BOSAI fires staff who fought for pay increase
...citesmisalignmentof worker's approachandcompany'soperations
Only 2 of 11 Parliamentary committees functioning five months after reopening Govt. pushes non-lethal weapons permits to cut gun licences
ByDavinaBagot
The Government ofGuyana(GoG) wasforcedtopay up approximately US$82 milliontotheGas-to-Energy (GTE) contractors, Lindsayca-CH4GuyanaInc. after losing the arbitration filedbytheconsortium.
Guyana was represented atthearbitrationhearingbya
local lawyer and an international firm. A wellplaced source indicated to
this newspaper that government lost the case, filedbytheconsortiumatthe time, and was initially requiredtopayUS$106Mto thecompanies.
After negotiating with thegroup,itwasagreedthat thecountrywouldpayabout US$82 million. It is important to note that government kept the outcome of the arbitration silent, even though it added morecoststotheballooning price tag of the Wales gas project, which continues to facedelays.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips has staked his
credibility on GTE
producing power in December 2026 Once completed, government promised that customers of theGuyanaPowerandLight Inc. (GPL) will see a 50% reductionontheirelectricity bills.
During the arbitration negotiations,KaieteurNews was told that CH4 Systems LLC, a Puerto Rico LLC wholly owned by Juan Bellosta, was ousted from the contract. It was agreed that the Puerto Rico-based company would be paid US$40M by Lindsayca Inc., owned by Hector Fuentes Guimare and Jesus Fuentes Guimare, brothers and Venezuelannationals,which w
Flashback: President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat, government consultant, Winston Brassington, President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge and former US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah Lynch with other officials at the signing of contract for the gas plants.
remaining work on the Natural Gas Liquids facility (NGL) and 300-megawatt (MW) power plant that remainsunderconstruction.
The consortium was awarded a US$759M contract back in December 2022toconstructthetwogas plants in Wales, West Bank Demerara. CH4-Lindsayca was among five companies who had placed bids for the projects in September 2022.
The American joint venture hadplacedthehighestoffive internationalbidstothetune of US$898M to build the plants. However, during negotiations with the GoG theprojectcostwasreduced toUS$759M.
It would be recalled that Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo in July last year told reporters that the joint venture parted ways due to “internal wrangling” that had affected the pace of implementation of the project.To this end, he said, “So I'm told that it's a positive thing that is happening, but the technical people have to examine that”.
Moreover, when the Dispute Avoidance and Adjudication Board (DAAB)issueditsrulingon the matter in January 2025, the Government of Guyana (GoG) kept the decision quiet,insistingthattherewas
explained however, was the role of Banco San Juan Internacional's Marcelino
B
n Banker, in both the contract negotiations and the dispute adjudication board. Sources indicatetheirprivatejetwas afrequentflyertoGuyanain bothperiods.
The complaint by the contractors was filed on September 19, 2024. The first claim related to cost overruns claimed by the consortium for an incomplete work site VP Jagdeosaidgovernmentwas at odds with the contractor overthedelayperiod.
He explained, “That is where the three months we arearguingthethreemonths delay on the project came. They want a longer period because the liquidating damages for not completing
the project on time for the contractor, if they don't completetheprojectontime, it'soverUS$11Mpermonth they have to pay in liquidating damages for delay on the project, so they are arguing they need more time beyond the three months.Wearesayingthree monthsisadequate.”
What was left out of the public, is that at the 2022 RFP stage, Liquidated Damages (LD's) for delays were only imposed by the Government upon the
contractorfordelays.During contract negotiations, the source told Kaieteur News that “the crafty lawyers of L i n d s a y c a - C H 4 outmaneuvered the Task Force Negotiators, and added Liquidated Damages to their benefit, making the governmentliablefordelays on the following projects: Marine Offloading Facility (Gaico-Exxon), Heavy Haul Road, Landing Facility, and Site Preparation (GysbiExxon), and GovernmentGPL Related Projects such
Transmission Lines and Control Center across the river in Eccles. Why the government would agree to carrypenaltiesonthebenefit of the contractors is a question for the Task Force a n d t h e i r l e g a l representatives.”
Meanwhile, it was reported that the second claimmadebythecontractor relates to issues relating to the soil. Jagdeo had said, “There have been some additional claims by CH4 and Lindsayca, particularly as they relate to the soil conditions and those would have to go through the technical process to see whether they are justified or not.”
Sources indicate, that unbeknownst to the public, this is not the only multimillion dollar arbitration involvingGastoEnergyand Lindsayca.
And as the damages mount, so does the cost ultimately paid by the Guyanese people. Over the next few days, Kaieteur News will disclose a series of other damning aspects of the GTE project which the government continues to keepawayfromthepublic.
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Regardless of the religious persuasion of
Guyanese, including those without spiritual leanings,GoodFridaycomesasabalmforthe soul. Afterthenoisesthatpoundthelocalenvironment,the serenityofGoodFridayisarelief.
From the Last Supper on Holy Thursday night to the last words of a dying man nailed to a cross in a Roman province on Good Friday, solemness fills the air Agreat eventofspellbindingproportionsisunfolding,andthough itmaybeamysterytosome,itisaboontoaworldwracked bythetribulationsofwars,diseases,ceaselessquarrelling, famineinsomeplaces,anddeathinmany.
GoofFriday,atitscore,isaboutagreatsacrifice,ofa mansentfromheaventoinspiresomeboltsofhopeinalost world. ItisthestunningexampleofaMasterTeacherand leaderofrevolutionaryteachings,whocouldlowerhimself tothegroundandwashthefeetofhisfollowers.
Aleaderthatisaservant,aleaderthatishumble,then inspirationalenoughtourgehisdisciplesthatashedidfor them, they should imitate that precedent set and do the sametooneanother Itisthetypeofthrillingideathatleads to the thought, the wish, that if only Guyana could have national leaders of that profoundness, what a different countrythiscouldbe.
IfGuyanacouldhaveafewleadersofthatcaliber,how much they could lead their peers and the citizens of this countrytothehighergroundthatisthoughtabout,spoken for,andlonged-for,yethasbeensohardtocomeby The thoughtandinstinctmaybethereinsome,butwhereisthe drive to make it happen? The man from a humble and mockedbeginninginGalileetookthefirststep,washedthe firstfeet,andtheworldhasneverbeenthesamesince.
All of the 12 disciples would abandon him in the pressuresofthemoment,onesoldhimtoagruesomeend for30piecesofsilver,andstilltheirleaderhadthatspecial graceinhimtowashtheirfeet,thelowestofthelowinthe duties of a servant. It’s what makes Good Friday so powerful.
Thesamemanwhorepresentedthesalvationofaworld locked in darkness, could still pray for mercy for his tormentors as his scourged and tortured body hung in agonyonacross. Itwasacrueldeathfromthesuperpower of the day, Rome, that refined inflicting pain, so as to squeezemaximumterrorintofleshasitquivereditswayto aslowdeath.
And, still, there was the awe-inspiring that could be eked out of those wounds, the love amid untold bodily horrors. It is what puts Good Friday on a pedestal all by itself. Adayandanamethatarenowinseparableaspectsof homagetoGod,aspaidbyabillionbelievers. Itisaname thatcommandsgreatswathesoftheworldandagreatmany worshippers.
The names of the High Priests and the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, have been reduced to that of bit players making cameo appearances, and they only enter intoconsiderationwhenthenameofthecarpenter’ssonis partofadiscussion. Oneofhisgreatestgiftstoatottering andvengefulworldwaslovethineenemy Wherethereis love,hateisovercome,onitswayout.
Wheredarknesslongreigned,auniquenewlightrules theheartsofmenandwomen. Loveconquersall,infuses respectforothers,hasthepotentialtoremakehumansand pointthemtoanewwayoflife.
Afterdecadesofhatredsandanimosities,ofclawingat eachotheranddraggingoneanotherdown,Guyaneseneed thelessonsofGoodFridaytoguidetheirthinkingtofresh new considerations about how life should be lived to extractthebestoutofit.
The arrival of oil has driven this country to different levels, unhealthy ones, with spiritual anchorage urgently needed. Good Friday is the embodiment of grace under fire, and from that grim moment, lessons on living life differentlycanbegathered.
Allow me to make a comment on two reports in Kaieteur News: 1 US Ambassador: changing agreed deals sends ‘bad signal’toinvestors(March2 ,2026) and 2 Guyana benefitting from oil boom throughExxon’scommunity investments and cricket sponsorship – U S Ambassador (March 1,2026).
Thereportsmustberead together because the U.S. Ambassador’s message combines condescension and more important, a stern warning to present and future governments of Guyana The message: Guyanese people, be happy with the 2016 petroleum contract; you’re doing just fine with 2% royalty; zero ring-fencing, zero corporate tax(Guyanapaysthetaxina functionally circular way); and be very patient for the 12 5% return or 52% Government Take Meanwhile, be thankful for the cricket sponsorships (Guyana Amazon Warriors and Caribbean Premier League) and the $100
million agreement, yes, just an agreement to support Science, Technology, E n g i n e e r i n g a n d Mathematics (STEM). But, folks, get it in your heads there shall be no renegotiationofthecontract, whichmeansalsonosharing ofwindfallprofits.Period.
I won’t say much more but share the quotation below from an article by Jenik Radon (Adjunct Professor at the School of Public and International
Affairs, Columbia University, teaches natural resource development, economic development and governance in small states a n d c o r p o r a t e responsibility).
“Often oil companies, during the course of negotiations,willbeaskedto or will offer to underwrite social projects to demonstrate that they are good corporate citizens These projects may include b u i l d i n g s c h o o l s , playgrounds, hospitals or sponsoring scholarships for students. Supporting such projects is honorable and public-spirited The
building of a school, moreover,certainlyprovides favorable press, a good image, and cements community relations for a company Italsorecognizes the government official negotiatinganoilcontractas a doer, a leader who can deliverpublicbenefits. Too often,however,thesevisible and immediate charitable contributionsbecomeatbest a distraction that deflects a governmentfromvigorously negotiating the hard issues, in particular compensation, and at worst an expensive “trade” for the payment of lower compensation by the oilcompany
The government’s goal should be to maximize r e c e i v i n g “ r e a l ” compensation and not charity, and this can only be attainedifsocialprojectsare not tied to contractual negotiations, whether in the oil contract or in simultaneously executed agreements ” Reference: J e n i k R a d o n (September,2006), How to Negotiate an OilAgreement Jenik Radon Resource Curse”, Initiative for Policy
Dialogue Working Paper Series. To give a numerical sense of what Radon is saying, differentiating between real compensation andcharity,considerthatthe price or crude has jumped from $60/bbl to $110/bbl. On the 900,000 bbl/day that Guyanaisproducing,Exxon earns$45,000,000/daymore emphasis “per day” and “more” in windfall revenue thanacoupleofmonthsago before the Iran War In a month, Exxon’s extra incomeis$1.4billion.
The real “tangible benefits” the Ambassador spoke about in the articles omitted Guyana’s sharing in the windfall from its resources.
Radon nailed it, almost twodecadesago:“Toooften, however, these visible and immediate charitable contributionsbecomeatbest adistraction.”
He would advise Guyana exactly what he wrote in that article: maximiseandreceive“real” compensation and not charity
Sincerely TerenceM.Yhip
Ambassador, it would be dangerous for us not to renegotiate the contract
Ambassador Nicole Theriotusedstrongwordsby stating that it would be dangerous for Guyana to renegotiatethecontractwith Exxon Ambassador, it would be dangerous for us not to renegotiate the contract Any new, democratically elected government is mandated to serve its citizens’ best interest.
O u r p r e s e n t administration should thus be free and obligated to correct the misdeeds and mistakes of the past administration which signed that unfair document. The contract is a title of abuse foisted on a “struggling people”toextractalinefrom Dave Martins song which hasevokedstrongfeelingsof p a t r i o t i s m a n d determination Having
economic hardship, the discovery of oil and permissiongiventoaforeign company to extract that resource,shouldhavebeena golden opportunity to raise all Guyanese out of poverty andputGuyanaasamodelof success.
A proper contract with ExxoniswhatGuyananeeds most On the contrary, should this be achieved, there would be no dire need forotherinvestorswhowant tolookatthepresentcontract with Exxon and feel that their contracts with our governmentwillbesimilarly lopsidedintheirfavour Itis time to relieve the majority of Guyanese from financial distressalthoughtheyshould be enjoying this under the presentcontract.
Sincerely
ConradBarrow
There is something profoundly troubling about the steady blurring of the lines between church and state in Guyana, especially when the nation’s religious leadersappearmoreeagerto be seen in the company of power than to stand in defenceofprinciple.Itisone thingtowelcomeapresident intothehouseoftheLord;it isquiteanothertonormalize hispresenceinsacredspaces
w h i l e r e m a i n i n g conspicuously silent about the very failures that continue to diminish the lives of the people he was electedtoserve.Thatsilence is not neutrality It is complicitydressedinpiety Noonewithaconscience should object to religious leaders extending courtesy to the nation’s leaders Courtesyisnottheissue.The issueisthemoralbankruptcy of leaders who will host,
bless, embrace, and celebrate the presidency while refusing to ask the hard questions that justice demands.Whatdoesitsayto the young when those charged with moral instruction appear to have made peace with power, even when power is repeatedly associated with scandal, corruption, and the casual disregard of the vulnerable? What lesson do they take away from a
society in which public office can be treated as a s a n c t u a r y f r o m accountability, and where religious authority seems content to serve as a decorative companion to politicalconvenience? Corruptionisnotaminor socialirritation.Itisacrime against humanity in the broadmoralsense,becauseit steals from the poor, weakensinstitutions, (Continuedonpage06)
Thisletterseekstobring forth some salient truths, hoping and praying to avoid further rancour and recriminationwithrespectto the existing contention between the State apparatus
and the Georgetown municipality The truth should allow us to set aside pettiness and prejudices to be reasonable and so save ourcapitalcityGeorgetown, a place I have lived and lovedallmylife.Ihopethat thetruthandthefactsbelow wouldallowsanity,decency, and what we were earlier toldisdemocracytoprevail. First truism; Human history is punctuated with examplesofunhappyevents caused by beliefs and attitudes which have taken millionsoflives,andcaused misery, and suffering everywhere. In every case it is driven by men who hold fast to certain beliefs, determined to impose their views and proclivities on everyone around them Examples are many, but I draw attention to just a few known to this and earlier generations; Lenin, Mussolini and Adolf Hitler, in each and every case there existedanobsessiontohave absolutecontrolovercapital cities, and key towns of a state This explains why Adolf Hitler attacked StalingradinRussia,on23rd August, 1942, this battle lasteduntilthe2ndFebruary, of the following year, with thelossofalmost1.8million livesinlessthansixmonths, it was considered the most brutal of fighting in recent history
I mention this, to establish that some leadership will stop at nothing in their quest to control capitals and major towns. This is unfortunate, butinourcircumstancescan be avoided, even as this weakness seems to be emerging in our Cooperative Republic of Guyana.Ipresentthefactsas follows; when the PPP won the elections in 1992, the Mayor of Georgetown was Campton Young, a decent, highly religious gentleman, the new government so provoked Campton Young with their demands and crude efforts to control him and the council, that he and others resigned. An Interim Management Committee (IMC) with a chairman, Dr JamesRosewasappointedto
manage the affairs of Georgetown. Municipal electionsweredue,andwere indeed held in 1994, the government poured huge sums of money, and machinery into the IMC for obvious reasons. Elections were held in Georgetown; it was a keenly fought threecorner contest. GGG-Good and Green Georgetown emergedwith12seats,PNCPeoples National Congress gained10seatsandthePPPPeoples Progressive Party 8 seats.ForbrevityIwillavoid intervening drama, save to state that this allowed me to b e c o m e m a y o r o f Georgetown.WhentheIMC and its Chairman were demitting office, in spite of the largesse from Central Government,theystatedthat taxes, fines, and traditional sources of income were insufficient to provide an expandingGeorgetownwith satisfactoryservices,suchas maintenance of the cemetery,garbagecollection and disposal, a primitive dumpsite at the eastern end of the cemetery, five municipal markets, public health services, an abattoir, animal and meat inspection, a city constabulary for law and order, building inspection, construction and maintenance of roads in Georgetown, and drainage ofacitybelowsealevel.The IMC stated that the council neededadditionalsourcesof revenue. When I assumed office, I accepted this wisdom and purposed the establishment of a lottery, and had the late Haslyn Parris prepare a draft advertisement to seek
operators worldwide. This venture required the permission of central government, contact was made with the authorities, and Prime Minister Sam Hinds was asked to meet withadelegationtodiscuss, and hopefully to gain government’s approval to run the lottery The delegation consisted of RobertWilliams,Philomena Shury-Sahoye, Ranwell Jordon, Premchand Dass, RameshwarRamsaroop,and myself. At that meeting we made a presentation and Prime Minister Hinds asked to be excused for a few minutes, he returned shortly after and stated that government could not support the lottery, since it was gambling and the religious community, to use his exact words “would be up in arms”. A few months later the government had a lottery up and running, and notonecentwenttothecity council.
Vital to the success of any enterprise, business, or undertaking is qualified, competent management. In every instance when the council identifies qualified persons, in particular the position of Town Clerk, the minister ignored the recommendations of the council’s personnel and training committee, and foisted on the council, during my tenure, not only an unqualified person but one of questionable competence, this of course mademanagementawkward andtedious.Welookedatthe problem in Georgetown and had a specially designed
training program, where thirtypersonsweretrainedin themunicipallaws,andhow to approach citizens to seek their cooperation These persons were called city wardens, and were assigned to each of the thirty districts in Georgetown, by clever manipulation this warden corpswassoondismantled.
I state another fact; a proposal by a Guyanese enterprise to bring in biodegradable bags for citizens to use for shopping, was enthusiastically embracedbythemayorafter observing the banning of plastic bags in Antigua, I approachedthegovernment, through the ministry of Local Government, to ban plastic bags which were already and continues to be an environmental hazard The government minister informed me that certain business enterprises had large shipments of plastic bagsonitsway,andthatthe governmentwouldtherefore reconsider the replacement of plastic bags a little later, therestishistory Next, whenever there is heavy rainfall, we complain of blockages and unhappy conditions in the city Yes, the Georgetown Mayor and City Council bureaucracy has failed to ensure compliance of our by-laws bycitizenswhoblockdrains, and are allowed to build bridges over waterways and
wanton squatting making it difficult in some areas to maintain the integrity of our waterways There is an apparent reluctance or inability to enforce our bylaws, however, a major impediment is the inadequate movement of water from several canals in Georgetown. There are ten outfall channels beginning fromRuimveldttothesouth to Kingstown in the north. Along the East Bank of the Demerara River, where kokers, sluices and pumps facilitate drainage into the Demerara River, the problem here is because of the sling-mud discharged from the mighty amazon, this sling-mud blocks all of ourtenoutfallsandtheresult is that all of our efforts are compromised by the constant accumulation of this sling-mud. The answer is to constantly dredge and cleartheseblockagessothat the water, whether by gravity,orpumpscanfindits wayeasilyintotheDemerara River and at low-tide out to theAtlantic.
From January 1969, I was Minister of Works and Hydraulics and therefore responsibleforseaandriver defence. The responsibility to keep those channels clear w a s a l w a y s t h e responsibilityofMinistryof Works and central government.Inthe1940swe acquired equipment named Sir Crawford, which was used to clear the outfall channels. Later a pontoon with a dragline was used. Variousstudiesbasedonthe movement of the tide, proposed where the slingmudshouldbedisposed,but that’s another matter As mayor I suggested that the channels be kept cleared throughouttheyeartoensure that the ten kokers preformedtotheiroptimum. Thequestionis;Isthisbeing done? My information is, thereisnoregularclearingof these ten outfall channels, theresponsibilityofcentral (Continuedonpage06)
The Government of Guyana is moving ahead with plans to introducenonlethal weapons permits as it g r a p p l e s w i t h a n overwhelming demand for firearmlicences.
This has resulted in a severely “clogged” system.
The initiative, which is now in an advanced stage of review, is aimed at reducing the number of gun licences being issued while still allowing citizens to protect themselves.
In February, President Dr IrfaanAli disclosed that hehadtaskedtheMinistryof Home Affairs with bringing
amendments to cater for non-lethal but effective w e a p o n s T h e announcement was made during the opening of the Guyana Police Force Officers’Conference,where the Head of State painted a worrying picture of the currentlicencingsystem.
According to the
President, he reviews more than 100 firearm licence appeals daily, an indication of the heavy backlog facing theadministration.Henoted that the Government is considering a “tiered and graduated” system that wouldbetterregulateaccess
to weapons, while maintainingpublicsafety
“This phased approach will help meet the needs of everyday citizens while keeping our communities safe,”thePresidentsaid.
Providing an update on Tuesday, Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond, confirmed that the proposal isnowatanadvancedstage. “Wearecurrentlyreviewing that,anditisinanadvanced stage to have those kinds of weapons issued,” Walrond said, explaining that the move is intended to ensure citizens can still feel protected without resorting
PeoplewantJesusChristandGodtobe likethem. Soasopposedtodoingthewill ofGodtheywantGodtodotheirbidding. Ifyouwanttoknowwhatthemajorityof people are like you need look no further than Donald Trump and also ExxonMobil. Many people are greedy as opposed to beingcontented.
Somebelievethatiftheyhada“littlebit more”theirliveswouldbebetter Whichis what Donald Trump and ExxonMobil
suffersfrom.Whereasmanypeopleneedto learn to be contented in what they already have.DonotbeliketheGentileswhosuffers fromcontinuouswantingeventhoughthey alreadyhavesomuch.
WhatwouldhappenIFJesusChristand Godwerelikesuchpeoplealwayswanting more and more? It is important to read the Bible (especially the New Testament) and putitintopractice.
Sincerely
SeanOri
Frompage05 government.And no further comment is necessary
However, like a glutton we are taking on additional things,beforedigestingwhat wealreadyhavetodealwith.
This brings me to this absurdity, the recent claim by central government to sequester the facility in upper Water Street opposite Hope Street suggests that something has gone wrong. As far back as I can remember before I held ministerial office, that facility was used by the Municipal House Service Department where the staff, employeesofthemayorand town council, used threewheeled motorised carts, and serviced the mains and pipes within what was then oldGeorgetown.Inallthese yearsthisisthepropertyand responsibility of the m u n i c i p a l i t y o f Georgetown.
During my incumbency thebuildingwasrefurbished andusedasatrainingcenter mainly for inductees of the Georgetown constabulary Second; we provided housing accommodation for those who lived outside of Georgetown. Third; we had
stored historical documents in an area we referred to as the archives. And fourth, a canteen was also provided where meals were prepared and served. In addition, this facility was used for meetings and the training of thebicyclesquad. Its location on the waterfront, with a view of the Atlantic and the Demerara River, made this an attractive location, with the eastern boundary being in Water Street, a busy business area. For years I resisted all kinds of offers from local and overseas persons, to dispose of this p r o p e r t y F o r t h e government, or anyone else, after 60 years of independence, to claim this propertyisbeyondbelief. Another worrisome fact is, aside from the government’s failure to provide a satisfactory feasibility study for the gas to shore project, they are moving to take over certain streets in Georgetown and the area mentioned above, while spending in excess of 160 million dollars daily, I want to underscore “daily”, to provide electricity to Georgetown and elsewhere,
tolethalfirearms.
Thepushforalternatives comes against the backdrop of ongoing concerns about firearm safety and misuse. Only recently, a troubling incident surfaced involving a 10-year-old Georgetown primaryschoolstudent,who reportedly took his father’s licenced firearm from home andcarriedittoschoolinhis bag.
Investigations revealed that the weapon belonged to the child’s father, who had noticeditmissingforseveral daysbutfailedtoreportitto thepolice.
The incident has reignited concerns about how licenced firearms are storedandmonitored.
Minister Walrond stressedthatfirearmholders must take full responsibility fortheirweapons.
“The fact that when you havealicencefirearm,it’sa serious issue. It should always be kept on your person oritshouldbekeptin somewherethatissafe,”she warned.
She was also quick to defend the Ministry’s licencing process, insisting that there is no room for carelessapprovals.
have been in office, have done and continue to do. So youwillnotgetreportsofad hoc licencebeing issued out of the office of the Minister ofHomeAffairs.Theyareall done well scrutinized for thosewhoaredoneandthey are done very carefully,” MinisterWalrondexplained.
The idea of limiting firearm access while promoting alternatives was first raised last year by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo. Jagdeo had warned of the dangers of issuing tens of thousands of firearm licencesacrossthecountry
“Nowjustimagineifyou have to give out 50,000-gun licences in Guyana, what couldhappen?Andoftenthe weaponsendupinthehands of criminals because they comeintoourhomeandthey take the weapons, etc.,” he stressed.
applicants and can open the door to corruption. “People havebeenwaitingforyears. We have to find a way addressing this and the president is looking into it personally He’slookinginto thismattertodeviseasystem that would allow us to be responsive to people but without putting 50,000 guns in the hands of people,” he said.
He further called for a broader national discussion ontheissue,stressingthatit is not just a government problem. “It has to be dealt with once and for all and society has to deal with it, our society, not just a government, ” Jagdeo declared.
yet on Sunday 29th March, there was blackout in Georgetownfrom3:41amto 6:00am and citizens in most of Georgetown were again greeted with another blackoutat4:20pm.Another example of their inability to satisfy their present responsibility, but taking on more. What is disturbing aboutthistakeoverofstreets and the training facility is that they have been no
discussion, and no consultationofanykind.
If by some legal gymnastics’governmentcan prove or establish that the Water Street property is theirs, the fact that this property, is occupied, controlled, and generally assumedtobeownedbythe M & C C b e f o r e Independence, and undisturbed for at least four generations, the only proper anddecentthingwouldhave been notification, discussion,andconsultation. The public must judge whether to use my favourite phase from Shakespear; Oh judgement, thou art fled to brutishbeasts,andmenhave losttheirreason.
Sincerely, ElderHamiltonGreen
“The law requires for you to do strict scrutiny of every single applicant, which is what I did, since I
Jagdeo also highlighted the need for transparency in the system, noting long delays often frustrate
With the proposal now nearing completion, the Government appears set to shift its approach to public safety, moving away from widespread firearm ownership and toward controlled, non-lethal alternatives.
Frompage04 corrodes trust, and strips a nation of its dignity Left unchecked, it eats away at the very sinew that holds society wholesome. It is a thief that does not merely pilfer money; it steals confidence, hope, and the belief that justice is still possible A society that toleratescorruptiontoolong will eventually find that the rot has spread beyond politicsintothebloodstream ofeverydaylife.
Thatiswhythesilenceof religious leaders matters so much.
When the shepherds of societychoosecomfortover courage, they fail not only the moment but the generations watching them. The youth are not stupid. They can see when moral leadership has been traded for access, and they can tell when public virtue has been reducedtoceremonialphoto opportunities.
If those who claim spiritual authority cannot speakplainlywhenintegrity is compromised, then what
exactlyaretheyteachingthe nextgeneration?
That influence matters more than conscience? That proximity to power is worth more than truth? That one may say “amen” in public while privately making peacewithwrongdoing?
There was a time, particularly in the Burnham era, when religious institutions often stood out as beacons of hope for the desolate and the destitute. One did not have to agree with every posture or pronouncementtorecognize that faith leaders frequently occupied the moral front lines, speaking for the poor, givingvoicetotheforgotten, and challenging the state whenthestatestrayed. They were not always perfect, but they were present. They mattered because people believed they would standbetweenthepowerless and the powerful when necessary That moral currencygavethemweight.
Do we have that today?
Orhaveweenteredanagein
which too many religious leaders have become too comfortable, too dependent, or too cautious to risk offending political authority?Ifso,thentheloss isnotmerelyinstitutional.It is spiritual. A people left without fearless moral voices will eventually begin to confuse ceremony with conscience and approval withrighteousness. That is a dangerous deception.
Thenationdoesnotneed more polished appearances. It needs moral courage. It needsleadersinthereligious community who can welcome the president without worshipping the office, and who can speak truth to him without fear of losing access. It needs holy men and women who understand that their first obligation is not to political hospitality, but to the defence of justice, honesty, and the common good Anythinglessisabetrayalof thetrustplacedinthem.
Regards, HemduttKumar
ExxonMobil in 2025 completed appraising two major oil discoveries in the Stabroek Block, Lukanani andRanger
This was revealed by CNOOC,a25%shareholder intheblock.Thecompanyin its 2025 Annual Report
highlighted “fruitful
a c h i e v e m e n t s i n exploration” with new discoveries and appraisal activitiesconductedinChina andoverseas.
As part of its overseas basin,theChineseownedoil company reported, “The Lukanani oilfield and Ranger oilfield were successfully appraised in Guyana.”
...but still silent on
Appraisal is conducted after hydrocarbons are discovered. This is a critical phasethatallowscompanies to better under the quality and quantity of resources within the reservoir This rigorous process involves drilling of wells and testing of fluid properties The process reduces uncertainty inresourcevolumes,helping companiestomakeinformed investmentdecisions.
Notably,althoughExxon completed appraising the discoveries, it offered no updatetothepubliconthese results.
The Ranger One discovery was made by ExxonMobil since January 2018. At the time, the oil giant described the discovery- its sixth- as the company's largestonrecordinGuyana. It explained that it began drillingtheRanger-1wellon November 5, 2017 and encountered approximately 230feet(70meters)ofhighquality, oil-bearing carbonatereservoir Thewell was safely drilled to 21,161 feet (6,450 meters) depth in 8,973 feet (2,735 meters) of water
Meanwhile, Exxon announced the Lukanani- 1 discoveryinApril2022.The L u k a n a n i - 1 w e l l encountered 115 feet (35 meters) of hydrocarbonbearing sandstone and was drilled in a water depth of 4,068feet(1,240meters).
Even though the company concluded appraising the wells, Exxon recently told Kaieteur News that there have not been any significant changes to the country'soilreserves.
D u r i n g a p r e s s conference on March 19, 2026 President of
ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge said, “Well, in the reserves, when w e a p p r o v e d t h e Hammerhead project, we added, I mean, I think our share of, you know, roughly 40 per cent of the resource that we said was proved, as w e d e v e l o p t h e Hammerhead project would then be added into that proved category for us ”
ExxonMobil Guyana Country Manager, Alistair Routledge
Consequently, the country manager noted, “On the estimated ultimate recovery, it's still, you know, close to 11, is somewhere in that vicinity But there's a lot of, as we continue to do, appraisal work, and we produce reservoirs and we gather data. There's, you know, puts and takes as we gothroughthatassessment.”
The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc is increasingly absorbing the cost of damages caused not byitsowninfrastructure,but by low-hanging wires belonging to other utility companies.
Head of Executive Management,KeshNandlall, explained in an interview on Thursday that while some offenders are now being charged for damage to property, full cost recovery remains inconsistent In many cases, GPL is left to shoulder the financial burden,hesaid.
“…all of it may not end up in like penalties, so to speak, right, wherever necessary, where damages are concerned, and we will chargethemokay
We will charge the recoverycost,”hesaid.
There have been concerns raised on whether alltheutilitypolesacrossthe country belong to GPL in lightofincidentswheresome were observed leaning or even falling over. This publication also sought to enquire if there was a fee attached to other utility companies that use GPL's poles that may offset some expenses.
Nandall explained that while several of the telecommunications companies in Guyana do havetheirownpoles,thelow hanging wires observed, b e l
HeadofExecutive GPLManagement Kesh Nandlall
“…sometimes they may be on our pole, or they may be on their own company installed infrastructure or pole, right and a lot of the times when a high vehicle, like a container truck or somethinglikethat,theykind of stuck on to those low hanging telecommunication wire and pull it down and it brings down the pole,” he said In relation to a fee, Nandlall revealed that there has always been a polesharing agreement in place but it has remained dormant forseveralreasons. Hewentontosaythatitis somethingthatcameupandit will be looked at in discussions. “I intend to set up future meetings with all the telecommunication companies so that we can improve the relationship and thesharingagreement…”the GPLExecutiveassured.
The world today stands on the edge of an energy crisis. But this crisis did not appearoutofnowhere.Ithas been building, quietly and steadily, alongside a deep and growing indifference to humansuffering.
As the conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States intensifies, the global oil market trembles. The Strait of Hormuz, that narrow passage through which so much of the
world’s oil flows, has become a flashpoint of fear. Priceshavesurged.Thecost offuelisclimbing,andwith it, the cost of living for millions.
Even the United States, which does not depend heavilyonthatroute,cannot escape the consequences Gaspricesrise.Familiesfeel the pressure.And across the globe, from wealthy nations tostrugglingeconomies,the burdengrowsheavier
But this crisis is not just about oil. It is about morality Because while the world worries about oil,
unfolding in plain sight WhatishappeninginGazais not simply war It is
communities have been reduced to rubble. Families havebeenwipedout.Tensof thousands of innocent men, women, children are still
Dem boys seh confusion got more levels than de tide in de Atlantic.OneMinisterstandup bold like brass and announce how all de outfalls in Georgetown get desilted. But before dem boys could even clap, another fellastepinandsehdeCowanStreetcanal sittin lower than de outfall and even lower thanderiver!
Now dem boys scratching head like fowlinsand.Becauseifdecanallowerthan deoutfall,anddeoutfalllowerthanderiver, then exactly where de water supposed to go?Uptoheaven?
Dem boys seh this nah need no big degree in engineering, just common sense andalileyetest.Ifdesystemain’tflowing natural,thenpumpingaloneisliketryingto emptyaswimmingpoolwithastrawwhile rain falling steady-steady One man seh, “Don’tworry,wegotpumps.”
Demboysseh,“Boss,pumpisgoodbut pump nah got sense!” Pump gon keep pumping whether de kokers open or shut. Andifdekokersain’topenontime,alldem pump doing is recycling problem like oldtimeVHStape.
Dem boys remember 2005 like yesterday Rain falling, water rising, and oneofficialcomeoutcoolascucumberand seh, “All we can do is keep on pumping!”
Dem boys nearly fall in de flood laughing—if dem wasn’t waist-deep in wateralready
So now dem boys making a humble suggestion.Lehwedoaproperauditofdem kokers. Check who opening dem, when dem opening dem, and whether dem even opening at all. Because a koker that don’t openislikeagatekeeperwhofallasleepon duty—everythingbackingupbehindhe.
Andlehwebehonest.Ifdetidewaiting onmantowakeupandrememberfuhopen sluice, then Georgetown got bigger problemthansilt.
Demboyssehdrainageisnotjustabout machinery; is about timing, planning, and people doing dem wuk. Because when de water start to rise, excuses does float but houses nah. So before de next big rain come, dem boys advising: fix de kokers, check de levels, and leh common sense flow…sinceapparentlydewatercan’t. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.
being slaughtered and those who are not, are being starved to death. The scale, the pattern, the relentless destruction, all point in one direction.Andyet,theworld haswatchedanddonelittle.
Just as it did in Rwanda. JustasitdidinBurundi.The same silence The same hesitation. The same failure toactwhilehumanlivesare erased.
Why? Because power has silenced principle. The influence of the United States has cast a long shadowovertheworld.And so the question must be asked again, more urgently thanever:hastheworldlost itssoul?
Perhaps part of the answer lies not just with governments, but with people themselves There was a time, not so long ago, when ordinary citizens refused to stay silent on international concerns. In the1970sand1980s,people marched, protested, and demanded justice They forcedleaderstolisten.They madeitimpossibletoignore injustice. Today, that fire seemstohavebeendimmed. Yes,therehavebeenprotests aroundtheworldoverGaza. Butnotenoughandnotlarge enoughtoforcerealchange. Here in Guyana a protest opposed to the genocide in
Gazadrewonlyahandfulof people It was almost invisible.Yet,shortlyafter,a fitness walk attracted thousands.
That contrast is heartbreaking.Ittellsastory of a society, and perhaps a world, that is losing its conscience History has warned us about this. When Adolf Hitler first rose to power, the world hesitated. Bythetimetheworldacted, it was too late. Tens of millions had died. The cost ofthatsilencebecameoneof humanity’s greatest tragedies.Today,thepattern feels disturbingly familiar
The genocide continues and is now emboldening Israel and itself sidekick, the United States to launch war against Iran, to attack Venezuela and abduct its leader, and to strangle the peopleofCuba.
The conflict with Iran is escalating. Each strike and counterstrike brings the world closer to a wider war Oil routes are under threat. Marketsareunstable.Prices are rising. The energy crisis deepens. But let us be clear: thiscrisisdidnotbeginwith oil or a nuclear threat. It began with silence. It began whentheworldchosenotto act, not to stand up to Israel and America in the face of what is happening in Gaza.
The economic pain we now feelisthecostofabandoning our shared humanity The evidence of the slaughter of the Palestinian people evidence is not being hidden. The world knows. The real question is why it haschosentodosolittle.Itis nottoolatetoact.Itisnottoo late for countries, including Guyana, to take a stand—to break ties, to raise their voices, to refuse to be complicitthroughsilence.It is not too late to choose justiceoverfear.Buttimeis runningout.Wegotitwrong once before with Hitler We told ourselves we did not know, or that it was not our place,orthatitwouldpass.It did not.And now, history is watchingusagain.Oneday, future generations will look back at the third decade of the 21st century and ask what happened to the conscience of the world? Andwhatwillwesay?
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
There were those who turned to Judas, then turned him. Then they turned into smooth representations of him. They weren't pandits and ayatollahs. They were the powers of religious traditioninJesus'time. Men immersed in Mosaic laws, the teachings of their forefathers:Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Rabbis and otherswithimpressivetitles: scholars and doctors, elders and scribes. They had an angleonhowtogettoJesus; the foot race was on to get
Judas. To sell himself first. Sellout Jesus next. Seen or heard that around here recently? Helpiscoming. Who are the loudest in Guyana that babbles about excellence in leadership? A swamiorayogidoesn'thave to prove anything. He is already on the inside, a favoredfriend. Dittomaulvi or maulana, who sits tight and let the big people come tothem. Ontheotherhand, many men and women wearing Christian garb provewhatwasmeantbydo
not render garments, render heart. We are for unity and the prosperity that that brings to Guyana. So, they swallow hard, ignore Biblical commands, bond with deceivers. It was a quick fall for Judas. How about30pieces,that'sallthat ittook. Timesarehard,and think of how much of a difference those would make. There's more from where that came, same valuablecoinage. Notmuch is being asked for: Give the manakiss,andleavetherest
tothosewhoknowwhereto takemattersfromthere. The tripwirestagedespeciallyfor Judas,andthepowersnetted theirman. Jesus'goosewas as good as cooked. Of course,hehadtobehungon that cross first as a warning to others who get ideas that they can create trouble and getawaywithit. Standinthe way,becomeanundesirable, and get ready to pay the price. TheRomanshadtheir Final Solution in good working order long before theGermans.
Today, there are Guyanese who follow Christ, better believers and fellow travelers than me. And, where are they? Try thisonethattheyforgot. The love of money is the root of all evil. Ah, c'mon, not that again! Who cares! Give to CaesarwhatisduetoCaesar, butgivetoGodwhatbelongs to God. My Good Friday greetingformenandwomen of the cloth, but who somehow stand naked in public. They stand with Guyana's Caesars Hey, what happened to the flock? The same nervous, faithful, fearful flock What
happened to 'tend my s h e e p ? ' A n d 'ravenous wolves will come, tear apart the weak sheep?' Who is watching out for them, caring for them? Wrongquestion, it is about who is watching out for themselves, taking careoftheirambitions.
Go back to Judas and examine how much of a player he was. Who is playing whom in Guyana, especially from the leadership ranks of various Christian denominations?
The regular worshippers prayandhope,onlytowatch their pastors and vicars engage in full-out self-help.
The kingdom of God is tomorrow,stilltobeseenand felt. The kingdom of PPP Guyana is right here, right now Only a fool wouldn't jump on that bandwagon.
Aaal ah wee is waan. From jumpingforjoywithJesus,it is jumping onto the PPP money bandwagon. Y'all leave space for me. No please or thanks; leave my
sharefuhwenahreadee. Sweet Jesus! This cannot be happening, when Sunday morning's inspiring messages camouflage the ambitions of the clever clergy, who take matters in their own hands and lineup for a photo op. Guess with whom? Here's a clue. It's not with the poor and powerlessofGuyana. Judas reborn. Judascomingoutof the Churches and climbing the steps of political cathedrals. Just as how Judas sold Jesus up the creek, so Jesus' bosom companions sell Guyanese down the river Survival of the fittest and swiftest (and smartest) What would Jesus say? This is what I say: Guyanese Christian Judasesarehavingtheirday Theysellthemselves. Revel intheirrewards. LikeJudas, there comes that time when the sight of their faces tormentsthem.Meanwhile,I urge faithful believers to absorb Good Friday's peerless sacrifice, hold its callsclose.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Atotalof155schoolsacrossGuyanaare settobenefitfromimprovedaccesstoclean, purified water under the National Water PurificationProject–FLOW
The initiative will serve secondary schools, technical and vocational institutions,andspecialneedsschoolsacross all 11 education districts, significantly enhancing student welfare and promoting healthierlearningenvironments.
During a recent courtesy call to Minister of Education, Sonia Parag, representatives from Recover Guyana and the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) outlined the rollout oftheproject.
The initiative is designed to reduce reliance on unsafe water sources while
encouraging environmentally sustainable practiceswithinschools.
By providing reliable access to purified water, the project is expected to improve student health, reduce waterborne illnesses, and support better academic performance through increased attendance and overall well-being.RegionsThreeandSixwillbethe first to benefit, with systems expected to be operationalised and commissioned shortly This collaboration between the Ministry of Education and private sector partners underscores a shared commitment to strengthening school infrastructure, improving public health outcomes, and supporting sustainable development across theeducationsystem.(DPI)
Only two of 11
Parliamentary committees are functioning, some five months after Parliament reconvened.
TheSectoralcommittees
that have not been established include the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Social Services, Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on
Natural Resources, Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Foreign
Relations, and the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Economic Services.
This publication understands that Standing Order 80 provides that the
Committees shall be
established at the commencement of each NationalAssembly: The Committee of Selection; · The Public Accounts Committee; The Parliamentary Standing Committee for ConstitutionalReform; The Committee on Appointments; The Parliamentary ManagementCommittee; T h e S e c t o r a l Committees specified in StandingOrderNo.86;and The Parliamentary OversightCommitteeonthe SecuritySector Opposition Chief Whip Tabitha Sarabo-Halley
confirmedtothisnewspaper that she emailed Speaker of the National Assembly, th ManzoorNadironMarch4 , 2026 to no avail regarding t h e d e l a y I n h e r correspondence, she noted that “Parliament convened on November 3rd, and subsequently met for the presentation of the National Budget on January 26th, as well as on additional dates from February 2nd to February14th,2026."
She further stated, "To date, however, the only two committees that have been e
Committee of Selection and theBusinesssub-committee; the other aforementioned committees have not yet
beenconstituted." S a r a b o - H a l l e y emphasised that given the
performed by these bodies particularly regarding b
constitutional reform, and securitysectoroversightshe has requested advice on the anticipatedtimelinefortheir establishment and whether procedural or administrative issuesarecausingthedelay
The Chief Whip further explained to this newspaper
the critical importance of these committees, arguing that their absence leaves major national issues unaddressed. "So, all the issuesthathaveariseninthe last September to now in thelastsixmonths,theissue (Continuedonpage23)
BOSAI Mineral Group (Guyana) Inc., a Chineseowned bauxite mining companyoperatinginLinden, Region10hasfiredoneofits employees who successfully fought for a pay increase alongwithhiscolleagueslast September
the forefront representing the bauxiteworkers,especiallyin paydisputes.
Joseph never stayed quiet when workers' rights were being abused and with the helpofNAACIEspearheaded negotiations with BMGGI to remedyitsshortcomings.
The services of the employee, Lorenzo Joseph of Blue Berry Hill, Wismar Linden were terminated on th27 February, 2026 with immediateeffect.
Chinese bauxite firm fires employee who successfully fought for pay increase
Joseph said that the company has not given any explanation or a valid reason for his termination except for one sentence in his termination letter which states,“Ithasbecomeevident that your professional goals and work approach are no longer aligned with the core requirementsofyourroleand the overarching policies of Bosai Mineral Group (Guyana)Inc.(BMGGI).”
Joseph was not only an employee with the Chinese firmbutalsoamemberofthe National Association of Agricultural, Commercial andEmployees(NAACIE)-a unionthathasalwaysbeenon
A m o n g t h o s e negotiations, were better working conditions, fairer treatmentforlocalemployees among others. But his most recent success with NAACIE was negotiating a 7.5 percent pay increase along with additionalbenefitsforbauxite workers in September last year
Workers had reportedly th downed tools on 20 September, after initial negotiationsforapayincrease fell through. Reports were that the workers were demanding a salary increase of eight percent for 2025 and 8.5 percent in 2026 but their Chinese bosses had refused offeringonly7percent. Theyfollowedwithstrike st actionsonthe21 September The strike was widely reported by the media and engaged the attention of the (Continuedonpage23)
Two brothers lost their lives in a horrific early
morning accident on Thursday along the Union Public Road, West Coast Demerara.
Dead are 21-year-old Michel Daniels of Prospect, East Bank Demerara, and his 23-year-old brother, Miguel DanielsofMoruca,Essequibo River
The fatal accident occurredaround05:30hrsand involved three vehicles: motor car PAC 9853, driven
road.
The impact left multiple persons injured. Michel and Miguel Daniels, along with the minibus driver, one passenger, and the driver of the third vehicle, were all rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital in both conscious and unconscious conditions.
However,thetwobrothers were pronounced dead on arrival.
Their bodies have since been taken to the Ezekiel Funeral Parlour, where post-
by Miguel; minibus BWW 4493,drivenbya39-year-old man of Harlem, West Coast Demerara;andmotorcarPAE 4787,drivenbya23-year-old manofProvidence,EastBank Demerara.
According to the Guyana
Police Force, initial investigations revealed that Miguel Daniels was proceeding east along the northern side of the road at what was described as a fast rate of speed when he reportedly lost control of the vehicle. Police said that Miguel, “ended up on the southern side of the road and collided head-on with minibus BWW 4493, which was proceeding west along the southern side of the said road.”
Further, police said that motor car PAE 4787, which was travelling behind the minibus, became involved moments later Its driver reportedly swerved in an attempt to avoid the collision but ended up striking the left rear of the minibus before veering off to the side of the
mortem examinations are pending.
Police have confirmed that CCTV footage from the area has been obtained as investigationscontinue.
The tragic deaths have sent shockwaves through their home community of Santa Rosa, Moruca, Region One At the time of the accident,theywerereportedly preparing to travel to Lethem for the upcoming Rupununi Rodeo. A cousin of the men, Andres Atkinson described the brothers as the source of loveandjoywithinthefamily
“The promise these young men had, they were meant to go a long way,” he said, visiblyshaken.
“Thesetwoyoungmenare very, very close to me. I am sad, I am heartbroken and angry,” he added. Atkinson also spoke about the deep bond between the brothers andtheirmother “Myaunt… herchildrenmeantheworldto her She lost two of her only sons,”hesaid.
Investigations into the fatalcrashareongoing.
T h e I w o k r a m a
International Centre strongly condemns the actions of a group of passersby who were recently observed physically harassing a Giant Green
Anaconda within the Iwokrama Forest, the centre saidinapressrelease.
Individuals were seen pulling and interfering with the animal, causing unnecessary stress and potential harm Wildlife withintheIwokramaForestis protected, and such actions are both irresponsible and unlawful The Iwokrama Forest is home to a rich diversity of species, all of which play critical roles in maintaining ecological
balance Interference with wildlife not only threatens individual animals but also disrupts the integrity of the ecosystem.
The Linden–Lethem Road, which passes through theIwokramaForest,extends for 72 kilometres. All people traversing this corridor are reminded that it is illegal to harm,harass,orinterferewith wildlife under the Iwokrama Actof1996.
Iwokramafurtherreminds thepublicto:
DRIVE CAREFULLY–Be alert for oncoming traffic andwildlifecrossing.
OBSERVE SPEED LIMITS– the speed limit (Continuedonpage19)
FormerChancellorofthe Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards has beenappointedChiefJustice of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Governor of Turks and Caicos, Dileeni DanielSelvaratnam announced the appointment of Justice Cummings-Edwards on Thursday Thegovernorsaid in a statement that the Chancellor brings over
experience across the judiciary, having served at thehighestlevelsinGuyana, inc
g Chancellor of the Judiciary and previously as Chief Justice “She has led s
l modernisation initiatives including the digitisation of courtsystems,strengthening o
processes and expanding accesstojustice,particularly for remote and underserved
communities. She has also
advancingspecialisedcourts and restorative approaches
training and institutional capacitybuilding.Hercareer
commitment to judicial independence, integrity and the efficient administration
o
Selvaratnam said in the statement.
Further commenting on the appointment, the Governor said, “This appointment follows a rigorous and highly competitive process, from which Justice CummingsEdwards emerged as an exceptionalcandidate.
She asserted “I am confident that her extensive judicial experience, demonstratedleadershipand unwavering commitment to theruleoflawwhichwillbe
instrumental in further s t r e n g t h e n i n g t h e administrationofjusticeand enhancingpublicconfidence in our judicial system I extend my appreciation to the Judicial Services
Commission for its continued diligence and support I also wish to expressmysinceregratitude to the former Chief Justice,
t h e J u s t i c e M a b e l Agyemang,forhersixyears of distinguished service to the Turks and Caicos Islands Her tenure was marked by significant and far-reaching reforms that s t r e n g
h e n e d t h e institutional capacity of the courts and improved access to justice. I wish her every success in her future endeavours.”
Chair of the Judicial Services Commission, Justice Neville Adderley
s t a t e d : “ U p o n m y appointment last year 2025 as Chairman of the Judicial Services Commission I stated and I quote 'As C h
will endeavour to cause Judges and judicial officers to be appointedwhowillmaintain orimprovethisalreadyhigh standard' of the Judiciary I a n d t h e o t h e r Commissioners, Dame Janice Pereira and the Mr Justice Carlos Simons K.C (Ret'd) are content that we have fulfilled that promise withthisappointment.”
c
p
(Continuedonpage23)
The Berbice Chamber of CommerceandDevelopment Association (BCC&DA) is calling for government intervention following the imposition of "unilateral" river fees by Surinamese authorities.
In a statement released March31,2026,theChamber warned that the new charges have created a climate of g
residents and business owners in Upper Corentyne communities These fees, whichtargetGuyanesevessel
operators, are being describedasanunsustainable economicburdenonaregion that has relied on the CorentyneRiverfortradeand connectivityforgenerations.
Accordingtoreportsfrom the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and Industry,thefinancialimpact is already severe, with some operators facing "pilot license" fees as high as US$2,500pertrip.Additional brokerage fees ranging from US$1,000 to US$1,500 are further straining the logistics of moving essential goods.
BCC&DA President Samantha Reid emphasized thattheriverisavitallifeline for communities like Orealla and Siparuta, noting that the fees penalize Guyanese for usingsharedwater-spacethat hashistoricallybeenopenfor legitimatecommerce.
The Chamber argues that while cross-border management involves state sovereignty, the lack of consultation or reciprocal agreements undermines regional cooperation. They are now calling on the Ministries of ForeignAffairs and Home Affairs to engage in immediate diplomatic
dialogue with Suriname to s u s p e n d t h e f e e s Furthermore, the Chamber is requesting a stronger presence of Guyanese authorities in the region to monitor the situation and provide legal guidance to affected nationals who feel their rights are being infringedupon.
M e a n w h i l e , t h e
Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) has called for direct dialogue betweenthetwogovernments to protect the wider investment climate and support projects such as the proposed Corentyne River Bridge The diplomatic friction has already reached the highest levels of government, with President Dr Irfaan Ali lodging a formal protest The administration has pointed out that Surinamese businesses typically operate in Guyana without such restrictivebarriers.
Last week in a press statement President Ali warned that the fees impacting key sectors like timber and quarrying risk undermining long-standing bilateral arrangements and eroding business confidence between the two neighbours.
“These reports, represent a troubling development that has implications for economic activities and the long-standing arrangements between Guyana and Suriname. The Government of Guyana has formally lodged a protest with the Surinamese authorities on this matter and we are currently awaiting a response.Wehaveraisedour concerns in the spirit of (Continuedonpage23)
Frompage16 withintheIwokramaforestis50km/h.Astheroadisunpaved, speedingsignificantlyincreasestheriskofaccidents.
STAYINYOURLANE–especiallyatblindcorners. Donotdrinkanddrive.
Donotlitter–Keepyourwasteinyourvehicleanddispose ofitproperlyatdesignatedbins.
DO NOT HARM WILDLIFE–It is illegal to capture or removeanimalsfromtheforest.
NO HUNTING, FISHING, or MINING - within the IwokramaForest.
DONOTLIGHTFIRESwithintheforestoralongtheroad. DO NOT POLLUTE WATERWAYS- with litter, fuel, or oils.3-MileCreekisawatersourceforFairViewVillage–No washing of vehicles, littering, pooping or any polluting activities.
RespectallcommunitiesalongtheroutetoLethem. Iwokramaurgesallroaduserstorespectwildlifeandallow animals to cross safely without disturbance Responsible behaviorisessentialtosafeguardingGuyana'snaturalheritage. The Centre calls on the public to uphold the law and play an activeroleinprotectingtheIwokramaForest.
Rishi Persaud a 51-year-old man who wasoncethesolebreadwinnerofhisfamily is now seeking a kidney donor as he is in StageFiverenalfailure.
The man who also suffers from hypertensions and diabetes was diagnosed with renal failure three years ago His conditionhasrapidlydeteriorated.
After exploring all avenues including reaching out to family members who were eithernotamatchorcouldnotdonatedueto medicalreasons,themanandhisfamilyhave resortedtoreachingouttothepublic. Anyone who is interested in assisting Persaudcancontactthefamilyat+592-6777413.
DUBAI, April 2
(Reuters) - If President Donald Trump ends the war with Iran without a deal, he risks leaving Tehran with a stranglehold over Middle East energy supplies and Gulf Arab oil and gas producersgrapplingwiththe fallout of a conflict they did notstartorshape.
Instead of crushing Iran’s theocraticrulers,itcouldleave themstronger,emboldenedby surviving weeks of U.S.Israeli attacks, firing onArab Gulfstatesandrattlingglobal energy markets by effectively shuttingtheofHormuz Inan interviewwithReutersbefore a scheduled address to the nation on Wednesday, Trump said the United States would end its war on Iran “pretty quickly” and signalled on Tuesdayhecouldwinddown thewarevenwithoutadeal.
Inhisspeechtothenation late on Wednesday, Trump vowedmoreaggressivestrikes on Iran He said Washington was on “track to complete all of America’s military objectives shortly, very shortly”Trumpalsosuggested the war could escalate if Iranianleadersdidnotgivein to U.S. terms during negotiations, with strikes on Iran’s energy and oil infrastructurepossible.
ForGulfstates,anendto the war without clear guarantees on what would follow would pose a significant danger, leaving the region to absorb the consequences of a war that would be concluding to Iran’s advantage.“The issue is the cessation of the war withoutarealoutcome,”said Mohammed Baharoon, director of Dubai’s B’huth Research Center “He (Trump) might stop the war, but that doesn’t mean Iran will.”
As long as U.S. forces remain stationed in bases in the Gulf, Iran will continue to threaten the region, he said. That asymmetry lies at the heart of Gulf concerns: that Iran could emerge from
People stand near damaged buildings, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, in this still image obtained from a handout video released on April 1, 2026.
thewarundefeatedandwith enhanced leverage - able to threaten shipping lanes, energy flows and regional stability - while Gulf countriesarelefttoshoulder the economic and strategic costs of an unresolved conflict.
The Ghanem family are among some 32,000 Palestiniansestimatedtohave beenforcedoutoftheir omes Baharoon said the erosion of freedom of navigation in the region would be a huge concern for the Gulf Iran, he said,couldbegin“playingthe territorial waters card” and settingtherulesintheStraitof Hormuz, a vital artery for globalenergysupplies.
“This goes beyond Hormuz,” he said “Iran has putitshandonapressurepoint of the global economy” Tehran’s ability to disrupt energy flows, he said, sent a clear message that anyone contemplating future attacks onIranshouldthinktwice
That logic helps explain whyGulfstateshaveavoided being drawn into the war Officialsintheregionsaytheir overriding concern has been preventingawarthatbeganas a U.S.–Israeli campaign against Iran mutating into somethingfarmoredangerous - a confrontation between SunniandShi’iteMuslimsthat reshapes the Middle East for decades
‘FUNDAMENTAL MISJUDGMENT’
Theriskofescalationhas been compounded by what politicalanalystsdescribeas a fundamental misjudgment by the United States and Israel about how Iran would respond to unprecedented strikesonitsleadership.
The killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei early in the conflict, intended as a decisive blow, rewrote the rulesofengagement.Hewas replacedbyhisson,Mojtaba Khamenei, and what was meant to decapitate the system became, in the eyes
of Iran’s rulers, a
provocation requiring resistanceandrevenge.
“Inonestroke,Trumpand (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu have turned a geopolitical conflict into a religious and civilisational one,” said Middle East scholar Fawaz Gerges “They have elevated Khamenei from a contested rulerintoamartyr”
The killing of Ali Khamenei served to add legitimacy in Iran to the theocratic leadership’s most hardline instincts, regional analysts say, binding the clerical establishment and the elite Revolutionary Guards to a narrative of existential resistance in which surrender is unthinkable and endurance sacred
Theysaytheassumption thatremovingthetopleaders would cause the system to fracture ignored Iran’s layered institutions, parallel power structures and long record of resilience — from eight years of war with Iraq todecadesofU.S.sanctions. The result, the analysts say, is not surrender but radicalisation — an angrier and more defiant Iran, and a region left to absorb the fallout. “Khamenei was an Ayatollah, this is not something you do certainlynotaforeignpower killing an Ayatollah,” said AlexVatanka,anIranexpert at the Middle East Institute. “But this is Trump... a man who has no brakes and for the Shi’ite clerical establishment he broke every little norm and protocol.”
IRAN’SOILWEAPON
U S and Israeli decisionmakers did not go into the war blind to Iran’s ideologicalpower,butappear to have underestimated its resilience, said Magnus Ranstorp,aterrorismexpert.
Theassumption,hesaid, had been that air dominance achieved by destroying missile launchers, command centres and senior figures — would deliver freedom of
movement and strategic containment Instead, the Iranian system tightened ratherthansplintered,inpart because it is sustained by parallelinstitutionsdesigned toregenerateunderpressure, he said. Washington also misjudged Iran’s capacity for asymmetric retaliation, political analysts in the region say Tehran does not need to win the air war, it needs to impose costs, they say. Over decades, Iran has invested in identifying pressure points rather than matching force with force, and has come to regard energy assets and the Strait of Hormuz as central to its
strategy By striking energy
e and threatening the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has driven up oil prices, fuelled inflation aroundtheworldandshifted pressureontotheU.S.andits partners The objective, analysts say, was not battlefield victory but
exhaustion If the war becomes economically unbearable, survival itself becomesvictory,theysay.
A premature end to the w
w
th
rity guaranteeswouldleaveGulf states exposed, with any future Iranian retaliation possibly not confined to the
region. Tehran retains the capacity to activate longstanding global networks, using channels developed overdecadestotargetIsraeli, U.S. and allied interests far from the battlefield. “They haven’t started yet, but they have a vast capability to punishtheUnitedStatesand Israel,” Ranstorp said, describing Iran as a hydralike threat whose tentacles can be activated far beyond the Middle East. That threat hangs over any U.S. exit. If the U.S. pulls back - and Israeli operations depend heavily on U.S. backingTehran will not see the outcomeasdefeat.
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In the matter of the Deceased Persons’ Estates Administration Act, Chapter 12:01 -and-
In the matter of the Estate of PRINCESS GOODRIDGE also known as PRINCESS CARTER, deceased
NOTICE
GEORGE JOSEPH, Farmer, whose last known address is East La Penitence, Georgetown, is asked to make urgent contact with Ms. Mandisa A. Breedy, Attorney-at-law of Breedy & Associates, at the E½ Lot 3 Bent Street, North Freeburg, Georgetown, or via telephone at 592-225-3633/592612-9703, in relation to the Estate of PRINCESS GOODRIDGE also known as PRINCESS CARTER, deceased, whose last known address was at Lot 220 South Street, Lacytown, Georgetown.
Dated at Georgetown, Demerara, This 27th day of March, 2026.
THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE
FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION
FAMILY DIVISION
PETITION NO. FD-989 BETWEEN:(THOMAS) AUBREY Petitioner -and(THOMAS) JOAN HYACINTH nee MARSHALL Respondent
TO: JOAN HYACINTH THOMAS nee MARSHALL
Formerly of Lot 75 Church Ally Supply Mahaica East Coast Demerara
TAKE NOTICE that on the 8th day of September, 2025 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by AUBREY THOMAS , the Petitioner/ Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 2nd day of March, 2026, the Petitioner/ Applicant was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in Guyana and on the world wide web (online).
AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-atLaw at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be served with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents
AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition and Application, you must file an Acknowledgment of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/ or Cross Petition Via the elitigation Platform(online) https:// ejudiciary.supremecourt.gy within 35 (thirty-five) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. Your access code is n2gHng. TAKE NOTICE that the Divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 4th day of May, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. in-person before the
Honourable Justice Peter Hugh.
IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce.
The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara].
The office is open to the public between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00 am to 2:30 pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.
Dated the 4th day of March, 2026.
FOR REGISTRAR
2026/12-EST-FDA-NCDEM-CIV IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE OFGUYANA PROBATE AND ADMINISTRATION (ADMINISTRATION) FILE NO: 2026/12-ESTFDA-NC-DEM-CIV BETWEEN:
In the matter of the Rules of the High Court Act, Chapter 3:02 -and-
In the matter of Section 35 the Deeds Registry Act, Chapter 5:01 of the Laws of Guyana, -and-
In the matter of an Application by Odayson Audwin Ashby and Rihanna Shameza Juman, for transfer of property situated at Lot numbered 835 Section ‘A’ being a portion of Block ‘X’ being a portion of Plantation Great Diamond situate on East Bank of Demerara River, in the County of Demerara, Republic of Guyana. Applicants NOTICE:
TAKE NOTICE that a Fixed Date Application was filed on the 6th day of February, 2026 by Odayson Audwin Ashby and Rihanna Shameza Juman both of lot 302 Independence Boulevard, La Penitence, Georgetown, Guyana for transfer of property situated at Lot numbered 835 Section ‘A’ being a portion of Block ‘X’ being a portion of Plantation Great Diamond situate on East Bank of Demerara River, in the County of Demerara, Republic of Guyana in the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara, where the Applicants ask for:
(i) An Order of the Court that the property described as Lot numbered 835 Section ‘A’ being a portion of Block ‘X’ being a portion of Plantation Great Diamond situate on East bank of Demerara River, in the County of Demerara, Republic of Guyana, the said Block X, containing an area of 678,3412 (six hundred seventy-eight decimal three four one two) acres as shown laid down and defined on a Plan by M.E. Rafiek, Sworn Land Surveyor, dated the 24th day of July ,1997 and deposited in the Deeds Registry on the 1st February ,1999 as more fully described on transport no.1206 dated the 8th June ,2007, be passed to and registered in the names of Odayson Audwin Ashby and Rihanna Shameza Juman, the Applicants named herein by the Registrar of Deeds.
(i) An Order of the Court that these proceedings be published in two consecutive issues of a newspaper of general circulation in Guyana.
(ii) That all persons having or claiming to have any right or title to the said property shall appear and establish their claims or otherwise show good cause as aforesaid before a Judge in Chambers on a day to be fixed by this Honourable Court.(iii) Such further or other relief as this Honourable Court may deem fit. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 2nd day of March, 2026, the Applicants is directed to effect service of this Notice of Proceedings on you by publication of a Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturdays issues of a daily news-
LEGAL NOTICE
paper printed, published, and widely circulated in and around Guyana;AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that any person having or claiming any right or title may also filed an Affidavit in Defence within 4 (four) days of the date fixed for hearing of this matter.
AND FURTHER TAKE
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE that a copy of these proceedings be served on the Registrar of Deeds within 14 days of the date of this Order. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that the Registrar of the Supreme Court create a Respondent’s code to facilitate the filing of an Affidavit in Defence by the Registrar of Deeds or any interested party if required.
AND FURTHER TAKE
NOTICE that this matter stands adjourned to the 6th day of May, 2026 at 9:30 am before the Honourable Mr. Justice Nigel Niles via Zoom or in person in Court 9 at the High Court, Demerara. Zoom Information: Meeting ID: 685 665 7142 Passcode: court123. FOR REGISTRAR
Dated this 16th day of March, 2026
2025/1419-FD-PET-DEM IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE
DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION
FAMILY DIVISION
PETITION NO. FD-1419
BETWEEN: (DANIELS) ROVENA
ROSANA nee BUNBURY also known as ROVEINA
ROSANA DANIELS also known as ROVINA ROSANA BUNBURY Petitioner/Applicant -and(DANIELS) DAVE Respondent
TO: DAVE DANIELS Formerly of St. Cuthbert’s Mission
From page 18
LEGAL NOTICE
Mahaica River Guyana
TAKE NOTICE that on the 24W ˆ day of December, 2025 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by ROVENA ROSANA DANIELS nee BUNBURY Also known as ROVEINA ROSANA DANIELS also known as ROVINA ROSANA BUNBURY, the Petitioner/Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 2•H day of March, 2026, the Petitioner/Applicant was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur Newspaper a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in Guyana and on the world wide web (online). AND FURTHER TAKE NO-
TICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-atLaw at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents
AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition and Application, you must file an Acknowledgment of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition Via the e-litigation Platform(online)https:/ /ejudiciary.supremecourt.gy within 35 (thirty-five) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. Your access code is HamKkL. TAKE NOTICE that the Divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 4W ˆ day of May, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. in-person before the Honourable Justice Peter Hugh.
IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service. Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce.
The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is
Cummings-Edwards said: “I am honoured to be appointed Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands and grateful for the confidence placed in me. I look forward to working collaboratively with my judicial colleagues, the legal profession and justice-sector partners to build on the strong foundation established and to further strengthen the deliv-
ery of justice in a manner that is fair, efficient and accessible to all.
I remain committed to upholding the rule of law and serving the people of these Islands with integrity and dedication.”
Cummings-Edwards will assume the office of Chief Justice on 1st May 2026 for a three-year term. In the interim period, Justice Tanya
Lobban-Jackson will serve as Acting Chief Justice, ensuring continuity in the administration of justice.
Back in October last year amid reports of confusion in the judiciary CummingsEdwards announced that she will be proceeding on early retirement.
During a live broadcast, President Irfaan Ali had said that Justice Cummings-
Edwards had requested to proceed on pre-retirement leave beginning Monday, October 27, 2025.
“I take this opportunity to thank Madam Justice Cummings-Edwards for her long service to the judiciary and the people of Guyana. I express my personal appreciation for her many years of public service,” President Ali had said.
From page 14
Ministry of Labour. The strike was subsequently called off after Labour Ministry intervened by offering to mediate conciliation talks between the union, NAACIE and the company.
At the end of those talks the Chinese management
were forced to make a better offer on the pay increase. On 30th September, 2025 it was reported by the press that both parties had agreed to a pay increase of 7.5 percent in 2025 and 8 percent in 2026 along with additional benefits for workers.
Joseph said that it was a
victory for the bauxite workers but he did not expect that the company would fire him months later in 2026.
While the company did not give any other reasons for his sudden and immediate termination, Joseph told Kaieteur News that he believes that it might have to do
with his efforts in performing his role as a member of NAACIE and fighting for workers’ rights.
Meanwhile, former trade unionist now turned politician, Sherwin Downer said that his party, the United Workers Party, stands with Joseph.
From page 13 with the police officers, the issues with human services and the children that were pregnant and are in the hospital, all of those things would have been dealt with at the social services committee,” she explained.
She noted that without a Social Services Committee, there is no forum to interrogate these issues or find out what really transpired. Similarly, she pointed to the lack of a Foreign Relations Committee as a barrier to discussing the ongoing issue with Venezuela or the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed regarding the “Shield of the Americas.”
The Natural Resources Committee’s absence is also under fire, specifically regarding its role in the mining and oil and gas sectors. “Any of the issues that we deal with,
located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00 am to 2:30 pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.
Dated the 5th day of March, 2026 FOR REGISTRAR
like the Marudi mining issue and all the other issues related to mining and the oil and gas sector that has come up over the last five months, there’s no committee for us to interrogate those issues,” SaraboHalley said.
She noted that these committees have the power to call entities like ExxonMobil or those in charge of Marudi mining to public hearings.
Furthermore, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which scrutinises audit reports, remains unconstituted. The Chief Whip indicated that the last report reviewed
was from 2019.
“We are in 2026 and we have not gone through any of the audit reports from 2020 to 2025. And so, no oversight, no accountability, no transparency as it relates to all the monies that have been spent over the last five years,” she lamented.
According to the SaraboHalley, the delay significantly hinders the ability of representatives to hold the government accountable for policy implementation and expenditure.
“The longer it takes for the PAC to be constituted, the
longer it takes for us to know exactly how our monies were spent over the last five, now six years, because we’re now in a new budget cycle,” Sarabo-Halley added. She closed by suggesting that the Speaker’s focus appears to be elsewhere: “For whatever reason, the Speaker has decided that the committees of parliament are no longer important.
He will be able to explain why having a new parliament building and all of the other things that he seems to be focused on is more important than the people’s business.”
From page 19 dialogue and mutual respect, mindful of the importance of preserving the cooperative and friendly relations between our countries,” President Ali said last week I his initial reaction to the matter. He said it is his sincere hope that, in the interest of sustaining and strengthening bilateral trade, fostering private sector development, and upholding the principles of good neighbourly relations, the Government of Suriname will give urgent attention to this issue. “Measures of this
nature risk creating unnecessary barriers to commerce and could undermine the confidence of businesses that rely on predictable and fair operating conditions.
I wish to remind the Government of Suriname that Surinamese businesses and investors have long benefited from opportunities within our economy, where they have operated without discrimination or undue restriction.
This openness has been a cornerstone of our engagement,” President Ali said.
He said reciprocity remains a fundamental principle underpinning our relationship.
“We therefore expect that the Surinamese authorities will reconsider and ultimately desist from any actions that may be perceived as arbitrary or detrimental to the shared objective of deepening cooperation.
Such steps are essential to ensuring that our relations continue to be guided by mutual respect and good neighborliness,” the statement concluded.
WASHINGTON, April 2
(Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump ousted Attorney General Pam Bondi on Thursday after mounting frustration with her performance, especially over the releaseoffiles onlatesexoffender JeffreyEpstein.
Trump also felt Bondi was not moving quickly enough to prosecute critics and adversaries whom he wanted to face criminal charges, according to sources Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, a former personal lawyer to Trump, will lead the Justice Department temporarily, Trump said in a social media post. In the post, Trump praised Bondi as a “GreatAmericanPatriotandaloyal friend” who had overseen a “massive crackdown in Crime.”
Trumpsaidshewillsoonmovetoa jobintheprivatesector,buthegave nodetails.
In her own social media post, Bondi said: “Leading President Trump’s historic and highly successfuleffortstomakeAmerica saferandmoresecurehasbeenthe honorofalifetime.”
She said she would spend the nextmonthtransitioningtheroleto Blanche.Onsocialmedia,Blanche thankedTrumpandpraisedBondi, promisingtodo“everythinginour power to keep America safe.”
During her tenure as the top U.S. law enforcement official, Bondi was a combative champion of Trump’sagendaanddismantledthe Justice Department’s longstanding traditionofindependencefromthe WhiteHouseinitsinvestigations. But it was repeated criticism over the Epstein files, including
from Trump’s allies and some Republicanlawmakersthatcameto dominate her tenure. Bondi was accused of covering up or mismanagingthereleaseofrecords on the DOJ’s sex-trafficking investigations into Epstein, a financier who cultivated ties to wealthy and powerful figures
Trump informed Bondi at a White House meeting onWednesday that he was looking to replace her as attorney general, according to a source familiar with the matter
Trump’s allies had encouraged the president in recent days to “rip off the Band-Aid” and fire her, according to the source and one other person familiar with the matter
Trump told Bondi multiple times over the past several months that he was unhappy with her performance,aseniorWhiteHouse official told Reuters. The official said Trump has contemplated replacing her with Lee Zeldin, the administratoroftheEnvironmental Protection Agency, but has also discussed other candidates. Bondi spent much of Wednesday with
Trump,ridingwithhimtotheU.S. Supreme Court in the morning, attendinganEasterlunchwherehe spoke and later watching his address to the nation on the Iran war AttheSupremeCourt,Trump observed as one of Bondi’s top officials,SolicitorGeneralD.John Sauer,wasgrilledbyjusticesabout the administration’s attempt to limitbirthrightcitizenship.
The Epstein files created political headaches for Trump and drew renewed scrutiny of his past friendship with Epstein, which he hassaidendeddecadesago.
Bondi’s firing could lead to a shake-up in strategy at the Justice Department and potentially a renewed push to deploy the U.S. legal system against Trump’s targets.
Bondi is the second senior Trump official to be ousted recently Trump removed Homeland Security Secretary KristiNoemonMarch5following criticismofhermanagementofthe agency and Trump’s immigration agenda.
Bondi, a former Republican state attorney general in Florida, said she worked on restoring the Justice Department’s focus on violent crime and rebuilding trust with Trump’s supporters after federal prosec
s twice criminally charged Trump during hisyearsoutofpower
Bondialsofacedcriticismover the removal of dozens of career prosecutors who worked on investigationsthatTrumpopposed, with critics accusing her of abandoning the DOJ’s traditional focus on even-handed justice “Pam Bondi took a sledgehammer to the Justice Department and its workforce,” said Stacey Young, a formerDOJlawyerandtheheadof Justice Connection, an advocacy organization formed to aid career staff who were expelled or resigned.
Bondi presided over a mass exodus of career lawyers from manycrucialDOJunitsandaneartotalalignmentbetweentheJustice Department and Trump, whose image now adorns its Washington headquarters.
DOJ has pursued a slew of investigations against Trump antagonists, including bringing criminal charges last year against formerFBIDirectorJamesComey, opens new tab and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Thecasesencounteredobstaclesin court and were thrown out by a judge who found the Trumpnominatedprosecutorwhobrought them, Lindsey Halligan, was unlawfully appointed. “Pam Bondi’s legacy will be the weaponization of the world’s
preeminent law enforcement agency for Donald Trump’s personal benefit, but apparently even she didn’t go far enough to appease him,” Senator Dick Durbin, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said inastatement.
Bondi defended the rollout of theEpsteinfiles,sayingtheTrump administration had been more transparent than previous presidents and that DOJ lawyers quickly reviewed reams of material.
At a House of Representatives committee hearing in February, Bondi responded to criticism with political attacks on lawmakers. Bondi early last year played into fevered speculation about the Epstein files, saying a client list wasonherdeskforreview
But after an initial release included material that was largely already public, the DOJ and FBI declared in July that the case was closed and no further disclosures werewarranted.
That prompted an eruption of criticism and eventually a bipartisanlawpassedinNovember requiringtheJusticeDepartmentto releasenearlyallitsfiles.
Thereleaseofroughly3million pages still did not quell the controversy, as lawmakers criticized redactions and the disclosureofsomeEpsteinvictims’ identities.
The Republican-led House Oversight Committee voted to subpoenaBondiandshewassetto testifyonApril14.
WASHINGTON, April 2 (Reuters) - U.S. Army Chief of Staff Randy George was fired on Thursday by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, three U.S. defense officials told Reuters, in latest purge among the Pentagon’s most seniorranks.
Even as Hegseth, a former Fox News host, has moved quickly to reshape the department, firing a general during wartime is nearly without precedent
The Reuters Iran Briefing newsletter keeps you informed with the latest developments and analysisoftheIranwar
T h e P e n t a g o n confirmed that George, who had more than a year left in his term, “will be retiring from his position as the 41st Chief of Staff
of the Army effective immediately
The Pentagon said in a statement it was grateful for George’s decades of service “We wish him well in his retirement,” it said
Two of the officials, speaking on the condition
of anonymity, said
Hegseth has also fired General David Hodne, who leads the Army’s Transformation and Training Command, and Major General William Green, head of the Army’s ChaplainCorps.
The department did not give a reason for George’s departure, which comes as the U S military builds up its forces in the Middle East
while carrying out operationsagainstIran. The U S strikes in the
region are largely being carried out by the Navy and Air Force, although U S Army soldiers have been dispatched to the Middle East for air defense systems.TheArmy is the largest branch of the U.S. military, with about 450,000 active-duty soldiers.
Thousands of soldiers from the U S Army’s elite 82nd Airborne Divisionhavealsostarted arriving in the Middle East, potentially for groundoperationsinIran LATEST UPHEAVAL ATPENTAGON
G e n e r a l R a n d y George, Chief of Staff of the U S Army speaks during a ceremony honoring prisoners of war, at the Pentagon in Washington, D C U S , September 19, 2025
There had been no public signs of friction between Hegseth and George, even as Hegseth pursued controversial moves such as firing the Army’s top lawyer and arranging a massive military parade celebrate the Army’s 250th birthday, which coincided with Trump’sbirthday
Earlier this week, Hegseth also reversed an Army decision to investigate Army pilots who were flying attack helicopters near singer Kid Rock’s house, in an apparent show of support forthevocalTrumpbacker CBS News, which first reported the dismissal, said it was not related to the Kid Rock incident
One of the officials
said Hegseth’s former military aide and Army
vice chief of staff, General Chri
LaNeve, will take over George’sroleinanacting capacity A
senior Army leadership learned about George’s firing at the same time as itwasmadepublic
George, an infantry officer who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, was confirmed to the top Army post in 2023
Termsinthatroleusually runforfouryears
George’s removal adds to recent upheaval at all levels of leadership at the Pentagon, including the firing last year of the previous chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force General C.Q. Brown, aswellasthechiefofnaval operations and Air Force vicechiefofstaff.
The office for George did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
ReportingbyIdreesAli, Phil Stewart, Jasper Ward and Bhargav Acharya; Editing by Christian Martinez and Edmund Klamann
Prior to holding the top job, George was the vice chief of the Army and, before that, the senior military adviser to then-Defense Secretary LloydAustin Hewasconsideredclose to Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. The two worked together to take on large defense companies, in the Army’s drive to speed up weapons development and drivedowncosts.
ExxonMobil continues to reap staggering profits from Guyana's oil without honouring the true 50/50 share promised under the 2016 PSA. The absence of a ring-fencing mechanism has allowed the company to claim up to 87.5 per cent of revenue, leaving the nation with crumbs while costs rack up across multiple projects.
Despite claims that the cost bank will be cleared by year-end, new projects threaten to balloon expenses, further delaying Guyana's rightful profits. AFC leaders, including Dr. Vincent Adams and interim leader David Patterson, warn that without transparency and strict ring-fencing, Guyanese will remain shortchanged.
The government must demand quarterly disclosure of recovered costs, operational expenses, and profits, and implement ringfencing immediately. Anything less risks cementing a system where Exxon controls timelines and revenue, while Guyana waits indefinitely for what is legally and morally owed.
BBC Sport - Gabriele Gravina has resigned as the head of Italy’s football
association (FIGC) following their failure to qualify for a third consecutiveWorldCup.
The four-time world champions suffered another play-off final defeat when they were beaten 4-1 on penalties by BosniaHerzegovinaonTuesday
No previous winner of the tournament has missed three World Cups in a row,
which Italy now have after missing out on Russia in 2018andQatar2022.
Also on Thursday, formergoalkeeperGianluigi Buffon, who was working closely with the men’s national team, resigned as delegation head via Instagram.
Buffon, who was part of Italy’s 2006 World Cupwinningside,wrotethatwith Gravina’s decision to go, he felt, “as an act of responsibility”,heshoulddo
thesame.
“Themainobjectivewas to bring Italy back to the World Cup. And we didn’t succeed,”Buffon,48,added.
“It’s fair to leave it to those who will come after the freedom to choose the figure they think is best to playmyrole.”
Gravina, 72, who is the Uefa first vice-president, announced his resignation following a meeting held at the FIGC’s headquarters in Rome.
He took the job in October 2018, with his predecessorCarloTavecchio having stepped down following Italy’s failure to beatSwedeninaWorldCup play-offthepreviousyear
Italy won Euro 2020 during Gravina’s tenure, beatingEnglandinapenalty shootout at Wembley Stadium. But the country’s football federation is under scrutiny following the failure to qualify for this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Gravina oversaw the appointmentsofformerhead coach Luciano Spalletti and current boss Gennaro Gattuso.
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
Studyofreligionandspiritual matters could well be of particular interest for you today, Aries. You're likely to discuss your knowledge and beliefsregardingsuchmatters withaclosefriend.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
Today communication with othersismorelikelytobeona subtleratherthanverballevel, Taurus When the phone rings, you might already know who's on the other end of the line before you pick it up.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
Inspirationdrawnfromrecent religious or spiritual occurrences could have you writing down accounts of yourexperiences,Gemini.
CANCER(June21–July22)
You should be feeling especially strong and healthy today, Cancer The drive to exercise, particularly if you do it alone and outdoors, is likely to get the endorphins going and thus give you a naturalhigh.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
Today, Leo, you might find yourself picking up uncanny telepathic messages from a friend who lives some distance from you A telephone call might reveal that this person has just receivedsomegoodnews,.
VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)
Creative inspiration flows freely today, Virgo, enabling youtochannelitinmorethan one way An opportunity to earn a sizable fee doing somethingartisticcouldcome yourway
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
Usuallyyouprefertoapproach events with a practical and scientific attitude, Libra, but todayyou'refeelingespecially intuitiveandmoreawareofthe other worlds, so it might be difficult to hang on to your usualmindset.
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21)
If you've been thinking about taking up the study of astrology, numerology, alchemy, or any other occult science, this is the day to get started,Scorpio.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)
Someratherintenseandvivid dreams could inspire you to embark on some in-depth study of a subject that specifically interests you, Sagittarius.Thiscouldinvolve the arts, philosophy, or metaphysics.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
Romantic relationships take on a fairytale aura, Capricorn, bringingupthekindofdesire, passion, and sense of unity associated with Lancelot and Guinevere.Therefore.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Today you might attend more than one group activity or social event involving spiritual or metaphysical matters.Yoursenseofintuition is very high, Aquarius, and your level of understanding is especiallyacute.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar 20)
Intellectual or artistic work couldtakeupalotofyourtime today, Pisces. Your level of inspiration is high, and you're apt to be full of ideas that otherswouldfindbeneficial.
said a vote to elect a new president will be held on 22 June. Among the leading candidates to take over is Giovanni Malago, the formerheadofoftheItalian Olympic Committee, who was also president of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics organisation committee.
In a further blow, Uefa P
Ceferin has warned Italy couldloseitsroleasco-host o f t h e E u r o p e a n Championship in 2032 unless the country upgrades itsfootballinfrastructure.
Italy is set to host the tournament with Turkey but its lack of modern s
Before resigning, Gravinatoldreportershehad askedGattusotostaydespite missing out on the World Cup.
Inastatement,theFIGC
criticism,withanumberof clubsstrugglingtoupgrade
because of disputes with publicauthorities.
The country’s football
Octobertoputforwardfive stadiums to Uefa, the European governing body, tohostEuro2032matches
“ E u
o 2 0 3 2 i s scheduled and will take place I hop
he infrastructure will be ready,” Ceferin told Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport
“
tournament will not be playedinItaly”
Ceferin, who had given his backing to Gravina before the news of his resignation was made public, said the former FIGC president was not to blame for the nation’s lack ofstadiumregeneration
“Perhaps it is Italian politicians who should be askingthemselveswhyItaly has some of the worst football infrastructure in Europe,”hesaid.
Frompage35 and 200m events. On the boys’ side, Malachi Austin returns to the U20 division following an impressive 2025 season. Now based at LSU, Austin is set to compete in the 400m, as well as the 4x400m and mixed4x400mrelays.
In the Girls U17 category, Angela Jeffery willlineupinthe100mand 200m, while Olivia Solomon takes on the challenging 400m and 800mdouble.
The Boys U17 squad also carries significant depth, with Omari Welch (100m,longjump),Malique Kendall (100m, 200m), JerrelCampbell(400m,long jump), Jermaine Shepherd (800m,1500m),andBryson Anderson (800m) all expected to make their mark.
Guyanawillalsofeature stronglyinthefieldevents, with Keimal Gishard competing in the triple jump and high jump, and Nathaniel Samaroo entered in both the shot put and discus.
At the Under-20 level, Onesi Dunn and Gordon Thompson will contest the 100m, while Tishaun Easton and Dequan Farrell are set for the 200m, with Farrell also doubling in the 400m.
Middle-distance events will see Javon Roberts in the800mand1500m,while Ebo McNeil tackles the
1500mand5000m.Kaidon Persaud will represent in thejavelin. Relay events are once again expected to provide Guyana with strong medal opportunities The U20 boys’4x400m team, led by
AustinandFarrell,istipped to be highly competitive, while the mixed 4x400m relay featuring Austin, Persaud, Springer and Akela Dover could challenge for a podium finish.
2026/27
A slightly more productive round of U16 regional youth cricket yesterday, was headlined by wins for Windward Islands as well as Trinidad and Tobago, leaving both Guyana and Barbados stuck in a back and forth tussle with the weather which forcedanotherabandonment yesterday
Windwards beat Leewards by 61 runs at the CoolidgeCricketGround.
After opener Derwin Lewis dropped the first ton of what could be considered
a mixed tournament, Windwards continued to owntheLeewards.
The left-hander Lewis cracked a classy 102 with more than 12 boundaries in total, with help from Alex Armstrong (47) and captain Jershaun Joseph (29) which took Windwards to 217 all outinthe49thover The duo of Kamari
France (4-42) and Aedan Williams (3-30), continued
to carry the Leewards bowling, but could not save their team from crashing to 156-9in43overs.
Only Isaiah Harris (33) and Dante Odlum (31)
looked the part as Windwards’ Dylan John followed up another amazing game with the ball bygrabbing4-34,whichput astoptothechase.
Trinidad & Tobago beat Jamaicaby39runsattheJB CricketGround.
In a low-scoring affair, Trinidad and Tobago beat Jamaica after miraculously defending the 86 all out which they made batting first.
K’Hill Thomas (15), Samir Boodoo (12) and Marley Richards (11*) were the leading scorers for Trinidad, after the Jamaican trio of Rahiem Livingston (4-25), Rajae Mcgeachy (321) and Hugh Turner’s (214) exceptional efforts with theballwentupinsmoke.
Jamaica were then
muzzled for a paltry 47 all out in the 28th over, after a mind-blowing spell from Trinidadian Arnaldo Premchand who snared 7-6 from 8.5 overs; which left JeremiahJohnson(15)asthe leadingscorerforhisteam.
Guyana, Barbados abandoned yet again due to badweather
Over in Guyana, rain continued to toy with all outdoor activities, most notably sports and in this case the highly anticipated battle between the Bajans
andtheGuyanese. Action yesterday at PoliceGroundwascalledoff due to bad weather, further dampening hopes of having a bright end to the tournament with just a few gamesleft.
The next round is set for Saturday, with fingers crossed ahead of what was dubbedtobearainyweekin Guyana; more than ever sunshinewillbeahugesilver lining as fans and players alike pray for a full day of cricket.
(CliftonRoss)
YahooSportsviaHTC-ElenaRybakina has made an impressive start to the season duringtheSunshineDouble,reachingbotha finalandasemifinal.
Rybakina fell short against Aryna SabalenkaintheIndianWellsfinal,andfaced a similar outcome in their Miami Open semifinal clash. The Kazakhstan player is nowrankedsecondintheWTAstandingsand holds a 21-5 record for the 2026 season. Sabalenka, meanwhile, went on to win both WTA 1000 tournaments. The clay-court swing is now underway on the WTA Tour, andRybakinahasjustreachedanothercareer milestone. Elena Rybakina reaches 100 weeksintheTop5ofWTArankings
Rybakina has now reached a significant milestone in her career, marking her 100th week ranked inside the top five of theWTA standings. She only recently hit her careerhigh ranking of number two in the world, which came on the back of her Australian Open title earlier this year The 26-year-old has also made quarterfinal appearances in bothBrisbaneandQatarsofarthisseason.
She was forced to retire during a roundof-16matchinDubaibuthasn’tmissedabeat sincethen.
It’s been an impressive start to the year for Rybakina, who will head into the claycourt season aiming to chase down Sabalenkaatthetopoftherankings.
If she needs any extra motivation, it’s worthrememberingthatRybakinaisstillthe only player to have beaten Sabalenka so far this season – with Sabalenka holding a remarkable23-1record.
How close is Elena Rybakina to Aryna Sabalenka’stopspot?
The matchup between Rybakina and Sabalenka has already produced three highstakesconteststhisyear,andit’sshowingno signsofslowingdown.
Since losing theirAustralian Open final, the Belarusian has flipped the script, now leadingtheirhead-to-head10-7.
Sabalenka also holds a comfortable lead in the rankings, sitting on 11,025 points compared to Rybakina’s 8,108. But that gap couldshrinkquicklyaswemoveintotheclay season. This stretch of the calendar gives Rybakina a real chance to make up ground. However,CocoGauffmighthavesomething tosayaboutwhodominatesonclaythisyear
TheAmericanisjustbehindRybakinain thirdplacewith7,278points.IgaSwiatekis alsoclosebehindwith7,263points.
Despite her recent challenges and split fromcoachWimFissette,Swiatekremainsa proven force on clay And while Gauff is coming off her first French Open title in 2025,Swiatekhadwoneachoftheprevious three tournaments there, taking her total to fourRolandGarrostitles.
Th e U p p e r
C o r e n t y n e
C r i c k e t Associationrecentlyheldits Annual General Meeting where a new body was elected to control the game inthatpartofthecountry
Followingtheelectionof office bearers, an 11member body was put in place to take charge of the cricket in the Upper Corentyne.
The following persons andtheirrespectiveposition were elected to serve the game there - The new President is Lakeram Lathman,fillingtheposition of Vice President is Visham Rampersaud. The Secretary is Basdeo Seenauth, while
the Treasurer position will be occupied by Tharesh Ramgahan. The Assistant Secretary/Treasurerposition was taken by Bhim Ramkissoon.
T h e r e a r e s i x
Committee Members – are
Chaitram P
aud, Vadanand Sugrim, Sadeek Amin, Thrishan Ramdass, Chandradeo Laljit and ShreenarineLaljit. The body has since met after the election and worked out a programme forcricketinthearea They have so far organised a competition which is already underway Results will be available in a subsequent release (SamuelWhyte)
Bconfirmed he has been hired as the bowling consultant for the senior West Indiesmen’steam.TheformerBarbadosand West Indies allrounder is among the most sought after coaches in world cricket at all levels.
NATIONNEWS spoke to him on Wednesday morning and he confirmed his delight to rejoin the Windies set up. The 57 yearoldisheadcoachofPeshawarZalmiin the franchise Pakistan Super League. His first assignment is expected to be the West Indies white ball camp in Antigua in May, ahead of the series against Sri Lanka in Jamaica,startinginearlyJune.
Theofficialannouncementwasexpected yesterdayafternoonfromCWI.
Gibson also coached Yorkshire in the English County Championship and was the first black man appointed head coach of SouthAfrica.
HewasheadcoachwhentheWestIndies wontheICCMen’sT20WorldCupin2012. (PhilipSpooner)
Frompage34 trophies. Walker further informed, that while the focus of his information in this articlewasontheDCCconnection,allmust note that the Legendary Guyana and West Indies batsman Rohan Kanhai was the first tocollecttheShellShieldforGuyanawhen theywonitin1973. TheDCCdynamicduo of Sir Clive Lloyd and Roger Harper ‘brought home the bacon’ in 1975, 1983, 1987 and 1993 and now another Demerara Cricket Club disciple in Tevin Imlach is continuing the great tradition of the longstandingcitycricketclub.
Frompage33 stated. Beyond the feature event, the Easter Cup meetingboastsafullslateof races,promisinganexciting dayofactionforpatrons.
Among the supporting races are the Easter Sprint for horses aged four years and older, the Three-YearOld Imported, and the F
Class and Lower event, which caters to specific categories of imported runners based on racing activity. Additionally, the programme includes the Three-Year-Old and Over West Indian Bred, the Open Three-Year-Old Native Bred,theHClassandLower for West Indian-bred horses yet to secure a win in 2025, the Three-Year-Old and OverI/J/KClass,theOpenL Class, and the everentertainingJockeyDash. In total, five other races onthecardwillcarrypurses of $1 million, ensuring competitive stakes throughouttheday
PlayintheMinistry of Culture Youth
& Sport and
NationalSportsCommission School Girls and Boys
Wi n d b a l l C r i c k e t competitioncontinuedatthe NationalGymnasium.
Theeventisorganisedby MCYS and NSC Sports Officer A. Munroe and in latest Janet Jagan Girls action, Saints Stanislaus College continued their winning way with a victory overSaintRosesHigh.
St Roses after been invited to take first strike made 87-3 off their allotted overs, with Tanuja Singh making32.
St Stanislaus College in
reply raced to 77-0 off 3 overswhenbadlightstopped playwinningthematchona better run rate Darshini
Lallbeharyhit54(6sx7)and NatashaStoll12.
IntheCheddiJaganBoys competition, Tucville Secondary batted first and made 31-4, Shan Raimoon hit14.
Brickdam Secondary responded with 35-1 as Garren Newton single handedly took care of the chasescoring30runs.
ChristChurchSecondary hit 85-5, Suraj Persaud 16, Joshua Yipsam 14, as defending Georgetown Champions Saint Roses High won the game off the
College
All focus has now been shifted to the Jumbo Jet eventssponsoredNitroKart Clash,setforApril19atthe National Stadium, ProvidenceTarmac.
Withover$10Monoffer for winners of the various classes of action, last weekend’s GMR&SC kart Revival has whetted the appetite of the local karting community
Jumbo Jet Events, the organizingbody,hasalready confirmed several eyecatchingplusestowidenthe poolofracersfortheevent.
These include free entry for all local drivers and a significant expansion of the venue to accommodate surginginterest.
Fans and enthusiasts are already talking about the potential transformation of the Providence Stadium parking lot into a custombuilt racing circuit for the event,featuringaredesigned track layout, increased pit capacity, spectator accommodations, and the fullrangeoffamily-friendly attractions that organizers areknownfordelivering.
“Weareseeingalevelof interest that exceeded early projections,” the event’s promoterstated.
“Atthispoint,wesimply havenomoreroom—notfor extendedcoveredbleachers, not for pitting of karts, and not even for the family
attractions we normally bring. We are committed to delivering a complete experience and are not prepared to compromise because of venue limitations.”
The organizers, in conjunction with the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC), are pulling out all the stops to ensure a thrilling day of bothkartandbikeracing.
“This is bigger than one event,” the promoter added.
“Karting is the entry point into motorsport, and what we are building is a pathway—one that allows newdriverstocomeinwhile also bringing back those who have been part of the sportbefore.”
Karting is widely recognizedasthefoundation of motorsport globally, serving as the training ground for drivers who progress to higher levels of competition With Nitro Kart Klash, organizers aim to reignite the local karting scene while fostering longterm growth and talent development.
The expanded race programme will feature a wide variety of categories catering to all levels of competition. These include Briggs & Stratton sealedengine classes for seniors, juniors (13–15), and cadets (6–12), as well as the 200cc
Honda 4-stroke promoters andlightclasses.Additional categories include 125cc IAME two-stroke (heavy and light), under-12 60cc IAME,afive-laptimeattack open category, and supermoto 250cc bike competitions.
With strong support from corporate Guyana, including Banks DIH, AJM Enterprise, KP Jagdeo General Contractors, J’s Supermarket, SCI (Sawh’s Construction Inc ), Precision Service Center, and Ramchand’s Autobody, NitroKartKlashispoisedto deliver both high-energy racing and meaningful opportunities for drivers at everylevel.
“This is not just about putting on a race,” the promoteremphasized.
“It’s about delivering something that Guyana and the Caribbean can be proud of.”
With preparations already underway for the new circuit at Providence and infrastructure development in progress, anticipation continues to build for what is shaping up tobealandmarkmotorsport event.
“This is just the beginning,” the promoter added. “We are building somethingthatwillstandout not just locally, but acrosstheCaribbean.”
TAssociation (GMMAKA) delivered an exceptional performance at the South
America Undiscovered Martial Arts Championship onMarch29,2026,securing
Slingerz Racing Stable’s prized thoroughbred, Olympic Kremlin, is said to be in peak condition and ready to deliver another commanding performance when he lines up in the feature Easter Cup on Sunday, April 5, at the Port MourantTurfClub.
The accomplished runner, a former Guyana Cupchampion,willheadline the marquee event on the programme,whichisopento horses aged three years and older and will be contested over approximately 1600 metres.
Withalucrativepurseof $4mupforgrabs,thewinner issettopocket$2mmillion, adding further prestige to what is already one of the standoutsmeetsonthelocal racingcalendar
Olympic Kremlin has firmlyestablishedhimselfas one of Guyana’s most successful racehorses, building an enviable record whileearningtheadmiration of racing enthusiasts across thecountry
From his very first outing on local tracks, the bay colt has captured the imagination of fans with his explosive speed, resilience, and trademark finishing
kick, making him a consistentcrowdfavourite.
Slingerz Racing Stable’s chief, Javed Ali, expressed confidence in the horse’s readiness and is eagerly
Olympic Kremlin will be a crowd favourite at Sunday’s Easter Cup.
anticipating his return to competitiveaction.
“We’re excited to see Olympic Kremlin back in action,” Ali said, while adding, “He’s been working well and showing all the signs that he’s ready to perform.Fanscanexpecthis usualshowmanshipwhenhe stepsontothetrack.”
A l i , h o w e v e r , acknowledged that the Easter Cup will not be without its challenges, noting the quality of the expectedfield.
“We’re expecting a challenge, no doubt about that…butthisisahorsethat is always ready to give his best He thrives in competition and is known for delivering when it mattersmost,”Alistated.
T h e s e a s o n e d campaigner will be aiming not only for victory on Sunday but also to reassert
an impressive total of 32 medalswithateamofjust16 competitors.
The team’s outstanding medalhaulincluded10gold, 14 silver, and 8 bronze medals, underscoring their strength,skill,andversatility acrossmultipledivisions.
Head Instructor, Master Lloyd Ramnarine, extended heartfelt congratulations to the team, praising their discipline, dedication, and relentlesshardwork.
He commended the athletes for representing both their association and country with pride and excellence on the internationalstage.
Individual
his dominance on the local horse racing scene after facing stiff competition in recentoutings.
“For us at Slingerz Racing, this race is important,”accordingtoAli, who further pointed out, “Olympic Kremlin will be looking to re-establish his dominance, but we’re fully aware that the competition will be tough. Still, he’s a horse that shows up when called upon, and we’re confidentinhisability.”
Ali also pointed out that Sunday’s feature serves as a crucial stepping stone toward the prestigious GuyanaCuplaterthisyear
“This is a good preparation race for the Guyana Cup That’s the ultimatetarget,andOlympic Kremlin will be looking to reclaimhisthronewhenthat timecomes,”Alifirmly (Continuedonpage31)
Achievements:
JaffarRamnarine–2
SilverZaffarRamnarine
–2 GoldChaitram Ramotar –1Gold,1 Silver,1 Bronze AmaziahAngad –2SilverNaryanSawh–2Gold,1Silver,1
BronzeLiamNazio–1
BronzeMohamed Rahaman–2Gold,2
BronzeAnnalisaAngad –1SilverCadenGrant–1SilverNoelCampbell–3SilverMekhiConway–
1Silver,1Bronze
CharitaKiran–1Silver SaniyaNarine–1Bronze KesterRodrigues–1
SilverMasterRamnarine emphasized that the team’s
success reflects not only individual talent but also consistent training, discipline, and strong team unity He encouraged the athletes to continue striving for excellence as they prepare for future internationalcompetitions.
This remarkable achievement marks a proud moment for GMMAKA, demonstrating that even a small team can make a significant impact on the globalmartialartsstage. For those interested in joining any of GMMAKA’s branches, please contact: 698-6727, 681-1701, 6899288, 602-0591, or 6987456
AccordingtoStatistician
Charwayne Walker, Demerara Cricket Club’s Tevin Imlach has found himself in exalted company
T h e We s t I n d i e s wicketkeeper/batsman, who was recently appointed Guyana Harpy Eagles captain for the 2026
Regional First Class Championship, will be looking to continue a proud
tradition set by his predecessorsfromDCC.
AccordingtoWalker,Sir Clive Lloyd was the man at the helm when Guyana won the 1975 Shell Shield Championship. Sir Clive was the man calling plays again when the land of the Majestic Kaieteur falls won the double Shell Shield and
2026/27
Geddes Grant Shield in 1983.
Another Demerara CricketClubsonofthesoil, Roger Harper led from the front with centuries against TrinidadandTobagoandthe Leeward Islands in 1987 when the Land of Many Waters won the last Shell Shieldtournament.
Walker further informed that Roger Harper was the man running things again when Guyana won the double, Red Stripe Cup and shared the Geddes Shield with the Leeward Islands in 1993.
Now Tevin Imlach is looking to continue the exemplaryleadershipleftby his two illus
us clubmates.
Walker notes, that another Demerara Cricket Club stalwart, the late Roy Fredericks, was captain when Guyana won its first regional one day title 1980. The pugnacious Fredericks led from the front with a robust 119 in the final against the Leeward Islands at the Antigua Recreation groundinStJohn’s.
AccordingtoWalker,the milliondollarquestionbeing asked by Guyanese cricket fans, is why His Excellency President Mohamed Irfan
Ali was not afforded the opportunity to present the 2025 Regional First Class championship trophy to Tevin Imlach in keeping
withpresidentialprocedures that saw Former Presidents, the late Linden Forbes Burnham, Hugh Desmond Hoyte and Cheddi Jagan being afforded the task of presenting the respective then captains with the regionalchampionship (Continuedonpage31)
The Barbados lads have been keeping themselves busy with mini tours, shopping, games and team bonding as they look forward to a brighter remainder of the tournament.
the lookout for a possible
lining. Speaking with Host Andrew Mason on his show
Tuesday night as one of the guestsonthepanel,Manager
G
listenerssaidthetwowashed out games were beyond saving despite the tremendous efforts by the Guyanesegroundsmen;who earned top praises for trying to make the venue playable despite the torrential conditions.
“The ground was saturatedwithwater
The ground staff, I must givethemallcreditbuttheir efforts were not enough”, said the manager , who compared the Lusignan Ground to the Maple Club Ground in Barbados as it relates to what could occur during a day or two of persistent rainfall, but nevertheless added that the team was in high spirits despitethelackofgameplay
“Wetookthemforshort walks around the area We went to Giftland Mall for a walk around and to do a little shopping We also
drove around the area” and added that he also purchased some dominoes to help his players pass the time while keeping a sharp mindset.
While the players and teams respectively have suffered due to the bad weather,theBajanManager also revealed that a number of supporters from back home; most of which consistsoffamilymembers, have also felt the brunt of MotherNature
“Parents and some other relatives came over to watch the boys So we have parents and relatives who came over, I would say we have like 25 parents who have come overtoseetheboysplay”.
Officials opted to play
Tuesday’s abandoned Game 2 on Wednesday, which further tested the resolve and grit of both teams as they head into today’s round of action (CliftonRoss)
Athaleyha Hinckson
With Guyana’s 24memberathleticsteamsetto compete at the 53rd edition of the CARIFTA Games in Grenada, Director of Sport
Steve Ninvalle has underscoredthecriticalroleof sustained government investment in shaping the country’s growing success in
track and field. The championships, which run from April 4–6 at the Kirani JamesStadiuminStGeorge’s, markthefourthtimeGrenada hosts the prestigious regional event Speaking during a courtesy call by the national contingentattheMinistryof Culture, Youth and Sport, Ninvalle pointed to the Government of Guyana’s deliberate and strategic support for athletics, particularly under the leadership of Minister CharlesRamsonJr
“The Government has madeaconsciousdecisionto invest heavily in sport, and track and field has been one ofthemajorbeneficiariesof that vision,” Ninvalle told the athletes. “We are seeing theresultsofthatinvestment t
preparation, and greater
opportunitiesforourathletes to develop both locally and internationally.” Ninvalle further highlighted the strong working relationship between the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Athletics Association of Guyana, noting that collaborationhasbeenkeyto thesport’supwardtrajectory
“The NSC continues to work closely with the AAG toensurethatourathletesare provided with the necessary resources, t
aining environments,andexposure. Thatpartnershipiscrucialif wearetosustainsuccessand build a strong pipeline of talent,”hesaid.
In a move aimed at strengthening oversight and support, Ninvalle will accompany the team to Grenada alongside NSC ViceChairCristyCampbell.
The decision follows the challenges faced during the 2023GamesintheBahamas, withofficialskeentoensure a more structured and seamless experience for the athletesthistimearound.
Guyana’s campaign will bespearheadedbyablendof experienced returnees and promisingyoungtalent.
Among the standout names is Tianna Springer, who will compete in the Girls Under-20 category
Now representing the University of Georgia, Springer is expected to defend her title and remains one of Guyana’s strongest medalprospects.
However,itwasrevealed that Guyana will be without rising sprint sensation
Athaleyha Hinckson, who recently secured an Adidas NIL deal as a freshman at LouisianaStateUniversity Hinckson was down to contesttheGirlsU20100m (Continuedonpage29)
