters Public divisions emerged over the bombing of Venezuelan vessels in Caribbean waters, the ‘zone ofpeace’philosophy,andthe relevanceofCARICOMfor navigating a globalised world.

A worrying factor that has affected the regional grouping in 2025 and will continue to affect them in 2026 is the “Donroe Doctrine”, that is, the US’s revival of the 1800s hegemonic philosophy that theUSexercisesasphereof influence in the Americas. CARICOM states are extremely vulnerable economically, and with the US being the major trading partner for most states, this means that there is a power dynamic at play which will restrict policy options for CARICOM, given the US’s use of tariffs to punish countries with divergent views.

Washington has also not hesitated to threaten visa restrictions and other economicpolicyoptions. LookingForward If the start of 2026 reveals anything, it is that theyearwilllikelybe (Continuedonpage16)

DEAREDITOR

A s a p u b l i c communications analyst, I continue to engage in repeated conversations with citizens who remain uncertainaboutthedirection and real-life impact of the 2026 budget presentation. While national budgets are often framed around economic growth and development goals, many citizens are still asking a simple but important question: how will this budget help them achieve a balanced and sustainable qualityoflife?

Across communities, thereisagrowingsensethat budget discussions are not fully connecting with everyday realities. Citizens are concerned about rising living expenses, limited disposable income, job security, and the pressure of meeting basic household needs. For many, national progress feels distant when personal financial stability remainsoutofreach

The new opposition,

along with civil society and other observation groups, has begun to voice their perspectives on how the proposed budgetary measuresmayaffectthecost of living and the wider business environment Thesediscussionsmirrorthe concerns being raised at the community level and highlighttheneedforcareful consideration of policy impacts

Smallandmedium-sized businesses, inparticular,are watching closely to see whether the budget will support growth or add further strain through increased operational costs and regulatory pressures

Business sustainability is closely tied to employment and economic resilience, making it a key area of concern for both workers andemployers. At the international level, organizations such as the International Monetary FundandtheUnitedNations havebeenclosely (Continuedonpage16)

More in the mortar than just the pestle

DEAREDITOR

Somethingisnotadding up with the sudden resignations of first the Mayor and days after the Deputy Mayor of Mahdia, Region 8, with both citing similar reasons: their well being and mental state, given the demands of the respective positions and impact on personal lives. Both, it is perceived, sought to make clear their reasons have nothing to do with

a l l e g e d p o l i t i c a l interference.

After being in the position for a number of years the former Mayor now realizes she was not suitable. What a belated revelation! There seems to be more in the mortar than just the pestle Or is it a tangledweb ?

Shouldwebesurprisedif allegianceischanged?

Regards ShamshunMohamed

Of Guns and Butter: Why Structural Investment Trumps Immediate Consumption

DEAREDITOR

, The critique leveled by Dr Jerry Jailall (KN, Feb 1)

and several other contributors in these pages regarding the working poor and the perceived shortcomings of the 2026 Budget touches on the classic economic dilemma of guns versus butter In the context of a resource-rich nationlikeGuyana,thisisnot amilitarydebatebutrathera choice between immediate consumption and long term capitalinvestment Whilethe call for direct relief is understandable, an honest evaluation of Guyana’s trajectoryshowsadeliberate and necessary pivot away fromthemistakesseeninthe Venezuelamodel.

Venezuela’s collapse was notcausedbyalackofwealth butbyacatastrophicchoiceto prioritize consumption above allelse.Theyusedoilrevenues tofundmassive,unsustainable social subsidies and price controls while neglecting the infrastructure and industrial diversification needed to sustainaneconomy Whenoil prices dipped, their social safety nets melted away, leaving the poor in a worse statethanbeforetheboom

In contrast, Guyana is following a path of institutional discipline more akin to the Norway model, though at an accelerated emerging market pace This contemporary struggle mirrorsthefamousstandardof living debate regarding the British Industrial Revolution Economic historians like TS Ashton and Eric Hobsbawm famously sparred over whether the English working classactuallybenefitedduring the rapid industrialization of the 1830s and 1840s The pessimists argued that the working poor suffered

immensely as the nation’s wealthwasfunneledintothe machineryofindustry

M e a n w h i l e , t h e optimists pointed out that while the pain was acute in the short term, this massive capitalaccumulationwasthe onlyreasonthecostofliving finally began to fall. The crucial question the Guyanese people are asking today is the same one asked in 19th-century England: howlongmustwewait?

In the English case, real wages remained largely flat during the early decades of the industrial revolution, withthemostsignificantand sustained increase not occurring until after 1850. By that point, the massive investments in steam power and railways had finally matured, causing prices to tumbleandrealwagestorise bysixtypercentinjustforty years.Guyanaiscurrentlyin itsownversionofthatpivot, but with the advantage of modern technology and high-yield resources, we do not have to wait decades for theturnaround.

By allocating the lion’s shareofthe1.5trilliondollar budget to infrastructure, energy, and the health and education sectors, the government is building the productive capacity of the nation.Thesearethegunsof ourdevelopment.Thegasto shore project is perhaps the most significant pro poor measureinthisregard.With its operational target appearing on the immediate horizon of the next eighteen to twenty-four months, the timeline for relief is not a generationawaybutamatter of the near future. By slashing electricity costs by 50 percent, the state is providing a permanent reductioninthecostofliving

thatisfarmoreeffectivethan a one time cash grant. This energyrevolutionservesasa f o u n d a t i o n f o r manufacturing and job creation that can outlast the oilera.

The roads and bridges being constructed are the literal arteries of wealth creation, connecting the workingpoortonewmarkets a n d e m p l o y m e n t Furthermore, by removing taxesonessentialsandraising taxthresholds,thegovernment is increasing the social wage Thisapproachlowersthecost of living through structural improvement rather than inflating the money supply throughhandouts

Critics who claim the governmentisdoingnothing or not doing enough should consider that history shows that nations that spend their windfall on immediate consumptionremaintrapped in the resource curse. Guyana’s 2026 Budget is a rejection of that curse. It is a strategic bet that building a modern,diversifiedeconomy is the only way to provide a future where the working poor are no longer poor The current pain is real, but it representstheconstructionpain ofanationbeingrebuiltfromits foundation Much like the Englishtransition,thebenefits of industrialization are often lagged, but they are the only sustainable path to broad prosperity Meanwhile, the government’s short term support such as cash grants andeducationsupplementsare deliberately inserted into this calculus of pain To abandon theinfrastructureoftomorrow for the populist spending of today would be to invite the veryVenezuelantrajectorywe mustavoid

Sincerely, Dr WalterH.Persaud

Politicians making promises...

Frompage04 announced on her election campaign, “This Governmentisputtingmoneybackintoyour pocketsimmediatelyandthatiswhatisgoing to make the difference. I have heard you on the cost of living, and we recognize that we are in a position now to give you back something.”

The BLP “has also pledged cost-of-living relief through targeted cash credits and tax measuresifelected”TherecentlyreadGuyana National 2026 Budget as presented by PPP/C SeniorMinisterDrAshniSingh,hasbroadened the spectrum of the contemporary yet captivating and compelling theme, “Putting People First” It has opened a cookie jar containingcarrots,candiesandchocolateswhile consistingofcatches,clausesandcurtailments. Welearntthehardwaythat,“Allthatglittersis notgold.”Itisworthytonoteatthisjuncture in Guyana’s socio political and economic stature that, Guyana played a pivotal role in

Exxon Mobil net production, reaching the highest level in more than 40 years in 2025 and reporting earnings of US$28.8 Billion. Sadly, Guyana is receiving “chicken feed” for revenue and royalty after signing the worst oil contractinthehistoryoftheoilindustry,refusing to negotiate that contract and will not consider requestinganywindfalltax!Itisnotindespairbut perhaps in hope for Guyanese when Dr Ashni Singhsaid,“Wearecommittedtodoingallthatis neededtoensurethatGuyanabecomesandremains globallycompetitive Ourgovernmentcontinues totakedeliberateactionstoensurethatGuyana’soil andgaswealthismanagedinamannerthatdelivers tangible and lasting benefits to the Guyanese people” Guyanese now have to be careful, cautious and cynical when listening to politicians making promises in crafted language,conveyedinconvolutedclarityand communicatedinconspicuouscreoles.

Yoursrespectfully, JaiLall.

Excel Guyana Inc. lauds 2026

National Budget

ExcelGuyanaInc., has commended t h e 2 0 2 6

National Budget which was presented on January 26, 2026 by Dr Ashni Singh, SeniorMinisterintheOffice of the President with responsibilityforFinance.

Kris Sammy - CEO & Co-Chair of Excel Guyana Inc. said the budget lays a strong foundation for investment, infrastructure, and opportunity, while placing Guyanese people and communities at the center of national development.

“Formorethan30years, ExcelGuyanahascultivated

partnersh

Hesaidthecreationofa development bank capitalised at US$100 million will provide vital support to small and medium-sized enterprises, e

entrepreneurs to expand

d generate employment. Tax relief in agriculture and agro-processing is expected to open new avenues for farmers and producers, ensuring that Guyanese households benefit from lower costs, stronger food security, and expanded opportunities in value-

ps across CARICOM and beyond, and the initiatives outlined in Budget 2026 directly support this mission. The government’s allocations for infrastructure and logistics will not only accelerate construction projects and enhance nationwideconnectivity,but also improve access to services, create jobs, and strengthen communities,” the CEO said in a release Monday

Kris SammyCEO & Co-Chair of Excel Guyana Inc.

addedindustries.

“Equally important, measures aimed at workforce development align with Excel Guyana’s recruitment and Employer ofRecordservices,ensuring that Guyanese workers are equippedwiththeskillsand supportneededtothriveina rapidly growing economy,” thereleasenoted.

Biometrics to be introduced in schools to strengthen accountability

The Ministry of Education will soon begin implementing a biometric attendance system in some schools to accurately record the arrival and departure times of teachers

The system is aimed at strengtheningaccountability at public learning institutions.

Minister of Education

Sonia Parag made the announcement during a recent televised interview, notingthatthenewinitiative will ensure quality teaching

and better outcomes for students She assured teachers that the new measuresarenotintendedto punishteachers.

“You have children whoneedtobetaught.You have a curriculum that needs to be delivered. If you want to be successful, you have to have teachers teachingintheclassroom,”

Minister Parag said, adding that“accountabilitysimply means teachers being present and delivering the curriculum for their

respectivegrades.”

Minister Parag, who introduced the system at the Ministry of Public Service, emphasised that the initiativ

focuses on transparency and accurate information rather than discipline.Shenotedthatthe data will help the ministry understand attendance patterns and the reasons for absences, ensuring that investments in education translate into consistent classroom instruction for students.(DPI)

High Court ruling on Mohamed extradition submissions delayed

The high court ruling in the extradition matter involving father and son, Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed, has been postponed.

The case relates to high court submissions including ajudicialreviewchallenging the Minister of Home Affairs’AuthoritytoProceed (ATP), as well as a constitutional challenge to sections of the Fugitive Offenders(Amendment)Act of 2009. The rulings, which were expected to be delivered on Monday, have now been rescheduled for February9and16.

Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh will deliver both rulings. The judicial review decision is expected on February 9, while the ruling on the constitutional challenge will be delivered onFebruary16.

On January 15, the Mohameds’ legal team including Roysdale Forde, SC, Siand Dhurjon, and Damien Da Silva, filed a constitutional motion challenging the 2009 amendments to the Fugitive OffendersAct.Thiswasfiled alongside a judicial review application alleging bias by the government and specifically the Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond.

Submissions were made during high court proceedings where Justice Singhheardargumentsfrom attorneys representing the Mohameds The defense contended that the authorisation of the extradition process was tainted by political bias, particularly due toAzruddin Mohamed’srecententryinto politics and alleged rivalry with the governing People’s

Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

The defense argued that since entering the political arena in early 2025, Azruddin Mohamed has become a political opponent of the PPP/C, and that this rivalry influenced the minister’s decision to authorise the extradition proceedings.

H o w e v e r , t h e prosecution maintained that the minister fully complied with the law and that bias playednoroleinthedecision toauthoriseextradition.

During the proceedings, attorney Forde advanced submissions focusing on Section 8(3)(b) of the Fugitive Offenders (Amendment)Act2009.The defense argued that

Guyana’s extradition arrangementwiththeUnited States is deficient because it doesnotexpresslyguarantee thatapersonextraditedtothe U.S. cannot be re-extradited toathirdcountrywithoutthe prior consent of the GovernmentofGuyana. Forde further contended thatSection8(3)(b)prohibits extradition to the United States unless safeguards are in place to prevent reextradition without Guyana’sapproval.

Justice Singh had initially reserved his ruling forFebruary2.However,on Monday at the high court, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs

Anil Nandlall, SC, who is representing the state, told the press that he received an email late Sunday evening indicatingthattherulinghad been adjourned to the later dates. No reason was p r o v i d e d f o r t h e postponement.

Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed are facing a federalindictmentinMiami, Florida, following the unsealing of a 25-page indictment on October 2, 2025.Theindictmentalleges that they orchestrated an extensive fraud and moneylaunderingschemeinvolving gold exports, customs fraud, bribery, and the evasion of millions of dollars in taxes and royalties owed to Guyana.Followingarequest from the United States, MinisterWaldron signed the Authority to Proceed (ATP), allowing the extradition mattertoadvancebeforethe Magistrates’ Court If sufficient evidence is presented, the magistrate mayapprovetheMohameds’ extradition to face charges overseas.

What is your bottom line?

It is a rude question, almost an impertinent one, and that is why it unsettles.

InGuyana,atthistimeofthe year, it is drowned out by louder, more theatrical questions: Who is winning the Budget debate? Who is exposing whom? Who sounds convincing in the NationalAssembly?

The country, inside

Parliamentandoutsideofit, becomes absorbed in a kind of annual ritual drama. Yet whilethespeechesechoand theheadlineschurn,themost important reckoning takes place — or ought to take place — in silence, behind closed doors, at the kitchen table or in the quiet of one’s ownhead.

Every year after the

Budgetspeechisread,Ifind myself reminding Guyanese that they place far too much reliance on the national Budget for their personal prospects.TheBudgetisnot a promise of individual salvation. It is a one-year financialplanofgovernment expenditure and revenue, an instrumentofthestate,nota life plan for the citizen. To

Speaker locks out press...

Frompage02

the media in Guyana. It is an attack on the media,anattackonthefreedomofthepress andanattackontherighttoinformationbya Speaker who ought to be upholding those rights rather than trample on them in this cowardlyway TheSpeakerneedstocorrect this nonsensical move and the Government, the Opposition and the Guyana Press Association ought to raise this concern with him at every level before, during and after today’ssitting.Wecannotbemovingforward withsuchbackwardsteps.”

FareezaHaniff

“The Parliament Building on Brickdam had very limited space for media, yet more thanfivejournalistswereallowedinsideand providedunfilteredcoverage.

Thisnew“rule,”appliedtoasignificantly larger building that can comfortably accommodatenearlyallofus,isnonsensical. There is no rational explanation or justificationforit.”

LeroySmith

“Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir, by way of his actions since sitting as the country’s Speaker of the

NationalAssembly, has been inching closer and closer to the red line between media accessibility and media suppression, and today he crossed that red line…it is now for the Guyana PressAssociation to write to all international affiliate bodies and agencies that work with the National Assembly and bring their attention to this clear attempt at stymyingtheworkofthemediainGuyana. It has been happening too often; many people who work within parliament would tell you about the fights they have to have withthespeakerjusttoensurethatthemedia isproperlyaccommodatedwheneverthereis a parliamentary event at which the media is expectedtobepresent.

Limitingfivereporterstothedomeforthe national debates of the country’s largest budget is, to my mind, a war against the media.Itisalsoadisrespecttothecraftmaker inRegion9,theforestrangerinRegion1,the farmer in Region 6, the market vendor in Region4,andeveryothersingleGuyanesein thiscountry,includingallthosewhositinthe house.Awaragainstthe4thEstateisnotthe smartest thing for any public official to engineer.”

DEM BOYS SEH

Smiling fuh de camera

Dem boys see a video floating round pon social media where a gang of young fellas trying to relieve a man of he cellular phone, and one of dem brandishing a knife so long itlooklikeithadambitions tobeacutlasswhenitgrow up. Is not even a discreet knife. Is a bold, shameless knife, waving like it runningforpublicoffice.

Watchingthatclipbring back memories, and memories in Guyana does come back hard and uninvited, like mosquito at dusk. Dem boys remember when dem used to do security wuk. Night shift.

Graveyard hours Office lockuptight,butdemboys stillhadtowalkhomeinthe dark, when every shadow looklikeitreconsideringits lifechoices.

So dem boys develop a survival strategy Acutlass. Respectable. Agricultural.

Wrapped neatly in newspaper,likeitwasagift

fuh somebody who really deserved it.True, the shape was visible — yuh can’t hidedestiny—butthatwas the point. Anybody with criminal thoughts would see the outline and decide, “Nah,todaynahdeday.”

It worked fine No mugging. No heroics. Just peaceful walking and dem boys minding dem business. Until one night, bluelightsflash.Policestop demboys.

“Whyyuhwalkingwith aweapon?”deofficerask.

Dem boys explain politely Tell dem how the cutlass did go to the office fuh sharpening, but boss man ain’t want nobody use he file, like the file was family heirloom. So dem boys had to carry it back home.

Police nod Police listen. Police tek away the cutlass.

Justso.Likethat. Now fast-forward to today Video after video of

look to it as such is to misunderstand both its purpose and your own responsibilities If, as a citizen,youwaiteachyearto see what the government will do for you, you already have a problem. It is not primarily what the government is giving you that should occupy your thoughts, but what it is taking from you, and how you intend to earn, spend, save,andsurvive.

The old anxieties have faded. We no longer live with the constant fear of devaluation, of foreign exchange shortages, of import restrictions that crippleenterpriseandshrink ambition Those dangers once shaped every private calculation. Today they are muted. That should have freed the citizen to focus more intently on his or her own budget. Instead, many have surrendered that responsibilityaltogether There are too many people who are more concerned with the government’s Budget than withtheirown.Manydonot budget at all. They know, instinctively and vaguely, that their income will never match their spending, so they drift through months and years as before, hoping that something — luck, a windfall, a benevolent politician, a distant relative will intervene Hope replaces planning Wishfulness substitutes for discipline.

people walking round with knives, daggers, swords thatlookimportedspecially fuhcrime.Nobodystopping dem. Nobody questioning. Nobody asking what office file refuse to help dem. So dem boys wondering: how come when a law-abiding citizenwalkwithapenknife oracutlassfuhprotection,it get confiscated but when bandits walk round armed

distancing?

Dem boys seh maybe the newspaper wrapping was the real crime. Maybe dem should’ve livestream the walk home. Or maybe, just maybe, common sense does get arrested first and released last.Anyway, dem boyssehonethingforsure: in this country, is not the weapon that does scare people—iswhoholdingit, and whether dem smiling forthecamera. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

exchange, endlessly repeated, and curiously comforting. It allows the listener to feel involved withoutbeingresponsible.

M e a n w h i l e , t h e Guyanese people are engagedinaquieter,harsher struggle: the daily game of survival. It is played with ingenuity, resignation, and sometimes desperation

Many place their faith in luckandchance.Eachweek they buy Lotto tickets, sit in gambling shops, feed slot machines, and dream. Their dream of a better life is not anchored in skill, planning, orlong-termeffort,butinthe sudden intervention of fortune. The overwhelming majority lose, but hope survives defeat. It always does.

Others adopt different habits. There are men with money perpetually in their pockets who nonetheless ask, almost by reflex, for a raise The request has become mechanical, detached from need or circumstance. It is made without curiosity about the other person’s situation, without embarrassment, withoutreflection.

will persist for years, until the Guyanese people themselves compel unity and demand renegotiation. The oil companies’ bottom line is secure The government’s bottom line, for now, is strong. Trilliondollarbudgetsarepossible.

But the essential q u e s t i o n r e m a i n s unanswered: what about the average Guyanese? What is that person’s bottom line? How far in the red is he or she?And how is that deficit financed?

Yet these same people follow the Budget debates with intense devotion. They listen closely as one side paints a bleak picture and portrays the government as carelessorcruel.Theylisten as the other side responds with moral rebukes, remindingthenationofpast mismanagement and inheritedruin.Itisafamiliar

Still others depend heavily on relatives overseas. If they were to witness the long hours, the exhaustion, the quiet sacrifices that produce that US$100 remittance, they might ask less frequently Distancesoftensreality The Finance Minister has read hisBudget.Itisthelargestin the country’s history, cushioned now by oil revenues This fact is repeated with pride and alarm in equal measure. But too many forget that while oil money exists, what the country receives from extraction remains small relative to the wealth produced. That controversy

These questions are rarely framed in technical language by ordinary people. They are felt, not calculated They are expressedintermsofliving, of coping, of getting through. Survival is the true national occupation. The masseshopethegovernment will not mismanage the economy and make life harder, but hope is not a strategy Governments, like i n d i v i d u a l s , f a c e uncertainty In the end, people must look after their own well-being. They must live within their means They must learn that a person can have much and still be unhappy, and that contentment often belongs to those who understand theirlimitsandrespectthem. TherealBudgetdebateisnot in Parliament or on television It is private, personal,andunavoidable. So again: what is your bottomline?

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

H@RD TRUTHS

Mohamed carving his own path

Stranger things have happened, that’s for sure. I just can’t recall when. But there he is, the We Invest In Nationhood leader, Mr.

Azruddin Mohamed, operating in a new environment, and carving out his own path, actually laying down some pointers forthefuture.

Does he have what it takes? Can he sustain what he has started? Will he be allowedto;orwillhehaveto fight tooth and talon for everyinchtobegained?

Already,hesoundslikea dedicated corruption hunter Hewillbegoingafterperps,

expose them. Since he has traveled extensively around the local block, he has a betterthanfairideaofwhere the dark corners are, the hiding places are, and who the big players are. He is a corruptionfightertobetaken seriously Itmakessensefor amanofhispedigreetotake aimatcorruptioninGuyana; the returns could be astounding, if not ironic. A case of righteous street justicecomingtopass,Isay Many of them. If I were in the employ of the PPP, I would be shaking in my boots. There is a simple reason:fewarethefolkswho didbusinesswiththePPP,or

for the PPP Govt., who can claim clean hands. The higher they are elevated, the more precarious their perch. Mr. Mohamed has an additional asset that is priceless,anditcomesintwo parts He has a long familiarity with skeletons, and he has old skills at detecting where they are buried. Pastworkprograms have a way of turning out to be beneficial when least expected, due to the turn of events, which no one can predict.

Aside from giving high prioritytobeingacorruption stalker, Mr Mohamed has shownsomefirstglimpsesof

thestatesmanthathecanbe. Say what? Statesman and Azruddin Mohamed don’t belong on the same planet, much less in the same phrase. But there he was proving that he is more seasoned than he looks, that he has a head on his shoulders,andthathecanbe hisownman. Let’stherebe no more of the regular, old “chaos” in parliament. Let there be the calmness that could go a long way in fostering the beginnings of cooperation. Hear! Hear! For he is a jolly peculiar fellow Aman of surprises, which makes me pause, and think that this newcomer, this chap that has been dismissedasanamateur,just may be able to hold his own with the older boys, and the bigger boys and girls, who know a thing or two about tying up proceedings in and outofparliament.

Question for the local parliamentary cognoscenti: when was the last time that anyoneinparliamentmadea callforcalmandcoolheads? Has the Speaker who has shown a sudden exuberant

p r o p e n s i t y f o r effervescent loquacity?

How about someone from the old and grizzled battalions? The one manning the PPPside of the parliamentary ditches (they made it that way, I submit).

Or,theotherlostbattalionof superstars from the PNC, struggling to find footing, and their way out of the gloom of their tightly and remorselessly suffocating Petrified Forest. Whatever those two political old lions didn’tdo,orweren’tcapable ofdoing,thefastandfurious Mohamed is manifesting that he is already on the job, and is quickly getting the hang of it. He could go places.

TheChinesemaysaythat Guyanese are living in interesting times. But the Americans are the ones calling the shots here. In observing Mohamed, Jr., I can’t help recalling that prearranged, smooth-as-silk passage to Bridgetown, and what was the bargain struck there. Have the Americans shown the WIN leader the wisdom of working with

them? Intriguing how the Washingtonians went from being hard against him to finding ways to work with him. Even more intriguing was how the US lent its demanding voice to the chorusofdiplomaticcallsfor the Speaker (and PPP leadership) to cut the baloney and get moving on theLeaderoftheOpposition election.

When Americans speak, the previously hard-ofhearinginthePPPhierarchy always listen up, straighten up, and jump up. Yes, Excellency Consider it done,Excellency Last, in considering the renewed, reinvigorated Azruddin Mohamed, I find myselfpondering,whoheis reallyworkingfor,otherthan for himself And the Guyanesepeople,ofcourse.

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

PCAlogged143police misconductcomplaintsin2025

Some 143 complaints were made to the Police Complaints Authority in 2025, Volume Two of the Budget Estimates 2026 hasrevealed.

Under Programme Performance Statements,itisreportedthattheobjectiveof theauthorityistorespondtoanycomplaints and supervise the investigation of serious crimes, alleged to have been committed by members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

Strategies implemented the authority include to “assess complaints and supervisetheinvestigation of certain serious crimes alleged to have been committedbymembersof thepoliceforce.”

I n a d d i t i o n t o s u p e r v i s i n g t h e investigationsintothealleged crimescommitted,italsohas responsibility to submit reports of any investigations before criminal proceedings are initiated to the Director of PublicProsecutions.

complaints and supervising investigations into serious crimes allegedly committed by membersofthePoliceForce. Its strategies include assessing complaints, overseeing investigations, and submitting reports to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) before criminal proceedingsareinitiated.

For2025,143complaintswerereceived while,300reportsweretargetedforthatyear Of the 143 complaints received, 21 were addressed,while12wererejected.

In February 2025, this publication reported that the Police Complaints Authority(PCA)received127complaintsin 2024. Of these, 54 cases were closed, while 32complaintswererejected.

The PCA is tasked with responding to

The budget document outlined that in 2024, the authority made 41 mmendations for pending vestigations Additionally, 34 recommendations were sent to the Commissioner ofPoliceforinvestigation andnecessaryactions. It also disclosed that the authority forwarded six recommendations to the chairman of the Police Service Commission for urther investigation and essary actions No recommendations were sent to the DPPforlegaladvicein2024.

For2025,thePCAhadsethighertargets, expecting to handle 240 complaints. It soughttoclose235cases.Recommendations forpendinginvestigationswereprojectedto decrease to 20, while recommendations to theCommissionerofPolicewereexpectedto riseto60.

ThePCA’simpactincludesensuringthat complaints are investigated and that written reportsaresubmittedtotheCommissionerof PoliceandtheDPPtofacilitatetheinitiation ofcriminalproceedingswherenecessary

Pres. Ali urges small states to unite against crime, trade barriers

President Irfaan Ali on Monday called for deeper cooperation among small s t a t e s t o c o m b a t transnational crime and dismantle trade barriers, warning that regional challenges can no longer be tackledinisolation.

Delivering an address to Belize’s Joint Parliament during a three-day official visit, the Guyanese Head of Statesaidcoordinatedaction is critical to protecting societies and economies from criminal networks

involved in weapons trafficking, human smuggling and illicit trade.

“Geography places both Belize and Guyana along routes exploited by these networks, creating challenges no single state can address alone,” Ali told lawmakers. “These threats do not respect borders and t h e r e f o r e r e q u i r e coordinatedresponses.”

H e c o n t i n u e d

“Transnational problems

demand transnational solutions. It is imperative that small states actively pursue cooperation with regional and international partners who share a common interest in preventing, disrupting and dismantling organised criminalactivity.”

The President explained

that such cooperation strengthens national capacity and enhances collective security “Sovereignty is not diminished by cooperation. It is weakened by isolation and vulnerability Through partnership grounded in mutual respect, small states arebetterabletoprotecttheir people,theirinstitutions,and their future Another essential pillar of resilience for a small state lies in democracy and open economies,”Alisaid

According to the president Economic opennessalsoplaysacritical role in development. While openness carries risk, it facilitates access to market, capital, technology, and ideals that are vital for growth. He highlighted the importance of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), democratic institutions, and multilateral engagement, especially for states with limited economic and militarypower

President Ali said the visit marked a significant moment for bilateral relations between Guyana and Belize and deepen cooperation in agriculture, trade, climate action, and regionaldevelopment. He asserted that “Our

two countries possess some of the most diverse and valuable ecosystems in the Caribbean, encompassing vast tracks of tropical forests,extensivefreshwater resources and extraordinary biodiversity that place us among the world’s most environmentally significant smallstates.”

“Our territories include critical habitats that support unique flora and fauna, provide essential ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and climate regulation and sustain l

y, fisheriesandecotourism.

“At the same time, these natural endowments carry global responsibilities BelizeandGuyanaservesas careful custodians of environmental heritage whose preservation is vital not only to our national development but also to regional and global ecological balance.” “And that is why we have a joint responsibility to monetize

this most important global asset. And the world in turn hasaresponsibilitytoensure that the economic value of these assets is passed on to the peoples of our countries ” Meanwhile, Prime Minister of Belize John Briceño, underscored the historical shared strengthsandareasofmutual cooperationbetweenthetwo countries.

“ O u r f u t u r e i s inextricably linked by our

shared histories and the challenges we face today,” Briceño said. “Together, we will unlock the possibilities ourpeoplesdeserve.”

TheBelizeanPMoffered to help Guyana in developing its tourism productandinturntheSouth American nation would assist its sister Caribbean Community (CARICOM) counterpart in technology “We offer our experience in tourism as you build your

President Irfaan Ali during his maiden address to the joint parliament of Belize on Monday.

tourism product in the land of many waters Our geographic similarities providescopeforknowledge sharing. Our expertise in agriculture will be made available and educational opportunities explored,” he said. The Belizean leader said “We must leverage our abundant resources, facilitate private sector investment, and reap the benefits of our people,” he added.

Opposition unites against Nadir’s media lockout

Opposition parties on Mondayclosedranksagainst Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir over his decision to revive COVID-era restrictions to limit media access to the ongoingbudgetdebates.

The move has sparked widespread backlash from t h e G u y a n a P r e s s Association and senior journalists, with growing calls for the Speaker to immediately lift the controversial measures. In a strongly worded statement, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) condemned whatitdescribedasa“severe restriction” on independent m e d i a a c c e s s t o parliamentaryproceedings.

“This action, which limits journalists to a small quota,requiresthesurrender of personal identification documents for entry, and bars all but the Department of Public Information from filming inside the Chamber, represents a disturbing departure from democratic norms and long established parliamentary practice in Guyana.”

According to APNU the National Assembly is the people’s house. “It belongs not to any government or

officeholder but to the citizens of Guyana The media, as a constitutional pillar in any democracy, playsavitalroleinensuring transparency,accountability, and the free flow of information. To curtail that roleistocurtailthepeople’s righttoknow,”APNUsaid.

According to the party, what has transpired cannot be explained as simple administrativeadjustmentor space management. “It is a clear act of censorship by exclusion. The forced reliance on state-controlled DPI footage, with no live feedprovidedtoindependent newsroom teams, and the

Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir

undermine the principles of openness and fairness that shouldguideeverysittingof theNationalAssembly.”

“APNU strongly asserts that freedom of the press is non-negotiable.Anyattempt torestrictmediaaccessorto monopolize the narrative emerging from the National Assembly threatensthe very fabric of democratic life in Guyana. No Speaker of the House should preside over measures that weaken transparency or shield parliamentary proceedings from independent scrutiny APNU, therefore, calls on

the Speaker to immediately rescind these measures and torestorefullandunfettered access for all accredited media houses. We further urge civil society, the Guyana Press Association, andallparliamentaryactors, GovernmentandOpposition a

,

the constitutional protections that guarantee freedom of expression and access to information.”

According to APNU G

backwards. APNU remains committed to safeguarding democratic institutions and will continue to advocate firmlyagainstanyactionthat endangers press freedom, public accountability, or the rights of citizens to be informed.

Meanwhile, the Forward Guyana Movement said it also noted with grave concern the decision by the Speaker to severely restrict media access to the Budget Debates of the 13th Parliament. “The measures imposed, limiting access to only five journalists at any given time, requiring the surrender of National ID cardsordriver’slicences, Continued on page 16

Edghill defends $1.5T budget

— says infrastructure will “transform lives”

MinisterofPublicWorks

Juan Edghill on Monday mountedarobustdefenceof the government’s $1 558 trillion 2026 National Budget, insisting it is designed to address national challenges while improving the lives of ordinary Guyanese.

Speaking during the opening day of the budget debates at theArthur Chung Conference Centre, Edghill

Member of Parliament to takethefloorsaidthebudget

d

resources toward working families,smallbusinesses.

Noting that the budget

h fairness and opportunities with inclusion, he expressed that it is a well thought-out people oriented, pro-poor, s e r v i c

t e d , developmentfocusedbudget with an aim to achieve a united and prosperous

Guyana.

When this year’s budget was presented last week Monday, Leader of the We InvestinNationhood(WIN) party and newly elected

2026 National Budget as “topheavy” and disconnected from the realities facing ordinaryGuyanese.

Hehadsaid,“Thebudget reflectsheavyinfrastructural

Brain Tumor patient in need of almost $5M for life-saving surgery

Faced with a major, lifethreatening condition that requires specialist surgical operation, a severely debilitatedMarkEmmanuel, a 28-year-old Williamsburg, Corentyne resident is mountingadesperatecallfor publicassistancetooffsethis substantial medical expenses.

The father of three is battling a crippling brain tumor which has disrupted his livelihood, sending his familyinamodeofpanicas they contemplate how they will acquire the nearly $5million needed for him to traveltoTrinidadtoperform the operation.The family so far, was able to find alternatives in India, which willbeatacheapercost.

Speaking to Kaieteur News,Emmanuel’swifesaid the family became aware of his condition back in 2024, between August and September She said he was experiencing frequent bouts of fainting and seizures while on the job The situation caused him to be senthomefromwork.

“He does not work since beforewefoundouthehave the brain tumor because he was sick and was on sick leave very often with seizures,untilwedotestand MRIwhichshowsheahave brain tumor, and....Guysuco Estatelayhimoffbecausehe does pass out at work with seizures,” she told this publication. Currently, he is on medication as he awaits his overseas operation, for which the family is seeking financialhelp.Assoonasitis secured, he will be flown to India.

T h e y o u n g m a n reportedly sustained a blow to the left side of his head

Mark Emmanuel before discovering the tumor

Emmanuel after his brain tumor developed.

from a sledgehammer back in2018,whichheconfirmed maybetheoriginofhiswoes sixyearslater

Emmanuel complains of severe weakness and difficulty walking. His head isattimesswollen,reducing when treatment is taken Furthermore, the left side of his body is feeble, making himunabletoperformmany basic personal tasks on his own.Heismainlygrounded.

“We (are) trying to get themoneytogoIndiaASAP because he’s really getting sick,nowatthemomenthe’s reallysick,”sherelated.

works which means hundreds of billions of dollars in contracts. This is the fastest way they can get theirkickbacks. Rightaway the people of this country they are not benefiting from this budget This budget motto is putting people first butreflectsatotallydifferent theme.”

In defending his government’s$1.558trillion budget on Monday, Edghill said, “What would we be doing with this money because we hear that people are complaining how the budget is heavy on infrastructure, it is because they don’t take the time to link how infrastructural developmentwillbenefitthe individual.”

He noted that his

Ministry has been allocated $227Billion in budget 2026, withacapitalexpenditureof $212 billion and this represents about 27% of the total capital budget which is $779billion.

Speaking on some of the “ i n f r a s t r u c t u r a l

d e v e l o p m e n t ” h i s government undertaken that “transformed lives”, Edghill notedoftheUS$260million Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge which links Region Three and Four that wascommissionedlastyear

He noted of the new Heroes HighwayontheEastBankof Demerara, and “Ask the people who use the Ogle to Eccles interlink that is now moving onto Providence, with a direct link to the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara

River Bridge, how investment in infrastructure is making a difference in theirlives.”

The minister mentioned that the new airstrips the government completed in the hinterland, and the additional of new ferry vessels have brought down the cost of living for the peopleintheseareas.

“When we bring down thecostoftransportingfood, it means that the cost of livingintheareagoesdown, when we put more ferries, we bring down the cost of shipping cargo and ensure thatfoodisavailabletothose regions, and we could get their products to the market to enhance their economic

advantage,” he stated. The minister also highlighted in his presentation, the other “ t r a n s f o r m a t i v e ” developments taking place in sectors like health, education, water, tourism and agriculture and those they intend to execute this year

“I want to tell you that budget 2026 supports transport infrastructure, and it responds to the various challengesthatitthatexists,” he explained Highlighting the various social measures, Edghill boasted that the PPP/C government “we don’t add burdens, we add benefits.” “Minister Singh, team PPP/C, I support budget 2026 and I call upon allmembersofthisassembly andallofGuyanatosupport this budget that is putting people first and will bring about real transformation in Guyana and make this country a better place,” he concluded.

“Rightnow,hecannotdo nothing for himself. As for four days now, he cannot walk without help, he use to move about but these days he’s feeling really sick. We (are)tryingtogetthemoney to go India ASAP because he’s really getting sick, now at the moment he’s really sick. He needs a chance in life, he wants to be back on his feet for his family especially the kids,” she related.

Persons desirous of assisting Mark Emmanuel cancontact691-5428or6988257.

Iwokrama River Lodge Retains

Good Travel Seal Certification

The Iwokrama

International

Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development (Iwokrama) has confirmed that the Iwokrama River Lodge has retaineditsGoodTravelSeal Certification, following a recent assessment under the Good Travel Experiences frameworkdevelopedbythe GoodTravelAlliance.

The Good Travel Seal

recognises tourism experiences that generate tangible benefits for local people and communities, while ensuring that impacts on nature, culture, and the climate are kept lower than comparable tourism activities,Iwokramasaidina press release. The retention of this certification affirms Iwokrama River Lodge’s

continued commitment to responsible, communityc e n t r e d , a n d environmentally sustainable tourism.

“The Iwokrama River Lodge remains one of Guyana’s leading examples of a tourism operation that successfully integrates conservation, community livelihoods, and visitor expe

landscape. The certification

y validation that the Lodge’s operations align with internationally recognised good pract

for sustainable tourism and destinationstewardship,”the releaseadded.

Iwokrama’s Chief Executive Officer, Dane Gobin,notedthat“Iamvery

pleased that the Centre has been able to maintain this accolade.Itisatestamentto the premier tourism service that has consistently delivered to its guests over theyears.

We have exciting announcements for 2026

$4.3B SEA DEFENCE BLITZ:

PublicWorksrollsout 21-projectcoastal protectionplan

$168 million rip rap sea defence works which are ongoing at Cullen, Region Two.

TheMinistryofPublicWorksissettoroll out a massive sea and river defence programme, inviting contractors to bid on projects across five regions valued at an estimated $4.31 billion. The regions listed are:RegionsTwo,Three,Four,FiveandSix. Accordingtothetenderdocument,theproject which opens on February 25 at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Boardisdividedinto21lots.

Detailing works for Region Two, the ministry will be constructing rip rap sea defencestructureatOnderneeming–Belfield for an estimated $141,595,750; at Cullen (Phase 6) for $122,430,000; and at Opposite (Phase5)for$136,213,000.

In Region Three, the ministry plans to execute works at Good Success, Wakenaam Island for $214,478,000;At Belle Plaine on Wakenaam Island for $153,452,000; at Noitgedacht, Wakenaam Island for $134,473,000;AmsterdamonLeguanIsland for $291,729,250; between Endeavour and Amsterdam for $246,112,000; at Thierens (Phase 1) for $179,795,500; Windsor Estate (Phase 2) for $334,325,750; Zeelugt for $234,192,50; and at Tuschen – Zeelugt for $263,734,750.

In Region Four, construction of rip rap structures will be done at Buxton for $284,440,000; Mosquito Hall and

$193,749,500; and along Greenfield for $117,408,500.

ForRegionFive,thedocumentsstatethat structures will be constructed at Kensington inMahaicaandFairfield,Mahaicony(Phase 2) for $341,183,000; Belladrum to Paradise (Phase 2) for $239,070,500; and along the RisingSun–Seafieldfor$237,276,000.

Further,inRegionSix,workswillbedone at No.63 Village in the Corentyne for $153,481,000; at No 75 Village for $141,327,500; and at Islington community for $150,807,500. This publication reported that in this year’s national budget, the government has set aside some $11.3 billion for development and reinforcement of the country’sseadefences.

SeniorMinisterwiththeresponsibilityfor Finance, Dr Ashni Singh during the presentationofthebudgetstatedthatin2025, the sum of $12.6 billion was expended to completeworksinareassuchasAmsterdam, Bengal,Buxton,DenAmstel,MolesonCreek andOnderneeming.

“Over the next five years, Government will continue to strengthen resilience to hydraulic impacts and restore marine defences. In 2026, works will commence in areas such as Belladrum, Cane Garden, Cullen,andLaJalousie,”hestated.

including a closer working relation with the Ministry of Tourism to further promote communitytourismproducts in the North Rupununi Special thanks to our dedicated staff and community partners, the NRDDB who have supported the Centre in this achievement”.

The Good Travel Experience assessment evaluates tourism activities against criteria that include localeconomiccontribution, c u l t u r a l r e s p e c t , e n v i r o n m e n t a l responsibility, and climate-

conscious operations

Retaining the Good Travel Seal confirms that the Iwokrama River Lodge continues to meet these standards through its employment of local staff, p a r t n e r s h i p s w i t h community enterprises, support for conservation initiatives, and low-impact tourismpractices. The Iwokrama River Lodge plays a key role in supporting Iwokrama’s wider conservation and research mandate, with t o u r i s m r e v e n u e s contributing directly to

biodiversitymonitoring,and community engagement programmes.

The Centre expresses its appreciation to the Good Travel Alliance for its continuedcollaboration,and extends special thanks to its communitypartners,staffof the Iwokrama River Lodge, the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB), and the Guyana Tourism Authority for their ongoing support in delivering responsible tourism that benefits both peopleandnature.

APNUslams‘PeopleFirst’Budget asanti-farmer,anti-foodproduction

The 2026 National Budget, branded “Putting People First,” will fail to reduce povertyandstrengthenfoodsecuritybecause it lacks vision and meaningful investment in agriculture, according to A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of ParliamentVinceroyJordan.

Jordan, who led off the opposition’s contribution for the APNU’s 12-member parliamentary bloc, delivered a blistering critique of the fiscal plan during the budget debates, accusing the government of sidelining food production while driving up thecostofliving.

He said, “This government is not serious aboutfoodproductionandfoodsecurityand wanting Guyana to return to being the breadbasket of the Caribbean…a mere $1.9 billion goes to livestock and $3.3 billion to other crops. Mr. Speaker, to the area which generatesourfoodsincludingmeatandmilk only a mere 4.5% of the entire budget is allocated.Thisisnotputtingpeoplefirst.”

Jordan believes that any government serious about decreasing the cost of living wouldhaveensuredthateachregionenactsa soundplanforthedevelopmentofsustainable agriculture to increase food production and contribute to reduction of the price of food, ensuringfoodavailabilityandsecurity

According to Jordan’s analysis of the budget, $1.9 billion is allocated to livestock, with only $200 million to be invested in capital expenditure which caters for new projects,expansionandothersuchinitiatives. On the other hand, $1.7 billion is directed to operational costs such as salaries and other expenses.

To this end, he questioned the ability of thismeagre$200Mtotransformthelivestock industryinGuyana.Jordanquestioned,“How

APNU MP, Vinceroy Jordan makes his contribution to the 2026 Budget Debates.

many bulls, how many livestock farms, how many pens will they build or improve, what sort of equipment could be purchased with $200 million when you still must pay retentions from last year This is incompetencenotagriculturaldevelopment.”

He continued, “Where are the plans, wherearetheprogramsthatwouldtransform theagriculturesector,putfoodonourtables, and develop the lives and livelihoods of our people?”

The Opposition MP concluded that the Budgetnumbersare“misplaced”and“pulled from the skies” rather than developed on a sound plan with clearly defined objectives. Continuingtohighlightthebudget’sfailureto address food production, Jordan pointed out that a troubling 0.35% of the $1.558 trillion budget is directed to the country’s main line offoodproduction-cropsandlivestock.

He argued, “Sir, this is madness how could any sane caring government do this? ThisispushingthepeopleofGuyanafurther andfurtherintoabjectpovertywhichis Continued on page 16

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WIN flags limited oversight, transparency...

From page 3 and costly river or air travel, making compliance impractical. As a result, buyers are discouraged from operating in the hinterland, and miners are left with few realistic options to sell their gold through formal channels.

“Putting people first means ensuring access, fairness, and inclusion, not creating systems that make compliance impossible for those who live and work in the hinterland,” the MP stated.

In Region Nine, Marudi, Lewis pointed out that there is a failure of oversight, enforcement, and the State’s duty to protect Indigenous people. “Mining has reduced safety, weakened Indigenous rights, and created security risks. Heavy machinery and

foreign workers have disrupted daily life, with large vehicles moving through villages without proper control, putting residents at risk,” the MP said. Further, he noted that the reports of robberies and abductions, allegedly involving Brazilian nationals, point to growing lawlessness, weak border control, and poor enforcement, leaving communities to feel unprotected.

In the meantime, he said mining often continues without proper consultation or consent, as he called for allegations of officials having interests in Marudi mining to be investigated.

Gold smuggling

While the government heckled, Lewis continued to highlight concerns that a significant portion of Guyana’s

gold is being diverted across the country’s borders to Venezuela by a specific gold dealer. “Before the Guyana oil era, gold represented approximately 35% of our national budget and was a significant foreign currency earner. Today, this vital role as a foreign currency earner is more critical than ever. Guyana consumes roughly US$5 billion annually, while our gold exports should be earning us US$3 to $4 billion. Because our gold is leaving our borders illegally, we are seeing a crisis in the forex market,” the MP said. He noted that commercial banks are selling US dollars wire transfers at $216.50, while the rate for US cash has spiked to $240/1. This disparity is a direct hit to the pockets of every citi-

zen, according to him.

The MP suggested that if this gold is secured and the revenue is properly managed, the country would see a drastic reduction in the cost of living. Furthermore, this would provide immediate relief to middle and low-income earners who are currently struggling under the weight of high cost of living as a direct result of high US dollar exchange rates.

As such, the MP called for immediate and enhanced border protection and intervention, through increased surveillance and investigating suspicious dealers.

He was keen to note that Guyana’s gold must not be used to build other nations and individuals while Guyanese suffer.

Opposition unites against Nadir’s...

From page 12 and prohibiting independent media cameras while forcing reliance solely on footage produced by the state-controlled Department of Public Information, constitute a serious assault on press freedom, transparency, and the public’s right to information. Parliament is not the property of the Speaker, the Government, or the state media. It belongs to the people of Guyana,” FGM led by MKP, Amanza Walton-Desir said.

“The media are not guests to be managed at convenience. The Fourth Estate is an essential democratic safe-

guard and a cornerstone of accountability. The attempt to justify these restrictions by reference to a limited, timebound COVID-19 arrangement from 2020 is disingenuous and indefensible. To invoke emergency public health measures six years later, while going even further than those restrictions, reflects either a disregard for the intelligence of the public or a willingness to distort the record to justify authoritarian conduct. When a government restricts independent observation by the media, monopolises official narratives, and conditions access to public institutions

on the surrender of personal identification, they cross a line.”

The FGM said that line separates democratic governance from political control. History is unequivocal on this point. When lawful channels of scrutiny, accountability, and expression are closed, public frustration does not dissipate when it accumulates. “When citizens are denied transparency, they do not become passive. When institutions silence oversight, they invite resistance rather than respect. Guyana is now a petroleum-producing state under heightened interna-

tional observation. Decisions taken within our Parliament today are neither isolated nor invisible. They are observed, assessed, and remembered. I therefore call on the Government of Guyana to immediately correct this decision and publicly distance itself from these actions. I also call on the diplomatic community, international partners, and democracy monitoring institutions to take note of this disturbing regression. No democracy can claim legitimacy while silencing the media. We cannot claim to be moving forward while deliberately walking backward into

Power Plays and the CARICOM-Caribbean...

From page 05 equally as disruptive for trade as 2025.

The tariff turmoil of 2025 will continue into 2026 as tariffs are seen as a legitimate coercive policy tool for Washington. Sustainability initiatives dependent on US support will face an uphill battle, certainly through 2028.

Multilateralism and international law are at an inflexion point, and unless there is a sudden emergence of global leadership to defend these frameworks, their decline will continue.

For 2026, CARICOM must prioritise its regional industrial policy to chart a path towards sustainable and inclu-

sive development.

This policy must capture economic diversification, strengthen existing relationships, and foster new ones.

Further, the grouping, at this juncture, requires strong leadership and a revamped ideology to harmonise and reestablish its strategic relevance.

Navigating today’s volatile international landscape requires small states having coordinated foreign policy, where leaders can use appropriate channels for dialogue. CARICOM’s future depends on breaking with the patterns of 2025.

Sincerely Vanessa Mason

APNU slams ‘People First’ Budget as anti-farmer...

From page 14 already at 32%.” Flagging what he described as misappropriation, the MP noted that of the $113.2B allocated to the Ministry of Agriculture, a startling $95.3 billion is allocated for Drainage and Irrigation and the Guyana Sugar

ENTERTAINMENT

Corporation (GuySuCo) two entities that have proven to be non-productive and clouded with mismanagement over the past six years of governance under this administration. With 85% of the agriculture budget to be exhausted on two areas, Jordan urged reallocation of resources, as he foresees “hard times are ahead” with a large budget that he believes fail to deliver on its very theme.

Jordan was keen to note that the Budget includes a meagre $5000 increase to old age pensioners; $3000 increase to public assistance and no wage increase for public servants, with no measure to reduce poverty or the high cost of living, according to him.

The

From page 05 monitoring Guyana’s economic and development trajectory.

Their continued attention underscores the importance of sound fiscal management, transparency, and policies

that promote inclusive and long-term stability

Until citizens see clearer links between budget allocations and improved daily living conditions, public skepticism is likely to persist.

Guyanese want reassurance

that the national budget is not only fiscally responsible and internationally credible, but also socially responsive and grounded in the realities of everyday life

Sincerely: Mr. Blane R. Bunbury

US to cut tariffs on India to 18%, India agrees to end Russian oil purchases

WASHINGTON/NEW DELHI, Feb 2 (Reuters) -

U S President Donald

Trump on Monday announced a trade deal with IndiathatslashesU.S.tariffs onIndiangoodsto18%from 50% in exchange for India

halting Russian oil purchases and lowering tradebarriers.

Trump announced the deal on social media following a call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting that India would now buy oil from the U S and potentially Venezuela.

A White House official told Reuters that the U.S. was rescinding a punitive 25% duty on all imports fromIndiaoveritspurchases of Russian oil that had stacked on top of a 25% “reciprocal”tariffrate.U.S.listedsharesofmajorIndian companies rallied on the news. IT consulting firm Infosys closed 4.3% higher, consultancy Wipro rose 6.8%, HDFC Bank gained 4.4% and the iShares MSCI India exchange-traded fund rallied3%.

Trump’s announcement added to positive sentiment over semiconductor makers and artificial intelligence, lifting major indexes into positiveterritoryontheday.

Modi also committed Indiato“BUYAMERICAN at a much higher level,” in additiontobuyingmorethan $500 billion worth of U.S. energy,includingcoal,along withtechnology,agricultural and other products, Trump added. “They will likewise moveforwardtoreducetheir Tariffs and Non Tariff Barriers against the United

States, to ZERO,” Trump said of India. Until Trump returned to office and raised U.S. tariff rates to doubledigit levels last year, India had some of the world’s highesttariffs,withasimple appliedrateof15.6%andan effective applied tariff of 8.2%, according to World TradeOrganizationdata.

F E W D E TA I L S AVAILABLE

Trump’s Truth Social message provided few details,includingonthestart dateforthelowertariffrates, thedeadlineforIndiatoend Russian oil purchases, trade barrierreductionsandwhich U S products India had committedtopurchasing.As of late Monday afternoon, the White House had not issued a presidential proclamation nor a Federal Register notice required to makethechangesofficial.A White House spokesperson offered no further details, whileIndia’scommerceand foreign ministries did not immediately respond to requests sent after working hours. Russia’s embassy in Washington also did not immediately respond to a requestforcomment.

Previoustradedealswith other major Asian trading partnersincludingJapanand South Korea have included commitments to invest hundreds of billions of dollars into U.S. industries, but the India announcement didnotmentionanyspecific investments.

The deal brings India “broadly in line with its Asian peers on tariff rates” of 15% to 19%, said Madhavi Arora, economist at Emkay Global, adding

that it would eliminate a disproportionate drag on India’s exports and its rupee currency.

Indian markets had been battered since the tariffs were levied by Washington, making it the worstperforming market among emerging nations in 2025, with record outflows of foreign investors U S businessgroupsreactedwith caution and criticism. The U S C h a m b e r o f Commerce, which has long advocatedamarket-opening trade deal with India, called Trump’s announcement progresstowardsthatgoal.

“We are optimistic that thisisthefirststeptowarda comprehensive trade agreement that will unlock even more private sector collaboration, and we look forward to reviewing the detailsofthedeal,”Chamber CEOSuzanneClarksaidina statement. A coalition of more than 800 small

businesses called “We Pay theTariffs”urgedAmericans not to celebrate the deal, which it called a “600% tax increase on American businesses compared to 2024.”Thegroupnotedthat U S tariffs on Indian imports were about 2% to 3% at that time but would now be 18% and could go higherifIndiadoesnotfully weanitselfoffRussianoil.

‘BIG THANKS’ FROM MODI

“Wonderful to speak with my dear friend President Trump today DelightedthatMadeinIndia products will now have a reducedtariffof18%,”Modi saidinasocialmediaposton X. “Big thanks to President Trump on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India for t h i s w o n d e r f u l announcement ” India’s TradeMinisterPiyushGoyal saidthedealwoulddrawthe U.S. and Indian economies closer together “This

unprecedentedopportunities for farmers, MSMEs, entrepreneurs, and skilled workerstoMakeinIndiafor the world, Design in India for the world, and Innovate inIndiafortheworld.Itwill help India get technology fromtheU.S.,”Goyalsaidin apostonX.

Thedealcomeslessthan a week after India signed a long-awaitedtradedealwith the European Union that is expected to eliminate or reduce tariffs on 96.6% of traded goods by value. That deal excludes EU soybeans, beef, sugar, rice and dairy fromtariffreductions.

T h e T r u m p administration has been racing to complete framework trade deals with major trading partners before the U.S. Supreme Court rules on whether to strike down Trump’s “reciprocal”tariffsunderthe International Emergency

EconomicPowersAct.

Trump administration officials reached a deal with Taiwan last month and say such agreements are expected to continue no matter what the court rules, as they will reimpose tariffs underotherauthorities.

W E S T E R N

HEMISPHEREOIL

On Saturday, Trump teased a potential deal for India to buy Venezuelan oil after the U S seized Venezuelan President NicolasMaduroinamilitary raidinearlyJanuary

The deal followed months of tense trade negotiations between the world’s two largest democracies. Last August, Trump doubled duties on importsfromIndiato50%to pressure New Delhi to stop buying Russian oil, and earlier this month said the ratecouldriseagainifitdid not curb its purchases Purchases of Venezuelan oil would help replace some of the Russian oil bought by India, the world’s thirdbiggestoilimporter Indiareliesheavilyonoil imports, covering around 90% of its needs, and importing cheaper Russian oil has helped lower its import costs since Moscow invadedUkrainein2022and Western nations enacted sanctions on its energy exports.

RecentlyIndiahasbegun to slow its purchases from Russia.InJanuary,theywere around 1.2 million barrels perday,andareprojectedto decline to about 1 million bpdinFebruaryand800,000 bpdinMarch,accordingtoa Reutersreport.

Aid agencies in South Sudan decry restricted access as government and opposition troops fight

(AP) — Humanitarian organisations in South Sudan said Monday that restricted access to the conflict-hit eastern state of Jongleihasleftthousandsof people in need of lifesaving medical care and food assistance at risk, as the United Nations raises concern over a growing numberofdisplacedpeople.

TheInternationalRescue Committee’s country director for South Sudan, Richard Orengo, said that “intensified fighting and the militarization of key areas

have forced the suspension ofservices.”

Medical organization

Doctors Without Borders, also known by its French name Médecins Sans Frontières,orMSF,saidthat the government has suspended all humanitarian flights, cutting off medical supplies, staff movement and emergency evacuations.

At least 23 critically ill patients, including children and pregnant women, urgently require evacuation, MSF said. The World Food Program, a Rome-based

U.N.agency,haswarnedthat escalatingviolencethreatens to cut off food assistance to hundreds of thousands of people, as nearly 60% of Jonglei’s population is expected to face crisis-level hungerduringtheupcoming rainy season The rains typically cut off access roads, and the violence has prevented the early delivery ofaid.

Civilians are bearing the brunt of the escalating fighting in South Sudan’s Jonglei State, which is pushingoneofthecountry’s

most fragile regions toward collapse and raising fears of a slide back into full-scale warafteraneight-yearpeace deal,theUnitedNationsand aidgroupssaid.

Homes have been destroyed,civilianskilledin the crossfire, and families repeatedly forced to flee as f i g h t i n g b e t w e e n government forces and opposition fighters loyal to

Opposition, or SPLA-IO, spreads Forces loyal to opposition leader Riek

Machar, alongside allied “WhiteArmy”fighters,have recently made gains against governmenttroops.

The U.N. and human rights groups have also expressed alarm over inflammatory rhetoric by a senior army commander, whourgedtroopsadvancing inJongleito“sparenolives.”

The U.N. Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan expressed “grave alarm” at developments that it said “significantly heighten the risk of mass violenceagainstcivilians.”

The opposition said that the commander’s words were an “early indicator of genocidal intent.” Speaking to The Associated Press, government spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny called the comments“uncalledfor”and “aslipofthetongue” U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has called on all parties to halt the fighting,protectciviliansand ensure safe humanitarian access, saying that South Sudan’s crisis requires a political, not military, solution.

Venezuela oil exports rise sharply in January under US control, data shows

(Reuters) - Venezuelan oil exports rose to some 800,000 barrels per day (bpd) in January, from 498,000 bpd in December, after the U.S. capture of Nicolas Maduro and the ending of an oil blockade which has let traders carry most exports, shipping data showed.

Washington imposed an oil embargo on the U.S.sanctioned country in December to pressure Maduro and seized seven tankers.

The blockade led to the accumulation of more than 40 million barrels of crude andfuelinonshoretanksand vessels that could not be exported and forced Venezuela’sstate-runenergy company PDVSA to cut outputinearlyJanuary

Since the U.S. Treasury Department extended the first licenses to traders Trafigura and Vitol in

January to begin exporting the stocks, oil production, processing and shipments from the OPEC member have accelerated, the data, which is based on tanker movements,shows.

TheJanuaryvolumewas close to average exports of 847,000 bpd of crude and fuellastyear

However, PDVSA’s partners and traders would

h a v e t o c o n t i n u e

accelerating the pace of exports to drain millions of barrelsstillininventories,so crude output cuts can be fullyreversed.

The January exports were slightly lower than the 867, 000 bpd shipped in the same month of 2025, the datashowed.

T h e T r e a s u r y Departmentlastweekissued

a broad license authorizing business between U S companies and PDVSA to export, store, transport and refine Venezuelan oil, another step to untangle exports. PDVSA’s partners, including Chevron (CVX.N),opensnewtab,are still waiting for individual licenses to expand operations.

The United States last

month regained its position as the main individual destination of Venezuela’s crude with some 284,000 bpdexportedthere,ofwhich 220,000 bpd were shipped by Chevron, up from the 99,000 bpd it sent the previousmonth.

China, which until December was the top destination of Venezuelan oil, with than 70% of total exports, received 156,000 bpd last month. There were no exports to political ally Cuba.

Vitol and Trafigura exported 12 million barrels ofVenezuelancrudeandfuel oil under U.S. licenses, or about 392,000 bpd in January, mostly to storage terminals in the Caribbean, thedatashowed,fromwhich they began exporting and marketing cargoes to customers in the U S , EuropeandIndia.

Between 18 million and

38 million barrels more are yet to be exported under the $2 billion flagship supply deal agreed by Caracas and Washington shortly after Maduro’s capture, with sale proceeds going to a U.S.supervisedfund.

Venezuela exported its first cargo of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in almost three years on Sunday, on board the Trafigura-chartered vessel Chrysopigi Lady, which departed from the Jose port. TheSouthAmericancountry used to export small volumes of LPG to Cuba, according to the shipping data.

Chevron and Vitol also delivered some heavy naphtha cargoes to PDVSA and its joint ventures in January, key imports to dilute Venezuela’s extra heavy crude and secure the production of exportable grades.

Iran fears US strike may reignite protests, imperil rule, sources say

(Reuters) - Iran’s leadership is increasingly worried a U.S. strike could break its grip on power by driving an already enraged public back onto the streets, follow

, according to six current and formerofficials.

In high-level meetings, officials told Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that public anger overlastmonth’scrackdown — the bloodiest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution— has reached a point where fear is no longer a deterrent, fourcurrentofficialsbriefed onthediscussionssaid.

The official said Khamenei was told that manyIranianswereprepared to confront security forces again and that external pressure such as a limited U.S. strike could embolden them and inflict irreparable damage to the political establishment.

One of the officials told Reuters that Iran’s enemies were seeking more protests so as to bring the Islamic Republic to an end, and

“unfortunately” there would be more violence if an uprisingtookplace. “An attack combined with demonstrations by angrypeoplecouldleadtoa collapse (of the ruling system). That is the main concern among the top officialsandthatiswhatour enemies want,” said the official, who like the other officials contacted for this story declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter

Thereportedremarksare significant because they suggest private misgivings insidetheleadershipatodds with Tehran’s defiant public stancetowardstheprotesters andtheU.S.

The sources declined to say how Khamenei responded. Iran’s Foreign M i n i s t r y d i d n o t immediately respond to a Reutersrequestforcomment on this account of the meetings.

Multiple sources told Reuters last week that U.S. President Donald Trump is weighing options against Iran that include targeted strikesonsecurityforcesand

leaders to inspire protesters, even as Israeli and Arab officialssaidairpoweralone wouldnottoppletheclerical rulers.

PEOPLEARE EXTREMELYANGRY, SAYSFORMER OFFICIAL

Any such uprising in the wake of a U.S. strike would standincontrasttoIranians’ response to Israeli and U.S. bombing attacks on Iran’s nuclear program back in June, which was not followed by antigovernmentdemonstrations.

But a former senior moderate official said the situation had changed since the crackdown in early January

“People are extremely angry,” he said, adding a U S attack could lead Iranians to rise up again.

“The wall of fear has collapsed. There is no fear left ” Tensions between Tehran and Washington are runninghigh.

The arrival of a U.S.

aircraft carrier and supporting warships in the Middle East has expanded Trump’s ability to take

military action if he so wishes, after repeatedly threatening intervention over Iran’s bloody crackdown.

‘THEGAMEISOVER,’ SAYSFORMERPRIME MINISTER

Several opposition figures,whowerepartofthe establishment before falling out with it, have warned the leadership that “boiling publicanger”couldresultin a collapse of the Islamic system.

“Theriverofwarmblood that was spilled on the cold month of January will not stop boiling until it changes the course of history,” former prime minister Mirhossein Mousavi, who has been under house arrest withouttrialsince2011,said in a statement published by the pro-reform Kalameh website.

“In what language should people say they do not want this system and do not believe your lies? Enoughisenough.Thegame is over’,” Mousavi added in the statement. During the early January protests, witnesses and rights groups

said,securityforcescrushed demonstrations with lethal force, leaving thousands killed and many wounded. Tehran blamed the violence on “armed terrorists” linked toIsraelandtheU.S.

Trump stopped short of carrying out threats to intervene but he has since demandedIranmakenuclear concessions Both Tehran and Washington have signalledreadinesstorevive diplomacy over a longrunningnucleardispute.

SIMMERINGANGER, ‘DANGEROF BLOODSHED’

Analystsandinsiderssay that while the streets are quiet for now, deep-seated grievances have not gone away Public frustration has been simmering over economic decline, political repression, a widening gulf between rich and poor, and entrenched corruption that leavesmanyIraniansfeeling trapped in a system offering neither relief nor a path forward.

“Thismaynotbetheend, but it is no longer just the beginning,” said Hossein Rassam, a London-based

analyst. If protests resume during mounting foreign pressure and security forces respond with force, the six current and former officials said they fear demonstrators would be bolder than in previousunrest,emboldened byexperienceanddrivenby a sense that they have little lefttolose.

One of the officials told Reuters that while people wereangrierthanbefore,the establishment would use harsher methods against protesters if it was under U.S.attack.

He said the result would beabloodbath.

Ordinary Iranians contacted by Reuters said theyexpectedIran’srulersto crack down hard on any furtherprotests.

ATehranresidentwhose 15-year-oldsonwaskilledin theprotestsonJanuary9said the demonstrators had merelysoughtanormallife, and had been answered “withbullets.”

“If America attacks, I willgobacktothestreetsto takerevengeformysonand the children this regime killed.”

BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT

The anti-free press Speaker

Speaker Manzoor Nadir’s latest edict restricting media coverage of the budget debates represents a dangerous assault on press freedom and democratic transparency. By limiting access to just a handful of reporters and denying direct broadcast feeds, the Speaker has placed unnecessary barriers between the public and the business of Parliament. This is not about order or space; it is about control.

The National Assembly belongs to the people, and the press is the public’s eyes and ears.When journalists are sidelined, citizens are deprived of their right to know how decisions affecting their lives are made. Such actions undermine accountability and erode trust in democratic institutions.

No Speaker before Nadir has attempted to so brazenly curtail media access. If this precedent is allowed to stand, it will embolden further encroachments on civil liberties. The edict must be rescinded immediately in the interest of democracy.

North Essequibo Cricket Committee North stages election of office bearers

The North Essequibo Cricket Committee held their election of officials on Sunday last and anew body waselectedtoservethenew term. The election was held at Joe Jagmohan Cricket Ground in Hampton Court

on the Essequibo Coast and was overseen by Cricket Ombudsman Mr Malcom Peters who conducted the

processoftheelection. Mr. Adjhodia Lall was r

unopposedandwillservefor anotherterm.Thefulllistof

Committeeare:

1.Chairman-Adjhodia Lall

2.ViceChairmanLokenauthRooplall

3.Secretary-Wayne Osborne

4.TreasurerLooknauth Bagwandeen

5.AssistantSecretary Treasurer-AjayJailall CommitteeMembers are: 1.Thakurdeen Durga

Tuesday February 03, 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. There's an incredible 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.

BoxingAssociationtoofficially punchoffits2026calendar ofactivitiesonSaturday

The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) will officially punch off its 2026 calendar of activities on Saturday with the staging of the Michael Paris U16 and Youth boxing tournament at the Pace and Power Gym in Albouystown.

The event, hosted at the gym operated by coach Clifton Barker, forms a key part of the GBA’s nursery programme and its broader pushtodecentralizeamateur boxingacrossGuyana.

the competition remains a c

2.AvinashPersaud

3.SiddiqMohamed

4.DeneshChattergo

5.HaimanBehary

6.RavindraSukhlall

7.UvindraBalgobin

8.DevinPersaud

9.AnnaLall

CommitteeMember, SiddiqMohamed,will alsoserveasthePublic RelationsOfficer

Young prospects from variousgymsareexpectedto showcasetheirskillsinwhat has become one of the Association’s most important developmental platforms.

GBA President Steve Ninvalle underscored the significance of the Pepsisponsored tournament, descr

as a longstanding breeding groundforlocaltalent.

“This tournament has been one of the main avenues we use to identify youngboxerswithpotential. Over the years, several fighterswhofirstmadetheir mark here have gone on to represent Guyana at the national level and achieve success regionally and internationally,” Ninvalle explained.

According to Ninvalle,

Association’s long-term development strategy, o

d opportunities for young athletes to gain ring experience in a competitive butnurturingenvironment.

“Thisisakeycomponent ofourdevelopmentalplans,” he added. “It allows us to track talent from an early stageandguidethemalonga pathway toward national representation.”

Meanwhile, Ninvalle also revealed that the GBA will take the tournament beyond Georgetown later this month. Honouring a commitment he made while addressing mourners at the funeral of the late boxing coach Gregory ‘Chassis’ Cort, Ninvalle said the Association will stage the eventinBerbiceaspartofits decentralizationdrive.

Campbellvillecourt commissionedasGuyana’sfirst all-weatherbasketballfacility

Basketball in Guyana received a major boost with the commissioning of a brand-new all-weather court i n C a m p b e l l v i l l e , Georgetown, the first facility ofitskindinthecountryand among only a handful across theCaribbean

Constructed by the MinistryofPublicWorksatan approximate cost of $39 million, the court features a modern plastic, non-skid playing surface designed to withstand varying weather conditions while providing athletes with improved grip, safety,anddurability

The investment marks a significant step forward in the development of sporting infrastructureatthecommunity level. The commissioning ceremony was attended by MinisterofPublicWorksJuan Edghill, Minister within the MinistryofCulture,Youthand Sport Steven Jacobs, Vice President of the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) Rawle Toney, as well as community members and representatives from various agencies It was highlighted during the event that the facility was birthed from consultations with players and residents of the community,ensuringthatthe final product met the needs of those who would use it most Minister Edghill explainedthatthenewcourt

fulfills a commitment made bythegovernmentfollowing the Conversation Tree fourlane road project, which resulted in the displacement of the community’s original basketballcourt.

Henotedthatbasketball players and residents were actively involved in the consultation process, and he expressed satisfaction that the ministry was able to deliver on every request made,particularlyregarding the playing surface.Edghill also thanked Ministry engineer Kester Hinds for overseeing the project and maintainingclosecontactwith both players and residents to ensurethecourtreflectedtheir expectations

“Our core value, of workingwithcommunitiesas webuildoutthisOneGuyana, isnotjustatalk,it’sareality I look forward, and I believe I canspeaktothis,theMinistry ofPublicWorks,atleastforthe nextthreeyears,willsponsora tournament (right here), once

everyyear,”Edghillnoted

The Minister further described the facility as a primeexampleofwhatcanbe achieved when government and community collaborate, adding that it reflects the broader national push to modernize all sectors, with sportplayingakeyrole

Meanwhile, Minister Jacobs emphasized that similar projects are on the horizon “A number of facilitiesofthiskindacrossthe country Icansaythisbecause we’llhaveamassiverolloutof this turf in Schools, and then we’ll have rehabilitation of community grounds, because we want to encourage community involvement and create spaces for the communityandpersonsinthe community to come out and playandalsoatthesametime, developtheirskillsandtalent”

Thefacility,whichisalso outfittedwithapavilionand lights, was praised by GBF Vice President Toney, who saiditshouldsetthestandard for basketball courts across Guyana, particularly in communities known for producingtoptalent.

Toney described the court as a monumental moment for the sport and indicated that the federation plans to utilize the venue soonaspartofeffortstotake basketball back into communities.

2026 DCB Inter-Association 50-over U-16 tournament…

In-form Seecharran steers Demerara to second successive win

Ar e d - h o t

D e m e r a r a continued their dominance as they whipped West Demerara by 200-run plus deficit when round two of the Demerara Cricket

Board (DCB) InterAssociation 50-over U-16 tournamentcontinued.

Following up from Saturday’s exciting round, action at the Lusignan Community Centre Ground

featured Demerara

opener Lomar

maintainingtheirformwitha bigvictory

National Youth batsman Lomar Seecharran, who smacked 130 during the opening round Saturday, scoredaclassy72(7x41x6) which helped Georgetown pileon255-8from50overs.

Mickel Johnson (35), ProsperJacobus(35),Makai Dowlin (26) an Afraz Khan (21*), were the other topscorersforthecityteam.

West Demerara’s

continued his form with another half-century this past weekend.

bowling was led by

Dhirendra Shivepersaud (347), Mahendra Pitiram (227)andJadonBirch(2-35)

In reply, West Demerara wereblownawayfor54runs inside30overs,with14from captainShazamAlibeingthe highestscore.

Georgetown continued theirformwiththeball,with in-form leg-spinner Wasim Alibagging3-6withsupport fromNarineBalashankar(38)andKhanwhoreturnedto 2-7.

Craig(2-16).

Over at LBI, West DemerarahandedEastCoast a six defeat at knocking the latterdownforapaltry95all outfrom34.5overs.

Scoringwasledbyalone wolfinAshtonCollins39as West Demerara’s trio of Dhirendra Shivepersaud (518),IshanHarricharran(3-6) and Krishna Mahase (2-27) starredwiththeleather

In reply, West Demerara

- Action continues today

spedto96-4inthe20thover thanks to an unbeaten 43 from Ishan Harricharran 43*,withjustCollins(2-10) showing some right during thebowlinginnings.

Meanwhile, action continuestodaywiththe3rd Round, featuring an East Coast/ East Bank battle at Lusignan, while West Dem tackles DCB Xi at LBI Ground,withgamesbowling offfrom9:30hrespectively

Round1

During the opening roundSaturday,Georgetown racked up 431-4 from 50 overs after Nathan Bishop slammedabrilliant152with help from Seecharran (130) andDowlin53*.

East Bank bowling was led by the pair of Shane Dewa (2-59) and Jamel Samuels (2-66), but their team were bundled up for just 34 all out after Ali starred with 4-3, with support from Jacobus (2-3), Khan(2-5),andpacerJasane

The Junior Lady Jags produced a masterful performance to claim victory against St. Vincent and the Grenadines in their fourth and final Round One Group D match of the 2026 Concacaf Women’s Under17Qualifiers,yesterday.

PlayingattheGuillermo Prospero Trinidad Stadium in Oranjestad, Aruba, Guyanatriumphed14–0to overtakeJamaicaforsecond onGoalDifference,butthey shared the same points, seven(7).However,Jamaica was scheduled to battle the Group leader, Honduras (9 points),lastnightwithashot at winning the Group at stake.

Guyana fulfilled quite a few requirements in their battle against St. Vincent to enter second place and have ashotatadvancing,butsince only the six Group winners (A,B,C,D,EandF)andthe best two second-place finisherswilladvancetothe

Qualifiers Final Round, it was ultimately the end with second placed, Nicaragua (GroupA)andCuba(Group E), each on 9 points in their Group with a match to contest.

To open their account, GuyanaheldJamaicatoa1–1 result, then recorded a confident 0 – 2 win against the host nation, Aruba, but lost their third match to a very skillful Honduras

squad, 1 – 3. Yesterday, the ladies had an opportunity to blow off some steam from theHondurasdefeatanddid so with no remorse. The carnage,oneofthetopthree largest wins of the tournament so far, was led byAlexaudria Chasles, who finishedwithmatchwithsix goals.

Chasles played for 66 minutesbeforebeingsubbed offandproducedgoalsinthe 7’, 33’, 35’, 45+2’, 51’ and 60’ At the half which Guyanaled9–0,goalsalso came from Anaya Joseph (2’,9’),AdriannaChin(11’), Aliya John (22’) and Ellie Biffin(28’,42’).

In the second half, Chasles had two of the five goals scored while Carissa Lombardi (53’), Avril Pasvolsky (65’) and Tanya De Vair (67’) were responsiblefortherest.

Up to press time, the finalGroupDmatchhadnot beenplayed.

Former Christ Church Secondary School student Godfrey Munroe

contribution to youth cricket with the donation of a championship trophy and medals for an upcoming Tapeball cricket competition targeting secondary school students.

Thetournamentwillfeatureteamsfrom Christ Church Secondary, St John’s College, St. Stanislaus College, St. Rose’s High School, and Annandale Secondary School. According to the organisers, the competition is specifically designed for SecondandThirdFormstudents,providing young cricketers with an opportunity to develop their skills in a competitive but supportiveenvironment.

At stake will be the Godfrey Munroe Challenge Trophy, along with medals for

Godfrey Munroe supports Secondary School’s Tape Ball Cricket Competition

boththewinningandrunner-upteams.The sponsorship reflects Munroe’s continued commitment to giving back to his alma mater and supporting the development of sportsatthegrassrootslevel.

Tournament Coordinator James “Uprising” Lewis, an ardent sports enthusiast, revealed that special tape balls importedfromIndiawillbeusedduringthe competition, adding a professional and uniquetouchtotheevent.

Lewis, who is also responsible for organising and coordinating the tournament, has further contributed by donating additional prizes to be awarded throughoutthecompetition.

Organisersbelievetheinitiativewillnot onlypromotecricketamongyoungstudents but also encourage discipline, teamwork, andsportsmanship.

Guyana Squash Association welcomes increased 2026 budget allocation for sport

The Guyana Squash Association (GSA) has welcomed the substantial increaseinfundingforsport announced in the 2026 NationalBudget.

This continued rise in investment reflects a clear national commitment to strengthening sport as a d r i v e r o f y o u t h development,nationalpride, andeconomicgrowth.

Supportreceivedin2025 enabled meaningful improvements in athlete preparation and facility upgrades, and the expanded 2026 allocation builds directlyonthatmomentum.

Investment in sport is an investment in people - it strengthens our national identity,bringscommunities together with pride and patriotism,andpromotesthe

physicalhealthandwellness ofournation.

The government’s commitment to upgrading facilities, including airconditioningthecourtsatthe National Racquet Centre, is especially timely as Guyana preparestohostamajorPan American squash event in 2027.

Modernised courts will elevate athlete performance and ensure the country is

fully ready to welcome regional and international competitors.

As Guyana continues to expand its sport-tourism footprint, these investments will generate wider economic benefits across hospitality, transportation, and local business, further strengthening the country’s profileontheglobalstage.

The GSA expresses its gratitude for the confidence placedinthesportsectorand looks forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure the 2026 investment deliverslasting impact. With improved infrastructure and a landmark 2027 event ahead, the Association is energised bywhatthecomingyearwill bring for squash and for sportinGuyana.

Guyanafinishsecondafter86–73loss toSurinameinNationsCupfinale

Guyana’s senior men’s national basketball team closed their Nations Cup campaignwithahard-fought butdisappointing86–73loss tohostsSurinameonSunday evening, settling for second place in the weekend tournament.

The defeat mirrored last year’s outcome, with Guyana again finishing behind Suriname in the regionalcompetition.

The team returned home yesterday with the runnersup trophy, encouraged by their overall performance but aware of the work still needed to close the gap on theirrivals.

mattered most on Sunday

C

Hooper’smenfellshortonce again. Despite moments of promise and spirited stretches of play, Suriname maintainedcontrolformuch of the contest, using their depth and home-court energy to keep Guyana at bay Travis Belgrave led the scoring for Guyana with 14 points,workingtirelesslyon both ends of the floor Akil Hughes added 13, while ShelroyThomascontributed

Guyana had opened the tournamentinstrongfashion on Saturday, defeating French Guiana 65–51 in a confident display that highlighted their defensive discipline and improved offensiverhythm. That victory set up a highly anticipated rematch with Suriname for the title, after the hosts had also secured a win over French Guiana earlier in the competition. However,

12 in a balanced offensive effort.

Kimmol Grimmond chipped in with nine points to round out the main scoringforthevisitors.

While the result was not the one they hoped for, the G

Federation (GBF) views the tournament as an important

development.

GBF Officials see the Nat

ons Cup as the beginning of preparations for this year’s men’s Caribbean Championship, where Guyana aims to be more competitive on the regionalstage.

The GBF has indicated that an announcement will soon be made regarding the t

engagement as preparations continue.

Ramjohn and company

122-run win

Asolid hal

century from

S h a z a m Ramjohn backed by some classy bowling, guided Everest Masters to a massive 122-run victory over opponents Lusignan

steer Everest Masters to

over Lusignan following exciting T20

Masters, during their exciting T20 battle hosted at the Enterprise Sports Club Ground this past Sunday

Taking first strike, Everest Masters racked up a whooping 212-4

from their quota of 20

Shazam Ramjohn

Knocks from Vishwan Lall who has 47, Hemraj

Antonell Atwell (27), lent ideal support to their h a l f - c e n t u r i o n teammate Lusignan Masters had a tough bowling outing, with just Imran Khan (122), Lakeram Dindyal (1-28

Ramjeet (1-39) finding no relative success

Chasing a big target would prove too much

As preparations intensify for the 2 0 2 6 CONCACAF Boys’ Under17 Qualifiers, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) recently concluded a rigorous training camp aimed at finalising a 21member squad for the tournament, which will be held from February 3–12 acrosssixnations.

Training sessions were conducted from January 27 toFebruary1attheNational Training Centre in Providence, where the selected players underwent comprehensive tactical, technical, and fitness-based drillsandtraining.

The camp formed a critical phase in the Junior GoldenJags’preparationsas they sharpened their skills andbuiltcohesionaheadofa historicbidtoqualifyforthe 2026FIFAU-17WorldCup.

Guyana is among 33 CONCACAF Member Associations competing in the 2026 edition of the tournament.

The Junior Golden Jags havebeendrawnintoGroup ‘H’ alongside Honduras, Bermuda, and Suriname While these opponents are r e g a r d e d a s m o r e experienced at this level, Guyanaremainsconfidentin its chances, knowing that favourableresultsacrossthe

three matches could see the nation make history by qualifying for its first-ever FIFAWorldCupatanylevel.

Thestakesarehigh,with only eight group winners earning qualification to represent their countries at theupcoming2026FIFAU17WorldCup.

On Sunday last, Kaieteur News observed the team in training under the close supervision of Head Coach Trevon Lythcott, Assistant Coach Devnon Winter, Goalkeeper Coach Andre Gibbs, Physiotherapist Godwin Mitchell, and Match Analysis/Assistant Coach StephenGennaro

Thecampfeaturedaseries of intensive field sessions focused on tactical organisation, technical development, and matchspecific prepa

AccordingtoCoachLythcott, particular emphasis was placed on team cohesion, discipline, role clarity within the game model, and fundamental decisionmaking

In brief comments, Coach Lythcott expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress.

“Sessions have been going good. The guys have been working hard, everyone is locked in at the moment, and the efforts by the coaching unit have been

Golden Jags U17 Boys locked in as Guyana prepares for CONCACAF Qualifiers

remarkableoverthepastfew days as we work toward achieving our objectives,” hesaid.

Hefurtherexplained,“Our objectives for these sessions were clear We wanted to understand each other’s playingstyles,knowhowand when to press opponents to regain possession, and improve how we create plays towinmatches

And based on what I’ve seen,Ibelievewewereableto achievethat”

Guyana is set to open its campaignonFriday,February 6, against Bermuda, with kickoff scheduled for 6:00 pm

The Junior Golden Jags will then face host nation Honduras on Sunday, February8,beforeconcluding group play against Suriname on Wednesday, February 11 All matches will be played at the Estadio Francisco Morazán in San Pedro Sula, Honduras

With three crucial matches ahead, the team is motivated and ready to compete. And perhaps, for the first time in history, Guyana could be on the brink of qualifying for a FIFAWorldCup.