WANTED: Wayne Joseph Carlos also called ‘Wayne Castello’ and ‘Satan’
murder
CXC scraps SBA for most subjects
...as AI threat forces major exam overhaul ...students to write exam-based Paper 032 instead as Council moves to protect integrity of qualifications
Govt. to clear housing
backlog in 9 regions beforeendofterm
Austrian company to begin int'l arbitration over unpaid hospital contracts
…govt. rejects “misleading narrative,” vows to defend itself
...saysfatheronlypaidRichmond’slegal feesin‘PaperShorts’caseasconcernsgrow Mohamed dismisses police probe as ‘Wild Goose Chase’
Guyanese still awaiting promised 50% cut in electricity
tariffs – Patterson
‘Govt. celebrates gas-to-energy power lines’ ...as
...says 2-year powership contract confirms no deadline in sight
Interim Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC)
and former Public Infrastructure Minister
David Patterson has dismissed the government's celebration of the Gas-toEnergy (GTE) transmission networkasapublicrelations exercise, arguing that the project remains far from
delivering electricity because its key generation facilitiesarestillunfinished.
Patterson contended that while the government is
b o a s t i n g t h a t t h e transmissionnetworkis99% complete, the electricity generation and Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) plants at Wales remain almost two years behind schedule and are unlikely to be fully operational before mid2027.
Government this week
highlighted that the transmission network to distribute electricity from the project is 99% completed.
On his Facebook page, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo posted “With the Gas-to-Energy transmission networknow99%complete, Guyana is on the verge of a new era of affordable and reliableelectricity.”
Headdedthattheproject representsamajorstepinthe c o u n t r y ' s e n e r g y transformation, using natural gas to reduce electricity costs, improve energy security and create a stronger foundation for future renewable energy development.
To this end, Patterson pointed out, “transmission lines cannot function independently; operational readiness requires the completion and integration of generation facilities, substations, protection systems, and distribution interfaces.
While transmission line construction between Wales and Goedverwagting may have advanced, the associated substations and gas-fired generation sets necessaryforpowerdelivery and system integration are n o w h e r e n e a r commissioningreadiness.”
The former Minister of Public Infrastructure who held responsibility for the energy sector between 2015 and 2020 was adamant that
InterimLeader oftheAFC, David Patterson
completion cannot be used asanaccurateassessmentof
Patterson highlighted that the pipeline component of the project, built by ExxonMobil was completed since 2024, but close to two years later, not a single kilowatt of power has been produced with the generating sets nowhere close to completion as is evident from recent images sharedpublicly
Evidenceofmoredelays
The ex-MP noted, “A project that was slated to be completed by 2024 now does not have a definitive end date, which is why the PPP were forced to renew therentalagreementwiththe 36MW power ship for an additional two years, since they are well aware that this project has about that time period to be completed, if it everwillbecompleted.”
It was recently reported that the GoG renewed the rental agreement with a Turkishpowership,afterthe initial two-year agreement concludedinJune.
Patterson concluded that the GTE project, Guyana's largest ever infrastructural development in history has becomeacasestudyonhow not to execute a major project.
“We hoped that the PPP had learnt their lesson after the ill-fated Skeldon plant, and the fiber optic cable,
both colossal failures, however they have doubled down on the Gas to Energy projectjusttodemonstrateto the world that they are capable of failures on a granderscale,”hesaid.
Furthermore, the party leader accu
e a d m i n i s t r a t i o n o f incompetence and lack of accountability, as after six years and billions spent on power generation, Guyana continues to suffer daily poweroutagesbeingblamed on “everything, including rats, carrion crows, minibus drivers, excavators' operators – while the true is simpler – the PPP are incapable of managing our powernetwork.”
Guyana now qualifies to be a jewellery store that is without equal, beyond compare. From oil to gold, the languageisexcitingandflashy Lookingonthebrightside,it isalmostinevitablethatfieldsunderexplorationforuranium could join the foreign investor orchestra currently performing at high volume. Agroup that resonates almost dreamily about the prospects for riches from Guyana’s minerals.GlancebackwardstoNovember2023. Guyana’s chiefoilpartner,Americanoilgiant,ExxonMobil,used24carat language to describe the prominence of the Stabroek Blockinitssprawlingglobalinvestmentportfolio. Alistair Routledge, ExxonMobil’s Guyana President, told the FinancialTimes,“ItisajewelinExxonMobil’scrown.It’sa significantresource.”OthershavecalledGuyana’soffshore Stabroek Block as the discovery of the century, one that standsheadandshouldersabovealltherest,whereverthey are. Wall Street analysts have described the 2016 ExxonMobil oil contract as the “best oil deal in modern history.” Good, better, best is the only way to describe Guyana’s oil deal relative to its massive upside for ExxonMobil.
Now, it is clear that what is good for oil (and ExxonMobil) is also good for gold. The winner on this occasionisOmaiGoldCorp,aCanadiancompanycashing inonGuyana’srichgoldfields.Omai’sPresidentandCEO, ElaineEllingham,continueswiththeglitteringlanguageof oil. “Araregem”anda“superpit”thatdoesnothavetobe madeanybigger.Itisthatonce-in-a-lifetimegoldstrikethat minersdreamabout.Amotherlodeofmotherlodes,withthe potential to produce 300,000 ounces of gold every year for the next 20 years. ExxonMobil has the staggeringly rich Stabroek Block under its control for the next 40 years at a minimum. Omai Gold is sitting on a high producing gold mineforthenext20years.Ithasafieldtooperateinthatis twoandahalfkilometerslongandonekilometerwide. That is a huge area of land to work, with much work to do, and endlessprofitstobereaped. Eventhedouble-digitestimate ofmillionsofouncescouldendupbeingonthelowside. In CEO Ellingham’s own words: “it just keeps on giving, and keeps on giving, never disappointing, beautiful looking core.” Whenthereisaprojectofthissize,aCEOcannotfail, juststumbleduponalifetimeachievement.
Oilorgold,Guyanaisthegiftthatkeepsongiving. The termsandconditionsoftheExxonMobiloildealarepublic knowledge. Theyarerottentothecore,butknown. Onthe otherhand,theseso-called‘world-class’arrangementswith “world-class” foreign mining companies are so good that theyhavetobehiddenunderarock. Likeoil,itisthesame with gold. The foreign investors are the big winners, Guyanese are the biggest losers.What is Guyana’s share of thebargainworkedoutbetweenthePPP/CGovernmentand theforeigngoldcompanies? OmaiGold’sElaineEllingham speaksintheboldmannerofachampionwhojuststruckit big. Guyana’sleadersspeakinthemutedtonesofthosewho areashamedoftheirdeeds.
The PPP/C Government railed, with justification, against the APNU+AFC Coalition oil deal with the ExxonMobil consortium. The same PPP/C Government shouldnowbeproudtosharewiththepublichowwellitdid in comparison with the gold deals it has signed in the six yearssincebeinginfullchargeofGuyana’saffairs.
WeatthispaperwouldbehappytohearfromPresident IrfaanAli,MinisterofNaturalResources,VickramBharrat, and Ashni Singh, the minister who has been this country leading information channel on gold engagements with foreign companies. When Ellingham speaks excitedly abouthercompany’srichprospects,nowalmostacertainty, Guyana’sleaderscannotbeclosetingthemselvesinsilence. Share the terms and conditions of the big gold deals with Canadians. There ought to be every reason to be proud of whatwassignedonbehalfofthiscountry If,forpurposesof confidentiality, or competitive concerns, all those contract details cannot be published, then the topline financial numberswouldsuffice. Royaltypercentages,slidingscale features,andtaxeswouldbegoodplacestostart.
We don’t know the true oil revenue for 2025
DEAREDITOR,
As a follow-up to the recently published article, “There Is a US$6.7 Billion Difference Between the Oil Revenues Reported by the BankofGuyanaandExxon”, there are also discrepancies withinGuyana’sownofficial figures. Table VII of the Bank of Guyana’s 2025 AnnualReportstatesthatoil revenue for 2025 was approximately US$17 8 billion. However, working backwards from the royalty payments reported in the 2025NaturalResourceFund reports produces total revenue of approximately US$16.6billion.
Guyana receives a royalty equal to 2% of oil revenue The reported royalty payments for 2025 total approximately US$331
Europe
million.Therefore: US$331 million ÷ 2% = US$16.6billion
This US$16 6 billion approximately US$1 2 billion below the US$17.8 billion reported by the Bank ofGuyana(BoG).
A third figure emerges when the reported revenues of the three Stabroek Block partners ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOC are added together Their combined 2025 revenue appears to be approximately US$17 2 billion That is approximately US$600 millionlessthantheBankof Guyana’s figure of US$17.8 billion.
We are therefore confrontedwithatleastthree different estimates of 2025 oilrevenue: Bank of Guyana:
US$17.8billion
O i l c o m p a n i e s ’ financial statements: US$17.2billion
Revenue implied by NRF royalty receipts: US$16.6billion
The Government must explain these differences clearlyandpublicly
Sincerely,
DarshKhusial
KenrickHunte
JoePersaud
On behalf of the Oil and GasGovernanceNetwork
T h e s e a r e n o t insignificant differences Here is the computation of the 2% royalty based on the variousrevenuefigures.The difference in royalty between what we received, 331 million, versus 2% of whatBoGreportedisUS$24 million. Over 10 to 20 years that anomaly becomes enormous. According to the Bank of Guyana’s reports, approximately 797 million barrels of oil were produced through the end of 2025. However,theoilcompanies’ financial statements do not provide sufficient production information to independently reconcile the number of barrels sold with therevenuesreported. Consequently, the public cannot determine whether the Government of Guyana and the oil companies are using different production volumes, different realised oil prices, different accounting periods or different definitions of revenue.Any of these could c o n t r i b u t e t o t h e discrepancies.
OGGN
Has Checks on Leaders’ Wealth That Guyana Lacks
DEAREDITOR,
Columnist Freddie
Kissoon dedicated 4 columns in the State owns th th th chronicle on the 9,11,13 th and14 Julytryingtodefend thePresident’sfarm.
IwonderiftheChronicle would publish one letter in response.
Freddie is lucky, he can write what he feels like knowing no letter critical of what he wrote would be publishedbytheChronicle.
th I would deal with the 9 July, captioned, “The President’s farm: Rejecting Westernpoliticaltheory”He startsbysayingIworkedfor 26 consecutive years as a lecturer at the University of Guyana.Andhehadtodrive an old car for 21 years. He should have added that the PPP terminated his tenure becausehewascriticalofthe PPP The same PPP that threwfaecesonhisface.
Well time changed his drive has improved considerably and he is now defendingthesaidPPP
He went on to say his pension of $90,000 is what thebourgeoisespendinaday on trivialities. Well credit him as he recognises the levelofinequalitypresentin
Guyana.
I wonder if he realises howdisappointedpensioners were when President Irfaan brokehispromiseof$60,000 andonlygave$46,000.
Freddie’s column suggests that the West handeddownatheorytothe colonies that presidents prime ministers and public servants cannot be earning money outside of their attachmentandservicetothe state.Hegoesontosayitisa theoryhehasrejected.From whereistanditisatheoryhe hasconcocted.
Freddie says this theory h a s l e d t o t h e “impoverishment of former presidents, prime ministers and retired public servants”. Now let’s leave public servants aside can Freddie name me one President or Prime Minister who is impoverishedinthiscountry Thereisglaringexamplesof ministers who were relatively impoverished acquiring hundreds of millions in assets both in GuyanaandtheUSA Bharrat, in the 2009 Act made sure that former Presidents live a life that is evenmoreluxuriousthatthe better off businessmen. It
givesformerPresident7/8of the salary of the current President And unlimited uncapped benefits. Granger signed a law capping the benefits. Guyana is the only countryintheworldthathas codified unlimited benefits forformerPresidents.
Irfaan not satisfied with themillionsfromthefarmis in the process of repealing the Act that capped the benefits.ThissamePresident Irfaanbrokehispromiseand gave pensioners only a $5,000 increase, $46,000, instead of the promised $60,000.
Freddie Kissoon says almost all the cabinet Ministers in the West have alternative source of income if not from business, from sharesandstocks.
First no President or Prime Minister in the West were impoverished before achieving their status. Most ifnot,allwereindependently rich. But let’s examine the checksandbalancesinplace and since we were British let’s look at Europe and the checks, balances and oversightsthatareinplace.
enforcement varying by jurisdiction”.
Thesearethebodiesthat monitors, oversight and sanction if there are discrepancies: - GRECO: EU Integrity Watch: Transparency Register: Beneficial Ownership Registers: Cross-Checking: Independent Oversight: PublicScrutiny: Theseinstitutionsserve the following: public registers to allow citizens andjournaliststomonitorfor potential conflicts of interest,outsideincome,and side activities; tracks activities of Lobby groups; Oversightbodiestaskedwith reviewing declared wealth against tax returns, bank accounts, and property registries; anti-corruption agencies, parliamentary ethics committees, or supremeauditinstitutions. There are registers that allow the public to see the beneficialownersofhidden Continued on page 5
Google states, “Europe monitors and ensures the disclosure of political leaders’ wealth through a multi-layered framework of national laws, EU-level integrity rules, and Council of Europe anti-corruption bodies Ov
National interest must guide Guyana’s foreign policy Reform without respect for the Constitution Is a dangerous gamble
DEAREDITOR,
In the realm of internationalpolitics,thereis nosuchthingas‘permanent’ friends.
Friendships change over time Friend becomes enemiesandvice-versa.The experienceofVenezuelaisa case in point. Today the United States has become a major strategic partner to Venezuela who not so long ago under the Maduro regime was regarded as an archenemy.
Russia today is waging war against Ukraine which prior to the collapse of the SovietUnionwasanintegral part of the Soviet system. Thenationalinterestsofboth countrieshavechangedwith Russia wanting to keep Ukraine within its sphere of
interest while Ukraine, like several erst while Soviet republics, have opted to moveclosertotheEuropean Union.
This is the nature of international politics which is a dynamic process governed essentially by nationalinterests.
InthecaseofGuyana,the international environment has changed significantly since the days of the Cold War. Guyana, then a colony of Britain was one of the earliest victims of the Cold War.
It is naive not to recognise that Guyana’s strategic interest has fundamentally changed especially in light of challengestoitssovereignty by Venezuela and also as a
result of its new status as an emerging petroleum state. Guyana is now positioning itself as a regional leader especially in the areas of foodandenergysecurityand also as a champion of low carbon development. In this regard, its foreign policy orientation is more strategic and goal-oriented with the national interest as the overridingconsideration.
President Ali and the PPP/C administration has taken a wise and realistic position at the regional and international fora, including at the United Nations General Assembly, especially when it comes to Guyana’s national and geostrategicinterests.
Freddie asks has President Ali done anything wrong? By having an agricultural farm is he guilty of indiscretions? He states thatAlimayhavelaidthetheoreticalground forrejectingthewesternpoliticaltheorythat Presidentsmustnothavealternativeincome.
Freddie nothing, no concocted theory of yours has limited our leaders and all have seen how most of our leaders, and their children, friends and relatives have gotten filthy rich after assuming office. Mansions numerous high-end vehicles are flaunted demonstratingthevaluesoftheseleaders. Would his Excellency the President, Irfaan Ali be willing to subject himself and his Ministers and former presidents and Ministers to the kind of oversights available in Europe. Well, we can understand the political scientist and columnist for the newspaper Freddie once referred to as a rag has to work for his supper and modern car However, he should also have known of the checksandbalancesandpublicdeclarationof wealththatistherealityinEurope.
Regards, RajendraBisessar
DEAREDITOR,
I n l i g h
f t h
government’s recen
announcement that it is p r o c e e d i n g w i t h constitutional reform, I am compelled to repeat a fundamentalconcern:weare moving to alter the very foundation of this society without first taking the time to understand the Constitution, the ideals and aspirationsofthepeople,our diversity, and the rights the supremelawwasdesignedto protect.
To embark upon reform underthesecircumstancesis to flail in the dark. It risks doingmoreharmthangood, as amendments pursued w i t h o u t p r o p e r
understanding could c o n t r a d i c t o t h e r constitutional provisions, create institutional dysfunction, and further entrenchlawlessness.
Ifwearetrulycommitted to the rule of law and its principles,notjustmouthing them for political expediency, then everyone must be held accountable to thesamestandard.Onlythen can we begin to build a Guyana consistent with our nationalmotto,“OnePeople, OneNation,OneDestiny.”
You cannot change something with any degree ofcredibilityorcommitment if you have failed to understandit,letalonegiveit achancetowork.
Icontinuetobelieve,and will continue to say, unless
proven otherwise, that the hard and necessary work required to bring about constitutional compliance, including constitutional change or amendment, is simplynotbeingdone.Asan advocate for constitutional adherence, I continue to call for compliance with the Constitutionifanyreformis tobelegitimate.
But we must go further We have members of the present Constitutional Reform Commission, and some fighting to get on it, who find it acceptable to proceed with an exercise of such grave national import while ignoring the obligations that would give legitimacytotheprocess.
I often wonder if these very members have even read the Constitution. Have they studied the background work that informs the spirit andintentoftheinstrument?
Do they understand who we areasapeopleandwhatour aspirationsare?
Havetheytakenthetime to revisit the work of the 1999 Constitutional Reform Commission and, most importantly, what remains outstandingfromthateffort?
Article 119A of the Constitution expressly states:
“(1) The National Assembly shall establish a Standing Parliamentary C o m m i t t e e f o r Constitutional Reform for the purpose of continually reviewing the effectiveness
of the working of the Constitution and making periodic reports thereon to the Assembly, with proposals for reform, as necessary
“(2) In its work, the Committeeshallhavepower toco-optexpertsorenlistthe aid of other persons of appropriate expertise, whether or not such experts or other persons are membersoftheAssembly.”
These provisions are binding, and yet here we are w i t h n o S t a n d i n g Parliamentary Committee functioningasprescribed;no seriousattempttofollowthe law
Among those on the present commission are individuals who served in our judiciary and persons whose reputations would lead society to believe they are law-abiding and possessedofintegrity.Butif they refuse to speak truth to power, if they sit silently while legality is trampled, then they are complicit Every one of them is now called upon to revisit their actions and the lawlessness theyareenabling.
Anothergraveconcernis theGovernmentofGuyana’s refusal to include constitutional education in the national curriculum, fromnurseryrightthroughto university This failure is no accident. It is a deliberate tactic When people are ignorantoftheirrightsand
Continued on page 6
One Communications, formerly known as the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT), led the telecoms sector in consumer complaints last year, accounting for 124 of the 128 complaints received by the Public Utilities Commission(PUC)in2025.
The PUC in its annual report shows Digicel received three complaints, unchangedfrom2024,while E n e t r e c e i v e d o n e complaint, two fewer than the previous year. One Communications’ 124 complaints marked an increaseoffiveover2024.
As in the previous year, mostcomplaintscenteredon faults with services provided, followed by billing issues as the secondlargest area of concern More than half of all complaints were tied to l
ndline and Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) services running on the traditional copper-based network.
T h e C o m m i s s i o n resolved 93 percent of the telecommunications complaints it received duringtheyear
The report also flagged concerns over reporting
compliance among service providers “Overall, the results were considered satisfactory, with service providers demonstrating generally stable and compliant performance across most indicators,” the PUCsaid.“Notwithstanding this, concerns remained regarding adherence to reporting obligations, as some service providers did not consistently submit informationontimeandalso failed at times to submit the requisite information to c o r r o
Commission.”
On overall service quality, the PUC said performance across both the mobile and fixed segments reflected differing levels of compliance with established quality-of-service standards over the course of the year Call setup performance for local, national, and international services remained consistently strong,frequentlyexceeding benchmarks, while call completion rates particularly during peak periods — were maintained at high levels, pointing to generally reliable network performance Billing
performance across both s e g m e n t s w a s a l s o satisfactory, the report said, with minimal errors and complaints resolved within prescribedtimelines. Installation times for fixed services largely stayed withinacceptablelimits,and technical and billing complaints were resolved at consistently high rates. Some challenges persisted, however, particularly around fault restoration for fixed services, where the percentageofreportedfaults cleared within 12 and 24 hours fell short of stipulated standards in several instances.
In the mobile segment, the PUC said dropped-call rates were generally kept below the allowable threshold, though it noted i n s t a n c e s w h e r e performanceapproachedthe maximumstandard.
The report noted that 2025 also saw several voice and internet services on the copper-based network migrated to fibre-optic infrastructure, a shift expected to give consumers access to improved internet a n d v o i c e telecommunications servicesgoingforward.
Reform without respect for the...
From page 5 the supreme law of the land, theyareeasiertomanipulate.
The attack on the Constitution and the loud clamour to change it are driven by many factors, including a deep-seated disdain for the People’s National Congress and the F o r b e s B u r n h a m administration, under whose government the current C o n s t i t u t i o n w a s promulgated.And,ofcourse, “constitutional reform” is a sexypoliticaltopic.Itsounds progressive, even when it is driven by partisan motives rather than the national interest.
We have seen time and again what happens when this instrument is tampered with in the absence of legislation or a guiding framework The bloated voters’ list is one such example and allows elections to be rigged before asinglevoteiscast.Sotoois the failure to give true meaning to inclusionary democracy And worse, some citizens feel they must grovel to the powers that be to access what is rightfully theirs.
Ignorance of the
Constitution and nonadherence to the supreme law only empower both G o v e r n m e n t a n d Opposition Under such circumstances, the only ones who suffer are the ordinary people.
O n o n e h a n d , government misconduct is treated as a constitutional weakness.Ontheotherhand, a non-militant Opposition uses this as an excuse for inaction This farce has become the norm, making a mockery of our political system and encouraging non-accountability from those who were elected and are paid by the people to servethepeople.
I firmly believe that, in order to change the Constitution, it is first necessary to understand it. It is the bedrock upon which legislationmustbebuilt.And more importantly, we must ask: What is being done to breathe life into this document in a manner consistent with the people’s aspirations, as outlined in Article 13 and the national motto?
Our national motto “One People, One Nation, One Destiny” represents
the common desire of most, if not all, Guyanese, regardless of our origin, to f o r g e m e a n i n g f u l relationships based on respect, participation, and peaceful coexistence. This mustbeunderpinnedbylaws that hold all accountable, without exception. Yet, over two decades since the article was introduced, there has been no legislation, no executive action, no policy, no programme to give effect to its intent. This is willful neglect.
The problem is not the Constitution. The problem is ignoranceoftheConstitution and, worse, the exploitation of that ignorance. The real crisis is the absence of political will to do what is right by the people. Even more damning is that many of the enablers of this lawlessness come from quarters and persons whom societyleastexpects.
Until we confront this hard truth, even the most perfect Constitution won’t take us one inch closer to building a society where every citizen is held to the samestandardsandboundby thesamerules.
233,000 ounces by mid2026,roughly25,000ounces aheadofthesameperiodlast year, according to Minister of Natural Resources
Vickram Bharrat At an approximate gold price of US$4,100 per ounce, those declarations are valued at about US$955 million — a figure that will move with themarketpriceofgold.
Speaking on the Starting Point Podcast, Bharrat said the sector met its budgeted half-year declaration target despite challenging weather conditionsearlierintheyear and intensified government enforcement against illegal mining.
“I'm happy to say that in 2026 we have reached our budgeted target of gold declaration for the half-year period.
I think it's 233,000 ounces about 25,000 ounces more than last year forthesameperiodendingin June,” he said, adding that declarations have since climbed closer to 240,000 ounces.
It is, he noted, the first time in eight or nine years
that the country's half-year gold declaration target has beenmet.
Bharrat attributed the improvednumbersinpartto a crackdown launched duringthefirstquarterofthe year against companies and minerswhofailedtodeclare, or significantly underdeclared, gold production in 2025. “We had cause to not
approach to illegal activities intheminingsector.”
He pointed to a recent enforcement operation in Region One, where the Guyana Geology and Mines CommissionandtheGuyana Police Force seized about a dozen excavators from illegal mining operations Penalties for illegal mining aresteep,hesaid:equipment
renewsomeoftheirlicenses andpermits.
Wehadtoblacklistsome of the non-nationals whose declaration was very low or non-existent — they cannot come back into the country and engage in the mining sector,”hesaid,describingit as part of a “zero tolerance
is seized, and its release requires payment of a fine calculated against the quantity of gold produced. Miners who sold gold outside legal channels could facefurtherprosecution.
Bharrat underscored the mining sector's broader economic weight, noting it
Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat
remains Guyana's secondlargest contributor to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) after oil and gas and supports about 30,000 jobs, directlyandindirectly
He said government remains committed to growing the sector while ensuring mining is done sustainablyandresponsibly
T h e h a l f - y e a r performance builds on a strong 2025, when declared gold production rose 11.6
percent to 484,321 ounces, anincreaseof50,254ounces over the prior year Growth last year was uneven across ope
declarations from licensed dealerships fell 21.5 percent to 121,883 ounces, while declarations from Zijin MiningGroup'sAuroraGold Mine, the country's lone large-scale operator, rose 15 5 percent to 167,005 ounces. Declarations to the GuyanaGoldBoardclimbed
45 6 percent to 195,432 ounces For 2026, government is projecting overall growth of 5 4 percent, with total declarations expected to reach 510,450 ounces as activityacceleratesacrossall operatorcategories.
The sector's mediumterm outlook is also being shaped by a wave of foreign investment.
Kaieteur News has reported growing Canadian interest in Guyana's gold industry, with about 11 Canadian companies now advancing projects across the country's mining districts, most concentrated in Region Seven's CuyuniMazaruni Mining District, long known for its gold potential Five of those companies have already published Proven and Probable Reserves and Indicated Mineral Resource Estimates totaling 15 7 millionouncesofgold,while the remainder are still in earlierstagesofexploration.
‘Satan’ wanted for murder
Wayne Joseph Carlos, also known as WayneCastelloand“Satan,”iswantedforthe murderofLeonBaird,accordingtoawanted bulletin issued by the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
Carlos,whoselastknownaddressislisted as Parishara Village, reportedly committed rd th the offence between 23 and 25 January , 2026, at Wichabai Savannah, South Rupununi.
Police are asking members of the public whoknowhiswhereabouts,orwhohaveany information relating to him, to contact the nearest police station or any of the following numbers:
Ÿ 911
Ÿ 227-1611
Ÿ 268-2328/268-2329
Ÿ 226-3411
Ÿ 225-8196
Ÿ 227-1159
Wanted: Wayne Joseph Carlos also called ‘Wayne Castello' and 'Satan’
TheKing’sFoundationshouldhaveanexitstrategy
Georgetown bears the nameofKingGeorgeIII,the British monarch during whose reign the settlement
acquired increasing importance as the
administrative and commercial center of what would become British Guiana. Whatever history’s judgment of empire, the name “Georgetown” reminds us of our colonial heritage.
Unfortunately, after the British left, those who succeeded them had no clue astohowtoadministeracity They had instead a more pervertedideaoftheconcept civicorder
The independent rulers of Guyana learnt nothing from their former colonial masters as to how a city survives Had they, they would have appreciated that a city does so not because it has buildings that remind us of our past. A city survives because someone, every singleday,insiststhatdrains must be cleaned, pavements keptclear,marketsregulated and public spaces protected fromprivateencroachment.
It is understandable that the King’s Foundation shouldfeelasentimentaland historical interest in
G e o r g e t o w n . T h e connectionisobvious.Acity
named after a British king naturally invites the curiosity of an institution dedicated to preserving heritage and promoting sustainable urban regeneration. The intention is admirable. The diagnosis, unfortunately,isincomplete. For Georgetown is not a city suffering from a shortageofrestorationplans. It suffers from a shortage of goodgovernance.
One can restore architectural masterpieces, repaint colonial buildings, redo avenues and redesign public squares One can produce glossy architectural drawings, commission consultants and hold meetings about urban renewal. Yet these become little more than elaborate stagepropsiftheunderlying civic disorder remains untouched.
Restoration without reform is simply expensive nostalgia The central contradiction confronting theKing’sFoundationisone that should be apparent within days of walking throughthecity
The Government may finance projects It may construct roads, rehabilitate buildings, renovate, rebuild markets and spruce up the avenues and invite
Dem Boys Seh...
international partners. But Georgetown remains legally and practically under the authority of the Mayor and CityCouncil.
Itisunderdecadesofthat municipal administration that the city descended into its present condition. Unless the institutional failures that produced the decline are corrected, every restored building risks becoming
another well-painted structure standing amid continuingdisorder
Nowhere is this contradiction more evident thanatStabroekMarket.The fencing of portions of Stabroek Square has attracted attention, but fencing is cosmetic It addresses appearance rather thanfunction.Therealissue is that commercial activity has migrated beyond the market’s walls. Pavements, roadways and surrounding spaces have become the marketitself.
The consequence is entirely predictable Why shouldshoppersventureinto the building when vendors lineeveryapproachoutside? Why maintain an organised marketplace when disorder proves more profitable?The marketisnotfailingbecause ofitsarchitecture.Itisfailing because its boundaries have
Parliament get vehicles than respect
Dem boys seh if yuh really want know how much people value dem country, don’t askfuhspeech,anthemorflag-waving.Just tekawalkroundParliamentBuilding.
Is only in Guyana yuh could pass de NationalAssemblyandgottowonderifyuh deh by de highest law-making body in de land or if yuh accidentally end up in one giantbusterminal.
Dem boys seh two whole sides of Parliament – de west and de south - get tek over by buses and vendors till de place lookinglikeitapplyingfuhmarketlicence.
Nowimagineifsomebodydecidetopark a minibus behind Buckingham Palace. Before de driver could holler, “One more passenger!”,policedoneaskingheifhelose he mind. Yet we behaving like Parliament backyardispublicparkinglot.
Is no wonder, de National Assembly meetingelsewhere.Thereishardlyplacefor themembersofparliamenttopark.
Dem boys seh de irony sweet like cane juice Inside Parliament, members are supposed to be debating national development. Outside Parliament, traffic debatingwhogonmovefirst.
Inside,peoplesupposedtobediscussing governance. Outside, vendors and vagrants governingdepavement.
Inside, laws are supposed to be getting passed. Outside, everybody passing
ceasedtoexist.
The same lesson applies to Bourda Market. Plans to rebuild it may produce an impressive structure, but impressive structures do not create functioning markets. Walk through Bourda today Too many internal stalls remain shuttered while commercial life clings almost exclusively to the roadside frontage The building has become secondary to the pavement andparapets.Reconstruction without restoring proper commercial order merely reproducesfailure.
The city tells the same story everywhere Drains emitfoulodoursnotbecause drainage engineering has suddenlybecomeimpossible butbecausemaintenancehas become intermittent. Public spaces accumulate disorder because enforcement retreats.Congestionworsens because transport hubs proliferate wherever convenie
eats planning Commercial premises multiply without sufficient regard for zoning or infrastructure The cumulative effect is not merely inconvenience. It is the slow erosion of the idea thatrulesgovernurbanlifeat all.
Cities rarely collapse dramatically. They decay through thousands of toleratedexceptions.
One vendor today becomes fifty tomorrow One illegal parking area
becomes an established terminal One neglected drain becomes the accepted conditionofanentireward. Eventually disorder ceasestoappearexceptional. It becomes normal No restoration programme can overcomethatreality
What Georgetown requires is not another masterplanbutarecoveryof municipal authority It requires clear zoning
t are consistently enforced rather t h a n s e l e c t i v e l y remembered It requires removing roadside and pavement vending from areas where formal markets already exist It requires relocating bus parks and informal parking facilities away from already congested commercial districts. It requires regular maintenance of drainage systems before they become public health hazards rather than after they become politicalembarrassments.
None of these measures is glamorous. Yet they are precisely the unromantic disciplines from which successful cities are made. This is why the King’s Foundation should reconsideritsinvolvement.
NotbecauseGeorgetown is beyond saving, but becauseitcannotberescued byheritageprojectsalone.A restoration campaign
undertaken before fundamental governance reforms is rather like
restoring the grand staircase ofahousewhileignoringthe cracked foundation beneath it.Visitors admirethe polish briefly before noticing the wallscontinuetosink.
History deserves preservation Heritage deservesrespect.Butneither can substitute for competent administration.
The greatest tribute to King George would not be anotherrestorationblueprint bearing royal patronage. It w o u l d b e t h e r eestablishment of a city in which markets function as markets, pavements belong to pedestrians, drains carry water instead of refuse, traffic moves according to p l a n r a t h e r t h a n improvisation, and municipal laws are enforced withoutapology
Untilthosefundamentals return,Georgetowndoesnot need another restoration. It needs a recovery of civic discipline.
Without that recovery, eventhenoblestintentionsof the King’s Foundation will become another chapter in Georgetown’s long history of beautiful plans defeated byuntidyrealities.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper)
Dem boys seh if yuh surround yuh highest democratic institution with congestion, noise and confusion, don’t be surprise if people start treating democracy itselflikejustanotherroadsideoperation. Parliament is supposed to command respect. Instead, de poor building got to compete with conductors shouting destinations every thirty seconds “ Sometimes dem boys seh de Speaker might need a louder microphone than de bus conductors.
And leh nobody misunderstand. This ain’t about hardworking vendors or drivers trying to mek a dollar Is about planning. Everycitygottodecidewhatbelongswhere. If everything belong everywhere, then nowheregotanyimportance.
Dem boys seh nationhood ain’t only waving a GoldenArrowhead pon Republic Day Nationhoodisdecidingdatsomeplaces deservedignitysimplybecauseofwhatdem represent If we can’t preserve de surroundings of de building where de country’s laws get made, then what exactly arewepreserving?Demboyssehmaybeone day somebody gon realise dat Parliament need some breathing room. Because a nation’sdignitycan’talwaysfindparking. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.
H@RD TRUTHS
Exxon must deliver half, Guyana must get a real half
The time for sparring is over So, also, is room for dancing around and dodging. A full, accurate, credible 50 percent of oil profitsisnowduetoGuyana. Exxonmustbeapartner An authentic partner with accounts that match. The PPPGovt must put aside its ownprioritiesandpushfora real half of profits now the rightofGuyana. Thetimeis now Lettherebeagenuine half that can absorb the weight of any scrutiny
Override the language of all controversies First, the surrounding facts that overwhelm any arguments, anydifferences.
From US$55 billion invested, there was US$4.5 billion outstanding for st Exxon on 31 December, 2025. Afact announced by Exxon itself. Fact Two: Conflict between the U.S. andIranthatspreadbeyonda strategic strait powered oil pricesupwards. Theconflict th beganon28 Feb,2026. Up
wentoilprices. FactThree: arangeofaveragepricesper barrelcouldbeused:US$80, US$70, even US$60 each, and Guyana already would have cleared that US$4.5 billion outstanding at the close of 2025. Fact Four: Guyana has been producing 900,000 barrels of oil daily before 2026 started, has continuedatthatlevelforthe first six months of this year Fact Five: operating 24/7, Guyana would have produced 900,000 times 91
days times US$80 a head (and this is for Q2 alone). Fact Six: that is the equivalent of about US$6.5 billion. FactSeven:Ireturn to Fact One: Guyana owed US$4.5 billion to Exxon on st1 Jan, 2026. At this point, everyoneisurged(Guyanese andAmericans)tonotesome discretions that I exercised. First, Q1 2026 is ignored. But the US$4 5 billion outstanding should have been gone, or close to eliminated, in that first
q u a r
e r , considering daily production rates
Second, using a prewar lower average of US$60 per barrel, and a 7E x x o n operation/production week at 900,000 barrels daily that isUS$4.8billion(900,000X 89 X US$60). Third, using that lean oil price number (after one full month of war fromFeb28)and75percent taken from the top (post royalty), Guyana would have owed Exxon less than US$1 billion when the second quarter commenced. I invite others to challenge, take apart, my arithmetic thathandsExxonmoneyand timeonaplatter Andtothe disadvantage of this country anditspeoples.
With the full second quarter of production and higher oil prices behind Exxon'sbelt,thereisnoway that the balance in the cost bank is not history Gonzo. Nomas. Overandoutforthe count. Inotherwords,what was due to Exxon, that has been honored in full Therefore, this second quarter is crucial, represents the beginning of a new oil earnings era for Guyana. I call it hard. I charge at it head-on.
Foremphasisandtobeat this one to death: no 75 percent to be dealt with means that there is no 25 percent to be contended with, left to be divided. Forget about an average priceofUS$80abarrel. Ata lower average price of US$70abarrelinthesecond quarter, and 900,000 barrels produced daily, that is US$5 6 billion in oil revenues.
ExxonandthePPPGovt are now standing over US$5.6 billion for Q2 2026 alone. Thesharingnowhas to be, must be, half for one and the same half for the other from 100 percent of revenues minus operating expenses.
Iwatchtoobservewhere Exxonstandsonthis,whatit will present to Guyanese. Last, I watch to learn where Guyana's PPP Govt is, and howitapproachesthisopenand-shut situation. I exhort both to do justice by the Guyanesepeople. The views expressed in this article are those of the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper
Guyana's half of profits can no longer be half of 25 percent. The half from that 25percentthatisleftafter75 percent cost recovery Whatever cost recovery there had to be, it has been rec overed in full. Simply put: no cost recovery, no cost bank.
Govt. to clear housing backlog in 9 regions before end of term
– Pres. Ali
President Irfaan Ali says Guyana currently faces a housing backlog of approximately 75,000 to 78,000pendingapplications, as of early 2026, with more
than 50,000 of those concentrated in Region Four alone.
Speaking Thursday in a livestream shared on his Facebook page, Ali laid out his administration's housing agenda for the next four
years, which includes constructing 40,000 new housing units and clearing thebackloginnineoftheten administrative regions beforetheendofhisterm.
Region Four, where land constraints have made new development increasingly difficult, is the exception: government's 2025-2030 Strategic Housing Plan commits only to processing eligibleapplicantsfrom2021 andearlierinthatregion.
President Ali used the address to reiterate his
a d m i n i s t r a t i o n ' s
c o m m i t m e n t t o homeownership, building on what he described as an “enormous foundation” laid between 2020 and 2025. He said that period saw nearly $240 billion invested in the housing sector, almost 24
squatter settlements regularised, more than 100 housing schemes developed, and over 50,000 house lots distributed.
Government allocated land to more than 128,000 citizens, he said — an asset transferhevaluedatroughly $94 billion and also removedValueAddedTaxon selectedbuildingmaterials.
Despite meeting its manifesto pledge of 50,000 house lots, President Ali acknowledged the country still faces a significant housingdeficit.Toclosethat gap, he said government's focusisshiftingbeyondland
distribution toward i n c r e a s i n g a c t u a l
President Irfaan Ali
homeownership A new social housing programme will target highly vulnerable groups, including single mothers, persons living with disabilities, and the elderly, through a mechanism governmentisestablishingto i d e n t i f y e l i g i b l e beneficiaries.
The 40,000-unit construction target, drawn from the PPP/C's 2025 manifesto,comesasdemand for existing housing initiativescontinuestogrow
“So, we are seeing, in addition to the 40,000 units that we have to build, an increase in demand for the homes that the ministry is constructing,” Ali said He disclosed that government has already received more than 270 expressions of interest from developers looking to build housing units.
Financing is also becoming more accessible, according to the president, who credited commercial banks with lowering mortgage interest rates and raising lending ceilings. He named the New Building Society (NBS), Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), Republic Bank Limited, Demerara Bank Limited, Citizens Bank, and Bank of Baroda as institutions that have introduced more favourable mortgagepackages.
Landscarcityremainsthe central obstacle in Region Four, said president Ali, particularly along the East Coast Demerara corridor, wheredemandforhouselots continues to outstrip supply
“We are now in close proximitytothewetlands,so our development is limited by land availability, especially in areas like RegionFour,”henoted.Asa result,governmentisplacing greater emphasis on higherd e n s i t y h o u s i n g developments in the region rather than continued land distribution.
...says father only paid Richmond's legal fees in 'Paper Shorts' case as concerns grow Mohamed dismisses police probe as 'Wild Goose Chase’
Opposition Leader
Azruddin Mohamed has dismissedtheGuyanaPolice Force's investigation into him and persons previously associated with him in relationtothe2021killingof RicardoFagundes,knownas "PaperShorts,"labellingthe operation a politically motivated "wild goose chase".
Speaking to Kaieteur News, Mohamed also addressed growing public concerns and rumours surrounding the recent arrests, clarifying that his family's decision to fund legal representation for a former employee was a simple act of loyalty since “hewasworkingwithusfor years and charity begins at home.”
Addressing questions regarding his family's involvement in securing high-profile legal representation for the accused persons, Mohamed said that he is not funding a blanketdefenseforeveryone arrested According to Mohamed, the suspects are managing their legal affairs independentlybasedontheir financial standing Udoh Kanu, a former manager at Mohamed's Security, retained attorney Nigel Hughes. Satrohan Rajkumar "Depo", a mechanic who services Mohamed's racing cars, is funding his own defense. Mohamed stated, "SatrohanRajkumar,hesaid he'll pay for the services of Damien Da Silva Mark Richmond,aformersecurity guard at Team Mohamed's, had his legal fees sponsored directly by Mohamed's father,NazarMohamed.
Explaining the decision to support Richmond, Mohamed stated " he worked with my father for a long time…so my father sponsored the attorney for Richmond ” Mohamed defended the sponsorship, arguing that his family regularly supports those in need, "If we sponsor attorneys, if we sponsor healthcare, if we sponsor surgeries for strangers, why shouldn't we sponsor an attorneyforMarkRichmond whoworkedloyalwithusfor a number of years? Should we just leave him stranded? No, of course not. Charity beginsathome".
Mohamed revealed
w enforcement has heavily ta
d his daily movements. Posted on his
OppositionLeaderwrote:"4 Special Branch vehicles have been stationed at my
locations that I am usually present on a daily basis. Even the Special Branch o
ficers say this is sickening".
Mohamed directly accused President IrfaanAli ofactingoutof"desperation, panic and haste" after Mohamed reportedly exposed a $5 billion, 150acre megafarm belonging to the President Mohamed asserted that the state is attempting to manufacture evidence to manipulate the justicesystem.
In his public statement, Mohameddeclaredhewould not be intimidated by the deployment of state forces: "President Irfaan Ali... can sendtheentirejointservices, police, soldier and GDF to look for me because that won't scare me. I only fear AlmightyGod.AsaMuslim, Irfaan should know that muslimsdon'tfearman,they fearAlmightyGod".
Headdedthatattempting to "unjustly arrest the
Opposition Leader" represents an insult to the
intelligence of Guyanese citizens "If they truly respect their citizens, they would immediately stop their pursuit of victimising me and other innocent Guyanese...Guyaneseareno foolsandwillnotfallforit".
Suspects Pressured to ImplicateMohamed
The investigation saw rapiddevelopmentsoverthe lastsevendays,withseveral individuals taken into
custody Currently, two businessmen remain in police custody Troy Singh, theownerofanEccles-based tint shop, who is due out of custody at 10:00 AM today
Satrohan Rajkumar ("Depo"), a mechanic due outofcustodyonSaturday Singh's attorney, Yuborn Allicock, alleged that investigators are using heavy-handed tactics to force his client into making
false statements. "My client related to me that the police are pressuring him to implicate Mohamed in the said murder by stating that Mr Mohamed had ordered him to tint the white Fielder wagon... he also said that he has no knowledge of that," Allicock told Kaieteur News.
vehicles for Mr Mohamed" andhasnoknowledgeofthe white Toyota Fielder wagon believed to be the getaway vehicle in the March 2021 hit. Mohamed pointed out that transaction documents from July 2025 show the wagon was sold to Shemroy Omar Stewart, a close associate of convicted drug trafficker Shaheed Roger (Continuedonpage24)
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has reserved st judgment on an appeal seeking to declare Guyana's 1 September, 2025 National and Regional Elections unconstitutional and of no legal effect — a claim two lower courtshavealreadyrejected.
The regional tribunal, sitting in Port of Spain, Trinidad, heard the appeal in Krystal Hadassah Fisher v The Guyana Elections Commission and The Attorney General of Guyana (CCJ Appeal GYCV No. 1 of 2026) on Thursday, and said it wouldnotifythepartiesonceadecisionisreadyandsetadate foritsdelivery
AttheheartofthecaseisFisher'sargumentthattheGuyana Elections Commission's (GECOM) exclusion of her party, the ForwardGuyanaMovement(FGM),fromtheballotinRegions Seven, Eight, and Nine rendered the entire national election unconstitutional.GECOMandtheAttorneyGeneralrejectthat framing, maintaining that FGM was never excluded — rather, thepartyitselffailedtosubmitacandidates'listforthosethree regions,makingitineligibletocontestelectionsthereunderthe RepresentationofthePeopleAct(ROPA).
Thatdistinctionprovedcentraltothecase'soutcomeinboth lowercourts.TheCourtofAppealfoundthatFisher,herselfan FGMcandidate,failedtodisclosethatFGMhadchosennotto contestthethreeregions,creatingwhatthecourtcalledafalse impressionthatGECOMhadunilaterallyshutthepartyout.The court described this non-disclosure as a serious matter and sufficientgroundsonitsowntodismisstheappeal.
Fisher filed a Fixed DateApplication in the High Court on th20 August,2025,arguingthatGECOMhadmisappliedROPA by preparing ballots that omitted the symbols of FGM and the Assembly of Liberty and Prosperity (ALP) in constituencies where neither party had fielded candidates. She argued this violatedArticles13,59,and149ofGuyana'sConstitution. th ChiefJustice(ag)NavindraSinghdismissedthecaseon26 August, 2025, ruling that Article 160 of the Constitution and Section 11 of ROPA justified excluding party symbols from ballotsinregionswhereapartyhadnotsubmittedacandidates' list. The High Court awarded $1,000,000 in costs to each th respondent.Fisher appealed on 30 August, 2025, asking the Court ofAppeal to declare the entire election null and void on thegroundsthatnonationalelectioncanexcludeanyqualified party from any region's ballot.The Court ofAppeal dismissed theappeal,upheldtheoriginalcostsaward,andaddedafurther $1,000,000inappellatecoststoeachrespondent.
Beyond the non-disclosure finding, the Court of Appeal dismissedthecaseonbothproceduralandsubstantivegrounds.
On procedure, the court agreed with counsel for GECOM andtheAttorneyGeneralthatbecausetheelectionprocesshad already begun with the presidential proclamation, Fisher's challengeamountedtoaclaimaboutthevalidityoftheelection — which under Article 163 of the Constitution can only be brought through a formal election petition, not the application Fisherfiled.Thecourtnotedherapplicationwasfiledlessthan two days before disciplined forces voted and was served only aftervotinghadbegun,meaningthecourtwasnotsittingasan election court and lacked jurisdiction to rule on the election's validity
Onthemerits,thecourtfoundFisher'scaserestedonwhatit called an “extremely flawed” reading of the Constitution and ROPA,affirmingthatballotaccessislimitedtopartiesactually contesting a given constituency It found no breach ofArticles 59and159,whichgovernvoterregistration,andnoviolationof Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The court also accepted the Attorney General's argument that the right to vote, while fundamental to democracy, is not absolute under Guyana's Constitution and remainssubjecttogeographicandregistrationrequirements.It rejected Fisher's discrimination claim underArticle 149, since FGM'sabsencefromthethreeregionswasitsownchoicerather thananyGECOMactionbasedonraceororigin,andfoundthat Article 13's guarantee of inclusionary democracy was not implicated, since FGM had the opportunity to contest those regions and simply declined.The same legal teams from the lowercourtsappearedbeforetheCCJpanel—PresidentJustice Winston Anderson and Presiding Judges Maureen RajnauthLee,WinstonBarrow,EboeOsuji,andArifBalkan.Dr Vivian Williams represented Fisher, who appeared virtually, while Senior CounselAnthonyAstaphan led GECOM's defence and Attorney General Mohabir Anil Nandlall SC, appearing virtually,ledthestate'slegalteam.
Judges of the CCJ and attorneys during Thursday's case
Monkey with orange lips identified as newfound species
CNN -Anew species of monkey with distinctive orange lips and a deep
roaring call has been identified in the Democratic RepublicofCongo(DRC).
Colobus congoensis, known to local people as Likweli,isjustthefifthnew monkey species scientists have identified in Africa in the last 75 years, according to a study published in the
journal PLOS ONE Wednesday
Themonkeyhasaglossy black coat, long fur, a sweeping tail and striking
orange-cream facial markings, said researchers
from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and the CityUniversityofNewYork
Graduate Center in
statementsonWednesday They added that the species has “distinctive cranial, dental, and skeletal characteristics that separate it from every other known Africancolobusmonkey.”
It is also smaller than related Colobus monkeys, weighing around 15 pounds (6.8kilograms).
“It is distinguished by sleek, light-reflecting fur and dramatic facial features created by long black facial hairs and large folded ears,” saidFAU.
“The discovery of
Colobus congoensis is reshapingourunderstanding of African monkey evolution,”saidstudysenior author Kate Detwiler, an associate professor of
biologicalsciencesinFAU's Charles E. Schmidt College ofScience.
“Its closest known relative is Colobus satanas, found more than 1,200 kilometers(746miles)away in west-central Africa,” she said “Yet our genetic evidence shows the two species diverged roughly 4 to 5 million years ago, marking one of the oldest known evolutionary splits withintheColobuslineage.”
T h e p r o c e s s o f describing the new species began in 2008, when an unusual monkey was photographedbyresearchers working in east-central DRC. Ten years later, they made a clearer observation, and went on to make 114
sightingsfrom2018-2022.
Inadditiontoitsanatomy and field observations, researchersalsohadtostudy the monkey's genetics and use local ecological knowledgetoprovethatthis wasaspeciesthathadnever beendescribedbefore.
“When a potential new species is discovered, the evidence has to b
anthropology at the CUNY Graduate Center and Hunter College, in the CUNY statement.
“We analysed museum collections and comparative datasets, examining skulls, pelts, and skeletal anatomy alongside specimens from known African colobus monkeys,” he said. “Those comparisons allowed us to demonstrate conclusively that Colobus congoensis r
presents a distinct species.”However, there are some conservation concerns for Likweli, given the fact thatthesightingsweremade across a range of around 1,700 square kilometers (656squaremiles).
“
Colobus congensis, known locally as Likweli, has a dramatic black face with pinkish-orange lips. (Junior Amboko)
s congoensis be classified as Endangered because of its restrictedrange,habitatloss, andhuntingpressure,”reads theCUNYstatement.“Most of its known habitat lies within Lomami National Park, making protection of the region critical for the species'survival.”
'Rareandexciting' Alexander Georgiev, a s e n i o r l e c t u r e r i n primatology at Bangor University, Wales, who was not involved in the study, called the analysis “very thoroughandconvincing.”
“Finding a new monkey species that is not only unknown to science but is
also little known to the people that live where it occurs is very rare and exciting indeed,” he told CNNonThursday
“Theauthorsofthestudy report that residents in only eightofatotalof52villages that border the range of this new species they visited w
de information about this primateanddescribeit,”said Georgiev
“Thisexplainswhyithas taken this long for the speciestobedocumentedfor science,”headded.
“ T h e C o n g o l e s e rainforestwherethisprimate livesisvastandlargepartsof it is not well explored by scientists.”
CXC scraps SBA for most subjects
T h e C a r i b b e a n Examinations Council (CXC) has announced the biggest shake-up of its School-Based Assessments
(SBAs) in decades, effectively scrapping the traditional take-home SBA for most non-practical subjects amid growing concerns that students are
relying on artificial intelligence(AI)tocomplete theircoursework.
Inamessagedeliveredto students, parents and educators across the region, CXCDirectorofOperations, Dr NicoleManning,saidthe widespread use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) has madeitincreasinglydifficult
to determine whether submitted SBA projects are genuinely the work of students.
CXC Director of Operations, Dr. Nicole Manning
...as AI threat forces major exam overhaul ...students to write exam-based Paper 032 instead as Council moves to protect integrity of qualifications
remainsessential.
CSEC level and 76 percent backing similar reforms for CAPE.
Implementation will b e g i n w i t h C A P E examinations in May-June 2027. CSEC candidates will have the op
transferable Manning assured teachers that CXC will provide guidance throughseminars,FAQsand supportfromlocalregistrars duringthetransition. She also urged students to view the reform as more t
"When GenAI is used to produce an SBA that is submittedasastudent'sown original effort, we can no longer be certain whose work we are assessing," Manning warned, adding that such uncertainty threatens the credibility of CXCqualifications. U
However, subjects including Mathematics, English, Caribbean History, Social Studies, Principles of Business, Information Technology and other theory-baseddisciplineswill transition to Paper 032, an assessmentcompletedunder supervised examination conditions.
student's own knowledge andabilities.
The examination body stressed that the reforms w e r e n o t i m p o s e d unilaterally
According to CXC, nearly 2,400 educators across the Caribbean were surveyed, with 77 percent supportingthechangesatthe
traditionalSBAorPaper032 in 2027 before the new system becomes fully mandatoryin2028.
S
h
h
already completed SBAs will retain their existing scoresunderthecurrenttwoyear transfer rule, while Paper032resultswillalsobe
measure.
"Integrity is not about whether a machine can detect what you did. It is aboutwhoyouchoosetobe," shesaid,maintainingthatthe reforms are designed to preserve the value and international credibility of Caribbeanqualifications.
subjectssuchasAgricultural Science,VisualArts, Music, Physical Education, Technical Drawing, and Food, Nutrition and Health will retain SBAs because hands-on assessment
Unlike the traditional SBA,candidateswillreceive their assessment topics approximately one month before the examination and will be allowed to bring reference notes into the examinationroom.
CXC said the approach preserves research and preparation while ensuring the final work reflects the
Three on bail for inflicting grievous bodily harm
Charged: Jevion Jones, Conroy Cox and Romario Smartt.
Three men were on Wednesday charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm: 24year-old Jevion Jones, a gold miner of Caribese Hill, Bartica; 31-year-old Conroy Cox, a pump attendant of Third Avenue, Bartica; and 29-year-old Romario Smartt, a goldminerofSixthAvenue,Bartica.
The three accused appeared before Magistrate Teriq Mohamed at the Bartica Magistrates'Courtwherethechargewasread tothemandtheyallpleadednotguilty. Each was granted bail in the sum of th $100,000andthematterwasadjournedto24 July,2026,forcontinuation.
Austrian company to begin int'l arbitration over unpaid hospital contracts
From left: Attorney Nigel Hughes, Managing Director of Video Mega Russell Lancaster and VAMED's Institutional Representative, Dr Joao Pedro da Silva during a press conference at the Guyana Marriott Hotel on Thursday.
VAMED Engineering GmbH, a Vienna-based international healthcare infrastructure provider, announced Thursday that it will pursue international arbitration against the GovernmentofGuyanaover unpaid, certified costs on two major hospital construction projects a claim the government has firmly rejected, calling
VAMED's account a “misleading narrative” that omitscriticalfactsaboutthe c o n t r a c t o r ' s o w n performance.
VAMED says it is owed approximately EUR 45 53 million, including at least EUR 19 15 million in certified payments plus variations, indexation, additional works, and other contractual entitlements
The government's own engineer has reportedly estimated Guyana's indebtedness to VAMED at approximately EUR 37 94 million.
The claims stem from two Design-and-Build Contracts between the Ministry of Health and VAMED:aEUR149million th agreement dated 8 June, 2022 to build the Guyana Pediatric and Maternal HospitalinGeorgetown,and a EUR 150 million h agreement dated 12 July, 2 0 2 3 f
Interim
PaymentCertificates issued under the agreements themselves.
Campus in Region Six Together, the projects were intended to del
ver specialised maternal and pediatriccareinGeorgetown andexpandaccesstoquality healthcareinRegionSix.
VAMED'saccount
VAMED's attorney, Nigel Hughes, outlined the company's position alongside its Institutional Representative, Dr Joao Pedro da Silva, at a press conference at the Guyana MarriottHotel.Accordingto Hughes, the dispute traces back to the collapse of the financing framework u n d e r p i n n i n g t h e
Georgetown hospital project That project was financed through an Export Credit Facility backed by UK Export Finance and funded by UniCredit Bank
Austria AG, with the Government of Guyana as borrower
The loan agreement,and the export credit guarantee
tied to it, expired in November 2025 after the government failed to renew orextendthearrangement— d e s p i t e r e p e a t e d communications from both UniCredit and UK Export Finance warning of the impendingexpiration.
“ W h y w o u l d a government allow a critical export credit facility supporting one of its most important healthcare infrastructure projects to expire, thereby removing a key payment security mechanism for the contractor and jeopardising thecompletionoftheproject itself?”Hughesasked.
Hughes said VAMED has gone almost a year without payment, with the last payment made in May 2025. He argued the claims are not in dispute or speculative, noting they arise directly from contractual mechanisms and
The dispute escalated furtherwhenthegovernment issuednoticesofintentionto terminate both contracts on nd2 June, 2026 despite what VAMED describes as substantial certified indebtedness owed to the company Hughes called the termination attempt “wholly misconceived and in breach of the terms of the agreements,” adding that any reduction in project activity stems directly from the government's failure to pay outstanding certified sums. VAMED also says it rejects any attempt to call performance bonds or guarantees wh
le the government remains in default of its own payment obligations.
The standoff has had practical consequences on the ground: project equipmenthaspiledupatthe portsincepaymentsstopped, with dozens of containers
e government's obligation to facilitateclearance.
Havingexhaustedefforts at a negotiated resolution, VAMEDsaiditwillproceed with formal arbitration before the International ChamberofCommerce.The companyisseekingpayment of all outstanding certified sums,recoveryofadditional contractual entitlements, interestonoverdueamounts, protection against wrongful bond and guarantee calls, and damages arising from anyunlawfultermination.
“VAMEDdidnotchoose arbitration lightly,” a companyspokespersonsaid, adding that months of seeking a “responsible and commercially reasonable solution” had failed to resolve a situation in which thegovernmentcontinuedto benefit from certified works while allowing financing to lapse, ignoring lender communications, and threatening termination and
contractoralreadyabsorbing unpaidprojectcosts.
“VAMED cannot continue to finance the obligations of the GovernmentofGuyana,”the spokespersonsaid.
The company maintains thearbitrationisnotanactof c
t a necessary step to restore a
suppliers, and financing partners, and enable the orderly completion of the projects VAMED said it deeply regrets that the d
contractualrelationshipnow puts at risk the timely delivery of healthcare infrastructure and, ultimately, healthcare services—fortheGuyanese population.
Government'sresponse
The Government of Guyana has pushed back againstVAMED'sstatement, rejecting what it called a “misleading narrative” that omitscriticalfactsaboutthe contractor's performance and the reasons behind the MinistryofHealth'sactions.
The government said it has remained fully committed to completing both hospitals from the outset, given their strategic importancetothecountry.It maintains it acted in good faith throughout, honouring its contractual obligations while repeatedly engaging VAMED to address delays, performance deficiencies, and contractual noncompliance flagged in reports from the projects' supervisingengineers.
The government argues the dispute cannot be reduced to a question of payments alone Like any co
pose reciprocal obligations on both parties, with payments tied to measured, approved works and the procurement ofconstructionmaterialsand equipment Officials say (Continuedonpage21)
67 bid to reconstruct St. Sidwell’s Primary School
Atotal of 67 contractors have bid to reconstruct the St. Sidwell’sPrimarySchoolinGeorgetown,aprojectwhichis beingexecutedthroughtheMinistryofEducation.
Accordingtominutesofthetenderopeningprovidedby theNationalProcurementandTenderAdministrationBoard (NPTAB), the bidders bid between $194 million and $618 milliontoexecutetheworks.
TheSt.Sidwell’sPrimarySchoolisanoldwoodentwostoreybuildinglocatedonthecornersofHadfieldStreetand Vlissengen Road, Lodge. It is situated next door to the St. Sidwell’sAnglicanChurch.
The construction of this school and other projects form part of the $24 billion which was set aside in this year’s budgetforthesector’sinfrastructuralneeds.
MinisterofEducation,SoniaParagduringthereleaseof the2026NGSAresultslastweek,announcedgovernment’s plans to build a new St. Sidwell’s Primary School. During her remarks she mentioned that they are building schools andupgradingexistingonestoensurechildrenhaveaccess to quality education and to more modern and relevant learningresources.
Belowarethecompaniesandtheirbids:
MinistryofEducation
Re-ConstructionofSt.Sidwell'sPrimarySchool.
Austrian company to begin...
Frompage20 they repeatedly documented concerns over execution delays, missed milestones, inadequate mobilisation of resources, and VAMED's inability to sustain the pace needed for timely completion — issues that formed the basis of extensive contractual correspondenceovermanymonths.
“The Ministry of Health exercised its contractual rights only after providing VAMED with numerous opportunities to remedy these deficiencies.TheNoticesofIntentionto Terminate were issued pursuant to the contractual provisions after careful consideration of the contractor's performanceandinaccordancewiththe dispute resolution mechanisms established under the contracts, ” the statementsaid.
The government also disputed the idea that certified payment certificates automatically establish undisputed debt. It said the amounts VAMED has referenced remain subject to the
contractual valuation process, applicable provisions, rights of set-off, certification procedures, and the resolution of multiple outstanding contractualissues,makingitinaccurate to characterise the figures as uncontestedliabilities.
Similarly, allegations concerning export credit financing fail to acknowledge the contractual realities surrounding project implementation. Financing arrangements are intrinsically linked to the progress and performance of the projects Any attempt to portray the financing issues in isolation from the contractor's performance presents an incomplete and misleading account of the circumstances,”theministrysaid.
The Ministry of Health said it has consistently sought an amicable resolution and participated in discussions aimed at avoiding termination or arbitration, in the hope the projects could be completedfor the benefit of the Guyanese people while
ensuring the prudent use of public funds.
Should VAMED proceed with arbitration, the government said it will vigorously defend its position before thetribunal,expressingconfidencethat the full factual record — including documentary evidence on the contractor's performance and contractualcompliance—willshowits decisions were lawful, justified, and consistentwiththecontracts.
The government reiterated its commitment to delivering modern healthcare infrastructure for Guyanese, saying every decision taken has been guided by the need to safeguard public resources, ensure accountability, and securethetimelycompletionofquality healthcarefacilities.
With the matter now likely headed to formal dispute resolution, the government said it would be inappropriate to comment further on issuesreservedfordeterminationbythe arbitraltribunal.
unanswered financing
AFC demands full probe into Pres. Ali’s mega farm over arrangements
Theformercoalitionpartynotedthateffortsweremade by a columnist to address concerns surrounding the financing arrangements, which it said raised further questions.
“Rather than providing clarity, these explanations raise furtherquestionsandappeardesignedtomisleadthepublic regardingthetruescaleoftheinvestment,”AFCsaid.
Thepartyexplainedthatitexpectednolessthandetailed andcomprehensiveinformationtobeprovidedbytheHead of State himself to put to rest the growing concerns and speculationaboutthefinancingoftheproject.
Instead, the political group argued that the public has beenfedwithreferencestoloanswhichinitselfaregrossly insufficient to explain the funding of a multi-billion-dollar agriculturalenterprise.
According to the AFC, “Records indicate that on 9th July,2012,anapplicationforacreditfacilityof$30million was submitted to a local financial institution to establish a modern poultry farm on 25 acres of leased land. That applicationwasapproved.”
It continued, “Subsequently, in March 2015, a request foradditionalworkingcapitalintheamountof$18million was submitted to and approved by the same financial institution.” The two loans which total only $48M and referenced by the columnist fall dramatically short of the investmentrequiredforthemassivefacilityoperatedbythe PresidentaccordingtotheAFC.
The party reasoned, “If the loan reportedly obtained in 2023wasnotinexcessof$1.5billion,thentheattempttouse the earlier $48 million in financing as justification for the development of the mega farm is nothing more than a distractionfromthecentralissue:thesourceandscaleofthe fundingbehindtheproject.”
To this end, the AFC reiterated that the explanations providedbyPresidentAliandhissupportershavefailedto adequatelyaccountforthemassiveinvestmentrequiredfor theupscaleagricultureproject.
In the interest of transparency and accountability, the partydemandedafullandcredibleexplanationbeprovided to the public Furthermore, the AFC called for a comprehensive and independent investigation into the financing of the President’s mega farm to thoroughly examineandaddressallquestionssurroundingthefacility
The president’s giant farm was first revealed to the publicbyLeaderoftheOpposition,AzruddinMohamedin an explosive documentary where the We Invest in Nationhood(WIN)partyleadershowedimagesandvideos of the property acquired by the head of state. The agricultural venture entails the rearing of 80,000 chickens, 200sheep,500Braziliancows,50goats,aprivatecreekand a residential ranch home which features a swimming pool, paved pool deck, gazebo, and an outdoor kitchen among others.
Thefarmalsofeaturestwofishcageswiththecapacityto produce up to 75,000 fish each but the operation does not end there. It also entails nine long-span, modern tunnel greenhouses and parallel hydroponic farms arranged in organisedrowsforextensiveagriculturalproduction,seven shade houses, orchard and citrus production and living quartersforworkers.
In a video presentation,Ali accepted ownership of the massiveventurebutdeniedthattheenterprisespanned150 acres. He explained that before he became president, he acquiredthelandandallofhisassetshavebeensubmittedto the Integrity Commission. Notably, the president said he took“hugeloans”tosupporthisbusinesswhileprovidingno evidenceordocumentationtolayconcernsofcorruptionto rest.
Since the expose by Mohamed, opposition parties and variousgroupshavecalledforathoroughinvestigationinto the questionable acquisition of the mega facility by the president.
VACANCY FOR SALE
General Domestic (4 days work), apply at keyfood TradingMcDoomnexttothe post office.
Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, age 23-50, Car/Van license. Call 615-9132
MaidforEastBankareacall 615-9132
One(1)Paintercall615-9132
One Tiler to install a small numberoftilescall615-9132
Vacancy for CashiersSurvivalSupermarket.Email: survivalsupermarket16 @gmail.com16Vlissengen Rd.NewtownKitty
Air Compressor Friendship Oxygen Limited. Call/ WhatsApp:634-3430
2000 lbs., White metal in shape of a boat rudder Friendship Oxygen Limited Call/WhatsApp:634-3430
WhiteWashDazzellHousing Scheme, East Coast Demerara. Call/WhatsApp: Natasha#655-9846
UHPArgon,heliumballoons, Industrial Argon, Mix Gas, and Refrigeration Gases.We also source Gases upon request. Friendship Oxygen Limited. Call/WhatsApp: 634-3430
Liquid Nitrogen Tank 45 Gallons. Taylor Wharton FriendshipOxygenLimited. Call/WhatsApp:634-3430
100 HP Stop and start switches.FriendshipOxygen Limited, WhatsApp #6343430
CBeltPully,12Grooveby18'' Dimensions and other sizes. Friendship Oxygen Limited. WhatsApp#634-3430
Industrial&MedicalOxygen and Acetylene Fast and efficientServicesFriendship OxygenLimited Location: East Bank DemeraraPublicRoadCall/ WhatsApp:634-3430
Helium Gas for Balloons
Price6230ltrs$136,800VAT Inc. 9350 ltrs $171,000VAT Inc.UHPArgongas,Mixgas and other high purity gas can be ordered. Friendship Oxygen Limited WhatsApp #634-3430
Caterpillar Generator CaterpillarD342CEnginein good working condition WhatsApp#634-3430
2-100 HP Motor 3 Ph 440 Volts1-75HPMotor3Ph440 VoltsWhatsApp#634-3430
1234yf$14,799VATInc. WhatsApp#634-3430
Granular Chlorine 100 lbs
$77,520 VAT Inc. Chlorine Tablets 40 lbs $72,960 VAT Inc. Friendship Oxygen LimitedCall/WhatsApp:6343430.
Prime Minister urges entities to accept new Digital ID-cards
The Office of the Prime Minister(OPM)onThursday issued a statement encouraginglocalauthorities,financial institutions, employers and other entities to accept the newDigitalIdentity(ID)cards asanofficialformofidentification for persons conducting any form of business or transaction in Guyana.
The Digital Identity Card Act 19 of 2023 came into full force and effect on 31st March,2026.
Section 6 (1) of the Act stipulates:“ADigitalIdentity Cardshallbeanofficialdocument, sufficient and necessary to lawfully identify the person in doing any business with a public body or private sector entity, whether in person or online, within Guyana or in any country that has a reciprocal agreement with Guyana for the use of such a
FORRENT
Vreed-en-hoop junction: Place for office, lessons, storage bond and other. Call #603-6400
EmptylotinHerstelling,East Bank Demerara. Call #6993406or711-4932
Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK: Graphics design,advertisements, weddingarchrentals.Tel:6267040.
We buy house lot and land withunfinishedbuilding.Call K.Lakeram,Building Contractor #216-0671 or WhatsApp#622-0267
One office assistant/driver, 160k per month. Tele# 7696870
Handyman to live in small family. Must know about livestock. 160k per month. Tele#769-6870
Nightguard needed Tele# 769-6870
card.”
Currently,twocategories of ID cards are issued: the Citizen Identity Card, issued tocitizensofGuyana,andthe Resident Identity Card, issued to eligible non-citizens permittedtoworkinGuyana.
The OPM explained, “Each card displays several numbers, and entities are advised to use the correct one for identity verification and record-keeping purposes.”
For citizens, authorities are advised to always record the Guyana Unique IdentificationNumber(GUIN)while for eligible non-citizens a ResidentIdentificationNumber (RIDN) will be issued as the permanent identity reference for each cardholder
“These numbers are assigned to the cardholder upon acquisition of the card andremainunchangedforlife, even when the physical card is renewed, replaced, or cor-
rected.Theyarelocatedinthe biodata section on the front of the card, in the last field to the right of the photograph,” the government release indicated.
Additionally,thecardalso displaysaDocumentNumber and a Card Access Number (CAN). Neither of these is permanent, and neither should be relied upon as a standaloneidentifier
Authorities and entities havebeenurgedtorecordthe GUIN(CitizenIdentityCard) or RIDN (Resident Identity Card) as the permanent identity reference in all systems,files,anddatabases.
It was explained that the Document Number may be recordedfortravelorimmigration purposes, but must not be used as a standalone identifier, since it changes each time a new card is issued.
Meanwhile, it was noted that the CAN must never be
used for identification purposes. “It is a technical controlvaluerelatedsolelytothe card's embedded electronic chip,”accordingtotheGoG Meanwhile,thestatement advisedthatwhereadiscrepancy arises between the Document Number on file and the Document Number onarenewedorreplacedcard, the GUIN/RIDN should be used to confirm the cardholder's identity
Thisisimportantsincethe Document Number changes with every renewal, replacement, or correction.As such, entities that rely on it alone asapermanentidentifierrisk losing continuity of records ormisidentifyingcardholders overtime.Notably,theGUIN and RIDN were designed specifically to prevent this, providing a single, lifelong reference number for every citizen and resident cardholder
51 year old male of African decent looking for future partnerofanyracewithinthe age group of 35-45yrs. Call #603-6400 PEN
U.S. imposes new 25% tariffs on Brazil, expands exemptions list
July15(Reuters)-TheU.S.has announced 25% duties on many imports from Brazil, while unveiling a broader-than-expected listofexemptions,revivingatrade war that could embroil dozens of countries around the world as the Trump administration reworks its tariffs policy, one of its signature diplomatictools.
The late-night announcement by the office of the U.S. Trade Representative made Brazil the first country targeted under the Trump administration’s new tariff strategy, which relies on Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, a statute that authorises investigations into alleged unfair tradepractices,tojustifynewlevies ondozensofcountries.
The new tariffs, scheduled to take effect on July 22, two days before President Donald Trump’s temporary 10% global tariff is scheduledtoexpire.
Tariffs from other Section 301 probes are expected to eventually ensnare major U.S. trade partners including India, China, Japan, South Korea and the European UnionasTrumpseeksatradereset aftertheU.S.SupremeCourtstruck down a previous round of global levies.
Wednesday’s announcement by the USTR office follows months of fruitless negotiations
and over 30 meetings between U S and Brazilian officials after the Trump administration proposed new tariffs on many imports from Brazil in June, saying ‘its practices were unfair on a range of issues from digital tradetoillegaldeforestation
“Extensive negotiations with Brazil over the past year have not resolved these issues, but we remain open to continuing negotiations with Brazil to bring about long-needed changes to the problems identified in this investigation,” U S Trade Representative Jamieson Greer saidinastatement.
BrazilianPresidentLuizInacio Lula da Silva, who is expected to run for reelection in October, said the U.S. decision lacks justification Brazilian officials have long suggested, in private conversations, that the motives for thenewtariffswerepolitical,rather thantechnical,makingnegotiations fruitless.
Brazil would immediately begin proceedings to invoke instruments provided for under the “Reciprocity Law” and revisit the matterwithintheframeworkofthe WTO dispute settlement mechanism,hesaidinastatement.
India,oneofthebiggesttrading partners of the U.S., has struggled to sign a trade deal with
Washington at least partly because of the Section 301 investigations into lax enforcement of forced labour bans and excess industrial capacity
“TheBrazilcase isawarning for India,” said Ajay Srivastava, founder of the Global Trade Research Initiative think tank. “It shows that Washington can use trade action not only over tariffs andmarketaccess,butalsoagainst any policy it sees as unfair to U.S. business.”
‘LULAHAS PUT HIS OWN EGO AHEAD OF MAKING A DEAL’
Secretary of State Marco Rubio,whowasaccusedbyLulaof beinganti-LatinAmericawhenthe U.S. tariffs were proposed in June, blamedtheBrazilianpresidentand said “Lula and his government `have not negotiated with the U.S. ingoodfaith.”
“Forthepastyear,Lulahasput hisownegoaheadofmakingadeal for the welfare of the Brazilian people, and these tariffs are the price for that,” Rubio said in a stronglywordedpostonX.
In a Thursday statement, Brazil’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mauro Vieira called Rubio’s remarks unacceptable and offensive to the Brazilian government and people, adding Lula had sought dialogue
throughouttheprocess.
“Rubio launched a rude and arrogantattackontheheadofstate ofafriendlycountry,”hesaid.
Vieira also reiterated Brazil’s willingness to negotiate despite Washington’s “political motivation” in imposing the measure,sayingtherewasnologic behindit.
The Brazil tariffs would be levied to thousands of imports, including sugar, agricultural machinery, apparel, electrical machinery,andpaper
USTR said that the new tariffs would not apply ‘to products already subject toTrump’s Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper, autos and certain wood products.
After public comments and lobbying from some industries, USTR removed some products from proposed exemptions, including high-purity dissolving pulp and non-pharmaceutical applicationsofcertainproducts.
But USTR kept in place major exemptions for beef, coffee, rare earths, energy products, aircraft, and aircraft parts and expanded thislistwithpigironandsteelscrap used by electric-arc furnace steelmakers, unflavoured instant coffeeandorganichoney
The American Chamber of Commerce for Brazil, a business
group, reported the ‘new tariff increased exemptions by 25%, coveringsome$11billioninannual trade,$2billionlessthanexpected, thoughitplaces“Brazilamongthe countriesfacingthemostrestrictive conditions for access to the U.S. market.”
Dan Anthony, executive directorofacoalitionofmorethan 1,200 U.S. small businesses called We Pay The Tariffs, called the tariffs “a blunt tool with a weak connectionbetweenthepracticesat issue and theAmerican companies thatwillbearthecosts.”
The investigation into Brazil, opened in July 2025, cited several alleged‘unfairpractices,including illegal deforestation and Brazil’s instantpaymentsystem,Pix,which the U S government argues disadvantages credit card companies.
Brazil vehemently rejected all theallegations.
Brazilhasalsobeenincludedin a separate Section 301 investigation by the USTR, due to conclude on July 24, into connectionstoforcedlabourinthe supply chains of dozens of countries.
The probe is expected to result in an additional 12 5% tariff, bringing the total burden for affected Brazilian products to 37.5%.
U.S. expands attacks on Iran
...Tehran calls Strait of Hormuz a
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) The United Statesintensifieditsstrikesagainst Iran on Thursday, hitting targets farther north and firing into a ship theU.S.accusedoftryingtobreak its naval blockade on the Islamic Republic Iran retaliated by launching missiles and drones at U.S. allies in the region, and warneditsattacksmayescalate.
The interim ceasefire agreed to last month has collapsed, and the region has endured days of backand-forth attacks by the U.S. and Iranastheybattleforcontrolofthe Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials say U.S. strikes have killed more than 35 people and wounded over 300others.
‘red line’ as it retaliates
For the first time in this latest round of violence, strikes also reached into areas around Iran’s capital, Tehran, showing a widening set of targets for the Americans. The U.S. launched a second wave of strikes late Thursday, saying it was aiming to “further degrade” Iran’s military capabilities. When the U S and Israel launched the war on Iran on Feb.
A man waves an Iranian flag beneath a billboard reading in English, “Who is D nexT one?” and “#lindseygraham,” referring to late U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham and using the capital letters “D” and “T” in an apparent play on the initials of U.S. President Donald Trump, in downtown Tehran, Iran, Thursday, July 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
28, Tehran effectively closed the strait to shipping traffic, a move thatsentthepriceofoilsoaringand
gave Iran major leverage in negotiations.
Col Ebrahim Zolfaghari, a spokesperson for the Iranian military’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, threatened that Iran could launch widespread attacks on “all the infrastructure in the region” if the U.S. acts on President Donald Trump ‘s repeated warnings that America couldhitIranianbridgesandpower plants.
AP correspondent Karen Chammas reports U.S. attacks on Iran intensify as Iran warns it will demolish American infrastructure in the region if U.S. carries out PresidentTrump’sthreats.
“Undernocircumstancesandin nowaywillweallowAmerica,asa foreign and extra regional country, to interfere in the Strait of Hormuz,”headded.“ThisisIran’s invincibleredline.”
and Semnan province, home to Iran’s ballistic missile production and space program. State media also reported strikes around the provinces of Hamedan, Hormozgan, Khuzestan, Lorestan, Markazi, and Sistan and Baluchestan, as well as on Iran’s Qeshm island, near the Strait of Hormuz.
Sevenpeoplewerewoundedin a U.S. strike that hit the AllahAkbar Hill
idential neighborhood in the port city of BandarAbbas,accordingtoIranian statemedia.Twomorepeoplewere wounded in a U.S. attack on the Bandar Abbas railway junction station,statemediasaid.
AndjustwestofBandarAbbas, witnessesreportedthattwobridges werestruckinaU.S.attack,killing two people and wounding four others,statemediasaid.
An attack on Greater Tunb IslandtargetedIraniandefenseand missile sites, U.S. Central Commandsaid.GreaterTunb Continued on page 24
U.S. expands attacks on Iran
Frompage23
Island is one of three small rocky islands that sit at the confluence of the Persian Gulf and the strait The islands — seized in 1971 by Iran from what would become the United Arab Emirates—helptheIslamic Republic exert significant controloverthestrait.
The U.S. military also said it disabled a Curacaoflaggedoiltankerasitsailed towardIran’smainoilexport
terminal, firing a missile after the ship “ignored multiplewarnings.”
AnotherAmerican strike Wednesday targeted a barracks for Iran’s 388th Mechanised Infantry Brigade, which operates tanks and armored vehicles, in Sistan and Baluchestan province, Iranian state televisionreported.
The report said seven were killed in the attack, including conscripts and
careersoldiers.
Iran retaliated Thursday with missile and drone attacks on Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait, authorities in thosecountrieshometoU.S. forcessaid.
There was no immediate acknowledgment of damage or casualties from the attacks.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi condemned an overnight drone attack in Iraq’s semiautonomous
northern Kurdish region
Thedrone,whichauthorities said had been intercepted, came during his trip to the U.S. in which he said Iraq would work to disarm nonstate armed groups, including those backed by Iran.
A drone separately targetedatankerThursdayin thePersianGulfoffthecoast ofBasrainsouthernIraq,the state-run INA news agency reported.Nocasualtieswere reported.
Trumpsaysapeace dealisstillpossible
The latest round of fighting is focused on the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran attacks ships using a U.S.controlled route through the vitalwaterway.
Week-to-week cargo shipments through the strait dropped by almost a quarter at the beginning of the month, according to Maritime data firm Lloyd’s List Intelligence. And that was before the recent surge intit-for-tatattacks.
Giventherisks,someoil shippers are transiting the strait with their location devicesturnedoff,butmany are just staying put, Lloyd’s saidThursday
Agrowingamountofthe region’s energy is being shipped through pipelines, but not nearly enough to offsetthedeclineinshipping through the strait U S forces have redirected three commercialvesselstryingto run the blockade, disabled one that did not comply and boarded another “to ensure full compliance,” U S Central Command said in a postonX.
“The Strait of Hormuz and the surrounding waters remainfreeandopen,except for vessels attempting to violate America’s steel wall blockade,”thepostsaid.
The U.S. has threatened to reopen the strait by force, but experts say that would require a much bigger armada if not tens of thousandsofgroundtroops.
ThepriceforBrentcrude oil, the international
standard,tradedabove$85a barrel on Thursday, more than 15% higher than the pricebeforethewar,butstill well below the nearly $120 reached at the height of the conflict.
Rising prices pose a particular challenge to Trump and his Republican Party, which hopes to retain control of Congress in electionsinNovember
The U.S. reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian portsWednesday
“They don’t like what we’re doing, and they do wanttosettle.We’llfindout whetherornotwesettlewith them,orwejustfinishitoff,” Trump said Wednesday at the U.S. Army War College inPennsylvania.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday said effortswerestillunderwayto bring theU.S. andTehranto the negotiating table but acknowledged that was becoming increasingly difficult.
Trump said on social media that Tehran made a goodwill gesture by releasing an American citizen wrongly detained in Iransince2024.
Hedidnotreleasefurther details.Humanrightslawyer Jared Genser released a statement identifying the detainee as his client Dena Karari,aU.S.-Iraniancitizen whorunsanonprofitandwas chargedwithespionage. Irandidnotimmediately acknowledge the release, andhercasewasnotpublicly known, as sometimes happens with detentions in theIslamicRepublic.
Mohamed dismisses...
Frompage13
Khan. Mohamed questioned why the police are “targeting innocentpeoplebytakingpoliticalinstructions”ratherthan pursuingkeyfigureslikeRogerKhan,forwhomnowanted bulletinshavebeenissued.
Mohamed also criticised the police’s handling of Satrohan Rajkumar’s arrest. Rajkumar surrendered on Wednesday,15th July, hours after a wanted bulletin was issued.MohameddescribedthebulletinforRajkumar,who livesminutesfromthestationandoperatesopenly,as“both unnecessary and absurd”. He expressed concern for Rajkumar’s health, noting the mechanic suffers from an ulcerativestomachcondition.
Furthermore, Mohamed also condemned the six-day detention of Richmond, who was released on $1 million station bail on Tuesday alongside Udoh Kanu and AmarnauthRamsook.
“Can you believe that Mr Mark Richmond was not questioned?” Mohamed asked. “If there were no questions to ask him, then why was he held for six days in the first place...Thisisatravestyinourjusticesystem”.Whilefree onbail,Richmondhasbeenorderedtoreporttoinvestigators dailyfor“noreason”.
Meanwhile, regarding rumours that he will be arrested sooninconnectionwiththesamecase,Mohamednotedthat hehadheardsoaswell.
The Fagundes murder probe has long been a source of public controversy, particularly following 2022 whistleblowing allegations by Police Sergeant Dion Bascom,whoclaimedseniorofficerscoveredupthecase.
RHTYSC Annual Review Magazine...
Frompage26 NorthAmerica.Kissoondyal also announced that the club’s next publication wouldbeaspecialeditionon the fifty greatest cricketers produced by the RHTYSC between1990to2026.
Mr Mahadeo Panchu of KSM Investment Inc. stated that his company was very impressed with the hard workoftheRHTYSCandits overallcommitmenttoyouth development Panchu, whose company is based in Good Hope, East Coast Demerara, pledged his
support for the club, which hedescribedasarolemodel toothers.
Minister Collin Croal hailed the publication as anotherhugeachievementof the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club and stated that he was very impressed by the quality of the fully coloredpublication.
Theclub’sPatronpraised the hard work and commitment of the club’s executive, who continues to upholdaveryhighstandard.
The club’s senior management team also used
theopportunitytoupdatethe Patron on upcoming activities including the Bakewell Cricket Academy, Republic Bank Grade 6 Summer Camp, Basil Butcher Trust Fund 2026, and the 11th edition of the RHTYSC Christmas Village.
Under-15 player Jayden Beepat expressed gratitude to all the sponsors of the magazine for their support and announced that copies can be obtained at the club office Monday to Friday duringworkinghours.
Joshua Gopaul...
Frompage28 entire event was made possible by the arbiters and management team, which included Ethan Lee, Ronan Lee, Oluwadare Oyeyipo, Italy Ton Chung, and Keron Sandiford. The successful setup and smooth operation oftheGCFboothweremade possible thanks to Mrs. Ieda Harrison, Mrs Michaela Khan-Smith, and Mrs Marcia Lee, with valuable support from Abrianna Tinnie, Odit Rodrigues, and NathanWilliams.
Friday July 17, 2026
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
Your sensual side is likely to show itself today, Aries. You might find yourself viewing young folks in tight jeans more appreciatively than you usuallydo.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
Ingenious techniques for growing your money could comeyourwaytoday,Taurus. While you aren't one to jump intoanything,you'recertainly likely to give these ideas seriousthought.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
Today you're likely to be in justtherightplaceattheright time to meet the right person. You're overdue for a lucky break and probably not expectingit.Youmaystartthe dayinarestless.
CANCER(June21–July22)
You might wake up this morning, look in the mirror, anddecidethatyouhatewhat you see even though you probably look fine. This is a good day to shop for new clothesorgetahaircut.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
Todayyoucouldfindyourself seeking self-knowledge through relationships, Leo, especially through assisting those you love. Someone is troubled and needs your help. It would be best for all if you gaveit.
VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)
Do you have a romantic evening planned for tonight, Virgo? If so, it's likely to turn out to be all you'd hoped for You'llbeespeciallyattractive, and your naturally warm and loving nature will be very apparent.
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
You could feel restless and anxious to get out in the open forawhiletoday, butmundane tasks could force you to postponeit.Someoneyoucare aboutmightaskforafavor
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)
At some point during the day you might find yourself involved in a project that piques your interest far more than usual. You could throw yourself more deeply into it thanisnecessarynow
SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)
Sagittarius, are you hoping to accomplish a goal that you've beenworkingtowardforalong time? Don't let delays cause you to fear that it will never happen. It could block your creative energy and cause you tolosefaithinyourself.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
You may be in an especially nurturing mood today You mightreachouttoeveryliving thing around you, from plants topetstofriends,children,and romanticpartners.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)
Social responsibilities might appear to be hitting you all at once Everyone you know seems to crave your company As a naturally polite and socially astute person, you might feel obligated to accept anyandallinvitations.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
Important communications regardingfinancescouldcome today, and it might be fortuitous if you follow up on them right away Once that's done, you'll probably want to relax and delve into whatever interestsyouthemost.
District7(UpperMazaruni)...
Frompage29
information booths, about tourism and health, and fully stocked bars with lots to eat and drink including cocktails. Severalflatscreentelevisionswillbeatthevenue,ifyouare atthebarchillingawayfromthefrontline,youwillbeableto see the races and replays will also be available for the public.”
He further stated; “This year the winners will receive $500,000, second place finishers $350,000 and third $250,000 in vouchers, where the students will be able to supporttheiracademicpursuitandacertainpercentagewill begiventothedistrict.So,it’sawin/winforthefamilyina beautiful day out for the regions, districts and schools to showcaseyourtalentinthisnovelsportandthestudents.It’s anopportunitytoshowcasewhatyouhaveinthisnewsport andtheirskillsetandalsogetachancetonotonlybragging rightsandmedals,butacashvoucherworth$500,000.”
The Federation extends its heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors, whose generous support made these competitions possible. We would also like to give specialacknowledgmentand thanks to the organizers of Game Fest 2026.Thank you for providing the GCF with the platform to participate, and for recognizing chess as a premier discipline in the “battleofthemind.”
Trinchloro Bleach...
Frompage27 via the tournament’s official social media handles or by contacting the organisers directly on WhatsApp at +592635-2235.
The tournament caravan officially commences with the Berbice Zone onAugust 8–9 across four premier venues, including the historic Port Mourant Community Centre Ground, the No. 69 Ground, and the Welfare Ground in Canje, before concluding with the zonal finals at the Albion SportsComplexonAugust9.
The action then moves swiftly to the East Bank/West Demerara leg on August 15–16, followed by the Essequibo Zone on August22–23.
Following a temporary hiatus for the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), the tournamentresumeswiththe p o w e r h o u s e Georgetown/East Coast Demerara leg on September 26–27andOctober3–4.
In a historic first for the competition, the national grand finale on October 11, 2026, will be hosted at the Anna Regina National Stadium in Region Two, bringing the absolute pinnacle of Guyanese tapeball cricket directly to Essequibo.
Additionally,Dr Andersonnoted:“So,itwillbeadayof eventsandabeautifularrayofskillsonthewatertop.Safety isournumberonepriority Wewillbehavingamedicalteam in the water-top to accompany all races at all times and lifeguards on the water-top, so that they will provide the assistance,andguidancetoeveryparticipantandpoliceand lifeguardsandamedicalbooth.”
AccordingtoDr Andersonnineracesaresetfortheday beginning at 11.00am with the Under 14 Mixed Double which will be followed by the Under 16 Male Individual, Under16MixedDouble,Under16FemaleIndividual,Male Long Distance Relay, Female Long-Distance Relay, Open Male Individual, Open Mixed Double and Open Female Individualraces.
MCYS/NSC Teach Them Young Swim programme continues to make a splash as over 3,000 youths register
With the July-
A u g u s t s c h o o l vacation in full swing, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, in collaboration with the National Sports Commission (NSC), is once again equipping Guyana’s youth with an essential life skill through its annual TeachThemYoung,Learnto Swimprogramme.
The Government-funded initiative, which runs from July 20 to August 14 in Georgetown, has attracted morethan3,000participants between the ages of six and 18,continuingitsmissionof promoting water safety, confidence and healthy lifestylesamongthenation’s youth.
Since its inception, the programme has introduced
thousands of young G u y a n e s e t o t h e fundamentals of swimming, while instilling safe practices around water. Organisers are expecting anothersuccessfuleditionas interest in the initiative continuestogroweachyear
Safety remains a
cornerstone of the programme Alongside a team of qualified swimming coaches, members of the Guyana Lifesaving Association are present
throughout each session to superviseparticipants,assist with instruction and ensure every child learns in a safe andcontrolledenvironment.
Activities are already underway in Regions Two, Five,SixandTen.
Sessions in Region Two (Essequibo) have concluded with close to 200 children benefiting from the programme, while the Albion Pool in Berbice and Watooka Pool in Linden are currently hosting more than 400participantscombined.
The focus now shifts to Region Four, where activities will begin on Monday at the Colgrain Pool, Camp Street, and continueuntilAugust14.
National Sports Commission Swim Coach Paul Mahaica, supported by adedicatedteamofcoaches, instructors and lifeguard assistants, continues to oversee the delivery of engaging and secure sessions aimed at helping participants build confidenceinthewater
To ensure the smooth operationoftheprogramme, o r g a n i s e r s h a v e implemented a structured registration system, with participants assigned class datesandtimesaccordingto the alphabetical order of
theirsurnames.
At the Albion and Watooka pools, three onehour sessions are conducted daily between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon, while the Georgetown programme at
Colgrain Pool will
accommodate demand with six one-hour sessions each day,beginningat9:00a.m.
Since the programme resumed in 2022 following the COVID-19 pandemic,
more than 21,000 persons, includingadultsandpersons living with disabilities, have successfully participated in theinitiative.
The programme is also set for further expansion, with Region Eight expected tobeincludedlaterthisyear for the first time, extending the reach of one of the country’s most impactful youth development initiatives.
The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS (RHTYSC) on Thursday last officially launched the 23rd edition of their annual review magazine. The RHTYSC Youth Review magazine was launched by the club’s Patron, Minister Collin Croal, at his office at the Ministry of Housing, Brickdam,Georgetown.
The club Patron handed over thefirstcopyofthemagazinetoMr Mahadeo Panchu of KSM Investment,themainsponsorofthe 2026edition.
Club Secretary Hilbert Foster, who led the magazine editorial staff,statedthatthefifty-sixpages, fully coloured magazine was printed at the J’s Printery in New Amsterdamandcoveredtheclub’s achievements during the period 2024to2026.
Among the articles in the magazine are:
oftheclub
RHTYSC Honorary Patron, Minister Collin Croal, hands over magazine to Mahadeo Panchu of KSM in the presence of club members.
Swimmers at Albion Estate Pool.
Reds Perreira suggests commentary panel for upcoming 40 Over Masters World Cup
Veteran Guyanese Sports Administrator and Commentator, Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira, has been keeping an eye on upcoming events here in Guyana, mainly the up coming Masters cricket tournament scheduled in a next few months.Tothisend‘Reds’hassuggestedcommentarypanels forimpendingcrickettournamentstobringtheactionliveto the listening public across the country and Caribbean and world.
Addressing Raj Singh, head of the Masters Cricket body organisingtheMastersWorldCupscheduledforlaterthisyear inGuyana,‘Reds’noted,“AsweenterthemiddleofJuly,we needtolookattheTVandRadioPanelsthatwemayincludein the2panels.
To make up our radio panel I would like to recommend Indarjeet Persad, Sean Devers, Andrew Mason, Claude Emmanuel as the commentators panel, with comments by Travis Dowlin, Neil Barry and Roderick Lovell. Claude Emmanuel is an excellent Windwards voice and has been a commentator for the CPL over the last 5 years and a background with a number of First Class matches, 2 Test Matches - WI vs. South Africa along with WI A vs South AfricaA.”
“You had said that you were in contact with Andrew MasonandIwillaskyouonyournexttriptoGuyanatobein contactwithTravisDowlin,NeilBarryandRoderickLovell. RegardingtheTVcommentatorsIhavealertedandhavebeen in contact with Fazeer Mohammed (commentator), Marli Richards (commentator), Roland Butcher (commentator), Colin Murray (commentator and comments), Colin Croft (comments)(oneofthelegends)tobeinvitedwhileyouhad said that you were in touch with Nicky and I would like to suggestthatyoucontactLeonJohnson(comments)andRoger Harper(comments)bothformerWIplayers.”
He offered his expert opinion on the arrangements to be put in place, “Of the TV panel, Mohammed, Richards, Butcher, Murray and Nicky will need airline travel and accommodationwhileJohnsonandHarperareGuyanabased. Croftwillbeoneofyourlegendsinvited.
Abreakdown of the radio will showAndrew Mason and Claudius Emmanuel. A similar breakdown on the radio commentators will show Andrew Mason and Claudius Emmanuel will have to be provided air travel and accommodation.”
“Itisimportantthatadecisionismadeonthepanelsbefore theendofJulyandtoinformtheTVrightsholdersofthepanel and those coming from the region requiring air travel and accommodation,andwhileonthesubjectofaccommodationI wouldliketosuggestthatnoonebeaccommodatedinasingle room. Please bear in mind Raj that both panels will need a scorer and I am confident that both panels would produce excellentworkforourregionalandinternationalcolleagues. Onreceivingthisinformation,weknowdoubtneedtohavea discussiononwhatIamsuggesting,”‘Reds’Perreirastated.
The St. Lucia based Perreira has been involved in sports administration,commentaryandtrainingofcommentatorsfor manydecadesandaddstremendousknowledgetothisaspect oftheorganisingoftheimpendinginternationaleventwhich hadalreadyreceivedtheblessingsandsupportoftheGuyana governmentandtheprivatesector
Trinchloro Bleach renews support for Lotto/Let’s Bet One Guyana T10 Tapeball
The highly anticipated fourth season of the Lotto/Let’s Bet One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast has received a major boost as Trinchloro Bleach, distributed by ANSAMcALDistributorsLimited, officially renewed its partnership forthetournament.
Thetournamentalsoannounced arevolutionary,lucrativecash-prize structure and a historic national grandfinalesetforRegionTwo.
In a complete departure from traditionalknockoutformatswhere earlyexitsyieldnoreturn,the2026 edition guarantees financial rewards for teams deep into the zonalstages.
Teams losing at the zonal quarter-final stage will earn G$25,000,whilelosingzonalsemifinalistswillpocketG$50,000.
The stakes escalate progressively,withthelosingzonal finalists receiving G$200,000, culminating in a handsome G$500,000 purse for the respective zonal champions before they even transitionintothenationalbracket.
The crescendo of the tournament will see the stakes reach their absolute peak during the national playoffs. The crowned national champions will walk awaywithamassiveG$2,000,000firstprize purse, while the runners-up will secureG$1,000,000.
The two losing national semifinalists will also be rewarded for their efforts,witheachearningG$500,000.
KristinaKanhai,BrandManagerfor Trinchloro Bleach, expressed her excitement about the continued collaboration and the positive impact the tournament has on local communities.
“Trincloro is incredibly proud to wash away the competition and stand alongsidetheOneGuyanaT10Tapeball Blast for a fourth incredible season,” Khanistated.
“This tournament brings unparalleled energy and unity to communities across Guyana, and with this year’s game-changing prize structure, we are thrilled to support grassroots cricket as it reaches new, unprecedentedheights.”
Tournament Director John Ramsingh emphasised that the revamped structure is designed to rewardthehardworkofregionalteams while elevating the overall standard of thesport.
“Wewantedtoensurethatteamsare fairly compensated for their talent and
dedication,whichiswhywestructured the payouts to reward success at every majormilestone,”Ramsinghnoted.
“Bringing the national grand finale totheAnnaReginaNationalStadiumis a historic milestone for us, and we are deeply grateful to Trinchloro Bleach andANSAMcALforsharingourvision to take top-tier tapeball action directly tothepassionatefansinEssequibo.”
With the lucrative prize structure locked in, organisers have issued an urgent directive to regional teams to secure their spots immediately Teams are cautioned against delaying registration to tinker with squad selection, as spots are expected to fill rapidly
Registrationformscanbeaccessed
Continued on page 25
West Coast Warriors whip Row Rangers to keep winning ways at Commonwealth Cricket League 30-over tournament
West Coast Warriors continued to dominate t h i s y e a r ’ s Commonwealth Cricket League 30over tournament after whipping Row Rangers by 8 wickets last Sunday at VCP-1venueinNewYork.
Warriors still leading the points table having now chalked up 9 wins from10games.
Afterwinningthetossandoptedto take first strike, Row Rangers skittled forapaltry120in24.4overs.
West Coast Warriors, in response, racedto121witharesounding89balls tospare.
Openers Rajendra Khan and Youghestir Bachan led the way with a ferocious,110-runfirst-wicketstand.
Khan slammed 52 from 47 balls laced with 8 fours and a six while the informBachanremainedunbeatenwith 45.Hisinningscountedsixboundaries andasixhavingspanned43balls.
Right-arm seamer Tanjid Ahmed pickedup2-2in1.2overs.
Earlier, the decision backfired on Row Rangers as they slipped to 48-4 and never revived the innings as wicketskeptfallingregularly
Saifullah Shoborno provided some resistancethoughwith29whileanother low-order batter Mohammad Fayez Ullah avoided a total collapse as he added21notout.
Their innings was tore apart by leggy and former Essequibo Under-19 player Brandon Cabose and mediumpacer Rajin Rahoman with three wicketsapiece.
Cabose conceded 17 runs from six frugaloverswhileRahomangaveaway 24runsduringhistidysix-overspellas well.
Javed Shafeek and Kenly Adams were also successful with the ball for West Coast Warriors claiming two wicketseach.
The action continues on Sunday with Warriors meeting up Pehowa Warriors while Row Rangers and EmpireStrikerswilldobattle.
The six-team competition will climaxlateSeptember
Joseph ‘Reds’Perreira
Brandon Cabose
Tournament Director John Ramsingh (left) and Kristina Kanhai, Brand Manager for Trinchloro Bleach.
Joy Adams shines in defeat as Guyana fall to USVI in Centrobasket Qualifiers
Guyana’shopesof securing their first victory at
the FIBA Women’s
A m e r i C u p 2 0 2 7 Centrobasket Qualifiers suffered another setback on Wednesday evening, as they went down 87-71 to the United States Virgin Islands in Group Phase action at the Polideportivo Alexis Argüello in Managua, Nicaragua.
Despite another outstanding all-round display from captain Joy Adams, the Guyanese womenwereunabletomatch the Virgin Islands’balanced attack, which saw four players score in double figures en route to a commandingvictory
The defeat leaves Guyanastillsearchingforits first win of the tournament after opening its campaign with a heartbreaking loss to ElSalvador
After taking an early 5-2 lead, Guyana remained competitive throughout the openingperiod.
Ruth Adams had 23 points in Guyana’s loss to the USVI at the Women’s CentroBasket Qualifiers.
Adams knocked down a step-back jumper with 59 seconds remaining in the first quarter to level the scoresat16-16,momentarily
halting the Virgin Islands’ momentum.
However, that proved to betheturningpoint.
Just nine seconds later, Taylor Jones drilled a threepointer to restore the Virgin Islands’advantage at 19-16, and they never relinquished the lead. From there, the Caribbean Champions dictated the tempo, taking a 44-33 advantage into halftime before extending their cushion in each of the remainingquarters.
G u y a n a b r i e f l y threatened in the second periodwitharapid6-0burst, sparked by Marley Edwards and Ruth Adams, to reduce thedeficitfrom26-18to2624. But the Virgin Islands respondedemphaticallywith an 8-0 run midway through the quarter, stretching the margin to 38-29 and firmly regainingcontrol.
The Virgin Islands’ dominance continued after theinterval,withtheirlargest leadreaching21pointsat7453 midway through the fourthquarter
Although Guyana
Joshua Gopaul gives standout performance at Bullet Chess
Former National Junior Chess Champion Joshua Gopaul brought his A-game to the Bullet Chess CompetitionshostedbytheGuyana Chess Federation (GCF) at the GameFest2026lastSaturday,July 11th, 2026. The event, held at the Royal International Mall, attracted several chess players as well as newcomers, all vying for a chance towinthecashprizessponsoredby V&V Distributors, Movements FamilyHotelandBar,PremierND Plus Enterprise, S Pooran Equipment Rental, and the FernandezCiriafamily Gopaul took home the firstplace prize in three Bullet Chess Competitions, while Keron Sandiford, WCM Jessica Callender, and FM Anthony Drayton copped first place each in the remaining three competitions. Other winners taking home cash prizesincludedKimShing-Chong, EthanSpencer,TreskoléArchibald, Chelsea Harrison, Angelina Yhap, Darrel Abrams, Kishan Puran, Tremeur Alleyne, Dominic Sam, Jaden Denny, Odinnie Reece, and JavierDavenand.Newcomerprizes went to David Chow, Naresh Sukhu, Tajiri De Abreu, Derek Quaicoe,andMahendraPersaud.
The GCF
m
c appearance at the gaming convention kicked off the bullet tournaments from 12:00 pm in the high-octane Bullet Chess format withatwo-minutetimecontrolplus a 1-second increment for each player The short time control attractedmanyplayerstoshowcase their skills and abilities in this
format in a festive environment ratherthanthetraditionalquietness of chess, providing much excitementandcamaraderieamong theplayers.
The action-packed schedule drewadiversecrowd,commanding the attention of both seasoned
newcomers who clashed over the
continued to battle until the final buzzer, they were unable to significantly reducethedeficit.
TheVirginIslandsledfor an impressive 36 minutes and 10 seconds of the contest, while Guyana spent just2:25infront.
Adams produced one of the finest individual p
tournamentdespitetheloss.
Playing all 40 minutes, the Guyanese captain finishedwithagame-high28 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and five steals, while registering an outstanding efficiencyratingof38.
She received support from Ruth Adams, who added 23 points, while Anaya Mc David netted 13 pointstogoalongwitheight rebounds.
However, Guyana struggled to find consistent offensiveproductionbeyond thetriowhocombinedfor64 ofthecountry’stotal.
The Virgin Islands were paced by Imani Tate, whose composed all-round effort included 18 points, seven
rebounds and six assists. Jon
was equally influential,scoring15points on an efficient 5-of-7 shooting, including three three-pointers, while also handing out five assists without committing a turnover
I’tianaTaylorandAnisha George each chipped in 12 points as the Virgin Islands showcased their offensive depth and defensive discipline.
The Virgin Islands finished with four players in double figures, superior ball movement and timely perimeter shooting, consistentlykeepingGuyana on the back foot throughout thecontest.
Guyanawillnowlookto regroup quickly as they continue their Centrobasket Qualifierscampaign,hoping to convert encouraging individualperformancesinto amuch-neededteamvictory Today, Guyana will play the winner between the USVI and The Bahamas in the fifth to eighth place classification.
Scene from GCF Bullet Chess Tournament at Game Fest 2026.
maintained a highly competitive field of 14 to 16 players battling through seven intense rounds of
competition was a total prize fund of $50,000 Guyana dollars per tournament Cash prizes were distributed among the top five finishers, along with dedicated prizes for the Best Female Player andBestNewcomer At the conclusion of the day’s events, Joshua Gopaul emerged victorious as the player with the highest points for victories. His dominant performance and tournament-high score earned him thegrandprizeof$30,000Guyana dollars.
ExhibitionFootballlikenoother: Several stars of Guyana’s football but in the recent and extended past had a chance to face off with France and Chelsea’s celebrated winger Florent Malouda. Both teams embracing each other, after French Guiana 3-2 win of GFF President’s XI.
Former Chelsea and French star Florent Malouda rolled back the years on Wednesday evening, producingavintagedisplaywitha brace as the French Guiana Veterans edged the GFF President’s XI 3-2 in an entertaining exhibition match at the National Training Centre (NTC),Providence.
The special encounter, staged as part of Malouda’s visit to Guyana, drew football enthusiasts eagertowitnessoneofthegame’s most decorated former players share the field with several of Guyana’s football greats in a celebrationofthesport.
From the opening whistle, the atmosphere reflected the occasion astheNTCwastransformedintoa football showpiece Supporters were treated to a reunion of some ofthecountry’smostrecognisable former players, while Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde led his President’s XI against a French Guiana Veterans outfit spearheadedbytheFrenchWinger,
Malouda. Forde’s side, dressed in blue and red, looked the more threatening during the opening exchanges, but the contest truly camealiveaftertheintervalasboth teams settled into an entertaining end-to-endaffair
Malouda, who represented France at the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups and featured in the 2006 FIFA World Cup final, reminded spectators of the quality that made him one of Europe’s finest wingers The French Guiana-born attacker struck twice with composed finishes to put the visitors in control, while Delroy Fraser added the decisive third goal.
The GFF President’s XI refused to go quietly, however, with former Golden Jaguars forwards Gregory “Jackie Chan” Richardson and Anthony Abrams each finding the back of the net to keepthecontestaliveuntilthefinal whistle.
Despite their spirited fightback,Malouda’sbraceproved thedifferenceastheFrenchGuiana
The defending National Kayaking champions District 7.
Veterans secured a thrilling 3-2 victory
Malouda’s decorated playing career includes a UEFA ChampionsLeaguetitle,aPremier League crown and three FA Cup triumphswithChelsea,alongwith 80 international appearances for France. His presence in Guyana offered local fans a rare opportunity to watch one of football’s modern greats perform upclose.
The evening’s festivities extendedbeyondthefinalwhistle. Continuing his engagement with the local football community, Malouda presented Coca-Cola footballs to children and supporters in attendance, with the balls donated by Banks DIH Limited.
The presentation underscored the Guyana Football Federation’s continuedeffortstousethesportto inspire young players and strengthen community engagement, ensuring Malouda’s visit left a lasting impression both onandoffthepitch.
FootballSpirit! Former French player, Florent Malouda and GFF Boss share a moment with the kids …Several youngsters got a chance to receive Coca Cola footballs donated by Banks DIH Limited.
District7(UpperMazaruni)seekingtosuccessfully defendnationalstitlecomeSunday ExxonMobil Guyana National Schools Kayaking
Astheteamsfromthevariousdistricts began arriving in Linden yesterday (Thursday), the fifth annual ExxonMobil Inter Schools Kayaking National Championships should be a water top battle on Sunday from 11.00am at the WatookaGuestHouseintheminingtown ofLinden.
This year’s championship which has nine events slated, follows the Inter SchoolsheldinMaythisyear,willseethe reigning champions District 7 (Upper Mazaruni), hosts District 10 (Linden/ Kwakwani), District 1 (North West), District 2 (Pomeroon), District 3 (West Demerara), District 34 (East Coast Demerara), District 5 (West Coast Berbice), District 8 (Mahdia), District 9
(Rupununi) and District 14 (St. Cutbert’s Mission).
Tomorrow (Saturday) the competing teams are expected to have a grand practiceontheDemeraraRivernexttothe Watooka Club House where the championshipsarebeingstaged.
Reached for a comment, Dr Deon Anderson, owner of the Elite Kayaking andNatureTourswhichhasorganizedthe annual schools kayaking championships overtheyear’sremarked:“Theeventsare family-oriented, so not only there will be racesonthewatertop,butahugekiddies’ sectionandchildrenentertainmentcentre. In addition, there will be the ExxonMobilGuyanaboothsandother Continued on page 25
2026 New Zealand tour of West Indies ODI Series…Game 3 at Providence Lennox (4-52), Santner (2-15), Bracewell (2-35)
bamboozle Windies
ByCliftonRoss
Anothermagicshowput onbytheNewZealand spinners, led again by JaydenLennox,gavethevisitorsa huge 2-1 series lead heading to Barbados for the final two games; as they seek to possibly put this skirmishtobed.
For the second time at Providence, New Zealand spun webs around the West Indies batters after skipper Mitchell Santner chose to bowl after winning the toss, essentially skittling them out for 140 runs in 37.1overs.
Freshoffhiscareerbest5-fer,in form left-arm spinner Lennox snared 4-52, alongside Santner (215) who was exceptional from his 10 overs; so too was spinner Michael Bracewell (2-33); taking full advantage of the turning Providence surface and their experience playing on the pitch whichwasusedduringtheirlossin game1. NewZealandwouldthen end on 141-4 after a 52-run
partnership between Tom Latham (31*) who saw his team home again and Dean Foxcroft(22*).
Openers Henry Nicholls (24) and WillYoung (23) set thetoneasDarylMitchellhit 4 fours in his 28, laying the platform for Foxcroft and Latham to see the Kiwis home.
Rookie leg-spinner Vitel Lawes was brilliant bagging 3-39, his best figures to date butfoundlittlehelpasKhary Pierre (1-26) was the only otherbowlertofindsuccess.
- Black Caps win by 6 wickets, snatch 2-1 series lead heading to Barbados
Afterretiringhurtfroman apparent hamstring injury, opener John Campbell (6) and Ackeem Auguste (26) started steadily, before the retirement camewiththescore25/0.
Auguste, after stroking four crisp fours was removed by Santner,leavingthescoreat38-1.
In form batter, Keacy Carty played a fighting lone knock, getting to 48 off 73 with 6 fours, findingsmallportionsofhelpfrom
skipperShaiHope(14)areturning ShimronHetmyer(26)wholooked decent after a year out of the ODI teamwithapairofsixesbutcould notaddtothegrowthoftheteam’s total.
After Carty was dismissed LBW by Bracewell, it was the efficiency and effectiveness from the left-arm Orthodox spinner Santner,whichkeptthebowlersin control alongside Lennox; who
grabbed 9 wickets in his last two games.
The final eightWindies batters failed to reach double digits as the home side lost their last 5 wickets for a paltry 19 runs before their innings subsequently came to an end.
Scores: New Zealand 141 for 4 (Latham 31*, Lawes 3-39) beat West Indies 140 (Carty 48, Lennox 4-52)bysixwickets.
Shai Hope was cleaned up by Jayden Lennox for the second game running. (AFP/Getty Images)
- Black Caps win by 6 wickets, snatch 2-1 series lead heading to Barbados
Sports
Guyana’s Joy Adams had a stellar performance against the USVI.
Malouda rolls back a few decades, headlining with a brace as French Guiana Vets tumbles GFF President’s
got
Wednesday
Malouda still
it!
evening several Guyanese had a chance to witness the aura of former French player, Florent Malouda (with ball) live in action at the Providence, National Training Centre.
Anaya Mc David in action for Guyana at the Women’s CentroBasket Qualifiers.
